Tag: Racing

The pride of Texas breeders, owners, trainers and several Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) Champions will be on full display Saturday, March 26, when Sam Houston Race Park hosts Texas Champions Day. The 10-race card will get underway at 5:55 pm (CT) with several special events planned for horseplayers and fans considering owning a Texas Thoroughbred.

Here is a link to the previously released advance on the $100,00 Richard King Turf Stakes,  $100,000 Spirit of Texas and $100,000 Groovy Stakes.  Below please find previews for the four remaining Texas Champions Day features.

Discreet Smile and No Mas Tequila Renew Their Rivalry in the $100,000 San Jacinto Stakes

One year ago, the $100,000 San Jacinto Stakes quickly became a two-horse race as Discreet Smile and No Mas Tequila hooked up at the top of the stretch and dueled down to the wire in one of the most exciting races of the Texas Champions Day program.

Sylvia Baird's homebred Discreet Smile was declared the winner in the photo finish as the daughter of Discreet Cat defeated post-time favorite No Mas Tequila by a head in the mile and one-sixteenth feature over the Connally Turf Course.

Discreet Smile will return with Iram Diego in the saddle as last year's pilot, Sophie Doyle is expecting her first child. Johnny Johnston, Jr. has taken over the training duties as the highly respected conditioner Larry Stroope suffered a heart attack and passed away on Jan. 7, 2022. Johnston and Stroope were close friends for six decades and the Texas horseman admitted that saddling Discreet Smile will be very emotional.

“It's going to be very different without Larry,” acknowledged Johnston. “We have been working together for a long time; I handled the Texas horses while Larry ran some in Oklahoma. Many people do not know that Larry's father, James, was one of the forces in bringing pari-mutuel racing to Texas. Larry cast a big shadow in our industry, literally and figuratively. It would mean a lot for Discreet Smile to win this for Larry.”

The multiple stakes winning 6-year-old mare will face her stiffest challenge from No Mas Tequila, who defeated ten fillies and mares here last month in the $75,000 Miss Bluebonnet Turf Stakes

The 5-year-old daughter of Northern Afleet was bred by Ronald Ellerbee and his wife, Margaret Ellerbee. Owned by James Sills and the estate of Ronald Ellerbe, she came off the layoff in top form for trainer Karen Jacks. She drew the rail and will reunite with jockey Leandro Goncalves.

“We didn't have a prep race for her, but she was fine,” said Jacks. “Leandro has been working her and she fired fresh and ready in the Bluebonnet.”

Longshot Tahitian Breeze who rallied for second Zarelda who completed the trifecta in the Miss Bluebonnet Turf, are also entered.

The San Jacinto Stakes will run as the fifth race on the program with an approximate post time of 7:55 pm.

Defending Champion Ima Discreet Lady Returns in the $100,000 Yellow Rose Stakes

A very competitive field of fillies and mares will compete in the $100,000 Yellow Rose Stakes.

In last year's edition, Ima Discreet Lady edged out Shes Our Fastest in a photo finish and both mares will be back in action Saturday night in the six-furlong main track feature.

Ima Discreet Lady has won 10 of her 33 career starts for owners Raymond Todd White and Duane Coker with stakes victories in the 2019  Bara Lass and 2021 Miss Bluebonnet Turf as well as last year's victory in the Yellow Rose. The 7-year-old Discreet Cat mare was bred by Larry Huntsinger, out of the Too Much Bling mare Ima Three Blinger.  Ry Eikleberry has the return  call for trainer Karl Broberg and will break from the rail as the 2-1 second choice. Boerne  who returns to the main track off a fourth-place finish last month on the turf, is the 8-5 morning line favorite for trainer Robertino Diodoro and jockey Lane Luzzi.

“We've had this mare since day one and couldn't be happier to have her in the barn,” said Broberg. “She's doing great and loves Sam Houston. I'm not crazy about drawing the rail, but she beat Boerne sprinting last year.”

White, who picked her out of the TTA 2-year-old in Training Sale with Broberg, credits Broberg for the success of the gray mare who has earned $414,228.

“Karl has been a blessing for us,” stated White. “He's campaigned this filly like no other. Everything he has done with her has been perfect!”

