SureBet Racing News by SureBet Racing News

FEBRUARY 2014

VOL.8 NO.2

Rose to Gold

serves up thrilling ďŹ nish in Houston Ladies Classic

pg. 4

Golden Child

Two-year-old LADY GENIUS ($270,036) is the leading money winner by a New Mexico Sire in 2013 after winning three stakes QUINTON’S GOLD, sire of LADY GENIUS, at 2, 2013, 8 starts, 5 wins, 3 times second. The leading contender for champion New Mexico bred two-year-old filly won NM Eddy County S., C. O. Kendrick Memorial S., Copper Top Futurity and was second in Rio Grande Senorita Thoroughbred Futurity, New Mexico Classic Cup Juvenile S. and the Enchantress S.

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SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

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CONTENTS F E B RUA RY 2014 • VO L. 8 N O. 2 Cover photo courtesy of Coady Photography

Cover Story: Everything comes up roses for Rose to Gold in $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Top Racing Stories: Admiral Kitten game winner of Connally Turf Cup; Sum Of The Parts sets new track record in Champion Energy Services Stakes; F J Uncle Vic victorious in Allen’s Landing Stakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Feature Stories: Zilpaterol: A nightmarish drug when given to horses by Pete Herrera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AQHA strengthens commitment to safeguarding the integrity and welfare of QH racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jockeys’ Guild honors three individuals for industry achievements; Numbers up at Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale; Lone Star Park announces 2014 stakes schedule; Last To Fire is 2013 Racing World Champion; Sunray Park reduces number of races, cuts purses; Special Recognition Award Winners; Del Mar preparing for dual racing seasons In 2014; Smith named executive director of NMHA; 2014 Emerald Downs live racing begins Saturday, April 12; Record number of nominations received for the $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic; Live racing begins Saturday, April 12 at Emerald Downs; Evangeline Downs announces $10,000 consignors’ bonus; Last To Fire is PCQHRA Horse Of The Year; Genco presented with Frank Vessels, Sr. Memorial award; Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots to reduce selected stakes purses and cancel four stakes; Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity set for July 6; New Orleanians Gremillion, Paretti, Hodges Jr. latest to join Press Box Hall Of Fame at Fair Grounds; Evangeline Downs in conjunction with Breeders’ Sale Company of Louisiana to host Stars Of Tomorrow 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale; Top-Ranked QH runners firm in final 2013 poll; Kent Slabotsky named vice president at Lone Star Park Race Recaps: Quarter Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Results from Los Alamitos Race Course, Portland Meadows, Sunland Park Thoroughbred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Results from Santa Anita Race Park, Oaklawn Park, Golden Gate Fields, Fair Grounds Race Course, Sam Houston Race Park, Delta Downs SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 3

COVER STORY

Everything comes up roses for

Rose to Gold $

in 400,000 Houston Ladies Classic January 25, 2014 • Sam Houston Race Park, Houston, TX

he second running of the $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic went down to the wire with a thrilling finish by Rose to Gold. The 4-year-old daughter of Friends Lake made her first trip to Texas one for the memory books for owner Kathleen Amaya and Raffael Centofanti. Trainer Sal Santoro felt the Houston Ladies Classic might be a good way to start the 2014 campaign of Rose to Gold. She arrived on Monday with assistant trainer Larry Kelly. “Traveling is stressful, for us and for horses,” said Santoro, from Florida. “I think getting in early gave her an opportunity to settle and relax.” Jockey Jesus Rios tracked Unusual Way in the early stages of the mile and one-sixteenth main track feature, covering the first quarter-mile in :24.16 and the half-mile in :48.08. At the final 4 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

furlong, Unusual Way retained the lead until Rios skimmed the rail and drew off to a 1 /12-length margin of victory. The final time, over the fast main track was 1:43.87. “He saw a little daylight, and Rose was pretty courageous,” said Santoro. “I am proud of them both.” The finish took a little of the luster off the homecoming from Unusual Heat’s rider, Edwin Maldonado, who made his first trip back to Houston in over a decade. He had begun his career at Sam Houston

At top and above, Rose to Gold, Jesus Rios up Photos by Coady Photography

as an apprentice and is now one of the top riders on the Southern California circuit. “She was running well and ap-

Continued on pg. 7

TOP RACING STORIES

Admiral Kitten

game winner of Grade 3 $ 200,000 Connally Turf Cup

January 25, 2014 Sam Houston Race Park, Houston, TX

top-quality group of turf specialists was assembled for the Grade 3, $200,000 Connally Turf Cup at Sam Houston Race Park. Trainer Michael Maker, who won the 2012 Connally with Papaw Bodie, picked up a second trophy with an outstanding effort by Admiral Kitten. The 4-yearold son of Kitten’s Joy is owned and bred by Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, who were honored both as champion breeder and owner in last weekend’s Eclipse Awards. Admiral Kitten won the Grade 1, $500,000 Secretariat at Arlington Park on Aug. 14 and had runner-up efforts in six graded stakes throughout 2013. Maker gave a leg up to Julien Leparoux, who gave the bay colt a patient and well-timed ride, powering home to a four-length victory. The final time of the mile and one-eighth

Admiral Kitten, Julien Leparoux up Photo by Coady Photography

stakes over the firm Connally Turf course was 1:49.80. “He always runs well from behind,” said Leparoux. “I knew Joe (Bravo), Luis and Rosie were the ones to watch, so I just followed them around. When I asked him to make his run, he did it nicely.” Luis Saez, who won the Holy Bull earlier today at Gulfstream Park, set the pace aboard Fredericksburg and held on for second. The Michael Matz trainee was returning to stakes company following a turf allowance win last month at Gulfstream Park. Vertiformer ran third under Joe Bravo, and King David, who was the Connally Turf Cup runner-up in 2013, completed the superfecta. Admiral Kitten returned $3.80 as the favorite in the seven-horse field. He improved his lifetime record to four wins from 11 starts, and earnings of $729,080.

The Connally Turf Cup was awarded Grade 3 status in 2006, the first Thoroughbred graded stakes since Sam Houston Race Park opened in 1994. Previous champions include Chorwon, Fort Prado, Rod and Staff and Candid Glen, who won the stakes a record three times.

Sum Of The Parts sets new track record in Champion Energy services stakes Tom Amoss and Rosie Napravnik teamed up for two wins this afternoon at Fair Grounds and joined forces with Sum Of The Parts in the Champion Energy Services Stakes. Owned by Klaravich Stables LLC and William H. Lawrence, the 5-year-old son of Speightstown shipped in off a three-race win streak. This was the second victory in the Champion Energy Services for SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 5

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6 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

TOP RACING STORIES Napravnik, who set a new five-furlong turf record of :56.48 last year aboard Ikon Ike. She did it again this evening, tracking Bounding Bi before surging to the wire of the five-furlong sprint in :56.21. “He’s made a living on the front end,” commented Amoss on the noted front-running style of Sum Of The Parts. “It’s no secret that we are going to send him and hope he holds on. This is a very good field.” Sum Of The Parts paid $3.20 as the heavy favorite in the shortened field of seven horses with scratches of both Great Mills and Hogy. Artest was second under Leparoux and Perfect Parker and Maldonado, ran third.

