SEASON DEBUT - BloodHorse
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 BLOODHORSE.COM/DAILY
SKIP DICKSTEIN/TIM LANAHAN
SEASON DEBUT
Forte, Blazing Sevens Square Off
in Fountain of Youth
See page 4
IN THIS ISSUE
10 Heating Up on the Triple Crown Trail
15 Turf Paradise Reaches Compliance
Agreement With HISA
17 Jockey Alex Canchari Dies at 29
BLOODHORSE DAILY Download the FREE smartphone app PAGE 1 OF 33
POINT OF ENTRY DY N A F O R ME R – M ATL ACHA PASS, BY SEEKIN G T HE GOLD THE STATS DON’T LIE! CLICK HERE TO BOOK IN YOUR MARE TODAY! OR CALL DERMOT CARTY – T: (416) 518-1449 / (859) 559-4928 C L A S S I C B L O O D L I N E S C L A S S I C P E R F O R M A N C E
CONTENTS
4 Forte, Blazing Sevens Square Off in Fountain of Youth 20 Hawthorne Marketing National-Low WPS
Takeout Rates
8 Leading Third-Crop Sires
22 Grade 2 Winner Serve the King Enters Stud in Ontario
10 Heating Up on the Triple Crown Trail
24 Undefeated Red Carpet Ready Steps Up in Davona Dale
12 The Road: Round 3 for Blazing Sevens, Forte
in Fountain of Youth 26 Charge It After Third Straight in Gulfstream Park Mile
15 Turf Paradise Reaches Compliance Agreement 27 Veteran Runners Return for Mac Diarmida,
With HISA The Very One
16 Castellano Honored With George Woolf 29 Euro Road to the Kentucky Derby Resumes in Ireland
Memorial Award
30 Montefilia Latest Star Added to Inglis Chairman Sale
17 Jockey Alex Canchari Dies at 29
32 Results
19 Bidding Now Open for Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale
MICHAEL BURNS
Celebrate 11 years of accredited Thoroughbred aftercare.
Make a pledge to the TAA.
Funding Aftercare Across North America 11 15,500 + 81 ALLIANCE FOR
1
www.thoroughbredaftercare.org | (859) 224-2756 YEARS THOROUGHBREDS CHARITIES ACCREDITATION
A publication of The Jockey Club Information Systems, Inc.
and TOBA Media Properties, Inc. ON THE COVER
Forte draws away to win the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
Editorial Director General Manager at Keeneland
Frank Angst Scott Carling
Managing Editor Digital Design Manager
Joe Perez Jules Clarke LATEST HEADLINES
Visuals Director Senior Web Producer
Anne M. Eberhardt Christine Wittmer from Bloodhorse.com
Bloodstock Editor Digital Content Coordinator » After a Record Year, Del Mar Aims Higher for 2023 Meet
Eric Mitchell Michelle Benson
News Editor Regional Sales Managers
Byron King Catherine Johnston » FTBOA Enhances Gulfstream Park Stakes Incentives
Ellen Lambertus
Sales Editor Amanda Ramey Masters
Lauren Gash Director of Technology » McCarthy, Carmouche Return to Action at The Big A
Assistant Editors Courtney Bearse
Debbie Tuska Senior Columnist
Molly Rollins Jay Hovdey » As One Racing Stables Announces First Partnership
Corrie McCroskey Pedigree Analyst
Senior Correspondent Alan Porter
Bob Ehalt » Delta Downs Season Ends With New Leading Jockey
Contact Us:
Editor: fangst@bloodhorse.com • Advertising: advertise@bloodhorse.com » 1/ST Racing to Support TAA, Coast-To-Coast Pick 5
» Turfway Park Extends Its Partnership With Jeff Ruby
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 3 OF 33
FORTE, BLAZING
SEVENS SQUARE OFF IN
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
By Byron King
t @BH_Bking
F our months after his triumph
in the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup
Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland,
champion Forte is ready to resume
racing.
After a planned freshening
before embarking on the Kentucky
SKIP DICKSTEIN
Derby (G1) trail, the Eclipse Award-
winning 2-year-old male of 2022
returns in the $400,000 Fountain of Forte wins the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland
Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park
March 4. him after breaking sluggishly.
Despite his daunting presence, nine other 3-year- Forte, a Violence colt, went 4-for-5 in 2022 for
olds are in the lineup, including fellow top-level Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and owners
stakes winner Blazing Sevens, who captured the one- Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, also capturing the
mile Champagne Stakes (G1) at Aqueduct Racetrack Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, the Hopeful
last year. The latter chased Forte in vain down the Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, and a maiden
stretch in the BC Juvenile, finishing fourth behind race at Belmont Park. His sole defeat was a fourth
in the Sanford Stakes (G3) at Saratoga in his second
outing.
Repole Stable Having recorded six breezes since mid-January at
@RepoleStable Palm Beach Downs, he has picked up the pace in his
final workouts leading into the 1 1/16-mile Fountain
He’s back!!!!!
of Youth, clocking five furlongs Feb. 18 in 1:01.41
Forte will be representing Repole Stable, St.Elias and the same distance Feb. 25 in 1:01.99. The Palm
Stable and @PletcherRacing in next weeks Meadows surface is more tiring than the dirt track at
@GulfstreamPark Fountain of Youth. @iradortiz Gulfstream Park.
will be on board!!!!!
Video: Forte is on the outside (continued on page 5)
Land & Farm Properties
Maryland • Delaware • Pennsylvania
Selling Horse Farms
for 39 Years and Counting
A. John Price
11:53 AM · Feb 23, 2023 302-379-6318 888-909-FARM
www.PattersonPriceLand.com
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 4 OF 33
FORTE, BLAZING SEVENS SQUARE
OFF IN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
(continued from page 4)
"Last week was the work we wanted to make sure
that we were on target. We got a good strong work
into him. We got a good work (Saturday), but after
last week, we weren't looking for him to do too much,"
Pletcher said. "We’re right on schedule and (I) think we
are where we want to be."
Regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. returns in the irons o the
7-5 morning-line favorite.
Pletcher intends to give Forte two preps leading
COGLIANESE PHOTOS
into the May 6 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs,
with the most likely follow-up start in either the April
1 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream or the April 8 Blue
Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. Forte is 2-for-2 at We’re right on schedule and (I) think we
Keeneland while competing in grade 1s. are where we want to be.”
— TODD PLETCHER
(continued on page 6)
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 5 OF 33
FORTE, BLAZING SEVENS
SQUARE OFF IN FOUNTAIN
OF YOUTH
(continued from page 5)
The foundation Forte gained at 2, "afforded us
a little time for him to freshen up. With that type
of seasoning, I'm very comfortable with two races
leading up, hopefully, to the Derby," Pletcher
said. "We've approached it from various angles
and felt like this was the right path for him. So
far everything has been going to plan. Hopefully,
it continues to do that."
The Fountain of Youth provides qualifying
points toward the Derby on a 50-20-15-10-5 scale
to its top five finishers. CHAD B. HARMON
Forte's achievements last year earned him
40 qualifying points, customarily sufficient to
Blazing Sevens pauses to take in the sights during morning training
make the Derby, even if he did not earn any more
toward the 2022 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland
in the lead-up to the race—an unlikely scenario.
