Racing for Harrell Ventures and trainer Todd Pletcher, Halladay also won the 2019 Tropical Park Derby and 2020 Sunshine Forever S. On the board in 12 of 17 starts, the 6-year-old won six times and earned $565,245.

“Halladay was a very talented colt,” Pletcher said. “He was precocious with elite cruising speed. He never had a bad day on the track and was a pleasure to train. He has the best qualities of his sire and broodmare sire and makes for an extremely exciting stallion prospect.”

Gonzalez said, “Halladay is a Grade I winner by War Front out of a graded stakes-winning Tapit mare. War Front is North America's leading sire by percentage of stakes winners and Grade I winners to foals. Tapit has led the general sire list three times and has been a top five sire for nine of the last 10

seasons. He is a gorgeous, well-balanced horse standing 16.1 hands. It is a rare opportunity to launch a stallion with this genetic makeup that is a Grade I winner in California, and we are thrilled to present him.”

The post Halladay Retired to Harris Farms appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Halladay's introductory fee is $7,500 live foal stands and nurse guarantee, with shares available.

Campaigned by Harrell Ventures and trained by Todd Pletcher, Halladay won six races including three stakes, earning $565,245. His greatest victory occurred in the 2020 Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga, where he defeated Grade 1 winners Uni (GB), Got Stormy, Raging Bull (FR), Casa Creed, Without Parole (GB) and Valid Point while leading gate to wire, stopping the clock for one mile on turf in 1:33 1/5. In his next race, Halladay set the pace in the G1 Breeder's Cup Mile until deep stretch and was beaten only 2 ½ lengths.

“Halladay was a very talented colt,” Todd Pletcher said. “He was precocious with elite cruising speed. He never had a bad day on the track and was a pleasure to train. He has the best qualities of his sire and broodmare sire and makes for an extremely exciting stallion prospect.”

“Halladay is a Grade 1 winner by War Front out of a graded stakes winning Tapit mare,” said Gonzalez. “War Front is North America's leading sire by percentage of stakes winners and Grade 1 winners to foals. Tapit has led the general sire list three times and has been a top five sire for nine of the last 10 seasons. He is a gorgeous, well-balanced horse standing 16.1 hands. It is a rare opportunity to launch a stallion with this genetic makeup that is a Grade 1 winner in California, and we we are thrilled to present him.”

War Front is the sire of eight champions, 23 Grade 1 winners and at least 100 stakes winners. He is the leading sire in North America by percentage of stakes winners, percentage of graded stakes winners and percentage of Grade 1 stakes winners from racing age foals through 2021. In North America, War Front is the sire of the stallion The Factor (G1), as well as soon to hit market top stallion prospects Omaha Beach (G1) and Classic winner War of Will (G1).

Halladay was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds and Winchell Thoroughbreds and is out of the Tapit mare Hightap, herself a multiple graded stakes winner including the Grade 3 Dogwood at Churchill Downs and the Grade 3 Iowa Oaks.

The post Halladay, Grade 1-Winning Son Of War Front, To Enter Stud At Harris Farms In California appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Owned by Spendthrift Farm and MyRacehorse Stable, Got Stormy set a course record over the inner turf capturing the 2019 Fourstardave in a time of 1:32 flat with Ricardo Santana, Jr. up.

After finishing second in last year's running to pacesetting Halladay, the 6-year-old chestnut daughter of 2010 Fourstardave victor Get Stormy vindicated herself with a sharp 1 ½-length triumph under Tyler Gaffalione.

The victory registered a 104 Beyer Speed Figure, a tenth lifetime triple-digit number for the talented mare, and included a “Win and You're In” berth to the Breeders' Cup Mile on November 6 at Del Mar.

Despite last week's Hall of Fame induction, the summer campaign had been a frustrating one for Casse, who was winless at the current Saratoga meet before Got Stormy's Fourstardave coup.

“It's been a rough meet, but my wife [Tina] said it best: 'It's been gloomy in Saratoga until the storm blew through,'” Casse said.

Got Stormy arrived at the Fourstardave off two fifth-place finishes at graded stakes level after making her seasonal bow a winning one in the Grade 3 Honey Fox on February 27 at Gulfstream Park.

Sent off at 12-1 odds, Casse said he nevertheless felt confident in his mare because of her demeanor in the paddock.

“It's her. She just gets happy,” Casse said. “She was walking around after I had saddled her and I told Tyler, 'She's got her game face on today, they better be ready,' I could tell she just wanted to go out there and do it.”

Casse said Got Stormy, a seven-time graded stakes winner with graded scores at six different tracks, will appreciate a return to Del Mar, where she captured the Grade 1 Matriarch in her final start of 2019.

“The good news for us is she's 1-for-1 at Del Mar,” Casse said. “We should have hard and fast [turf] there, and the turns aren't quite as tight as they are here but they're sharp. I want to get one race into her, I just haven't figured out where I want to do that yet.

“She just loves training here so much. Most horses do,” Casse added regarding Got Stormy's affinity for Saratoga. “She enjoys the tight turns. She can run around a turn like most horses can't, so that helps.”

