California Thoroughbred Magazine February 2024 by CTBA

February 2024 $5.00

O f f i c i a l Pu b l i c a t i o n o f t h e Ca l i f o rn i a T h o r o u g h b re d B re e d e r s A s s o c i a t i o n

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CAL-BREDS ONE-TWO IN LA BREA DADDYSRUBY AND BIG POND SHINE

SMILING TIGER

HALLADAY

$7,500 LF – By Hold That Tiger

$7,500 LF – By War Front

EIGHT RINGS

$6,000 LF – By Munnings

$5,000 LF – By Malibu Moon

CISTRON

TAMARANDO

ACCLAMATION $4,000 LF – By Unusual Heat

$3,500 LF – By The Factor

DESERT CODE $2,000 LF – By E Dubai

STANFORD

$6,000 LF – By Empire Maker

$2,500 LF – By Bertrando

UPTOWN RYTHEM $1,500 LF | By Speightstown

From the EXECUTIVE CORNER DOUG BURGE CTBA PRESIDENT

GOLDEN STATE SERIES OFFERS PURSES AND RACES TOTALING $4.45 MILLION FOR 2024

s 2024 begins, California-breds and California-sired runners will again have many rich black-type opportunities throughout the Golden State Stakes series

program. Te Golden State Series ofers lucrative purses for all ages, distances, and surfaces. We are pleased to announce and present the schedule below.

2024 GOLDEN STATE SERIES Date

Track

Stakes

Conditions

Distance

Sat, Jan 13 Sat, Jan 13 Sat, Jan 13 Sat, Jan 13 Sat, Jan 13 Sun, Feb 18 Mon, Feb 19 Sun, Mar 17 Sun, Mar 24 Sat, Apr 6 Sat, Apr 6 Sun, May 25 Sun, May 25 Sun, May 25 Sun, May 25 Sun, May 25 Sat, June 15 June July August August August August August September September Sat, Oct. 5 October October November November November November December December

SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA PLN LRC DMR DMR DMR DMR DMR DMR DMR DMR FNO SA SA DMR DMR DMR DMR LRC LRC

Unusual Heat Turf Classic Sunshine Millions F/M Turf Sprint California Cup Derby California Cup Oaks California Cup Sprint Spring Fever Stakes Tiznow Stakes Irish O’Brien Stakes Sensational Star Stakes Echo Eddie Stakes Evening Jewel Stakes Crystal Water Stakes Snow Chief Stakes Fran’s Valentine Stakes Thor’s Echo Stakes Melair Stakes Mary Clare Schmitt Stakes Bertrando Stakes Fleet Treat Stakes Real Good Deal Stakes California Dreamin’ Stakes CTBA Stakes Graduation Stakes Solana Beach Stakes Generous Portion Stakes I’m Smokin Stakes Harris Farms Stakes California Distaff Handicap California Flag Handicap Golden State Juvenile Fillies Golden State Juvenile Betty Grable Stakes Cary Grant Stakes Soviet Problem Stakes King Glorious Stakes

Four-Year-Olds & Up Four-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds Four-Year-Olds & Up Four-Year-Olds & Up Four-Year-Olds & Up Four-Year-Olds & Up Four-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Two-Year-Olds Two-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Two-Year-Olds Two-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds & Up Two-Year-Olds Two-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds & Up Three-Year-Olds & Up Two-Year-Olds Two-Year-Olds

11∕8 M, Turf 6 F, Turf 11∕16 M 1 M, Turf 6F 6F 1 M, Dirt 61∕2 F, Turf 61∕2 F, Turf 61∕2 F 61∕2 F 1 M, Turf 11∕8 M, Turf 1 M, Turf 6F 11∕16 M, Dirt 6 F, Dirt 1 M, Dirt 7 F, Dirt 7 F, Dirt 11∕16 M, Turf 51∕2 F, Dirt 51∕2 F, Dirt 1 M, Turf 6 F, Dirt 6 F, Dirt 6 F, Dirt 6 F, Turf 6 F, Turf 7 F, Dirt 7 F, Dirt 7 F, Dirt 7 F, Dirt 1 M, Dirt 1 M, Dirt

F/M Fillies F/M F/M

Fillies

F/M Fillies F/M Fillies

Fillies F/M Fillies

F/M Fillies F/M Fillies

Added Value $200,000 $150,000 $200,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $125,000 $125,000 $100,000 $125,000 $100,000 $100,000 $125,000 $75,000 $100,000 $175,000 $175,000 $150,000 $125,000 $125,000 $150,000 $125,000 $125,000 $75,000 $100,000 $100,000 $175,000 $175,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000

Advertised schedule of races and purses subject to change

www.ctba.com ❙ February 2024 ❙ CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 150 / NO. 2 626.445.7800 or 1.800.573.CTBA (California residents only) www.CTBA.com The offcial magazine of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a non-proft corporation dedicated to the production of better Thoroughbred horses for better Thoroughbred racing, published by Blood-Horse, LLC. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily refect policies of the CTBA or this magazine. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without frst obtaining written permission from California Thoroughbred. All advertising copy is submitted subject to approval. We reserve the right to reject any copy that is misleading or that does not meet with the standards set by the publication. Acknowledgment: Statistics in this publication relating to results of races in North America are compiled by the Daily Racing Form. Charts by special arrangement with Daily Racing Form Inc., the copyright owners of said charts. Reproduction forbidden.

Contents

FEATURES

20 CALIFORNIA CUP

16 CTBA Hall of Fame Inductees

California-breds displayed their talents at Santa Anita Jan. 13 for California Cup.

30 Daddysruby’s La Brea Stakes

OFFICERS CHAIRPERSON TERRY C. LOVINGIER

31 Chismosa’s Las Flores Stakes

PRESIDENT DOUG BURGE

32 Barton Tops 2023 California Breeder List

VICE CHAIRPERSON GEORGE F. SCHMITT TREASURER PETE PARRELLA SECRETARY SUE GREENE

34 Grazen, Stay Tirsty Top Sires in 2023

DIRECTORS

John C. Harris, Gloria Haley, Pete Parrella, Sue Greene, Donald J. Valpredo, Terry C. Lovingier, George F. Schmitt, Ty Green, Justin Oldfeld, Adrian Gonzalez

A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S TA F F CONTROLLER THOMAS R. RETCHLESS SALES LORETTA VEIGA

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/EVENT COORDINATOR CHRISTY CHAPMAN ADVERTISING MANAGER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR LORETTA VEIGA WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR KEN GURNICK LIBRARIAN/RECEPTIONIST/SUBSCRIPTIONS/ MEMBERSHIP VIVIAN MONTOYA RACETRACK LIAISON SCOTT HENRY California Thoroughbred (ISSN 1092-7328) is published monthly, except for two combined issues in June/July and Aug/Sept, plus one special issue in December, in Lexington, KY by Blood-Horse LLC, 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. Periodicals postage paid at Lexington, KY and at additional mailing offces. POSTMASTER: Send address change to the 201 Colorado Place, Arcadia, CA 91007 Subscriptions - $55.00 per year USA $85.00 per year Canada & Mexico

6 News Bits 12 CTBA News 14 February Calendar 40 Winners 46 Leading Breeders in California 48 Lists of Leading Sires in California 58 Stakes/Sales Calendar 60 Classifed Advertising 62 Advertising Index COLUMNS

3 From the Executive Corner

PUBLISHED BY BLOOD-HORSE LLC WEST COAST CONTRIBUTING EDITOR TRACY GANTZ

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR JENNIFER SINGLETON

COPY EDITOR MARY SCHWEITZER

PRODUCTION FORREST BEGLEY

ART DIRECTOR CATHERINE NICHOLS

ARTIST PHILIP TRUMAN

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED February 2024

42 Health: Foot Care For Foals

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ASSISTANT REGISTRAR DAWN GERBER

DEPARTMENTS

38 CTBA Member Profle: Steve Reger

ON THE COVER

REGISTRAR/INCENTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER MARY ELLEN LOCKE

36 Rancho San Miguel Stallion Show

FIGHTING HUSSAR

Rockport Harbor – Lightning Pace, by Regal Classic Fee: $1,000 LFG

BIG RUNNUER

Stormy Atlantic – Elusive Luci, by Elusive Quality Fee: $1,500 LFSN

GATO DEL ORO

Medaglio D’oro – Funny Feeling, by Distorted Humor Fee: $1,000 LFG

KING OF JAZZ (ARG)

Giant’s Causeway – Kiss Me Sweet (ARG), by Lode Fee: $1,000 LFG

ORIGINAIRE (IRE)

Zofany (IRE) - Polly Perkins (IRE) by Pivotal (GB) Fee: Complimentary

A Full Service Thoroughbred Facility Centrally Located to All Southern California Racetracks

OFFERING

OSCAR NOMINATED

Kittens Joy – Devine Actress, by Theatrical (IRE) Fee: $1,500 LFSN

MO THE BEHOLDER

Uncle Mo – Leslie’s Harmony, by Curlin Fee: $2,500 LFSN

Breeding, Boarding, Mare & Foal Care, Lay-Ups, Breaking, Training, Sales Prep, 5/8 Mile Race Track

Marcos Menjivar, Manager 3001 W. Esplanade Ave Hemet, CA 92545 C (951) 316-5420 P (951) 654-9100 F (951) 654-9119 E: bgfarminc@gmail.com

MERIT MAN

With Distinction – Precise Strike, by Precise End Fee: $1,500 LFSN

ROUSING SERMON

Lucky Pulpit – Rousing Again, by Awesome Again Fee: $1,500 LFSN

NewsBits MAYBE I WILL SELLS FOR $100,000 M aybe I Will, a stakes-winning California-bred mare, sold for $100,000 in foal to Omaha Beach Jan. 10 at the Keeneland winter mixed sale. Country Life Farm bought her as agent from the consignment of Andy Havens’

Havens Bloodstock, agent for Fairview LLC. Tom Bachman bred Maybe I Will and campaigned her in the name of Fairview. Maybe I Will won the 2022 Hastings Stakes at Emerald Downs and

Harris, Green, and Mathis to TOC Board

CARMA Honors Zucker Te California Retired Management Account (CARMA) has honored the late trainer Howard Zucker by renaming its grant program the Howard “Howie” Zucker Grant Program. By doing so, CARMA remembers its longest-serving board member. Zucker died in 2022. As part of the same announcement, CARMA noted that it was awarding $451,000 to 23 aftercare charity partners, continuing its commitment to the welfare of retiring racehorses. While the primary focus of these grants is to support retiring racehorses, many grant recipients ofer horsemanship skills, equine therapy, volunteer opportunities, and contributions to their local communities. “Howard’s dedication and commitment to CARMA and, more importantly, the horses were unparalleled,” said Madeline Auerbach, founder of CARMA. “He was a true horseman, always putting the care of these amazing athletes frst. He brought that care and commitment with him when he joined our board in 2009.

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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VASSAR PHOTOGRAPHY

BLAKE RAYMOND SCHMIDTBERGER

John Harris, Ty ing Stable since 2010. He Green, and Andy brings the unique prospecMathis have been tive identifying as the “small appointed to serve on owner and breeder” that is the board of the Torthe bedrock of California oughbred Owners of racing. California. Harris and Mathis was named the Green also serve on the 2021 California trainer board of the California of the year by the CTBA. Toroughbred BreedHe was leading trainer at Ty Green ers Association, while the 2023 Golden Gate fall Mathis is a major trainer meet and has won nearly of California-breds. 800 races in his career, Harris for decades has including stakes races with been one of the leading Jimmy Blue Jeans and owners and breeders Give Me the Lute. Mathis in California through is based at Golden Gate his Harris Farms. He Fields. was inducted into the All three will serve the California Racing Hall TOC board as representaof Fame in 2008 and tives of the North. John Harris was honored in 2023 “We are honored that by the Edwin J. GregJohn, Ty, and Andy, well son Foundation for his respected north horsemen, industry service. He is a will join our board,“ said former California Horse Gary Fenton, the TOC Racing Board commischairman. “We are in a sioner and chairman. period of great transition, Harris Farms has been and their passion, wisconnected to more than dom, and institutional 50 California divisional knowledge of California championships, includhorse racing, in particuAndy Mathis ing eight California lar the north, will be of Horses of the Year. tremendous value to the Green, also an owner and breeder, is board and our members as we work a lawyer based in San Luis Obispo and together to fnd the right path for has raced under the name of SLO Racthe future of California racing.”

three other races, earning $126,631. A daughter of Will Take Charge, Maybe I Will is out of the stakes-winning Henny Hughes mare My Due Process. Te second dam is stakes-placed Easy Action.

Howard Zucker

NewsBits

Ward ’n Jerry, one of the most durable California-breds in recent years, has been retired. Daily Racing Form reported that owner/breeders Larry and Marianne Williams decided not to risk him in a claiming event at Golden Gate Fields in late December and withdrew him from the race. Tey retired him one start before he would have become ineligible to race at Golden Gate Fields due to his age. Golden Gate allows horses to race through their 10-yearold seasons, a rule rarely needed because the vast majority of racehorses are retired well before turning 11. Ward ’n Jerry, however, was still going strong. He started nine times as a 10-year-old in 2023, winning his fnal two races, for a total bankroll of $522,785. Te Williamses bred Ward ’n Jerry, a son of their deceased leading California sire Lucky Pulpit out of the graded stakesplaced Dehere mare Tamarack Bay. Te gelding is a half brother to Cal-bred champion Tamarando and stakes winner U’Narack and a full brother to stakes winner Luckarack. Ward ’n Jerry won the 2020 San Luis Rey Stakes (G3T) and placed in the 2020 San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3T), 2019 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2T), 2020 Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes, and 2017 California Cup Turf Classic Stakes.

Bred on the same Elite Female Family cross as 2023 Saratoga Yearling Sale Topper

HIP 165

CURLIN – BEHOLDER

$4,000,000

Ward ’n Jerry Retired

California-bred Ward ’n Jerry wins the 2020 San Luis Rey Stakes

Dan Kiser, the Williamses’ racing manager, said that Ward ’n Jerry would be retired to Idaho, where he will be a pasture-mate of his half brother U’Narack.

MO THE

BEHOLDER Uncle Mo – Leslie’s Harmony, by Curlin

From the female family of the phenomenal

Multiple G1 Winner BEHOLDER ($6,156,600), Leading sire INTO MISCHIEF and G1 Winner MENDELSSHON

F R SEeaEson

2024 if booked by

By Sire of Sires UNCLE MO

Feb 29th 2023 Fee: $2,500 LFSN 3001 West Esplanade Ave • Hemet, CA 92545

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BG Thoroughbred Facility

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Marcos Menjivar, Farm Manager

951.316.5420

February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

COURTESY OF SANTA ANITA PARK/ ZOE METZ

NewsBits

Eddie Truman

Truman Retires From Training Longtime Southern California-based trainer Eddie Truman, whose charges included California-bred multiple stakes winner Go West Marie, has retired. A former assistant to Bobby Frankel, Truman, 77, has been a licensed trainer for

$42.00 A DAY

$17.00 A DAY

Training Pasture • Starting and Training for 30 years 200 acres of lush irrigated • All-Weather Sand Track pasture safely divided into • Covered Round Pen 4 to 10 acre pastures. • Hot Walker Large individual paddocks available. • 70’ Equi-Ciser Formulated equine supplement fed daily. • Starting Gate

more than 50 years. Truman began his career as a jockey, leading all riders at Sportsman’s Park in Chicago in 1963 while an apprentice. He trained for a year in Detroit and then went to Europe before relocating to California and working for Frankel. Go West Marie earned $557,520 and spent the early part of her career competing in New York. Truman took over her training when she returned to California in 2014. Go West Marie won the 2014 Fleet Treat Stakes and 2015 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes, Irish O’Brien Stakes, and Fran’s Valentine Stakes. She also fnished second in the 2015 Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T). Truman’s other good runners included Calbred Moonless Sky, winner of the 2017 Fran’s Valentine; Casino King; and With Iris. He won 763 races for purse earnings of $15.7 million. IN

Memoriam

Vern Olson WWW.DAEHLINGRANCH.COM

The Right Start Results in Success! Thank you to our clients who put their trust in us 2-YEAR-OLD

CEILING CRUSHER Multiple Stakes and Graded stakes Winner, including 17 length win in the Melair Stakes, the Torrey Pines G3 and the Cotillion Stakes G1

Dr. Schivel

Spiced Perfection Stakes Winner

Sassy Nature

John Brocklebank (801) 885-9969 Randi Sackett at (916) 496-6559 Email: redcliffsracing@gmail.com JOHN BROCKLEBANK • LUIS MENDEZ

Sales Selection, Breaking & Training

RED CLIFFS RACING,INC

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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Longtime owner/breeder Vern Olson died Jan. 12 at age 95. He owned and operated Running Luck Ranch in Sanger with his wife, Josette. The Olsons became interested in racing in 1977, when they claimed two fllies who went on to do well on the track and as broodmares. Ten years later the couple purchased 70 acres of land that had once been part of Susanne Pashayan’s Calbourne Farm near Sanger. They named it Running Luck Ranch after one of their earlier stakes winners. Olson bought California-bred Running Luck for $20,000 at the 1983 Del Mar preferred yearling sale. A daughter of Run of Luck, Running Luck won the 1984 Becky Thatcher Stakes at Sacramento. She produced seven winners from eight starters. The Olsons bred six of those winners, all by Ice Age, an Icecapade colt Olson had purchased for $5,000 at the 1978 CTBA Sales 2-year-old sale. Olson also bred and raced and stakes winners Quick n’ Cool and Bin of Ice, both by Ice Age. Quick n’ Cool won the 1986 State Fair Handicap at Sacramento, 1986 Susan’s Girl Handicap at Turf Paradise, and 1987 Gold Digger Handicap at Portland Meadows. Bin of Ice captured the 1989 James F. Lyttle Memorial Handicap at Santa Rosa. Born in Kingsburg, Calif., Olson operated a car leasing business in Fresno with his wife. He enjoyed vacation time in Bass Lake and Santa Cruz and especially loved playing Santa Claus for the children for many years. In addition to his wife, Olson is survived by daughters Kathy Lang, Cozette Daugherty, and Michelle Leffel, and son Scott. He was preceded in death by daughter Vernie.

