A Year Removed from a Horse of a Lifetime, Sadler Three Deep at Breeders’ Cup

ARCADIA, CA – With a trio of longshot chances entered in this weekend's Breeders' Cup, trainer John Sadler found a quiet spot on the apron to watch his 9:00 a.m. set train at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning.

It was a very different scene ahead of last year's Championships as the 67-year-old put the finishing touches on the once-in-a-lifetime Flightline (Tapit), who concluded his brilliant career unbeaten from six starts with a performance for the ages in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.

How's life after Flightline treating you these days John Sadler?

“He's one of the greatest horses to ever run, so it's a little different,” he replied. “I've been doing this a long time, so I know the ebb and flow of it. Even though you may not have another one like that, you're gonna sure be looking for one. Everybody goes, well, is it easier this year?”

“I'll take last year any day,” Sadler said with a big laugh.

Located directly below Santa Anita's signature facade in the grandstand breezeway, a spectacular mural depicting Flightline's jaw-dropping 11 1/2-length victory in the 2021 GI Runhappy Malibu S. was unveiled on opening day at the Great Race Place last winter.

Sherackatthetrack photo

There are plenty of reminders of the big horse scattered around the facility.

“It's great to see,” Sadler said while seated just a few feet away from a cardboard cutout of the 2022 Horse of the Year, who covered 152 mares during his first season at stud at Lane's End this year.

“What's gonna be fun is that he's gonna set the market next week at Keeneland (and Fasig-Tipton)–some of those mares will sell in foal to him and next year he'll have foals on the ground. His saga is still being written.”

The fun will begin for Sadler this weekend with $240,000 OBS April graduate Slider (Jimmy Creed) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Friday. The Hall Racing, Pearl Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds colorbearer, listed at 8-1 on the morning-line, captured the local Speakeasy S. in his first try on turf Oct. 7.

The stretch-running Kirstenbosch (Midnight Lute) figures to get a nice set up in Saturday's speed-laden GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. The Keith Abrahams homebred, given a 10-1 shot on the morning-line, was a come-from-behind, last out winner of the local prep GIII Chillingworth S. Sept. 29.

Missed the Cut (Quality Road), meanwhile, will be one of the longest shots on the board as Sadler goes for a third win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. The dominating 1 1/2-mile GIII Tokyo City Cup S. Oct. 1 winner, a $400,000 KEENOV weanling and 40,000gns TATFEB graduate, is campaigned in partnership by Bee Zee, Lanes End Racing, St. Elias Stables, Edward P. Babington, Edward J. Hudson, Jr. and Lynne Hudson.

“It's one of the things that I'm proudest of that we end up in the Breeders' Cup a lot of these years,” Sadler said. “We're going over there with horses that may not be the favorite, but they all have chances. When you get at this level, you have to realize that everybody you're running against is top class. They're good, tough races, but that's the way it should be.”

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A Classic Season for Castellano

ARCADIA, CA – As Javier Castellano gets ready to ride three mounts on Breeders' Cup Saturday, the recently turned 46-year-old is amidst one of the best years of his career. And it almost never happened.

A pair of Breeders' Cup wins at the 2019 Championships put an exclamation point on the Hall of Famer's eighth straight season with more than $20 million in earnings. But, the year 2020, like it was for so many, was more about overcoming adversity for the native of Venezuela.

Castellano was the first jockey to test positive for COVID-19–he wasn't symptomatic, thankfully–during the beginning of the pandemic in March and was on the sidelines again after undergoing hip surgery at the end of the year.

“It was tough, not just for myself, but for everybody in the world in 2020,” Castellano said. “I only missed three months. And it seemed like it was forever.”

Castellano returned to action in 2021, but wasn't exactly welcomed back with open arms. Competing in pound for pound the deepest jockey colony in the nation in New York, Castellano rode 105 winners that season, good for $9,804,024 in earnings. After going just 13-for-142 at the prestigious Saratoga meeting, Castellano's career was suddenly at a crossroads.

Javier Castellano entered the Hall of Fame in 2017 | Horsephotos

“I was devastated. I was ready to give up,” said Castellano, a winner of four straight Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Jockey between 2013-16. “I just came back from everything and people didn't give me an opportunity. One moment I thought, 'I think this is it. I can't keep doing what I'm doing.' I was really really depressed.”

He continued, “They didn't care about who you are or what you did in the past. It's amazing. I was a Hall of Fame rider, a four-time leading jockey in the nation in back-to-back years, had six Travers then, 12 Breeders' Cups and won more than 5,000 races. And it didn't mean anything. You have to prove yourself and that you belong.”

