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West Will Power Holds Off Rattle N Roll in Stephen Foster

Gary and Mary West homebred West Will Power (h, 6, Bernardini–Wild Promises, by Wild Event) punched his ticket to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic with a half-length victory over the streaking Rattle N Roll (Connect) in Saturday's 'Win and You're In' GI Stephen Foster S. at Ellis Park.

The 2-1 favorite sat a perfect, stalking trip beneath Flavien Prat in second through fractions of :23.74 and :46.97. He hit the front right outside of the quarter pole, set sail for home and stayed on to hold the fast-finishing Rattle N Roll safe. Longshot Happy American (Runhappy) was third.

The Stephen Foster, originally slated for Churchill Downs, is the first Grade I race in history to take place at Ellis Park.

“I think he can handle a mile-and-a-quarter in the Breeders' Cup Classic,” winning trainer Brad Cox said. “I was much more confident with him getting a target to track off in this race. We'll see how the figures come back, but I'm very proud of the way this horse has developed. It's a credit to the Wests and this horse to have the patience to improve with age. It's taken him a while to get to this level. It's really cool to go down in the history books by winning the first Grade I in the history of Ellis Park.”

West Will Power, second in last year's GI Clark S., posted a powerful victory with a career-high 109 Beyer Speed Figure in the GII New Orleans Classic S. Mar. 25. He entered off a third-place finish as the favorite in the GII Alysheba S. May 5.

“He was cruising all the way around there,” Prat said. “He just carried me home to the wire down the stretch. I was really impressed by the way he won this winter at Fair Grounds in the New Orleans Classic. It was a different setup last time out in the Alysheba. He came back here to Ellis and the race shape was much more to his style.”

Pedigree Notes:

West Will Power becomes the 17th Grade I winner for Bernardini. Grade III winner Wild Promises, a half-sister to MGSW Icy Atlantic (Stormy Atlantic) hailing from the extended female family of MGISW Jolie's Halo (Halo), had only one foal after West Will Power, an unraced 4-year-old filly named Cross Your Heart (Curlin). Wild Promises, a $200,000 KEENOV purchase by the Wests in 2012, brought $3,700 from Pam Schutz at the 2018 KEENOV sale.

Saturday, Ellis Park
STEPHEN FOSTER S.-GI, $1,000,000, Ellis, 7-1, 4yo/up, 1 1/8m, 1:47.93, ft.
1–WEST WILL POWER, 124, h, 6, by Bernardini
1st Dam: Wild Promises (GSW, $699,610), by Wild Event
2nd Dam: Frosty Promise, by Frosty the Snowman
3rd Dam: Has Promise, by Skip Trial
1ST GRADE I WIN. O-Gary and Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Flavien Prat. $599,260. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 17-7-7-1, $1,745,390. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Rattle N Roll, 124, c, 4, Connect–Jazz Tune, by Johannesburg. ($55,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $210,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-Lucky Seven Stable (Mackin); B-St. Simon Place (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $196,600.
3–Happy American, 124, g, 5, Runhappy–Queen of America, by Quiet American. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($385,000 Ylg '19 KEESEP). O-Lothenbach Stables, Inc. (Bob Lothenbach); B-Claiborne Farm (KY); T-Neil L. Pessin. $97,300.
Margins: HF, 1HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 2.07, 6.90, 48.94.
Also Ran: Last Samurai, Smile Happy, Stilleto Boy, Speed Bias, Proxy. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs.

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Equinox At His Brilliant Best In Takarazuka Kinen

The fan-voted G1 Takarazuka Kinen drew no fewer than eight Group 1 winners, but the spotlight was squarely on Silk Racing's world number one Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), who was making his first start since decimating a world-class field in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in late March. At the end of 2200 metres in front of a reported crowd of 45,000 at Hanshin Racecourse Sunday afternoon, the baldy faced 4-year-old did not disappoint, overcoming a wide trip that was very much by design before holding off longshot Through Seven Seas (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) in the waning strides. Leading stayer Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) outfinished the regally bred Geraldina (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) for third.

Drawn neatly in gate five in a race that has not been kind to favourites of late, the 1.30 (3-10) chalk secured a midfield position passing the stands for the first time, but drifted back through the pack as 2011 runner-up Unicorn Lion (Ire) (No Nay Never) and the 3-year-old Dura Erede (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) set off at a brisk gallop that saw the opening four furlongs traversed in :46.6.

In the company of Geraldina and Through Seven Seas at the tail of the field as they reached the halfway point, Equinox was still ridden quietly by Christophe Lemaire and they raced with cover before steering out at the 600-metre pole. Happy to sacrifice that considerable ground loss for an uncheckered passage, Equinox was some nine or 10 wide off the final corner, but steamed down the centre of the course–the best ground on the afternoon–and went on to win cosily. Through Seven Seas did not have the luxury of clear sailing and was strung up in traffic at a crucial stage before rattling home to put at least a small scare into those that backed Equinox. Distant second betting choice Justin Palace, backing up significantly in trip after winning the G1 Tenno Sho over two miles last time, predictably kept on well for third.

