Tag: Master of the Seas (Ire)

Dubai World Cup Night Entries Released

Defending G1 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) features among 868 individual horses from 19 countries nominated to run at the $30.5-million Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday, March 30.

In total, more than 1,400 entries have been received across the nine races and Ushba Tesoro is one of 200 from Japan as he tries to become only the second dual winner of the $12-million Dubai World Cup (Sponsored by Emirates Airline) after Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) in 2018 and 2019. Incidentally, Thunder Snow also won the G2 UAE Derby in 2017 and last year's winner of that race, Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), is another of the Japanese contingent entered in the showpiece event having ended 2023 with an excellent second in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic.

White Abarrio (Race Day), who was gaining the third Grade I victory of his career when beating Derma Sotogake at Santa Anita, is another star name among the Dubai World Cup entries, along with GI Preakness S. and GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. winner National Treasure (Quality Road) and local hope Kabirkhan (California Chrome), the recent winner of the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge which gained him an automatic entry.

Aidan O'Brien's multiple Group 1 winner Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) has also been nominated for the Dubai World Cup, though he's unproven on the dirt and perhaps more likely to take up his entry in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. That tees up the prospect of another clash with stablemate Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), the dual Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero who had Luxembourg back in second when also winning the G1 Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown.

Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), an impressive winner of the G1 Coronation Cup in 2023, is another notable European-based entry, while Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) also brings star quality to the table having won the Japanese Triple Tiara before chasing home the great Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn})–a breathtaking winner of last year's Dubai Sheema Classic–in the G1 Japan Cup at Tokyo on her final start of 2023.

Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) finished a good fourth in the Japan Cup and went on to win the G1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama, identifying him as a leading contender for the G1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World). Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), a Group 1 performer in Hong Kong, is another to look out for from the Far East, while Charlie Appleby holds a strong hand with GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a rapidly progressive four-year-old who took the step up in grade in his stride with a decisive success in the G1 Jebel Hatta last time.

Appleby is still seeking a first victory in the Dubai Turf and standing in his way once again will be John and Thady Gosden's stable stalwart Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who will be bidding for an unprecedented fourth win in the race. Already just the second horse after Thunder Snow to win three times on Dubai World Cup night, Lord North will certainly be one of the most popular winners on the card should he prevail again in 2024, while Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and Sibelius (Not This Time) will also have their supporters as they try to repeat their 2023 victories in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (Sponsored by Azizi Developments) and G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (Sponsored by Nakheel) respectively.

The full list of entries for all nine races is available here.

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Making Waves: Breeders’ Cup Bonanza For Team Europe

   In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victories of Team Europe at the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita.

 

Auguste Rodin Carves BC Masterpiece

Already a four-time Group 1 winner including both the Derby and the Irish version, Coolmore partners' Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) delivered another win in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf last Saturday (video) for Aidan O'Brien.

The 'TDN Rising Star' had been bred by Coolmore, and he is the first foal out of triple Group 1 winner Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). His weanling half-brother is by Dubawi (Ire). Rhododendron is a full-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the duo are out of Broodmare of the Year Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), herself a decorated runner and winner of the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and two other top-flight races.

Shadai Stallion Station's late Deep Impact has sired five winners from just 10 runners (50%) in the U.S. Two of that quintet are Grade I winners, with Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Loves Only You (Jpn) his first in America.

 

 

 

Cheveley Park's Inspiral Best At Santa Anita

Cheveley Park Stud homebred Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), racing beyond a mile for the first time in her career, won the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf last weekend for trainers John and Thady Gosden (video).

The six-time Grade/Group 1-winning daughter of Starscope (GB) (Selkirk) is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Celestran (GB) (Dansili {GB}). Starscope, herself a half-sister to stakes winner Solar Magic (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), was second in both the G1 1000 Guineas and the G1 Coronation S. Her latest produce are colts by Siyouni (Fr) and Ulysses (Ire)–named Megastar (GB) and Stetchworth Friend (GB), respectively–and a weanling full-sister to the winner. Stetchworth Friend was a 160,000gns buy by Stetchworth and Middle Park Studs out of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

Juddmonte's Frankel has sired 26 winners from 50 runners (52%) in America. Of his 11 stakes winners there (22%), Inspiral is his second Grade I winner after McKulick (GB).

 

 

 

Godolphin One-Two In BC Mile

Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a Godolphin homebred for trainer Charlie Appleby, got the bob to win the GI Fanduel Breeders' Cup Mile over fellow Godolphin runner Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) last weekend (video).