NewsBits aboard the Cal-bred in his many Northern California stakes, but he also piloted Silveyville to victory in the 1981 Hollywood Derby (G1T). In remembering talented horses Winick remembers from past eras, it isn’t always Silveyville to this day and acknowledged that they couldn’t says that he still owns have accomplished what they did large versions of many without the help of many people. of the photos included California Toroughbred paid tribin the article. A photo of ute to California-bred Silveyville in Silveyville is also hanging the January issue through a photo at Golden Gate Fields, retrospective, and though it menand with that track tioned many involved with him, slated to close, Winick is one name was missing—jockey hoping to fnd another Danny Winick. Danny Winick and Silveyville combined for many stakes wins, including the home for that photo if “Nice story in the current 1984 Rolling Green Handicap and when needed. issue of your magazine about Silveyville was the 1984 Silveyville,” wrote reader Ted mation on the back of hard-copy phoCal-bred Horse of the Year and one of the Michelakos. “Te problem I have is that tographs was sketchy and didn’t always early Cal-bred millionaires. But to Winyou give no mention to whom the regular extend to who rode the winners. ick he will always be even more special, rider of that horse was.” However, further research shows that a horse who will conjure up many great Silveyville raced in the days before Winick was Silveyville’s regular rider memories. digital photography. In many cases, inforthrough most of his career. Winick won GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Silveyville and Danny Winick

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February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

NewsBits

Black Type vs. Stakes Races

10 YEARS AGO

Censored

The following claiming levels for California owners premiums and stallion awards are currently in effect:

25 YEARS AGO The combination of owner Mike Pegram and trainer Bob Baffert has been powerful for decades, beginning in the Quarter Horse business and continuing with Thoroughbreds today. One of the

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS/$20,000

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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many good California-breds they collaborated on was CENSORED, a daughter of In Excess—Sable Decor, by High Counsel, bred by Romi Stables. The flly captured the $125,000 Pro Or Con Handicap at Santa Anita Feb. 6, 1999. The second choice to Supercilious, Censored led throughout the mile on the dirt to score by four lengths under jockey David Flores over Pert Laura. Censored stopped the timer in 1:36.12. Already the winner of the 1998 Melair Stakes, Censored added the 1999 B. Thoughtful Handicap, both of those victories at Hollywood Park. She ultimately earned $329,518, racing through early 2000, and then sold for $210,000 at the 2000 Keeneland November sale in foal to Pegram’s champion Real Quiet.

BLOODHORSE LIBRARY

TAMARANDO, the champion California-bred 2-year-old male of 2013, added the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) Feb. 15, 2014, to his growing list of accomplishments. With jockey Russell Baze in the irons, Tamarando came from last to defeat Dance With Fate by a half-length in 1:51.23 for 11⁄8 miles at Golden Gate Fields. That was the same rival Tamarando had defeated in the 2013 Del Mar Futurity (G1), and by the same margin. “He got me right up to them, and then had enough to push by,” Baze said. Jerry Hollendorfer trained Tamarando for owner/breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. Tamarando, now at stud at John Harris’ Harris Farms in Coalinga, is a son of Bertrando—Tamarack Bay, by Dehere. From 31 starts, he won four, with three seconds and seven thirds, for total earnings of $722,652.

QUALIFYING CLAIMING LEVELS

SANTA ANITA/$40,000

Tamarando

Ancient Title

50 YEARS AGO

Tough the term “black type” initially meant any stakes race, in more recent times, the two terms have difered. Typically, a stakes is any race with added money, regardless of purse size, while black-type requirements are determined by the North American International Cataloguing Standards Committee (NAICSC). NAICSC requirements include a minimum purse of $50,000 and a minimum Race Quality Score (RQS). New stakes as of 2014 must have a minimum purse of $75,000 and appear in a track’s published stakes schedule in order to be reviewed by a committee of the NAISCS to see if they qualify for black type. Te NAICSC announced that as of Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum RQS for non-listed blacktype races in SITA catalogues (those compliant with guidelines required by the Society of International Toroughbred Auctioneers) will be increased due to the gradual growth in the ratio of non-listed black-type races to total races run. Te RQS is a composite number compiled by using speed fgures for the frst four fnishers in each race over three years. Four speed fgures are used to compile the RQS and are provided by Bloodstock Research Information Systems (BRIS), Daily Racing Form (Beyer), Equibase, and Toro-Graph. Te non-listed black-type races are divided into six age/sex categories for the purpose of determining black type using the RQS. Each age/sex category has a minimum RQS that must be achieved for a stakes to be awarded black type. Further information about the minimum RQS for each category is available at northamericanicsc.com under the drop-down menu Black Type Requirements.

HISTORY SHANE MICHELI/ VASSAR PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS MONTH IN

A two-time California-bred Horse of the Year, ANCIENT TITLE became only the third horse to sweep Santa Anita’s Strub Series when he won the Charles H. Strub Stakes (G1) Feb. 9, 1974. Though only the Malibu Stakes (G1) exists today, the Strub Series was then a prestigious triple for 4-year-olds consisting of the seven-furlong Malibu, 11⁄8-mile San Fernando Stakes (G2), and 11⁄4-mile Strub. Lafft Pincay Jr. rode Ancient Title in the Strub for trainer Keith Stucki, and the gelding won by three lengths in 2:00 4⁄5. Ethel Kirkland owned Ancient Title, having bred the son of Gummo—Hi Little Gal, by Bar Le Duc, with her late husband, William, in the name of their Kirkland Stable. Ancient Title would go on to earn $1,252,791 and was named to the national Hall of Fame in 2008.

CTBA working for you

To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and subscribers of its ofﬁcial publication, California Thoroughbred, this monthly editorial page provides readers with updates about the association’s current policies, latest news, and upcoming events in the Golden State.

Spotlighting Foals of 2024 With foaling season upon us, now is the time to spotlight your foals in California Toroughbred. Te April through August issues will feature Toroughbreds foaled in California, with advertorials consisting of six to eight photos of foals per page. Te cost to publish a full-page insertion will be discounted down to $500. Tis represents a discount of more than 50% of the regular full-page advertisement price. Insertions should include a caption with each foal’s sire, dam, broodmare sire, sex, date of birth, and breeders, as well as the details, including a logo, of their farm location. Photos need to be submitted by the following deadlines: March 1 (April issue), April 1 (May/June issue), and June 3 (July/August issue). For additional information please contact the magazine’s Advertising Manager, Loretta Veiga, at Loretta@ctba.com or at 626-445-7800, ext. 227. Additionally, photos can be submitted to Ken Gurnick at kgurnick@ctba.com for free inclusion on the CTBA’s website.

CTBA DATES TO REMEMBER THURSDAY, FEB. 1 Names for foals of 2022 must be claimed. After Feb. 1, a naming fee of $100 will apply.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15 Annual registration of stallions is due at a fee of $1,250. Deadline to nominate California-bred/California-sired 2-year-olds (foals of 2022) to the Golden State Series; $300 fee applies.

NEW CTBA MEMBERS Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Bonde Arcadia, CA

Mr. and Mrs. Marco Salmeron Victorville, CA

Cheryl Doyle Littleton, CO

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Grahame Spittles Sacramento, CA

INTERNET ADVERTISING AVAILABLE For further information, contact Loretta Veiga (626) 445-7800 ext. 227

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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NOW STANDING

AT BARTON THOROUGHBREDS SANTA YNEZ • C ALIFORNIA

$1.1 MILLION TWO-YEAR-OLD PURCHASE • Grade 3-placed winning son of Uncle Mo • Out of a Graded Stakes producing Mineshaft mare • Won debut for trainer Bob Baffert at Santa Anita by half a length over eventual Grade 3 Winner Hopkins • Won next two starts • Highest Equibase Speed Figure of 110 in the G3 Steve Sexton Mile Stakes

BARTON THOROUGHBREDS 4050 Casey Avenue, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (805) 693-1777 | info@bartonthoroughbreds.com

2024 FEE

$5,000 LFSN To learn more scan code or visit

bartonthoroughbreds.com

CTBA working for you

FEBRUARY2024

CTBA EVENTS ■ Association SALES (CTBA) and subscribers of its To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders offcial publication, California Thoroughbred, this monthly editorial page provides with updates about the CAL-BRED/SIRED STAKESreaders RACES association’s current policies, latest news, and upcoming events in the Golden State.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Naming deadline with TJC for 2yos

Stallion registration deadline Golden State Series nomination deadline for 2022 foals

$100,000 Spring Fever Stakes Santa Anita

$100,000 Tiznow Stakes Santa Anita

201 Colorado Place / Arcadia, CA 91007 626-445-7800 / Fax: 626-445-0927

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February 2024

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HALL OF FAME

BLOODHORSE LIBRARY

Class of 2024

Russell Drake, Clay Murdock, Soviet Problem, and Tribal Rule will be inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame

The late Russell Drake built River Edge Farm for Martin and Pam Wygod and managed it for decades

RUSSELL DRAKE ussell Drake infuenced almost every aspect of the California Toroughbred industry. As the longtime manager of Martin and Pam Wygod’s River Edge Farm, he stood top stallions, foaled and raised numerous champions, and was a fxture at California sales. Tough Drake died in 2022, his accomplishments can be seen through the bloodlines that continue to turn out stakes winners and the farm he built nearly 50 years ago. Tat acreage in Buellton is now Angie and Mike Scully’s Eclipse Toroughbred Farm,

and they appreciate how well constructed the farm remains. “He thought of everything,” Angie said. “Everything is set up so wonderfully for the horses.” Born in New Mexico, Drake spent most of his 81 years in California. While he will always be associated with the Wygods and River Edge, he had plenty of experience by the time he met them. Drake had worked for Bill Foy at both George and Ruth Tomas’ Tomas Toroughbred Farm in Glendora and Connie Ring’s Tree Rings Ranch in Beaumont, and he also had managed Alexander and Heloise Power’s farm in Julian.

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February 2024

Drake built River Edge from the ground up in 1976. He and the Wygods initially stood such stallions as Pass the Glass and Bold Hitter. Pass the Glass’ foals included Super Diamond, the 1986 champion California-bred older male. At Tree Rings, Drake had gotten to know future Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, who was working there at the time. Te two would later take a trip to Texas to look at the stallion Grenfall. After what Drake remembered as a harrowing road trip—“Russell didn’t like how fast I was driving,” Mandella would later recall with a grin—they approved the stallion and the Wygods brought him to River Edge. In between came Pirate’s Bounty. Drake managed that leading California stallion throughout his career. Pirate’s Bounty lived to age 31 and is buried on the River Edge Property. Benchmark was another good stallion Drake managed for River Edge. Benchmark’s ofspring include Eclipse Award champion sprinter and Cal-bred Horse of the Year Points Ofthebench and Cal-bred champs Brother Derek and Bench Points. But perhaps that sire’s infuence will be felt most through his son Grazen, now a leading California sire standing on the very acreage where Benchmark stood. Drake selected Benchmark as a weanling, and the Wygods paid $475,000 for the son of Alydar at the 1991 Keeneland November sale. Drake’s keen eye for conformation led to Benchmark and his half-sister Tranquility Lake, a millionaire who produced yearlings for the Wygods that included one selling for $9.7 million. “I love to see a mare with a big heart girth and kind of nice hip to her and a feminine neck,” Drake once said. “I

CLAY MURDOCK

alifornia’s Toroughbred industry has been lucky in the quality of the farm managers that have taken care of so many of the major farms. Clay Murdock was one of those leaders, his longevity at Rancho San Miguel a testament to the quality of his knowledge and hard work. Murdock was also a versatile horseman. He managed the Rancho San Miguel property for 32 years until his death in 2019, frst when it was a training center under the ownership of Dr. William Marano. Tom and Nancy Clark purchased the farm in 2000 and asked Murdock to help them transition it into a breeding and full-service facility. Murdock succeeded brilliantly, turning Rancho San Miguel into one of the state’s fnest farms that today stands a full complement of stallions.

COURTESY OF RANCHO SAN MIGUEL

will not take a mare that’s really ofset. I’d rather they be toed out than toed in. I’m not a real fan of back at the knee, although I’ve seen a couple of times where a mare had a club foot and was so back in her knees she could hardly walk and she produced a major stakes winner.” Tribal Rule, who is being inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Drake, also stood at River Edge. Te Wygods bred the son of Storm Cat out of the Grenfall mare Sown. Champion Bertrando also stood part of his career at River Edge. Drake managed River Edge until its closure, and he retired in 2018. He and his wife, Darlene, raised their fve children on the property. Wygod once noted Drake’s strengths as a farm manager, and it encapsulated Drake’s vast knowledge: “His level of horse husbandry; the level of care he gives to the mares, foals, and yearlings; his knowledge of our bloodlines; his eye for conformation in horses; and his selection of mares for our respective stallions.” —Tracy Gantz

Clay Murdock, who died in 2019, managed Rancho San Miguel frst for Dr. William Marano and later for current owners Tom and Nancy Clark

“I met Clay around 1990, and for several years he was my advisor to purchase yearlings, handle my lay-ups, and break and train my babies,” said Tom Clark. “Rancho San Miguel has become one of the largest and most successful farms in California because of Clay’s leadership skills and his management acumen.” Given Murdock’s roots, he came to his profession quite naturally. He grew up in Idaho, and his father, Cal, trained racing Quarter Horses part-time. By age 12, young Clay was galloping horses and riding at bush tracks. He knew he would soon be too tall to pursue riding as a profession, so he began training horses in his early 20s. He took a job galloping horses at Bay Meadows because he wanted to move to Northern California. He spent the rest of his 58 years in the California horse industry. At frst, Murdock followed the Quarter Horse circuit throughout the state. Horsemen he worked for and learned from included www.ctba.com

Glen Walker, John Creager, and Russell Harris. Murdock headed up the latter’s satellite training facility in Southern California for several years. “I bounced around for six or seven years,” Murdock once recalled. “I was breaking 70 or 80 head of Quarter Horses when Dr. William Marano was looking for someone to run a Toroughbred farm. I really wanted to move on with Toroughbreds.” Primarily a breaking and training facility then, Rancho San Miguel did have one stallion. Tat expanded greatly after the Clarks bought it. Murdock found that he had a real knack for the breeding side of the industry. “I love closing the deal and booking mares to stallions,” he said. “I like talking to people and helping them out.” Tom Clark has frequently credited Murdock with much of the transition, noting that he “built the infrastructure, recruited and developed the most profesFebruary 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

SHIGEKI KIKKAWA

Hall of Fame

Cal-bred Horse of the Year Soviet Problem “was something very special,” said co-owner and co-breeder Don Valpredo

sional and knowledgeable staf he could assemble, and has worked diligently every day to build a reputation beyond reproach for the farm.” Farm life dovetailed well with Murdock’s devotion to family. He and his wife, Dena, raised fve children: Camryn, Casi, Cody, Cindy, and Mitchell. Te eldest was just a year old when Murdock moved to Rancho San Miguel. Murdock loved people and they loved him in return. In 2017, he had been with Rancho San Miguel for 30 years, and the farm celebrated with a huge party. Te mass of people in a group photo of the occasion showed just how popular he was. He gave back to the industry as well, joining the CTBA board in 2018 in an efort to improve the industry. When Murdock died suddenly in 2019, he was in the midst of a stallion acquisition that has favorably impacted the state. Murdock and Adrian Gonzalez brought Sir Prancealot to California. Te stallion, now standing at Rancho San Miguel, had already succeeded as a sire in Europe and Australia, and several of his European runners came to the U.S. and won stakes here. Sir Prancealot’s frst California-breds were 2-year-olds of 2023 and include 2023 Graduation Stakes winner Lord Prancealot. —Tracy Gantz 18

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

SOVIET PROBLEM

n the end she lost, but Soviet Problem will always be remembered for providing one of the most valiant efforts ever by a California-bred flly when fnishing a head behind champion Cherokee Run in the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Churchill Downs. On a cold and cloudy early November Saturday in Kentucky, the brilliantly fast chestnut daughter of Moscow Ballet battled for the lead through a wicked half-mile before disposing of the leader Honor the Hero in upper stretch. But she could not shake of the rallying favorite on her outside and was overtaken just before the wire. “She ran her heart out—she ran just a wonderful race,” recalled Don Valpredo, who along with John Harris of Harris Farms bred and campaigned Soviet Problem throughout her 20-race career. Trained by Greg Gilchrist, Soviet Problem won 15 of those starts—including 10 stakes victories—and placed second in three others. She mostly dominated on the dirt, but she also won on grass. She prevailed easily in a pair of match races and defeated males on numerous occasions while coming up just short on racing’s biggest day. Te remarkably consistent flly reeled of fve consecutive wins to start her ca-