FJ Uncle Vic victorious in Allen’s Landing stakes

The first stakes of the card was a coming out party for F.J Uncle Vic, who ran fourth in last weekend’s Groovy Stakes. Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez rode the 3-year-old son of Uncle Abbie for Johnny Evans and Terry Eoff. He won in gate-to-wire fashion, covering seven furlongs in 1:24.04. “Winning a race with a Texas-bred on a big night like this means the world to us,” said Eoff, who also trains the bay colt. Eoff indicated that the winner, who returned $5.80 to his backers, will return next month in the Texas Stallion Stakes. At top, ; Sum Of The Parts, Rosie Napravnik up; below, FJ Uncle Vic, Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez up Photos by Coady Photography

Rose to Gold, from pg. 4

peared comfortable in the surface,” explained Maldonado. “I whipped her left-handed and she ducked out, which gave the winner just enough room to get through. She ran a good race.” Rose To Gold, a multipleGrade 3 winner, including the 2013 Fantasy and Honeybee at Oaklawn Park, Rose to Gold will return to Hot Springs, according

to her trainer. “We will get her home (to Calder) and see how she comes out of this race,” added Santoro. “Then we hope to look at the Azeri as a prep for the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park.” Rose to Gold ($12.40) earned $240,000 for the effort. Class Included under Shaun Bridgmohan ran third and Moon Philly closed for fourth under Julien Leparoux. SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 7

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test positive for the drug and the Association of Racing LBUQUERQUE, NM — Welcome Commissioners International three New Mexico racehorses to the years ago recommended that the world of Zilpaterol and all that it harshest penalties possible be handed brings with it. Severe sweating, muscle down whenever the drug was found in tremors, an accelerated heart rate and, racehorses. if the dosage is potent enough, rup“It has no business being in a tured vessels. racehorse, ” Racing Commission Director Zilpaterol, according to Dr. Jerry Vince Mares said. “What they’re doCosper, a veterinarian and member of ing using Zilpaterol is beyond me. It’s the New Mexico Racing Commission, shocking to see the number of Zilpaaffects horses much the same way the terol (positives) we’re getting.” methamphetamine, commonly known Cosper said Zilpaterol can dramatias Speed, affects humans. cally increase the muscle and mass in “It increases the heart rate and increases the blood pressure. It increases cows within 48 hours. “It increases cell size immediately the adrenalin,” says Cosper. “It’s no difby maintaining water within the cells. It ferent from putting Speed in a horse.” What kind of damage can the drug puffs the cows up,” Cosper said. He said the Racing Commission do in a racehorse? has been told there is a nationwide “When you increase heart rate increase on the use of Zilpaterol. And past its normal metabolic use, you’re he suspects the drug has been around going to have some sort of increased horseracing for a while, “but now there pressure,” says Cosper. “You’re going is more sophisticated testing.” to have some sort of ruptured (blood) “We’re looking for it more than we vessels because they can only handle had in the past, I imagine, ” he said. so much pressure. You can compare There are currently at least four it to an adrenaline or Speed overdose cases of Zilpaterol positives pending in a human. At some point, the blood before the Racing Commission. Two of pressures will actually rupture vessels the four involve the same trainer, Salbecause they can’t handle it for that period of time. Then when you add that vador Oscar Vallejos. Two of his horses increased rate to extreme exercise, i.e. a tested positive for the drug within a two-week period at the Downs at Alburace, you just make it worse.” querque meet this fall. Zilpaterol poses one of the latest The penalties in that case could challenges in the Racing Commission’s ongoing and seemingly endless efforts include a three-year suspension and up to clean up horseracing in New Mexico. to a $50,000 fine. Two other positives for Zilpaterol Approved by the Food and Drug were found in horses trained by AnAdministration for use in cows headed thony C. Chavez and Francisco Campufor slaughter, it is banned from use in sano Chavez. Anthony Chavez’s horse, horses. Pt Phlyer, tested positive after winning Apparently, because the drug is known to increase muscle and body fat a race at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sept. 25, 2013, and Francisco Chavez in cows, Zilpaterol is now being found on the backside not only in New Mexico was the trainer of Get N Wacky, which tested positive after winning a race at but elsewhere. Last summer, three Zia Park on Sept. 30, 2013. trainers in Hong Kong had 17 horses

By Pete Herrera

Francisco Chavez could end up facing a suspension of three years and a fine of up to $25,000, and Anthony Chavez could be suspended for three years and fined $10,000 if found guilty. The Racing Commission is also dealing with an apparent dramatic increase in the number of positives surfacing at the state’s racetracks for the drug Clenbuterol. “Absolutely it’s excessive,” said Mares, who told SureBet that there are three to four cases of Clenbuterol or Zilpaterol positives a week. “I haven’t compared it to other states, but these are drugs that are being highly abused on the backside.” Zilpaterol is listed as a Class 2 drug, and Clenbuterol is a Class 3. Only Class 1 drugs such as cocaine and dermorphin are considered more dangerous and carry more severe penalties for abuse than do Class 2 drugs. Some of the trainers who have had horses test positive for excessive Clenbuterol in recent months include some of the top quarter horse trainers in New Mexico. Juan Gonzalez is a two-time winner of the All American Futurity, including last year’s race with Handsome Jack Flash. His horse Caliente Colt tested positive for Clenbuterol after a race Sept. 28 at Zia Park. The Racing Commission said this is the second positive Gonzalez has been cited for within the last year. His case is pending and Gonzalez is facing a possible suspension of up to 180 days and a fine of $2,500 if found guilty. Eduardo Gonzalez has trained the runner-up horses in the last two All American Futurities – Sudden Thoughts in 2012 and Reagle Eagle in last September’s race. Two of his other horses – Desert Delight Cash and Celebrity Dasher, tested positive for excessive amounts of Clenbuterol at Zia Park on Oct. 20 and Nov. 2, 2013. SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 9

Kristopher Cordova had two of his horses test positive for Clenbuterol at Zia Park. The positives showed up in samples taken from Cordova’s horses, Rockncorona and First Alibi Snow on Sept. 16 and Sept. 22. Cordova won two major futurities for New Mexico bred horses last year. He won The Mountaintop at Ruidoso Downs with Heza Wild Dream and the Senorita Futurity in Albuquerque with Express In. Clenbuterol, unlike Zilpaterol, still has a place in horseracing. It can be used for therapeutic purposes to help a horse that has breathing problems or allergies. But when used in excessive doses, Clenbuterol can act like a steroid and increases muscle buildup. Under current New Mexico racing regulations, trainers are allowed to use Clenbuterol at a specified level while the horse is in training, but they must stop using the drug 30 days before the horse is scheduled to race. “We believe that if you stop using Clenbuterol 30 days prior to your race time, the chance of you getting a positive case are zero,” said Cosper. But because of the numerous positives turning up for Clenbuterol, the consensus among racing officials is that trainers are using it in higher, outlawed doses to build muscle in horses. “If you increase the dosage on Clenbuterol, you’ll see the sweating, nervousness and increased heart rates, same as Zilpaterol,” said Cosper. “The drugs are very similar. The difference is one is FDA approved for cows and one is approved for horses. Basically, we use it (Clenbuterol) for horses that have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – same as in humans who have smokers’ issues. Horses who have dust allergies or can’t breathe, that’s what Clenbuterol is approved for.” “Other than that, it should not be in a horse at all,” said Cosper. “So for these guys to use it as a training mechanism to increase muscle … they’re using it for the wrong reason. They’re using it for the steroid-like effects.” So the positives keep coming in, the backlog of cases grows each month and the process to get them resolved never gets shorter. In fact, the timeline from when a positive is first found to when 10 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

the trainer is either convicted or acquitted will take months, in some cases, up to a year or longer. It’s a process that leaves the Racing Commission, members of the racing community and the public frustrated and angry. “The wheels of justice turn very slowly and the perception out there is that nothing is being done,” Mares said. Mares disputes the idea that things are getting worse because of the increase in positives. He says the increase is due to more effective testing for illegal substances. “We’re finding things where we weren’t in the past,” he said. “It can be perceived either way. Is the commission

doing a better job? Yes, we are because we’re handing out more and stiffer penalties. Are we changing the industry? That’s a good question because we’re finding more. Did we not find them in the past? I don’t know, but we’re finding them now. We are taking a more aggressive approach in our testing.” Mares says the stiffer penalties should be a deterrent and notes that some offenses, such as violations involving Class 1 and 2 drugs can carry suspensions of multiple years. But it can take a long time before those suspensions are served, and he concedes that’s a big problem. “The appeal process may be an avenue for them to say, ‘I’m going to

