An accomplished horseman like Moquett relishes the routine; everyone does, but as an assistant trainer she is never shy when it comes to a good equine conundrum. In a vocation such as hers when you spend your time breaking and training Thoroughbreds to race the trade demands it.

Time

Hot Springs's own Harry T. Rosenblum, who co-owns Time for Truth (Omaha Beach) with Cheyenne Stables, has entered that well-mannered colt this Saturday in the GI Arkansas Derby and Moquett has played an integral part in 'Truth's' development.

The road to the track's signature race has not been a cakewalk. Remember, it's horse racing. A case in point, the 3-year-old was spooked during one of those routine workouts one morning, but according to Moquett, in situations like these what seems to be a problem can turn into an invitation for growth.

Laura Moquett breezing Time for Truth | Coady Photography

“Jogging backwards a rider got dropped,” said Moquett. “It really made him [Time for Truth] fearful because it was a surprise and it was keeping him from moving forward, so we needed to figure out a way to address it by teaching him not to be afraid. He figured it out with a little help.”

What Moquett did, along with fellow assistant Greta Kuntzweiler, was put a horse in front of the 3-year-old and show him how to move around obstacles. It seems like a simple fix. But it's not.

The social cues and mechanisms from the saddle come from a long line of trial and error, which are based in the fundamentals of exercise riding. Moquett knows this; she's studied it through countless hours of developing her own horseman's database. It's a hard drive full of experiences. In her line of work, you have to consider anatomy, kinesiology, a dab of psychotherapy, and most of all, a heavy dosage of patience to solve a horse's Rubik's Cube.

“You don't get on them and just steer with your hands,” explained Moquett. “It's about knowing their tendencies, listening and feeling their body movements. All of that comes from your legs and it has a lot to do with your weight distribution.”

Listening

The tried-and-true Socratic Method–asking a question and then receiving a response– works just fine in your garden-variety academic setting.

However, when it comes to preparing Time for Truth for Saturday's career-defining race, what you really need is someone who understands a horse's language.

Laura Moquett on her shedrow rounds | JN Campbell

Someone who whispers to them? Sure, but it's equally important to know how to listen. Laura Moquett is one of those listeners.

With an intuitive sense for animals which she had from a very young age, Moquett has honed her skills over the years working with Thoroughbreds around racetracks and after they have retired.

As an assistant to husband Ron Moquett, Time for Truth's conditioner, the question she asked when the Thoroughbred first arrived as a juvenile last year is the same one she issues to any member of the barn: “How can this colt move forward?”

“I like a good fixer,” Moquett said with a smile. “Maybe Ron understands that most of all, but what I am trying to do is guide energy. Horses can feel a fly, so what we do is help manage their senses by listening to what they tell us.”

Origins

Ron Moquett met his future wife on the backstretch while the two worked under trainer Bernie Flint in the mid-1990s. He understood early on what a natural gift for horsemanship she possessed and how equine athletes responded to her.

“Laura can find ways to get along with some of the toughest horses,” Ron Moquett said. “Instead of making them perform a task, her connection to them–all animals really–is just incredibly special and she gets into their psyche by adapting to their own ideology.”

Time for Truth with groom Jose Espinoza | Coady Photography

Laura Moquett says there's a complex and evolving dialogue between the horses and the humans who care for them. Grooms, hotwalkers, van drivers, and of course, exercise riders all gravitate to a certain type of equine athlete.

“Oh, we've all got a type, everyone in this barn does,” she said. “For me, I like a big-ass colt with an attitude.”

Assistant Greta Kuntzweiler agreed, but she works well with a different sort.

“Give me the nutty filly or the cranky old gelding,” she said.

Truth

As an integral member of Moquett Racing, Kuntzweiler guided Time for Truth, along with her mentor Laura Moquett, over the course of the past several months as the colt prepared for each new obstacle. Once he broke his maiden on the last day of the year, the dark bay out of the Lookin At Lucky mare Shape Shifter had to endure time off due to a frozen second half of January, which caused his workout regimen to be altered.

An unlucky stall accident the week of the GII Rebel S. waylaid his next start, but the team behind him kept him on course. Time for Truth successfully traversed the two-turn conundrum against optional claimers at Oaklawn earlier this month, which set up the opportunity to enter the starting gate this Saturday.

