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Karakontie’s Spendarella Wins For Fun in Del Mar Oaks

Gainesway Stable's Spendarella (Karakontie {Jpn}), a huge second in the G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot June 17, put on a show in Saturday evening's GI Del Mar Oaks.

Favored at 6-5 after suffering her first career defeat overseas, the New York-bred stalked the early leaders in third, hit the gas while three wide on the far turn, and kicked clear impressively in the stretch to win for fun by 4 1/2 lengths over Bellabel (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}).

Spendarella began her career with three straight victories, including Gulfstream's GIII Herecomesthebride S. Mar. 5 and Keeneland's GII Appalachian S. Apr. 9.

Pedigree Notes:

Spendarella is the first Grade I winner for GI Breeders' Cup Mile victor Karakontie, who resides in her owner/breeder Gainesway's stallion barn. She is a half-sister to GI American Oaks winner Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule) and a full to MSW & MGSP Spanish Loveaffair. Gainesway acquired her dam Spanish Bunny for $130,000 at the 2015 KEENOV sale. Spanish Loveaffair was her second foal for Antony Beck's operation and she brought $775,000 at the 2021 KEENOV sale. Spendarella came next and was followed by the now 2-year-old filly Spanish Destiny (Destin). Spanish Bunny failed to get back in foal to Destin for 2021, but had an Uncle Mo colt Feb. 17 of this year. She was bred back to both Quality Road and Karakontie.

Saturday, Del Mar
DEL MAR OAKS-GI, $304,000, Del Mar, 8-20, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT, 1:47.09, fm.
1–SPENDARELLA, 122, f, 3, by Karakontie (Jpn)
                1st Dam: Spanish Bunny, by Unusual Heat
                2nd Dam: Spanish Beam, by El Gran Senor
                3rd Dam: Solar Beam, by Majestic Light
1ST GRADE I WIN. ($220,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-Gainesway
Stable (Antony Beck); B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. (NY);
T-H. Graham Motion; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $180,000. Lifetime
Record: 5-4-1-0, $596,459. *Full to Spanish Loveaffair, MSW &
MGSP, $284,090; 1/2 to Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule), GISW,
$423,600. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Werk Nick Rating: A+.
2–Bellabel (Ire), 122, f, 3, by Belardo (Ire)
                1st Dam: Fashion Line (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire)
                2nd Dam: Shadow Roll (Ire), by Mark of Esteem (Ire)
                3rd Dam: Warning Shadows (Ire), by Cadeaux Genereux (GB)
1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. (€33,000 Ylg '20 TATFB). O-Agave Racing
Stable, Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Michael Nentwig & Ray
Pagano; B-Fergus Cousins (IRE); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000.
3–Cairo Memories, 122, f, 3, by Cairo Prince
                1st Dam: Incarnate Memories, by Indian Charlie
                2nd Dam: Witness Post, by Gone West
                3rd Dam: Most Likely, by Fappiano
'TDN Rising Star'. ($50,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-David A.
Bernsen, LLC & Schroeder Farms LLC; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY);
T-Robert B. Hess, Jr. $36,000.
Margins: 4HF, 1 1/4, NK. Odds: 1.20, 3.70, 4.60.
Also Ran: Tezzaray (GB), Ballet Dancing, Lucky Girl (Ire), Lady Clementine (GB), Sixteen Arches (Ire), Island of Love (Ire), Txope (Fr), Gold Dragon Queen, Lady T, Gracelund Gray. Scratched: Rhea Moon (Ire).
Click for the Equibase.com chart, the TJCIS.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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HISA Changing Rule on Dirt Shoes

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority will be implementing changes to HISA Rule 2276, which pertains to full outer rim shoes and toe grabs. The rule will not be enforced for horses racing on dirt that are shod with traction devices on their hind feet in the form of either a full outer rim shoe or a toe grab, both up to 4mm in height. All other provisions of the rule will remain the same and be enforced Aug. 1 as previously announced.

Click here to read the full HISA release, which states, “The concerns are that reduced traction will result in horses either slipping, falling, or otherwise being unable to firmly grip the track surface, with resulting injury to horses and their riders. In response to these concerns, the [Racetrack Safety] Committee invited a representative group of horsepersons including trainers, owners, a veterinarian, and a blacksmith to present their concerns to the Committee.”

The Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association was one of the organizations involved and they released a statement that included the following, “HISA is the law and it is in effect. Notwithstanding that there is ongoing litigation, we believe that it is our responsibility on behalf of our constituencies to engage with HISA as necessary to ensure that our horses are protected, our horsemen are treated fairly and responsibly, and that the integrity of racing is preserved.