Sunday's tactics were dramatically different from those used in Dubai three months ago, when they chose to lead with Equinox and he glided effortlessly away. In the end, Lemaire was happy to play the hand he was dealt.

“Though we were unable get a good position toward the front due to the fast pace at the beginning, the horse was relaxed in the rear and I wasn't worried at all,” Lemaire said. As the inner track condition was not so good, we made [our] bid from the outside early and turned wide to the straight where he stretched really well. Hanshin's inner course is tricky and the Takarazuka Kinen is a difficult race to win even for champion horses, so I'm very happy that I was able to win the race with the No. 1 horse in the World's Best Racehorse Rankings. I realized again how strong he is. I hope to win more big races with him in autumn.”

The victory earned Equinox a fees-paid berth into the GI Breeders' Cup Turf in November and also a spot in the G1 Cox Plate, though big-money events at home including the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn), G1 Japan Cup and G1 Arima Kinen will naturally be strongly considered. Equinox skipped last year's Japan Cup, but was victorious in the other two races en route to being named Horse of the Year.

Pedigree Notes:

On behalf of Shadai Farm, bloodstock agent Patrick Barbe went to $410,000 to acquire Equinox's fourth dam, Blanche Reine (Fr) (Nureyev) in foal to Alleged at the 1988 Keeneland November Sale and the resulting produce was Maison Blanche, a stakes-placed earner of better than $931,000 for Kazuko Yoshida whose half-brother Balleroy (Kaldoun {Fr}) won the G3 Prix de Guiche and was second in the G1 Prix Jean Prat in 1991. The family remained fairly quiet until Maison Blanche's foal of 2010, Chateau Blanche, did her part to enhance the page, carrying theses same Silk Racing colours when defeating the top-class Marialite (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in Group 3 company in 2015.

Chateau Blanche is the dam of three winners from three to the races, a number that also includes Group 3 winner Weiss Meteor (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}). She is also the dam of the 2-year-old filly Garza Blanca (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) and foaled a full-sister to Equinox Feb. 26.

Sunday, Hanshin, Japan
TAKARAZUKA KINEN-G1, ¥423,280,000, Hanshin, 6-25, 3yo/up, 2200mT, 2:11.20, gd/fm.
1–EQUINOX (JPN), 128, c, 4, by Kitasan Black (Jpn)
1st Dam: Chateau Blanche (Jpn), by King Halo (Jpn)
2nd Dam: Blancherie (Jpn), by Tony Bin (Ire)
3rd Dam: Maison Blanche (Jpn), by Alleged
O-Silk Racing; B-Northern Farm; T-Tetsuya Kimura; J-Christophe Lemaire; ¥223,696,000. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year & Ch. 3yo Colt-Jpn, G1SW-UAE, 8-6-2-0, $11,072,697. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
2–Through Seven Seas (Jpn), 123, m, 5, Dream Journey (Jpn)–Mighty Slew (Jpn), by Kurofune. O-Carrot Farm; B-Northern Farm; ¥89,056,000.
3–Justin Palace (Jpn), 128, c, 4, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Palace Rumor, by Royal Anthem. (¥190,000,000 Ylg '20 JRHAJUL). O-Masahiro Miki; B-Northern Farm; ¥55,528,000.
Margins: NK, 1, HD. Odds: 0.30, 54.70, 7.50.
Also Ran: Geraldina (Jpn), Deep Bond (Jpn), Pradaria (Jpn), Boccherini (Jpn), Vela Azul (Jpn), Geoglyph (Jpn), Dura Erede (Jpn), Ask Victor More (Jpn), Breakup (Jpn), Danon the Kid (Jpn), Mozu Bello (Jpn), Unicorn Lion (Ire), Karate (Jpn), Lilac (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart.

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Stephen Foster Removed from Breeders’ Cup Television Lineup

In a modification to the previously announced “Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In” television schedule, Breeders' Cup Limited has eliminated the July 1 GI Stephen Foster S. from television coverage. Logistical challenges arose when the race was moved from Churchill Downs to Ellis Park along with the remainder of Churchill's current meet.

The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series features 80 qualifying races in 11 countries. Many of the races, including the Stephen Foster, will be televised on FanDuel TV with five live programs split between NBC, FOX, and CNBC. The complete Challenge Series television schedule can be viewed at BreedersCup.com/races/challenge-series.

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BC Champ Caravel Beats the Boys Again in Jaipur

How good is Caravel (m, 6, Mizzen Mast-Zeezee Zoomzoom, by Congrats)? The defending GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner skipped the G1 King's Stand S. at Royal Ascot and instead stayed closer to home in the GI Jaipur S. at Belmont Park, once again plundering the turf sprint division over males. The $400,000, six-furlong Jaipur is a 'Win and You're In' race for the Turf Sprint and a title defense in the Nov. 4 Santa Anita edition is in the cards for Caravel, reiterated after the Jaipur by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Racing, which owns Caravel with Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables.