Churchill Downs officials use points to publicize others are more in need of points in the Fountain of
their race and as a preference system when it overfills Youth, which like other 1 1/16-mile races at Gulfstream,
beyond the maximum field size of 20 horses. has a short run to the first of two turns and ends at
Pletcher has trained three Fountain of Youth what is typically the sixteenth pole. This setup is
winners—Itsaknockout (2016), Eskendereya (2010), necessary with the Gulfstream main track being 1 1/8
and Scat Daddy (2007). The latter gave the trainer one miles in circumference.
of his record six victories in the Florida Derby.
Blazing Sevens (16 Kentucky Derby points) and (continued on page 7)
COGLIANESE PHOTOS COGLIANESE PHOTOS/LAUREN KING
(L-R): Rocket Can takes the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park; General Jim wins the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 6 OF 33
FORTE, BLAZING SEVENS SQUARE
OFF IN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
(continued from page 6) 2023 LEADING SIRES OF STAKES WINNERS
RK STALLION SWS
Rodeo Creek Racing's Blazing Sevens won two 1 Into Mischief 8
2 UNCLE MO 5
of four starts last year for trainer Chad Brown,
3 MUNNINGS 4
taking a maiden race at Saratoga in addition to the - Constitution 4
Champagne. But he lost both times he faced Forte, TDN.com, 3/2
finishing a distant third in the Hopeful Stakes at
Saratoga over a sloppy track and checking in
5 1/4 lengths behind him over a fast surface in the
2022 LEADING SIRES OF STAKES WINNERS
RK STALLION SWS
Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
1 Into Mischief 27
He has been training at Payson Park leading 2 MUNNINGS 15
up to his unveiling at 3, with a similar workout 3 UNCLE MO 14
schedule to Forte's. - Quality Road 14
Joel Rosario rides the 7-2 second favorite. - Not This Time 14
The race includes Holy Bull Stakes (G3) winner - Constitution 14
Rocket Can, a son of Into Mischief trained by Hall
of Famer Bill Mott. He is 8-1 on the morning line.
"The first race back down here wasn't that hard 2021 LEADING SIRES OF STAKES WINNERS
RK STALLION SWS
on him, and he seems to have recovered fairly
well," Mott said. "A lot of times the first race
1 Into Mischief 29
2 MUNNINGS 19
will tire them out a little, but he seems to come - Curlin 19
back good, so hopefully he moves forward a little 4 Medaglia d’Oro 18
more." 5 AMERICAN PHAROAH 15
Other Holy Bull participants are in the 6 UNCLE MO 14
Fountain of Youth, such as runner-up Shadow
Dragon, fourth-place Legacy Isle, and seventh-
place Cyclone Mischief. Legacy Isle races with 2020 LEADING SIRES OF STAKES WINNERS
blinkers off. RK STALLION SWS
Other prominent entries stretch out in 1 Into Mischief 29
distance, including Swale Stakes (G3) winner
2 UNCLE MO 22
3 Speightstown 17
General Jim and smashing debut winner Mage. 4 Curlin 15
They both exit seven-furlong races. BH 5 Tapit 14
s Share this story 6 SCAT DADDY 13
- War Front 13
8 MUNNINGS 12
Dermot Ryan, Charlie O’Connor, Adrian Wallace, Robyn Murray, Blaise Benjamin,
Charles Hynes or Michael Norris. Tel: 859-873-7088. Fax: 859-879 5756.
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 7 OF 33
Central Kentucky’s Most Respected Source of Farm Brokerage
Let’s talk. www.kirkfarms.com │ telephone (+1) 859.576.8195 │ zach@kirkfarms.com
LEADING THIRD-CROP SIRES
Sponsored by
Stallion, YOB, (Sire) Named Rnrs/ BT SW/ Chief Earner
Rank Farm, Stud Fee Foals Wnrs SHs GSW G1W (Earnings) '23 Earnings
1 Gun Runner, '13, (Candy Ride) 270 87 / 12 2/7 0 0 Gunite $1,877,588
Three Chimneys Farm, KY, Private $394,575
2 Practical Joke, '14, (Into Mischief) 314 118 / 29 0/3 0 0 Tejano Twist $1,538,881
Ashford Stud, KY, $25,000 $93,300
3 Connect, '13, (Curlin) 219 98 / 22 1/3 0 0 The Alys Look $1,102,951
Lane's End, KY, $25,000 $90,000
4 Classic Empire, '14, (Pioneerof the Nile) 214 73 / 19 2/3 2 0 Angel of Empire $1,076,711
Ashford Stud, KY, $15,000 $287,000
5 Mastery, '14, (Candy Ride) 272 79 / 21 1/2 1 0 Surprisingly $784,234
Claiborne Farm, KY, $7,500 $90,000
6 Arrogate, '13, (Unbridled's Song) 265 63 / 13 1/2 1 0 Jasper Great $753,049
N/A, Died $124,374
7 American Freedom, '13, (Pulpit) 195 72 / 16 0/0 0 0 Airtime $674,964
Leadem Farm, AR, $3,500 $92,400
8 Unified, '13, (Candy Ride) 209 71 / 20 0/0 0 0 Majority Partner $637,953
Lane's End, KY, $7,500 $40,700
9 Klimt, '14, (Quality Road) 319 93 / 18 1/2 0 0 Vietnam Victory $613,126
Jockey Club of Turkey Stud Farms, TUR, 7,500 Euros $55,800
10 Lord Nelson, '12, (Pulpit) 186 56 / 11 1/1 0 0 Super Chow $572,618
N/A, Died $86,380
Listed above are the top 10 leading third-crop sires by 2023 Northern Hemisphere earnings through March 1, 2023. Only stallions that stand, will
stand, or stood in North America (excluding stallions that died or were exported prior to the 2019 breeding season), and have runners
in North America are included. Racing statistics are 2023 Northern Hemisphere only.
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 8 OF 33
WE BRING KENTUCKY TO YOU
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PR
ESS
EDITORIAL
PIONEEROF THE NILE - WAR FRONT - PLAYA MAYA
LITTLEPRINCESSEMMA (ARCH)
(YANKEE GENTLEMAN)
Half brother to
FULL brother to UNCLE MO
AMERICAN PHAROAH STUD FEE $3,500 S&N
STUD FEE $3,500 S&N STANDING AT RANCHO SAN MIGUEL
STANDING AT JOURNEYMAN STUD CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA (805) 467-3847
(352) 629-1200
FORTUNE TICKET MR. MONOMOY
CANDY RIDE - QUIET GIANT PALACE MALICE - DRUMETTE
(GIANTS CAUSEWAY) (HENNY HUGHES)
FULL Brother to Half brother to
GUN RUNNER MONOMOY GIRL
STUD FEE $2,500 S&N STUD FEE $1,500 S&N
STANDING AT STANDING AT PELLINOR LANE FARM
ANCHOR & HOPE FARM
WEST VIRGINIA
MARYLAND
(304) 261-8704
(443) 907-7122
For more information call Sean Feld (859) 519-9665 or Maddie Mattmiller (859) 421-1620
HEATING UP THE TRIPLE CROWN TRAIL
BY MIKE CURRY, OF AMERICA’S BEST RACING
1 | CONFIDENCE GAME 2 | ANGEL OF EMPIRE build upon those incremental gains for 2020
and 2021 Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad
While several factors helped Confidence Like Confidence Game, Angel of Empire Cox. This is an improving colt who should
Game in his one-length victory at 18-1 odds excel at 1 1/4 miles.