The fact that horsemen are not represented on any HISA Committee is a missed opportunity that we believe needs to be corrected. In the meantime, we will continue to vigorously advocate for the best interests of the safety and welfare of the horse and the best interests of our horsemen. We continue to engage with HISA as the best way to serve our membership and the industry at large and this decision underscores their willingness to engage with us and make changes as necessary.

We thank the HISA Safety Committee for its willingness to consider and act on thoughtful input from those who can best provide it.”

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The French Connection: How Jockey Mickaelle Michel Is Making Her Mark In The U.S.

Only one week removed from Hollie Doyle's barrier-breaking success in the G1 Prix de Diane, another young female jockey with French connections has landed in the United States to try her luck.

Mickaelle Michel's journey with horses started as many young horse girls do.

“From my younger age, I loved horses,” the 26-year-old said. “When I was 14, I knew I would like to work with them but I didn't know exactly which job. So I checked the internet and found a jockey school close to my house. I said, 'I'll try one week, just one week to try the job.' And I fell in love.”

That passion has sparked an international journey that has led Michel from France, to Japan, to Saudi Arabia, Italy, and finally, the United States.

“My French agent [former jockey Frederic Spanu] told me it's really important to travel so I can learn and see something new. Because every horse racing tactic is different in every country,” Michel said.

Michel found quick success in France, winning a total of 72 races and capturing the 2018 leading apprentice jockey award. Despite that success, including topping the Cagnes-sur-Mer winter flat meeting, Michel was ready for new and exciting opportunities abroad.

“In 2020, they [Japan] asked me if I want to come during two months for a championship [the World All-Star Jockeys Challenge]. My plan was just to do two or three months in Japan in the beginning of 2020 and then come to the U.S.,” she said.

Michel wound up winning one of the contest races and finishing third overall in the challenge but, as everyone knows, plans in early 2020 were subject to change.

“During my trip to Japan, I had to go back home because everything was canceled,” Michel said.

Her change in plans wound up having a silver lining, as she was introduced to her first group winner, Walderbe (Ger) (Maxios {GB}), whom she rode to success in the G2 Gran Premio Del Jockey Club S. in October of 2020.

WATCH: Mickaelle Michel guides Walderbe to victory in the Gran Premio del Jockey Club in Milan

“It was not really that bad for me because I found a very good horse who I won my first group race. So maybe, if COVID hadn't come around, I would've missed that,” she said.

After tasting success in Europe and Japan, Michel was eager to make another change.

“My French agent had talked to me about the United States from the beginning,” she said. “I have a good riding style for the U.S., but Japan asked me first so we put that to the side and said we'll go to Japan. But with the Japanese border still closed to me at the beginning of 2022, I thought, maybe it's a nice time to move to the U.S. because now I am already experienced. So we made the decision to come.”

Adjusting to life in the United States has been a welcome relief from the strict structure of French racing. Speaking of her first impressions of the tracks and racing culture here, she said, “It's very different from France. Everyone here is very nice and more open-minded. It's easier to speak with famous trainers in the United States. Even if you don't work for them, it's still nice that everyone is open. You can come out every morning and say 'I would like to work with you'. The training is a little bit different because I have to learn the clock but, I'm really happy and it's been very nice.”

Michel's career in the U.S. began May 26 at Churchill Downs when her mount, Good Measure (Smarty Jones), took second in an allowance race for trainer Graham Motion. In the weeks since, she has ridden for trainers such as Jack Sisteron, Robert Gorham, and Mike McCarthy while riding at Churchill Downs, Belterra Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis.

“Good Measure was the first horse I rode in the U.S.,” Michel said. “She's in really good shape. I rode her a few days ago and she looks very good so I look to have a good result like the first time”

Scheduled for two rides initially June 24 but scratched down to just the one, Michel again rode Good Measure to a runner-up effort in an allowance race at Churchill Downs. She makes her next start for trainer Mark Casse on June 29, riding Janis Joplin (California Chrome) in a maiden special weight contest at Churchill.

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The Major Talking Points From Day Four at Royal Ascot

Hard to keep a rider as talented as Frankie Dettori out of the spotlight and, after a difficult start to the royal meeting, the legendary rider answered his critics aboard Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who produced a stunning performance to win the G1 Coronation S.

From Dettori bouncing back to Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}) confirming himself one of the fastest horses in training, in doing so sparking debate about where he may stand as a stallion, Brian Sheerin discusses some of the main talking points from another hugely entertaining afternoon's racing at Royal Ascot.

Inspiral Another Cheveley Park Superstar

What's the first thing you think about when Cheveley Park is mentioned? Most likely it's outstanding racemares.

