Easy As Holiday Pie For Isolate In Al Maktoum Mile

Isolate (Mark Valeski) gave trainer Doug Watson a truly Festive Friday, leading home stablemate and G2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 winner Golden Goal (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the AED1-million G2 Al Maktoum Mile at Meydan Racecourse.

Already a winner over track and trip in the G2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup night at the end of March, the bay, making his first start back, settled in a good rhythm in second under Tyler Gaffalione for a few jumps. He took over a handful of strides later while shadowed by Listed UAE 1000 Guineas and G3 UAE Oaks heroine Mimi Kakushi (City Of Light), with Golden Goal to his outside in third. At the half-way point, he appeared to be just putting in a paid workout, with most of his rivals being asked to keep pace.

Barely extended, he surged away from his pursuers with a mere tap from Gaffalione, and won with every appearance of more to come. Golden Goal stayed on for second 3 1/2 lengths back, with Celtic Prince (GB) (Shamardal) getting up for third, 2 1/4 lengths to the good of Desert Wisdom (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who rallied past Mimi Kakushi for fourth.

“It's a pleasure to be here and thanks to connections for bringing me over,” said multiple Grade I-winning jockey Gaffalione. “He took control early and he seems a lot stronger this year. I have a ton of confidence in this horse and the way he ran today I don't think stepping up in distance would be a problem.”

“I take everything with a little bit of pressure, so I'm glad it's over,” added Watson. “He showed today that he's pretty classy and he should improve for the run. I'll leave it up to everyone else to decide if we go to Saudi [in February].”

A winner of the Tale of the Cat S. by six lengths at Saratoga last August, Isolate ran second by a nose in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society S. in September prior to packing his bags for the desert. He filled the runner-up spot in both the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint in February, and the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal in March, prior to his Dubai World Cup night heroics in the G2 Godolphin Mile.

 

Pedigree Notes

One of four stakes winners and two Pattern race winners for his Arkansas-based sire, Isolate is one of six winners from seven to race out of Tranquil Song (Unbridled's Song), who won as a 3-year-old. Since foaling her star progeny, her 3-year-old filly My Aunt Snookie (Cloud Computing) has won, while her Enticed juvenile colt For Your Pleasure has been placed. Her latest is a weanling colt by Tacitus, and she was bred to Cyberknife this spring.

His second dam, Travelator (A. P Jet), was a six-time stakes winner on the East Coast, before foaling two stakes winners in Hollywood Jet (Uncaptured) and Stone Silent (Adios Charlie). Another half-sister, the Forestry mare Fantasy Forest, is the dam of GIII Challenger S. winner Last Judgment (Congrats).

 

Friday, Meydan, Middle East
AL MAKTOUM MILE-G2, AED1,000,000, Meydan, 12-22, NH3yo/up & SH3yo/up, 1600m, 1:37.21, ft.
1–ISOLATE, 128, h, 5, by Mark Valeski
1st Dam: Tranquil Song, by Unbridled's Song
2nd Dam: Travelator, by A. P Jet
3rd Dam: Rajadiddle, by Raja's Revenge
($70,000 Wlg '18 KEENOV). O-RRR Racing; B-Woodford
Thoroughbreds (FL); T-Doug Watson; J-Tyler Gaffalione.
AED600,000. Lifetime Record: MSW & GSP-US, 16-8-4-2,
AED1,587,015. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Golden Goal (Ire), 126, g, 9, Dark Angel (Ire)–Golden Rosie
(Ire), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). (£240,000 Ylg '15 DNPAUG).
O-Dale Brennan; B-Yeomanstown Stud (IRE); T-Doug Watson.
AED200,000.
3–Celtic Prince (GB), 126, g, 8, Shamardal–Opera Comique (Fr),
by Singspiel (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE.
O-Bouresly Racing Syndicate; B-Godolphin (GB); T-Rashed
Bouresly. AED100,000.
Margins: 3HF, 2 1/4, 2 3/4.
Also Ran: Desert Wisdom (GB), Mimi Kakushi, Road Bloc, Mr Raj, Quality Humor, Royal Mews (Fr). Scratched: Secret Ambition (GB). Click for the ERA chart & video.

