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Midnight Bisou Arrives at Hill ‘n’ Dale, To Visit Curlin in 2021

Champion Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) arrived at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa Thursday afternoon after completing her final phase of rehabilitation at WinStar Farm. The five-time Grade I winner will visit Hill ‘n’ Dale flagbearer Curlin.

Midnight Bisou was preparing for her Breeders’ Cup bid this fall when she incurred a sesamoid fracture during a work at the end of September that forced connections to retire the mare prematurely.
The champion shone as one of brightest stars at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale Nov. 8. Co-owner Chuck Allen of Allen Racing couldn’t bear to part with the near $7.5-million earner and bought out fellow partners Bloom Racing Stable and Madaket Stables for a winning bid of $5 million.

After going through the ring, Midnight Bisou returned to WinStar Farm to complete the rehabilitation process.

“Midnight Bisou was at WinStar and has been cleared to begin a broodmare career and has arrived here safely today,” said Hill ‘n’ Dale General Manager Jared Burdine. “She’s an earner of over $7.4 million, an Eclipse Champion. She’s going to visit Curlin, who earned over $10.5 million and was a champion as well. So it’s a Classic sire and it should be a Classic-distance baby. She’s in great hands here. We’re excited to have her here and can’t wait to begin her career, especially with champion Curlin.”

An $80,000 2017 OBS April Sale purchase for Jeff Bloom, Midnight Bisou won five graded stakes at three including the GI Santa Anita Oaks and GI Cotillion S.

She reached higher stardom at four, taking the GI Apple Blossom H., GI Ogden Phipps S. and GI Personal Ensign, earning the Eclipse crown for her division. This year, the Steve Asmussen pupil ran second behind Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) in the Saudi Cup, romped in the GII Fleur de Lis S. after her return to the States, and then came in second in the GI Personal Ensign S.

“Special horses like her make us get up and try harder each and every day,” Burdine said. “They give you enthusiasm to get to the barn and they’re what drives our business. She’s a very intelligent, classy mare. She looks beautiful.”

Midnight Bisou is among the first new arrivals to Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, the farm outside of Paris, Ky. that John Sikura purchased over a year ago. The Hill ‘n’ Dale stallion roster made the journey to their new stud barn this October.

“There’s no better place for her to begin her broodmare career, I believe, than with this setting here,” Burdine said. “We’re honored that Mr. Bloom and Mr. Allen entrusted us with taking her through this part of her career.”

The post Midnight Bisou Arrives at Hill ‘n’ Dale, To Visit Curlin in 2021 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Charlatan Could Meet Nashville in Potential Runhappy Malibu Showdown

The GI Runhappy Malibu S. on Santa Anita’s opening day program could potentially feature a clash between two of the more exciting sophomores in training.

The immensely talented duo of Charlatan and Nashville, both ‘TDN Rising Stars’ and by leading sire Speightstown, are currently being aimed at the prestigious Dec. 26 seven-furlong contest.

The Bob Baffert-trained Charlatan most recently crossed the wire a dominating six-length, wire-to-wire winner in the split-division GI Arkansas Derby May 2, but was subsequently stripped of the victory and demoted to ninth after testing positive for the Class 2 drug lidocaine. He missed an intended start in the GI Belmont S. due to a minor ankle injury.

The chestnut romped in his two prior trips to the post earlier this term at Santa Anita by a combined 16 lengths with Beyer Speed Figures of 105 and 106, respectively.

Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, the $700,000 Keeneland September yearling is campaigned in partnership by the powerhouse line-up of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Frederick Hertrich, III, John D. Fielding and Golconda Stables. Stonestreet also stayed in for a piece. It was announced in May that Hill ‘n’ Dale had purchased the breeding rights to the son of MGSW & MGISP Authenticity (Quiet American).

“Originally, Baffert was considering either the [GI] Cigar Mile or the Malibu, but he just wasn’t ready in time for this weekend,” Jack Wolf of Starlight Racing said. “He’s breezing well and aiming for the Malibu. There were some extenuating circumstances with the lidocaine positive–not to make an excuse–but I just want him to get back racing, stay sound and do what we thought he could do. And this will be a great test for him.”