earned a spot on the heating up list via a
in the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) Feb. 25
double-digit upset victory from off the pace
at Oaklawn Park—specifically a strong pace
and a sloppy track—this was a terrific break-
in a key prep race on the Kentucky Derby
trail. The bay colt by Classic Empire closed 3 | SUN THUNDER
out performance. The Candy Ride colt even
from ninth at 13-1 odds to win the $400,000 After a disappointing stakes debut on a slop-
surprised his trainer, Keith Desormeaux, a
Risen Star Stakes (G2) by a length Feb. 18 at py track in the Southwest Stakes (G3) Jan. 28
bit. Confidence Game stalked a swift pace
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. In earning at Oaklawn, Sun Thunder looked much more
set by Powerful, and with one sweeping rally
on the far turn and a strong stretch drive,
50 points for the Risen Star win, Angel of the part of a Kentucky Derby hopeful in his
he went from out of the top 20 to the very Empire held the top spot on the Road to the second start of the year. He closed from 12th
top spot on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Derby leaderboard for a week with 54 points in a 14-horse field to post a runner-up finish in
leaderboard with 57 points. Coming off a before Confidence Game overtook him. That the Risen Star Stakes, which I believe is a much
well-beaten third in the Lecomte Stakes (G3), said, his total should very likely be sufficient better indicator of his ability than his previous
Confidence Game took a giant leap forward in to guarantee Angel of Empire a spot in the race. Although he was outfinished by Angel
the 1 1/16-mile Rebel, earning a career-best 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby, and of Empire in deep stretch at Fair Grounds,
104 Equibase Speed Figure and a new top there were a couple of key positives to pull Sun Thunder improved to a career-best 94
Beyer Speed Figure of 94. Stamina should not from that win. First, the victory came at 1 1/8 Equibase Speed Figure for trainer Ken McPeek,
be an issue judging by how Confidence Game miles despite racing five wide on the final who said he has been really pleased with how
galloped out after the Rebel combined with turn, supporting his connections’ pre-race the Into Mischief colt has matured with time
a solid distance pedigree: sire Candy Ride expectations that the longer the distance, the and experience. He still needs to improve in
was a record-setter at 1 1/4 miles, and dam better for Angel of Empire. Removing one a significant way to be a bonafide Kentucky
Eblouissante is a half sister to Hall of Famer unplaced finish in a turf race from the equa- Derby win candidate. The Louisiana Derby
Zenyatta. There is much to like in Confidence tion, Angel of Empire has shown a steady im- (G2) March 25 will be only his fifth start, and
Game as a Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful provement when measuring by speed figures: he is eligible to improve off the Risen Star
with seven races of experience/foundation, a 58-80-92-96 Equibase Speed Figures for his second-place finish.
couple of wins on the main track at Churchill four dirt starts and 58-70-85-89 Beyer Speed
Downs, and improving speed figures for a Figures. He will need to continue to improve
quality trainer. in his final Derby prep, but he can definitely
COADY PHOTOGRAPHY HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY / LOU HODGES JR. COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
(L-R): Confidence Game (outside) wins the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park; Angel of Empire wins the Risen Star Stakes at
Fair Grounds Race Course; Sun Thunder breaks his maiden at Oaklawn Park
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 10 OF 33Long Range Toddy
Stallion Syndicate
Take Charge Indy – Pleasant Song by
Unbridled's Song
Grade 2 Winning Millionaire
Defeated Champion
IMPROBABLE
in the Rebel Stakes
To stand at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions at Irish Hill Century Farm
Get involved now and enjoy his last campaign as a racehorse
before things get hot in New York.
First ten shares comes with extra perks and benefits
Limited shares available
For details contact:
Email: zenithbreeding@gmail.com
Fingerlakesbloodstock@hotmail.com
Phone: Kevin Bitler (585) 330-0192
Anne M. Eberhardt photoTHE ROAD
presented by
CONTENDERS ON THE TRIPLE CROWN TRAIL
ROUND 3 FOR BLAZING SEVENS,
FORTE IN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
By Byron King
t @BH_Bking
F our races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby make
for a busy slate of racing action March 4, topped
by the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream
Park, which marks the season debut of Forte, the
2-year-old male champion of 2022.
The 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth, like Saturday's
one-mile Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack
and the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa
Anita Park, offers 100 Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
points, distributed on a 50-20-15-10-5 scale to the
top-five finishers. The day's other prep, the ungraded
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on the Blazing Sevens trains last fall before his fourth-place finish in
the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland
synthetic Tapeta surface at Turfway Park, offers 40
points on a 20-8-6-4-2 basis. (continued on page 13)
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 12 OF 33THE ROAD
presented by
CONTENDERS ON THE TRIPLE CROWN TRAIL
ROUND 3 FOR BLAZING SEVENS, Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's Forte is one of
FORTE IN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH two grade 1 winners in the Fountain of Youth. Also
entered is Champagne Stakes (G1) winner Blazing
(continued from page 12)
Sevens, who was twice beaten by Forte last year when
third to him in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) and fourth
In the 2022 John Battaglia, eventual Kentucky in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). Neither of the
Derby winner Rich Strike finished fourth, earning one two colts have raced since the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup
qualifying point. Juvenile.
Last year, the Battaglia had points distributed on a Rodeo Creek Racing's Blazing Sevens was beaten 12
10-4-2-1 scale when the Road to the Kentucky Derby lengths by Forte over a sloppy track in the Hopeful but
series issued points to only the top-four runners. The was closer in the Breeders' Cup when 5 1/4 lengths in
Battaglia's point total was increased by Churchill arrears following a somewhat tardy start.
Downs officials this year. "He had a good trip," trainer Chad Brown said. "He
This year's race drew an overflow field with was following Forte and, on the final turn, Forte just
numerous out-of-state invaders, though the race does got away from him, powered through the stretch, and
not appear of the quality of its counterpart 3-year-old won very convincingly.
preps on Saturday.
(continued on page 14)
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 13 OF 33THE ROAD
presented by
CONTENDERS ON THE TRIPLE CROWN TRAIL
ROUND 3 FOR BLAZING SEVENS, friend as the season goes on."
FORTE IN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Such an endorsement from Brown is encouraging
from a colt that still must prove his two-turn capability.