 

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Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, Nov. 28-Dec. 4

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

Among the key rulings from the last seven days, the prohibition of intra-articular injections within seven days of a timed or reported workout once again stands out as a thorn in the side of trainers.

Three such cases have been resolved in the past week, resulting in $3,000 fines meted out in each case.

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) also handed down a seven-day suspension and $1,000 fine to trainer Norman Follett, for a post-race Lidocaine positive following a September runner at Belmont at the Big A. Lidocaine is a pain reliever used ubiquitously in human medicine.

The details of the ruling are not yet publicly available. But Equibase shows Follett to run a small New York-based stable. This year, he has made only 39 starts and had one winner.

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

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 11/4/2023
Licensee: Gustavo Amaya, 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, Sandpiper Memories. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 10/26/2023
Licensee: Wendell McDaniel, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Big Difference. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/25/2023
Licensee: Peter Miller, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Thirsty John. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 10/24/2023
Licensee: Jamie Ness, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Dust Devil. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 10/14/2023
Licensee: Ronnie Cravens, 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 by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Saturday's Gold, who won at Remington Park Oct. 14, 2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Darlene Green, 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 written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Highcotton Justice, who finished second at Horseshoe Indianapolis Oct. 11, 2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 9/22/2023
Licensee: Norman Follett, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on Dec. 5, 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 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Lidocaine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Racing Colors, who finished second at Belmont at the Big A Sept. 22, 2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 11/01/2023
Licensee: Steve Krebs, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Guaifenesin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Burn The Evidence, who won at Parx Racing Nov. 1, 2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/31/2023
Licensee: Ortis Henry, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Empress Palpatine, who finished second at Finger Lakes Oct. 31, 2023. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 10/28/2023
Licensee: Tony Lello, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Reel Em In. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Violations of Crop Rule
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Del Mar
Armando Aguilar – violation date Dec. 1; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Tyler Gaffalione – violation date Dec. 2; $277 fine, one-day suspension

Remington Park
Jermaine Valentino Bridgmohan – violation date Nov. 29; $250 fine, one-day suspension

OTHER KEY RULINGS
The TDN also 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: Del Mar
Date: 12/03/2023
Licensee: Keron Thomas, owner
Penalty: Suspension
Violation: Failure to comply with financial responsibility agreement
Explainer: Owner Keron Thomas is suspended after failing to comply to the terms agreed to in the hearing for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility – Sunshine Farms [Boarding cost] $5,170.97). Suspension to commence Dec. 16, 2023.

Track: Del Mar
Date: 12/03/2023
Licensee: Antonio Fresu, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension
Violation: Competing in one more designated race than permitted
Explainer: Jockey Antonio Fresu is suspended for 1 additional racing day (Dec. 10, 2023) pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (f) (Designated Races – participated in more than one designated race on Dec. 3, 2023).

New York
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 11/30/2023
Licensee: Jose Antonio Gomez, jockey
Penalty: Five-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Jose Antonio Gomez is hereby suspended five NYRA racing days. Effective Dec. 7-10, 2023, and Dec. 14, 2023, inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 7th race at Aqueduct Racetrack Nov. 25, 2023.

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Keeneland Wraps 2023 Fall Meet With Near-Record Handle

Keeneland closed its 2023 Fall Meet on a high note Saturday. The meet produced total all-sources wagering of $201.7 million, the second-highest Fall Meet handle and fourth-highest handle in Keeneland history.

“The Fall Meet was terrific from start to finish, and we are thankful for the strong support of our participants, fans and community,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It was rewarding to see crowds line the rail through the very last race every day, savoring all the excitement this season had to offer. And with the recent announcement of our new Paddock Building and Saddling Paddock enhancements, we look forward to offering even more unique experiences for our guests in the future.”