AQHA strengthens commitment to safeguarding the integrity and welfare of QH racing Amarillo, Texas — In recent years, the American Quarter Horse Association has strengthened its commitment to safeguarding the integrity and welfare of American Quarter Horses, as well as the integrity and welfare of the entire horse industry. In racing, this effort has included industry initiatives, such as supporting racing-centered equine research to increase knowledge and promote safety, but its major focus has been on addressing the use of illegal medications in the industry. Since the initial medications forum meeting in 2010, there have been major changes within the industry, with more on the way. AQHA continues its involvement with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and supports the national movement through Racing Commissioners International for uniform medication rules. In 2011, AQHA offered an official position statement on the use of the medication Clenbuterol in racing American Quarter Horses. As a result, several states adopted or modified their rules to follow these regulations. Racetracks have also increased security around major race days. As

an example, Ruidoso Downs hired an elite security team through the Organization of Racing Investigators to keep an eye on the finalists of its All American Futurity and Derby races. Members of this team were also on hand for the Bank of America Challenge Championships at Los Alamitos. Another major AQHA push was to implement the Racing Equine Health, Welfare, Integrity and Research Subcommittee, which keeps a close eye on topics related to the health and welfare of the equine athlete. AQHA rule RAC311.3 in the Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations states, “In addition to affording reciprocity to a racing authority, AQHA reserves the right to enhance the disciplinary action imposed against the person in question by imposing additional fines, suspending AQHA membership privileges and suspending participation privileges (both individual and horse) in AQHAapproved/recognized events. Should AQHA exercise such right to enhance a penalty, the disciplined individual may request a hearing before an AQHA hearing committee for the sole purpose of contesting whether the penalty originally imposed should be

continue doing it.’” In an effort to expedite the process somewhat, all alleged violations for Class 1 drugs now go directly to a hearing officer. That policy went into effect Jan. 1. In the past, all violations were first dealt with by a board of stewards. By sending Class 1 cases directly to a hearing officer, the Racing Commission is eliminating what could amount to several months of waiting for the process to proceed. It may not be too much of a stretch to say that it may take less time to process a murder case in New Mexico from arrest to verdict than it does to resolve a drug case against a racehorse trainer. Consider how the typical case enhanced. The finding of a violation by a racing authority is not subject to review at such hearing and will be considered final by AQHA.” “The EqHWIR will monitor each situation and work with state racing jurisdictions involving medications, abuse and other issues concerning American Quarter Horses,” the EqHWIR said in a statement “and, at the appropriate time, recommend penalties to the AQHA Executive Committee against the offender(s).” AQHA has begun sanctioning trainers who have received medication violation penalties administered by racing jurisdictions. These violations are related to major Class 1 and Class 2 medication violations. AQHA’s actions stem from these penalties issued by the racing jurisdictions. The suspensions issued by AQHA are pending final outcome of their cases. There are currently 19 trainers suspended by AQHA for Class 1 or Class 2 violations. The list of trainers who have been sanctioned can be found on AQHA’s Racing Welfare and Medication page. Beginning Jan. 1, AQHA implemented the Multiple Medication Violations System. This system sets forth penalties for trainers, owners and horses subject of positive drug tests, and, in particular, is designed to assess penalties against trainers, owners and horses subject of multiple positive drug tests. This system is for AQHA’s use only and is not intended to be

evolves. Blood and urine samples are taken from a horse after a race. The sample is sent to the Racing Commission’s testing laboratory in California. If the lab decides the sample is suspicious, it runs a second set of tests to confirm the presence of the suspected drug. If that comes back positive, the purse from the race is withheld and the trainer is notified. The trainer then has the option to send his portion of the sample (called a split) to another lab for testing. If that lab also confirms the presence of the suspected drug, the case is turned over to a board of stewards. The stewards then hear testimony a substitute for the current penalty system used by racing jurisdictions. It is based on the Racing Commissioners International’s multiple medication violations point system. The system rates points associated with various drug infractions and, subsequently, the penalties to be associated with them. The harshest penalties possible (for multiple major violations) include the indefinite suspension of membership (for a human) or registration (for a horse). In addition, a link to an easily searchable database of medication violations will be available at the AQHA Racing website on the Racing Welfare and Medication page. These rulings can also be accessed at www. thoroughbredrulings.com, which is searchable by trainer, horse, jurisdiction and breed. Sale companies will be encouraged to publish points in the catalog or past performance supplements for horses entered in the sale and in race training or of racing age. A medication forum discussing MMVS will take place at 8 a.m. on Jan. 24 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City. The forum is open to the public. Full details of the MMVS are available on the Racing Welfare and Medication page. AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www. aqharacing.com.

and issue a ruling. If the ruling goes against the trainer, the trainer has 10 days in which to file an appeal with the Racing Commission. The Commission in turn appoints an independent hearing officer to consider the evidence. The hearing officer has 30 days to make a recommendation to the Racing Commission. If that recommendation is for the trainer to be sanctioned, the Racing Commission can go along with the recommendation or decide there is not enough evidence against the trainer. What happens frequently during the process is that the trainer, through his attorney, will seek and obtain one or more temporary restraining orders from a state district court. The trainer can seek such a restraining order prior to the case going before a hearing officer or after the Racing Commission has issued its ruling. The restraining orders allow the accused trainer to continue to run horses while his case remains in pending mode. “By constitution they are entitled to due process. And we’re all in favor of due process,” said Mares. “Where we have the problem is these temporary restraining orders. But the commission has no control over what the district court allows them to do. Their lawyers basically say, you’re preventing my client from earning a living and the judge gives them a restraining order.” Only after a district court upholds or overturns the Racing Commission’s ruling is the case considered closed. By that time, six months to a year or longer has gone by. “That’s where the perception comes in that the Commission didn’t do a dang thing,” says Mares. “This guy just got a positive, the stewards ruled on him and he’s still running. They don’t see the big picture that we don’t have any authority to tell a district judge that we’re going to continue (the sanctions). We are acting on a court order.” Mares said a case that began in 2012, when he was still an investigator for the Racing Commission, was finally resolved about six months ago. Mares estimates there are currently about 50 cases pending either before the board of stewards or in district court. SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 11