(continued from page 13)
His two wins have come in one-turn races, with his
longest victory coming in the one-mile Champagne, the
"I am not sure if our horse did not care for the first of Good Magic's progeny to win a grade 1. Blazing
Keeneland surface. I didn't feel he ran his best race, and Sevens tried to gain ground on Forte in the final furlong
I don't think he had any excuse as to why. I know he is of the 1 1/16-mile Breeders' Cup Juvenile after called into
better than that. At a minimum, he should have been action early on the second turn to try to close the gap on
closer at the finish." the leaders.
Both colts have kept a similar training schedule The San Felipe includes five 3-year-olds trained by
leading up to the Fountain of Youth, with Forte working Tim Yakteen, four of whom were transferred late last
at Palm Beach Downs for Hall of Fame trainer Todd month to him from prior trainer Bob Baffert. Baffert
Pletcher and Brown breezing Blazing Sevens at Payson remains barred by Churchill Downs Inc. from competing
Park. at its tracks through early July and his horses from
Pletcher is a two-time Derby winner. Brown is looking earning Kentucky Derby qualifying points due to a series
for his first success the Derby. He came close in 2018 of equine medication violations, including from Medina
when Good Magic, the champion 2-year-old male the Spirit in the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
previous year, ran second for him behind eventual Triple Yakteen's quintet includes ex-Baffert runners National
Crown winner Justify. The Brown trainee was later fourth Treasure, Hejazi, Fort Bragg, and Mr Fisk, plus Practical
in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Move, a colt who has been in Yakteen's care throughout.
Blazing Sevens is a son of Good Magic. Practical Move won the Dec. 17 Los Alamitos Futurity
"He looks totally different than him. He is a much (G2) last year in his most recent start for the trainer.
bigger horse at this stage," Brown said of the two. "He El Camino Real Derby winner Chase the Chaos and
is not as agile as Good Magic was, but he has a lot of fast maiden winners Geaux Rocket Ride and Skinner,
strength and a lot of natural endurance. He is a hard who is grade 1-placed, start for other trainers and further
horse to make tired. I think more distance will be his strengthen the lineup. Eleven horses are entered, making
it the deepest Derby prep in California this winter.
The San Felipe has been influential over the past
decade, won by Derby winners Authentic (2020) and
California Chrome (2014).
Shorter than the other Derby preps on Saturday and
a one-turn race, the Gotham drew more stretch-out
sprinters than Saturday's three other Derby preps. It
lured 14 entries in the body of the field, plus one also
eligible. Two entries are former Baffert horses.
The Gotham is followed next in the 3-year-old stakes
program in New York by the April 8 Wood Memorial (G2)
at Aqueduct, a two-turn race at 1 1/8 miles that may prove
more predictive toward which horses have the potential
BENOIT PHOTO
to handle 1 1/4 miles in the May 6 Run for the Roses. BH
Practical Move takes the 2022 Los Alamitos Futurity at
Los Alamitos Race Course
s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 14 OF 33TURF PARADISE REACHES
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT
WITH HISA
By Byron King
t @BH_Bking
T urf Paradise, which fell into
noncompliance with the Horseracing
Integrity and Safety Authority, reached
an agreement with HISA Feb. 24 to honor
HISA rules.
In January, HISA notified the Phoenix
track of violations of its Racetrack Safety
COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
Program, which Turf Paradise general
manager Vincent Francia said contrasts with
Arizona rules and state law in some cases.
Arizona, for example, does not yet have a Racing at Turf Paradise
voided claim rule, though HISA rules call for
one. In addition, the track promised other changes to
In the agreement, published on the HISA website comply with the application and enforcement of other
and first reported by Daily Racing Form March 1, Turf HISA rules. Track officials also agreed to pay a $5,000
Paradise agrees that HISA rules "shall preempt any penalty related to violations and pay its 2022 fees to HISA
provision of State law or regulation." totaling $155,611 in three monthly installments.
Additionally, Turf Paradise agreed to "make HISA and regulatory officials met with Turf Paradise
reasonable and good faith efforts to comply with the representatives Wednesday at the track during a card
orders issued by agents of the Authority, including marred by a breakdown in the seventh race. That incident
Authority stewards assigned to Turf Paradise, to enforce resulted in a spill with two equine fatalities and the
voided claims under Rule 2262 and any penalties cancellation of the day's final race, Francia told Paulick
assessed for riding crop violations, including suspensions Report. BH
and purse redistribution." s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 15 OF 33CASTELLANO HONORED children, Kayla, Sienna, and Brad. He is the son-in-
WITH GEORGE WOOLF law of Terry Meyocks, national director of the Jockeys'
Guild.
MEMORIAL AWARD
A winner of four consecutive Eclipse Awards as
Edited Press Release
North America's outstanding jockey in 2013-16,
A four-time Eclipse Award winner and a member
of racing's Hall of Fame since 2017, Venezuelan
native Javier Castellano has won the 2023 George
Castellano rose to national prominence on Oct. 30,
2004, when he guided the Frank Stronach homebred
and Bobby Frankel-trained Ghostzapper to victory in
Woolf Memorial Jockey Award via a nationwide vote of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Lone Star Park.
his fellow riders. Castellano now has career purse earnings of more
Castellano, 45, will be honored in a winner's circle than $377 million, second all-time only to fellow Hall
ceremony at Santa Anita Park this spring. of Famer John Velazquez, and through March 1, had
Presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950 and recorded 5,619 North American wins. A winner of
one of the most coveted awards in racing, the Woolf a record six runnings of the Travers Stakes (G1) at
Award recognizes those riders whose careers and Saratoga, Castellano's mounts earned a then-record
personal character garner esteem for the individual $28.1 million in 2015. Victorious in 12 Breeders' Cup
and the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The award can races, Castellano's other major victories include two
be won only once. Preakness Stakes (G1, 2006 and 2017) and the 2016
"I am proud to have been honored and selected Kentucky Oaks (G1).
to win this incredible award," said Castellano, who Castellano was joined on this year's Woolf ballot by
immigrated to the United States in June 1997. "It is fellow finalists Daniel Centeno, Terry Houghton, Edwin
one that is obviously prestigious, but to be voted by my Maldonado, and Willie Martinez. A date for the Woolf
fellow riders truly makes this so special. I admire my Award presentation ceremony at Santa Anita will be
fellow nominees as well as the other incredible riders announced soon.
that have won this award in years past. This press release has been edited for content and
"The significance of this award definitely does not style by BloodHorse Staff. BH
go unnoticed. I have so many people to thank and I s Share this story
look forward to having my family with me to
accept this award at Santa Anita."
The George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award
is named after the late Hall of Fame jockey
who gained national acclaim by winning the
inaugural Santa Anita Handicap Feb. 23,
1935, aboard Azucar and later by piloting the
immortal Seabiscuit to victory over Triple
Crown winner and Horse of the Year War
Admiral in match race at Pimlico Race Course
Nov. 1, 1938. The award has honored most of
the greatest names in the sport's history.