“Working with Laura and Ron over the years, I've learned to take on challenges one step at a time, really watch how she develops the ones who need the most help,” Kuntzweiler said. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, the answer is to go forward.”

Already at Churchill Downs for the coming meet, the assistant trainer credits Moquett with teaching her everything she knows. That's a high compliment coming from a former jockey who rode competitively, and continues to evolve.

“When my business [as a jockey] began to dry up, it was time to start thinking about a new direction and watching Laura work has really helped me add a whole new dimension to my own bag of tricks,” she said.

Greta Kuntzweiler aboard Time for Truth | courtesy of Robert Yates

Tricks

Moquett began to expand said bag when she started show jumping with OTTBs–like MGISW Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect)–who can start new careers once their days racing and breeding are over. What she learned through this whole other universe was a different kind of problem-solving, which got her to look more inwardly at the horse–like a football player who takes ballet.

“Education in the jumping has helped my training by understanding body mechanics,” she said. “That has made me rethink how I approach 2-year-olds when they first hit the track, and it also makes me think about how we communicate with our own riders.”

Moquett is especially in-tune when it comes to checking a horse's legs every morning for any issues and looking for social cues during training. Communicating those observations to her husband and also to the jockeys, like Time for Truth's regular rider Rafael Bejarano, is an essential part of the conduit of information. It only adds to a jockey's toolbox.

“Greta is the one who has done such a wonderful job of talking to jockeys and doing it in such a way that is constructive,” said Moquett. “That really shows her attention to detail. Rafael was the first to hear about Time for Truth's new ability to pass, and that will give him the confidence to make the right decision during Saturday's race when the moment comes.”

Time for Truth with Rafael Bejarano up | Coady Photography

Saturday

Can someone with Moquett's background and training history over decades of development lead Time for Truth to a win in the Arkansas Derby?

Moquett offers a practical response.

“All we can answer is the question of is our horse ready?” she said. “Everyone in this barn is forward first and what this is about is running his best race. What we have done is get this specific horse to run in a specific way. He has the mind and the temperament. The rest is up to him. I will tell you though, Saturday can't come soon enough.”

Laura Moquett might be a self-described creature of the backside much more than the front, but what she has continued to showcase with her professionalism and penchant for solving equine puzzles makes her a horseman through and through.

She will keep searching for the next good fixer or, like in the case of Time for Truth, another big-ass colt.

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Making his two-turn debut in Saturday's 1 1/16-mile allowance, Time for Truth showed a new dimension by coming from off the pace to post a 1 1/2-length victory under regular rider Rafael Bejarano.

“I was [pleased], knowing where we're at with the horse, knowing he missed some training,” Moquett said. “We didn't come to the race exactly like we had wanted to, considering we really did have a bump on our shin. So, I'm pleased with the horse.”

A debut winner at Oaklawn at the end of December, Time for Truth was second in the six-furlong Ozark S. Feb. 10.

Moquett said he used the Ozark as a bridge to the Rebel after Oaklawn lost 11 days of training (Jan. 13-23) to winter weather.

Time for Truth was 15-1 on the morning line for the Rebel. He was 5-2 Saturday.

“It was a good race for him,” said Bejarano, who rode three consecutive winners to close Saturday's card. “I'm glad he got scratched the last time because it was a tough race. But I think this race will prepare him for the big race next time. It's the first time going two turns. I had a beautiful trip. Hopefully, the horse came back good and we can get ready for next time.”

The post Arkansas Derby Possible Next Start for Time for Truth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The incident involved Bejarano and the 4-1 Taxed (Collected) swerving inward and cutting off the 5-1 Gambling Girl (Dialed In) and Irad Ortiz, Jr. about 70 yards into the 10-furlong stakes.

The Equibase chart stated Bejarano's filly “stumbled at the start recovering inwards a step, raced to the outside of Gambling Girl, and tucked directly in front impeding that rival.”

Gambling Girl “bobbled heavily” and “lost two to three lengths of ground,” the chart stated.

Ortiz objected after finishing sixth and the stewards lit the inquiry sign before making the DQ official.

Bejarano opted not to appeal his days, and will serve them Aug. 26, 27 and 30.