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Cosper has been on the Racing Commission for two years. He says he continues to be surprised by the chances trainers are willing to take with illegal drugs. “How these trainers still want to get through the cracks if you will,” he said. “They know they’re illegal and the potential penalties we have. Why are you still trying it? You know we’re checking for it. The penalties we’re putting out are pretty dramatic – five-year, 10-year suspensions. Why would they want to cross that boundary to risk their livelihood?” And he, too, finds frustration with the legal system in place to deal with drug abuse in horseracing. “What’s odd to me is how long … they (trainers) can drag out the final phases before the penalty is even imposed,” Cosper said. “That boggles me. How they’ve learned to use the judicial system in their favor to (stay) on the track for months and even years before the final hammer comes down.” A list of trainers whose horses tested positive for excessive amounts of Clenbuterol at New Mexico racetracks in recent months and have already had

hearings before a board of stewards. Listed are the trainer, horse involved, track and date of race. • Ramon Ochoa, Prince Bac, Zia Park, Sept. 8, 2013. • Abelardo Vallecillo, Konas Best Dasher, Downs at Albuquerque. Aug. 7, 2013. • Alejandro Robles, Ballarat, Zia Park. Sept. 22, 2013. • Martin Orona Jr., Im A Rare Gambler, Zia Park. Sept. 16, 2013. • Tomas Vallejos, Ketel Wons Copy, Zia Park. Sept. 10, 2013. • Jaime Aldavaz Jr., Brooks Gem, Zia Park. Oct. 23, 2013. • Emilio Cadena Jr., Cocktails N Dip, Downs at Albuquerque. Sept. 12, 2013. • Terry Glen Smith, Downwiththequickness, Downs at Albuquerque. Sept. 21, 2013. • Kristopher Cordova, Rockncorona, Zia Park. Sept. 16, 2013. First Alibi Snow, Zia Park. Sept. 22, 2013. • Juan M. Gonzalez, Caliente Colt, Zia Park. Sept. 28, 2013. • Ramon Roberto Rivera, La Espe-

cial Corona, Zia Park. Sept. 14, 2013. • Eduardo Gonzalez, Desert Delight Cash, Zia Park. Oct. 20, 2013. Celebrity Dasher. Zia Park. Nov. 2, 2013. • Anna Marie Crowson, Whirlaway Reb, Zia Park. Sept. 30, 2013. • Isidro Javier Rodriguez, Portell Memories, Zia Park. Sept. 29, 2013. • Carlos O. Alvidrez, Mr Shiloh Leader, Zia Park. Nov. 2, 2013. Also: Trainer Juan Fierro had a horse, Gimme All Ur Lovin, test positive for the Class II-A drug Phentermine at Ruidoso Downs on July 15, 2013. Trainer Juan Esquivel had a horse, Spitting Snow, test positive for the Class 3 drug 16-Hydroxystanozolol/ Winstrol-V, at Zia Park on Nov. 3, 2013. Pete Herrera is a former AP sportswriter and now freelance journalist who covered sports and news for 39 years. His credits include four Summer Olympics and coverage of 40 All American Futurities from 1968 to 2008.

SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 13

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

#2 TWO YEAR OLD SIRE IN THE STATE, 7 WINNERS, 1 SW, 4 SHs

From three crops, sire 17 of Stakes Horses, including: multiple stakes winner THERMAL ($241,237), HUSH’S STORM ($203,137, multiple stakes winner and multiple stakes placed to 3, 2013), REAPER ($192,230, at 2, 2013, NM Classic Cup Juvenile Colt & Gelding S., Mountain Top NM Bred Thoroughbred Futurity, 3rd NM Eddy County S.), and six other stakes winners.

ATTILA’S STORM FOREST WILDCAT-SWEET SYMMETRY, BY MAGESTERIAL

2014 Fee: $3,000

W I C K E D L Y

F A S T

#4 FIRST CROP SIRE IN

NORTH AMERICA   

Over $615,121 won by first crop 2YOs in 2013 Co-leading Freshman Sire by Winners with 14 Co-second Freshman Sire by Stakes Horses with 5

Sire of multiple stakes winner THAT’S THE IDEA ($225,535), 12 length maiden winner CATAFLYING, 2nd New Mexico Classic Cup Juvenile Colt and Gelding S., MAYS OR MANTLE, 2nd by a neck in the Rio Grande Senor Thoroughbred Futurity, GOT ACES and TIZZY DEVIL.

DIABOLICAL Adam Coglianese

artax - bonnie byerly, by dayjur

2014 Fee: $5,000

Inquires to Fred Alexander (915) 539-2176 Office: (915) 539-0040 Fax: (575) 882-1235 • Email: aahorseranch1@aol.com 1713 W. Washington, Anthony, NM 88021 • www.aaranch.org 16 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

SH O W F O R E S IG HT 2013 leading earner MR. WIZARD

PREMEDITATION AFTERNOON DEELITES - BERGA, BY JADE HUNTER

Top Ten Sire in New Mexico

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Sire of DOUBLE SMART ($347,698, Rocky Gulch NM Classic Cup Championship S., Jack Cole H., etc.), first crop champion 2-year-old RUN LIKE FIRE ($276,342, 6 wins in 9 starts, 1st New Mexico Cup Classic Juvenile C&G, New Mexico Breeder’s Derby, etc.); and 2013 stakes horses MR. WIZARD ($266,342, Rocky Gulch New Mexico Classic Cup Championship, 2nd New Mexico State University H., 3rd Land of Enchantment H.), BEAU WIZER ($221,944, Pepsi Cola S.), DEVON’S SPIRIT ($213,681, Russell and Hellen Foutz Distaff).

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40% two-year-old winners from starters lifetime

2014 Fee: $2,500

Inquires to Fred Alexander (915) 539-2176 Office: (915) 539-0040 Fax: (575) 882-1235 • Email: aahorseranch1@aol.com SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 1713 W. Washington, Anthony, NM 88021

JAN. 28, 2014

Hollywood, FL Jockeys’ Guild honors three individuals for industry achievements The Jockeys’ Guild honored three people for outstanding achievements and contributions to the horseracing industry. The awards were presented during a celebration and dinner in their honor at the 2014 Jockeys’ Guild Assembly. The honorees include the following: • Cody Jensen received the Jacky Martin Award, given to the outstanding Quarter Horse jockey for exceptional achievement during the past year. To cap off a banner year in 2013, Cody Jensen picked up his first AQHA Champion Jockey Award after booting home the earners of $3,156,175. His horses won 64 of 415 starts and included Grade I winners Wicked Courage and champion Feature Mr. Bojangles. Cody began his riding career at small tracks in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming with his first win coming in an $800 race in Malad, Idaho in 1993. Since that time, he has become one of Quarter Horse racing’s top jockeys. • He has won the prestigious All American Futurity twice, in 2005 and 2006, and the All American Derby in 2009. The son of a former jockey, Jensen’s big break came when he worked a Utah-bred gelding named Catchmeinyourdreams and followed his connections to California. Catchmeinyourdreams ended up winning 14 of 51 starts and earning over $1 million. Noted for his commitment, desire and discipline, he is highly respected by his peers, owners and trainers. Cody is a member of the Jockeys’ Guild Senate. •

Javier Castellano was awarded the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, presented to the Thoroughbred jockey for outstanding achievement during the year. En route to being awarded the 2013 Eclipse Award as Out-

