Tag: Racing

Stonestreet Stables' Kentucky homebred Clairiere returns to defend her title in Sunday's Grade 2, $200,000 Shuvee, a nine-furlong test for older fillies and mares at Saratoga Race Course.

Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the regally-bred Clairiere enters from Grade 1 wins traveling 1 1/16-miles in the Apple Blossom Handicap in April at Oaklawn Park and the Ogden Phipps in June at Belmont Park.

The late-running 5-year-old Curlin mare bested last year's Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks-winner Secret Oath by a neck in the Apple Blossom and returned to defeat Grade 1 winner Search Results last out by a half-length in the Ogden Phipps with Grade 1 winner Played Hard in third.

“She's as good as it gets,” Asmussen said. “We've got two Grade 1s in a row in extremely dramatic fashion and, if anything, it seems it's going to be the same way this time – very few participants with a soft pace, but she still can do it.”

Asmussen said he relishes the opportunity to see his horses compete at the highest level at Saratoga and to have them cheered on and adored by the knowledgeable crowd.

“You just want people to like them as much as you do, and that's one of the greatest parts about Saratoga is how much the fans appreciate these horses and this level of horse,” Asmussen said. “We are blessed with unbelievable opportunities and this is the level these horses deserve. I am extremely proud of their consistency and longevity.”

Clairiere sports a ledger of 19-8-5-3 for purse earnings in excess of $3.1 million, including Grade 1-wins in the 2021 Cotillion at Parx and last year's Ogden Phipps at Belmont. She is out of the three-time Grade 1-winning Bernardini mare Cavorting, who banked more than $2 million through a record of 13-8-1-1.

“I think she's who she's supposed to be for a Curlin out of Cavorting,” Asmussen said. “I thought it was extremely significant that she went by her mother in earnings and what an elite level that is and for Stonestreet and their breeding program to have her. The only thing better than Cavorting is her daughter, and that's very special.”

Joel Rosario, who has won the last three runnings of this event, retains the mount from the outermost post 4 aboard Clairiere, who is assigned a field-high 124 pounds.

Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Michael House's reigning Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Nest [post 2, Irad Ortiz, Jr., 122 pounds] will make her seasonal debut for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.

The Curlin bay won a trio of Grade 1s last year, taking the Ashland at Keeneland and the Coaching Club American Oaks and Alabama at the Spa.

Pletcher was initially targeting the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps in June at Belmont Park for Nest's 4-year-old debut, but said he's hopeful she can maintain her perfect record over the Spa main track.

“She's doing very well,” Pletcher said. “Obviously, we're giving up some recency to some really nice fillies, but it's kind of the hand we were dealt when she got sick when she first shipped in. We got behind schedule, and hopefully we can run well here.”

Nest has posted 10 works dating to May 13 at Belmont Park, including a half-mile effort in 50 seconds flat in company over the Oklahoma dirt training track on July 16 in which the talented bay galloped out impressively.

“It was a good work and a nice, strong gallop out,” Pletcher said. “I feel like we've got a good foundation into her, but there's no substitute for having some races under your belt.”

Nest has won 7-of-11 starts, taking the Grade 2 Demoiselle as a juvenile at Aqueduct Racetrack ahead of her memorable sophomore season that included a 9 3/4-length romp in the Grade 2 Beldame at Belmont at the Big A.

Pletcher said Nest, who completed her 3-year-old year with a fourth-place finish as the favorite in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff in November at Keeneland, continues to show her good form.

“I think the main thing is she's filled out a bit and maybe is carrying a little more condition than last year. You just want them to stay there [in that good form],” Pletcher said.

Pletcher has won the Shuvee on four occasions, scoring with Awesome Maria [2011], Authenticity [2013], Stopchargingmaria [2015] and Curalina [2016]. A win would see him tie the record of five Shuvee scores held by the late Hall of Famer Allen Jerkens.

Trainer Philip Bauer was expected to be represented by Rigney Racing's Grade 1 La Troienne winner Played Hard, but had to call an audible when the 5-year-old Into Mischief mare spiked a temperature this week.

“She had a little temperature and when you compete against those type of horses, you have to be at your best. We'll back up and punt from here and hit the reset button,” Bauer said. “She had trained great all week. It's new surroundings up here and a new environment and she caught a little bug, but I think we'll be alright moving forward. We'll just have to miss this dance.”

Bauer will instead send out Rigney Racing's stakes-placed Skratch Kat [post 1, Tyler Gaffalione, 118 pounds], who sports a ledger of 11-2-3-1.

“It's an opportunity to get some graded black type,” Bauer said. “We're swinging to try and hit a home run with our eyes closed, but stranger things have happened. I don't think we can beat the two big ones in there but it's horse racing and anything can happen.”