Casse mentioned the possibility of attempting a dual conquest in the $600,000 Grade 3 Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint on September 11 at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky.

“I can go to Kentucky Downs just as a prep, run her at 6 ½ [furlongs] and we don't care about the weather,” Casse said. “If it rains, it's okay. Where the soft ground hurts us is when she's trying to get a mile.”

Previously owned by Gary Barber, Got Stormy was purchased for $2.75 million by Spendthrift Farm at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.

Ned Toffey of Spendthrift Farm said he was delighted to see the superstar mare secure a Grade 1 victory when sporting Spendthrift's orange and purple silks.

“Mark was very confident. He said she was doing so well,” Toffey recalled. “I think clearly, she really likes Saratoga. It was just great to see. This was so gratifying because when Mr. [B. Wayne] Hughes decided to get involved with MyRacehorse, he really believed that this was something that would be successful, but what they need are really good horses.

“She didn't appear to have lost any steps yesterday so that was great to see,” Toffey continued. “She's such a gutsy, hard trying mare. You just love to see that kind do well.”

Toffey said he felt gratified to be able to provide the multiple MyRacehorse partners a prestigious victory at Saratoga.

“To get a Grade 1 and to be able to see a project like this come full circle, work out this way, and have a bunch of enthusiastic MyRacehorse fans to be there and share it with us was a great feeling,” Toffey said.

Casse said that maiden Volcanic, a two-time starting son of Violence owned by Breeze Easy, could race back in the $300,000 Grade 1 Hopeful on September 6. The $230,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase finished third last out in a six-furlong maiden event on July 24 at the Spa.

The Hall of Fame trainer said Live Oak Plantation's graded stakes-winner Souper Sensational, who finished second in the Grade 1 Longines Test here on August 7, could race back in the $250,000 Grade 2 Prioress on September 4 at the Spa.

The post Casse ‘All Smiles’ After Get Stormy’s Fourstardave Victory, 104 Beyer Speed Figure appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The 64th running of the 1 1/8-mile Fort Lauderdale for 3-year-olds and up on the grass was the headliner on an 11-race program featuring five stakes, four graded, worth $575,000 in purses including the $100,000 Harlan's Holiday (G3), a prep for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) Jan. 23, won by Tax.

With Paco Lopez aboard for the first time, Largent ($35.80) swept to the lead on the far outside approaching the stretch and outran fellow longshots Breaking the Rules and Doswell late to win by two lengths in 1:46.16 over turf course rated good.

Since the Pegasus Turf was inaugurated in 2019, the Fort Lauderdale was moved from early January to mid-December to serve as the local stepping-stone to the Pegasus Day event. Eight of the 10 horses in Saturday's field were stakes winners, six of them in graded company led by millionaire favorite Factor This.

“Very salty field, indeed, and very fast fractions,” Pletcher said. “[Largent] is a horse that's generally laying up close. I just told Paco, 'It looks like there's a lot of pace, just try to sit in the pocket,' and he delivered a very good ride.”

“One thing is, he's always loved Gulfstream. He's always run very well here and we just felt like it was the right time to step up,” he added. “He'd been training great and it was the right time to see if he could step up into a big spot.”

It was the third career stakes win and first in graded company for Largent, who captured a pair of Virginia-bred stakes earlier this year at Colonial Downs and Laurel Park. The 4-year-old Into Mischief gelding has now won four of his five starts at Gulfstream, with one second.

“He's always run well here and he's a horse that has shown some talent. This was definitely his toughest task to date but he showed that he likes it here and delivered a big performance,” Pletcher said. “I think he certainly ran well enough today to earn a spot into the Pegasus, which we'd love to do.”

Lopez settled Largent in mid-pack as his Pletcher-trained stablemate, Grade 1 winner Halladay, and Factor This battled dueled on the front end through fractions of 23.22 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.34 for the half, going six furlongs in 1:09.62. Lopez tipped outside after saving ground early and powered through the stretch to cruise past the tiring leaders.

“[Pletcher] said, 'Paco, there's a lot of speed, four or five horses. Just go behind them and relax. Figure out where you are and ride your race,'” Lopez said. “He broke well, he came back and he was very comfortable. We came around horses at the top of the stretch and went on.”

Doswell, a winner of his previous two races, came up the rail to edge Breaking the Rules for second. They were followed by graded winners Spooky Channel and Channel Cat, Tide of the Sea, Halladay, Factor This, multiple graded-stakes winner Somelikeithotbrown and French Group 3 winner Delaware.

“There was a little bit of cut [in the ground] and they were certainly going fast enough. The key was that [Largent] was able to settle and relax early on and that allowed him to deliver a big closing kick,” Pletcher said. “Unfortunately for Halladay there was so much pace in today's race. We didn't want to take away his weapon, but at the same time he was probably doing a little too much early on.”

Pletcher was the trainer of Channel Cat when he ran 10th of 12 in the most recent edition of the Pegasus Turf, won in an upset by Zulu Alpha.

“With Largent, I think he certainly earned his way in and with Halladay, we'll assess how he comes out of it,” Pletcher said. “We'll get them home and evaluate both of them but we'll just kind of play it by ear with Halladay.”