Already a Grade I winner in Canada, the gelding was also second in the G1 2000 Guineas in 2021. A half-brother to a trio of stakes winners including the UAE Oaks heroine Falls Of Lora (Ire) (Street Cry {Ire}), herself the dam of two Group 1/Grade I winners in Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and Albahr (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Master Of The Seas is also related to Classic winner Dupont (GB) (Zafonic). Firth Of Lorne (Ire) (Danehill)'s last foal is the winning Dark Angel (Ire) 3-year-old filly Sithchean (Ire).

On an international scale, Dubawi has 266 stakes winners (175 group/graded) to his credit. The gelding counts as one of 57 top-draw winners worldwide.

 

 

Unquestionable Stars In Juvenile Turf

Al Shaqab Racing and the Coolmore partners' Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) earned his first black-type victory in style when taking the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita on Saturday for Aidan O'Brien (video).

The 'TDN Rising Star' was bred by Guillaume and Camille Vitse with their two daughters, and he brought €340,000 as a yearling at the Arqana August Sale. His dam, Strawberry Lace (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), has Almanzor (Fr) colts born in 2022 and 2023 as her latest produce. This is the extended family of Group 2 winner and sire Bated Breath (GB).

Coolmore sires sired the winners of three of the five Breeders' Cup races on Friday, and Wootton Bassett now has 15 winners of 23 (65%) runners in the U.S. Of his seven American stakes winners, Unquestionable is his second Grade I winner and Breeders' Cup winner after Audarya (Fr) won the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf in 2020.

 

 

Blue Point Colt Fastest In The Land At Breeders' Cup

Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), raced by RP Racing, Ltd. from the yard of Mick Appleby, returned to the form that saw him win the G3 Molecomb S. in the summer with a victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in Arcadia (video).

A product of the storied Rabbah Bloodstock breeding programme, the son of Hana Lina (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) brought just 50,000gns from breeze-up pinhooker Mickey Cleere out of Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Consigned to the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale, Big Evs was then withdrawn and sold privately. His placed dam has a yearling filly by Ribchester (Ire) to come and a weanling colt by another son of Shamardal in Earthlight (Ire).

Off to a bright start with his first crop of juveniles, Darley's Blue Point has 44 winners internationally. Already the sire of French Group 1 winner Rosallion (Ire), the bay has an additional five black-type winners worldwide. Big Evs was his first runner in America.

 

 

Have I Got A Deal For You

On the Breeders' Cup Saturday undercard, Salesman (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) demolished the G2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance S. by 8 1/4 lengths for trainer Richard Mandella and owner/breeder Wertheimer et Frere (video).

The son of High Maintenance (Fr) (Highest Honor {Fr}) is a fourth generation Wertheimer et Frere homebred. Listed-placed in France, Saturday's win was his first stakes. His G3 Prix Gladiateur-placed dam is also responsible for the five-time Group 1 winner Solow (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and the stakes winner Lunch Lady (GB) (Shamardal), who was also twice third in a pair of French Group 3s. Second dam Fabulous Hostess (Fabulous Dancer) is best known as the winner of the G2 Prix de Royallieu.

One of 21 stakes winners (27%) and 16 graded winners (21%) in the U.S. for his Darley sire, Salesman is also part of a 39-strong battalion of winners (51%) there for Dubawi. The son of Dubai Millennium (GB) has been represented by 77 runners in the U.S.

 

 

 

Dandy Man Gelding Strikes At Del Mar

Dandy Man Shines (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) won his second race in a row for Red Baron's Barn, LLC and Rancho Temescal, LLC at Del Mar on Thursday for trainer Jeff Mullins (video). Placed at the graded level in 2022, the Let It Ride S. was his first stakes win.

Bred by John Frances Keegan in Ireland, the 3-year-old gelding was a €75,000 Goffs November foal turned €90,000 Goffs Orby yearling. He brought 105,000gns from his owners out of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. In two European starts, he was unplaced for Rancho Temescal's Tim Cohen and trainer William Jarvis before traveling Stateside.

The son of Zehrah (Ire) (Raven's Pass) is a half-brother to Scandinavian champion Mystery Night (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), and his second dam won at listed level in England besides taking third in the G2 Cherry Hinton S. A juvenile filly by Kodiac (GB) and a weanling filly by Bated Breath (GB) are Zehrah's latest foals.

Dandy Man, who stands at Ballyhane Stud, has now sired two stakes winners from 25 runners in America (8%). His first is GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. hero River Boyne (Ire), who is a stallion at Tara Stud. Dandy Man Shines is one of 13 winners (52%) in that jurisdiction.