18 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

standing Jockey, Javier Castellano set an industry standard for mount earnings in North America with $26,213,507 and led all riders in wins with 362 including 61 stakes wins, 24 of which were graded. Castellano joined legendary jockeys Laffit Pincay, Jr., Steve Cauthen and Chris McCarron in leading the nation in both mount earnings and wins. Of his 24 graded stakes wins, four were a Grade I with Princess of Sylmar accounting for three of the four. Javier also won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies with Ria Antonia. In 2013, he won riding titles at Gulfstream Park’s winter meet, the spring and summer meets at Belmont Park, Aqueduct’s fall meet and for the first time, he topped the standings at Saratoga. A perennial top 10 rider in mounts and earnings, Castellano followed his late father, Abel, and an uncle into racing in 1996 in his native Venezuela. He moved his tack to South Florida in 1997 and topped the standings at the Calder Tropical meet in 19992000 and again 2000-01 before moving his tack to New York. Javier is a member of the Jockeys’ Guild Senate. Nancy Kelly was presented the Eddie Arcaro Award, given to those who have shown exceptional commitment to jockeys and the Jockeys’ Guild. A member of The Jockey Club staff since 1985, Nancy oversees all major fundraising for the two charitable organizations with both distributing millions of dollars over the last 25 years. The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation alone has helped well over 1,000 individuals and families while distributing more than $14 million. Many of the requests received are for jockeys and exercise riders who are in need because of illness, injury or difficult circumstances and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation has given much needed financial support to those riders and their families. Working closely with racing organizations and the Racetrack

Chaplaincy, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation provides confidential financial assistance to those who work in every facet of the Thoroughbred industry. When not raising funds for important equine research conducted by the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation or for The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, she devotes her time and energy to the backstretch community or individuals who need more assistance than what The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation can provide. Through her tireless efforts, Nancy has improved the quality of life for countless individuals, including many jockeys and their families. “These individuals have shown an exceptional commitment to racing, and are extremely deserving of their awards,” said Terry Meyocks, National Manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., the organization representing professional jockeys in American Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 1,100 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment. to obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys.

JAN. 26, 2014

Oklahoma City, OK Numbers up at Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale

The three-day Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale ended on Saturday with increases in average and median prices and gross receipts. Of the 873 head offered in the catalog, 698 head sold. This year’s average price of $12,168 was 45 percent higher than last year’s $8,397 average, while the median price increased 44 percent to $6,500. Despite the fact that 228 fewer head sold this year, the total gross reached $8,493,100, an increase of 9

percent over the 2013 2014 Lone Star Park Stakes Schedule total gross of $7,775,350. Date Stake Race Sex & Age Distance Purse “We’ve had an April 10 Premiere Stakes (TX) 3-y-o & up 6 ½ F $50,000 amazing weekend,” said April 12 Wayne Hanks Memorial (TX) F&M 3-y-o & up 6 ½ F $50,000 Heritage Place general April 26 Texas Mile-Grade 3 3-y-o & up 1 Mile $200,000 manager Spence Kidney. May 10 Texas Stallion Stakes Fillies, 3-y-o 1 Mile $75,000 “Heritage Place would May 10 Texas Stallion Stakes C&G, 3-y-o 1 Mile $75,000 like to say ‘Thank You’ to May 26 Lone Star Park Handicap-Grade 3 3-y-o & up 1-1/16 M $200,000 all of the consignors, and June 14 Lane’s End Stallion Scholarship Stakes (TX) F&M 3-y-o & up 7 ½ F (T) $50,000 we wish all of the buyJuly 12 TTA Sales Futurity Fillies, 2-y-o 5 F $100,000 ers the best of luck with July 12 TTA Sales Futurity C&G, 2-y-o 5 F $100,000 their purchases. We look July 12 Assault Stakes (TX) 3-y-o & up 1 Mile $50,000 forward to following the July 12 Valor Farm Stakes (TX) F&M 3-y-o & up 6 F $50,000 success of the sale graduates throughout 2014. “I think this sale proves that the $127,000. Consigned by Lazy E Ranch, New this year will be the $50,000 Quarter Horse racing industry is alive the 4-year-old stallion by Corona Cartel Wayne Hanks Memorial Stakes to be and well, considering the demand we run on Saturday, April 12. The race was out of the graded stakes winning Zevi formerly run as the JEH Stallion Station have seen this weekend for quality (TB) mare Sportiness won last year’s Stakes and is named after the longtime horses,’ he added. $205,900 El Primero del Ano Derby Grand Prairie Sports Facilities and DeThe high seller, First Down Toll (Hip (Grade 2) at Los Alamitos, and he is a No. 418), was acquired for $300,000 velopment Corporation member. Hanks half brother to Grade 3 winners Jess by BQR Quarter Horses. Consigned by passed away last fall. Sporty and BS My Favorite Sport. Lazy E Ranch of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Texas-breds and Texas Sale GraduLazy E Ranch, agent, was the sale’s for Sonia Samaja dba Splenda LLC, the ates will be showcased in four stakes leading consignor with 80 head gross12-year-old bay daughter of 1987 world ing $1,264,000. Lazy E Ranch for Sonia races Saturday, July 12 in the 14th annuchampion and all-time leading sire First Samaja dba Splenda, LLC sold eight al Stars of Texas Day. The program will Down Dash and Brazilian Triple Crown be highlighted by two divisions of the horses for a gross of $660,500, and winner Summer Toll is the dam of Bobby D. Cox sold 48 head for a gross of $100,000 estimated TTA Sales Futurity 2010 Los Alamitos Two-Million Futurity $527,800. (2-year-old fillies and colts and geldings (Grade 1) winner One Quick First Down, going 5 furlongs, the $50,000 Assault For more information on the sale, and she is a half sister to the graded including a complete list of horses sold, Stakes (Texas-bred 3-year-olds and up stakes placed Takin On The Cash colt at one mile) and the $50,000 Valor Farm visit www.heritageplace.com. Toll The Cash. Stakes (Texas-bred fillies and mares, First Down Toll sold on Friday, the 3-years-old and up at 6-furlongs). JAN. 23, 2014 second day of the sale. In the final The return of the Global Gaming Grand Prairie, TX session on Saturday, Three Times The Triple, a three-race series linking the Lone Star Park announces Toll (Hip No. 777), sold for $200,000 to Grade 3, $200,000 Texas Mile, Grade 3, 2014 stakes schedule Luis Alvarez’s Alvarez Racing LLC. Also $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap, and Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie anconsigned by Lazy E Ranch for Sonia the $175,000 Governor’s Cup for 3-yearSamaja dba Splenda LLC, the 7-year-old nounced the track’s 2014 Spring Thorolds and up at 1-1/8 miles at Remington bay mare by Tres Seis out of First Down oughbred Season stakes schedule feaPark in August, seeks to provide horseturing 11 stakes, including two graded men additional incentive to compete in Toll is a half sister to One Quick First stakes, with purses totaling $1 million. Down. all three stakes. The two premiere events on the Also on Saturday, Simmons Racing Global Gaming Solutions, owner paid $176,000 for Eyema Special Candy 2014 Lone Star Park stakes calendar are of both Lone Star Park and Reming(Hip No. 741), a 5-year-old black daugh- the Grade 3, $200,000 Texas Mile for ton Park, will offer a bonus to be split 3-year-olds and up to be run Saturday, ter of 2003 world champion Oak Tree equally among owner and trainer of Special consigned by Lazy E Ranch. Out April 26 and the Grade 3, $200,000 Lone the horse that accumulates the most Star Park Handicap for 3-year-olds and of the Grade 2-placed Mr Eye Opener points in the three stakes. A horse must mare Eye On This Candy, Eyema Special up at 1-1/16 miles to be run Monday, compete in all three designated races to May 26 (Memorial Day). Candy is a half sister to I See Candy be eligible for bonus money, and points “We are very pleased to continue Paint, a stakes-winning PYC Paint Your will be awarded to the first through to offer an exciting stakes schedule in Wagon gelding who ran third in world third place finishers on a 5-3-1 basis. champion Cold Cash 123’s Texas Classic 2014 that ensures our overnight purse “We are excited to continue the Derby (Grade 1) at Lone Star Park. levels are maintained while continuing Global Gaming Triple linking our major Chad Hart of Kaplan, Louisiana, to offer our traditional graded stakes races for older horses with the Govacquired the sale’s fourth-highest races,” said Lone Star Park President and ernor’s Cup at Remington Park,” said seller, Mr Ease Cartel (Hip No. 402), for General Manager Scott Wells. Director of Racing at Lone Star Park, SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 19