The post Largent Helps Pletcher Bag Fourth Win Of Day In Ft. Lauderdale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

In the Ft. Lauderdale, Halladay draws the extreme outside post and should have a number of horses inside of him also vying for the lead such as Factor This (winner of the G2 Dinner Party Stakes in October) and Somelikeithotbrown (winner of the G2 Barnard Baruch Handicap in July). That makes for an interesting pace scenario which opens up the door for a number of other contenders.

Spooky Channel, who won the G3 William L. McKnight Stakes last January at Gulfstream Park, may appreciate the pace battle. So could Channel Cat, who won the G2 Bowling Green Stakes in the summer of 2019 and who returns from a nine-month rest. Breaking the Rules nearly won the G3 Canadian Turf Stakes over the course last March and may have a say. Largent won the Bert Allen Stakes when last seen in October and steps into graded stakes company for the first time, as do last out winners Doswell and Tide of the Sea. Last but certainly not least is Delaware, who won the G3 Shadwell Prix Daphnis in France last summer and who most recently was beaten a neck as part of a three-horse photo finish in the Artie Schiller Stakes.

Delaware may have turned a corner in his most recent race, his fourth since importing from Europe. After an eighth place finish at Belmont in June in a stakes race in his North American debut, Delaware finished second in a high level allowance race then shipped to Woodbine to run in the King Edward Stakes, where he was sent to post as the favorite but only managed to finish fifth. Given three months off, Delaware returned in the Artie Schiller Stakes in New York and proceeded to run his best race in the states to date, rallying late to miss winning by a neck and a head. The 107 Equibase Speed Figure is much higher than the 92 figure 2019 Ft. Lauderdale winner Instilled Regard earned and the effort is likely to be improved upon in the colt's second start back after three months away from the races. North American leading jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides Delaware right back after his big effort last month. With a contested early pace battle forecast between Halladay, Factor This and Somelikeithotbrown, it is very possible Delaware will be up in time to win.

Spooky Channel will likely be much further back in the early stages than Delaware, but he has the kick to post the upset, just as he did last January when winning the William L. McKnight Handicap. That effort earned a career-best 117, which he duplicated in May winning in a stakes quality allowance race. Jockey Julien Leparoux was aboard for both wins and rides again in the Ft. Lauderdale which portends well for Spooky Channel potentially to post the upset with a last to first rally.

Doswell has never finished worse than second in six career turf races, at distances ranging from seven furlongs to a mile and one-quarter. When returning from an 11-month layoff in August and after changing trainers to Barclay Tagg, Doswell ran the best race of his career with a 97 figure. Nearly two months later in October, Doswell ran even better, improving to a 104 figure. Since shipping to Florida from New York, Doswell put in a sensational workout of five eighths of a mile on turf in 58.6 seconds which was the best of 17 on the day at the distance, suggesting even better may be forthcoming in the Ft. Lauderdale.

The rest of the field, with their best Equibase Speed Figures, is Breaking the Rules (110), Channel Cat (108), Factor This (118), Halladay (115), Largent (109), Somelikeithotbrown (117) and Tide of the Sea (102)

Win Contenders, in preference order:
Delaware
Spooky Channel
Doswell

Ft. Lauderdale Stakes – Grade 2
Race 10 at Gulfstream Park
Saturday, December 12 – Post Time 4:40 PM E.T.
One and One Eighth Miles on Turf
3-Year-Olds and Upward
Purse: $200,000

The post Equibase Analysis: Halladay Faces Tough Task In Ft. Lauderdale Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The 64th running of the 1 1/8-mile Fort Lauderdale for 3-year-olds and up on the grass is the headliner on an 11-race program featuring five stakes, four graded, worth $575,000 in purses. First race post time is 12:05 p.m.

Also on the card are the $100,000 Harlan's Holiday (G3) for 3-year-olds and up, hometown prep for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 23; and $100,000 Rampart (G3) at one mile, $100,000 Sugar Swirl (G3) going six furlongs and $75,000 My Rampart at 1 1/16 miles on turf, all for fillies and mares 3 and older.

Since the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) was inaugurated in 2019, the Fort Lauderdale was moved from early January to mid-December to serve as the local stepping-stone to the Pegasus Day event. Eight of the 10 horses in Saturday's field are stakes winners, six of them in graded company.

“This is going to be a tough race. This is a prep with some real teeth to it,” said Todd Pletcher, a two-time Fort Lauderdale winner who trains both Halladay and Largent. “I think if either one of them were able to perform well in here it would certainly tell us that they belong in the Pegasus.”

Harrell Ventures' Halladay is undefeated in three races at Gulfstream, winning the 2019 Tropical Park Derby at last winter's Championship Meet and both an April 4 optional claiming allowance and the 1 1/16-mile Sunshine Forever May 9 during the spring-summer stand. The 4-year-old War Front colt has never raced beyond 1 1/16 miles in his 15-race career.

“We're interested in trying to stretch him out. We know that he's fond of the Gulfstream course so we felt like this was sort of a good opportunity to see how he would handle a little more distance,” Pletcher said. “If this were to go really well it would put the Pegasus Turf in play, so that's what we're trying to find out.”

