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Chad Brown Holds Strong Hand In Del Mar’s Hollywood Derby, Seabiscuit Handicap

On the final Saturday of its Bing Crosby Season, Del Mar will offer a stakes tripleheader topped by the Grade 1, $400,000 Hollywood Derby, a turf battle deluxe that has drawn an overflow field to the seaside track north of San Diego, Calif.

Also on tap for the big afternoon will be the Grade 2, $250,000 Seabiscuit Handicap for 3-year-olds and up on the grass and the Grade 3, $100,000 Jimmy Durante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, also on the lawn.

The trio of black-type affairs are part of the seven-race Turf Festival that closes out Del Mar's 2021 run. On Sunday, there will be two more turfers – the Grade 3, $100,000 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes and the Grade 1, $400,000 Matriarch Stakes.

Likely favorite among the 14 3-year-olds in the Hollywood Derby is Klaravich Stables' Public Sector, an eastern-based colt out of the potent Chad Brown barn who is coming off three consecutive graded stakes wins. The British-bred son of Kingman has run only on turf in his nine-race career, winning five times with three seconds and earnings just shy of $600,000. He'll get the saddle services of top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. and they'll break from Post 6 in the full gate lineup as they head down Del Mar's unique infield chute for their mile and one-eighth journey.

The Hollywood Derby goes as the ninth race on the day's program, while the Seabiscuit Handicap is the fifth and the Jimmy Durante goes as the seventh.

The horse to beat in the seven-horse lineup for the Seabiscuit is Dubb, Madaket Stables or Wonder Stables and Bethlehem Stables' Sacred Life, who also will have Ortiz, Jr. in the boot for trainer Brown. He, too, is in from the east and coming off a grass stakes tally in a Grade 3 at Belmont Park on October 10.

Finally, the Jimmy Durante looms a wide-open affair with several runners in the 11-horse grouping eligible to draw favorite honors. One of them is a local, the Benowitz Family Trust or Nentwig's Helens Well, who'll be handled by Umberto Rispoli for trainer Phil D'Amato.

Here's the full fields for the three stakes from the rail out with riders and morning line odds:

Hollywood Derby: Red Baron's Barn or Rancho Temescal's Dicey Mo Chara (Tyler Baze, 30-1); C R K Stable's Beyond Brilliant (Kent Desormeaux, 12-1); CYBT, Sterling Stable or Nentwig's Cathkin Peak (Flavien Prat, 6-1); Reddam Racing's Team Merchants (Mario Gutierrez, 15-1); Double L Racing or Natalie Baffert's Hudson Ridge (Mike Smith, 12-1); Public Sector (5/2); Wachtel Stable, Barber, Drion or Powell's Flashiest (Abel Cedillo, 15-1); Peter Brant's Sifting Sands (Jose Ortiz, 15-1); Red Oak Stable's It Can Be Done (Joe Bravo, 20-1); Red Baron's Barn or Rancho Temescal's Zoffarelli (Drayden Van Dyke, 20-1); Walking L Thoroughbreds' Camp Hope (Tiago Pereira, 5-1); LNJ Foxwood's Subconscious (Juan Hernandez, 4-1); Calumet Farm's In Effect (John Velazquez, 20-1), and Godolphin's Santin (Umberto Rispoli, 10-1). John M.B. O'Connor's Airman (Edwin Maldonado, 30-1) is the also-eligible in the field.

Seabiscuit Handicap: Wachtel Stable or Barber's Indian Peak (Juan Hernandez, 10-1); Three Diamonds Farm's Field Pass (Umberto Rispoli, 5/2); Peter Brant's Flop Shot (Irad Ortiz, Jr., 4-1); Nguyen or Tran's Bob and Jackie (John Velazquez, 6-1); Rave Green Racing's Majestic Eagle (Flavien Prat, 8-1); Jerome Moss' Lambeau (Edwin Maldonado, 12-1), and Sacred Life (8/5).