Skratch Kat, by Arrogate, is out of the multiple graded stakes-placed Smart Strike mare Wave Theory.

Rounding out the field is stakes-placed Pistol Liz Ablazen [post 3, Kendrick Carmouche, 118 pounds], who boasts a record of 11-3-4-2 for trainer Butch Reid, Jr.

The 4-year-old Daredevil filly finished third in the 1 1/16-mile Nellie Morse in February at Laurel Park and enters from a 5 1/2-length score in a one-mile and 70-yard optional-claiming event on June 21 at Parx.

The Shuvee is slated as Race 4 on Sunday's 10-race card. First post is 1:10 p.m. Eastern.

Saratoga Live will present live coverage and analysis of the Saratoga Race Course summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the broadcast schedule and channel finder, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/tv-schedule/.

The post Champion Nest Back From Layoff To Take On Streaking Clairiere In Sunday’s Shuvee appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Kevin Attard will have four chances to win his third straight $500,000 Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser, one of four stakes on Sunday's 11-race card at Woodbine.

Inaugurated in 1956, the filly classic, which has attracted 14 Canadian-foaled 3-year-old fillies carrying 121 pounds over one mile and one-eighth on the Tapeta, will go postward as race 10 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The winning connections will receive $300,000.

Sunday's card also features the $150,000 Plate Trial Stakes, a key race ahead of the King's Plate (August 20), the $175,000 Connaught Cup Stakes Presented by Bulleit Bourbon (G2T), and $150,000 Trillium Stakes Presented by Stella Artois (G3).

After winning the 2021 Oaks with eventual Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Munnyfor Ro, and the 2022 edition with Queen's Plate (now King's Plate) winner and Canada's reigning horse of the year Moira, trainer Kevin Attard will look to duplicate that success with the quartet of Courtly Ro, Delphia, Fashionably Fab, and Wickenheiser.

“To win one Oaks is a big accomplishment and something all of us at the barn are really proud of. And to win two straight was beyond incredible. This is the type of race you dream about winning and hopefully that dream isn't over yet. It takes a lot to get a horse to this kind of race. It takes a team effort and I'm lucky to be part of a great one.”

Owned by Raroma Stable Inc., Courtly Ro, a daughter of Cairo Prince-Victoire, bred by Sam-Son Farm, brings a mark of 1-0-1 from six starts into the Oaks.

After a third on the E.P. Taylor turf to launch her career last July, the roan broke her maiden next time out in a seven-furlong race over the same ground. She closed out her 2-year-old campaign with a seventh in the Natalma Stakes (G1T) and a fifth in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.

In two starts this year, Courtly Ro finished ninth in the Fury Stakes Presented by Stella Artois and seventh in a one-mile turf race on July 1.

Attard is hopeful the filly can turn things around with a big effort on Sunday.

“Obviously, Courtly Ro's past two races have been disappointing. That said, we know she has the talent and ability to turn things around. She's been working well, so hopefully, she can bounce back with a big effort on Sunday.”

Delphia made an impressive first impression on her connections courtesy of a dazzling debut on June 15.

The daughter of Mucho Macho Man-Quality Diamond rallied to win the 1 1/16-mile Tapeta race by three lengths for owners X-Men Racing 2 LLC and SF Racing LLC.

“The connections and everyone at the barn were looking forward to Delphia's first race and she certainly didn't disappoint. It was a professional performance from start to finish. To go two turns in your first start and do it that well was very impressive.”

Bred by Adena Springs, the bay filly caught the attention of Attard well before her career bow.

The lifetime winner of 699 races believes his young charge will be able to handle the step up to the stakes ranks.

“She'll have to be even better on Sunday, but from day one, she's been a willing filly, handling everything that comes her way like a savvy veteran.”

Fashionably Fab won three straight races as a rookie after a third in her debut last September.

Bred and owned by Terra Racing Stable, the daughter of Silent Name (JPN)-Flashy's Legacy arrives at the Oaks off a fifth in the Fury Stakes Presented by Stella Artois, her first 3-year-old start.

The dark bay has had a steady work tab since the Fury, including a five-furlong breeze in :59.40 over the Woodbine main track on July 16.

“Fashionably Fab's first race back was okay. She's a very talented horse and I believe she'll be much better in her second start. She had a great rookie year, including her maiden win by nearly 12 lengths. She likes to be forwardly placed, but she's handy enough to adapt to however the race plays out. She's also worked well since the Fury and is coming into the race in good order.”

Attard's other starter comes in the form of Wickenheiser, named after Canadian hockey great Hayley Wickenheiser.

Bred by Sean Fitzhenry, the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid-Frame (FR) is owned by Attard, Clay Scherer, and Al and Bill Ulwelling.

