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Practical Joke Colt Tops Texas Yearling Sale

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – A colt by Practical Joke brought $110,000 to top Monday's single-session Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) Summer Yearling Sale at Lone Star Park.

By the numbers, a total of 175 yearlings sold for $3,240,000. The figures represented a decrease from 2022 when 161 sold for a record $3,416,000 in gross receipts. This term, the average was $18,542, while the median was $11,000 and 77 horses reported not sold.

Foster Bridewell, Director of Horse Sales for the TTA, said of the auction, “Three of our top five offerings were Texas-breds, so that was good to see,” he said. “This was one of our largest catalogs in the history of this sale and we had buyers from several key quadrants–Kentucky, Ocala, California and across the Lone Star State.”

A Practical Topper For Al Pike

Offered as hip 122, the dark bay was purchased by Al Pike, acting as agent. The Apr. 30 foal is out of SW Jan's Perfect Star (Imperialism), dam of UAE Jebel Ali Sprint hero Road Bloc (Street Sense). The native Texan from Palestine, and his wife Salley, relocated this past summer to Highlander Training Center, outside of Dallas. A regular on the pinhooking scene, Pike frequents a bevy of juvenile sales, including OBS March, Fasig-Tipton Midlantic and the Texas 2-Year-Old In-Training Sale.

Practical Joke colt (hip 122) | Olivia Friesen/TTA Sale

Pike said he saw this yearling as an opportunity.

“This one is for me and partners,” said Pike. “I thought he was a stunning Practical Joke, beautiful horse, and I think he's going to grow to be really special. It's just the Practical Joke that sold it and he had some pedigree too. I just thought he was a beautiful colt. This will be one to pinhook for the spring and we'll probably look to go to OBS March.”

Bred by Michael and Linda Mazoch of Texas, the colt was consigned by Scott Mallory, agent.

“He came from Buena Madera and they always do an excellent job in preparing the horses for the sale,” Mallory said. “And it makes it a whole lot easier when you get to the sale because they are well presented. With the recent success of Practical Joke, we kind of thought he'd be fairly popular with the sale. He vetted good, handled himself well up there. And with Texas coming up with the $40,000 maiden special weights, we knew that would add an extra bid or two. I didn't quite think he'd bring $110,000, but I'm happy about it. We thought he'd sell well–I thought he'd sell for $70,000 or $80,000, but $110,000 is excellent.”

Vekoma Colt Takes Home Silver

Late in the session, hip 260, a chestnut colt by Vekoma, brought $90,000 from pinhooker David Scanlon. Out of Winning Saga (Tale of the Cat), the May 12 foal was raised and prepped at Elm Tree Farm in Kentucky and consigned by agent Scott Mallory, who also consigned the topper.

“This colt just showed well the whole time, he had a great disposition, he just looks like he is going to turn into a really beautiful 2-year-old and he was bred by Dr. Fred Willis from Louisiana,” said Mallory.

Competitive Edge Colt Reminds Asmussen of Ryvit

The third highest-priced yearling of the session was taken home by Steve Asmussen's KDE Equine for $85,000. Hip 24, consigned by Highlander Training, was bred by Valor Farm in Pilot Point, Texas.

Ryvit schooling at Saratoga with Erik Asmussen up | Sarah Andrew

The Feb. 16 foal is the first foal out of unraced Better Than Mo (Uncle Mo), who counts MSW More Than Most (Indygo Mountain), MSW Worldventurer (Wimbledon) and GIII Miss Preakness S. scorer Red Ghost (Ghostzapper) as half-siblings. His third dam MGISP Alysbelle (Alydar) is a full-sister to Horse of the Year Alysheba.

Asmussen indicated Monday's purchase was prompted by another Texas sale graduate, GIII Chick Lang S. victor Ryvit (Competitive Edge).

“A couple of years ago, I got Ryvit out of this sale,” explained the Hall of Famer. “I think that there are blue collar horses and they have to earn their keep. And it had everything to do that he reminded me of Ryvit. Just a very sturdy and athletic-looking horse and, hopefully, we can create a similar circumstance.”

On behalf of his client Whispering Oaks, Asmussen also purchased hip 110, a Louisiana-bred colt by Spun to Run out of SP Hilarious Brown (Big Brown) for $80,000, in addition to a dark bay filly by Competitive Edge out of Conquest Bebop (Scat Daddy) (hip 51), who also brought $80,000.

Complete sales results can be found here.

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Drew’s Gold Seeks First Graded Victory In Amsterdam

The Dutch imprint goes much deeper than archeological digs, as it is woven into the cultural and political history of the Empire State. New Netherland was never fully wiped from New York's cartographic DNA after the English won a series of 17th-century conflicts that resulted in the region's changing its national standard.