Fourth behind Fort Lauderdale rival Somelikeithotbrown in the Bernard Baruch (G2) in July, Halladay rebounded to win the one-mile Fourstardave (G1) Aug. 22, also at Saratoga. The front-running Halladay was sixth after setting the pace in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) last out Nov. 7 at Keeneland.

“He ran well. We unfortunately had to miss a prep race for it and the ground might have been a touch softer than he really likes it,” Pletcher said. “The way he finished and galloped out that day in the Fourstardave was encouraging. We're interested to see how he does with the added distance.”

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Twin Creeks Racing Stables' Largent owns three wins and a second in four lifetime tries at Gulfstream, breaking his maiden last March and winning a pair of allowances during the 2019-2020 Championship Meet.

The 4-year-old Into Mischief gelding became a stakes winner in the Edward P. Evans in July at Colonial Downs, and returns off a neck triumph in the 1 1/16-mile Bert Allen Oct. 9 at Laurel Park, both coming against fellow Virginia-breds.

Like Halladay, Largent has never raced beyond 1 1/16 miles. He will carry 120 pounds including jockey Paco Lopez from Post 6 while Luis Saez has the assignment on Halladay from outside Post 10 at co-topweight of 125 pounds.

“He's super consistent, always shows up and runs well. He, too, has always liked Gulfstream. He's definitely one that is capable on the day,” Pletcher said of Largent. “I think as he's matured he's settled a little better, as has Halladay, I think that gives them both the chance of handling the added distance.”

A former Pletcher trainee, Calumet Farm's Channel Cat is also part of the Fort Lauderdale mix with designs on the Pegasus. Channel Cat ran third by less than a length, beaten a neck for second, in last year's race, then finished 10th in the Pegasus Turf and fourth in the Pan American (G2) before going to the sidelines.

The 5-year-old son of turf champion English Channel is now under the care of Calumet's private trainer Jack Sisterson and set to make his first start since March 28. Winner of the 2019 Bowling Green (G2), Channel Cat is less than $52,000 shy of the $1 million mark in lifetime earnings.

“I think the pressure's on to sort of try and follow in Todd's footsteps, but we'll give it a shot,” Sisterson said. “We'll see how he performs and where we go after that. If he was to run well, we'll bring him back for the Pegasus.”

Corey Lanerie rides Channel Cat from Post 5 at 120 pounds.

Somelikeithotbrown and Tide of the Sea will represent trainer Mike Maker, upset winner of the 2020 Pegasus Turf with Zulu Alpha and winner of the 2018 Fort Lauderdale with Shining Copper. Three Diamonds Farm's Tide of the Sea has two seconds and back-to-back wins since being purchased for $80,000 out of Keeneland's November 2019 Breeding Stock Sale.

Skychai Racing and David Koenig's Somelikeithotbrown won the Bernard Baruch and Oct. 24 Mohawk against fellow New York-breds in front-running fashion. Though he shares a similar running style as Halladay, the 4-year-old Big Brown colt has experience at 1 1/8 miles with two wins, a second and a third in six tries.

Tyler Gaffalione has the call on Somelikeithotbrown from the rail. Tide of the Sea will be ridden by Joe Bravo from Post 7.

“We're going to give both of them a shot,” Maker said. “It would be great to get back to the Pegasus.”

Gaining Ground Racing's Factor This is a 12-time career winner of more than $1.2 million in purse earnings trained by Brad Cox, who has a string in South Florida for the first time this winter. Factor This won four straight races and three graded-stakes between Feb. 15 and Aug. 2, a period interrupted by a pause in racing amid the coronavirus pandemic, was a front-running winner of the Dinner Party (G2) Oct. 3 at Pimlico Race Course and finished eighth following a troubled trip in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Spooky Channel, the 2020 W.L. McKnight (G3) winner at Gulfstream; Phipps Stable's Grade 3-placed homebred Breaking the Rules, two-for-three lifetime at Gulfstream including a win in the 2018 Tropical Park Derby; Juddmonte Farms French Group 3 winner Delaware, third by a neck in the Artie Schiller last out Nov. 14 at Aqueduct; and Allen Stable homebred Doswell, a winner of two straight for trainer Barclay Tagg round out the field.

The post Pletcher Pair To Prep For Pegasus Turf In Saturday’s Fort Lauderdale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The following list highlights mares on offer at either Fasig-Tipton’s Night of the Stars or Keeneland November Book 1 whose offspring have captured a Grade I event in either 2019 or 2020.

Fasig-Tipton November Sale

• MELODY LADY (Unbridled’s Song) – Hip 183

Stakes winner Melody Lady proved she could produce from the start as her first foal Buy Sell Hold (Violence) was a stakes winner at two and graded stakes-placed at three. Her second foal Volatile (Violence) was even more talented than his older sister, capturing this year’s GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt S. at Saratoga this season. A hairline fracture forced the $850,000 KEESEP buy to miss the Breeders’ Cup and retire to Three Chimneys a bit early. A daughter of MGISW and millionaire Lady Tak (Mutakddim), Melody Lady is part of the Hill ‘n’ Dale consignment and is offered in foal to either Kantharos or Violence.