The bay won first time out last July at Woodbine and was fourth in the Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1T) in September. She was second in a 1 1/16-mile Tapeta race on June 4 and brings a mark of 1-1-0 from five career starts into the Oaks.

“I thought Wickenheiser's last effort was very impressive. She came running and was really rolling late. She's a very versatile filly and is always up for the challenge. It would be great to see her build off her last race and go one better on Sunday. We know she will definitely appreciate the distance.”

Big Brass Bed, a daughter of Nyquist-Precision Farming, will make her first start outside of the U.S. for trainer Chad Brown and owner Peter Brant. Bred by Anderson Farms Ont. Inc., the chestnut filly, unraced at two, finished third on the Gulfstream Park turf in her April debut, before breaking her maiden at 1 1/16 miles over the Monmouth grass in May. She heads into the Oaks off a fourth at Belmont in a 1 1/16-mile run on the inner turf on June 22.

Collect Dattt, a daughter of Collected-Dattt Echo, is owned by Bruno Schickedanz, who supplemented her to the Oaks. Bred by Anderson Farms Ont. Inc., the bay has compiled a record of 2-1-0 from seven starts. Last time out, on July 2, Collect Dattt struck front in mid-stretch and posted a two-length score in a six-furlong Tapeta race. The horse was claimed for $40,000 and is now in the barn of Martin Hinckson.

Elysian Field, trained by dual hall of famer and three-time Oaks winner Mark Casse, heads into the Oaks off a strong second in the Fury. Sporting a 1-2-0 mark from five starts, the chestnut daughter of Hard Spun-Elysian is owned by Team Valor International and Gary Barber, and was bred by Anderson Farms Ont. Inc. ​

“I thought she ran really well in the Fury,” said Casse. “She's training very well heading into this. I expect her to run a big race.”

A dark bay daughter of Midnight Lute-Sinful, Flysofreeashleeb is winless from seven starts for owner Colebrook Farms. Trained by Patrick Dixon, the dark bay was third in her most recent performance, a 1 1/16-mile trek over the Tapeta on June 15. She was bred by Janeane Everatt, James Everatt and Arika Everatt-Meeuse.

Fashioning a mark of 2-2-2 from 10 career starts, Fortyfiveseventy has the most races of any Oaks entrant under her saddle. Bred by Charles Fipke, the daughter of Perfect Timber-Avall Tale has finished in the top four eight times to date. She debuted last July and broke her maiden in her sixth start, the penultimate race of her 2-year-old campaign. Trained and owned by Barbara Minshall, she comes into the Oaks off a fourth in the Selene Stakes (G3).

Bred by Adena Springs, Friends for Life is 1-1-1 from four starts. The daughter of Silent Name (JPN)-Ginger Brew recorded a 2 ¼-length score in her career bow last August over six furlongs on the Woodbine Tapeta. Third, placed second in the turf Victorian Queen Stakes, the bay was tenth in her final 2-year-old start on October 16. She launched her 3-year-old campaign with a third at seven furlongs on the Tapeta in late May. Stuart Simon trains and co-owns with Brent, Russell, and Roy McLellan.

Great Kate heads into the Oaks in winning form after breaking her maiden courtesy of a sharp score at 1 1/16 miles over the Tapeta on June 22. Trained by John Mattine for RCC Racing Stable Ltd., the daughter of Souper Speedy-Queenie's Gold rallied to finish fourth in her debut last November. She completed her 2-year-old season with a sixth, 3 ½ lengths behind the winner, in a one mile and a 70-yard Tapeta race. The dark bay was bred by Paradox Farm Inc.

Me and My Shadow, under the tutelage of Mark Casse, has never finished lower than fourth in her six starts, which has yielded a 1-2-1 mark. Owned by D.J. Racing Stable LLC, the daughter of Violence-Silhouette has contested four stakes races, including runner-up performances in last year's Princess Elizabeth and Shady Well. She heads into the Oaks off a third in the Fury.

“I kind of felt early on this year that Me and My Shadow wasn't training as well as she has in the past, but that's changed in her last couple of breezes. The lights have come on and I expect a big effort.”

Ticker Tape Home rained on her rivals' parade in the Fury, wiring her seven foes with a confident four-length triumph. Trained by Mark Casse, the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro-Journey Home is 2-2-0 from eight races. Bred by Sam-Son Farm and owned by Live Oak Plantation, the dark bay broke her maiden in her fourth start, a 9 ¾-length romp over seven furlongs on the E.P. Taylor Turf last October. She was runner-up in her final 2-year-old start, the Display Stakes, on November 5.