The son of a jockey, Castellano's first winner
came aboard Phone Man on July 31, 1997, at
COGLIANESE PHOTOS/RYAN THOMPSON
defunct Calder Race Course. Castellano would
soon become a dominant force in New York,
winning a combined 12 riding titles at Aqueduct
Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race
Course. His wife is Abby, and they have three
Javier Castellano
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 16 OF 33JOCKEY ALEX thirds—earning $28,619,989. He
CANCHARI was in the tack when Flat Out
Speed captured the 2020 Iowa
DIES AT 29
Oaks (G3) at Prairie Meadows, the
By Lauren Gash
rider's first graded win.
t @BH_LGash
"It’s shocking; his riding ability
A regular at Canterbury Park
and Prairie Meadows, jockey
Alex Canchari, 29, took his own life
was top-notch," Prairie Meadows
assistant racing secretary Chad
Keller said. "It’s unfortunate,
March 1, his sister Ashley Canchari whatever he was dealing with at
confirmed online the morning of his passing. Hopefully, the family
March 2. will be able to find closure through
The racing industry is again this difficult time. Prairie Meadows
shaken after learning on social is shocked and very saddened to
COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
media of another jockey turning to hear we have lost Alex; he was an
suicide. excellent rider and will be sorely
Canchari grew up in Shakopee, missed.”
Alex Canchari
Minn., as part of a racing family. Alex Canchari rode his 1,000th
His brother, Patrick Canchari, also winner on May 25, 2022, at
a jockey, was paralyzed in an auto Canterbury Park when Tonka when I was a kid," Canchari told
accident in March 2020. Their Warrior raced to victory in the track publicity after reaching the
father, Luis Canchari, originally day’s final race, a maiden special milestone.
from Peru, was a trainer and rider weight. He savored the victory, The young jockey's best year
and died in December 2020. Alex coming at his hometown track, came in 2018 when he guided 812
was married with two children. expressing his love for the local horses through the starting gate to
Canchari rode from 2011-22 fans. win 120 races and earn $3,727,351.
with 7,598 mounts, recording 1,044 "I grew up here. I got my first
wins, 1,008 seconds, and 1,020 job here in the concession stand (continued on page 18)
COADY PHOTOGRAPHY COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
(L-R): Canchari wins the 2020 Iowa Breeders’ Oaks aboard Flat Out Speed at Prairie Meadows; Canchari after winning his 1,000th
race aboard Tonka Warrior at Canterbury Park May 25, 2022
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 17 OF 33JOCKEY ALEX CANCHARI
DIES AT 29 Canterbury Press Box
@CBYTrackFlack
(continued from page 17)
Alex Canchari achieved his dream as a jockey, fol-
lowing in the footsteps of his father and
"I felt really sad when I heard the news of Alex's brother. The news of this talented and genuine
passing last night. I'm very heartbroken; he is someone young man’s death has deeply saddened the
I have known for a very long time, and before he was Canterbury Park family. Alex pictured below on
left with Luis and Patrick. #ShakopeeKid
riding, he used to rub horses in Chicago when I was
riding there," jockey Florent Geroux, a friend of the
deceased rider, said. "Through the years, we always
kept in contact. Wherever I rode, we used to try to
meet up and do things together. If I won a big race,
Alex was always the first to text and congratulate me,
and I did the same for him. I don't know what went
wrong in his personal life, but I feel very sad for his
wife, family, and friends."
Canchari's sister Ashley has created a GoFundMe
page on behalf of the rider's family. BH
10:56 AM · Mar 2, 2023
s Share this story
I’m honored to
be one of so
many people
that share a
passion for horse
#TeamTOBA
racing. Together,
let’s build a Join our team of
formidable owners and breeders
future for this
at toba.org
remarkable
sport that we
all love.” THOROUGHBRED OWNERS AND
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
BARBARA BANKE
859-899-8480
STONESTREET FARM
TOBA Member since 2003
STONESTREET FARM PHOTO
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 18 OF 33FASIG-TIPTON MARCH DIGITAL SALE
BIDDING NOW OPEN FOR FASIG- 2023 debut and won an allowance over the same track
TIPTON MARCH DIGITAL SALE by 1 3/4 lengths Feb. 2 while recording a 94 Beyer
Edited Press Release Speed Figure.
• Terrier (Hip 6): a 3-year-old Into Mischief colt
F asig-Tipton has released the catalog for its March
Digital Sale, which may now be viewed at digital.
fasigtipton.com. Bidding is now open and closes
who broke his maiden on debut at Santa Anita Park
Feb. 10.
• Warranty (Hip 8): the young stakes-placed half
Tuesday, March 7 at 2 p.m. ET. sister to multiple graded stakes winner Imprimis,
The catalog features horses of racing age, breeding offered in foal to 2018 Eclipse Award champion 2-year-
stock, 2-year-olds, and yearlings. There are offerings old male Game Winner.
located throughout the United States, including • Scherzo (Hip 9): a graded stakes-placed daughter
California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, of multiple classic winner Golden Horn, offered as a
Ohio, and West Virginia. Additional offerings are broodmare prospect.
located in Canada and Puerto Rico. • Ek Haseena (Hip 10): the multiple stakes-placed
"Our first monthly digital sale of 2023 has come mare is the dam of four winners to date, including
together very well," said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton director recent Saudi Derby winner Commissioner King, offered
of digital sales. "We are featuring some very nice in-form in foal to Jimmy Creed.
racehorses, as well as quality breeding stock, including Ek The catalog also includes mares in foal to Maclean's
Haseena, the dam of last week's impressive Saudi Derby Music, Known Agenda, Tiz the Law, and Independence
(G3) winner Commissioner King." Hall.
Entries include: To create an account or register to bid, prospective
• Lady Flurry (Hip 2): a 3-year-old stakes-placed buyers should go here.
racing/broodmare prospect was a nine-length winner This press release has been edited for content and
on debut last year at Louisiana Downs, streaking under style by BloodHorse Staff. BH
the wire just three-hundreds of a second off track- s Share this story
record time. In her second start, the
Louisiana-bred placed in the Louisiana
Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes.
• Mimi's Shot (Hip 3): the young
mare is a multiple-winning producer
selling with her 2023 colt by Girvin
foaled Jan. 19 in Florida by her side.
• Pitufina (Hip 4): the 5-year-
old winning broodmare prospect by
Midshipman is a half sister to recent
U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (G3)
JOCKEY CLUB OF SAUDI ARABIA/ERIKA RASMUSSEN
winner Tall Boy.
• Swot Analysis (Hip 5): a 5-year-
old Louisiana-bred multiple stakes-
placed racing/stallion prospect was
second by a neck in the Gary P.
Palmisano Memorial Stakes at Fair
Grounds Race Course & Slots in his
Commissioner King (outside) wins the Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 19 OF 33HAWTHORNE MARKETING
NATIONAL-LOW WPS
TAKEOUT RATES
By Bob Kieckhefer
H awthorne Race Course is counting on
opportunistic scheduling, extended
spring and summer race dates, and a
dramatic reduction in takeout rate for win,
place, and show bets to make a success of
the Thoroughbred race meeting that opens
Sunday, March 5.
The Illinois Racing Board approved the
FOUR FOOTED FOTOS/DOUG CLARK
adjusted schedule at its January meeting
and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's
Association is all-in with the track's
approach.