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reer in 1992-93. Ten at age 4, she put together a seven-race victory streak leading up to the Breeders’ Cup after returning from a bowed tendon. Valpredo remembers her as a flly who was a tiger when it was time to run, but very easy to be around otherwise. “She was a true professional on the track, but back in her stall 15 minutes later, she was as kind as could be,” he said. Ridden primarily by national Hall of Fame jockeys Chris McCarron and Russell Baze, Soviet Problem was the champion California-bred 3-year-old-female in 1993. Te following year, she was named Calbred champion sprinter, older female, turf horse, and Horse of the Year while winning nine of 13 races with three seconds. “She was something very special,” Valpredo said. “We had a lot of good times thanks to her.” Harris, long the state’s giant Central Valley beef producer, and Valpredo, a self-described “dirt farmer from Bakersfeld,” bred dozens of horses together over the years and enjoyed great success with many of them. But Valpredo maintained, “no one compares to Soviet Problem.” “John and I couldn’t be more pleased that the CTBA has chosen to honor Soviet Problem in this way,” he added. Soviet Problem was from a third generation of Harris and Valpredo mares dating back to the frst horse they ever owned together: Prime Time, a California-bred daughter of Boldnesian they bought for $51,000. Prime Time’s unraced daughter, Nopro Blama, by Dimaggio, produced Soviet Problem. Dimaggio, a graded stakes winner by Bold Hitter, was bred and raced by Valpredo’s father, John. Don Valpredo’s frst memory of Soviet Problem came on her debut Oct. 18, 1992, at Bay Meadows. “John and I were at the Fresno fairgrounds that day, and we called Greg Gilchrist and asked him about this new flly we had going at Bay Meadows,” Valpredo said. “We wanted to know whether we should bet on her or not. You know what he said? ‘Bet the ranch.’ ” Soviet Problem won by fve lengths, then came back the following March by winning an allowance at Golden Gate Fields by 13. Valpredo said that was his favorite race

TRIBAL RULE

ven though he didn’t get a chance to prove himself on the racetrack, Tribal Rule always had the credentials to become a leading sire. He stood his entire career in California and was the state’s leading sire when he died May 1, 2014, at age 18. His legacy lived on for years, as he has been represented by 53 stakes winners, including three California-bred champions. Martin and Pam Wygod, owners of River Edge Farm, bred and raced Tribal Rule. Te colt was out of their homebred Grenfall mare Sown, a Cal-bred who started only three times but won two races. A half sister to the Wygods’ leading California sire Pirate’s Bounty, Sown was bred to perennial national leading sire Storm Cat to get Tribal Rule. Te late Russell Drake, longtime manager of River Edge, years later recalled that cross, saying, “Grenfall always had good-looking babies. She was a pretty mare, and Marty did very well breeding to Storm Cat. He bred to him 30 or 40 times.” Tribal Rule didn’t get to the races until his 4-year-old season in late 2000 because of a condylar fracture in a hind leg. Once he started under the tutelage of trainer Julio Canani, he won twice and fnished second twice, for earnings of $77,600. Each of his victories was impressive. Tribal Rule broke his maiden by eight lengths at Del Mar and returned in allowance company there to score by fve lengths. “What little he did run showed that he had some speed, but he just wasn’t able

to stay sound long,” Drake said in 2007. “His leg would get to bothering him again, so we just brought him home.” Georgie Boy became Tribal Rule’s frst Cal-bred champion and was his leading earner. Winner of the 2007 Del Mar Futurity (G1) and Graduation Stakes, Georgie Boy was voted that year’s champion 2-year-old male. Trained by Kathy Walsh for owner/breeder George Schwary, the gelding added the 2008 San Vicente Stakes (G2) and San Felipe Stakes (G2) and 2009 San Carlos Handicap (G2) and Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes, earning $788,634. Ismene arrived in 2009 and became Tribal Rule’s second Cal-bred champion when she was voted the top 2-year-old female of 2011. Stephen Ferraro bred and raced Ismene, and he trained the flly through her undefeated championship season, when she captured two stakes. Multiple stakes-placed later in her career when trained by Bill Spawr, Ismene earned a total of $236,990. Spanish Queen was Tribal Rule’s third Cal-bred champion, voted champion 3-year-old female and turf horse of 2015. Richard Baltas trained her for breeders Jack Nakkashian, Harry Bederian, and Harout Kamberian, and she won the 2015 Amer-

ican Oaks (G1T) and Honeymoon Stakes (G2T), earning a total of $423,600. Tough Brandothebartender wasn’t a champion, he was a big crowd favorite and Tribal Rule’s second-leading earner, with $772,864. Te gelding, once claimed for $40,000, raced from 2016-21, starting 46 times. He won four stakes, including the 2018 California Flag Handicap, in which he set a course record of :55.11 for fve furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita. Brandothebartender was retired to Old Friends in Lexington, Ky., at age 9 in 2021. Tribal Rule’s other runners included graded winners Alphie’s Bet, Ciao Bella Luna, Ethnic Dance, Marckie’s Water, Pee Wee Reese, and Tribal Spy; Mexican champion Mexican Loop; and such multiple stakes winners as Sunday Rules, Patriots Rule, and Tribesman. Tribal Rule stood at River Edge until the Wygods curtailed their breeding activity in California. Te stallion was moved to Donald Cohn’s Ballena Vista Farm, where he stood for four years prior to his death. “He was a good breeder,” Drake said after Tribal Rule’s death. “I liked his babies. He was one of my favorite horses, and he was good to us.” —Tracy Gantz

COURTESY OF BALLENA VISTA FARM

of hers. “Tat’s when we knew we had something special,” he said. Tree stakes triumphs followed before the only major setback of her career: a tendon injury sustained in the Railbird Stakes (G2) at Hollywood Park in May of her sophomore season. She recovered, however, and after a 71⁄2-month layof produced a spectacular 1994 season that included a win over males in Maryland’s Laurel Dash Stakes (G3) three weeks prior to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. —Jack Shinar

Tribal Rule stood in California for his entire stud career and was a leading sire in the state

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February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Unusual Heat Turf Classic Presented by City National Bank

second. Subsequently reunited, they took the Sept. 16 E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos and the Oct. 15 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita prior to California Cup 2024. Hernandez knows when to stay out of a horse’s way, which is what he did in the Classic. “He broke like a rocket when the gate opened, and I just let him do his thing,” Hernandez said. “He traveled very comfortably the entire race.” Not that Kings River Knight got to coast throughout the 1 1/8 miles. Early on, Passarando and Catalina Eddy pressed Kings River Knight, who kept a length advantage through an opening quarter-mile of :23.59. On the second turn, Passarando took a run at Kings River Knight. Ten into the stretch, Carmelita’s Man and 2022 Classic winner Aligato fred their shots. Kings River Knight repulsed them all, scoring Kings River Knight wins the Unusual Heat Turf Classic by leading throughout by a half-length as the 11-10 favorite over Carmelita’s Man in 1:48.02, with Aligato third and Passarando fourth. “I thought it was a good, competitive race—we were thrilled with the win today,” said Sadler. “We gave him a nice GELDING AND JUAN HERNANDEZ little freshening after the fall meet and skipped Del Mar with the idea of having NOW A PERFECT FIVE-FOR-FIVE another good year with him in all these BY TRACY GANTZ Hernandez and Kings River Knight frst diferent Cal-bred stakes. He’s a lovely collaborated in the May 28 Crystal Water horse, and he’s really a hard-tryer.” ings River Knight doesn’t know Stakes at Santa Anita and later added the Hernandez credited Sadler with having how to turn in a bad perfor- June 24 Bertrando Stakes, over the same Kings River Knight ready and also praised mance. In the rare instanc- course. Hernandez was serving a suspen- the gelding. “When we got to the three-eighths, es he doesn’t win, he runs second, sion on the day of the California Dreamexcept for the 2023 Unusual Heat in’ Stakes, when Kings River Knight ran I saw some horses next to us,” the jockey said. “He did all the work from Turf Classic Presented by there.” City National Bank. He ran Kings River Knight raised his fourth that day, beaten just a earnings to $536,010. He now has length. So what did he do? He fve stakes wins, three on turf and returned in 2024 to win the two on dirt, not surprising, given race. his breeding, which Old English Te gelding has a dynamite team has shepherded for generations. behind him. A product of the hisOut of the Poteen mare Seasontoric Old English Rancho, Kings toperfection, Kings River Knight River Knight is owned by Integriis by Acclamation, who received an ty Toroughbred Racing, Ellwood Eclipse Award as champion older Johnston Trust, and Kenneth Tevelmale of 2011 by winning on dirt de. Trained frst by Andy Mathis Samantha Davies (left of jockey Juan Hernandez), and turf. Acclamation’s sire, Unand then by John Sadler, he is now senior vice president of City National Bank, presented usual Heat, was a longtime leading fve-for-fve when ridden by Juan the trophy to Kings River Knight’s owners, including California sire and got runners who Judy Johnston (right) Hernandez. could compete on both surfaces.

KINGS RIVER KNIGHT

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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Congratulations TO THE CONNECTIONS OF

DADDYSRUBY

WINNER OF THE LA BREA S. (G1)

AT SANTA ANITA ON DECEMBER 26, 2023. OWNERS: Jethorse LLC, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber BREEDER: Jethorse LLC | TRAINER: Peter Miller

We continue to raise top Cal-Bred competitors on our farm. In 2022 it was 2YO Champion, GIVER NOT A TAKER. Owner: J. Kirk and Judy Robison, Trainer: Peter Miller. 14728 Cool Valley Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082 | Farm Manager: Miguel “Mike” Jimenez (760) 703-3279 | mjimenez@arroyovistafarm.com | www.arroyovistafarm.com Sale and Marketing Manager: Jeanne Davis | (760) 913-5052 | jdavis@arroyovistafarm.com

Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint

THE CHOSEN VRON

MILLIONAIRE ADDS TO HIS LAURELS

BY JACK SHINAR

It was the ultra-consistent 6-year-old Vronsky gelding’s frst step on a 2024 campaign that his connections hope will include a successful defense of last summer’s Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) title and a potential return to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), both at Del Mar. Te Chosen Vron was ffth in last year’s Sprint behind winner Elite Power, an Eclipse Award-winning sprinter. Out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz The Chosen Vron wins another Cal Cup Sprint to kick off his 2024 campaign Molly and bred by the Tiz Molly Partners, Te Chosen Vron pushed his career earn- the turn when Berrios tipped out slight- then just took of,” said Kruljac. Looking ahead, Kruljac said, “If it ings to $1,239,678 with his 15th victory ly for the drive and Moose Mitchell lost from 20 lifetime starts. John Sondere- ground. Brickyard Ride and Te Cho- works out, we would love to defend ker (Sondereker Racing), Robert Fetkin, sen Vron vied briefy through the lane, our Bing Crosby. And from there, who Richard Tornburgh, and trainer Eric but Te Chosen Vron took over leaving knows?” Kruljac blamed himself for Te ChoKruljac co-own the winner. the furlong pole and drew of nicely to Four others signed on in the six-fur- win by 21⁄4 lengths. Geezer, a 52-1 shot, sen Vron’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint perlong Cal Cup Sprint. Te Chosen Vron, rallied to get third, 21⁄4 lengths behind formance, lamenting the three-month in search of his 14th stakes triumph, was Brickyard Ride. Te fnal time was a layof he gave Te Chosen Vron following the Crosby and explaining, “I sent of at odds of 1-20 with regular rider solid 1:09.06. “He was smart enough to wait at the over-freshened him up.” Hector Berrios aloft. Te main rival was Longtime horse owner Sondereker the veteran Brickyard Ride, a multiple turn when they spread out a little bit and marveled once more at Te graded stakes-winning sprintChosen Vron’s steady consiser with good early speed. Tat tency. He anticipates another 7-year-old came into the race strong year but disagreed with with 13 lifetime wins himself, his trainer about blaming the 10 of them at Santa Anita. spacing before the Breeders’ Brickyard Ride and jockey Cup for that loss. Juan Hernandez sped to the “He ran a good race in the front from the outside stall and Breeders’ Cup; It was just a very settled into a one-length adtough feld,” Sondereker said. vantage, increasing it slightly as “He ran just about where you Brickyard Ride posted opening would have expected, based quarter-mile fractions of :22.41 on the numbers. You can secand 45.32. Te Chosen Vron ond-guess yourself. But what found a stalking position along we’ve learned about this horse is the inside in third as Moose Co-owner John Sondereker (dark jacket) accepts The Chosen he runs best when he has a lot of Mitchell kept him company. time between races.” Tey ran that way through Vron’s trophy, with trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac (right) 22

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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he Chosen Vron had won his previous eight races against state-bred stakes competition, so his repeat victory in the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Jan. 13 at Santa Anita Park surprised no one.

California Chrome Cal Cup Derby

Mici’s Express powers home in the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby

MICI’S EXPRESS BARGAIN YEARLING BECOMES STAKES WINNER

BY TRACY GANTZ

om Halasz buys plenty of California-breds at sales, but he still can’t believe getting Mici’s Express for $5,000. Not only did the colt pay for himself in his frst start, he captured the $188,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita Jan. 13.

didn’t need any partners. Under Steve Knapp’s training, the colt earned $12,200 by fnishing second in his debut. Mici’s Express likes to come from of the pace, and Knapp said that speed-favoring tracks didn’t help him in some of his races. Nevertheless, at two last year, Mici’s Express broke his maiden at Del Mar and placed in three stakes. Knapp put blinkers on Mici’s Express for the Derby. “He was running so well, and I hate to tinker with things when something is going well,” Knapp said. After Mici’s Express fnished third in the

Dec. 17 King Glorious Stakes, however, Knapp decided to add blinkers. Last Call London, the King Glorious winner, went of as the even-money favorite in the 11⁄16-mile Derby. Mici’s Express was the 5-1 fourth choice in the fve-horse feld. Last Call London went to the lead and clicked of fractions of :24.62 for the frst quarter-mile and :49.33 for a half-mile. Mici’s Express stayed closer than usual in third. Down the backside, Wild Jewels ranged up outside of Mici’s Express, and the two of them traded positions a couple of times. Mici’s Express had the advantage deep into the turn, and jockey Umberto Rispoli positioned him outside of leaders Last Call London and Stolen Treasure. “I still had plenty of horse coming for home,” Rispoli said. “We got in the clear and he did the rest.” Mici’s Express passed the leaders and defeated Stolen Treasure by 11⁄2 lengths in 1:46.75. Last Call London fnished 11⁄4 lengths back in third. Halasz was delighted, not only with the win by a horse named for his brother, but because he met Steve Coburn, co-breeder and co-owner of California Chrome, who presented the trophy. “Tat’s one of my favorite horses of all time,” Halasz said. Halasz noted that Mici’s Express tries in every race and has had some close fnishes. “He’s been there,” the owner said. “After he broke his maiden, he’s been in nothing but stakes races.” With the Derby, Mici’s Express brought his earnings to $248,530—a pretty good return on a $5,000 investment.

“He was so beautiful when I bought him at the sale,” Halasz said. “I was the only bid. He looked like he was going to be a very expensive horse. So I said, ‘I’ll start the bid and see where it goes—maybe I’ll get four or fve guys and we’ll buy him for $50,000, $60,000, $80,000.’ And there was silence.” Others at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton fall yearling sale missed out on a great opportunity. Halasz bought him from Rancho San Miguel, which bred the son of Slew’s Tiznow—Harlan Express, by Harlan’s Holiday, with Eagle Ridge Racing, and

Steve Coburn, co-breeder and co-owner of California Chrome, presents the trophy to jockey Umberto Rispoli, owner Tom Halasz, and trainer Steve Knapp.

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

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February 2024

CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD IN FRANCE

passion for gold (gr 1) MEDAGLIA D’ORO – C’EST L’AMOUR (G2), BY THUNDER GULCH

Winner of Gr1 Critérium de Saint-Cloud. One of the seven champions sired by MEDAGLIA D’ORO (PASSION FOR GOLD, RACHEL ALEXANDRIA, SONGBIRD, VANCOUVER). Five years in Southern Hemisphere with 66% winners of $2 Million.