“She's training very well,” said Casse. “She's a very talented filly. It's whether she can get the distance. Her pedigree says she should, but nobody knows a mile and an eighth until you do it. I think all three of our horses are legitimate contenders.”

Bred and owned by Robert Marzilli, Tito's Calling has finished in the top four in her past five starts, a run that includes back-to-back victories, one to end her 2-year-old season and the other to launch her 3-year-old campaign. Trained by Mike De Paulo, the bay daughter of Society's Chairman-Unstablenthemornin finished third in the Selene (G3) on July 1. Overall, she's 2-1-1 from nine starts.

The Woodbine Oaks is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara, which continues at the Toronto oval with the 1 1/16-mile, $250,000 Bison City Stakes on August 13 and concludes with the $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes at 1 ¼ miles over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course on September 10.

First race post time for Sunday's 11-race program is 1:05 p.m. Fans can watch and wager on all the action through HPIbet.com and the Dark Horse Bets app.

$500,000 WOODBINE OAKS PRESENTED BY BUDWEISER (Race 10)

Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer

1 – Flysofreeashleeb – Jose Campos – Patrick Dixon

2 – Big Brass Bed – Manuel Franco – Chad Brown

3 – Elysian Field – Sahin Civaci – Mark Casse

4 – Great Kate – Rico Walcott – John Mattine

5 – Delphia – David Moran – Kevin Attard

6 – Friends for Life – Eswan Flores – Stuart Simon

7 – Fashionably Fab – Rafael Hernandez – Kevin Attard

8 – Fortyfiveseventy – Ryan Munger – Barb Minshall

9 – Tito's Calling – Luis Contreras – Michael De Paulo

10 – Wickenheiser – Kazushi Kimura – Kevin Attard

11 – Ticker Tape Home – Patrick Husbands – Mark Casse

12 – Collect Dattt (S) – Skye Chernetz – Martin Hinckson

13 – Courtly Ro – Daisuke Fukumoto – Kevin Attard

14 – Me and My Shadow – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Mark Casse

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Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said he currently has Grade 1 Preakness-winner National Treasure and recent Los Alamitos Derby-winner Reincarnate under consideration for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 Saratoga Race Course.

National Treasure, by Quality Road, provided Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez his first Preakness win with a game head score over Blazing Sevens. The $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale purchase was last seen finishing sixth on June 10 in the 12-furlong Grade 1 Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets.

“He looks good. The timing is good for him for something like that,” Baffert said. “He ran big in the Preakness and he needs a little more spacing. He'll like the mile and a quarter.

“Everything is subject to change,” added Baffert. “I go by how the horses are doing, and a lot can change between now and then.”

Reincarnate, by Good Magic, captured the Grade 3 Sham in January at Santa Anita en route to third-place finishes at Oaklawn Park in the Grade 2 Rebel and Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. He finished a distant 13th in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby in May at Churchill Downs.

The $775,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase returned from a two-month layoff on July 8 to take the nine-furlong Los Alamitos Derby in frontrunning fashion.

“He had lost a lot of weight and had been shipping a lot, but he's back to his old self and looks great,” Baffert said. “We always thought he was going to be a Belmont-type horse.”

National Treasure and Reincarnate are both owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan.

Baffert, who will send out Arabian Knight in Saturday's Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park, said Zedan Racing Stables' Arabian Lion will not visit the Spa for the Grade 2, $200,000 Amsterdam on July 28 here. However, the last-out winner of the Grade 1 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun is likely to ship here in company with last-out Grade 3 Dwyer-winner Fort Bragg for the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial on August 26 as part of a stacked Travers Day card.

“I was thinking about it [the Amsterdam], but I'm going to wait for the Allen Jerkens,” Baffert said regarding Arabian Lion. “He's been doing really well. I almost ran him in the Haskell, but I have Arabian Knight in there for the same owner.”

Baffert said Zedan Racing Stables' Arabian Knight, the 5-2 morning line favorite for the Haskell, is in good order as he visits his third different track in as many starts.

The Uncle Mo colt, a $2.3 million OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training purchase, won by 7 1/4-lengths on debut in November at Keeneland and followed in January with a 5 1/2-length romp over sloppy and sealed going in the Grade 3 Southwest at Oaklawn Park.

“I think he'd suit any track you put him on. He's never run at home – all his races have been on the road. He's never run in California,” Baffert said.

Baffert, who noted he expects to send some 2-year-olds to Saratoga for upcoming stakes races, said Arabian Knight would be unlikely to try for a Haskell-Travers double.

“I doubt it. He's a horse that I like to space out his races. It's tough to do the Haskell to Travers,” Baffert said.

Baffert last attempted a Haskell-Travers double with 2015 Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah, who finished a close second to Keen Ice.

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