Trail Ridge wins last year’s Illini Princess Stakes at Hawthorne Race Course,
Hawthorne, the only remaining track in
which will offer low takeout this year in an effort to attract horseplayers
the Chicago area, this year has the benefit
of six straight months of racing through
the summer, maximizing the use of its acclaimed The move from Saturday also prevents any
turf course. But that schedule also puts the track conflict with racing at downstate FanDuel
up against some of the strongest competition in the Sportsbook & Horse Racing, the former Fairmount
country. The track has factored both halves of that Park, Illinois' only other operating track.
equation in its scheduling. The expectation of greater exposure works with
"We recognize who we are and where we are in another key element of planning for the season—a
the national picture," said Hawthorne director of reduction of takeout on win, place, and show bets
racing Jim Miller. to a national low of 12%—in hopes of driving a big
Seeking a niche in that picture, Hawthorne bump in handle. In recent years horseplayers and
has adjusted to offer racing on other experts, including several
Thursdays and Sundays for the at the University of Arizona's
first half of the season, with a 2:30 Race Track Industry Program's
p.m. post time—moving away from We recognize who we are Symposium in 2019, have called for
Saturday racing. and where we are in the lower takeout on racing's most basic
"We could see, even from this wagers (win, place, show).
first weekend, on Saturday we'd national picture.” "We hope to double the handle
have been up against Gulfstream on Thursday from what we'd get
Park, Santa Anita Park, and —JIM MILLER on a Saturday," Miller said. "That
Aqueduct, all with Kentucky Derby can make up for the reduction in
(G1) preps," Miller said. "We'd takeout."
have been invisible. And that Additional attractions are stacked
would happen all the way through the Triple Crown. Thursday programs, especially after the likely advent
There's a lot less racing on Thursday, and with the of turf racing in May, and five stakes races, including
later post time, we'll be the featured traffic after the the return of the Hawthorne Derby June 25.
Florida tracks are finished."
(continued on page 21)
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 20 OF 33HAWTHORNE MARKETING To put Illinois racing back on firm footing, he said,
NATIONAL-LOW WPS will require completion of the racinos conditionally
approved for both Hawthorne and FanDuel, where
TAKEOUT RATES
percentages of gaming revenues would be earmarked
(continued from page 20)
to go directly to purse accounts. Neither facility is
Hawthorne expects to have enough horses to provide currently under construction although Hawthorne
big fields thanks to the decision to keep the track open quickly took advantage of authorization to conduct
for training during the winter. Several stalwart trainers sports wagering, which does not benefit purses.
have taken advantage of the opportunity to have horses "Until slots start producing money, we're dead,"
ready to run from the start of the meeting and 69 entries McCaffrey said.
were dropped for the nine-race opening day program. A second critical issue facing Illinois racing is
The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, development of a harness track in the south Chicago
which supports the schedule change, also strongly backs suburbs. The gaming expansion bill signed by Gov. J.B.
the reduction in takeout. Pritzker in June of 2019 included both the racinos and
"We're ecstatic about it," said ITHA executive the harness track but Pritzker later nixed the sale of
director David McCaffrey. "Today's gamblers are much state land for development of a Standardbred facility
more sophisticated than ever before; don't think they're and the issue has been on hold since.
not out there takeout-shopping. This issue impacts Thoroughbred racing. To
"We applaud everything Hawthorne management is accommodate horsemen from both breeds, Hawthorne
doing to try to drive handle. Whatever is better for the in 2022 split its schedule into four segments, switching
bettor. Anything that gives Hawthorne relevance in the back and forth and devoting July, August, and much of
overall market is to the good." September to harness racing.
McCaffrey noted, however, that beyond driving For many years before it was shuttered in 2021,
national interest in Hawthorne's signal through the low Arlington International Racecourse raced during the
takeout, it will be important to boost on-track handle, summer months while Hawthorne hosted harness. BH
which sees a higher percentage go to purse accounts, s Share this story
and added gaming.
FOUR FOOTED FOTOS
Horses break from the gate at Hawthorne Race Course
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 21 OF 33GRADE 2 WINNER SERVE THE KING Di Paola, who trains a string of nearly 20 horses
ENTERS STUD IN ONTARIO at Woodbine, found Serve the King in the 2022
By Eric Mitchell Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age catalog
where the now-7-year-old son of Kingman had
t @BH_EMitchell
been supplemented by ELiTE as a racing or stallion
S antino Di Paola's grade 1-placed, grade 2 winner
Serve the King has settled into his new home at
the owner/trainer's 78-acre farm near Schomberg,
prospect. Serve the King is out of the group 2-placed
Galileo daughter Fallen In Love, who is a half sister
to group 1 winner Fallen For You (Dansili) and stakes
Ontario, where he enters stud at CA$4,000. winner Fallen Idol (Pivotal). Raced by Peter Brant and
The new stallion has moved into a custom-built trainer Chad Brown, Serve the King won the 2021 Red
barn with ties to one of North America's leading Smith Stakes (G2T) at Aqueduct Racetrack after he'd
breeding operations. run second in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1T)
"When we acquired him, I realized we would have at Belmont Park. He has a 5-2-1 record from 11 starts
to call around to other farms to see where we could and earned $406,180.
stand him," said Di Paola. "We had a few that said
they would, but the cost was pretty high, so I thought (continued on page 23)
we might as well spend our own money and build our
own spot for him. My cousin Vince and a couple
of his guys came up and worked long days and
into the night to build this thing. We used all the
old Windfields' stalls, which we bought at the
dispersal sale in 2010, and cleaned them all up
and put them in the barn."
E.P. Taylor's Windfields became of North
America's premier breeding operations that
produced Nearctic and his legendary son
Northern Dancer.
COGLIANESE PHOTOS/JOE LABOZZETTA COGLIANESE PHOTOS/JOE LABOZZETTA
(L-R): Serve the King (green cap) wins the 2021 Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 22 OF 33GRADE 2 WINNER SERVE THE KING them he wasn't for sale, but they still asked what I wanted
ENTERS STUD IN ONTARIO for him. But he wasn't for sale."
Owning a stallion is a new venture for Di Paola, who
(continued from page 22)
said he wants to support the Ontario breeding industry
and now has a stallion he believes fits the market well,
"The mare's side was even stronger than his sire's side, particularly with his win in the 1 5/8-mile John's Call
and the sire is extremely impressive. Driving home, I Stakes and at 1 3/8 miles in the Red Smith.
was thinking, 'I've got to get this horse.' But I thought he "People are trying to breed for distance, perhaps for
would go for a lot of money," Di Paola said. As he watched a King's Plate, and this is a horse that fits that very well.
the bidding, his father asked him what horse he was Honestly, with it now being the King's Plate, maybe that's
interested in. The trainer showed his an omen," he said, referring to the
father the catalog page, and his father renaming this year of the Canadian
said he wanted in on the deal. Di Paola Triple Crown's first race, which has
bought the horse for $15,000. (Serve the King is) already been historically named after the
"Keeneland called 10 minutes after getting top mares that reigning British monarch. The race was
the sale and my immediate thought formerly known as the Queen's Plate
was that we bought the wrong horse," are booked to him. The since the beginning of Queen Elizabeth
he said. "I kept looking at the number response has been pretty II's reign in 1952 and changes with the
to see if it lined up and it was the right accession of King Charles III.