The GII Amsterdam S., to be run at Saratoga Race Course this Friday, is a nod not only to the nearby New York town of the same name, but that important Dutch heritage. Formerly the Screen King S., the race is a graded stop for 3-year-old sprinters who are looking to elevate their game in a tough division.

Heading into the GI Woody Stephens S. in June, Drew's Gold (Violence) ticked all the boxes in three starts winning an optional claimer at Laurel Park, the Jimmy Winkfield S. at Aqueduct and the Gold Fever S. at Belmont Park by a combined 12 3/4 lengths. Posting a Beyer Speed Figure of 106 in his first Grade I start while second to 'TDN Rising Star' Arabian Lion (Justify) reflects promise in defeat. He will line up here against Gilmore (Twirling Candy), who was third in both the GII Pat Day Mile S. on the Derby undercard and in the Woody Stephens.

Trainer Steve Asmussen has six Amsterdam trophies to his credit, including the last three editions. He will enter Ryvit (Competitive Edge), who comes in riding a five-race winning streak which includes a victory on the Preakness undercard in the GIII Chick Lang S. Others that are looking to make their mark in the six-horse field include the undefeated New York Thunder (Nyquist), who was last seen earning his first black-type victory in the Woodstock S. at Woodbine in late April; Deer District (Oscar Performance), an optional claimer winner at Churchill Downs May 28; and Joey Freshwater (Jimmy Creed), who has faced a number of stakes class tests this year for trainer Linda Rice.

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Ryvit Takes Chick Lang, Favored Havnameltdown Euthanized

The day's graded stakes action at Pimlico got off inauspicious start with the injury and subsequent euthanasia of 4-5 choice Havnameltdown (Uncaptured) in the GIII Chick Lang S. Havnameltdown appeared flat-footed at the start but sped into contention as 5-1 Ryvit (Competitive Edge) assumed the helm through a :22.23 opening quarter. Exiting the far turn, the favorite took a bad step, unseating jockey Luis Saez and leaving the frontrunner in the clear as 5-2 second choice Super Chow (Lord Nelson) found himself in a very wide second. Several lengths ahead as Super Chow began his backward retreat straightening for home, the Steve Asmussen trainee remained clear of the closing Prince of Jericho (Munnings). Frosted Departure (Frosted) was a distant third.

This season's GII San Vincente S. and GIII Bob Hope S. winner was euthanized, while jockey Luis Saez was taken to Sinai Hospital in Baltimore for further evaluation. He was stable and conscious upon his departure from the track.

Ryvit's regular rider, Steve Asmussen's son Keith, was unable to ride the colt Saturday due to injury. When asked if the winb was bitterwseet, the elder Asmussen said, “No. It's great that the horse won and proved himself. I think it's unfortunate that Keith broke his finger on Thursday. I'm proud of him for making the decision of putting the horse in front of himself. I think it says a lot and proves who he is. Somehow, I think he'll have plenty of my support when he comes back.”

According to winning rider Tyler Gaffalione, “That was very unfortunate and hopefully, Luis [Saez] is okay. We were kind of heads up, and he just kind of disappeared. I looked back and I saw Luis coming off the side. Hopefully, nothing serious. I feel terrible Keith [Asmussen] wasn't able to ride him [Ryvit] today. He's a great young kid and an up-and-coming rider, so he'll get plenty of those.”

As for what's next, Asmussen added, “Coming off of here is everything we've wanted to see. Obviously the sprint stakes at Saratoga are lucrative and what we will aim for next.”

On the board in both starts at two, including a third in Churchill's Kentucky Juvenile S. last spring, Ryvit was sixth going six furlongs against Oaklawn maidens in February before breaking through over that track and trip Mar. 25. Back on top facing first level allowance company Apr. 14, he made it three straight with a score over GIII Sanford S. winner Mo Strike (Uncle Mo) in the Apr. 29 Bachelor S.

“The key to him has been getting away from the gates,” explained Asmussen. “Keith working him in the mornings and getting him to break is what turned him around. That's the only thing I said to Tyler, 'If you can get him to jump well from the gates, you'll like how he responds.' And that his what he did.”

Pedigree Notes:
Ryvit is the fifth graded winner for the Texas-based sire Competitive Edge (Super Saver). A $70,000 purchase out of the Texas Mixed August sale is the first foal to race out of the winless She Is Bedazzling, a $140,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling purchase. She produced a colt by Collected last season.

Havnameltdown Update from 1/ST racing:
In response to Havnameltdown's condition following the race, 1/ST racing issued a press release: “During the Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico, the number one horse, Havnameltdown, sustained an injury and immediately received on-track medical attention from an expert team of veterinarians, led by Dr. Dionne Benson. During the subsequent evaluation, she observed a non-operable left fore fetlock injury.”