Castellano picked himself up off the mat and hired longtime former racing official P.J. Campo to handle his book. He began to right the ship with 163 victories in 2022. By comparison, Castellano rode a total of 212 winners combined the previous two years.

How did he power his way through?

“Mentally, I had to be strong,” said Castellano, a married father of three. “A lot of discipline and dedication. Do the homework every single day. Regroup and try to be very positive.”

The momentum began to build for Castellano after he won three races on Saratoga's opening day card that summer.

“In 2022, we started rolling a little bit in Saratoga,” Castellano said. “I also went out of town for the right people and won some races. I knock a little bit and the door began to open a little here and there.”

Castellano is no longer the one doing the knocking this year.

He put to bed an 0-for-15 mark on the first Saturday in May with a 15-1 upset aboard Mage (Good Magic) in the GI Kentucky Derby, and, just five weeks later, secured his first GI Belmont S. victory with Arcangelo (Arrogate). Castellano became the first jockey to win two Triple Crown races on two different horses in the same year since Calvin Borel did so in 2009. He's won 16 graded races so far this year, including seven at the top level.

“Thank God, I've been very blessed and very fortunate to have one of the best years of my career,” Castellano said. “It was a great achievement to win the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, two Triple Crown races in the same year. I was always missing something on my resume.”

With Castellano's two Classic winners on a collision course this summer, he stuck with the recently retired Arcangelo, who followed up with a convincing win in the GI Travers S., the rider's record seventh victory in the 'Mid-Summer Derby.' The gray, unfortunately, was scratched from the Breeders' Cup Classic–a race Castellano won aboard the sensational Ghostzapper in 2004–earlier this week after developing a foot issue.

Javier Castellano celebrates aboard Ghostzapper following the 2004 Classic | Horsephotos

“He gave me an opportunity to regroup in my career, and, in my life, and enjoy these beautiful moments with my family,” Castellano said.

As for Arcangelo missing the Classic and now off to begin his career at stud at Lane's End, he said, “This is hard, but one decision I fully support. Arcangelo is safe and sound and that's all I can really think about. He has given me so much and I'm so blessed to have been part of the team.”

Castellano's mounts on Saturday's Championship program at Santa Anita include: GI Beverly D. S. winner and E.P. Taylor S. winner Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf; GII American Turf S. winner and narrow GI Saratoga Derby Invitational S. runner-up Webslinger (Constitution) in the GII Twilight Derby; and Time for Trouble (English Channel) in the 1 5/8-mile GII Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance S.

“It could be a good example for anybody,” Castellano concluded. “You never give up. When you want something in life, you have to work for it. When you work for it, you get it.”

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Big Up for Big Evs

ARCADIA, USA — Tom Marquand arrived at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning in the company of his wife Hollie Doyle, and while she has been ruled out of riding Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint through a suspension incurred at home, Marquand is relishing his participation aboard Big Evs (Ire).

The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint favourite has shot straight to the top of the class among an exciting batch of first-crop runners for the top sprinter Blue Point (Ire). The son appeared to be made very much in his father's mould as he sped along the turf under Marquand as the sun was coming up, and the jockey was ebullient in his praise of the youngster on his return to the quarantine barn.

Marquand said, “It's my first time here and I've just been trying to take it all in. It's one of the most picturesque tracks in the world. I've always loved Goodwood, but this is a bit different. It's great to be here, especially with a horse like him. He looks in great shape and feels in great shape. He'll have to be fast but he is fast.”

Big Evs is also the first Breeders' Cup starter for his trainer Michael Appleby, who has prepared the colt beautifully for his debut season, in which he broke his maiden when winning the Listed Windsor Castle S. at Royal Ascot after finishing runner-up on debut at Redcar at the end of May. From Ascot he landed the G3 Molecomb S. at Glorious Goodwood before one disappointing run when down the field against his elders in the G1 Nunthorpe S. However, he bounced back three weeks later to post a decisive victory in the G2 Flying Childers S.

Appleby is set to appear at Santa Anita on Thursday morning, and Marquand's post-breeze report will surely have been music to his ears while he was en route to America.

The jockey added, “You almost want to try to pick a hole in a horse when you ride them, but to be honest you can't really. He looks to have taken the travel well and he's taken it all in his stride. He has a good draw and he'll have to be very good to win, but he is very good. That's the reality. 

“Obviously we've a couple of days to go but he's absolutely where you'd want him to be.”

 

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Weekly Rulings: October 24-30

Every week, the TDN publishes a round-up 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.