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Bart Lang. “The series emphasizes the commitment from Global Gaming to improve the racing product at both tracks to benefit horsemen and fans.” Other key Spring Thoroughbred Season dates will be simulcasts of the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs Saturday, May 3, the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course Saturday, May 17 and the Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park Saturday, June 7. Additionally, Lone Star Park has scheduled 50 live racing dates in 2014, the same as were run in 2013. Lone Star Park’s 50-day 2014 Spring Thoroughbred Season opens Thursday, April 10 and concludes Saturday, July 12. Live racing will be held four days a week with a first-race post-time of 6:35 p.m. for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night programs (except Thursday, May 29 when there will be no live racing), and Sundays with a first-race post-time of 1:35 p.m. (except Sunday, April 13 & 20; June 22 & 29; and July 6.) Live racing will be conducted Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) with a first-race post-time of 1:35 p.m. A Special twilight program will be held on Thursday, July 4 (Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration) with a first race post time of 5 p.m. Lone Star Park also has an American Quarter Horse Season in the fall of each year from September through November. For more information, visit www.LoneStarPark.com.

JAN. 22, 2014

Last To Fire is 2013 Racing World Champion AQHA

A decade ago, Be A Bono streaked to the first world championship for owner and breeder Spencer Childers of Fresno, California. The respected horseman, of course, had raised a few champions in his time – Bunny’s Bar Maid, Black Sable, Blobby Charger and Jet View – but Be A Bono was the first overall championship for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Famer. Ten years later, a second Childers-bred was crowned world champion at the Jan. 22 ceremony at Heritage Place Sale Co. in Oklahoma City. This was Jesus Cuevas and Jesus Avila’s Last To Fire, who earned the title of 2013 World Cham22 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

pion Racing American Quarter Horse after a tremendous year of racing. Last To Fire also is champion aged horse and champion aged gelding. The 4-year-old gelding won five of six starts in 2013, with his only loss coming as a fourth-place finish in the February 17 Los Alamitos Winter Championship (Grade 1). He went on to win the Vessels Maturity (Grade 1) on July 7 to claim his first career Grade 1 win. That was followed by a nearly 2-length win in the September 15 Go Man Go Handicap (Grade 1) and finally romped by daylight in the December 14 Champion of Champions, defeating an impressive group by 1 1/4 lengths. He earned $515,209. Ridden by Eduardo Nicasio and Francisco Rubio, Last To Fire was trained by Jose De La Torre, who also conditioned and co-owned last year’s world champion, One Dashing Eagle. Last To Fire was purchased by the Fresno, California-based partnership of his owners, who are cousins, for $9,200 at the 2010 Heritage Place Yearling Sale. He has now won eight of 19 career starts and has earnings of $1,087,545. Last To Fire is the fifth champion for sire Walk Thru Fire, a 17-year-old son of First Down Dash, and is out of the Childers-bred Strawfly Special mare Last Shall Be First. Feature Mr Bojangles is the champion aged stallion, the second champion title of his career. Owned by R.D. Hubbard and Heysol Howlet of Tularosa, New Mexico, the 4-year-old stallion won one of five starts in the year – the $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (Grade 1) – over several other leading contenders for aged stallion honors. He was twice second, in the Zia Park Championship (Grade 1) and Lovington Stakes (Grade 2); was third in the All American Gold Cup (Grade 3) and fourth in the Refrigerator Handicap (Grade 1), and earned $270,110 during the year. Trained by Paul Jones and C. Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath, Feature Mr Bojangles was ridden by Cody Jensen, Esgar Ramirez, G.R. Carter Jr. and Roy Baldillez. Feature Mr Bojangles, who also was the 2011 champion 2-year-old colt, retires with a career record of 20-8-5-2 and earnings of $952,434. Bred by Joyce Erickson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Feature Mr Bojangles is by Feature Mr

Jess and out of the First Down Dash mare Catch This Dash. Check N Fetch is the champion aged mare, and as unlikely as it might seem, owner Lorena Velazquez Rodriguez owns two horses, both of which are champions. The Surprise, Arizona, resident’s other horse is the venerable Rylees Boy, who was the 2011-12 champion aged gelding. Check N Fetch was trained by Paul Jones and ridden by Ramon Sanchez, Cody Jensen and Eduardo Nicasio. Check N Fetch blossomed in her 5-year-old year, ultimately winning six of 11 starts, with one second and two third-place finishes and earnings of $226,389. Her stakes races include victories in the Mildred N. Vessels Memorial Handicap (Grade 1) and Merial Distaff Challenge Championship (Grade 1) as well as the Miss Princess Handicap (Grade 3), California Breeders’ Matron Stakes (RG3) and Independence Day Handicap. She was second in the Native Empress Stakes, third in the Merial Los Alamitos Distaff Challenge (Grade 3) and fifth in the Champion of Champions (Grade 1). Her career record stands at 22-11-3-2 and earnings of $271,992. Bred by Mr. and Mrs. L. Judd Morse of San Jacinto, California, the mare is by Check Him Out and out of the Streakin La Jolla mare Shyann La Jolla.

2-Year-Olds Handsome Jack Flash needed only five starts to get the job done – he is champion 2-year-old and champion 2-year-old gelding for breeder Debra Laney of Tularosa, New Mexico, who co-owns the gelding with Norma and Brenda Alvarez of Anthony, New Mexico. The brown gelding by First Moonflash and out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Shez Jess Nice made those five starts count. After breaking his maiden, he won the Zia Futurity (RG1) by a half length, then ended up with the big prize, the All American Futurity (Grade 1) by a neck. His only defeat was a second-place finish in his All American trial. Earning $1,482,271, he was trained by Juan Gonzalez and ridden by Jaime Parga Leos. Five Bar Cartel danced all the major freshman dances at Los Alamitos and is the champion 2-year-old colt. In his third start, he won the Ed Burke Million Futurity (Grade 1). He also qualified to the

finals of the Grade 1 Golden State Million and Los Alamitos Two Million futurities. Owned by San Gregorio Racing Stables Inc. of Mira Loma, California, which was co-owner of last year’s world champion, One Dashing Eagle, Five Bar Cartel won five of seven starts and led his category’s earnings with $654,368. Five Bar Cartel was trained by Danny Montes and ridden by Saul Ramirez and Cruz Mendez. Bred by Esmerelda Flores, Five Bar Cartel is by Corona Cartel and out of the Dash Ta Fame mare Five Bar Molly. A devastating turn of foot in the $1 million Texas Classic Futurity (Grade 1) impressed fans and clinched the 2-yearold filly championship for Kates Dynasty. The sorrel filly contested trials to the major Ruidoso futurities, but did not qualify for a futurity final until the Texas Classic. In that final, she annihilated a top group of horses to win by 1 1/2 lengths. She won four of six races, with one thirdplace finish, and earned $454,090. Kates Dynasty is owned by breeder and AQHA Past President Jerry Windham of College Station, Texas, in partnership with Billy Smith and Pat Guthrie. Kates Dynasty was trained by Mike Joiner and Tommy Zarate, and ridden by Salvador Martinez, G.R. Carter Jr. and Luis Vivanco. Kates Dynasty is by FDD Dynasty and is out of the Vital Sign mare Jennifer Kate.