Riding primarily at Ellis Park this summer, the 41-year-old Bejarano is currently tied for second in the standings there in wins. He ranks third in purse earnings.

The post Bejarano’s Trip To Spa Results In Three-Day Suspension appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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A native of Peru who will celebrate his 40th birthday June 23, Bejarano began riding at the Louisville oval in 2003 and earned three riding titles (Spring, 2004-5, Fall 2005) before shifting his tack to California in 2008. Arguably Bejarano's finest hour in the saddle came beneath the Twin Spires in 2010, when he shoved Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision) across the line for a narrow victory in the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks.

Just Cindy was the 4,281st career win for Bejarano, whose mounts have earned over $217 million in prize money.

Other members of the Churchill 500 club include Pat Day (2,482 Churchill Downs wins), Calvin Borel (1,232), Robby Albarado (1,192), Corey Lanerie (1,172), Julien Leparoux (1,002), Don Brumfield (925), Larry Melancon (914), Jim McKnight (883), Charlie Woods, Jr. (757), Brian Hernandez, Jr. (740), Shane Sellers (738), Shaun Bridgmohan (728), Julio Espinoza (642) and Jon Court (583).

The post Bejarano Fifteenth Jockey to 500 Winners at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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   Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

    Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

CALIFORNIA

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/01/2022
Licensee: Victor Espinoza, jockey
Penalty: $1,500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Victor Espinoza is fined $1,500 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop–more than six times–second offense in the last 60 days) during the eleventh race (Charlie Whittingham Stakes) at Santa Anita Park on April 30, 2022.

FLORIDA
The following was reported on the Association for Racing Commissioners International's recent rulings website (hence the reporting delay).

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 03/15/2022
Licensee: Gerald Brooks, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: FINAL ORDER # 2022-001778 – f.s. 550.2415 VIOLATION = XYLAZINE. $1000 FINE IMPOSED AND DUE 4/14/22. “REGAL CHANT”

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 04/14/2022
Licensee: Gerald Brooks, trainer
Penalty: N/A
Violation: Appeal of medication violation
Explainer:  RE: 2022-GP-20 – Appeal Submitted 4/14/2022 – NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL filed with First DCA.

NEW YORK

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 04/28/2022
Licensee: Keith Doleshel, trainer
Penalty: $2,000 fine
Violation: Unauthorized participation of horse
Explainer: Mr. Keith Doleshel is hereby fined the sum of two thousand ($2,000) dollars for allowing the unauthorized participation of Horse (Soaring Mist) on February 19th 2022 race 9 and again on March 25th 2022 race 1.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 04/28/2022
Licensee: Michael Miceli, owner-trainer-exercise rider
Penalty: Thirty-day suspension and $2,500 fine
Violation: Joint injection too close to a race, according to the DRF
Explainer: Mr. Michael Miceli is hereby suspended thirty (30) calendar days May 8th 2022 through June 6th 2022 inclusive and fined the sum of two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars, this for failing to follow New York State Gaming Commission code rules and regulations pertaining to Horse Cover Photo which raced on March 13th 2022. The above matter has been referred to the commission. Ordered that during your period of suspension , you shall not directly or indirectly participate in New York State pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privilages and use of the grounds for all racetracks, you are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payment. Every horse is denied the privilages of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that (a) is owned or trained by you, or by any individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension; or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advise or other information or otherwise assist with any aspect of the training of such horses.

Read more about the issue here.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 04/30/2022
Licensee: John Servis, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Administrative error necessitating scratch
Explainer: Mr. John T. Servis has been fined the sum of five hundred $500 dollars for failing to tend to business in a proper manner necessitating a late scratch at Belmont Park in the tenth race on April 30th 2022.