one. I really didn't think we bought
amazing from everywhere. "I think he could produce a King's
the right horse. But they called and We’re thrilled to have him Plate winner. It just feels like it's meant
congratulated me and then it kind of here.” to be. I initially thought that even if
all hit me." no one wants to breed to him we can
Despite Serve the King's final price, —SANTINO DI PAOLA breed 10 of our own mares and if we
Di Paola discovered he was not alone get a stakes winner or two, we'd be
in the potential he saw in the horse. more than happy. He's already getting top mares that are
"Two days after we bought him, I had calls from the booked to him. The response has been pretty amazing
U.S., Ireland, and other places wanting to buy him and from everywhere. We're thrilled to have him here." BH
stand him themselves," said Di Paola, who owns 60% of s Share this story
the horse with his parents who own the other 40%. "I told
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 23 OF 33UNDEFEATED RED CARPET READY "You never know until you do it. It's a one-turn
STEPS UP IN DAVONA DALE mile, which is a very good place to take this step,"
By Corrie McCroskey Arnold said. "You don't have to do the two turns yet,
you don't have to change racetracks, so we're ready to
t @BH_CMcCroskey
get her over there. We're excited."
O nce again, the undefeated Red Carpet Ready will
take to the Gulfstream Park stage for a chance at
seizing points toward the Run for the Lilies March 4 in
Bo Bromagen, bloodstock agent and manager for
Ashbrook, purchased the filly from the Mill Ridge
Sales consignment to the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Select
the $200,000 one-mile Davona Dale Stakes (G2) for Yearling Sale for $180,000. Shortly after, Patrick Lewis
3-year-old fillies. of Upland Flats bought in. Red Carpet Ready failed to
Campaigned by Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats meet her reserve when the partners put her through
Racing under the tutelage of trainer George "Rusty" the 2022 Ocala Breeders' Sales' Spring Sale of 2-Year-
Arnold II, the daughter of Oscar Performance sits Olds in Training so Ashbrook and Upland Flats decided
eighth on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) leaderboard. She to race her instead.
earned 20 points after a blistering win last out in Now, around a year later, the partners have a
the Feb. 4 Forward Gal Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream talented stakes-winning filly on their hands with well-
where she sat patiently and then struck at the stretch founded dreams of competing on the first Friday in May.
to finish the seven-furlong race 2 1/4 lengths ahead Thus far, Red Carpet Ready has earnings well over her
of Undervalued Asset and Atomically, who came in purchase price at $265,470 and a record of 3-for-3.
second and third, respectively. Philip Serpe trainee Leave No Trace will open her
"Everything's gone smooth. She came out of her last 2023 season with the Davona Dale and is currently
race well and in good shape. She's been acting good 16th on the leaderboard with 15 points to sit behind
and had two good works back," Arnold said. "We'll Julia Shining. A winner of the 2022 Spinaway Stakes
check her out and hope to have a smooth week." (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, this classy filly was only
The Davona Dale will be yet another step up in a $40,000 purchase by Wellspring Stables from the
distance for the filly who took a six-furlong maiden 2021 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern Fall Yearling Sale.
special weight at Churchill Downs on debut last fall
and then won the Fern Creek Stakes next out back at (continued on page 25)
Churchill going 6 1/2 furlongs.
You never know until you do
it. It’s a one-turn mile, which
is a very good place to take
this step.”
—GEORGE “RUSTY” ARNOLD
COGLIANESE PHOTOS/NICOLE THOMAS
Red Carpet Ready wins the Forward Gal Stakes at Gulfstream Park
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 24 OF 33UNDEFEATED RED CARPET
READY STEPS UP
IN DAVONA DALE
(continued from page 24)
She wrapped up her 2022 season with a
third-place finish in the Frizette Stakes (G1)
at Belmont At The Big A and a second to
Wonder Wheel in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Fillies (G1) at Keeneland. The daughter of
Outwork has stabled at Gulfstream through
the winter with Serpe noting that she has
been coming back to work well.
"I think she's fit enough. After the Breeders'
Cup we just gave her six weeks off. We kind CHAD B. HARMON
of kept her at the barn and hand-walked her
in the shed, just to give her a chance to chill
out a little bit," Serpe said. "She's come back Leave No Trace trains at Keeneland ahead of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup
fine. This seemed like a good starting point
for us. We were originally thinking a little earlier in Other competitors seeking grade 2 glory are
February, but I really didn't want to turn her back to stakes winners Atomically, Infinite Diamond,
seven furlongs off of the Breeders' Cup race. Lynx, and Dorth Vader, as well as stakes-placed
"There's a lot of places to head for down the road, Undervalued Asset and winners Positano Sunset,
whether it's the Ashland, the Kentucky Oaks, the Guns n' Graces, and Adeliese's Smile.
series in New York," he added. "This is where we The Davona Dale awards Kentucky Oaks
start and, just like when she was 2, we'll take it one qualifying points on a 50-20-15-10-5 scale to the top
race at a time." five finishers. BH
s Share this story
Funding Equine Research
To Help All Horses Live
Healthier Lives
DONATE TODAY!
grayson-jockeyclub.org
We need
YOU
now more Grayson-Jockey Club
Research Foundation
than ever!
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 25 OF 33CHARGE IT AFTER THIRD STRAIGHT
IN GULFSTREAM PARK MILE
Edited Press Release
W hisper Hill Farm's Charge It, who has produced
flashes of brilliance during his six-race career, is
scheduled to make a highly anticipated return to stakes
COGLIANESE PHOTOS/LAUREN KING
action March 4 in the $200,000 Gulfstream Park Mile
Stakes (G2).
The one-turn mile for 4-year-olds and up will be
one of nine stakes (eight graded) on Saturday's 14-race
program at Gulfstream Park, headlined by the $400,000
Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2).
Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Charge It
returned from a seven-month layoff to win an allowance
optional claiming race Feb. 5 at Gulfstream, covering 1
1/16 miles in 1:41.96.
"It was great to get him back. He had been training
super into that, and I thought it was a big effort,"
Pletcher said.
The 4-year-old son of Tapit captured the July 2
COGLIANESE PHOTOS
Dwyer Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park by a dazzling 23
lengths.
"We're trying to figure out a program. We considered (Top): Charge It captures an allowance optional claimer at
some out-of-town options, but we figured he has run Gulfstream Park
(Bottom): Endorsed wins the Fred W. Hooper Stakes at
well at Gulfstream. and it would make an easy ship from Gulfstream Park
Palm Beach Downs," Pletcher said. "We're thinking
maybe down the road a race like the (April 22) Oaklawn Gaffalione has the call aboard the 7-year-old son of
Handicap (G2) could fit his schedule. We felt like this Medaglia d'Oro.
would be a good segue." Tami Bobo and Tristan De Meric's Simplification,
Charge It graduated by 8 1/2 lengths at Gulfstream in who ran the race of his career a year ago at Gulfstream
his second career start last February before overcoming while capturing the Fountain of Youth, is scheduled
an awkward start to finish second behind White Abarrio to make his first start since finishing off the board in
in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) in April. The the Pegasus World Cup. The Antonio Sano trainee,
Pletcher trainee finished off the board in the Kentucky a troubled fourth in the Kentucky Derby last year, is
Derby (G1), where he encountered traffic, before winless in his eight starts since his Fountain of Youth
rebounding with his spectacular showing in the Dwyer. score.