The TDN also posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These include decisions from around the country.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 10/04/2023
Licensee: Sarah Hamilton, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Lupo's Legacy. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 10/04/2023
Licensee: Michael Trombetta, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Battle of Bastogne. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 09/27/2023
Licensee: James Crotts, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbomal—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Kentucky Dawn, who finished second at Remington Park on 9/27/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/24/2023
Licensee: Manuel Badilla, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Regal Redwood, who finished third at Golden Gate on 9/24/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/10/2023
Licensee: Luciano Medina Gabriel, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Final Decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Bel Ragazzo, who won at Emerald Downs on 9/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 08/27/2023
Licensee: Mario Serey Jr., trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 26, 2023; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Some is Nine, who finished sixth at Timonium on 8/27/2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/29/2023
Licensee: Carlos Milian, trainer
Penalty: No Consequences except for Public Disclosure due to No Fault or Negligence. Final Decision of HIWU/Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Hydrochlorothiazide—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Junglherly Love. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/28/2023
Licensee: Don Roberson, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final Decision of IAP.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Secret Life Style, who finished seventh at Emerald Downs on 7/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Date: 07/20/2023
Licensee: Cassondra Weaver, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 30, 2023; a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision of IAP.
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Coyote Runner. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of a Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).
PENDING ADMC VIOLATIONS
Date: 10/12/2023
Licensee: Chad Summers, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Thank you Jon. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Chad Summers, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Rayya Valentine. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 09/28/2023
Licensee: Terry Eoff, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbomal—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Kentucky Dawn, who finished second at Remington Park on 9/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 08/28/2023
Licensee: Ruben Gomez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Blue Cloud. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
The following cases have been returned to the “pending violation” list having previously been resolved.

Date: 07/04/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Wegonahaveagoodtime, who won at Los Alamitos on 7/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/04/2023
Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Kant Beat the Rock, who finished second at Los Alamitos on 7/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/02/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Keep Your Coil, who won at Los Alamitos on 7/2/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 07/01/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Catbernay, who won at Los Alamitos on 7/1/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/25/2023
Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from American Cat, who finished fifth at Los Alamitos on 6/25/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 06/23/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Chollima, who won at Los Alamitos on 6/23/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/23/2023
Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Facts Matter, who won at Los Alamitos on 6/23/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/18/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Bella Renella, who won at Santa Anita on 6/18/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/10/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Big Splash, who won at Santa Anita on 6/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/09/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Flatterswithjewels, who finished second at Santa Anita on 6/9/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Date: 06/02/2023
Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Bella Renella, who won at Santa Anita on 6/2/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Violations of Crop Rule
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Downs at Albuquerque
Larry Marquez – violation date Oct 25; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Mahoning Valley Race Course
William Vernon Bush – violation date Oct 25; $250 fine, eight-day suspension
Parx Racing
Abner Perez Adorno – violation date Oct 19; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Presque Isle Downs
Martina Lynn Rojas- violation date Oct 24; $250 fine, one-day suspension
OTHER KEY RULINGS
Every week, the TDN publishes a round-up of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.
CALIFORNIA
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/29/2023
Licensee: Frankie Dettori, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Lanfranco Dettori, who rode Circle of Trust in the fifth race at Santa Anita Park on October 28, 2023, is suspended for 3 racing days (November 5, 25 and 26, 2023) for altering course without sufficient clearance in the far turn, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from first to eighth; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – careless riding).
FLORIDA
The following was taken from the ARCI's “recent rulings” webpage.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Saffie Joseph, trainer
Penalty: $500
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Steward's Ruling FO # 2022-047809 – F.S. 550.2415 Violation = Flunixin & Phenylbutazone. “CAPRIDREY”
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Elizabeth Dobles, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine, unknown suspension
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Steward's Ruling Final Order # 2022-047262 – F. S. 550.2415 Violation = Methocarbamol. “ELLIEREESEASTON” Suspension dates to be determined by the State Stewards.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Gerald James, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine, 15-day suspension
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer:  Stewards Ruling Final Order # 2023-001838 – F.S. 550.2415 Violation = Clenbuterol. “SOUL OF AN ANGEL” 15-DAY SUSP IMPOSED – DATES TO BE DETERMINED BY STATE STEWARDS.

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/06/2023
Licensee: Aubrey Maragh, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Steward's Ruling Final Order # 2022-045845 – F.S. 550.2415 Violation = Flunixin and Phenylbutazone. “BADBADBOBBY”
NEW YORK
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/29/2023
Licensee: Irad Ortiz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Irad Ortiz Jr is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days November 5th 2023, November 9th 2023, November 10th 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 3rd race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 22nd 2023.

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