• PARIS BIKINI (Bernardini) – Hip 196

Paris Bikini had a very brief career on the racetrack, but her first foal Paris Lights (Curlin) has proven quite talented, winning the GI CCA Oaks this summer at Saratoga. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, the half-sister to GSW & MGISP America (A.P. Indy) is in foal to Uncle Mo.

• SHARED ACCOUNT (Pleasantly Perfect) – Hip 207

GI Breeders’ Cup F/M Turf victress Shared Account is one of the few Breeders’ Cup winners to produce another Breeders’ Cup winner. Her daughter Sharing (Speightstown) captured the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf last term. She is also responsible for stakes winner Riley’s Choice (Distorted Humor). Part of the Sam-Son dispersal, Shared Account is carrying a full-sibling to Sharing, who won the GII Edgewood S. in September.

Keeneland November Book 1

• GREER LYNN (Speightstown) – Hip 20

Greer Lynn has already produced an exceptionally talented filly in Grade I-winning millionaire Mia Mischief (Into Mischief), who summoned $2.4-million from Stonestreet Stables at last year’s FTKNOV sale. Greer Lynn also went through the ring at Fasig’s “Night of the Stars” last term, bringing $700,000 from SF Bloodstock while carrying a foal by War Front, who later died. A half-sister to graded winners Sing Baby Sing (Unbridled’s Song) and Roll Hennessy Roll (Hennessy), Greer Lynn will be consigned by Bedouin Bloodstock and is in foal to Medaglia d’Oro.

• HIGHTAP (Tapit) – Hip 26

MGSW Hightap had her top achievement as a broodmare this summer when her son Halladay (War Front) captured the GI Fourstardave H. He is set to make his next start in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile just two days before his dam goes through the ring carrying a foal by Hard Spun. Thanks to Halladay, she may prove to be quite a shrewd purchase for Hidden Brook, which picked up the mare for just $85,000 at last year’s KEENOV sale, carrying a filly by Union Rags.

• INDIAN MISS (Indian Charlie) – Hip 32

Indian Miss earned her stripes a broodmare early on in her career. Her second foal was champion and GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint hero Mitole (Eskendereya). The half-sister to GSW Live Lively (Medaglia d’Oro) was purchased by WinStar for $240,000 in foal to Into Mischief at the 2018 KEENOV sale and the resulting foal brought $525,000 from OXO Equine at the recent KEESEP sale. The bay will be consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Monday and is back in foal to leading sire Into Mischief.

• ITSAGIANTCAUSEWAY (Giant’s Causeway) – Hip 36

Itsagiantcauseway made less than $80,000 on the track and RNA’d for $17,000 in her last trip through the KEENOV ring back in 2015, carrying a foal by Mucho Macho Man. The resulting colt, Mucho Gusto, proved much more popular in the sales ring as a 2-year-old, bringing $625,000 from Michael Lund Petersen at EASMAY. He won a quartet of graded events and placed in several Grade Is while carrying Petersen’s silks and was sold privately at the end of last year. The chestnut captured the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational in his first start for his new owner in January. Taylor Made consigns Itsagiantcauseway, who is in foal to Medaglia d’Oro.

• TIZAHIT (Tiznow) – Hip 151

Tizahit proved to be a hit as a broodmare with her second foal, the speedy Come Dancing (Malibu Moon). A six-time graded winner, the bay captured the GI Ballerina S. last term and is headed to the GI Breeders’ Cup F/M Sprint off a win in the GII Honorable Miss H. in September. Becky Thomas purchased Tizahit for $175,000 in foal to Connect at the 2018 KEENOV sale and relocated her to Sequel New York. The mare RNA’d for $475,000 at FTKNOV last year in foal to Bolt d’Oro, but is offered carrying a foal by red hot Constitution this time around.

• YAWKEY WAY (Grand Slam) – Hip 172

A stakes winner at Saratoga, Yakwey Way’s first foal Tap It All (Tapizar) was also a stakes winner. Her third foal Spun to Run (Hard Spun) ran the field off their feet in last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and was second to champion Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) in the GI Cigar Mile. He is set to stand stud at Gainesway next season. Purchased by Sabana Farm for $200,000 at the 2015 KEENOV sale in foal to Violence, Yawkey Way will be offered by Taylor Made carrying a full-sibling to Spun to Run.

• EXPO GOLD (Johannesburg) – Hip 243

Expo Gold is responsible for the top 3-year-old filly this year, Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil). A decisive winner of the GII Santa Anita Oaks and GI Alabama S., the chestnut was second in the GI Kentucky Oaks, but beat GI Kentucky Derby hero Authentic (Into Mischief) next out in the Oct. 3 GI Preakness S. Picked up by Blue Chip Thoroughbreds for just $15,000 carrying a colt by Danzing Candy at the 2019 CTBAJA sale, Expo Gold will be consigned by Taylor Made in foal to new stallion Catholic Boy.