Mark Norman and Norman Racing Stables LLC's Shes Our Fastest will be ridden by Richard Eramia and was honored last weekend by the Texas Thoroughbred Association as 2021 TTA Champion older mare. The 7-year-old daughter of Oratory is trained by Jayde Gelner, son of conditioner Scott Gelner. A top placing would vault the accomplished mare over the $500,000 earnings mark, which would be the first for the Gelner barn.

“Shes Our Fastest is a family member for us,” said  Jayde, known as JJ. “My dad and the Normans purchased her for $50,000, so to see her so close to the half-million dollar mark is really special.”

Texas Thunder Goes for her Third Stakes of the Meet in the $100,000 Bara Lass Stakes

The seventh race on the Texas Champions Day card will showcase 3-year-old Texas accredited-bred fillies in the $100,000 Bara Lass Stakes. A field of eight will compete at six furlongs on the main track.

Texas Thunder, owned by Carl Moore Management LLC has topped her rivals in both the  $75,000 Darby's Daughter on January 20 and one month later in the $75,000 Two Altazano at Sam Houston Race Park.

Bred in Texas by Robert Francis, the daughter of Bradester, will reunite with jockey Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez as she attempts to win her third stakes of the meet for trainer Karen Jacks.

“She digs in and really shows her grit, ” said Jacks. “She's built like a Quarter Horse and runs like one. They gave her a run for the money in the Bara Lass. We are all very proud of her.”

Eagle Express, bred and owned by W.S. Farish, was named 2021 Champion 2-year-old filly by the Texas Thoroughbred Association. The daughter of Eagle broke her maiden last June at Lone Star Park and then tested very tough company in the Grade 3, Schuylerville at Saratoga. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, 13-time leading  Sam Houston Race Park trainer.  The bay filly exits two runner-up finishes this season, but Asmussen feels she is capable with Stewart Elliott aboard.

“She needs a better start,” said Asmussen. “If she is able to run a little cleaner, she has a good chance.”

David L. Davis' Tolanda is another capable entrant. Sired by Bind, she has won two of her four starts and ran third in the $50,000 Zia Princess last November at Zia Park for trainer Austin Gustafson.

Defending Champion Direct Dial Faces Eight in the  $100,000 Star of Texas

The final Texas Champions Day feature, the $100,000 Star of Texas Stakes features another prominent Texas Champion honoree Direct Dial, who will take on eight rivals in the one-mile main track stakes.

Owner and bred by W.S. Farish, the 7-year-old by Too Much Bling and out of the Mineshaft mare Fast Find,  has won  11 of his 36 career starts, banking $545,931 to date. The noted Texas-bred is a stakes winner  dating back to 2018 and was honored as the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) Horse of the Year.

“He won this race last year and I believe he can recreate with positive circumstances,” stated Asmussen. “He is a gorgeous animal and one that our entire team admires and respects.”

Jockey Stewart Elliott, who won the Sam Houston riding title last year and is locked in a close battle this meet with Ry Eikleberry, looks forward to riding Direct Dial.

“He's such a cool horse,” said Elliott.  ” Nothing bothers him, and I know he can handle a mile. Last year, I asked him to settle, and he did his job. Steve puts me on great horses and makes my job easy.”

Algebra owned by Farmer Fillies Racing will break beside Direct Dial with Lane Luzzi aboard. The 5-year-old Algorithms gelding won a mile allowance here on opening weekend before finishing second to Mr Money Bags  in the seven-furlong H-Town on Feb. 19.

“He ran a big race in the H-Town,” said trainer J.R. Caldwell. “We claimed him and he's rolling along well this meet. We're glad to be in the mile and not sprinting against Mr Money Bags!”

Kenai Bob, who was the runner-up to  Direct Dial last year, is also in the field along with 2020 Jim's Orbit champion Gold Pilot.

The Star of Texas runs as race nine with an approximate post time of 9:55 pm.

In addition to the exciting live racing card, the following promotions and special events will take place throughout the evening.

Racehorse Ownership Seminar Set for Texas Champions Day

If you have ever thought about owning a racehorse, consider attending an owner preview event at Sam Houston Race Park on Texas Champions Day. The event has been scheduled by the Texas Thoroughbred Association in conjunction with the Own & Race a Texas Thoroughbred group on Saturday, March 26, at 5:30 pm. Learn all about owning and racing a Texas Thoroughbred with insights from Fred Faour, Corey Johnsen and trainers Danny Pish and Austin Gustafson. There is no charge to attend the event, which is held on the Sam Houston Race Park suite level, but attendees must register in advance at TXRaceHorse.com.