“Due to the severity and prognosis of the injury, Dr. Benson and her counterparts made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Havnameltdown.”

“The loss of Havnameltdown will be felt across the entire horse racing community, and everyone at the Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST Racing extends our heartfelt condolences to Havnameltdown's connections.”

“Over the past year, 1/ST Racing has worked tirelessly to implement numerous industry-leading reforms, including additional medication restrictions and new operational requirements, to enhance the existing health and safety measures with the intent of providing the safest racing environment possible. In addition, 1/ST racing and the Maryland Jockey Club observe the most stringent medication practices and restrictions, pre- and post-race testing protocols, equine security and surveillance measures, veterinary exams, injury management protocols and racing surface testing.”

“These measures are re-evaluated and expanded every year to ensure our athletes are fit to compete safely in any race associated with 1/ST Racing.”
Saturday, Pimlico
CHICK LANG S. PRESENTED BY CASE TRACTOR-GIII, $200,000, Pimlico, 5-20, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.33, ft.
1–RYVIT, 124, c, 3, by Competitive Edge
              1st Dam: She Is Bedazzling, by Medaglia d'Oro
              2nd Dam: Melissa Jo, by Fusaichi Pegasus
              3rd Dam: Takeaway, by Fly So Free
   1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($70,000 Ylg '21 TTAYHR).
O-L. William and Corinne Heiligbrodt; B-Curt Leake (KY);
T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $120,000. Lifetime
Record: 7-4-1-1, $348,068. Werk Nick Rating: C.
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Prince of Jericho, 120, c, 3, Munnings–Golden Review, by
Medaglia d'Oro. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Ylg '21
FTKJUL; $85,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT). O-Michael Dubb and Morris
Bailey; B-Edward Seltzer (KY); T-Brittany T. Russell. $40,000.
3–Frosted Departure, 124, c, 3, Frosted–Undeterred, by More
Than Ready. ($50,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $100,000 Ylg '21
KEESEP). O-C and H Diamond Racing, LLC; B-Alastar
Thoroughbred Company, LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek.
$20,000.
Margins: 1 3/4, 4, 3/4. Odds: 5.40, 6.20, 5.80.
Also Ran: Prove Right, Super Chow, Bristol Channel, Havnameltdown.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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Ryvit Drills First Stakes Win At Oaklawn

Ryvit (Competitive Edge), recorded his third victory in-a-row at Oaklawn Park on Saturday afternoon and his first stakes win for the Heiligbrodts.

After a debut second Apr. 13 at Keeneland, the bay colt was third May 5 at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Juvenile S. Taking a break, he returned to action in Hot Springs Feb. 18 and was a well-beaten sixth before winning against restricted auction company Mar. 25. Stepping up against optional claimers, the Steve Asmussen trainee won from off-the-pace by 2 lengths Apr. 14.

Facing a well-backed favorite in Mo Strike (Uncle Mo), Ryvit went off at odds of 5-2 and from the outset made his presence known by seizing the lead. Rounding the far turn, he distanced himself from the rest of the field and went to secure the victory by 2 lengths over the late-running chalk. GSW High Dollar Woman (Super Saver) is a half to the winner's dam. This is her first offspring to make the races, but she does have a 2-year-old colt by Collected.

Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

BACHELOR S., $150,000, Oaklawn, 4-29, 3yo, 6f, 1:11.16, my.
1–RYVIT, 121, c, 3, by Competitive Edge
          1st Dam: She Is Bedazzling, by Medaglia d'Oro
          2nd Dam: Melissa Jo, by Fusaichi Pegasus
          3rd Dam: Takeaway, by Fly So Free
($70,000 Ylg '21 TTAYHR). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN.
O-William L. and Corinne Heiligbrodt; B-Curt Leake (KY);
T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Keith J. Asmussen. $91,650. Lifetime
Record: 6-3-1-1, $228,068.
2–Mo Strike, 121, c, 3, Uncle Mo–Featherbed, by Smart Strike.
($90,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT; $325,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR). O-Nasser
Bin Omairah; B-Blue Heaven Farm & Ashford Stud (KY); T-Brad
Cox. $28,200.
3–Arman, 121, c, 3, Bolt d'Oro–Beautissimo, by Uncle Mo.
($52,000 RNA Ylg '21 OBSOCT; $600,000 2yo '22 OBSMAR).
   1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Kaleem Shah, Inc.; B-Loren Nichols (FL);
T-Peter Miller. $14,100.
Margins: 2, 2HF, 3. Odds: 2.70, 1.60, 2.70.
Also Ran: Release McCraken, Count de Monet, Alto Road,
Joking Way, Tyler's Tribe.

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