Horse Racing | Horse Racing Free Tips

Graded Stakes Winner Blended Citizen Retired From Racing; Stud Plans Pending

Sayjay Racing LLC, Greg Hall, and Brooke Hubbard's multiple graded stakes winner Blended Citizen has been retired from racing.

Bred by Ray Hanson, Blended Citizen is by Gone West's most underrated son, two-time Kentucky Oaks sire Proud Citizen, out of the multiple stakes-winning Langfuhr mare Langara Lass. This makes him a half-brother to stakes-winning millionaire Lookin At Lee, runner-up in the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

Blended Citizen was a classic contender himself after graded wins in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks over Turfway Park's all-weather surface and a score in the G3 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. He proved to be one of the most durable, well-traveled and versatile members of his generation. He raced at 10 tracks and remained a graded performer this year at age five, ultimately being awarded the Jan. 18 G3 Louisiana Stakes at Fair Grounds via disqualification.

Blended Citizen's first win came in November of his juvenile season over the Del Mar turf course where he defeated future Grade 1 winner River Boyne in a maiden special weight. He was purchased eight months earlier at the OBS March 2-Year-Old in Training sale after a sparkling work, commanding the highest price for a juvenile by his sire in 2017.

The Gone West sire-line is responsible for some of the most important stallions in North America; namely Speightstown and Quality Road. Blended Citizen is bred on the prolific Gone West/Langfuhr cross similar to leading Pennsylvania sire Uptowncharlybrown.

A stud deal is pending for Blended Citizen. He's cataloged as a stallion prospect in the upcoming Keeneland November auction with South Point Sales.

The post Graded Stakes Winner Blended Citizen Retired From Racing; Stud Plans Pending appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Lookin At Lee To Enter Stud At Irish Hill And Dutchess Views Stallions In New York

Lookin At Lee (2014 Lookin At Lucky x Langara Lass), a multiple Grade 1-placed black type winner and popular runner-up in the 2017 Kentucky Derby, has been retired from racing and will stand his first season at stud in 2021 under the management of Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions LLC in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The precocious Lookin At Lee broke his maiden in his second start at two and went on to earn his first black type win in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes. He then jumped directly into graded competition, finishing second to Not This Time in the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes and to unanimous 2-year-old champion, Classic Empire in the G1 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. In his final start as a 2-year old, he was fourth in the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Lookin At Lee's impressive 2-year-old season catapulted him onto the Triple Crown trail in 2017. He earned his way into the Kentucky Derby starting gate by placing in two Oaklawn Park preps: The G3 Southwest Stakes and the G1 Arkansas Derby.

In the Kentucky Derby, he would come from far back to rally past all but Always Dreaming to earn second in America's most prestigious race. Lookin At Lee went on to compete in each leg of the Triple Crown (one of only eight horses to do so in the last five years), finishing fourth in the Preakness Stakes (G1). He competed against the best of his generation and proved durable, running in eight graded stakes in five months and amassing $1.3 million in career earnings.

Trainer Steve Asmussen said, “Lookin At Lee was a precocious 2-year old with an excellent disposition that brought his connections on a thrilling journey through the Triple Crown races. I'm looking forward to seeing his foals”.

The son of leading national sire Lookin At Lucky will stand his initial season for $6,500 LFSN.

Lookin At Lucky is one of the best sons of Smart Strike, sire of Curlin, and bred on the similar Mr. Prospector/Danzig line as Distorted Humor. Sons of Lookin at Lucky are now taking on the role of stallion including Accelerate and Country House. Lookin At Lee is out of the graded stakes placed and multiple graded stakes producing Langfuhr mare, Langara Lass. He is the half-brother to multiple Grade 3 winner Blended Citizen and half-brother to Grade 1 placed, Battlefield Angel, dam of 2020 Breeders' Cup Sprint participant Manny Wah.

The post Lookin At Lee To Enter Stud At Irish Hill And Dutchess Views Stallions In New York appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

‘Breaking New Ground’: Woodbine Releases Corporate Responsibility Report

Woodbine Entertainment (Woodbine) proudly released its 2019/20 Corporate Responsibility Report on Tuesday. The report summarizes the company's recent achievements during the April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 fiscal year. While the report focuses on this period, it also includes information on how Woodbine's operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Titled Breaking New Ground, the 2019/20 Woodbine Corporate Responsibility Report focuses on the company's commitment to the communities in which it operates, philanthropy, industry leadership, property development and sustaining the horse racing industry.

“While this year has been extremely difficult for so many, including those in horse racing, we have been highly focused on strengthening our foundation to prepare us for a future of prosperity across the industry,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Through this preparation, and despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by the global pandemic, we are optimistic about our future based on the quality of our racing, strength of our brand and efficient management of our operation.”

The report highlights contributions to three broad areas that encapsulate Woodbine's charitable initiatives including Supporting Community Health, For the Love of Horses, and Our Footprint. Additionally, the report provides an update on the status of key endeavours such as industry leadership, optimal land development, world-class racing, people and culture, and more.