Sam Houston Race Park to Host a NHC Contest on Saturday, March 26

Racing fans are invited to enter the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) on Texas Champions Day, Saturday, March 26.  The $1,000 live money contest on the Sam Houston Race Park Texas Champions Day is open to all horseplayers who are NHC members.

The top two players with the highest accumulated bankroll will receive a berth into the 2023 NHC Championship in Las Vegas in January, 2023. Further information and an entry form is available on the NHC Handicapping Contest link the Sam Houston Race Park website: shrp.com.

Texas Champions Day Wagers and Mandatory Payouts

There will be plenty of wagering opportunities for horseplayers on the Texas Champions card. Two Pick 4 wagers will be offered, and mandatory payouts will be in effect for the early Pick 5, late Pick 5 and Space City Pick 6, which begins in race five.

The post March 26 Texas Champions Day To Include Seven Stakes, Ownership Seminar, Handicapping Tournament appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Classy Grade 1 winner Going to Vegas is back to defend her title in Saturday's Grade 3, $125,000 Santa Ana Stakes as she heads a field of nine older fillies and mares going 1 1/4 miles over the Santa Anita turf. Most recently a sharp second going one mile on turf in the G2 Buena Vista Stakes March 5, Going to Vegas will be reunited with Umberto Rispoli, who was aboard for last year's Santa Ana triumph.

Second, beaten a half length by front-running Leggs Galore in the Buena Vista, Going to Vegas, who had been idle since well beaten in the G1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Nov. 6, appears primed for a top effort with Rispoli, with whom she won the G1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf here three starts back on Oct. 2.

A 5-year-old mare by Goldencents out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, Going to Vegas is trained by Richard Baltas and is owned by Abbondanza Racing, LLC, Medallion Racing and MyRacehorse. A gate to wire winner of both the Rodeo Drive and last year's Santa Ana, Going to Vegas has two wins and a second from three tries at the Santa Ana distance.

A tremendous claim 15 starts back on June 12, 2020, Going to Vegas has rewarded her connections with four wins, three of them in graded stakes. With an overall mark of 24-7-9-2, she has earnings of $674,151.

Fourth to Going to Vegas in last year's Santa Ana, French-bred Neige Blanche has never been better for Leonard Powell at age five. A winner of two consecutive G3 turf stakes, the Red Carpet at 1 3/8 miles on Nov. 25 at Del Mar and the Astra at 1 1/2 miles on Jan. 17, long fused Neige Blanche has won four out of her last six races including last year's G3 Santa Barbara Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf May 8.

Owned by Madaket Stables, LLC, Laura De Seroux, Marsha Naify, et al, Neige Blanche will be ridden for the eighth consecutive time by high flying Juan Hernandez, who has nine stakes wins at the current meet, second to Flavien Prat's 15.

Reserved far off of Leggs Galore early, Harris Farms' homebred Closing Remarks finished strongly to be third, beaten 1 ¼ lengths in the Buena Vista March 5. Although she was finishing well, Closing Remarks, who was beaten three quarters of a length for second by Going to Vegas, never got by her on the gallop out.

A 4-year-old California-bred filly by Vronsky out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, Closing Remarks, a Cal-bred stakes winner at age three, is three-times grades stakes placed on turf and will hope to be flying late under regular rider Joe Bravo. A first condition allowance winner at 1 1/8 miles on turf here two starts back on Jan. 17, Closing Remarks is 13-3-4-2 with earnings of $371,320.

Most recently fifth at 5-2 in the G3 Bayakoa Stakes on dirt at Oaklawn Park Feb. 12, trainer Michael McCarthy's Queen Goddess was a gate to wire winner at 14-1 of the G1 American Oaks on dirt two starts here on Dec. 26. A winner of two of her five starts on grass, this 4-year-old Empire Maker filly figures to be in close attendance Saturday with Victor Espinoza up for the first time.

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and TOLO Thoroughbreds, Inc., Queen Goddess is 7-3-1-1 overall with earnings of $310,580.

THE GRADE 3 SANTA ANA WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDER

Race 7 of 9 Approximate post time 4 p.m.