WINNER FROM FIRST CALIFORNIA CROP TO RACE

GET THE GOLD

PASSION FOR GOLD – HONDO’S WAY by GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

©Benoit Photo

Winners of Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita with 1:35.9 One Mile on Turf by 3 lengths, speed rating 92

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Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks

over the Golden Gate Fields turf course in 2022. “But you never know,” Specht said of Grand Slam Smile. “She’s never worked on it, never done anything on it until she left the gate today. Sometimes pedigrees don’t count for a lot until they do it.” Grand Slam Smile’s two previous stakes wins were over the main track at Santa Anita. Prior to coming onto the track, Grand Slam Smile unseated Frank Alvarado as he attempted to hop aboard her in the paddock. Te veteran jockey, who has ridden the chestnut flly in all six of her starts, said he landed on his backside. Specht joked, “If it had been a maiden at Golden Gate, he’d have been at the doctor’s ofce.” Leaving from the outside stall at odds of 2-1, Grand Slam Smile burst from the gate and cleared most of the feld heading Grand Slam Smile adds Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks to her resume into the clubhouse turn, settling a halflength behind on the outside of longshot Recalcitrant. Tose two showed the way through an opening half-mile in :47, then Grand Slam Smile pulled ahead with Asada Fries stalking on the outside in third, a by Northern California-based trainer couple of lengths behind. WILLIAMS HOMEBRED Steve Specht. A stubborn Recalcitrant refused to MAKES SUCCESSFUL Specht trains Grand Slam Smile yield as they made their way around the for prominent California owners and fnal turn, and Asada Fries was poised to TURF DEBUT breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. challenge both in upper stretch. Grand BY JACK SHINAR Tey bred the chestnut flly from one Slam Smile edged ahead with a furlong of their top broodmares, Royal Grand to run, but Asada Fries advanced alongrand Slam Smile had some- Slam, a daughter of Grand Slam. Her side her. Tat’s when the winner shook thing to prove going into the successful foals include the Specht- free under Alvarado’s urging and drew $200,000 Leigh Ann How- trained Royal ‘n Rando (by Tamaran- of convincingly in a time of 1:36.59. ard California Cup Oaks Jan. 13, do), winner of the Silky Sullivan Stakes Asada Fries held of a fying Sushi Sticks for the place spot. but the favorite erased all Grand Slam Smile has dedoubts with an impressive veloped nicely for Specht while triumph in the one-mile winning four times with two secgrass test at Santa Anita. onds and earnings of $329,900. In securing her third lifeAfter taking two of her frst three time stakes win, the 3-yearstarts—her only loss coming in old daughter of Smiling Tiger a stakes race against the highly was making her frst start on touted Pushiness—she captured turf as well as her initial try Santa Anita’s Golden State Juvearound two turns. Neither nile Fillies at seven furlongs by presented much of a challenge 71⁄4 lengths Nov. 3. Grand Slam Smile fnished second in her as she powered away from her most recent efort, the Golden seven rivals in the stretch to 1 ⁄ 4 lengths, validating Gate Debutante over the Tapeta win by 2 CTBA’s Terry Lovingier presents the trophy to jockey Frank Alvarado the confdence shown in her and trainer Steve Specht track Nov. 25.

GRAND SLAM SMILE

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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Benchmark – Hazen, by Rubiano

2024 Fee: $6,000 LF

#1 IN WINS

#1 GRASS SIRE

#1 IN AEI

#1 IN STAKES WINS

Grazen has sired 19 90 + Beyers Runners and 24 $200k earners ’s . RELOCATED Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm 801 E. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427 (805) 769-6685 | www.eclipse-equine.com/stallions

Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes Presented by John Deere

ROSE MADDOX

GRAZEN MARE DOES HER SIRE PROUD BY TRACY GANTZ

or those of us apt to mix up Nick Alexander’s two 5-yearold “Rose” gray California-bred mares by Grazen, Rose Maddox and Rose Dawson, know this: Tey are both talented, but Rose Maddox is better.

To be fair, they have only met twice Rose Maddox holds off Chancery Way in the Filly and Mare Turf Sprint because why should Alexander run stakes winners against each other when they four-time stakes winner Chancery Way ander said. “I thought we’re not going to could run separately and perhaps both popped out to take command. catch her—but we did.” win? But each time they have faced each “I was worried when Chancery Way Rose Maddox, racing on the rail other, Rose Maddox has emerged victori- got the easy lead down the hill,” Alexan- under jockey Flavien Prat, not only ous, frst in the Oct. 14 California Distaf der said. “Te fractions were a little soft. caught Chancery Way as they crossed Handicap and then in the $151,500 Sun- Te last time Rose won of the hill it went the dirt, she held of closing Stay and shine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint really fast and set it up perfect.” Scam as well as Chancery Way, who Stakes presented by John Deere at Santa In the California Distaf, Organic re- refused to yield. Te three crossed the Anita Jan. 13. corded blistering fractions of :21.10 and wire noses apart, with Rose Maddox Te Turf Sprint, run over Santa Anita’s :42.81, compared to Chancery Way’s the determined winner in 1:13.45. downhill turf course of about 61⁄2 furlongs, :22.07 and :44.82 in the Turf Sprint. Rose Chismosa, who scored in the Jan. 1 Las upped Rose Maddox’s lifetime earnings to Maddox won the California Distaf by Flores Stakes (G3), ran fourth, with $515,782, nearly double the earnings of two lengths in 1:11.22. Rose Dawson ffth. Rose Dawson. Rose Maddox went into “Nobody went with Chancery Way, “Tat’s the beauty of that course—if the Sprint with the biggest bankroll of and she was just galloping along,” Alex- you’re on the lead, there are always horses the eight-horse feld and coming from behind,” Alin 2023 led all runners by exander said. “It’s a tough Grazen in earnings. race to judge, but (Prat) Te similar monikers just did a perfect job.” didn’t confuse bettors, Steve Miyadi trains who sent Rose Maddox Rose Maddox for Alof as the 6-5 favorite over exander, who bred her second-choice Stay and from the Unusual Heat Scam. Tat Reddam Racmare Heat the Rocks. ing homebred daughter Miyadi noted that “as of Square Eddie was comgood as she’s run on turf, ing of a 41⁄2-length allowI actually think she’s betance/optional claiming ter on dirt.” win against open compaTat bodes well for ny. Rose Dawson was the Rose Maddox to have 15-1 ffth choice. another excellent year in When the gate opened, Doug Burge of the CTBA presents the trophy to Nick Alexander (third from right) 2024. 28

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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La Brea Stakes her for Reger (who races as Jethorse LLC), Gary Barber, and Adam Wachtel’s Wachtel Stable. Barber and Wachtel bought a halfshare in the gray or roan flly following an impressive maiden victory at Golden Gate Fields in her initial start in January 2023. “Tat was totally Peter,” Reger said of the decision try a grade I. “We weren’t going to enter her. Tere were some other races we were considering. But then Peter worked her (six furlongs in 1:12.20 at San Luis Rey Downs), and he told me it was one of the most incredible workouts he’d ever seen. But we really didn’t know.” Daddysruby earned her ffth win from six lifetime starts, and the $180,000 winner’s share boosted her earnings to $352,014. Nine 3-year-old fllies contested the seven-furlong La Brea, with Howl, a stakes winner shipping in from Kentucky for leading national trainer Brad Cox, sent Daddysruby (right) and Big Pond make it a Cal-bred Exacta in La Brea of as the 8-5 public pick. Also in the feld was second choice Clearly Unhinged, runner-up in Saratoga’s Test Stakes (G1) in August. Howl broke on the lead with Fast and from the rail, and there was a guy standShiny on her outside, but as they settled DADDYSRUBY EDGES ing next to me who told me, ‘It was the into stride, Daddysruby took control along BIG POND BY 2 (Daddysruby). I can always tell.’ I sure the inside. With Juan Hernandez aboard, don’t know how he could have.” THINNEST MARGIN the flly set recorded fractions of :22.21 for Daddysruby, the frst graded stakes winthe quarter-mile and :44.49 for the half BY JACK SHINAR ner for Canadian sire Frac Daddy, is out of and was edging away from Howl, who was he fnal grade 1 race in North the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi. She under pressure to keep up with the leader America in 2023 might have became the third Cal-bred to take down entering the turn. Big Pond, three wide for Frankie Detbeen the tightest one of the year the La Brea in the past six years, following Spiced Perfection in 2018 and Fun tori, took up the chase, but still had as well. to Dream in 2022 to cap of her Cal-bred a couple of lengths to make up as they Two California-bred sophomore fllies Horse of the Year season. turned for home. Daddysruby, reaching provided all the freworks in the closing It was a huge stakes bow for Daddysruby, the furlong pole in 1:09.60, was weakenyards as pacesetter Daddysruby eked out who was stepping out of allowance compaing late as Big Pond drew even in deep a razor-thin triumph over a determined ny and went of at 6-1. Peter Miller trains stretch. Te challenger appeared to get Big Pond in the $302,000 La Brea her nose in front but lost on the Stakes at Santa Anita Dec. 26. head bob—by a whisker—as they Even eagle-eyed track announchit the line together in 1:23.06. er Frank Mirahmadi was unable to Clearly Unhinged emerged from separate them at the fnish. Steve the rest to claim third, four lengths Reger, the breeder and co-ownfarther back. Howl faded to eighth. er of Daddysruby, noted it took Miller, who notched his second fve nerve-wracking minutes for La Brea following Heir Kitty in ofcials to make the call. Reger, 2013, was relieved by the result. having a runner in a grade 1 for “You don’t remember all the the frst time, initially thought his photo fnishes that you won; you horse had lost. remember all the ones you lost,” he “What was it, about half-an- Breeder and co-owner Steve Reger (left) and trainer Peter Miller said. “So I’m sitting there thinking inch?” he asked. “I was watching (second from right) are among the Daddysruby contingent I lost another one.”

BATTLE OF THE CAL-BREDS

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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Las Flores Stakes

QUICK THINKING

COURSE ALTERATION AIDS CAL-BRED IN VICTORY

BY TRACY GANTZ

Chismosa has a dedicated duo behind her: friends Jaime Renella and Rafael DeLeon. Te owner and trainer collaborated in claiming and racing You Can Dream more than 10 years ago. When DeLeon suggested that Renella breed the mare, that set Chismosa’s story in motion. Chismosa, a daughter of Clubhouse Ride, is one of fve winners from six starters You Can Dream has produced for Renella. At 2 in 2022, Chismosa went three for three, including the CTBA Chismosa “came back to win,” said trainer Rafael DeLeon after the Cal-bred won the Las Flores Stakes and Generous Portion Stakes. She continued to place in several stakes at 3, time since her very frst start, when she Chismosa to move up outside of Hot Peppers. but DeLeon knew something wasn’t right. broke her maiden by 11⁄4 lengths. “It’s kinda like full circle getting back Frey might have taken Chismosa to the “I gave her some time of because every outside of Sweet Azteca as well, but deep morning I touch my horses, and she didn’t on the flly today,” Frey said. Sweet Azteca and Hot Peppers en- into the turn the favorite went very wide. like when I touched her in a certain spot,” the trainer said. “So I sent her to my farm gaged each other immediately after the Frey quickly changed course, urging Chisfor a little while. Once she came back, she gate opened in the Las Flores, speeding mosa inside of Sweet Azteca. Te Cala quarter-mile in :21.96 and a half-mile bred responded willingly, even when Hot came back to win.” In three previous attempts in graded in :44.70. Sweet Azteca, racing outside Peppers came back on to her inside. Chisstakes company, Chismosa’s best efort of Hot Peppers, seemingly had that ri- mosa ultimately defeated Hot Peppers by was a runner-up efort in the July 4 Great val beaten into the turn, and Frey asked 11⁄4 lengths in 1:10.22. Sweet Azteca was an equal distance back in third. Lady M Stakes (G2) at Los Alam“Te favorite ducked out there itos against older distafers. She at the top of the lane, and I didn’t fnished a neck behind the Bob want to lose a ton of ground by Bafert-trained Eda, a 4-year-old staying outside her,” Frey said. who had won fve races in a row, “So I was able to cut inside, over including four stakes. heels, and get to the inside.” In the six-furlong Las Flores, DeLeon praised Frey’s move, bettors made Sweet Azteca, a saying, “He felt right away the flsharp winner at Churchill Downs ly picked up the bridle and he was in her only start, the 6-5 favorite looking for room, and he found a over graded winner Hot Peppers clear space inside the other horse.” and 2022 Las Flores winner Lady Added Renella, “She is an T. Chismosa was the 8-1 fourth amazing flly. She’s never had a choice of fve. clean trip in all of her races, and Jockey Kyle Frey was back Owner Jaime Renella (center in vest) and trainer Rafael DeLeon we fnally got one today.” aboard Chismosa for the frst (right) celebrate Chismosa’s grade 1 victory www.ctba.com

February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

ome precocious 2-year-olds never regain their early form, but Chismosa isn’t one of them. Tough the California-bred flly hadn’t won in more than a year before the Jan. 1 Las Flores Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita, she almost always earned a paycheck.

FASIG-TIPTON PHOTOS

Leading Breeder

Kate Barton Penner is the executive vice president of the Barton operation, while Kevin Dickson is the farm manager

RICHARD BARTON ENTERPRISES RUNNERS EXCELLED FROM COAST TO COAST THROUGHOUT 2023

BY TRACY GANTZ

ichard Barton Enterprises, the leading California breeder of 2023, is much more than Richard Barton. He has put together a team that includes his family and a top-fight group of people whose hard work paid of spectacularly at Barton Toroughbreds, their 200acre farm in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Richard and Beth Barton head up the Barton team

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

www.ctba.com

February 2024

CECLIA GUSTAVSSON

Barton’s wife, Beth, and their daughter, Kate Barton Penner, are integral to the Barton success story. Penner, as the executive vice president, handles much of the operation, and she says that her parents have become even more involved recently. “Tey enjoy visiting the farm often and are really looking at all the foals and year-

lings,” Penner said. “My dad has always been very involved, but my mom has become really active in everything that we do. She helps keep tabs on all of our current runners.” Considering that the Bartons market most of the horses they breed, this is a daunting task. But it was also plenty of fun in 2023. Barton runners competed throughout the country, winning stakes from coast to coast and racking up total earnings of $4,176,306. Even though their leading earner, One in Vermillion, earned the tidy sum of $564,220, he was hardly their only success story. Barton-bred horses won 138 races, nine of those in stakes. Five individual horses won those stakes at fve tracks in four diferent states. Richard, Beth, and Kate live in the Riverside area, but they regularly visit the farm. Kevin Dickson, the farm manager, joined the team in 2017 after years in the Quarter Horse and Toroughbred business at Vessels Toroughbred Farm. Other key people include administrative director Lacey Coler, broodmare manager Noel Ortiz-Perez, and lay-up manager Orlando Gonzalez. Five stallions stand at the farm: Cat Burglar, Dads Caps, One Bad Boy, Shaaz, and Tap Back. Dads Caps sired Kangaroo Court, winner of the 2023 Echo Eddie Stakes and an earner of $145,200 in 2023. Barton has brought many good mares into California by buying them at auction in Kentucky. Most of the foals the mares are carrying at the time of the sale become Cal-breds, with the mares bred back to a Barton stallion. One in Vermillion epitomizes that business plan. Barton bought his dam, the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, while she was in foal to Army Mule. Given Star then produced Cal-bred One in Vermillion. Now owned by Jonathan Kalman, One in Vermillion carried the Cal-bred banner to Sunland Park in New Mexico, Canterbury Park in Minnesota, Prairie Meadows in Iowa, Mountaineer Park in West Virginia, and Saratoga in New York—winning or placing in stakes at each location. In between he returned to his home state to take the Lazaro Barrera Stakes at Santa Anita. One in Vermillion became a grade

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Grade 1 winner One in Vermillion led all Barton-breds by earnings in 2023

We’ve been really dedicated to the Cal-bred breeding program.” —Kate Barton Penner at the CTBA sale. Cal-bred Pushiness was an earlier sale success. At the 2022 Fasig-Tipton sale, that Barton-bred flly sold for $115,000 to Repole Stable. She won the 2023 California Toroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar. Barton also does well selling horses in

1 winner in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. Barton-breds performed well throughout the year. One in Vermillion won his frst stakes of the year in January, while Magic Spoon captured the Golden State Juvenile Stakes on the frst of two Breeders’ Cup cards at Santa Anita in November. Barton is also a huge supporter of California sales. Tey brought large consignments of yearlings to the 2023 Fasig-Tipton and CTBA sales. Barton was the leading consignor at the Fasig-Tipton sale and had fve horses sell for six fgures each. Te farm was the third-leading consignor

Kangaroo Court was one of fve 2023 stakes winners bred by Barton

Barton-bred Magic Spoon captured the 2023 Golden State Juvenile Stakes at Santa Anita

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other states, including Arizona, Washington, and Kentucky. One in Vermillion and Spitten Kitten are graduates of the Arizona Toroughbred Breeders’ Association fall mixed sale. Cal-bred Spitten Kitten starred at Assiniboia Downs in Colorado during the summer, winning four consecutive races, including three stakes. “Everyone at the farm looks forward to sale season,” Penner said. “Tey take so much pride in the babies that we take to the sales. It’s really fun to see everyone’s hard work pay of because no corners are cut.” With a broodmare band of about 175, Barton is an important component of the California breeding industry. Penner said that they are constantly striving to improve their mares and that the Cal-bred program plays a large role in their business. “We’ve been really dedicated to the Calbred breeding program,” she said. Te Bartons and the farm staf are constantly improving facilities at the farm because, as proud as they are to be the leading breeders of 2023, they are looking forward to 2024 and beyond. February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Leading Sires

HOMETOWN HERO

CAL-BRED GRAZEN TOPS STATE BY EARNINGS AND AS TURF SIRE BY TRACY GANTZ

Leading sire lists can be tricky. Horses often stand in varied geographical locations throughout their careers. When they do, their foals are usually bred in many diferent states or countries. Te California Toroughbred Breeders Association, in giving out its year-end awards at its annual banquet (scheduled this year for March 12), pays tribute to those in the state by honoring sires that lead lists of California-conceived foals. In some years, two diferent stallions top the California-conceived list and the overall California list. But in 2023, Grazen led both. Tat meant he beat out several good sires who have spent part of their careers elsewhere. He also led California sires by lifetime Average-Earnings Index (AEI), which examines how well a stallion moves up his mares. “I’m really proud of the fact that for several years now, he has been on top of the AEI list,” said Alexander. “With a very average group of broodmares, he did a very good job consistently over the years.” Alexander pointed out that several good stakes winners Grazen sired for him were out of mares Alexander had either claimed or bought for inexpensive prices. While Grazen’s ofspring aren’t all California-breds—a mare can be bred in California and leave the state to foal for 34

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

VASSAR PHOTOGRAPHY

y any reckoning, Nick Alexander’s Grazen led all California sires by total earnings in 2023. It is a particularly noteworthy accomplishment because Grazen is a hometown hero: bred and raced in California and standing his entire stud career in the state.