• UNICORN GIRL (A.P. Five Hundred) – Hip 244C

Unicorn Girl is responsible for undefeated MGISW and GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile favorite Jackie’s Warrior (Macleans Music). Victorious in both the GI Runhappy Hopeful S. and GI Champagne S., the chestnut is already favored to take home champion 2-year-old male, but would be the overwhelming choice with a win at Keeneland Friday. Originally entered in the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, Unicorn Girl and her weanling colt by American Pharoah (Hip 244B) were supplemented to Keeneland November. Consigned by Beau Lane Bloodstock, Unicorn Girl is offered in foal to top sire Into Mischief.

The post Top Producers on Offer at November Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

“It's a tribute to a lot of great horses over the years,” Pletcher said from Keeneland on Tuesday. “A lot of hard work from a lot of people. It really takes a huge team to supervise all that, so we're grateful, we're hoping it happens soon.”

That milestone win could come at Gulfstream Park on Thursday with Seize The Hay in a claiming race, or in a pair of undercard stakes at Keeneland on Friday (Mo Ready and No Word in the Bryan Station, or Farmington Road and You're To Blame in the G2 TAA Stakes, formerly the Marathon).

Should none of those five make their way to the winner's circle, Pletcher will have three shots to hit the milestone during the Future Stars Friday at the World Championships. Those chances include: Mutasaabeq (Juvenile Turf, 5-1), Union Gables (Juvenile Filly Turf, 20-1), and Likeable (Juvenile, 15-1).

Alternatively, a pair of entrants at Aqueduct on Friday (Microsecond and Malathaat) might be his next trainee in the winner's circle.

Another two Breeders' Cup entrants present opportunities on Saturday: Halladay in the Mile (12-1) and Valiance in the Distaff (12-1).

The lowest odds on a Pletcher trainee in this year's Breeders' Cup are the 5-1 morning line chance given to Mutasaabeq in the Juvenile Turf. Considering he won the the Classic last year with Vino Rosso, Pletcher acknowledged that this year's Championships have a slightly different feel.

“Last year we were fortunate enough to not only win the Classic, but coming in we felt like we had a big chance,” Pletcher said. “We're coming in with a little different group this year. We have some young horses that are doing really well, but we don't have that clear-cut standout.

“It seems like a lot of times you get right on the cusp of the milestone and then have trouble getting through. We had five chances at Belmont last weekend and we couldn't quite get there, but I suppose if it were to happen in a Breeders' Cup race, it'd be kind of cool.”

Thanks to the National Turfwriters and Broadcasters Association (NTWAB), which has assembled a group of pool reporters providing independent reporting to members unable to be on the Keeneland grounds this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The post Milestone In The Breeders’ Cup? Pletcher Has Five Chances To Hit 5,000 During World Championships appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

With his regular work rider Heather Smullen in the irons, the New York-bred drilled five furlongs in :59.20 and galloped out an extra eighth of a mile in 1:12.20 (video).

“I saw just what I wanted. He went perfectly,” said trainer Barclay Tagg who will send out his 11th Breeders’ Cup starter next weekend. “We wanted him to go in :59 and he went in :59.20, so it was just right.”

Tiz the Law will be making his first start since dropping a 1 1/4-length decision at the hands of Authentic in the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby and was an early arrival at Keeneland Oct. 18. Saturday’s work was his second locally, having breezed three-quarters of a mile in 1:13.20 Oct. 23.

“I thought he needs to get a good feel of this track (because) he has never run over it,” Tagg said of the plan to ship in the colt on the early side. “He has to run against older horses; it is going to be a tough race. “I have a super-duper crew and everything has gone right. We pay attention to the horses. We carry 30 horses at the most and try to get the best out of what we got, and every now and then we get a good one.”

Hronis Racing’s Higher Power (Medaglia d’Oro) has been on the grounds at Keeneland since early October and also tuned up for the Classic Saturday with a strong five-furlong work that was timed in :58.80, with a six-furlong gallop-out in 1:11.60 (video).

“I liked the way he came back from it,” said former jockey Juan Leyva, who serves as assistant to trainer John Sadler and who rode Musical Romance (Concorde’s Tune) to an upset victory in the 2011 GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. “He was blowing a little bit but not out of this world. His level of fitness has really progressed here.”

Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Swilcan Stables’ Vequist (Nyquist) arrived into Lexington from Philadelphia this past Monday and geared up for her start in next Friday’s GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies by zipping a half-mile in :47.20 for trainer Butch Reid (video). The 9 1/2-length winner of the GI Spinaway S. at Saratoga Sept. 6, the dark bay was a latest second to the impressive Dayoutoftheoffice (Into Mischief) in the GI Frizette S. at Belmont Oct. 6.

“I think a work over the track is very important and that is why we came when we did,” Reid said. “She had three or four good gallops and the work was fine. She did work at Saratoga [before the Spinaway] but didn’t before the Frizette because Belmont is just up the road from Philadelphia.”

Reid, who won the 2011 GII Breeders’ Cup Marathon with Afleet Again (Afleet Alex), said that Joel Rosario will have the mount Friday.

Monomoy Girl Headlines Busy Morning at CD…

The Saturday morning worktab across Interstate 64 at Churchill was equally busy at it was at Keeneland, with no fewe than 27 Breeders’ Cup pre-entered horses getting in their final serious work.