1. Disappearing Act—Christopher Emigh—120
2. Charges Dropped—Mario Gutierrez—120
3. Quiet Secretary—Tyler Baze—120
4. Closing Remarks—Joe Bravo—120
5. Keyflower—Abel Cedillo—122
6. Queen Goddess—Victor Espinoza–124
7. Neige Blanche—Juan Hernandez—124
8. Going to Vegas—Umberto Rispoli—124
9. Carpe Vinum—Ryan Curatalo–120

First post time for a nine-race card on Saturday is at 1 p.m. with admission gates opening at 11 a.m.

The post Going To Vegas Returns To Defend Her Title In Santa Ana appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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One of the nation's oldest and largest steeplechase events celebrates its 97^th anniversary this year on Saturday, May 7, at Great Meadow in The Plains. Last year, the Virginia Gold Cup was held with a limited number of spectators. This year, tailgate packages and hospitality tents are available.

As one of the Washington, D.C. region's largest and oldest outdoor events, more than 50,000 people come out in their race-day finest to socialize and entertain. The fashion at the event has become as popular with a variety of hats and a fiercely competitive hat contest. Celebrity judges will decide whose hats are the most impressive in the day's hat contest. There is also an equally competitive tailgate contest with prizes for the top three winners.

The Gold Cup's long-standing tradition beckons to national celebrities, local VIPs, D.C. politicians as well as visitors from around the world. Characterized by lavish tailgate spreads, sleek thoroughbreds and exciting hoof-pounding competition, many companies have capitalized on what the day has to offer by getting involved with sponsorships, purchasing tents to entertain, and some actually end up doing business there.

Steeplechase and flat racing offer a fast-action sport in a refined social setting and, at the Gold Cup, some of the best horses and jockeys compete over hurdles, timber and on the flat. Held every year on the first Saturday in May, the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia's horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop. It is Virginia's answer to the Kentucky Derby.

The 97^th Annual Running of the Virginia Gold Cup will take place on Saturday, May 7 at Great Meadow in The Plains. Gates open at 10 a.m. with pre-race entertainment starting at 12:30 p.m. with the Color Guard presented by St. Andrew's Society Pipes and Drums and a performance of the National Anthem by Angela Knight. The first of seven horse races will be underway at 1 p.m.

After two years of adjusting the event for Covid, the Gold Cup returns this year with a revised format. Tailgate packages, which now include tents in some areas, and Members Hill tenting options are available. Purchases can be made online at www.vagoldcup.com/va/tickets or by calling 540-347-2612. Attendees must be an invited guest of a tailgate or an invited guest of a hospitality tent. General admission passes will not be offered for this year's event.

Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. and is in close proximity to Dulles International Airport. To get there from Washington, D.C., take I-66 west to The Plains exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto The Plains Road (Route 245 south), follow signs to Great Meadow which will be on your left. Call 540-347-2612 for additional information or visit the web site at www.vagoldcup.com.

The 2022 Virginia Gold Cup Races are presented by Atlantic Union Bank, Charles Schwab, Virginia Equine Alliance, VHBPA, and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.

The post Virginia Gold Cup Returns On Saturday, May 7 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The New York Claiming Championship series returns for the seventh year on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack with 10 starter stakes worth $620,000.

The New York Claiming Championship is open to horses which have started for a prescribed claiming price in 2021-22. The 10-race series, each named after some of the most popular claiming horses to run at the Big A, features distances ranging from six furlongs to 1 3/8 miles. A total of 93 horses were entered across the 10 races.

Robert Falcone, Jr. will saddle four starters on the lucrative card, including Answer In in the featured $80,000 Caixa Eletronica, a seven-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and up that drew a field of eight in Race 9.

“Days like this are important,” Falcone, Jr. said. “The claiming rank and allowance horses make up the race cards day in and day out. It's good to have a day for them. They are all really nice horses, but not every horse can be a million-dollar horse. It's nice for them to get a shot to run in a starter stake. These are the types of horses who make the cards go each day.”

Beast Mode Racing's Answer In, a 5-year-old Dialed In gelding, was claimed for $40,000 out of a winning effort for his former conditioner Brad Cox in December at the Big A. He followed with a close second in a six-furlong optional-claiming sprint at first asking for new connections.