KENTUCKY
The following rulings were not posted on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website in time for inclusion last week.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 04/20/2022
Licensee: Rafael Bejarano, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rafael Bejarano, who rode Injunction in the seventh race at Keeneland on April 16, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Bejarano was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Rafael Bejarano is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 04/23/2022
Licensee: Joe J. Talamo, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Joe J. Talamo, who rode Lapis Lazuli in the eighth race at Keeneland on April 20, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Joe J. Talamo is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 04/23/2022
Licensee: Rafael Bejarano, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rafael Bejarano, who rode Notable Exception in the sixth race at Keeneland on April 20, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation (2nd offense). Rafael Bejarano is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 04/23/2022
Licensee: Jesus Castanon, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Jesus L. Castanon, who rode Iron Lady Away in the fifth race at Keeneland on April 22, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Castanon was given the option and chose to serve a suspension. Jesus L. Castanon is hereby suspended 3 racing days, April 24, April 27, and April 28, 2022 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 04/23/2022
Licensee: Rene Diaz, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Rene Diaz, who rode Pistol in the ninth race at Keeneland on April 21, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Diaz was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Rene Diaz is hereby fined $500 for his improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

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Gaffalione dominated throughout the year at Churchill Downs with 92 victories and more than $6.6 million in purse earnings. The next highest win total, as of Sunday, was Hernandez with 57 wins.

This was Gaffalione's seventh overall riding title at Churchill Downs. He won the 2018 Fall Meet with 21 wins. The 27-year-old's 2021 Fall Meet was highlighted by a six-win day on Nov. 12 and a five-win day on Nov. 25.

Rafael Bejarano's 17 wins was third in the standings followed by Joel Rosario (16 wins), Mitchell Murrill (15), James Graham, (11), Corey Lanerie (11), Florent Geroux (10), Joe Talamo (9), and Martin Garcia (8).

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen secured his record-extending 25th title with 20 wins entering Sunday. He was 10 in front of Brad Cox and Kenny McPeek. Asmussen had seven entries on closing day.

Overall in 2021, Asmussen lead Cox by 11 wins with 46 victories from 263 starts. His runners earned more than $4.4 million.

The Fall Meet leading owner title will be decided Sunday as M and M Racing had a 4-3 win lead over BBN Racing, Lothenbach Stables, and Ten Strike Racing. Lothenbach Stables and Ten Strike racing had no entries while BBN Racing had one entry in Race 8.

Lynn and Lola Cash's Built Wright Stables, who had three victories at the meet, could surpass M and M Racing with four entries Sunday in Races 2, 3, 5, and 9. The husband and wife duo changed their ownership name to Built Wright Stables halfway through the meet.

Calumet Farm could also surpass M and M Racing with runners in Races 3, 9, and 10 while Rigney Racing could tie M and M Racing with entries in Races 7 and 12.

A winner's circle ceremony to honor the top jockey and trainer will be held after Race 7. The owners' presentation is pending.

The post Gaffalione, Asmussen Continue Churchill Dominance, Clinch Leading Jockey, Trainer Titles appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Marissa's Lady, trained by Billy Morey and ridden by Rafael Bejarano, ran 6 ½ furlongs over a fast track in 1:16.85.

The victory was worth $121,140 and increased Marissa's Lady's earnings to $190,600 with a record of two wins in two starts. She is a Kentucky-bred daughter of Violence out of the Cee's Tizzy mare Marissa's Joy, and broke her maiden at first asking on Oct. 31.

Sent off at odds of 3-1, Marissa's Lady returned $8, $4.00, and $2.60. Matareya, under Joel Rosario, and paid $3.40 and $2.60 with Sweet Dani Girl another 2 ½ lengths back in third paying $2.80 to show under Martin Garcia.

Bali Del Sol, Knowing Glance, Verylittlecents, and Laura's Charm completed the order of finish. Golden Sights was scratched.

The post Marissa’s Lady Takes Inaugural Fern Creek At Churchill Downs appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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So said trainer George Leonard III after Chris Walsh's daughter of California Chrome rallied from far back to post a head victory over Diamond Wow in the 31st running of the $200,000 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine (G2) for 2-year-old fillies Wednesday afternoon at Keeneland.

With the victory, California Angel earned a fees-paid berth into the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) to be run Nov. 5 at Del Mar. The JPMorgan Chase Jessamine was the 10th and final Breeders' Cup Challenge race offered by Keeneland to start the 17-day Fall Meet.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, California Angel covered the 1 1/16 miles on a turf course labeled as good in 1:44.30.

California Angel was Leonard's first starter in a graded stakes. She netted Bejarano his 19th Keeneland stakes win and first here since Oct. 8, 2010, aboard Wickedly Perfect in the Darley Alcibiades (G1).