From Russian Rhythm (Kingmambo) and Nannina (GB) (Medicean {GB}) to Echelon (GB) (Danehill) and more recently Integral (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}), the list of high-class racemares to carry the stud's renowned red, white and blue silks has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Add Inspiral to that list. The G1 Coronation S. had been billed as one of the races of the week with the G1 1000 Guineas winner, the G1 French 1000 Guineas scorer and a GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine in the line-up, but Inspiral stamped her authority on the field.

The only filly missing from the line-up was Dermot Weld's brilliant G1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Homeless Songs (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who missed the royal meeting due to unsuitably quick ground.

It will be fascinating to see if Homeless Songs and Inspiral lock horns between now and the end of the season, although John Gosden did suggest the latter could well step up in trip.

Regardless of where she goes next, Inspiral looks as though she will be very hard to beat and is another top-class racemare for Cheveley Park Stud to look forward to.

And what about the rider? Frankie Dettori had endured a hellish week up until the Coronation S. but trusted his instincts aboard Inspiral and class came to the fore.

Let's not forget the performance of Spendarella (Karakontie {Jpn}), either. She may have lost her unbeaten record to Inspiral but, if anything, enhanced her reputation in defeat.

Trained by American-based handler Graham Motion, who sent out Sharing (Speightstown) to fill the same spot in this race in 2020, Spendarella ran a cracking race and is a hugely exciting filly in her own right.

Fellow American raider Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), owned by Bobby Flay and trained by Christophe Clement, didn't enjoy the clearest passage and never threatened back in eighth.

The attraction of Royal Ascot is underpinned by international competition and the American fillies played a major part in what will go down as a memorable race.

A Perfect Fit For Power?

It is hard to believe that the G1 Commonwealth Cup was first run in 2015. In eight short years, the race has become one of the foremost stallion-making contests in Europe, with Muhaarar (GB), Caravaggio and more recently Advertise (GB) featuring among the list of winners.

Perfect Power will be in-demand as a stallion after his dazzling display in this year's edition of the race. However, the question remains, where will he stand?

A dual Group 1 winner at two, Perfect Power carried over that brilliance to his 3-year-old campaign, bouncing back from his G1 2000 Guineas defeat to prove himself one of the fastest horses in training.

There will be any number of suitors for Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's talented sprinter for a stud career.

Given Tally-Ho bred Perfect Power, and the County Westmeath operation's modus operandi is to stand speedy stallions, they may well be the favourites to sign Richard Fahey's star. Time will tell.

Spencer Rolls The Big Dice

Richard Spencer, best known for sending out Rajasinghe (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}) to win the G2 Coventry S. in 2017, was rewarded for rolling the big dice with Ivory Madonna (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the G3 Albany S.

Picked up for 150,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in April, Ivory Madonna ran with credit when third on her only start at Goodwood.

Spencer clearly felt his filly was capable of much better, and was vindicated by running her in the opener on Friday, as Ivory Madonna belied her inexperience to stay on for third, picking up valuable black-type in the process.

She should be a shoo-in to break her maiden status and looks a promising filly for connections.

A Proper Ascot Pedigree

The style in which Candleford (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) landed the G2 Duke Of Edinburgh S. would suggest William Haggas has a Pattern-class performer on his hands.

One might think that Haggas, one of the finest practitioners of his craft, thought as much given he sat on a mark of 91 and charted a path to Royal Ascot without the benefit of a prep race with the gelding.

It proved an inspired decision, with Candleford pulling six lengths clear at the winning line, in doing so, bolstering his family's fine record at the track.

Candleford's half-brother Atty Persse (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) won the King George V S. at the royal meeting in 2017 and was second on his only other start at the track.

Speaking of Ascot-loving families, the Jessica Harrington-trained Discoveries (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) had a hard act to follow in the G1 Coronation S. given her sister Alpha Centauri (Ire) and half-sister Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) feature among the roll of honour.

Discoveries ran a hugely respectable race to finish third, looking much more comfortable on a flat track like Ascot than she did at Newmarket in the 1000 Guineas, and there should be more to come from her this season.

And let's not forget Ivory Madonna for this segment, who we have already mentioned, as her dam Clem Fandango (Fr) (Elzaam {Aus}) finished third in the G2 Queen Mary S. in 2016.

Magnier Makes An Important Appearance

John Magnier made an increasingly rare appearance at Royal Ascot on Friday but for good reason.

The Coolmore boss, who hasn't been seen on a racecourse for some time, made the hugely significant trip to the royal meeting to see Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never) land the G3 Albany S. before Changingoftheguard (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) ran out a fortuitous winner of the G2 King Edward VII S.

That double brought Aidan O'Brien's tally of Royal Ascot winners to 80, an amazing achievement, and one that went some way to explaining Magnier's presence on the day.

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