“He came into the barn well, Brad does an excellent job,” Falcone, Jr. said. “He kept going the right way from there. When we claim a horse, you hope to aim for a race like this. It makes for a real fun race and I'm excited about it. He's classy and does everything right.”

Kendrick Carmouche will guide Answer In from post 3.

Owner-trainer Linda Rice will send out Zoomer, who is currently on a two-race win streak having been claimed on each occasion.

Dylan Davis has the call from post 2.

Rounding out the field are Prince James [post 1, Manny Franco], More Graytful [post 4, Jose Gomez], Repo Rocks [post 5, Ruben Silvera], Mexican Wonder Boy [post 6, Trevor McCarthy], Whistling Birds [post 7, Eric Cancel] and Son of an Ex [post 8, Samuel Camacho, Jr.].

The action kicks off in Race 1, the $75,000 Xtra Heat for fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward travelling 6 1/2 furlongs.

It's Cold in Dehere enters off two runner-up efforts at the one-turn optional claiming level for trainer Linda Rice. The 6-year-old Ice Box mare completed the exacta behind stakes-winners Glass Ceiling and Hey Mamaluke in her last two efforts. She will seek her first win since running for a $62,500 tag in a November optional claimer at Churchill Downs for previous trainer Norm Casse.

Jose Lezcano will ride from post 1.

Prairie Fire will seek a second straight victory for owner-trainer Charlton Baker. The 6-year-old Posse chestnut mare was claimed by Baker for $25,000 last out going seven furlongs on Feb. 20 at Aqueduct.

Dylan Davis will ride from post 7.

Completing the field are My Girl Lexi [post 2, Omar Hernandez Moreno], Sweet Mia [post 3, Jose Gomez], Easy to Bless [post 4, Jacqueline Davis], Shesalittle Edgy [post 5, Eric Cancel] and Cazilda Fortytales [post 6, Trevor McCarthy].

Race 2 features the $45,000 Belle Gallantey, a seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward that will see Indian Bella cut back from a one-turn mile for trainer Mertkan Kantarmaci.

The 7-year-old daughter of Bellamy Road earned her tenth triumph in 40 starts last out, winning for a $12,500 tag on March 6 at the Big A. The victory was her first since August 2020, where she defeated starter optional claiming company at Prairie Meadows by 4 1/4 lengths.

Indian Bella will break from post 3 under return pilot Trevor McCarthy.

Michael Foster's Witch Hunter also seeks back-to-back triumphs, entering off a first-level allowance coup on Feb. 25 for Baker. The 5-year-old Khozan mare, bred in New York by Brent Fernung and Crystal Fernung, has finished at least second in seven of her last eight starts, which include a pair of victories last summer at Gulfstream Park.

Dylan Davis will ride from post 4.

Completing the field are Starship Reina [post 1, Raul Mena], First Forever [post 2, Silvestre Gonzalez], Sniff [post 5, Jacqueline Davis], Investment Grade [post 6, Luis Cardenas] and Awesomenewyear [post 7, Erick Fuentes].

Flying P Stable's Dark Money brings a two-race win streak into the $55,000 Kelly Kip for older horses sprinting six furlongs in Race 3.

The 7-year-old Central Banker gelding was claimed for $25,000 by Tom Morley out of an easy four-length claiming triumph last time out for his former owner and trainer Rudy Rodriguez.

The consistent bay has amassed $435,957 in purse earnings with 12 wins from 32 starts. He has won two of his three starts this year with a runner-up effort to kick off his 2022 campaign on New Year's Day.

Jose Gomez retains the mount from post 1.

Well-traveled veteran High Five Cotton ships in from Tampa Bay Downs to make start number 67 for trainer Jose Delgado and owner Carole Star Stable. A gelded son of High Cotton, High Five Cotton will look to improve off a runner-up effort last time out in a 6 1/2-furlong claiming sprint at Tampa. The 8-year-old dark bay has won 17 races across five different racetracks.

Trevor McCarthy picks up the mount from post 4.

Rounding out the field are Belle Tapisserie [post 2, Dylan Davis], Smile Bryan [post 3, Manny Franco], Dee Bo [post 5, Jacqueline Davis], Tapizearance [post 6, Jose Lezcano], P J Advantage [post 7, Julio Correa] and Karen's Cove [post 8, Eric Cancel].