Charlatan has posted six workouts since late October, most recently firing a six-furlong bullet in 1:13 (1/7) in Arcadia Dec. 2 (XBTV Video). After some filling appeared to his front ankle following a June 1 workout, an MRI revealed chips which required minor surgery.

“According to Baffert, it wasn’t anything serious,” Wolf said. “I don’t think it was a function of the injury, but it did take him a while to get back and being ready for a race. You know how horses are though, and Baffert knows him better than anybody else. I think he’s got him pointed for the right spot.”

The Malibu field could also include: GIII Nashua S. and Jerome S. hero Independence Hall (Constitution), a smart winner in his Del Mar comebacker Nov. 8; and GI Bing Crosby S. winner Collusion Illusion (Twirling Candy).

“Boy, I tell you,” Wolf added. “That Nashville–[Starlight advisor] Frankie Brothers and I were walking out of Keeneland Breeders’ Cup week and [Steve Asmussen assistant] Scott Blasi was schooling the horse in the paddock and we both stopped and asked who it was. That’s how good looking he is. We’ll have our hands full with him. But from a racing standpoint, it’s going to be a great contest.”

After bypassing the GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland, the undefeated Nashville instead put on a show on the undercard, setting a new track record for six furlongs in 1:07.89 while being geared down late en route to a jaw-dropping 3 1/2-length, front-running score in the Perryville S. Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect), meanwhile, completed the same distance in 1:08.61 seven races later while upsetting the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

The CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm colorbearer, a $460,000 Keeneland September acquisition, debuted with a double-digit length victory in the Saratoga slop Sept. 2, then posted a career-high 103 Beyer Speed Figure in an equally impressive Keeneland allowance score Oct. 10. Both wins were against older horses.

“Look, I don’t think it’s going to be any easier of a race than the Breeders’ Cup was,” WinStar’s Elliott Walden said. “I think the quality in the Malibu is going to be similar to what he would’ve faced in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, but he will have the benefit of another start now. The way the whole thing shook out with him running faster than the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, maybe I should’ve run him in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.”

Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Nashville has turned in two workouts since, led by a five-furlong warning shot in 1:00 (1/43) at Fair Grounds Dec. 1.

“The race is setting up as a fabulous race,” Walden said. “I think it’s going to be a really good one. We’re really excited about the race. Nashville is doing super and we want to test him against some quality.”

Produced by the unraced Mizzen Mast mare Veronique, Nashville hails from the extended female family of GI Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo (Holy Bull) and MGISW Tiago (Pleasant Tap). He was bred in Kentucky by Breffni Farm.

“We’ve been blessed with a lot of good horses through the 20- year history of WinStar Farm,” Walden concluded. “I’m not sure if he’s not the second-best horse we’ve ever had behind [Triple Crown winner] Justify. Time will tell. He does things that are incredible. Just watching him run gives you chills and very few horses come along like that.”

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Santa Anita Announces Versatile On-Air Simulcast Talent Roster

With Santa Anita's opening day beckoning on Saturday, Dec. 26, racing fans can look forward to a full complement of talented on-air personalities via santaanita.com/live and a variety of other internet platforms as well as selected brick and mortar satellite locations.

Although there is still no public admittance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, fans can watch and wager on Santa Anita's live races via Account Deposit Wagering (ADW) platforms including 1stBet.com, XpressBet.com and they follow the track's complete simulcast presentation free of charge at santaanita.com.

With the betting public more dependent than ever on quality broadcast information, Santa Anita will again be represented by a talented and diverse on-air lineup that includes Millie Ball, Zoe Cadman, Peter Lurie, Jeff Siegel and Michelle Yu.

“The collective overall experience of this group is among the finest in racing,” said Amy J. Zimmerman, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer. “From the XBTV morning workouts, to exclusive interviews and through to their observations as the last horse is loaded into the gate, the team is dedicated to the ultimate goal of providing our customers with decision-making information in an easy-to-consume fashion.”