COVID-19 Response Highlights:

Backstretch remained open as an essential service to provide stabling and care for upwards of 1,700 horses.
Frequent communications with Standardbred and Thoroughbred stakeholders via new weekly updates.
Developed “Woodbine's Guide to Working and Racing Safely” that documents policies and procedures created to operate and race in the safest way possible.
Responsive and comprehensive planning contributed to being the first professional sport in Canada allowed to return to competition since pandemic closures.
Rigorous health and safety protocols saw screening of 500-1,000 essential workers per day on site.
Pivoted to safely hosting spectator-free premier races, including The Queen's Plate, Pepsi North America Cup, Ricoh Woodbine Mile and Mohawk Million.

Charitable highlights within the 2019/20 Corporate Responsibility Report include:

Supported more than 100 community-based organizations and charitable causes.
Created the Breeders' Crown Charity Challenge which had a record one-time donation of $282,996.00 to five local charities including $109,484.00 won by the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
Hosted six 50/50 draws at Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park raising more than $27,500.00 for five different charities.
Received the Osler Award for Philanthropic Leadership for being a long-term supporter of the Etobicoke General Hospital.
Hosted (2019) for the third time, the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event that saw more than 1,900 participants raise a record-breaking $3.1 million for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Addressed food insecurity through the production and distribution of hundreds of pounds of food from the Woodbine Cares Community Garden to local community organizations.
Honoured to receive naming rights of the emegency waiting rooms at Etobicoke General Hospital and Milton District Hospital as acknowledgement of Woodbine's long-term and sustained financial support of both medical centres.

Business highlights within the 2019/20 Corporate Responsibility Report include:

Hosted three industry summits called “Stronger Together” to increase communication to industry stakeholders in order to educate them on the workings of the industry, our operations and policies and generally introduce a new level of transparency.
Invested in our industry through opening a new seven-furlong Kentucky Bluegrass inner turf course and new Standardbred paddock.
Commenced the first phase of land development at Woodbine Racetrack including a planned Metrolinx train station and municipal infrastructure necessary for the development of a world-class casino resort.
The economic impact of horse racing continues to be significant with the industry contributing more than $2.3 billion annually to Ontario's gross domestic product. Additionally, the horse racing industry employees more than 60,000 people or 45,433 full-time equivalent jobs.

“Every year, we work to build relationships,” said Zenia Wadhwani, Woodbine's Director, Community Relations and Corporate Affairs. “To be a good neighbour and give with the intent of making an impact in the lives of individuals, families and communities. To bring our employees together and foster the value of caring for each other and those around us. To make decisions that will be good for the environment and to be a better corporate citizen. Each year, we aim to improve upon what we have accomplished the previous year. This report is a glimpse into how we do that.”

As a responsible corporate citizen, Woodbine Entertainment has produced a Corporate Responsibility Report every year since 2006. The 2019/20 report is publicly accessible and is available for download or online viewing at WoodbineCares.ca.

The post ‘Breaking New Ground’: Woodbine Releases Corporate Responsibility Report appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Total Of Eight Stakes Races To Comprise Breeders’ Cup Undercard On Friday, Saturday

Flawless Racing, Masino Racing Stable, Brian Flanagan and Michael Jarvis' Cupid's Claws, who is coming off a 7¼-length win in the 1½-mile Tokyo City Cup (G3) Sept. 27 at Santa Anita, is the 124-pound highweight in the 13th running of the $200,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G2) on Friday, the first of the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland.

The TAA and seven other stakes will precede the Breeders' Cup, which Keeneland is hosting for the second time. The event debuted here in 2015.

Here is a rundown of the supporting stakes on Friday:

Race 1, post time 11:30 a.m. – first running of the $125,000 Nyquist, 2-year-olds, 6½ furlongs

The race is named for Nyquist, who won the 2015 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland and was named champion 2-year-old male. The winner of his first eight races, Nyquist captured the 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1).

The nine horses entered in the Nyquist, from the rail out with riders and weights, are:

Highly Motivated (Javier Castellano, 118 pounds), Roderick (Irad Ortiz Jr., 118), Twilight Blue (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118), Upstriker (Joe Talamo, 118), Sir Wellington (Jose Lezcano, 118), Quick Tempo (Jose Ortiz, 118), Assertive Style (Florent Geroux, 115), Awesome Gerry (Tyler Gaffalione, 118), Saffa's Day (Ricardo Santana Jr., 118).

Race 2, post time 12:05 p.m. – first running of the $125,000 Songbird, 2-year-old fillies, 6½ furlongs

The race is named for Songbird, who opened her career with 11 consecutive wins including the 2015 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland. She was a champion at 2 and 3.

Fourteen horses and one also-eligible were entered in the Songbird. The field, from the rail out with riders and weights, is:

Lady Edith (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118 pounds), Off We Go (Luis Saez, 118), Roc's Princess (Jon Court, 118), Thinking (Jose Ortiz, 118), Mona Stella (Florent Geroux, 118), Joy's Rocket (Ricardo Santana Jr., 120), Novel Squall (Gabriel Saez, 118), Taylor's Tourist (Mitchell Murrill, 118), The Grass Is Blue (Irad Ortiz Jr., 118), Music City Star (Adam Beschizza, 118), Farsighted (Julien Leparoux, 118), Kela's Turn (Robby Albarado, 120), Guana Cay (Gerardo Corrales, 118), California Lily (Tyler Gaffalione, 118). Also-eligible: Princesstapiture (John McKee, 118).