All-sources wagering (not including whole-card simulcasting at Keeneland) for the 17-day Fall Meet, held Oct. 6-28, totaled $201,739,442, down 3.43% from last year's record Fall Meet of $208,907,655.

On-track wagering of $16,266,007 marked an increase of 5.96% from last year's $15,351,232. Average daily purses of $1,135,604 during the Fall Meet attracted fields that averaged 9.1 starters per race.

Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez, who finished 1-2 in the rider standings during this year's Spring Meet, also battled for top honors this Fall with Gaffalione securing the lead on closing day for his fourth Fall Meet title and seventh overall.

Trainer Brad Cox earned his fourth consecutive Fall Meet training title and fifth overall while Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Godolphin and Richard Rigney's Rigney Racing tied for leading owner with four wins each.

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Youalmosthadme Dominates Keeneland’s Myrtlewood

Cut loose in the lane and rolling home, Youalmosthadme (f, 2, Oxbow–Good Gator, by Good and Tough) gave them the slip on the cut back from a mile and dominated the Myrtlewood S. to pick up her second career black type victory.

Last seen finishing second behind long-gone GIII Pocahontas victress 'TDN Rising Star' V V's Dream (Mitole), who finished second to Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the GI Darley Alcibiades earlier in the month, Youalmosthadme already tallied an open length maiden score over this track in the spring and won the Kentucky Juvenile S. in May at Churchill after moving from John Hancock to Brad Cox. She also hit the board in Ellis Park's Debutante S. in August.

Breaking well and stalking from second as the pacesetter put up brisk early fractions of :22.77 and :45.63, she took a short lead passing the half before opening up on the field heading for the line. Under moderate urging, she sailed home seven lengths best over familiar foe Hot Beach (Omaha Beach) and Fibber (Frosted) ran on strongly to round out the trifecta.

Conditioner Brad Cox had high praise in the winner's enclosure for his filly's ability to go from routes to sprinting: “Obviously [it takes] a very sound [horse] and an intelligent one, and she's both. I'm very proud of her performance today. [Jockey] Tyler [Gaffalione] did a good job. He put her into position and she fired.”

 

“She's been acting in the mornings that–without a doubt–she'd improved over the last month or so. I like what I've seen from her since the GIII Pocahontas (at Churchill Downs Sept. 16, when she finished second going a mile), and I think the cutback helped out a good bit today as well.”

While not willing to commit to limiting Youalmosthadme to one turn races, Cox did confirm that she would stay there for the near future.

Out of Good Gator, Youalmosthadme is the most successful of her siblings thus far, and the third winner from four to the races. She also has a yearling Get Stormy half-sister. The victress hails from the female line of GSP May Gator, who also claims MGSW Miz Ida (Proud Citizen) and SW Gator Zone (Sharp Humor) to her tally. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

MYRTLEWOOD S., $198,750, Keeneland, 10-27, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.67, ft.
1–YOUALMOSTHADME, 120, f, 2, by Oxbow
         1st Dam: Good Gator (SP), by Good and Tough
         2nd Dam: May Gator, by Green Alligator
         3rd Dam: Thesixthofmay, by Classic Account
($12,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Qatar Racing LLC, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, and Black Type Thoroughbreds; B-Pope, Marc, and Pope McLean Jr. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $117,800. Lifetime Record: GSP, 5-3-1-1, $361,950.
2–Hot Beach, 120, f, 2, Omaha Beach–Hot Water, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($160,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $400,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). O-Boardshorts Stables, LLC; B-Cobalt Investments, LLC (KY); T-Brian A. Lynch. $38,000.
3–Fibber, 118, f, 2, Frosted–Devious Intent, by Dixie Union. ($55,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Kat Kirk and Wayne R. Sanders; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-W. Bret Calhoun. $19,000.
Margins: 7, 1HF, NK. Odds: 1.93, 3.75, 7.29.
Also Ran: Copper Em, Field Lass, Xtreme Smoke Show, Wellareyouhappynow, Xtreme Diva, Let Them Watch.

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