3-Year-Olds In 2013, Reliance Ranches LLC’s Feature Hero won the richest race in the history of American Quarter Horse racing and is the champion 3-year-old gelding and champion 3-year-old. Racing for the Edmond, Oklahomabased ranch, the gelding made eight starts, with two wins, two seconds and two thirds, and earned $1,290,050 during the year. His big victory came in the All American Derby (Grade 1), which he won by a neck. He also finished second behind champion Brace For Bernal in the Remington Park Oklahoma-Bred Derby, was third in the Town Policy Handicap (R) and fourth in the Champion of Champions (Grade 1). Feature Hero was trained by Eddie Willis and ridden by Jimmy Brooks and Jay Conklin. Bred by Lana Merrick and Kent Jackson of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, Feature Hero is by Valiant Hero and out of the Feature Mr Jess mare Illegal Feature.

Matabari in her freshman season won the prestigious Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity (Grade 1). But as good as she was then, she was even better when she returned as a sophomore to be crowned champion 3-year-old filly. Making only five starts, the filly had three wins and two third-place finishes, and earned $464,904. After a half-year off, she returned a winner in her prep race, then was third behind eventual champion Brace For Bernal in a non-qualifying All American Derby (Grade 1) trial. She went on to win the Los Alamitos Super Derby (Grade 1) and run a well-represented third in the Champion of Champions (Grade 1). The filly is owned by her breeder, Jose Maria Gonzalez’s Balgo Racing Team LLC of Hemet, California, in partnership with Maria Gonzalez of Santa Rosa, California. Matabari was trained by Guillermo Morales and Paul Jones, and ridden by Ramon Sanchez. Matabari is by Mr Jess Perry and out of the Separatist mare Hold Me Now. In 2013, nothing outran Brace For Bernal, the champion 3-year-old colt. Making six starts, the colt won each of them by a combined distance of more than 7 lengths, including the Remington Park Oklahoma-Bred Derby (R) over eventual champion Feature Hero and the Heritage Place Derby (Grade 2). Brace For Bernal, who earned $251,199 during the year, was bred by Joaquin Lopez and raced by his father, Noel Lopez Prieto of Canadian, Texas. The brown colt with the unusual gray tail, who was trained by Luis Villafranco and ridden by Paul Nieto, is by Furyofthewind and is out of the Shazoom mare Zoom Bracer.

Distance and International Winning the only open Grade 1 race in the distance division clinched the championship for 4-year-old Honoroso. Owned by Richard Gardner and Jim Hanson of Rigby, Idaho, Honoroso in his championship year won five of seven starts, with two seconds, and earnings of $66,889. His big win came in the Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship (Grade 1), but he also won the Red Cell Les Bois Distance Challenge. He was trained by Ryan and Mark Hanson and ridden by Ramon Guce, R. Alan Corson, Dirk Crane, Jay Conklin and Paul Greene.

Bred by Sassy Farms LLC of Salt Lake City, Honoroso is by Fly Jess Fly and out of the Spanish Boot mare Abla Espanol. Homebred Corderoy Road is the Canadian champion for owners and breeders Gary and Marlene McNichol of Coburg, Ontario. The 3-year-old gelding won four of seven starts, with two second-place finishes and earnings of $57,693 in the year. He won the Picov Derby and Ontario-Bred and -Foaled Derby (R), was second in the Maple Leaf Derby and fourth in the Ontario Jackpot Derby. The gelding by Rock Solid Jess and out of the Reckless Dash mare Reckless Wish was trained by David Ward and Michelle Woodley and ridden by John McInerney. Mexican champion One Famous Episode was a three-time stakes winner during her 3-year-old campaign. Owned by Jose Agustin Osornio of Aculco, Mexico, the filly made seven starts, with four wins, one second and two thirds. She earned $63,233 in her championship year. Her victories include the Easily A Possum Classic, A.M.C.C.C.M. Classic and Adequan Mexico Derby Challenge. She was second in the Mexicano Derby and third in her only start outside the Hipodromo de las Americas – the Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (Grade 2) at Los Alamitos. One Famous Episode was trained by Eleazar Rubalcaba, Saoul Fernandez and Ryan Hanson, and ridden by Manuel Molina. Bred by Burnett Ranches LLC, the filly is by One Famous Eagle and out of the Corona Cartel mare A Corona Episode. The South America champion is Italia Gold. The award is given to the horse who wins the Bank of America South America Challenge, which the 2009 gray mare did in February, earning $55,000. Bred by Gianni Franco Samaja, she is owned by Haras Sao Matheus. The mare was trained by M.C. Cruz and ridden by A. Dutra. She is sired by Gold Medal Jess and is out of the Chicks Beduino mare Jusjumpin.

People The partnership of Johnny Trotter and Burnett Ranches LLC has been an extremely fruitful one, and in 2013 it proved to be a championship one, as they are the champion owners. AQHA Executive Committee First Vice SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 23

President Trotter lives with wife, Jana, in Hereford, Texas, and Burnett Ranches is based in Fort Worth, Texas. During the year, the partnership’s horses made 43 starts, with 13 wins and earnings of $1,204,901. The partnership raced Ms First Prize Rose, who won the Rainbow Futurity (Grade 1) and contested the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity (Grade 1). Trotter and Burnett Ranches also had Viva Mi Corazon, who won the PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity (Grade 2) and ran a gallant second in the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity. Burnett Ranches LLC also is the champion breeder. The ranch sat just behind all-time leading breeder Dr. Ed Allred on the list of breeders by money earned, while having only one-third as many starters. The ranch’s horses racked up $2,064,155, with 55 wins from 280 starts. Its stakes winners include threetime stakes winner and two-time Grade 1 winner Wicked Courage, Grade 1 winner Big Biz Perry, Grade 2 winner Captain Strawfly, stakes winners Eagles Magic and One Famous Glass, and Mexican champion One Famous Episode. Trainer Paul Jones picks up his record-tying 12th Blane Schvaneveldt champion trainer award. Jones has now won the award consecutively since 2002, tying the record set by the award’s namesake, who won consecutively from 1985-96. Jones’ trainees earned $3,758,877, with 158 wins from 883 starts. His Grade 1 winners during the year include champions Feature Mr Bojangles and Check N Fetch, as well as Jabuti Eagle SA and Rylees Boy. Jockey Cody Jensen returned to riding after recovering from injury in 2011, and had a banner year in 2013. The two-time All American Futurity-winning jockey picked up his first champion jockey award after booting home the earners of $3,156,175. His horses won 64 of 415 starts, and included Grade 1 winners Wicked Courage and champion Feature Mr Bojangles.