Jimmy Durante: Reddam Racing's Awake at Midnyte (Mario Gutierrez, 10-1); C T R stables of Aldabbagh's Miss Bellatrix (John Velazquez, 15-1); Slam Dunk Racing or Newman's Toeris (Abel Cedillo, 15-1); Gary Barber's Travel Smart (Flavien Prat, 6-1); Gary Barber's Liam's Dove (Juan Hernandez, 12-1); David Meah's Reem Zabeel (Kyle Frey, 15-1); ERJ Racing, Madaket Stables and Kenney's Virulente (Drayden Van Dyke, 6-1); Beerman Family Trust, Sayjay Racing, Knapp and Rexius' Half Past Twelve (Tiago Pereira, 20-1); Catherine Parke or Augustin Stable's Sparkle Blue (Jose Ortiz, 4-1), and Nentwig, Pagano, CYBT, Benowitz Family Trust or Madaket Stables' Helens Well (Umberto Rispoli, 7/2).

First post Saturday is at 12:30 p.m.

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‘An Absolutely Fantastic Ride’: On Eve Of Final Start, Robert Tiller Reflects On Pink Lloyd’s Career

Pink Lloyd, one of Canada's most decorated champions, will make the final start of his illustrious career in Saturday's Grade 2 $175,000 Kennedy Road Stakes at Woodbine in Toronto, Ont.

Campaigned by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Tiller, 9-year-old Pink Lloyd is set to chase his 26^th career stakes victory in the Kennedy Road, a six-furlong main track test for 3-year-olds and upward, a race that he won in 2017 and 2019.

“We made a decision this week to retire him after this race,” said Tiller of the seven-time Sovereign Award-winning gelding, who was named Canada's Horse of the Year in 2017. “It will be a bit of a sad situation because all good things come to an end, but it's been an absolutely fantastic ride. To me, he's the greatest sprinter we've ever had at Woodbine. It's been a wonderful ride, with some sadness, but on the other hand it will be a big relief for me, certainly, because it's not easy training a horse like this where everyone expects him to win all the time.”

Owned by Entourage Stable and bred by John Carey, the son of Old Forester launched his career in 2016 with straight three straight victories.

It was only the beginning for Pink Lloyd, a $30,000 purchase at the 2013 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale.

His trophy haul includes four consecutive (2017-2020) champion male sprinter trophies and a pair of champion older male titles in 2017 and 2019.

Pink Lloyd, who went 8-for-8 in 2017, won four consecutive editions of the Vigil Stakes and Jacques Cartier Stakes, along with three triumphs in both the Shepperton and Kenora.

The chestnut arrives at his final start off a win in the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes on November 7 at Woodbine. He brings a record of 28-3-2 from 37 starts, accompanied by over $2.3 million (CDN) in purse earnings, into the Kennedy Road.

“We're so proud of him,” said Tiller. “On one hand, it will be over, and I'll be very sad to see him get on the van and go, but I don't think anyone should shed too many tears because what he's done has been fantastic. We want to give him what he deserves.”

The fan favorite has built up an impressive following over his years on the racetrack.

That popularity will live on when he starts his post-racing life with LongRun, one of the continent's most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations.

He'll join over 50 retired thoroughbred horses at LongRun's farm in Erin, Ont., a little less than an hour's drive north of Woodbine.

“It's just an awesome privilege for LongRun to be chosen to give Pink Lloyd his happy retirement home,” said Vicki Pappas, a founding member and longtime chairperson of LongRun.

Michelle Gibson, Pink Lloyd's groom, will be a frequent visitor to the picturesque property.

“I have mixed emotions,” said Gibson, recipient of the Jockey Club of Canada's 2020 Outstanding Groom Award. “I'm elated that he is retiring but at the same time, I'm going to miss that face greeting me every morning. He deserves a happy life now. I would love to be there the first time he gets turned out in a huge paddock, just being a horse. Even though he will be gone from my stalls, he will never be gone from life. He is my heart horse.”