In the Jaipur, Caravel broke evenly and tracked in second early, breathing menacingly down the neck of the :22.19 first quarter pace set by 13-1 Nothing Better (Munnings). The 5-2 choice drew on even terms coming off the turn as the timer tripped in :44.80 and drew clear to get the five-furlong mark in a scintillating :56.15. The flashy gray had enough left to hold off a late rush by GSW Big Invasion (Declaration of War), who finished three-quarters of a length in arrears, while defending two-time Jaipur winner Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed) was just a neck back in third. The final time was 1:07.23.

The Jaipur marked Caravel's fifth win in a row, third win over males, and second victory at the highest level.

“She's in incredible form right now,” said winning trainer Brad Cox. “This is two Grade Is for her against the boys. I don't think I've ever had a filly to beat the boys.

“The Breeders' Cup is our main target. There are some races up at Saratoga but I'm not sure yet how many more times we would need to run prior to the Breeders' Cup. We'll just try to keep her happy and healthy.

“She never ceases to amaze me. She is absolutely amazing. She just never lets you down. She is spot on. I'm very proud of her.”

Originally trained by her breeder, Elizabeth M. Merryman, Caravel won seven of first nine starts, including Saratoga's GIII Caress S. and four other black-type races. Bobby Flay bought into the then-4-year-old in 2021 and she was transferred to the barn of Graham Motion, but she failed to win in three starts and went through the Fasig-Tipton November sales ring days after trailing the field home in the 2021 Turf Sprint. Her current ownership picked her up for $500,000 and transferred the gray to Cox.

Caravel opened her 2022 campaign under Cox with a win in Turfway's Queen S. and added Belmont's GIII Intercontinental S., as well as Saratoga's Smart N Fancy S. after losing a race here and there. She then went on her current tear, beginning with Keeneland's GIII Franklin S. last October. The Turf Sprint was next and her first win over the boys, as well as her first triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure (107). She doubled up on wins over males in her 2023 debut, Keeneland's GII Shakertown S., and dropped back to softer female company for a win on the Kentucky Oaks undercard in the Unbridled Sidney S. at Churchill Downs. With her victory in the Jaipur, Caravel is not only riding a five-race win streak but is also undefeated in 2023.

Pedigree Notes:

Mizzen Mast, a 25-year-old pensioner at his long-time Juddmonte home, is the sire of 63 black-type winners, nearly equal to the average size of his foal crops over 18 seasons. Most of his 26 graded winners and nine Grade I/Group 1 winners have been in the U.S., but he's also responsible for winners at the highest level in both France and Hong Kong. His progeny have won four Breeders' Cup races: Flotilla (Fr) in the 2012 GI Juvenile Fillies Turf, Mizdirection in the 2012-13 GI Turf Sprint, and Caravel in last year's Turf Sprint.

Zeezee Zoomzoom has produced two of the 19 stakes winners out of daughters of WinStar's pensioned Congrats. The mare also has an unraced 2-year-old colt named Enzo (Great Notion)–a full-brother to MSW Witty–and a yearling filly by Street Boss, all, like Caravel, bred by Merryman.

Saturday, Belmont Park
JAIPUR S.-GI, $400,000, Belmont, 6-10, 3yo/up, 6fT, 1:07.93, fm.
1–CARAVEL, 121, m, 6, by Mizzen Mast
                1st Dam: Zeezee Zoomzoom, by Congrats
                2nd Dam: Zee Zee, by Exchange Rate
                3rd Dam: Emblem of Hope, by Dynaformer
($330,000 RNA 3yo '20 WANOCT; $500,000 4yo '21 FTKNOV).
O-Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables LLC;
B-Elizabeth M. Merryman (PA); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Tyler
Gaffalione. $220,000. Lifetime Record: 23-15-0-3, $1,897,577.
*1/2 to Witty (Great Notion), MSW, $337,460.
Werk Nick Rating: A++.
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Big Invasion, 122, c, 4, Declaration of War–Curls in Place, by
Curlin. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($72,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP).
O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing; B-John O'meara (KY);
T-Christophe Clement. $80,000.
3–Casa Creed, 124, h, 7, Jimmy Creed–Achalaya, by Bellamy
Road. ($15,000 Ylg '17 OBSWIN; $105,000 Ylg '17 KEESEP).
O-LRE Racing LLC and JEH Racing Stable LLC; B-Silver Springs
Stud, LLC (KY); T-William I. Mott. $48,000.
Margins: 3/4, NK, 1 1/4. Odds: 2.90, 4.30, 3.95.
Also Ran: Dr Zempf (GB), Nothing Better, Ice Chocolat (Brz), Arrest Me Red, Front Run the Fed, Yes and Yes, Thin White Duke, Coppola, Air Force Red, Go Bears Go (Ire), Surprise Boss. Scratched: Mid Day Image, Our Shot.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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