Leading sire Grazen has made headlines since his racing days in 2008-09

a variety of reasons—all his foals are California-conceived. Because of the lucrative Cal-bred program, most of them are foaled in the state and remain in California for their racing careers. As Grazen has risen in popularity, more of his foals have been bred by others. But Alexander, who bred and raced Grazen and believed in him from the start, has many of them. Grazen turns out runners for the breeder like clockwork and is largely responsible for Alexander ranking high on the leading California breeder list. Rose Maddox was the leading earner in 2023 for Grazen and Alexander, and she kicked of 2024 by capturing the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes Presented by John Deere. She blends the current leading California sire with one of the all-time leaders, Unusual Heat, the sire of Heat the Rocks, Rose Maddox’s dam. Racing for Alexander and trained by Steve Miyadi, Rose Maddox last year won the Moscow Burning Stakes on synthetic www.ctba.com

and Golden Poppy Stakes and California Distaf Handicap on turf. She placed in three other stakes, one of them on the dirt, and earned $244,470 for the season. Grazen’s versatility made him the leading California sire of turf runners as well. It is the second consecutive year he has led the turf list. “He is #1 overall, but he’s also #1 in turf and he’s also #1 in synthetic,” Alexander said. “He’s #1 progeny in sprinters and he’s #1 progeny in milers, which is unusual for the same horse. A lot of time that’s two diferent horses. It just shows how versatile his babies are.” Stay Tirsty, who led the earnings list in 2022 and 2021, was a close second to Grazen in 2023. But he earned his own titles during the season. For the third straight year, Stay Tirsty topped all California sires of 2-year-olds by money won. He also led the general lists by number of winners and number of races won and the 2-year-old list by number of winners, as well as tied for frst on the 2-year-old list

CECILIA GUSTAVSSON/COURTESY OF LOVEACRES RANCH COURTESY OF OCEAN BREEZE RANCH

Stay Thirsty topped sires of 2-year-olds for the third consecutive year

Pavel in his frst season topped two lists of 2-year-old sires

COURTESY OF HARRIS FARMS/RON MESAROS

by number of races won. Terry Lovingier brought Stay Tirsty to California after the stallion had stood several seasons in Kentucky. Tus, Stay Tirsty is still represented by older runners conceived elsewhere. However, he has accomplished his 2-year-old statistics in California. He has been a force to reckon with, as Lovingier each year brings a full complement of Stay Tirsty babies to the track early and ready to win. Stay Tirsty’s leading 2023 earner was a 3-year-old, Bus Buzz. Tat Lovingier-bred gelding won the Real Good Deal Stakes and fnished second in the Echo Eddie Stakes, earning a total of $239,530. Last Call London, also bred by Lovingier, led Stay Tirsty’s 2-year-old earners in 2023 with $156,870. He won the King Glorious Stakes and placed in two other stakes during 2023. Paul Reddam had two sires topping California lists in 2023. Deceased Mrazek led by median earnings per runner, while newcomer Pavel, whose frst foals were 2-yearolds of 2023, led by sires of 2-year-olds by average earnings per runner and average earnings per start. Pavel got his frst stakes winner when Madison Rae won the Dec. 10 Soviet Problem Stakes. Te stallion was also represented by Petit Filet, who ran second in the Nov. 3 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Smiling Tiger is another California sire who does well with 2-year-olds. He fnished second to Stay Tirsty by 2-year-old earnings and tied with him for frst by number of races won. Smiling Tiger led all sires of 2-year-olds by median earnings per runner. Grand Slam Smile represented Smiling Tiger well in 2023 and already into 2024. In fve starts at 2 last year, she broke her maiden, won the Fasig-Tipton Debutante and Golden State Juvenile Fillies, and ran second in the CTBA Stakes and Golden Gate Debutante Stakes. In her frst start at three this year, Grand Slam Smile captured the Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. Rounding out the California stallion list leaders was deceased Vronsky, who topped all California sires by average earnings per runner and average earnings per start. Vronsky was represented by two graded winners during 2023. Te Chosen Vron, by Vronsky, became a millionaire in 2023. He continued a winning streak that began in 2022 and spanned eight stakes, including the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1). After a loss in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), Te Chosen Vron fnished the year by winning the Cary Grant Stakes and began 2024 with a sharp victory in the Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Closing Remarks, also by Vronsky, just missed becoming a millionaire last year. She won the Goldikova Stakes (G2T), John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T), Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T), and Royal Heroine Stakes (G2T) and brought her lifetime earnings to $999,820.

Smiling Tiger led sires of 2-year-olds by median and tied for frst by number of races won

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February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Stallion Parade, Educational Sessions Highlight Rancho San Miguel Open House BY LISA GROOTHEDDE PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOCHIMSEN

n informative agenda and gracious hospitality greeted dozens of current and prospective Toroughbred owners and breeders who attended the 2024 Open House & Stallion Show hosted by Rancho San Miguel in San Luis Obispo County Jan. 20.

Te free event featured a catered lunch, prize giveaways, and a narrated presentation of the farm’s nine stallions: Danzing Candy, Editorial, Mo Forza, Northern Causeway, Richard’s Kid, Sir Prancealot, Surf Cat, and Tom’s Tribute, as well as the newest member of the roster, frst-year stallion Bolden. To educate attendees on horse husbandry issues, the farm also hosted guest speaker Stacy Potter DVM of S&S Equine Veterinary Services, who discussed mare and foal care and equine reproduction.

Editorial, a War Front half-brother to leading sire Uncle Mo

First-year stallion Bolden, an undefeated son of Square Eddie

Dr. Stacy Potter discusses mare care

Two-time Pacifc Classic Stakes (G1) winner Richard’s Kid

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Surf Cat, sire of 2017 California Horse of the Year Sircat Sally

February 2024

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BOLDEN Southern California Speed NEW FOR 2024!

UNDEFEATED WINNER ON DIRT & TURF BY A DOMINATING 21 LENGTHS 1:07.50 SPEED For 6 Furlongs Successful SMART STRIKE Sire Line

“THE MOST TALENTED HORSE I HAVE EVER TRAINED” – PHIL D’AMATO

By G1 Winner, Track Record-Setter & Leading Sire Square Eddie Introductory Fee: $3,500 LFSN (805) 467-3847 | (914) 557-3563 info@ranchosanmiguel.net eNicks | TrueNicks ranchosanmiguel.net

CTBA Member

PROFILE

STEVE REGER BY JACK SHINAR

COURTESY OF STEVE REGER

BREEDER FOUND GEM WITH DADDYSRUBY

ontanan Steve Reger has made a career consulting for companies that drill for oil in the vast Bakken shale region of North Dakota. But the part-time horseman has discovered a gem of his own in California-bred Daddysruby, winner of the La Brea Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita. As luck would have it, Reger, who has been in the oil business for nearly 50 years, didn’t have to dig very deep. Tis 3-year-old gray or roan daughter—fttingly by the Ontario-based sire named Frac Daddy—is out the very frst horse he owned, a Washington-bred mare named Youtheprizeandi. Reger, who breeds and

races as Jethorse LLC, calls her “Te Prize.” Te 15-yearold daughter of You and I has provided the lifelong Billings resident with a number of other frsts. She was his frst winner and later, his frst broodmare. She produced Reger’s initial winner as a breeder as well, a stakes-placed California-bred colt by Scat Daddy named Daddysprize who earned $119,973 while winning four of 10 starts. And fnally, of course, there is the homebred Daddysruby, winner of fve of six races and more than $350,000. In her initial try in stakes company for trainer Peter Miller, she became Reger’s frst grade 1 starter and winner when she traveled gateto-wire to win the seven-furlong La Brea by a nose under Juan Hernandez Dec. 26.

Steve Reger and his wife, Debra, pose for a family photo with most of their 12 grandchildren

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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“First big race I’ve ever been in and I won it; ‘Te Prize’ has been an incredible mare for me,” said Reger, 71. Reger sold a half interest in Daddysruby to major horse owners Gary Barber and Adam Wachtel following her three-length debut maiden win for original trainer Tim McCanna at Golden Gate Fields in January 2023. “Barber and Wachtel have been in this business a long time,” Reger said. “Teir agent called me wanting to buy her and I turned them down. In fact, I turned them down three times. When you’ve owned horses as long as I have, you can kind of tell when you’ve got a good one. But Tim (McCanna), he mainly stays at Golden Gate, and I saw this as a way to get her into the bigger races. Tey, as you say, wore me down, and I decided to sell them a half share. Tat’s when we transferred her to Peter.” Reger has come a long way in the racing business. He said he’s been an avid fan since he was 10 and saw his frst race at the Montana state fair. When fair racing was on, he would hitchhike or take a bus to the track a few miles away on weekends and get an adult to place bets for him. “My parents always wondered where I’d been going because my chores weren’t done,” he recalled. Reger originally purchased Youtheprizeandi privately through a mutual friend. “I got a call oﬀering me a half share in her and I jumped at it,” he said. “We sent him to Tim McCanna in Yakima (Wash.). Te guy later wanted out, and so I bought

La Brea winner Daddysruby is out of the frst racehorse Reger ever owned

(Youtheprizeandi) didn’t always win, but she was just one of those horses that gave 150% every time.” —Steve Reger

COURTESY OF STEVE REGER

his share. Cost me $20,000.” YoutheprizeandI began her racing career at Emerald Downs in 2011 and later moved to Northern California when McCanna transferred much of his stock. She won three of 11 starts, including a minor stakes in Washington. When her career ended in 2013, Reger decided to keep her in California and breed her to Scat Daddy, a stallion he had long admired. “She didn’t always win, but she was just one of those horses that gave 150% every time,” he explained. Youtheprizeandi boards at Arroyo Vista Farm in northern San Diego County. She is the dam of six named foals, fve that started and four that have won. In addition to Daddysruby and Daddysprize, a 2018 Smiling Tiger horse named Murphys Tiger has earned $141,276 while winning six of 14 races so far at Golden Gate Fields. Sadly, her most recent foal, also by Smiling Tiger, died. Following the success of Daddysruby, Reger has sent Youtheprizeandi back to Canada to be bred once more to Frac Daddy. “I’ve always been a big fan of Scat Daddy, but he died (in 2015), so I decided to ship her to Ontario to breed to his son,” he said. “Tat worked out pretty well, so let’s see if we can do it again.” Reger is half-owner and president of Montana Oil Properties Inc. His company, formed in the early 2000s, was among the frst to advocate hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to get at the rich oil reserves contained in the Bakken, which has made North Dakota one of the nation’s top crude producers. He said that one company he consulted for, now a major driller, went from producing seven barrels a day and nearly ready to shut down its wells, to more than 2,000 barrels a day thanks to the process. He and his wife, Debra, have been married for 46 years and have fve children. Tey have a dozen grandkids as well, including 4-year-old Ruby, for

Granddaughter Ruby is the namesake of Daddysruby

whom Daddysruby is named. Reger, who has a few other broodmares besides Youtheprizeandi, said he breeds them in California, where he also does almost all of his racing. He and McCanna have been together since the start. Tey have 10 horses in training, including a just-turned 3-year-old California-bred colt named Unbridled Vision that he’s especially high on. www.ctba.com

By Maclean’s Music, the chestnut colt was bred by Liberty Road Stables. He is the second foal from the Bernardini mare Queen Bernardina, whose dam, Cherokee Queen, was a graded stakes winner and an earner of $628,312. Reger paid $240,000 for Unbridled Vision at the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company 2-year-old spring sale, the most he’s ever spent for a horse. Unbridled Vision started the new year right Jan. 7. He broke his maiden in come-from-behind style as the oddson choice in the second start of his career at Golden Gate. “He’s a beautiful colt—I really think he’s really going to be a good one,” Reger said. February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Winners DECEMBER 18, 2023 – JANUARY 21, 2024 3-YEAR-OLDS & UP Acclamation—Seasontoperfection: Kings River Knight (9-3), g, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Unusual Heat Turf Classic S. Presented by City National Bank, 1/13, 1 1/8mi (T), 1:48.02, $110,000. Atreides—Ringmistress: Ring Twice (7-1), f, 3 yo, Delta Downs, ALW, 12/19, 5f, 1:00.14, $21,600. Atreides—Ringmistress: Ring Twice (7-1), f, 4 yo, Delta Downs, ALW, 1/5, 5f, 59.68, $22,200. Bolt d'Oro—Berry Knoll: El Rey Dorado (45-4), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/6, 6f, 1:10.20, $25,080. Cat Burglar—Norma: Kristin Lee (11-3), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 1/6, 5 1/2f, 1:04.99, $11,880. Cat Burglar—Familyofroses: Rodrigoknows (11-3), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/12, 1mi, 1:37.95, $40,200. Clubhouse Ride—You Can Dream: Chismosa (28-6), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Las Flores S. (gr. III ), 1/1, 6f, 1:10.22, $60,000. Clubhouse Ride—Lets Get Frisky: Clubhouse Bride (28-6), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/1, 6f, 1:12.28, $40,200. Clubhouse Ride—Oscillator: Ruff Ride (28-6), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, STR, 1/12, 1mi (T), 1:35.81, $28,080. Clubhouse Ride—Scary Fast: Scary Fast Ride (28-6), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/20, 6 1/2f, 1:16.18, $40,200. Curlin to Mischief—Noe Valley: Berry Valley (15-5), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, AOC, 1/1, 5 1/2f, 1:03.21, $18,330. Curlin to Mischief—Crystal House: See Through It (15-5), g, 7 yo, Santa Anita Park, ALW, 1/19, 6f, 1:09.26, $58,500. Curlin to Mischief—Norah's Kitten: J D's Rude Boy (15-5), c, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 1/20, 6f, 1:10.60, $11,880. Daddy Nose Best—My Yammy Heat: My Yammy Lady (6-1), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 12/26, 1 1/16mi, 1:45.28, $18,330. Daddy Nose Best—My Yammy Heat: My Yammy Lady (6-1), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 1/15, 1mi, 1:38.36, $18,330. Desert Code—Reality With Class: Class Code (10-2), m, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, SOC, 1/13, 1mi, 1:40.88, $6,900. Empire Way—Bossy Belle: Starship Defant (4-2), m, 6 yo, Aqueduct, AOC, 1/11, 6f, 1:11.97, $46,200. Frac Daddy—Youtheprizeandi: Daddysruby (1-0), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, La Brea S. (gr. I ), 12/26, 7f, 1:23.06, $180,000. Grazen—Heat the Rocks: Rose Maddox (32-9), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint S. Presented by John Deere, 1/13, about 6 1/2f, 1:13.45, $90,000. Grazen—An Unusual Group: Cornelia Fort (32-9), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/15, 1mi, 1:38.80, $40,200. Idiot Proof—Ride the World: Proof He Rides (8-2), g, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 1/5, 6f, 1:10.01, $18,330. Ministers Wild Cat—Sensitive Soul: Minister of Soul (11-2), g, 9 yo, Zia Park, AOC, 12/20, 6f, 1:09.36, $37,500. Misremembered—Ju Ju Baby: Don't Ju Forget (12-6), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/5, 6f (T), 1:10.06, $40,200.

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

Mr. Big—Champagne Exchange: Big City Lights (15-1), h, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/6, 6 1/2f, 1:14.85, $53,820. Mrazek—Mo Style: Halo Uncle (3-2), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/7, 6f, 1:11.72, $40,200. Rousing Sermon—Book'em Babe: A Rousing Babe (5-0), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 12/26, 6f, 1:10.85, $11,860. Shackleford—That's the Idea: What an Idea (25-4), g, 5 yo, Zia Park, ALW, 12/19, 6 1/2f, 1:16.50, $31,500. Slew's Tiznow—Harlan Express: Mici's Express (3-2), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, 1/13, 1 1/16mi, 1:46.75, $110,000. Smiling Tiger—Lottawampum: Kristi's Tiger (41-9), m, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 12/31, 7f, 1:24.50, $52,260. Smiling Tiger—Limitless Alex: Tiger Too (41-9), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 1/1, 5 1/2f, 1:03.42, $11,880. Smiling Tiger—Royal Grand Slam: Grand Slam Smile (41-9), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, 1/13, 1mi (T), 1:36.59, $110,000. Smiling Tiger—Melanie Rose: Melanie's Tiger (41-9), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, AOC, 1/14, 6f, 1:10.33, $18,330. Square Eddie—Walkingonadream: Jamming Eddy (16-1), g, 8 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/13, 6 1/2f, 1:15.99, $40,200. Stanford—Kathleen Rose: Man O Rose (36-7), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 12/29, 6f (T), 1:08.76, $40,200. Stanford—Miranda Rose: Carmen Miranda (36-7), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/6, 6f (T), 1:09.35, $53,820. Stay Thirsty—Alseera: Thirsty Pappy (52-6), g, 3 yo, Parx Racing, SOC, 12/26, 1mi 70yd, 1:49.45, $15,000. Stay Thirsty—Brilliant Melody: Thirsty Thursday (52-6), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/15, 6f (T), 1:10.41, $40,200. Tizbud—Blush With Reality: Tiz My Princess (2-2), m, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 1/6, 1mi, 1:39.23, $11,880. Vronsky—Always in Style: Bigofromfresno (14-1), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 12/26, 1mi (T), 1:34.62, $40,200. Vronsky—Tiz Molly: The Chosen Vron (14-1), g, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint S., 1/13, 6f, 1:09.06, $90,000.