 

 

Night Of Thunder Filly Proves Dynamic in NY

Klaravich Stables and Chad Brown combined to take a maiden race at Aqueduct last weekend with first-time starter Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) (video).

The Epona Bloodstock-bred filly was a 170,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase by Mike Ryan on behalf of her current connections. She is the third–and last–known foal and second winner out of Shemda (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}). This is the female family of G1 Prix de Diane heroine Shemaka (Ire) (Nishapour {Fr}).

Her Darley sire has tallied eight winners from 14 runners (57%) in the U.S. His three American stakes winners are anchored by Grade III winners Sopran Basilea (Ire) and Pocket Square (GB).

 

 

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Brightwork Heads Breeders’ Cup Work Tab

With the 40th Breeders' Cup World Championships less than two weeks away, a number of hopefuls worked Saturday morning at Keeneland as they make their final preparations before shipping to Santa Anita.

Trainer John Ortiz took GISW Brightwork (Outwork) out for a spin on Saturday with William Simon, owner of WSS Racing, on hand as the bay filly points towards the GI NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Nov. 3.

Working with 4 G Racing's GSP Crown Imperial (Classic Empire), a candidate for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf also on Nov. 3, Brightwork finished in front of her stablemate while completing five furlongs in 1:00.80 and galloping out six furlongs in 1:14. Crown Imperial received a time of 1:02.20 for five furlongs.

“She did it very easy,” Ortiz said of Brightwork, who sustained her first defeat in the Oct. 6 GI Darley Alcibiades S. run at 1 1/16 miles after opening her career with four victories. “She's a filly that likes to take direction and she understood that today I wanted to give her confidence to go two turns.”

Ortiz plans to breeze Brightwork in Lexington Saturday, Oct. 28 with a scheduled Oct. 30 departure to Southern California. She and Crown Imperial would mark the first starters for Ortiz at Santa Anita.

“Never saddled one on my own,” Ortiz said. “I was out there before as an assistant to Kellyn Gorder.”

 

Others Prep for Breeders' Cup at Keeneland

Trainer Cherie DeVaux worked her three Breeders' Cup hopefuls on the main track Saturday morning.

First was John Gunther's GI Breeders' Cup Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile candidate GSP Stage Raider (Pioneerof the Nile) who worked five furlongs in 1:01. Following the morning's track renovation session, Lael Stable's GISW She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) worked a half-mile in :48.40 for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and Victory Racing Partners' GSW More Than Looks (More Than Ready) worked a half-mile in :48.60 for the GI Breeders' Cup FanDuel Mile on turf.

In Italian | Sarah Andrew

Other Breeders' Cup possible candidates working on the dirt were GI Juddmonte Spinster S. runner-up GISP Le Da Vida (Chi) (Gemologist) (half-mile in :47.60, 1/79) for trainer Ignacio Correas IV in preparation for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff and Hidden Class (Catalina Cruiser) (half-mile in :49.40) for Joe Sharp in advance of a possible run in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf or GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

Working over the Keeneland turf that was rated as 'good' with designs on the Breeders' Cup were GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile winner and runner-up in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile S. Master of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (half-mile in :52.20; click here for video), and GI First Lady S. runner-up and MGISW In Italian (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) (half-mile in :51.80; click here for video).

 

Arzak In Good Order Says Trombetta

Sonata Stable's Arzak (Not This Time), winner of the GII Woodford S. Oct. 7, turned in a half-mile breeze in :51.20 over the Haggin Course to the delight of trainer Mike Trombetta. (Click here for video)

“With all the rain [Friday], I was surprised we got on the grass [Saturday],” said Trombetta, who arrived at Keeneland Friday from his main base in Maryland. “It looked like he got over it good. There was a little cut in the ground from the rain.”

Luis Saez was aboard for the work, one of two scheduled at Keeneland before Arzak heads to California on Oct. 30 for an expected start in the Nov. 4 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Trombetta confirmed that Saez, who rode Arzak to victory against optional claimers Aug. 23 at Saratoga the one time he was aboard the 5-year-old, would have the Breeders' Cup mount.

Practical Move Leads BC Preps at Santa Anita

   Topping Saturday's worktab at Santa Anita, GI Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move (Practical Joke) visited the track at 6:45 a.m., covering four furlongs in :48.80. Trainer Tim Yakteen confirmed the colt will target the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

“He got some outside company and it all went well,” Yakteen said. “I was just looking to see that his energy level was good, make sure all systems are a go. That's what we saw.”