Regular rider Rafael Hernandez, a lifetime winner of over 2,800 races, continues to marvel at the veteran campaigner's ability to show up every time the gate opens.

He's hoping to end Pink Lloyd's racing career on a high note.

“When you ride him, you don't feel yourself going fast because he spends so much time in the air,” Hernandez recently told Woodbine. “He has a big, big stride. He's unbelievable… he's push button. When you're in a race car and you push the nose and say, 'Bye-bye,' that's him. When you turn for home and push the button, it's, 'Bye-bye, come and get me.' Every time I talk about him in an interview after the race, I tell them I am just a passenger. You need the horse to win the race. You can't say that you won the race. You need a good driver. With this horse, I am happy to be the driver.”

His connections are grateful to have been along for the thrill ride.

“He'll be a tourist attraction at LongRun now,” offered Tiller. “Vicki and her crew, they're going to love him, and he's going to be great for people to come out and see. I plan on being out there myself and having a few chats with him.”

They'll no doubt have plenty to talk about.

First post for Saturday's 11-race card is 12:55 p.m. The Kennedy Road goes as race eight. Fans can watch and wager on all the action with HPIbet.com and the Dark Horse Bets app.

To learn more about LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement click on the link.

$175,000 KENNEDY ROAD STAKES

Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer
1 – Lenny K – Justin Stein – Kevin Attard
2 – Red River Rebel – Luis Contreras – Kevin Attard
3 – Tap It to Win – Kazushi Kimura – Mark Casse
4 – Clayton – Antonio Gallardo – Kevin Attard
5 – Pink Lloyd – Rafael Hernandez – Robert Tiller
6 – Richiesinthehouse – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Francine Villeneuve
7 – Smokin' Jay – Shaun Bridgmohan – Kelsey Danner
8 – Souper Stonehenge – Patrick Husbands – Mark Casse
9 – Malibu Secret – Ademar Santos – Ross Armata, Jr.

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Neige Blanche Kicks Off Del Mar Turf Festival With Front-Running Red Carpet Score

The French filly Neige Blanche made every pole a winner in her 11-furlong journey Thursday in the $100,000 Red Carpet Handicap at Del Mar and held off the late-charging 3-10 favorite Luck at the wire for a head victory in the Grade 3 headliner at the seaside track north of San Diego, Calif.

The 4-year-old chestnut by the Irish stallion Anodin ran the distance in 2:15.45 under Juan Hernandez and returned $24.80 to her backers in the Thanksgiving Day crowd.

Neige Blanche ('white snow' in French) is trained by Frenchman Leonard Powell. She's owned by the following group: Sol Kumin's Madaket Stables, Laura De Seroux, Marsha Naify and Mathilde Powell.

Luck, who races for LNJ Foxwoods, finished a half length ahead of Katsumi Yoshida's Nicest in third.

The payoffs were Neigh Blanche $24.80, $5.00 and $3.00; Luck $2.20 and $2.10, and Nicest $3.00. Fractions were :25.00, :50.60, 1:16.35, 1:40.25, 2:03.38 and 2:15.45

“I thought I'd be running second behind someone,” said Hernandez. “She usually relaxes better if she's got a horse in front of her. But today nobody wanted the front and she seemed to be fine out there so I just let her keep on going. When we were in the stretch she sensed that other horse (3-10 favorite Luck) coming on the outside and she picked it up. She didn't want to get beat.”

Neige Blanche earned a first prize of $60,000 for her efforts, pushing her winnings to $315,280. She now has six wins in 15 outings.

“We brought her here (from France) a year ago and she has been a really consistent, good horse,” said Powell. “We tried some new tactics today, going to the lead, and it worked. I could see the first time past the stands the pace wasn't that fast and I felt good. I had a moment of concern when she was headed in the stretch, but she dug in very gamely and got her head in front at the wire. I'm very proud of her.”

The Red Carpet is the first of seven graded stakes run on turf at Del Mar for its final four days of the 2021 Bing Crosby Season.