MAIDENS Capital Account—Midnight Lilly: Midnight Susi (4-1), f, 4 yo, Sunland Park, MCL, 1/5, 6 1/2f, 1:19.74, $8,246. Cat Burglar—Fight Again: Come Out Fighting (11-3), g, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 12/31, 1mi, 1:38.73, $17,550. Cat Burglar—Given Star: Raspberry Wine (11-3), f, 3 yo, Sunland Park, MSW, 1/12, 5 1/2f, 1:05.90, $16,800. Clubhouse Ride—Jen's Tribe: Quick Kate (28-6), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 12/30, 1mi (T), 1:37.15, $39,000. Clubhouse Ride—Ju Ju Baby: Baby Waylon (28-6), c, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 12/31, 1mi (T), 1:37.91, $39,000. Clubhouse Ride—Irish Winnie: Shamrockin (28-6), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/14, 6f (T), 1:09.86, $39,000.

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Daddy Nose Best—Rachel Jones: Smarty Nose (6-1), g, 5 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 12/31, 4 1/2f, 52.57, $4,035. Dads Caps—Whoopi: Autism Counts (12-2), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/1, 5 1/2f, 1:06.12, $6,600.

DESERT CODE Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com Desert Code—Madame Heat: Sahara Sue (10-2), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/19, 5f, 58.81, $5,500. Distorted Humor—Iona Star: Panda Peak (41-3), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/14, 5 1/2f, 1:05.41, $22,200. Far From Over—Hurricaine Callie: Pondergating (12-1), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/5, 5 1/2f, 1:06.25, $6,600. Gig Harbor—Ready to Score: Ready to Gig (10-2), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 12/29, 6f, 1:11.92, $17,550. Goldencents—Miss Rebound: Helen's Sun (101-14), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/14, 1mi, 1:40.47, $6,300. Grazen—Fragrant Harbor: Duly Noted (32-9), f, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 12/26, 5 1/2f, 1:04.45, $17,550. Grazen—Copperopolis: Copper Bo Ten (32-9), m, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 12/31, 5 1/2f, 1:05.01, $6,600. Grazen—Hadarra: Safa (32-9), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/6, 6f, 1:10.55, $39,000. Grazen—Sunday Rules: Bronko Nagurski (32-9), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/12, 6f (T), 1:09.48, $39,000. Grazen—Sky Marni: Stagger Lee (32-9), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/13, 6f (T), 1:09.85, $39,000. Grazen—Merger Arbitrage: Mumbles Brockman (32-9), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/15, 5 1/2f, 1:05.49, $6,300. Grazen—Love and Lies: Grazen Boy (32-9), g, 3 yo, Sunland Park, MCL, 1/18, 6 1/2f, 1:18.63, $6,900. I'll Have Another—R Sunday Surprise: Yvett's Surprise (7-3), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/15, 1mi, 1:40.90, $13,800. I'll Have Another—Eltoninadress: Eltonsingsanother (7-3), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, WMC, 1/19, 6 1/2f, 1:16.55, $22,200. Jersey Town—Look to the Sky: Regal Patriot (7-3), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/15, 5 1/2f, 1:04.06, $7,800. Maclean's Music—Queen Bernardina: Unbridled Vision (39-10), c, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 1/7, 5 1/2f, 1:03.94, $17,550. Midnight Storm—Offcer Allie: Crypto Craze (22-5), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/21, 6 1/2f, 1:17.76, $13,800. Mineshaft—Sean's Creation: The Shushala (30-10), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/14, 6f (T), 1:09.54, $39,000. Ministers Wild Cat—Flashdanzing: Dorine's Wild Cat (11-2), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/7, 1mi, 1:40.39, $6,300. Misremembered—Bronx Babe: Mandela Effect (12-6), g, 3 yo, Zia Park, MCL, 12/18, 6 1/2f, 1:18.59, $12,000. Misremembered—Cagey Girl: Jessebear (12-6), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/6, 1mi (T), 1:36.28, $39,000.

The accompanying list includes runners that are both California-foaled and Californiasired winners in 2023 of all recent North American races, except straight claiming races. Abbreviations used for the class of race are similar to those used by Equibase: Alw– allowance; Hcp–overnight handicap; names of stakes race are spelled out, with the grade of the race, when applicable, in parentheses.

Misremembered—Adaptability: Adapted Memory (12-6), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/12, 5 1/2f, 1:04.69, $7,800. Mr. Big—Quick Chick: Big Way (15-1), g, 3 yo, Zia Park, MCL, 12/20, 6 1/2f, 1:17.95, $13,500. Mrazek—Albeit: Ship and Scam (3-2), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/19, 7f, 1:23.65, $39,000. Munnings—Sunday Rules: John Dunbar (78-15), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/14, 6f, 1:11.16, $22,200. Northern Causeway—Gypsy Preacher: Achromatic (16-1), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 12/29, 5 1/2f, 1:07.05, $6,000. Passion for Gold—Hondo's Way: Get the Gold (4-0), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 12/30, 1mi (T), 1:35.90, $39,000. Rumpus Cat—Pulpitinthesky: Rumpusinthesky (3-1), c, 3 yo, Delta Downs, MCL, 1/11, 6 1/2f, 1:22.38, $13,800. Sharp Azteca—White Stiletto: Pass the Baton (35-6), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 1/7, 1mi, 1:37.74, $17,550. Sharp Azteca—Cal Gal: Sister Cousin (35-6), f, 3 yo, Penn National, MCL, 1/12, 6f, 1:12.14, $12,600. Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Elusive Sabu: Ramathorn (18-0), c, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 12/29, 5 1/2f, 1:05.97, $6,600. Slew's Tiznow—Keahi: Precedent Luke (3-2), g, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 12/26, 1mi, 1:40.85, $6,300.

Slew's Tiznow—Harlan Express: Venom (3-2), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/19, 1mi, 1:40.55, $6,300.

SMILING TIGER Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com Smiling Tiger—Warriorscmoutoplay: Tiger Attack (41-9), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 12/30, 5 1/2f, 1:05.54, $6,600. Smiling Tiger—Grand Yodeler: Grand Tiger (41-9), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 12/30, 6f, 1:09.96, $13,800. Smiling Tiger—Angel of Battle: Surroundedbyangels (41-9), c, 3 yo, Sunland Park, MSW, 1/5, 5 1/2f, 1:05.53, $16,800. Smiling Tiger—Divine Legacy: Shady Tiger (41-9), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/7, 6f, 1:11.29, $39,000. Smiling Tiger—George's Peach: Running Tiger (41-9), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/12, 5 1/2f, 1:04.95, $22,200. Smiling Tiger—Finish Rich in Nyc: Broadway Tiger (41-9), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 1/13, 6f, 1:11.85, $17,550.

Stanford—Legacy and Lace: Playboy Style (36-7), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 12/26, 1mi, 1:38.95, $6,300. Stanford—She's Not a Lemon: Greatful Attitude (36-7), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/5, 6f, 1:12.03, $7,800. Stanford—Lemon Drop Sis: Grammy Winner (36-7), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/7, 6f, 1:11.48, $7,800. Stanford—Tricked Again: Cardinal Trick (36-7), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/21, 6f, 1:11.76, $6,600. Stay Thirsty—Oh Baby Oh Baby: Thirsty Baby (52-6), c, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 1/19, 6f, 1:12.95, $6,600.

TAMARANDO Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com Tamarando—Heat Striker: Running On Fire (17-2), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 12/31, 6f, 1:10.98, $17,550. Tamarando—Halo Darlin: Halo Rando (17-2), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 1/13, 5 1/2f, 1:05.01, $17,550.

$35 MILLION WITH RESTRICTED PURSES AND INCENTIVE AWARDS California-bred champion THE CHOSEN VRON emerged from a wall of contenders turning for home to hold off Anarchist to win Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, his eighth consecutive victory making him a millionaire earner

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February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Health

Regularly trimming a foal’s hooves can head off potential feet and limb problems

FOOT CARE FOR FOALS EARLY HANDLING CAN MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR FOALS, FARRIERS, AND VETERINARIANS

andling a foal’s feet in the frst days and weeks of life is a basic part of early training and helps them to be easy to trim and shoe later. Also, for foals with slight deviations from desired leg conformation, corrections can be done early and gradually, and the legs can straighten as the foal grows.

Many foals are born with some degree of angular limb deformity. Most common are knees too close together (carpal valgus), with fetlock joints wide apart. Next common is bowlegged at the knees (carpal varus), with fetlock joints too close together. Most abnormalities straighten on their own in a few days or weeks, especially if the feet can be carefully trimmed a little bit at a time. Dr. Dean A. Hendrickson, a pro-

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

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BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

H 42

February 2024

fessor of surgery in the department of clinical sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, at Colorado State University, says it is very important to keep the hoof balanced. From the time the foal is very young, the feet can be carefully trimmed to help straighten the legs, if necessary. “Tis is one of the things we do during conservative therapy, hoping the legs will straighten without surgery,” he said. “We trim the foot to leave the heel

longer on the side away from the angular deformity. “If it’s a fetlock joint valgus (the pastern deviates to the outside from the fetlock to the ground), for instance, we use the foot to help us by trimming everything but the inside heel. We leave the inside heel long to help rotate the foot to the inside, helping growth of the outside of the growth plate. Tat helps straighten the leg a little.” A leg that is slightly out of line may get worse as a foal grows without proper foot trimming to help balance it. A leg that is crooked or a foot that toes in or out will result in uneven wear on the hoof. As the hoof wears unevenly, the problem may be compounded, becoming a vicious cycle—the more the foot wears unevenly, the more crooked the foot or leg becomes and the more uneven it wears. In a young animal that is still growing, you can make minor corrections that will straighten a leg. But if you overdo it, you can adversely afect the joints on up the leg. Corrections are best done regularly but in very small increments. Tis is more efective (and less stressful to feet and legs) than going too long between trimmings and having to take of more hoof at once. Keep in mind that many young foals toe out at frst. Tese generally straighten up on their own as they grow and fll out. If you try to correct this toeing out, they may become crooked later due to your interference with bone growth. A young horse has diferent parameters and proportions than an adult horse. Te foal has longer legs and a shorter neck, and not as deep a body. Te front end is not fully developed, especially the pectoral muscles. Many foals are at frst a little base wide, meaning their feet tend to splay outward, because they are so narrow through the chest. A foal that’s a little splay-footed is usually nothing to worry about. As pectoral muscles and shoulders fll out, this pushes his elbows out and turns his feet in, which makes those legs straight as he grows. Another factor involves the growth plates and the cartilage that turns to

Corrections to a foal’s foot are best done regularly and in very small increments

bone, at the ends of the long bones, lengthening them as the foal grows. Weight-bearing and compression stimulates growth of these areas. Te growth plates are stimulated to grow more on the more loaded side. Tis

For the frst trim, it helps to have the youngster in the stall watching mom get done. Ten they have a clue about what’s going on.” —Dean Moshier

tends to straighten the leg because the loaded side is growing faster. Mother Nature fxes most minor limb deviation problems. Tis works very well, to a point. Sometimes the pressure is too much and the leg is too crooked, which will crush the growth plates, inhibiting growth. It’s often best to try to manage www.ctba.com

this type of limb deviation less invasively at frst—unless he has a severe deformity that needs immediate attention. You can often just watch the foal and see if the problem resolves on its own. It is important to assess the entire leg, not just whether the foal toes in or out. If a foal toes in or out because of bone rotation at the fetlock joint or the entire leg, it can’t be corrected with foot trimming. Look at the whole leg to determine what should be done with a crooked foot. Many small problems, however, can be corrected or kept from becoming larger problems just with regular, careful trimming of the foal. Often corrective trimming is simply a matter of balancing the foot. Most corrections are just a response to uneven foot wear, seeking to keep the foot level and balanced. If you start handling the feet regularly, the foal will be well mannered by the time he needs his frst trim. Tia Nelson, a veterinarian/farrier in Helena, Mont., says it’s wise to have a February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Health

HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

farrier look at the foal at one stinctively want to be ready or two weeks of age if you to run away from predators. are concerned about legs that Escape is their self-defense, might need some corrective and they feel vulnerable if they trimming. don’t have control of their feet “Te earlier the better, for and legs. some corrections to be efec“Being able to move, to tive,” she said. run away, is always a concern Steve Norman, a farrier in for horses, even though most Kentucky who shoes many domestic horses live in an arracehorses, explains that you tifcial environment without walk a fne line in correcting wolves or saber-toothed tigers,” a foal. Too much correction Nelson said. “If you are pickcan be detrimental. Even if ing up their foot and holding it the limb needs support, addup, you are asking them to go ed support can be in the way. against a hard-wired instinctive Some foals have feet that deviresponse. So having their foot ate outward so much that they held up has to be more pleasurcrush the inside heels at a very able than the natural anxiety of young age. having that foot trapped.” “Your frst thought might be If the foal is nervous the to put on a medial extension frst time, she advises people for support,” Norman said. to just hold the foot briefy, “Ten you end up bandaging rather than trying to hold onto the other leg because the extenthe leg, and don’t hold it very sion hits it. You may have to do high of the ground. Tis is less something else to correct the threatening. deviation, or cover up and pro- When teaching the foal to have its feet picked up, position the “I always take plenty of time foal so that he can easily balance on the other three feet tect the other leg and hope you when working with foals and don’t have to do it very long. teach people how to run their You don’t want to create more pain. when they were three to four weeks hands down the leg and then pick up Tere is a happy medium that you try old, or even earlier if the owner was the foot,” she said. concerned about a foot/leg problem to fnd. Dean Moshier, a farrier in Delaware, “If there is a conformational defect that might need correction. If there is Ohio, says that with young foals he and you can’t address it early in the a conformational problem you want to doesn’t hold the foot very high when young horse to actually correct it, then change, you need to do it before they he does the frst trim. He also doesn’t you’ll have to deal with it on a month- are two to three months old and then put a front foot between his legs if it’s a ly basis, with each trimming/shoeing, follow through after that. By looking at fighty youngster. for the rest of that horse’s career. Many foals early, if there was something that “I don’t want a foal to feel restricted problems can be remedied, to a certain needed changed, I could do that. and trigger a fght,” he explained. “Te second reason was that I got to extent, but it’s just tougher when the “It’s easier to handle their feet the horse is older. You always need to sup- teach that baby how to pick up its feet frst few times when they are with the and stand. When I am teaching it how mare. For the frst trim, it helps to have port the weak side.” to stand, I put the foal against the wall the youngster in the stall watching HANDLING THE FEET or against the mare. I start with a hind mom get done. Ten they have a clue Nelson says one thing she used to do foot. I take as long as necessary because about what’s going on and it’s not such when she was shoeing fulltime, before I don’t want to frighten the baby. a foreign idea. It’s amazing how easy it she became a veterinarian, was work “I teach it to pick up the foot, and is to train a horse if they have some idea on foals’ feet at no charge if it was a then teach it to hold its foot up. Some about what is expected of them.” foal who belonged to people she would people teach their horses to pick up a By trimming the mare frst, Moshibeen shoeing for regularly. foot but don’t hold it up long enough. er can show the foal what he is doing, “Until it was 6 months old, I did not You need to hold them so the horse gets what he smells like, and the look and charge for any hoof care I provided for used to the idea of having its foot held sound of his tools. that foal,” she said. “I did that for sever- and not just jerk it away.” “Nothing is scary; they can see that al reasons. I liked to look at those foals Horses are prey animals. Tey in- mom is calm about this,” Moshier said. 44

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February 2024

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sition that he can balance on the other three feet, and help him shift his weight if necessary. After you get the foal accustomed to shifting his weight and letting you pick up a foot, start holding the foot

Treat them like your own kids. You want them to love you, but you also want them to respect you.” —Tommy Boudreau

up a little longer each time. Don’t just pick the foot up for a few seconds and put it back down again. If he tried to take it away, hold it until he relaxes and then put it down. He needs to learn that you are the one deciding when to put it down, not him, or he will think he can jerk it away whenever he wishes.

As you progress with his acceptance of having the foot held up, start holding it in shoeing position—between your legs for a front foot, resting across your thigh with a hind foot. Ten start using a hoof pick to clean it. Tap on the hoof with the hoof pick to get him used to the feel of it. If foals get accustomed to having the foot held up for a longer time, they will be less impatient when the farrier trims and later shoes them. Young horses have a short attention span and very little patience, so start gradually extending the time you hold up the leg—and always try to keep them happy and comfortable by not holding it too high nor out to the side. Put the leg down again before they become impatient and want to take it away. If you are trimming a young horse yourself, this may mean doing part of the job on one of his feet, letting him have it back, going on to the next foot, and coming back to that one. Alternating work on each foot in short stints gives the horse a positional rest and keeps him more comfortable. Tus, he’s less apt to try to take the foot away.