In his latest start, the bay returned from a layoff to take a one-mile allowance at Santa Anita Oct. 6.

Also working towards expected starts in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint were Anarchist (Distorted Humor) (five furlongs, :59.40) on the main track and The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) (five furlongs, 1:01.60) on the training track.

Also working on the main track for trainer Steve Asmussen was Gunite (Gun Runner) (five furlongs, 1:00.20), who is possible for either the Sprint or the Dirt Mile.

Anarchist worked with Vazquez in the irons. The 4-year-old trained by Doug O'Neill most recently won the GII Pat O'Brien S. going seven furlongs at Del Mar Aug. 26.

“He went really good. This is a happy horse,” Vazquez said.  Added Leandro Mora, O'Neill's assistant, “He's stepping things up. He looks more focused and fresher, which was the idea giving him more time between races.”

Drilling a half-mile on the training track for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile were Du Jour (Temple City) and Exaulted (Twirling Candy), the one-two finishers in the Sept. 2 GII Del Mar Mile. Du Jour worked in :48.60 while Exaulted, winner of the GI Shoemaker Mile last spring, went in :47.40.

Also returning to the tab for Bob Baffert were Muth (Good Magic) and Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso), the one-two finishers in the GI American Pharoah S. Oct. 7. Muth went five furlongs in :59.40 seconds and Wine Me Up was timed in :59.20 seconds for the same distance. Both are pointed to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Nov. 3.

The deadline to pre-enter for the Breeders' Cup is Monday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. ET. Pre-entries will be announced Oct. 25 at noon ET.

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A Graded Stakes Saturday We Never Want To End

The parade of graded stakes races this Saturday is like a Christmas tree laden with presents. Towards the end of the celebration, as the wadded paper congregates, there will be a customary wistfulness that slowly sets in. We never want it to end.

With 17, yes 17, graded races on the docket–nine of those have Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' status–it is going to be a splendid day to receive as Belmont at the Big A, Keeneland Race Course, Woodbine Racetrack, Gulfstream Park, Hastings Racecourse and Santa Anita Park hustle to apply the Scotch tape. Cue the carols, please.

Heading to the venerable Big A in Ozone Park, the graded menu expanded when last weekend's GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. was added to Saturday's slate. The 12-furlong grass test includes the reigning GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Rebel's Romance (Dubawi {Ire}) who looking for some New York redemption after unseating his rider around the far turn in the late-July running of the GII Bowling Green S. at Saratoga. The Charlie Appleby trainee is set to face the queen of the blades in MGISW War Like Goddess (English Channel), who still has plenty of fight in her as she faces the boys again for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

If one Grade I wasn't enough for you on this card, then we are going to add two more just for good measure. The GI Frizette S. is a passageway to the GI Breeders' Cup NetJets Juvenile Fillies and Repole Stable has the 9-5 morning-line favorite in Life Talk (Gun Runner), who broke her maiden at second asking Aug. 31 at Saratoga by 6 1/2 lengths. The Todd Pletcher trainee will have to contend with Stonestreet's Emery (More Than Ready), who scratched out of Friday's GI Darley Alcibiades S. at Keeneland to run here for trainer Brad Cox. Also present is Godolphin homebred Central Avenue (Street Sense), who debuted a winner at Colonial Downs, and will try to stretch out for trainer Michael Stidam.

“She [Central Avenue] started going seven-eighths and we thought that might be a little short for her, but she got up anyways,” Stidham said. “She always looked in the mornings like she would come running late and she would [run like that]. The mile is going to be even more helpful for her style.”

The other top race of the day at 'Belmont West' is the GI Champagne S., which offers a ticket straight to the GI Breeders' Cup FanDuel Juvenile. Once again, Repole Stable held David Aragona's attention with 6-5 morning-line favorite Fierceness (City of Light). The 'TDN Rising Star' had his own way in the Saratoga mud Aug. 25 when the bay colt won that debut by 11 1/4 lengths. His main rival could be fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), who is also entered in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland.

Rounding out the action at Aqueduct is a trio of Grade III turf events which include the Waya S. with GISW McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}), the Belmont Turf Sprint with GSW Big Invasion (Declaration of War) and finally, English import Measured Time (Frankel {GB}) is up against GISP Webslinger (Constitution) in the Jockey Club Derby Invitational.