Race 3, post time 12:40 p.m. – 16th running of the $150,000 Bryan Station, 3-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles (turf)

Fourteen horses and four also-eligibles were entered in the Bryan Station. The field, from the rail out with riders and weights, is:

Enforceable (Adam Beschizza, 118 pounds), No Word (Jose Ortiz, 118), Taishan (Julien Leparoux, 118), Angelus Warrior (Manny Franco, 118), Pixelate (Umberto Rispoli, 122), Fancy Liquor (Florent Geroux, 122), Spanish Kingdom (Corey Lanerie, 118), Vanzzy (Jose Lezcano, 118), Order of Australia (IRE) (Ryan Moore, 118), Reconvene (Joe Bravo, 118), Mo Ready (Irad Ortiz Jr., 118), Fighting Seabee (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118), Don Juan Kitten (Flavien Prat, 118), Bye Melvin (John Velazquez, 118). Also-eligibles: Ajourneytofreedom (Tyler Gaffalione, 118), Ever Dangerous (Javier Castellano, 118), Mud Pie (Luis Saez, 118), Bama Breeze (Joel Rosario, 118)

Race 4, post time 1:15 p.m. – first running of the $150,000 McConnell Springs, fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs

The nine horses entered in the McConnell Springs, from the rail out with riders, are:

Bye Bye J (Ricardo Santana Jr.), Amy's Challenge (Jose Lezcano), Headland (Tyler Baze), Into Chocolate (Jose Ortiz), Harmless (Luis Saez), Unique Factor (Joel Rosario), Unholy Alliance (Tyler Gaffalione), Wildwoods Beauty (Joe Rocco Jr.), Royal Charlotte (Javier Castellano). All starters carry 120 pounds.

Race 5, post time 1:50 p.m. – 13th running of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G2) (formerly known as the Marathon), 3-year-olds and up, 1 5/8 miles

The 14 horses entered in the TAA, from the rail out with riders and weights, are:

Muralist (Juan Hernandez, 122 pounds), Farmington Road (Javier Castellano, 118), Rocketry (Irad Ortiz Jr., 122), Militiaman (Joel Rosario, 122), Tenfold (Tyler Gaffalione, 122), You're to Blame (John Velazquez, 122), Signalman (Brian Hernandez Jr., 122), Ry's the Guy (Chris Landeros, 122), Mirinaque (ARG) (Gerardo Corrales, 122), Dack Janiel's (Declan Cannon, 118), Job Security (Adam Beschizza, 122), Plus Que Parfait (Jose Ortiz, 122), Cupid's Claws (Flavien Prat, 124), Danny California (Manny Franco, 122).

The supporting stakes on Saturday are:

Race 1, 10:15 a.m. – 12th running of the $125,000 Perryville, 3-year-olds, 6 furlongs

The seven horses entered in the Perryville, from the rail out with riders and weights, are:

Nashville (Ricardo Santana Jr., 118), Little Menace (Tyler Gaffalione, 120), Fore Left (Flavien Prat, 118), Bango (Florent Geroux, 118), Wild Wes (Mitchell Murrill, 118), Relentless Dancer (Irad Ortiz Jr., 120), Cajun Brother (Luis Saez, 118).

Race 2, 10:45 a.m. – 73rd running of the $150,000 Lafayette Presented by Keeneland Select, 3-year-olds and up, 7 furlongs

The 12 horses entered in the Lafayette, from the rail out with riders and weights, are:

Engage (Jose Ortiz, 120 pounds), Dinar (Tyler Gaffalione, 120), Absolutely Aiden (Chris Landeros, 120), Midnight Sands (Irad Ortiz Jr., 120), Edgemont Road (Declan Cannon, 120), Sleepy Eyes Todd (Joel Rosario, 124), Everfast (Julien Leparoux, 120), Strike That (David Cohen, 122), Ebben (Corey Lanerie, 120), Mind Control (John Velazquez, 124), True Timber (Jose Lezcano, 120), Phat Man (Javier Castellano, 124).

Race 3, 11:20 a.m. – 10th running of the $125,000 Qatar Fort Springs, 3-year-old fillies, 6 furlongs

The 11 horses entered in the Qatar Fort Springs, from the rail out with riders and weights, are:

Ain't No Elmers (Adam Beschizza, 120 pounds), Anna's Fast (Jose Ortiz, 118), Artie's Princess (Flavien Prat, 120), Wicked Whisper (Ricardo Santana Jr., 120), Miss T Too (John Velazquez, 120), Fair Maiden (Corey Lanerie, 118), Merneith (Luis Saez, 118), Boerne (Javier Castellano, 118), Rising Seas (Gerardo Corrales, 118), Motivated Seller (Irad Ortiz Jr., 118), Regal Beauty (Brian Hernandez Jr., 118).

The post Total Of Eight Stakes Races To Comprise Breeders’ Cup Undercard On Friday, Saturday appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post