In addition to these on-air regulars, Santa Anita's simulcast signal will also include Track Announcer Frank Mirahmadi, who along with Tom Quigley, will participate in a pre-race handicapping seminar each weekend beginning an hour and 10 minutes prior to first post time.

With Shiva Scanlon serving as Line Producer for Santa Anita's daily simulcast presentation, viewers will be treated to comprehensive coverage including analysis from the saddling paddock to the starting gate, with updated odds provided throughout.

MILLIE BALL

A joy to behold on camera and off, Millie's enthusiasm and vast knowledge of the Thoroughbred world is self-evident on a daily basis. A native of England, she began riding at a young age and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Royal Agricultural College prior to immigrating to America in 1995, whereupon she began galloping horses at Hollywood Park. Married to trainer Tim Yakteen, with whom she has two boys, Sam, 15 and Ben, 13, Millie, who was an amateur jockey in England, worked for three Hall of Fame conditioners upon her arrival in California, the late Bobby Frankel, Bob Baffert and Richard Mandella. While in their employ, she accompanied stakes horses to venues nationwide, including Saratoga, Fairgrounds, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Arlington Park, Gulfstream Park and one international destination, Hong Kong. In 2003, with a resume and easy going manner that affords her “inside the ropes” access that is second to none, Millie took a turn for the camera as she joined Santa Anita's on-air family as a host and reporter on HRTV. In February 2015, she was part of a select team that accompanied the launch of XBTV, Thoroughbred horse racing's “go-to” platform for morning workouts.

“I'm so proud to be a part of this team,” she said. “We're the only game in town with respect to providing morning workouts for our fans and 1stBet members. I'm also very proud to be a part of our daily simulcast presentation, which offers horseplayers exclusive content provided by XBTV and valuable real-time insight and analysis from paddock to post.”

ZOE CADMAN

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in England, Zoe came to America at the behest of Breeder's Cup winning trainer Michael Dickinson. Upon arrival, she also served stints with trainers Christopher Speckert and Mike Stidham prior to taking out her Jockey's license in 2000. Shortly thereafter, she became a multiple stakes winning jockey and leading rider in Chicago. The top apprentice jockey at Arlington Park, Hawthorne Race Course and Sportman's Park, Zoe was also leading rider as a journeyman at Hawthorne. Subsequent to retiring from the saddle, Zoe relocated to Southern California full time in 2008 and worked at Santa Anita with HRTV until 2015, when she assumed her current broadcast role with XBTV. Quick witted and a terrific interviewer, Zoe brings a unique skillset to her position that enables her to provide timely information and insight in an entertaining fashion.

“Early morning sunrises at Santa Anita are hard to beat,” she said. “You can find me most mornings, with binoculars, coffee and my dog in-tow to take in the morning action and relay it later to the public first-hand.”

PETER LURIE

A consummate broadcast professional, Peter was born in Los Angeles and attended North Hollywood High, where he lettered in swimming. The son of an actor, Peter graduated from Los Angeles Valley College and later majored in Theatre at Cal State Northridge. A sought-after voice actor with more than 30 years of experience, he's the voice of LEATHERHEAD, a fictional character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics series. An original on-air talent member with HRTV, Peter is in his fourth year as simulcast host at Santa Anita. A Thoroughbred owner/breeder and former jockey agent, Peter has been coming to the races at Santa Anita since childhood.

“Santa Anita has always been a second home for me,” he said. “I've been coming here with my father since I was four years old and have been an avid player most of my life…I like the direction Santa Anita is going in. Our players need info and hopefully, we provide that on a regular basis.”