Favored Turnerloose quickly bounded out for the lead in the field of 13 as California Angel raced near the rear of the field. With Florent Geroux aboard, Turnerloose maintained a daylight advantage until upper stretch when Diamond Wow applied pressure.

At the head of the lane, California Angel had one horse beat as Bejarano swung her eight wide for a clear run at the field. She was still 5 lengths back at the eighth pole and got up in the final yards to ease by Diamond Wow and Turnerloose.

Now 2-for-2 on the turf, California Angel is a Kentucky-bred daughter of California Chrome out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Sea Mona. California Angel increased her career earnings to $213,700 with Wednesday's $120,000 check.

California Angel returned $37.60, $14 and $5.60. Diamond Wow, ridden by Mike Smith, returned $10 and $5.40 and finished a neck in front of Turnerloose, who paid $2.60 to show.

It was another length back to Dressed, who was followed in order by Opalina, Roughly a Diamond, Misthaven (IRE), Kneesnhips, Bhoma, Queen Judith, Rigby, Boxing Day and Ontheonesandtwos.

Racing continues Thursday with a 10-race program beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

The post California Angel Gives Trainer George Leonard First Graded Victory In Jessamine appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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On Sunday's opening card, Rosario went 5-for-11, including winning the $500,000 Exacta Systems Dueling Grounds Oaks aboard Godolphin's 3-year-old filly Adventuring. He would appear to have the Kentucky Downs riding title sewn up, with four days remaining (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).

Rafael Bejarano holds the record for victories on a single card at Kentucky Downs when he went 6-for-8 on Sept. 21, 2004, while en route to the riding title with 12 wins, still the most by a rider at a meet. While quite the feat back then, Rosario is competing against arguably the strongest jockey colony in the country as riders from all over migrate to the track in pursuit of some of the largest purses in the world.

No rider has dominated the meet for two days since Florent Geroux won five races twice in 2015 en route to taking the riding title with a record-tying 12 victories that he matched in 2016.

Rosario rode eight races on Labor Day, taking the second aboard Heaven Street ($7.20) for Steve Asmussen, the fourth on Super Divine ($11) for Wesley Ward, the seventh on Honor Hop ($5.80) for Brian Lynch, the eighth for Ward on Gypsy King ($5.60) and then the 10th on Pixelate. After Rosario's quintet Sunday, horseplayers were pounding his mounts. Pixelate was 10-1 in the morning line and bet down to about 9-2, paying $11.20. For the two days, Rosario has gone 10 for 19, with his horses earning $1,683,731.

“When you got a rider who's won 10 races in two days on a track, he's the guy you want,” said Mint Million winning trainer Michael Stidham. “This has got to be some kind of record.”

Jimmy Bell, president and racing manager of owner-breeder Godolphin, said he felt “all the confidence in the world” with Rosario aboard.

“We were joking in the paddock, any one of your previous (nine) ways of winning would work here,” Bell said. “He just rides with confidence. In our case, he just said the horse fit the course very well. Pixelate continued to find more, find more and just that slow momentum he built up to the rising ground and the long stretch. He said (Pixelate) relished the going. So that was fantastic.

“What a great weekend it's been for Sheikh Mohammed and the breeding program, obviously with Adventuring winning and to come back today with another homebred today in Pixelate,” he added of Godolphin's owner and the Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum. “It's just been magical.”

Bizzee Channel set a sizzling pace of 21.83 seconds for the first quarter mile and 44.95 for the half, with Somelikeithotbrown in closest pursuit and taking command turning for home. But Flavius, last year's winner and the 7-5 favorite, kicked into gear to go after Somelikeithotbrown before giving way to fifth.

Meanwhile, Pixelate came seven-wide down the late, swooping to the lead in the final sixteenth-mile while covering the mile in 1:34.04. Somelikeithotbrown and jockey Jose Ortiz held off his Mike Maker-trained stablemate Monarchs Glen, who closed from last of 10 older horses to finish another two lengths back in third under 2020 meet-leader Tyler Gaffalione.

“With the speed in front of me, it looked like they were going good,” Rosario said. “The key for me was trying to find a way through the track. He kept building, building, building, and with the long stretch, that helped get him there.

“He was in a nice gallop, he kept going and getting better, and I could see it when we caught up to the horses on the lead. I started thinking that we're going to get it.”