Locked | Sarah Andrew

The Keeneland Association which just kicked off its October meet on Friday, has its own take on Christmas come early. Taking to the Haggin Turf Course, the GI First Lady S. for older females sports a rematch of the July running of the GI Diana S. between Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio) and MGISW In Italian (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The former bested the latter at Saratoga and the Chad Brown stablesmates are set to do battle again. Not to be overlooked is the Joseph O'Brien trainee Jumbly (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}) who returns to the U.S. after finishing fifth in the G1 Matron S. at Leopardstown Sept. 9.

Moving right along to some more Grade I festivities, the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity offers the winner a shot in the GI Breeders' Cup FanDuel Juvenile. 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) won at second asking by 7 1/4 lengths at Saratoga Sept. 1 with a 96 Beyer Speed Figure. The Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm-owned chestnut colt for trainer Todd Pletcher will take on New York-bred undefeated hero The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso) for trainer Mike Maker and possibly the aforementioned Timberlake.

“He [Locked] was impressive the time he went two turns at Saratoga,” said Pletcher. “One reason he came here and Fierceness stayed in New York for the Champagne is that I thought the Champagne suited him better with the one start. It worked well that we could find a Grade I for both of them.”

The capstone to Keeneland's Super Saturday is the GI Coolmore Turf Mile, which allows access to the GI Breeders' Cup FanDuel Mile. Fresh off his 3 3/4-length first North American score in the GI Woodbine Mile, Master of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) will challenge Up to the Mark (Not This Time), who was last seen winning GI Manhattan S. at Belmont. Lane's End recently announced that the 4-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher would head their way for stud duty at the conclusion of his racing career.

A pair of Grade II races will complete the Keeneland Saturday graded offering. First, the Woodford S. welcomes turf sprint specialist and G1 Nuthorpe S. at York victor Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince of Lir {Ire}) from the yard of Adam West. Meanwhile, MGSW and MGISP Wicked Halo (Gun Runner) tries to secure her spot in the GI Breeders' Cup PNC Bank Filly & Mare Sprint when she sets sail against six others in the Thoroughbred Club of America S.

Before heading west, both Gulfstream Park and Woodbine Racetrack card a graded race each. GSP Maryquitecontrary (First Dude) switches from Shug McGaughey's barn to David Fawkes, as she returns to her home track in the GIII Princess Rooney S, a race which also feeds into the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Up at Woodbine, the GIII Durham Cup S. finds G1 Dubai World Cup runner-up Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal {Ire}) making his first start in North America after trainer Simon Crisford scratched him from the GII Woodward S. last weekend.

Staying put in Canada, Hastings Racecourse cards the GIII BC Premier's H. for 3-year-olds and up. The race includes Accidental Hero (Mo Town), who bested his rival Sunbird (Orb) in the GIII BC Derby last month.

Anisette | Benoit

It would not be a graded Saturday without 'The Great Race Place' and Santa Anita Park has its share. Of course, the GI American Pharoah S., which TDN covered in a special edition on Friday, is a 'Win and You're In' event for the GI Breeders' Cup FanDuel Juvenile S. 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic) will square off against seven others in the feature, which includes stablemate Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso).

Speaking of juveniles, the fillies get their chance to shine in the GII Chandelier S. On the line is the opportunity to make the starting gate in the GI Breeders' Cup NetJets Juvenile Fillies. One of the top contenders is Laurent (Practical Joke). The Peter Eurton trainee was second Sept. 9 in the GI Del Mar Debutante S. The dark bay filly is in the blocks right next to the Zedan Racing's Dua (Arrogate). The Bob Baffert trainee was third in the GIII Sorrento S. at Del Mar Aug. 12.

In the race before the American Pharoah S., turf routers will load at the mouth of the downhill course for the GII Rodeo Drive S. Looking for a chance to return for the Breeders' Cup Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf is the undefeated Anisette (GB) (Awtaad {Ire}). The 3-year-old will take on older females for the first time. After coming over from England last spring, the Leonard Powell trainee won three in a row, including the GI Del Mar Oaks by 2 3/4 lengths.

Anisette is going to have to try and get past the 9-5 morning-line favorite Didia (Arg) (Orpen) though. She was the runner-up in the GI New York S. at Belmont Park June 9 and has a history of winning from off the bench for trainer Ignacio Correas. Add in some seasoned Southern California stayers like MGSW Closing Remarks (Vronsky) and MGSW Neige Blache (FR) (Anodin {Ire}), and the Rodeo Drive is going to be quite the shopping spree at the windows.

Here's to a Saturday of graded racing that never ends.

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