JEFF SIEGEL

From the late Bob Benoit's Publicity staff at Hollywood Park in the early 1970s to the present day, Jeff Siegel remains one of the brightest minds in Thoroughbred racing. Known for decades as one of the most highly respected public handicappers in Southern California, Siegel's knowledge of and passion for racing remain world class. A passionate UCLA Bruin fan, Jeff currently provides daily video and print content exclusively to various Stronach Group media platforms, including XBTV.com, 1stBet.com, XpressBet.com and santaanita.com/live. Affectionately dubbed “Scalp” decades ago due to his prominent pate, Siegel is not only one of the most respected handicapping minds in racing, he's also experienced Grade 1 success as an owner, having co-founded Team Valor and its predecessor, Clover Racing Stable, where he served as Vice President/Racing. During his 20-year involvement, the organization became the most prolific general partnership stable in North America, winning more than 100 stakes races (including 20 Grade I's) while amassing purse earnings in excess of $50 million. As a broadcast host and writer, Siegel earned an Eclipse Award for outstanding local television coverage in Thoroughbred racing in 1999 for “The Best of Santa Anita.” As a television analyst, he's covered racing's most prestigious events, including each of the three Triple Crown races, the Breeders' Cup, the Dubai World Cup and racing from Royal Ascot.

“The sport of Thoroughbred racing is as much fun for today as it was way back in the late 1950s when as a very young boy, my father first took me to Santa Anita,” said Siegel. “I've been fortunate to have worn a lot of hats over the past several decades and the passion has never wavered. I hope to continue to be involved for years to come.”

MICHELLE YU

Vivacious and a bundle of broadcast energy, Michelle is married to trainer Ryan Hanson, with whom she has two children, Olivia, 4 and Spencer, 2. A Southern California native and lifelong racing fan, she's ridden competitively since she was a young girl and has shown as a three-day eventer and played polo while attending the University of Louisville's Equine Business program. Early mornings often find Michelle assisting her husband with ground work and pre-training of racing prospects at a nearby farm. Well versed in a variety of sports, her broadcast credits include stints at TVG, HRTV, Fox Sports, Breeders' Cup Limited and Santa Anita, where she works as a simulcast host. Her Thoroughbred industry experience also includes backside assignments with Kentucky-based trainers Ron Moquett and Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.

“I can't wait to get back to racing at The Great Race Place,” said Yu. “I'm fortunate to get to walk into the track every day and I can't wait to share that happiness with all the fans starting on opening day. I'm looking forward to a kick-ass rendition of the Runhappy Malibu and the new turf chute, which gives us some great racing options!”

With six stakes, including three Grade 1 events and two Grade 2's helping to comprise a blockbuster card on opening day, first post time will be at 11 a.m. For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.

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Live Racing At Sunland Park Remains A Question During The Pandemic

In normal years Sunland Park in New Mexico would be gearing up for its annual meet which usually runs from December to March. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic however, its 2020-21 season is still a question mark. According to an article from the El Paso Times, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino had a 42-day meet scheduled for Dec. 26 through March 30.

Sunland Park was forced to end its season early in March of this year due to health concerns. This was a big decision for Sunland Park because it meant that many of its big spring and summer races would not take place, including their Kentucky Derby prep race, the Sunland Derby. The track attempted a comeback in June, but it only lasted a few days before being forced to shut down again.

The unknown future of live racing at Sunland Park has forced some of its prominent trainers to look elsewhere for their winter seasons. Todd Fincher and Justin Evans have both run horses at Sunland Park for several years and are now relocating to Turf Paradise in Arizona and Sam Houston Park in Texas.

“We'll spend a good portion of the winter in Arizona,” Evans said to El Paso Times' Felix Chavez. “I'll look at Sam Houston as well for some stakes races. I'll keep my New Mexico bred horses ready in New Mexico if Sunland Park does open. It's been tough on everyone. Some jockeys are headed to Arizona as well. My wife Vanessa is going to be agent for a few jockeys such as Frank Reyes, Luis Negron and Jimmy Coates.”

“It's been a difficult time for so many in this industry,” Fincher added. “I'm fortunate to have been granted 24 stalls at Sam Houston and will have some run at Remington Park in Oklahoma as well. But I really believe we could have run in New Mexico and done it the right way. People are getting out of the business and it's tough to see that happen to good people.”

Sunland Park is not the only racetrack in New Mexico having issues staying open during the pandemic. Zia Park Racetrack recently took a couple weeks off due to health safety concerns, but is set to resume racing and finish their meet this December.