“It was a fast pace, I was aware of it,” said Ortiz, Kentucky Downs' 2018 and 2019 riding champion. “I was trying to wait as long as I could. But at the eighth pole, the favorite came up outside of me, so I had to go with him. I was able to beat him, but I wasn't able to hold on. Pixelate got by me. I set up a good trip for him.”

Pixelate won for the sixth time, with another six seconds and four thirds, in 20 starts, earning $1,098,850 with the $509,850 payday. It was his second graded-stakes victory, having won the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby exactly a year ago.

“He deserves it because he finally got his day in the sun and got to make up for some of those times when we reached out and ran in some of the big races and he was only beaten 2-3 lengths,” Stidham said. “And today was his day. It was a beautiful thing. I'm so proud of the horse and what he's accomplished.

“Certainly when I looked up at the time and saw 21-and-change and 44-and-change and we were sitting back about nine or 10 off of it, I thought, 'Well, that's the perfect spot to be in.' And I think that helped us. But this horse, if you look at his form, he goes out and runs his heart out every time we run him, no matter what type of spot we pick. He's always trying. Today things set up nicely for him. And he tried like he always does and it put him in the winner's circle.”

As a New York-bred, Somelikeithotbrown was racing for the base purse of $550,000 with the Mint Million's remaining $450,000 paid out only to Kentucky-bred horses. He still picked up $104,500 for second, enough to put him over $1 million in earnings.

“He ran his butt off, didn't he?” said Dr. Harvey Diamond, co-founder of the Skychai Racing partnership that is majority owner in Somelikeithotbrown. “It looked like in mid-stretch that he was going to make it, and I saw this horse moving on the outside. We ran a good race. I think the pace was a little too quick for us.”

Agreed Rosario: “It was a fast pace, I was aware of it. I was trying to wait as long as I could. But at the eighth pole, the favorite (2020 winner Flavius) came up outside of me, so I had to go with him. I was able to beat him, but I wasn't able to hold on. Pixelate got by me. I set up a good trip for him.”

The post Red-Hot Rosario Teams With Pixelate To Win Mint Million At Kentucky Downs appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Oliver brought two 3-year-old fillies from her Keeneland base. But instead of running both Flippant and Core Values in the $100,000 Kentucky Downs TVG Preview Dueling Grounds Oaks, she opted to put Core Values in against boys in the $100,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Dueling Grounds Derby. That resulted in a nose victory over favored Royal Prince, with Flippant winning the $100,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Dueling Grounds Oaks two races later by a half-length over Caldee.

The trainer and jockey also teamed to take the third race, a $52,000 turf allowance sprint, with the 4-year-old filly Never Forget, who is out of the same mare (Frivolous) as Flippant. Both fillies are owned by breeder G. Watts Humphrey, the trainer's dad.

Bejarano's big day started with victory in the second race aboard Casino Star in an optional claiming $40,000 allowance race.

Oliver said it was only the second time in her career that she'd won three races on a card, the last time coming in June 19, 2006, at The Meadowlands' all-grass meet. She said it was her first time winning two stakes.

Oliver said she's hoping to run all three winning fillies in stakes at Kentucky Downs' meet in early September.

“I love Kentucky Downs. Love Ellis Park, and it's fun to be here supporting them,” she said. “I think it's fantastic they have this day. It's great for all of us who stay here and support the Kentucky circuit. It keeps us staying here. And we get a leg up to get into Kentucky Downs for that.”

Meet-leading trainer Brad Cox — who was busy winning Saratoga's Grade 1 Whitney Stakes with Knicks Go (an Ellis Park 2-year-old winner and runner-up in the Ellis Park Derby) — won the first of the stakes quartet as Shared Sense took the $65,000 Tri-State Overnight Stakes under Brian Hernandez Jr. Trainer Brendan Walsh — at Saratoga, where he was second in the Whitney with Maxfield, who trained all summer as a 2-year-old at Ellis Park — captured the $100,000 Kentucky Downs TVG Preview Turf Sprint with favored Born Great, ridden by Adam Beschizza.

The post Trainer Oliver, Jockey Bejarano Celebrate Multi-Win Day At Ellis Park Saturday appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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