Foxtail, owned and trained by Linda Rice, will look for the first win of her 8-year-old campaign when she takes on the $60,000 Sis City for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up traveling one mile in Race 4.

She enters from a runner-up effort in a $12,500 claimer at Aqueduct on March 6 when beaten a neck after stalking the pace and battling to the wire with Indian Bella.

The daughter of Mizzen Mast has compiled a record of 31-8-3-4 with one win at the Big A and total purse earnings of $343,616.

Kendrick Carmouche will ride from post 1.

Gringotts arrives off a string of in-the-money efforts in four claiming races at Aqueduct for trainer Chandradat Goberdhan, most recently finishing a close second to Prairie Fire in a $25,000 claiming contest sprinting seven furlongs on Feb. 20.

Owned by Emily Racing Stable, Gringotts is seeking her first trip to the winner's circle since an allowance victory at Finger Lakes Racetrack in May. The bay Central Banker mare has earned four wins and eight other placings from 24 lifetime starts.

Heman Harkie has call from post 9.

Completing the field are Game Theory [post 2, Benjamin Hernandez], A Ring Thing [post 3, Jacqueline Davis], Daria's Angel [post 4, Manny Franco], Bee Bit [post 5, Andre Worrie], Infringement [post 6, Samuel Camacho, Jr.], Honey Money [post 7, Trevor McCarthy], and Customerexperience [post 8, Dylan Davis].

Graded stakes-placed Doubly Blessed will vie for his first victory since May 2021 in the $60,000 More to Tell for older horses going a one-turn mile in Race 5.

Trained by Mike Maker for Three Diamonds Farm, Doubly Blessed was last seen finishing second to graded stakes-winner Green Light Go in the Stymie at the Big A on Feb. 26, beaten 3 3/4 lengths after being bumped at the start and rallying from fifth.

The 5-year-old son of Empire Maker picked up graded black type when he finished third in the 2021 Grade 2 Kelso at Belmont Park behind multiple Grade 1-winner Life Is Good.

Doubly Blessed will emerge from post 4 with Manny Franco in the irons.

Trainer and co-owner Rudy Rodriguez will send out stakes-winner Tiergan to try and make it two-in-a-row after a strong optional claiming win at the Big A last time out on March 6, soundly defeating five foes by 4 3/4 lengths.

Campaigned by Rodriguez with Michael Imperio and Andrew Gurdon, Tiergan won an off-the-turf edition of the Ashley T. Cole at Belmont in September.

The son of Afleet Alex will break from post 5 with Trevor McCarthy aboard.

Rounding out the field are American Lincoln [post 1, Raul Mena], Merchants of Cool [post 2, Eric Cancel], Pier Forty [post 3, Jacqueline Davis], Fast Break [post 6, Kendrick Carmouche], Spectatorless [post 7, Jose Gomez], Johnnypump [post 8, Ruben Silvera], Hammerin Aamer [post 9, Dylan Davis], Forever Wicked [post 10, Heman Harkie] and Striking Speed [post 11, Samuel Camacho, Jr.].

Prestine Racing's South Sea brings winning form into the $70,000 Peeping Tom in Race 6 going 6 1/2 furlongs for 4-year-olds and upward.

The 8-year-old Into Mischief gelding was claimed for $16,000 last out from a 9 1/2-length romp in a six-furlong sprint on Jan. 22 at the Big A. The hard-knocking gelding has hit the board in each of his last six starts.

Trevor McCarthy retains the mount from post 6.

Also entered are Lost in Rome [post 1, Heman Harkie], Supreme Aura [post 2, Eric Cancel], Blake B [post 3, Raul Mena], Magnificent Chrome [post 4, Omar Hernandez Moreno], Mount Travers [post 5, Jose Lezcano], Aristocratic [post 7, Jose Gomez], Baby I'm Perfect [post 8, Dylan Davis] and Brilliant Brooks [post 9, Manny Franco].

Cover Photo, a 5-year-old daughter of Munnings, will attempt to earn her first win for trainer Randi Persaud when she sprints six furlongs in Race 7, the $55,000 Videogenic for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up.