The two females that will vie for favoritism in Saturday’s GI Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff were the marquee names on a chilly Louisville morning. Monomoy Girl (Tapizar) was one of a half-dozen workers for trainer Brad Cox, and the 2018 GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff heroine tuned up with a steady five-furlong work that was timed in 1:01 flat. With Florent Geroux up and galloping in the company of GI Dirt Mile hopeful Owendale (Into Mischief), Monomoy Girl went in fractions of :12.80, :24.60, :37 and :48.40 before pulling up six furlongs in 1:14.40 (video).

“She’s a champion mare and really a horse of a lifetime,” said Geroux, winner of four other Breeders’ Cup races in addition to the Distaff. “She’s a future Hall of Famer with her resume. The speed figures show she is a little bit faster this year than her 3-year-old year.”

Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil), last-start winner of the GI Preakness S., breezed five-eighths of a mile in 1:00 flat in :24.60, :36.40 and :48.20 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.20 (video). While trainer Ken McPeek and owner Peter Callahan still have some work to do, Swiss Skydiver is likely to take up her spot against her peers on Breeders’ Cup Saturday.

Swiss Skydiver 5F 1:00. Splits: 24.3, 36.2, 48.1/1:13.1 #BC20 pic.twitter.com/5SWkzLJm5X

— Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) October 31, 2020

“At this point we’re going Distaff unless there’s a late defection from the Classic,” McPeek told pool reporters Saturday morning. “We had a chance to look at not only the regular past performances but all the Ragozin numbers and that’s what we’re doing.”

McPeek says Swiss Skydiver has been ticking right along and is pleased with what he saw on the track Saturday morning.

“She busted out 12s,” he said. “[Jockey] Robby [Albarado] really does have her number right now, he’s got her in nice rhythm out there and knows how she feels under him. I think we’re well loaded and we’ve got her right on even keel.”

McPeek, still in search of a maiden Breeders’ Cup victory, also sent out GI Darley Alcibiades S. romper Simply Ravishing (Laoban) to work five-eighths in 1:00 flat. She and Swiss Skydiver worked on their own.

Tom’s d’Etat (Smart Strike) will enter the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic with just three starts under his belt this season and will be having his first run since a troubled third to Improbable (City Zip) in the GI Whitney S. at Saratoga in early August. The dean of the field at age seven, the G M B Racing runner breezed a very easy four furlongs in :50.40 Saturday morning.

“We really just wanted to go out there and stretch his legs,” said trainer Al Stall, Jr. “It was just get him around there, save a lot of energy and come out of it nice and just be ready for Saturday.”

Bell’s the One (Majesticperfection) may lack the star power, even with her defeat of Serengeti Empress (Alternation) in the GI Derby City Distaff Sept. 5, but the 4-year-old continues to thrive and worked a smooth half-mile in :47 3/5 at Churchill Downs Saturday morning.

“She did just what we wanted, just wanted an easy half and did it very easily and we’re set to go,” trainer Neil Pessin told pool reporter Alicia Wincze Hughes.”

The defection and subsequent retirement of Bellafina (Quality Road) could make life more difficult for Bell’s the One, in Pessin’s estimation.

“I don’t know if anyone is fast enough to go with Serengeti,” he opined. “Bellafina was, she laid right off her. Venetian Harbor (Munnings) and Gamine (Into Mischief) are speed horses, but they’ve never gone faster than :45 in their lives and Serengeti can go :43 3/5. If they go :44 and two or three, that sets it up better for Serengeti than for us. But we’re doing good, my filly is going to run her race and hopefully we can catch them at the end.”

Three of Bob Baffert’s top Breeders’ Cup contenders put in their final breezes ahead of their respective World Championship races at Santa Anita Saturday morning.

GI Kentucky Derby hero Authentic (Into Mischief) covered five panels in :59.60 (7/53) (video) ahead of the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic. The ‘TDN Rising Star’ was last seen finishing second to GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff-bound Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil) in the GI Preakness S. Oct. 3.

“He was out there doing his thing,” Baffert told the TDN when reached by phone. “He always works alone, him and Improbable. They are both very willing. He bounced out of the Preakness really well and his last two works were pretty strong. He is about as ready as I can have him. I really like the way he is coming into this race.”

Fellow BC Classic contender Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) also breezed five furlongs in Arcadia Saturday, stopping the clock in 1:00.60 (14/53) (video). Winner of the GI TVG Pacific Classic Aug. 22, the bay was second to his stablemate Improbable (City Zip)–who is scheduled to work Sunday–in the GI Awesome Again S. Sept. 26.

“He went well,” Baffert said of Maximum Security. “He is the lazier type [in his breezes], but he gets enough out of his works. He looks great. He will be right there.”

‘TDN Rising Star’ Gamine (Into Mischief) clocked the fastest five-furlong work of the Baffert trio, covering the distance in :59.40 (2/53) (video). An ultra impressive winner of both the GI Longines Acorn S. and GI Longines Test S., the bay was last seen finishing third in the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks Sept. 4 and will cut back in trip for the GI Breeders’ Cup F/M Sprint S.