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

“But if their frst trim doesn’t happen until they are weanlings, we’re at a disadvantage because we don’t have Mom as a role model.” Desensitizing young horses, getting them used to being touched and realizing it won’t hurt, may take longer with some horses than others. “When the horse is a baby, a lot of people like to touch it all over as soon as it’s born,” said Tommy Boudreau, a farrier in Texas. “I’ve had a lot of clients who try to imprint their foals and then don’t do anything else with them until they bring them in as weanlings to halter break. Tey can’t believe it when that colt is spooky and trying to get away from them and won’t let them pick its feet up.” If imprinting is not done properly—continuing each action, such as ear handling, mouth handling, and foot handling, until the foal no longer resists and completely submits and is totally at ease—the result may be a youngster that is not afraid of people but hasn’t learned to submit to a person. Some of these half-imprinted foals end up being headstrong, stubborn, and harder to handle than one that wasn’t handled at birth at all. Tey may not be ticklish when you run your hand down the leg or try to pick up a foot, but they still try to jerk it away because they didn’t learn to yield during the imprinting session. “People also need to realize that it takes more handling than just the frst day,” said Boudreau. “Treat them like your own kids. You want them to love you, but you also want them to respect you. Tere has to be some frmness along with kindness because you don’t want to spoil a young horse.” Foals and young horses understand the concept of discipline because this is how the pecking order works in the herd. A youngster that is too aggressive when nursing his mother gets a nip on the backside. A bold youngster who tries to have his own way gets put in his place by a more dominant herd member. When you frst start picking up feet, make sure the foal is standing in a po-

Early attention to a foal’s feet will pay off throughout his lifetime

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February 2024

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

2023 LEADING BREEDERS IN CALIFORNIA BY EARNINGS (THRU DEC. 31, 2023) Breeder

Richard Barton Enterprises Harris Farms Reddam Racing Terry C. Lovingier Nick Alexander Tommy Town Thoroughbreds Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Williams George Krikorian Old English Rancho Premier Thoroughbreds DP Racing PT Syndicate #1 J. Kirk Robison & Judy Robison Tiz Molly Partners Legacy Ranch Daehling Ranch Dr. & Mrs. William T. Gray Francis O’Leary Liberty Road Stables Rozamund Barclay Jethorse BG Stables C-Punch Ranch Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor Thomas W. Bachman Ruis Racing Victory Rose Thoroughbreds Straight Fire Donald Valpredo Linda Madsen Daniel O’Neil Mark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross Equine Formula 1 /Eric Yohan Knipe William L. Hedrick & Judy Hedrick Bob W. Grayson SLO Racing Stable Cicero Farms George Schmitt & Mary Clare Schmitt Benjamin C. Warren & Sally Warren Gary Barber Alfred A. Pais Rockingham Ranch Mike Weeks, Linda Weeks & Devyn Weeks Four Quarters Mr. & Mrs. William T. Griffn Connie Pageler & Bob Baffert Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte Dahlberg Farms Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Shapiro Melissa Ford Harris Farms & John Nicoletti Barbara Corey & Tony Citarrella BKB Stables Kathleen Kennedy Larry Odbert Robert Mitchell

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

Febraury 2024

Starts

Wins

Stakes Wins

1,074 525 512 798 418 521 191 235 182 231 169 99 77 20 156 128 211 132 193 266 42 212 115 121 159 58 186 39 90 161 72 48 110 36 72 56 80 146 55 94 43 105 20 64 11 4 16 53 38 40 20 41 52 10 85 17

138 79 79 106 70 87 43 29 47 33 27 17 13 6 27 20 32 25 15 33 10 26 9 15 20 13 21 6 17 17 14 9 13 13 12 8 6 11 8 10 5 11 4 10 5 1 4 9 7 12 4 12 10 4 10 4

9 10 6 3 8 5 4 3 7 0 1 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0

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Leading Earner

One in Vermillion ($564,220) Ceiling Crusher ($898,200) Slow Down Andy ($367,500) Bus Buzz ($239,530) Rose Maddox ($244,470) Opening Buzz ($100,327) Grand Slam Smile ($219,900) Big Pond ($213,230) Kings River Knight ($281,750) Queen Molotov ($109,240) Tom’s Regret ($130,148) Clouseau ($224,220) Upward Mobility ($116,160) The Chosen Vron ($627,000) Asada Fries ($87,760) Fast Buck ($119,150) Happy Does ($65,242) Miss Union ($92,980) My Ransom ($78,580) Talbot Bay ($90,516) Daddysruby ($352,014) My Yammy Lady ($79,420) Baby Got Rhythm ($74,061) Carmelita’s Man ($137,210) Crazy Hot ($134,850) Talklessworkmore ($136,720) Gentleman’s Secret ($58,952) Sassy Nature ($271,110) Shocking Grey ($106,228) Get the Gold ($63,480) Kerry Gold ($120,850) Tiger Dad ($100,215) Super Chief ($84,100) Clovisconnection ($184,930) Gypsy Tears ($95,120) Sunrise Journey ($145,780) Oubabe ($53,160) Sharona’s Wild Boy ($52,256) Warrens Candy Girl ($152,200) Give Me the Lute ($89,480) Brickyard Ride ($150,500) The Calabrese Kid ($71,260) Grazed ($161,060) Belleo’s Forest ($60,626) Ship Cadet ($182,000) Fun to Dream ($243,600) Harper’s Gallop ($83,960) Minister of Soul ($118,352) Stamp My Passport ($141,800) Shimmer Me Timbers ($91,820) Chancery Way ($205,250) Trojan Clubhouse ($68,830) American Farmer ($124,872) Moose Mitchell ($214,040) Cousin Richie ($96,142) Devil Be Me ($114,958)

Earnings

$4,176,306 $3,663,334 $3,546,393 $3,420,796 $2,876,338 $1,491,121 $1,433,396 $1,265,344 $1,110,880 $890,805 $721,941 $719,603 $682,367 $654,850 $603,360 $580,127 $555,851 $511,479 $510,256 $502,910 $492,354 $486,600 $461,632 $456,338 $452,892 $435,666 $434,222 $418,444 $417,088 $404,081 $401,124 $370,566 $344,040 $323,902 $321,579 $318,778 $315,300 $307,167 $290,792 $284,220 $269,208 $266,221 $256,260 $248,517 $245,100 $243,600 $241,960 $236,945 $236,354 $231,429 $220,234 $219,293 $218,163 $214,040 $213,656 $212,378

Leading California Sires Lists 2023 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER RUNNER Races Rnrs Won

Sire

2023 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON Earnings/ Runner

Earned

Sire

Rnrs

Strts

Races Won

Earned

123

680

117

$4,747,077

1 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

74 $2,825,484

$43,469

1 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

2 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie

$424,656

$38,605

2 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

192

1193

149

$4,211,095

3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

123 117 $4,747,077

$38,594

3 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

137

748

116

$3,583,897

4 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

$38,088

4 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

450

$3,351,749

$36,420

5 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley

138

1405

131

$3,215,614

6 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 105

670

$2,983,351

7 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

353

$2,825,484

8 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 81

448

$2,383,174

9 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

509

$2,078,255

10 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

504

$2,058,771

11 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

433

$1,977,812

5 Editorial, 2014, by War Front

69 $3,351,749 10

$364,198

6 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause

$396,667

$36,061

7 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker

$769,944

$33,476

8 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

$689,812

$32,848

9 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

$784,222

$32,676

10 Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit

$650,664

$30,984

11 Straight Fire, 2014, by Dominus

$857,398

$30,621

12 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

419

$1,865,596

12 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

47 $1,865,596

$30,584

13 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat

305

$1,439,426

13 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

65 $1,977,812

$29,967

14 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

298

$1,342,808

14 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 81

79 $2,383,174

$29,422

15 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

507

$1,337,028

15 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 105

95 $2,983,351

$28,413

16 Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song

419

$1,299,400

16 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

$27,705

17 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

281

$1,151,769

$27,250

18 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat

321

$1,005,105

$26,656

19 Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister 45

319

$900,266

$26,160

20 Misremembered, 2006, by Candy Ride (ARG) 57

347

$885,514

$25,425

21 Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown

317

$869,855

22 Straight Fire, 2014, by Dominus

144

$857,398

23 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

206

$803,961

24 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

152

$784,222

25 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker

171

$769,944

26 Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark

171

$763,006

17 Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark

25 28

18 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat 19 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger 20 Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai

$692,616

$763,006

45 $1,439,426

137 116 $3,583,897 20

$508,497

2023 LEADING TURF SIRES IN CALIFORNIA Sire

Rnrs Strts Wnrs Wins

Earned

1 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

69 177

29 $1,710,370

27 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

173

$692,616

2 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

14 $1,150,491

28 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

153

$689,812

3 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley

$980,663

29 Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid

231

$670,339

4 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

38 105

$961,575

30 Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit

139

$650,664

5 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

32 105

$882,677

31 Tom’s Tribute, 2010, by Lion Heart

202

$640,880

6 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 50 125

$829,033

32 Gig Harbor, 2008, by City Zip

162

$600,207

$789,552

33 Bold Chieftain, 2003, by Chief Seattle

175

$559,134

$757,455

34 Jeranimo, 2006, by Congaree

204

$540,637

$717,791

35 Slew’s Tiznow, 2005, by Tiznow

117

$518,336

36 Northern Causeway, 2008, by Giant’s Causeway 48

289

$513,797

37 Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai

116

$508,497

38 Lakerville, 2008, by Unusual Heat

173

$476,158

39 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie

$424,656

40 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause

$396,667

41 Prospect Park, 2012, by Tapit

137

$393,961

7 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

71 301

8 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 41 9 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat 10 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

31 28

92 90 61

22 10 9 13

39 11 13 14

$596,853

11 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

45 104

$569,698

12 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

57 136

$555,901

13 Straight Fire, 2014, by Dominus

$354,046

14 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

$304,689

15 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

$299,586

42 He Be Fire N Ice, 2008, by Unusual Heat

$382,249

16 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

$296,199

43 Editorial, 2014, by War Front

$364,198

17 Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark

$268,648

44 Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags

$350,701

18 Editorial, 2014, by War Front

$265,933

45 Smart Bid, 2006, by Smart Strike

157

$341,792

19 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

$247,705

46 Far From Over, 2012, by Blame

139

$330,519

20 Lakerville, 2008, by Unusual Heat

$210,346

47 Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy

118

$297,844

The statistics shown here are compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). While every effort is made to prevent errors and omissions, California Thoroughbred cannot guarantee their complete and total accuracy. Earnings are from all available Northern Hemisphere racing and include adjusted money from Japan and Hong Kong. Adjusted earnings are put on par with average North American earnings from the previous year. The average North American purse in 2022 was $30,508 or 73% of the average purse in Japan. To put earnings on par, Japanese earnings are multiplied by 73% before being applied to the total earnings above. Hong Kong earnings are adjusted by 17%. Stakes winners and wins follow TJCIS stakes rules. Racing statistics through December 31, 2023.

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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LET US TAKE THE REINS. City National® proudly supports the 2024 Cal Cup at Santa Anita Park. No matter where you are in your fnancial journey, we will work to help you reach your short- and long-term fnancial goals right out of the gate.

2160650-01

Leading California Sires Lists 2023 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF WINNERS

2023 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MEDIAN EARNINGS PER RUNNER Sire

Races Rnrs Won

Earned

$424,656 $30,502

1 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie

Median

Races Won

Rnrs

Wnrs

Earned

1 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

192

149 $4,211,095

138

131 $3,215,614

2 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

$689,812 $29,330

2 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley

3 Editorial, 2014, by War Front

$364,198 $27,868

3 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

137

116 $3,583,897

4 Coach Bob, 2009, by Bertrando

$263,470 $25,797

4 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

123

117 $4,747,077

5 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

$784,222 $24,703

5 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 105

95 $2,983,351

$294,041 $23,153

6 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

89 $2,078,255

6 Big Bad Leroybrown, 2004, by Wild Again

7 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

123 117 $4,747,077 $22,740

7 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

79 $2,383,174

8 Straight Fire, 2014, by Dominus

$857,398 $20,300

8 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

74 $2,058,771

9 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

$692,616 $19,128

9 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

69 $3,351,749

65 $1,977,812

10 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

79 $2,383,174 $18,920

10 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

11 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker

11 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

54 $1,342,808

12 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

54 $1,342,808 $17,900

12 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

74 $2,825,484

13 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

65 $1,977,812 $17,387

Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

47 $1,865,596

Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

61 $1,337,028

$769,944 $18,690

14 Gig Harbor, 2008, by City Zip

$600,207 $16,913

15 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile

105

95 $2,983,351 $16,904

Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song

72 $1,299,400

16 Unusual Heat, 1990, by Nureyev

$185,793 $16,820

16 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat

45 $1,439,426

17 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

$803,961 $16,290

Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown

42 $1,151,769

50 $1,005,105

$900,266

$803,961

Srts

Races Won

Earned

18 Many Rivers, 2005, by Storm Cat

$288,103 $15,596

18 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

19 Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags

$350,701 $15,305

19 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat

20 Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister

$900,266 $15,015

21 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

137 116 $3,583,897 $14,880

2023 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER START Sire

1 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister 21 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

$869,855

2023 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF RACES WON

Rnrs

Srts

Earned

Earnings Start

353 $2,825,484

$8,004

1 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

192 1193

149

$4,211,095

$7,448

2 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley

138 1405

131

$3,215,614

2 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

450 $3,351,749

Sire

Rnrs

3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

123

680 $4,747,077

$6,981

3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

123

680

117

$4,747,077

4 Straight Fire, 2014, by Dominus

144

$857,398

$5,954

4 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

137

748

116

$3,583,897

5 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

448 $2,383,174

$5,320

5 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile

105

670

$2,983,351

$5,159

6 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

509

$2,078,255

6 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

152

$784,222

7 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

137

748 $3,583,897

$4,791

7 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

448

$2,383,174

8 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat

305 $1,439,426

$4,719

8 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

353

$2,825,484

9 Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit

139

$4,681

504

$2,058,771

$4,568

10 Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song

419

$1,299,400

10 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

$650,664

433 $1,977,812

Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

11 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

153

$689,812

$4,509

11 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

450

$3,351,749

12 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

298 $1,342,808

$4,506

12 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

433

$1,977,812

13 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker

171

$4,503

13 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

507

$1,337,028

$4,462

14 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

298

$1,342,808

14 Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark

171

$769,944 $763,006

670 $2,983,351

$4,453

15 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat

321

$1,005,105

Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

419 $1,865,596

$4,453

16 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

419

$1,865,596

17 Slew’s Tiznow, 2005, by Tiznow

117

$4,430

17 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat

305

$1,439,426

$4,384

18 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

281

$1,151,769

15 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 105

18 Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai

Sire

116

$518,336 $508,497

19 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

281 $1,151,769

$4,099

319

$900,266

20 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

504 $2,058,771

$4,085

20 Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown

317

$869,855

21 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

509 $2,078,255

$4,083

21 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker

171

$769,944

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

www.ctba.com

Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister

The Jockey Club Information Systems, Inc. | 821 Corporate Drive | Lexington, KY 40503 | 800.333.1778 or 859.224.2800

Leading California Sires Lists 2023 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON

2023 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF WINNERS

Rnrs

Strts

Races Won

Earned

1 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

158

$917,956

2 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

$837,050

3 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

Sire

Wnrs

Races Won

Earned

1 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

$917,956

2 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

$584,276

3 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

$837,050

4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 21

$494,689

4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

$494,689

5 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause

$396,667

5 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

$294,735

6 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

$294,735

Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

$219,810

7 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

$396,667

$223,953

$293,340

Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

$138,833

$293,340

8 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 19

$223,953

9 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

$219,810

10 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

$195,650

11 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

$151,023

Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

$137,897

12 Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags

$149,015

12 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

$151,023

13 Slew’s Tiznow, 2005, by Tiznow

$147,450

Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags

$149,015

14 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

$138,833

14 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

$195,650

15 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

$137,897

Slew’s Tiznow, 2005, by Tiznow

$147,450

16 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

$111,600

Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

$103,800

17 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

$103,800

Far From Over, 2012-21, by Blame

$99,796

18 Far From Over, 2012, by Blame

$99,796

Prospect Park, 2012, by Tapit

$88,345

19 Prospect Park, 2012, by Tapit

$88,345

Big Bad Leroybrown, 2004, by Wild Again

$83,516

20 Big Bad Leroybrown, 2004, by Wild Again

$83,516

Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

$45,486

Sire

1 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 2 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

Srts

Races Won

Earned

Earnings/ Runner

158

$917,956

$396,667

$36,061

Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

$837,050

$32,608

3 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

$584,276

$32,194

4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

$494,689

5 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

$294,735

$223,953

$396,667

Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

$219,810

Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

$138,833

$293,340

$18,421

Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando

$195,650

$15,701

12 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

$151,023 $137,897

6 5

4 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

$917,956

$25,499

$494,689

$23,557

7 29

$195,650

5 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 21

4 14

$837,050

$151,023 $584,276

$21,575 $20,147

8 Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags

$149,015

$18,627

9 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

$111,600

$18,600

11 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

Rnrs

Earned

10 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy

9 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

Sire

3 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

7 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile

Races Rnrs Won

6 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin

7 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause

2023 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF RACES WON

2023 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER RUNNER

16 14

7 6

$294,735 $219,810

1 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 7 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause

10 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

12 Prospect Park, 2012, by Tapit

$88,345

$14,724

Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

13 Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy

$72,548

$14,510

Big Bad Leroybrown, 2004, by Wild Again

$83,516

$149,015

Far From Over, 2012-21, by Blame

$99,796

14 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

Rnrs

Sire

$293,340

$13,969

15 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 19

$223,953

$11,787

15 Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags

16 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon

$137,897

$11,491

Prospect Park, 2012, by Tapit

$88,345

17 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat

$138,833

$10,679

Uptown Rythem, 2011, by Speightstown

$74,061

18 Rumpus Cat, 2015, by Street Sense

$51,708

$10,342

Win the Space, 2012, by Pulpit

$39,480

19 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

$103,800

$9,436

20 Far From Over, 2012-21, by Blame

$99,796

$8,316

21 Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song

$37,286

$7,457

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

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Leading California Sires Lists