A popular horse in the claim box, Cover Photo has won three of her last four starts for three sets of connections, most recently skipping away to a four-length $10,000 claiming victory on March 13 for previous conditioner Michael Miceli. She was claimed out of that effort by Peter E. Bell, who won a three-way shake for the 6-year-old chestnut.

Cover Photo will be piloted by Benjamin Hernandez from post 7.

The Jeffrey Englehart-trained Shasta Star also enters from a last-out claiming win at the Big A, closing from off the pace to grind out a three-quarter-length victory over returning rival Quality Stones on Feb. 21 for owner Robert Photos.

The stakes-winning Ready's Image mare took down the 2019 California Governor's Cup Handicap at Sacramento and has finished off the board just twice in her last nine outings.

Shasta Star will break from post 1 with Trevor McCarthy up.

Completing the field are Quality Stones [post 2, Samuel Camacho, Jr.], Bustin Bay [post 3, Manny Franco], Awesome Indra [post 4, Jose Gomez], Barista Vixen [post 5, Kendrick Carmouche], Shadolamo [post 6, Dylan Davis], and Ok Honey [post 7, Jose Lezcano].

Gus Ginesin's Blewitt, a horse-for-course with six wins and three seconds from 11 starts at the Big A, headlines the $75,000 Stud Muffin in Race 8, a 1 3/8-mile endurance test for 4-year-olds and upward.

Trained by John Toscano, Jr. the 8-year-old Uncle Mo bay enters from a one-length win in a nine-furlong claiming tilt. The veteran of 24 career starts was claimed for $25,000 out of a winning effort at nine furlongs three starts back.

Dylan Davis retains the mount from post 4.

Rob Atras will saddle defending race champion Air Attack for owner Robert Derr. The 6-year-old Curlin gelding is winless in five starts since capturing last year's test by one length, but enters from a good third traveling nine furlongs for a $40,000 tag.

Manny Franco retains the mount from post 2.

A loaded field of 12 includes Battalion [post 1, Trevor McCarthy], Roman Empire [post 3, Heman Harkie], Fleet Irish [post 5, William Otero], Super John [post 6, Ruben Silvera], Original Intent [post 7, Kendrick Carmouche], Bellamy Dolce [post 8, Samuel Camacho, Jr.], Giocare [post 9, Luis Rodriguez Castro], Bar Fourteen [post 10, Jose Gomez], Sir William [post 11, Raul Mena], and Therisastormbrewin [post 12, Jose Lezcano].

Irving Kalensky and Joseph Loner's No Salt brings the class when cutting back to seven furlongs for Race 10, the $45,000 Dads Caps at seven furlongs for 4-year-olds and upward.

The Michael Miceli-trained Tonalist gelding, bred in New York by Larry Goichman, faced stakes-winners Tiergan, Water's Edge and Yankee Division in his last three starts at state-bred optional claiming level. No Salt last found the winner's circle four starts back on Dec. 18, defeating fellow New York-breds at 6 1/2 furlongs over the Aqueduct main track.

Dylan Davis will pick up the mount from post 11.

Beast Mode Racing's Magnetron will enter off one week's rest after being claimed for $10,000 by trainer Robert Falcone, Jr. Bred in New York by SF Racing Group, the 7-year-old Take Charge Indy gelding saw a cutback to seven furlongs for his last out victory over the Big A main track. He was previously a narrow second twice at Aqueduct going a one-turn mile for an $8,000 tag.

Kendrick Carmouche will ride from post 7.

Completing the field are Binkster [post 1, Jose Gomez], Mi Tres Por Ciento [post 2, Eric Cancel], Healy's Hope [post 3, Ruben Silvera], Direct Order [post 4, Manny Franco], Tale of Mist [post 5, Benjamin Hernandez], Joycee Haz Pizzaz [post 6, Heman Harkie], Next Flight [post 8, Luis Rodriguez Castro], Bedazzling [post 9, Samuel Camacho, Jr.], Trappeze Artist [post 10, Erick Fuentes], Confectioner [post 12, Raul Mena], Winning Drive [post 13, Trevor McCarthy] and Anything Pazible [post 14, Jacqueline Davis].

First post for Saturday's card is 1:20 p.m. Eastern.

America's Day at the Races will present daily coverage and analysis of the winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule.

NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Aqueduct Racetrack, and the best way to bet every race of the winter meet. Available to horseplayers nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.

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