There was an early 11 a.m. first post Thursday because of the holiday, but post will move to the regular 12:30 start for the remaining three days.

The track's elusive Pick 6 Single Ticket Jackpot Wager once again slipped through the bettors hands and its carryover reached $460,113. With three days left in the meet, there is the possibility that the massive pot could go forward all the way to closing day on Sunday when there would be a mandatory payout of the entire pool.

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Envoutante Upsets Bonny South Again In Falls City

It was déjà vu all over again for Three Chimneys Farm and Walking L Thoroughbreds' Envoutante as the 4-year-old filly upset favored Bonny South by six lengths in Thursday's $500,000 Falls City (Grade 2), the traditional Thanksgiving Day fixture for fillies and mares at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., for the second year in a row.

Trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Envoutante ran 1 1/8 miles over a sloppy track in 1:51.52 – the slowest since Dundalk Dust's 1:53.37 under similar conditions in 2011 – to become the first back-to-back Falls City winner since Screen Prospect in 1990-91.

Last year, Envoutante also beat 4-5 favorite Bonny South by six lengths in the Falls City but it was over a fast track in 1:49.11, which was the fastest Falls City since Silent Eskimo's stakes record of 1:48.85 in 1999.

Breaking from post three in the field of six fillies and mares, Envoutante saved ground and raced along the rail throughout the two-turn race. Black-Eyed Susan (G2) and Iowa Oaks (G3) winner Army Wife had a narrow advantage over Envoutante through the first half-mile of the race (:24.82 and :49.20) but the defending race champion took over with a five furlongs to run.

Around the final turn and six furlongs in 1:13.55, Army Wife continued to chase leader Envoutante as Audrey's Time and multiple graded stakes winner Bonny South loomed boldly with wide rallies. Audrey's Time drew even with Envoutante at the top of the stretch and Bonny's South came within a length, but Envoutante had plenty of energy left and quickly opened up in the stretch for the comfortable win in the 106^th running of the Falls City.

“Even though we were battling on the front end, down the backside she was still traveling very comfortably,” Hernandez Jr. said. “I knew going into the far turn and at the quarter pole my filly would have enough kick left in her for the stretch. She ran a great effort and repeated her race from last year's Falls City.”

Envoutante was the 5-2 third betting choice and paid $7.40, $3.80 and $2.80. Bonny South, the 8-5 favorite ridden by Florent Geroux, returned $2.80 and $2.40. Audrey's Time was another 3 ½ lengths back in third at odds of 21-1 under Corey Lanerie and paid $4.20.

Army Wife, High Regard and Crystal Ball completed the order of finish. Cheetara (CHI) was scratched.

Prior to Thursday's triumph, Envoutante finished fifth in the $500,000 Spinster (G1) at Keeneland. In May, she won the $150,000 Shawnee at Churchill Downs. Overall, she's won four of seven starts at the Louisville oval.

“She definitely likes Churchill,” McPeek said. “Brian did a fantastic job with her on the front end. When I looked up at the half-mile and saw (:49.20), I knew we were in a good spot. I'm sure her owners are celebrating at home with their families for Thanksgiving, so a special congratulations goes to them. We'll have to see what happens next for her. She had a date with Gun Runner if things didn't go well today but showed today she's still got it in her.”

With the Falls City win, Envoutante improved her record to 6-2-4 in 16 starts. Thursday's lofty $305,520 first prize jumped her earnings to $931,658.

Envoutante is a dark bay or brown daughter of Uncle Mo out of the Bluegrass Cat mare Enchante. She was bred in Kentucky by Jumping Jack Racing LLC.

Racing at Churchill Downs continues Friday with the popular day-after Thanksgiving card highlighted by the 147^th running of the $750,000 Clark presented by Norton Healthcare (G1) for older horses. The Clark goes as Race 11 of 12 at approximately 5:56 p.m. (all times Eastern). The first race is 1 p.m. There is a $195,484 jackpot carryover in the 20-cent Derby City 6, which covers Races 7-12.

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