2023 LEADING LIFETIME SIRES IN CALIFORNIA Stallion (Foreign Foaled), Year, Sire

1 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 2 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 3 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 4 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig 5 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 7 Eddington, 2001, by Unbridled Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB) 9 Street Hero, 2006, by Street Cry (IRE) 10 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 12 Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark Southern Image, 2000, by Halo’s Image 14 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat 15 Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 17 Kafwain, 2000, by Cherokee Run Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger 19 Cyclotron, 2000, by Grand Slam Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister 21 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 22 Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song 23 Misremembered, 2006, by Candy Ride (ARG) Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid 25 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy 26 Anthony’s Cross, 2008, by Indian Charlie James Street, 2007, by El Prado (IRE) Lightnin N Thunder, 2001, by Storm Cat Passion for Gold, 2007, by Medaglia d’Oro 30 Slew’s Tiznow, 2005, by Tiznow 31 Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai 32 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 33 Surf Cat, 2002, by Sir Cat 34 Bold Chieftain, 2003, by Chief Seattle Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit 36 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 37 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 38 Fullbridled, 2001, by Unbridled’s Song 39 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song Gig Harbor, 2008, by City Zip 41 Golden Balls (IRE), 2004, by Danehill Dancer (IRE) Grace Upon Grace, 2007, by Rio Verde 43 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker 44 Forest Command, 2005, by Monarchos Many Rivers, 2005, by Storm Cat Tom’s Tribute, 2010, by Lion Heart 47 Govenor Charlie, 2010, by Midnight Lute Merit Man, 2010, by With Distinction 49 Lakerville, 2008, by Unusual Heat Smart Bid, 2006, by Smart Strike 51 Elusive Warning, 2004, by Elusive Quality He Be Fire N Ice, 2008, by Unusual Heat

Crops

Avg Named Size Foals

Runners

11 6 10 16 14 8 15 6 7 8 5 11 15 8 8 3 16 7 14 15 4 7 9 7 3 7 7 16 3 9 11 5 12 9 5 3 4 13 3 7 9 10 8 10 10 5 5 6 6 8 10 6

30 31 21 23 58 71 32 60 27 57 33 13 23 26 29 54 41 58 12 36 14 48 22 18 63 10 9 13 22 21 17 29 12 11 12 53 24 7 25 11 7 6 21 7 9 18 14 9 15 16 11 10

248-75% 117-64% 148-71% 273-74% 673-83% 452-80% 376-79% 285-79% 147-79% 423-93% 126-77% 92-62% 277-81% 160-77% 181-77% 125-78% 490-75% 283-70% 111-69% 439-81% 37-67% 272-80% 148-75% 72-57% 108-57% 48-71% 31-48% 156-73% 32-49% 118-62% 142-76% 86-60% 96-69% 71-70% 39-65% 110-69% 56-60% 55-59% 41-54% 47-59% 50-75% 48-75% 138-84% 41-61% 61-68% 59-67% 44-65% 24-47% 64-70% 69-53% 72-69% 41-68%

332 183 209 369 806 568 478 360 186 453 164 148 340 209 234 161 653 407 161 541 55 339 197 127 190 68 64 215 65 190 186 143 140 102 60 160 94 93 76 80 67 64 165 67 90 88 68 51 92 130 105 60

Winners

2YO Winners

Stakes Winners

Graded Stakes Winners

Progeny Earnings

AEI

Comp Index

170-51% 88-48% 94-45% 200-54% 468-58% 307-54% 261-55% 178-49% 103-55% 308-68% 78-48% 66-45% 201-59% 102-49% 131-56% 75-47% 351-54% 172-42% 85-53% 331-61% 20-36% 183-54% 95-48% 49-39% 60-32% 34-50% 13-20% 97-45% 16-25% 86-45% 101-54% 59-41% 62-44% 49-48% 23-38% 72-45% 33-35% 33-35% 29-38% 32-40% 26-39% 23-36% 91-55% 24-36% 34-38% 33-38% 22-32% 11-22% 39-42% 41-32% 48-46% 19-32%

31-9% 29-16% 25-12% 35-9% 125-16% 100-18% 61-13% 99-28% 20-11% 70-15% 17-10% 18-12% 53-16% 14-7% 33-14% 20-12% 99-15% 46-11% 1-1% 82-15% 6-11% 51-15% 22-11% 8-6% 19-10% 5-7% 2-3% 27-13% 5-8% 23-12% 21-11% 20-14% 8-6% 9-9% 8-13% 24-15% 14-15% 3-3% 13-17% 3-4% 2-3% 10-16% 35-21% 3-4% 7-8% 6-7% 12-18% 5-10% 6-7% 5-4% 7-7% 5-8%

21-6% 5-3% 12-6% 14-4% 37-5% 20-4% 12-3% 13-4% 7-4% 5-1% 5-3% 2-1% 8-2% 6-3% 7-3% 3-2% 18-3% 11-3% 3-2% 21-4% 4-7% 7-2% 9-5% 0-0% 2-1% 2-3% 1-2% 6-3% 0-0% 7-4% 4-2% 4-3% 2-1% 1-1% 0-0% 1-1% 2-2% 2-2% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 1-2% 2-1% 0-0% 0-0% 1-1% 1-1% 1-2% 1-1% 1-1% 1-1% 0-0%

4-1% 2-1% 2-1% 5-1% 6-1% 3-1% 3-1% 6-2% 3-2% 2-0% 2-1% 0-0% 1-0% 1-0% 3-1% 2-1% 6-1% 1-0% 1-1% 2-0% 0-0% 1-0% 0-0% 0-0% 1-1% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 1-1% 0-0% 0-0% 2-1% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0% 0-0%

$22,417,222 $9,866,191 $11,032,373 $22,535,780 $50,278,991 $33,037,988 $22,755,697 $14,812,107 $8,687,316 $52,025,296 $6,791,422 $5,341,942 $16,667,153 $8,735,396 $10,412,312 $5,767,009 $22,946,219 $16,048,817 $6,757,043 $26,413,421 $1,849,116 $15,882,844 $8,041,021 $4,227,783 $4,058,333 $2,336,841 $1,492,171 $6,063,858 $1,349,344 $5,800,117 $7,555,024 $3,805,532 $4,636,010 $3,890,921 $1,708,042 $4,076,799 $2,063,540 $1,994,906 $1,268,429 $1,623,845 $1,522,363 $1,529,891 $5,813,143 $1,449,842 $2,193,133 $1,984,200 $1,419,281 $776,154 $2,229,768 $2,684,131 $2,892,932 $1,402,148

1.42 1.27 1.25 1.20 1.14 1.14 1.11 1.11 1.06 1.02 1.02 1.00 1.00 0.97 0.96 0.96 0.95 0.95 0.91 0.91 0.90 0.89 0.87 0.87 0.84 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.81 0.80 0.77 0.75 0.74 0.74 0.73 0.71 0.69 0.68 0.68 0.64 0.64 0.63 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.59 0.59 0.58 0.58 0.56 0.56

1.04 0.92 0.91 1.00 1.45 1.25 1.31 0.92 0.97 1.06 1.10 0.89 1.08 1.14 1.01 1.12 1.14 0.97 1.05 0.86 1.25 1.25 1.06 0.88 1.03 0.90 0.83 1.03 0.85 0.89 1.00 0.83 1.11 0.85 1.03 0.89 0.86 0.87 0.83 0.82 0.69 0.86 0.90 0.66 0.77 0.81 0.74 0.85 1.16 0.89 0.94 0.71

These statistics are for active California-based sires with a minimum of 50 foals of racing age, ranked here by their lifetime Average Earnings Index (AEI.) The statistics shown here are compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). While every effort is made to prevent errors and omissions, California Thoroughbred cannot guarantee their complete and total accuracy. Sires that are dead, pensioned, or no longer standing in California remain on these lists until their last Cal-bred crop turns 3 years old. Statistics are from all available Northern Hemisphere racing with earnings adjusted for Hong Kong and Japan. Stakes winners and wins follow TJCIS stakes rules. Percentages are based upon number of named foals of racing age.

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February 2024

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Stakes & Sales Dates 2024

2024

REGIONAL RACE MEETINGS Santa Anita Park, Arcadia

Dec. 26, 2023-June 16, 2024

Golden Gate Fields, Berkeley

Dec. 26, 2023-June 10, 2024

Pleasanton, Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton

June 12-July 9

Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos, Los Alamitos

June 19-July 9

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar

July 20-Sept. 8

California State Fair (Cal Expo), Sacramento

July 10-30

Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa

July 31-Aug. 20

Humboldt County Fair, Ferndale

Aug. 21-Sept. 10

Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos

REGIONAL SALE DATES SEPTEMBER 24 FASIG-TIPTON FALL YEARLINGS & HORSES OF RACING AGE Pomona, Calif. (ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 5; SUPPLEMENTAL ENTRIES CLOSE SEPT. 9)

Sept. 11-24

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia

Sept. 25-Oct. 29

Big Fresno Fair, Fresno

Oct. 2-15

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar

Oct. 31-Dec. 1

Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos

Dec. 4-17

California-Bred/California-Sired STAKES RACES February – May SANTA ANITA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

SATURDAY, MAY 25

$100,000 Spring Fever Stakes

$100,000 Sensational Star Stakes

$125,000 Snow Chief Stakes

Four-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares 6 furlongs

Four-Year-Olds & Up abt. 61∕2 furlongs (Turf)

Tree-Year-Olds 11∕8 mile (Turf)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

$100,000 Tiznow Stakes

$125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes

Tree-Year-Old Fillies 11∕16 miles

Four-Year-Olds & Up 1 mile

Tree-Year-Olds 61∕2 furlongs

$100,000 Crystal Water Stakes

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

$100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes

$125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes Tree-Year-Old Fillies 61∕2 furlongs

Four-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares abt. 61∕2 furlongs (Turf)

$125,000 Melair Stakes

Tree-Year-Olds & Up 1 mile (Turf)

$100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes Tree-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares 1 mile (Turf)

$100,000 Tor’s Echo Stakes Tree-Year-Olds & Up 6 furlongs

CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED

February 2024

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Stakes & Sales Dates FEBRUARY/MARCH

FEBRUARY

2024 REGIONAL STAKES RACES Date

Track

Stakes (Grade)

Conditions

Distance

Robert B. Lewis Stakes (Gr. III)

3-y-o

1 m.

$200,000

Santa Monica Stakes (Gr. II)

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

7 f.

$200,000

Thunder Road Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up

1 m. (T)

$100,000

Megahertz Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

1 m. (T)

$100,000

San Marcos Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up

1 ⁄4 m. (T)

$100,000

Las Virgenes Stakes (Gr. III)

3-y-o f.

1 m.

$100,000

Palos Verdes Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up

6 f.

$100,000

3-y-o

1 ⁄8 m.

$100,000

3-y-o f.

abt. 6 ⁄2 f. (T)

$100,000

10 11

GGF El Camino Real Derby SA

Sweet Life Stakes

Baffe Stakes

3-y-o

abt. 6 ⁄2 f. (T)

$100,000

Spring Fever Stakes

4-y-o & up, f. & m., Cal-Bred/Cal-Sired

6 f.

$100,000

Tiznow Stakes

4-y-o & up Cal-Bred/Cal-Sired

1 m.

$100,000

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

1 ⁄4 m. (T)

$100,000

MARCH

Added Value

Santa Ana Stakes (Gr. III)

Wishing Well Stakes

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

abt. 6 ⁄2 f. (T)

$100,000

Santa Anita Handicap (Gr. I)

4-y-o & up

11⁄4 m.

$400,000

Frank E. Kilroe Mile (Gr. I)

4-y-o & up

1 m. (T)

$300,000

San Felipe Stakes (Gr. II)

3-y-o

1 ⁄16 m.

$300,000

Buena Vista Stakes (Gr. II)

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

1 m. (T)

$200,000

Santa Ysabel Stakes (Gr. III)

3-y-o f.

1 ⁄16 m.

$100,000

Beholder Mile (Gr. I)

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

1 m.

$300,000

San Simeon Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up

abt. 6 ⁄2 f. (T)

$100,000

China Doll Stakes

3-y-o f.

1 m. (T)

$100,000

San Carlos Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up

7 f.

$100,000

Pasadena Stakes

3-y-o

1 m. (T)

$100,000

4-y-o & up, f. & m., Cal-Bred/Cal-Sired

abt. 6 ⁄2 f. (T)

$100,000

4-y-o & up

1 ⁄2 m. (T)

$100,000

17 23

SA SA

Irish O’Brien Stakes San Luis Rey Stakes (Gr. III)

Sensational Star Stakes

4-y-o & up, Cal-Bred/Cal-Sired

abt. 6 ⁄2 f. (T)

$100,000

Wilshire Stakes (Gr. III)

4-y-o & up, f. & m.

1 m. (T)

$100,000

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Advertising Index NOTE: Inside Back Cover, IBC; Outside Back Cover, OBC; Inside Front Cover, IFC This index is provided as a service. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or ommissions. (Bold fgures indicate a page that features a stallion)

ADVERTISERS Arroyo Vista....................................................................21 Backyard Race Horse.....................................................61 Barton Thoroughbreds..................................................13 BG Thoroughbred Facility............................................5,7 Blue Sk Training Center, LLC ........................................60 CARMA.............................................................................9 City National Bank.........................................................49 Cole Ranch .....................................................................60 CTBA Annual Meeting/Awards Dinner........................53 CTBA.com ......................................................................10 CTBA Membership........................................................57 CTBA GSS/Stallion Registration Deadline...................55 Daehling Ranch..........................................................8, 47 Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm ..................................27, 29

Equineline.com ..............................................................51 Gayle Van Leer Thoroughbred Services ......................61 Harris Farms ...........................................................IFC, 15 horselawyers.com ..........................................................61 Laurel Fowler Insurance Broker Inc ..............................61 Legacy Ranch .................................................................11 Lovacres..................................................................... OBC Milky Way Farm.........................................................23,25 Newfeld Farm................................................................61 Rancho San Miguel................................................IBC, 37 Red Cliffs Racing, Inc.......................................................8 Robins Ranches-Nor Cal Horse Property Specialist ..60 Sue Hubbard Insurance Broker ....................................61

STALLIONS Acclamation .................................................................IFC Big Runnuer......................................................................5 Bolden....................................................................IBC,37 Cistron ..........................................................................IFC Conquest Farenheit.....................................................IBC Danzing Candy.............................................................IBC Desert Code.................................................................IFC Editorial ........................................................................IBC Eight Rings ...................................................................IFC Fighting Hussar................................................................5 Finneus...................................................................... OBC Gato Del Oro ...................................................................5 Govenor Charlie........................................................ OBC Grazen........................................................................... 27 Halladay........................................................................IFC Jersey Town ................................................................. 47 King of Jazz ......................................................................5 Merit Man.........................................................................5 Mo Forza.......................................................................IBC Mo The Beholder..........................................................5,7

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Mr.Big............................................................................ 11 Northern Causeway.....................................................IBC OM................................................................................IFC Originaire .........................................................................5 Oscar Nominated ............................................................5 Passion For Gold......................................................... 25 Richard’s Kid.................................................................IBC Rousing Sermon...............................................................5 Shaaz ............................................................................. 13 Sir Prancealot ...............................................................IBC Smiling Tiger........................................................IFC, 15 Smokem..................................................................... OBC Stanford ........................................................................IFC Stay Thirsty ................................................................ OBC Surf Cat.........................................................................IBC Tamarando ...................................................................IFC Tizamagician ................................................................ 23 Tom’s Tribute ..............................................................IBC Unusual Heatwave...................................................... 29 Uptown Rythem ...........................................................IFC

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Rancho San Miguel

2024 4 S STALLION T L O N ROSTER OS Proudly presenting diverse bloodlines, category leaders and value options for California mare owners

NEW

BOLDEN SQ SQUARE EDDIE • $3,500 LFSN

Undefeated winner on dirt and turf by a dominating 21 lengths. Southern California Speed: 6 furlongs in a blazing 1:07.50!

DANZING CANDY

EDITORIAL

TWIRLING CANDY • $4,000 LFSN

WAR FRONT • $3,500 LFSN

Six black-type horses in 2023, including California Champion Giver Not a Taker & Sanford Stakes (G3) winner Yo Yo Candy

Half-brother to leading sire Uncle Mo boasts 15% black-type performers in the U.S. and a 2023 G3 performer in Peru

MO FORZA

NORTHERN CAUSEWAY

UNCLE MO • $7,500 LFSN

GIANT'S CAUSEWAY • $2,500 LFSN

Grade 1-winning millionaire is #1 son of Uncle Mo standing outside Kentucky. Bred 99 mares in 2022 & 102 mares in 2023!

G3 winner from the immediate family of Grade 1 sires Ghostzapper & City Zip. 2nd Dam: Broodmare of the Year Baby Zip.

RICHARD'S KID

SIR PRANCEALOT (IRE)

LEMON DROP KID • $2,500 LFSN

TAMAYUZ (GB) • $8,500 LFSN

Dual Pacifc Classic (G1) winner ofers value: $58,000+ average earnings/starter. Sire of 2023 stakes-performing 3YO Cousin Richie.

Elite sire of seven international G1/G2 winners had 12 frst-crop Cal-bred winners in 2023, led by Del Mar stakes winner Lord Prancealot

SURF CAT

TOM'S TRIBUTE

SIR CAT • $2,500 LFSN

LION HEART • $2,500 LFSN

Six-time Grade 2-winning millionaire ofers $48,000+ average earnings/starter. Sire of California Horse of the Year Sircat Sally.

Brilliant Grade 1-winning miler has sired fve $100,000+ earners, led by 2023 G3-placed stakes winner Tom’s Regret

Standing at

Rancho San Miguel