The Dwyer followed a post-Derby surgical procedure Joel Rosario is aboard the son of Not This Time.
to address a breathing problem. The field also includes Arindel's Octane, Stonehedge's
Charge It is scheduled to meet eight rivals in the Dean Delivers, OGMA Investments, Michael Iavarone,
Gulfstream Park Mile with Luis Saez back aboard. Jules Iavarone, Marquee Bloodstock, and Jack Towell
Endorsed, trained by Mike Maker for owner Mark Jr.'s O Captain, Carrie Brogden's Steal Sunshine, David
Breen, is one of Charge It's leading opponents, entering Fawkes Racing's Noble Drama, and R. A. Hill Stable,
the race off a pair of solid victories, including a Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, and Spedale Family
2 3/4-length score in the one-turn mile Fred W. Hooper Racing's Nitrous Channel.
Stakes (G3) on the undercard of the Jan. 28 Pegasus This press release has been edited for content and
World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream. Tyler style by BloodHorse Staff. BH
s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 26 OF 33VETERAN RUNNERS
RETURN FOR MAC
DIARMIDA, THE VERY ONE
Edited Press Release
J ohn M.B. O'Connor's Astronaut, a
graded stakes winner in both his only
two previous tries at the distance, looks
to make it three in a row and give trainer
Tom Albertrani his third career win in the
$200,000 Mac Diarmida (G2T) March 4 at
Gulfstream Park.
The 1 3/8-mile Mac Diarmida for
4-year-olds and up on the grass is the
COGLIANESE PHOTOS/CHELSEA DURAND
eighth of nine stakes, eight graded, worth
$1.85 million in purses on a blockbuster
14-race card anchored by the $400,000
Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2).
Following a lengthy layoff, Astronaut
Astronaut wins the 2022 Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack
returned last fall in the Del Mar Mile (G2T)
and was unplaced. Following that race, he
ran third in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1T) at odds been working really well. We're really excited to see
of 67-1 before springing a 15-1 upset in the Red Smith him come back and run Saturday."
Stakes (G2T) over Thanksgiving weekend. Albertrani won the Mac Diarmida in 2018 with
"He ran a huge race last time. Actually, his last two Sadler's Joy and 2014 with Twilight Eclipse, both
races were really good," Albertrani said. "He looked retired as multi-millionaires. Astronaut himself is more
like he really stepped up since he came back from than halfway to seven figures, having banked $511,860
California. He's been training really well. We gave him from 14 starts with three wins and five seconds,
a little break and freshened him up a little bit and he's including the 2021 San Juan Capistrano (G3T) in his
stakes debut.
"He likes to be up close and he's got a lot of
stamina to go with it," Albertrani said. "The way he
ran in the Red Smith, he got to an easy lead I'd say
and had a lot to finish with. He probably could have
gone a little longer even, who knows."
Luis Saez is named to ride Astronaut from post 7
in an overflow field of 13.
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Alex
Daigneault's Abaan is a two-time stakes winner
over the Gulfstream turf, having taken the two-mile
H. Allen Jerkens to cap 2021 and the William L.
McKnight (G3T) to open 2022. He has gone winless
since, running fourth in last year's Mac Diarmida
and most recently ninth after being pressured up
front Jan. 28 in his McKnight title defense.
COGLIANESE PHOTOS
(continued on page 28)
Abaan captures the 2022 W. L. McKnight Stakes at Gulfstream Park
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 27 OF 33VETERAN RUNNERS RETURN FOR distances," Joseph said. "She's going to need to
MAC DIARMIDA, THE VERY ONE improve again, but we feel like she could."
Tyler Gaffalione will ride Transient back from post 6
(continued from page 27)
in a field of 10.
Among those standing in Transient's way are the
A familiar foe for Astronaut will be Master Piece, Chad Brown-trained trio of Virginia Joy, Higher Truth,
who closed to be second by a half-length behind the and Mylady. Peter Brant's Virginia Joy was a group 3
winner in the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) two summers winner in her native Germany before coming to the
ago. He was purchased privately for a partnership U.S., earning her first domestic stakes victory with a
headed by Michael and Jules Iavarone following the one-length decision in last winter's The Very One. She
2022 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T), where he ran eighth, went on to win the Sheepshead Bay (G2T) and Flower
for a run in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Bowl (G2T) before ending 2022 running eighth in the
(G1T) Jan. 28 at Gulfstream. Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T), her most recent
In the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus Turf, Master Piece found start.
himself trailing the field after encountering some early Team Hanley, Jeff Drown, and Michael Ryan's
trouble but rallied to finish ahead of five horses while Higher Truth is entered to make just her second start
running seventh, beaten just three lengths by Atone. since October 2021 and first since winning a 1 3/8-mile
"He was far back last time and gave himself too allowance optional claiming last July on the Belmont
much to do. If he could have gotten a little closer Park turf.
position early on, he might have even gotten closer," Michaela Faust's Mylady was a German group
Championship Meet leading trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. 3 winner who ran third by less than a length in the
said. "He didn't hit the board or get a piece of it, but we German Oaks (G1) last year before coming to the U.S.
felt like he ran well enough to try this spot. The extra In her only domestic start, she placed fifth following
distance should work well for him. I feel like he has a a troubled trip in the 1 1/4-mile E.P. Taylor (G1T) in
very good chance going into the race." October at Woodbine.
Already a record three-time Mac Diarmida winner This press release has been edited for content and
with Zulu Alpha (2019-20) and Temple (2022), trainer style by BloodHorse Staff. BH
Mike Maker entered the trio of Bemma's Boy, Value s Share this story
Engineering, and Wicked Fast.
Transient Eyes Graded Score, Virginia
Joy Returns to Action
If her last two races are any indication, e
Five Racing Thoroughbreds' Transient could be
sitting on the first stakes victory of her career in
Saturday's $150,000 The Very One Stakes (G3T).
The 1 3/8-mile The Very One is for fillies and
mares 4 and up on the grass.
Trained by Joseph, Transient has been
narrowly beaten in each of her last two starts, both
in graded stakes. She ran third by 1 1/2 lengths
after setting the pace in the Maple Leaf Stakes
(G3) over Woodbine's all-weather surface last fall,
then was beaten a neck when second in the La
Prevoyante Stakes (G3T) Jan. 28 at Gulfstream in
COGLIANESE PHOTOS
her 5-year-old debut.
"She's a filly that since we've had her has
run well. She tries hard and likes these longer
Virginia Joy wins the 2022 The Very One Stakes at Gulfstream Park
BLOODHORSE DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 PAGE 28 OF 33You can also read