“Gamine looked fantastic,” Baffert said. “She just sat there with another horse and when he asked her to pick it up, she just went boom. She has matured and just looks really good coming into this race. She has been on the lead and she makes the lead because she is brilliant on her own. But, she is not a speed crazy type of horse. I can see she is on top of her game.”

Baffert also offered a comment on GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies contender and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Princess Noor (Not This Time), who breezed five panels in :59.80 (3/43) in Arcadia Friday.

“She worked yesterday. She looks great,” Baffert said. “On paper, her numbers don’t stack up to those other fillies, but she has done everything here in a hand ride. I think she is special. The thing about the Breeders’ Cup is you can brag all you want, but when the gate comes open, the separation begins. That is the beauty of the Breeders’ Cup. That’s why they have it. The good horses, they separate themselves.”

Baffert’s Breeders’ Cup contingent will fly to Keeneland Tuesday for the Nov. 6-7 World Championships.

Another Hall of Famer sent out a BC-bound Saturday morning in Arcadia with GI Breeders’ Cup Turf runner United (Giant’s Causeway) covering six panels in 1:15 (1/2) (video) for Richard Mandella.

Pletcher Pair Take To Belmont Main Track…

Trainer Todd Pletcher was on hand to see the final Breeders’ Cup works for Halladay (War Front) and Valiance (Tapit) Saturday morning on a brisk Long Island morning.

Halladay, unraced since wiring the field in the GI Fourstardave H. at Saratoga Aug. 22, clocked :49.21 (video) for his four-furlong breeze over the main track. It was the third work for Halladay since having to be scratched from the GI Shadwell Mile S. Oct. 3 with a hind-leg infection.

“I was happy we were able to get it in today. The track dried out pretty nicely considering all of the rain we’ve had,” Pletcher said. “Halladay was a touch keen early on. He went off a little quick but then he relaxed, settled quickly, finished up strong and galloped out well. I was happy with that.”

Also working by her lonesome was GI Juddmonte Spinster S. upsetter Valiance, who stopped the clock in :49 flat (video).

“Valiance maintains form really well. Not only was her work good, but she galloped out well. She seems to be doing as well as she can at the moment,” Pletcher said.

Luis Saez has the call on both horses in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile and GI Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, respectively.

The post Tiz the Law Completes Classic Preparations at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Harrell Ventures' Halladay, winner of the Grade 1 Fourstardave last out on Aug. 22 at Saratoga Race Course, worked solo through a half-mile in 49.21 seconds over the fast dirt training track.

“I was happy we were able to get it in today. The track dried out pretty nicely considering all of the rain we've had,” Pletcher said. “Halladay was a touch keen early on. He went off a little quick but then he relaxed, settled quickly, finished up strong and galloped out well. I was happy with that.”

Saturday's work was the third breeze back for the 4-year-old War Front gray after scratching out of the G1 Shadwell Turf Mile on Oct. 3 at Keeneland with a hind leg infection.

Halladay, who captured the Tropical Park Derby in December at Gulfstream Park, has posted a trio of triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures over his last four starts, recording wins in an optional-claimer [102] on the Gulfstream turf in April; a 1 1/4-length score in the G2 Bernard Baruch [103] at the Spa in July; and a 105 Beyer for his pacesetting Fourstardave effort.

“He's had a couple of extra days in between works,” Pletcher said. “We haven't been able to do a whole lot here with all of the rain and sloppy conditions. He was just feeling good, which is an indication that he's sharp and ready.”

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Martin S. Schwartz and China Horse Club's Valiance enjoyed success at the highest level last out in the nine-furlong G1 Spinster on October 4 at Keeneland. The victory marked the first graded stakes win for the 4-year-old Tapit gray, who registered a solo half-mile breeze in 49 flat Saturday.

“Valiance maintains form really well. Not only was her work good, but she galloped out well. She seems to be doing as well as she can at the moment,” Pletcher said.

Valiance, a six-time winner from eight starts, was purchased for $650,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale. Out of the Grade 1-winning Empire Maker mare Last Full Measure, Valiance entered the Spinster from the off-the-turf Eatontown at Monmouth Park in August.

“When you go into races like this, they're going to be one of many Grade 1 winners in their respective races,” Pletcher said. “Both horses are in good form and doing well, we just need everything to go smoothly between now and then and have some racing luck.”

Jockey Luis Saez will pilot both Halladay and Valiance in their respective Breeders' Cup races.

Pletcher pre-entered five horses for next weekend's Breeders' Cup with his 2-year-old contenders Likeable [Juvenile], Mutasaabeq [Juvenile Turf], and Union Gables [Juvenile Fillies Turf / second preference Juvenile Turf Sprint] posting their final works on Thursday at Belmont.

The 53-year-old Pletcher, a seven-time Eclipse Award-winner, has saddled winners of five American Classics and 11 Breeders' Cup races. He enters Saturday's 10-race Belmont card just one win shy of 5,000 for his career.

The veteran conditioner will send out a trio of starters Saturday at Belmont as he looks to reach the milestone, including Kitten by the Sea [Race 2], Cap de Creus [Race 6, the $80,000 Zagora] and Jerry the Nipper [Race 7].

The post Pletcher Sends Out Halladay, Valiance For Final Preps appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post