Farmington, NM Sunray Park reduces number of races, cuts purses

Following an agreement with the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association, SunRay Park in Farmington will cut the number of races it runs per day from 11 to nine. 24 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

The reduction will go into effect beginning May 14. SunRay Park management suggested the move, as its casino revenues have decreased since the Jan. 16 opening of the Northern Edge Casino on the nearby Navajo reservation. Both SunRay Park and the NMHA have agreed to review the nine-race provision after the track’s second condition book. Also, SunRay Park has cancelled the SunRay Park and Casino Farewell Claiming Stakes and has cut the purses of most of its remaining stakes races by $10,000.

JAN. 20, 2014

Special Recognition Award Winners AQHA

Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association recognizes the outstanding work and efforts of worthy members of the racing American Quarter Horse industry with the AQHA Racing Council Special Recognition Award, Gordon Crone Special Achievement Award and Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement Award. To be eligible, people must be nominated for the special recognition awards, and winners then are chosen by the AQHA Racing Committee. This is the 20th year the awards have been presented. This year’s winners will be recognized at the AQHA Racing Champions Announcement on Jan. 22 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City.

JoAnn and husband J.R. Adams raced American Quarter Horse Hall of Famer Rocket Wrangler, who in 1970 won the Rainbow and All American futurities, finished that season as the champion freshman colt and later sired 56 stakes winners and the earners of more than $9.4 million. Among Rocket Wrangler’s contributions to the breed was his son Dash For Cash, the world champion whose two-decade reign as leading sire was broken by his world champion and all-time leading sire son First Down Dash. JoAnn and J.R. contributed to the industry in other ways, too. In 1974, they bought La Mesa Park in Raton, New Mexico, and operated the track for several years. The first licensed track in New Mexico, La Mesa Park was where 870-yard races originated for American Quarter Horses (due to a state law then prohibiting any horses except Thoroughbreds running in races of a half mile – 880 yards – or longer). Throughout her life, JoAnn raced and bred horses, including multipleGrade 1 winner Joanna Kate, the Rare Form mare she bought as a yearling at a Heritage Place sale and named for her granddaughter. Joanna Kate is the dam of 11 stakes winners and the earners of more than $360,000, including All American Futurity (Grade 1) finalist I Aint Jo Chick, and Grade 1 finalist Jax Ross, who JoAnn named for her grandson.

Matt Witman

If you’ve attended any racing conference, major race or sale or checked out the stallion battery at Lazy E Ranch, JoAnn Adams is this year’s winner you’ve probably run into Matt Witof the AQHA Racing Council Special man. The AQHA director is a busy man, Recognition Award. The award, given to a recipient for lifetime achievements working hard to promote the industry in many ways. He is this year’s recipient in American Quarter Horse racing, is a of the Gordon Crone Special Achievebit different from year’s past. JoAnn, a ment Award, which is presented to a lifelong horsewoman, well-known and man within the industry to recognize well-liked at tracks across the country, achievements in 2013. died in November at age 68 after a The farm manager at Lazy E Ranch lengthy battle with cancer. at Guthrie, Okla., Witman is a former “She would be so honored and chairman of the AQHA Racing Council thrilled to be receiving this award,” and the AQHA Racing Committee, and said JoAnn’s daughter Ashley Adams Landess. “I can only imagine how happy is currently the secretary and is also a director of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse she would be to enjoy such a celebration and how proud she would be. She Racing Association. He has been very involved in the industry’s push against loved a good party, and I know she is illegal medication use. He was an active smiling in heaven.”

JoAnn Adams

participant in the medication meetings and helped raise awareness from regulators and the general public. In 2012, Witman spoke in the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s hearing on medication use in horse racing. In addition, Witman has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through charity fundraisers for the Race Track Chaplaincy and Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. “He is involved in so many aspects of the Quarter Horse racing world, and all at a very high level,” said his nominator. “He has made great efforts to promote Quarter Horse racing and has never dodged the difficult and thorny issues that are detrimental to this industry. He is committed to this industry in a manner in which most are not, and for that he deserves this award.”

and continues to do. She gives 200 percent all of the time. Millie Vessels would admire her, hug her and choose her for this award herself. Surely this is what this award is about.”

JAN. 16, 2014

Del Mar, CA Del Mar preparing for dual racing seasons In 2014

With all approvals ensured and long-range projections starting to come into clear focus, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has begun to move forward toward a two-meet racing season in 2014 – the initial session being its usual summer stand, the second a shorter run covering the month of November. Near the conclusion of 2013, Del Mar received the green light for its dual meets from both the California Horse Racing Board and the California Coastal Susan Hadley Commission. In addition, it also worked In 2008, an 800-pound hay bale through date and grounds issues with fell on horseman and leading Interits landlord – the 22nd District Agriculmountain trainer Sherm Hadley, who tural Association, the state body that had jumped underneath to save his oversees the multi-purpose, 350-acre son. Hadley pushed his son to safety Del Mar Fairgrounds that is home to the but the bale crushed him, and a subseaside racing oval. sequent stroke resulted in him being With all parties in agreement, paralyzed. The Hadley family is known DMTC officials now are preparing to put for their ability to raise and run good on their usual special summer show horses, and even through this terrible crisis, they have managed to overcome followed by a unique fall session that and prosper. His wife of more than 20 will help patch one of the holes in the years, Susan, and their sons, Jordan and Southern California racing calendar Garrett, have taken over the physical caused by the closing of Betfair Hollyaspects of the job, while Sherm contin- wood Park in December. ues to provide an expert eye. The track’s summer season – which Their dedication has earned them will be its 75th going back to 1937 – the respect of their fellow horsemen, will open on Thursday, July 17 and go and Susan has earned the Mildred N. forward to Wednesday, Sept. 3. Over Vessels Special Achievement award, the past several decades Del Mar usugiven to a woman within the industry ally has started its regular meet on a for contributions to the industry made Wednesday, but with the San Diego in 2013. In 2010, Jordan conditioned County Fair running until Sunday, July Dreaming Of Kisses to win the $100,000 6, the extra day to prepare the grounds Bitterroot Futurity (RG2). This year, Susan and the racing surface – and to allow trained while Jordan rode; their winners horses to adapt to it – was considered a included Blane Schvaneveldt Handicap safety priority. Del Mar last opened on winner PF Flyair and Merial Sun Downs a Thursday in 1999, and also opened on Distaff Challenge winner Feature Miss that day in 1969 and 1956. Alibi, among others. Susan is also an acDel Mar’s fall meeting will have 15 tive barrel racing competitor. racing days, opening on Friday, Nov. “No ambassador for AQHA could 7 and concluding on Sunday, Nov. 30. have done more to tell the world the It will race Friday-Saturday-Sunday great story of family and how important on its first weekend, then settle into a AQHA is to each of us,” said her nomina- four-days-per-week (Thursday through tor. “Few could do what she has done Sunday) schedule for the balance of the

session. In conjunction with the singular nature of the second season, track officials are planning a totally different theme to the session, one that calls on the track’s Hollywood roots harkening back to its founder, Bing Crosby, and his show business connections. First post during the summer will be the usual 2 p.m. with the adjustment to 4 p.m. for all “Four O’Clock Friday” cards. The fall stand, however, will see first post at noon throughout to allow for the earlier sunsets. The lone exception to the noon start will be Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, when the starting time will be 11 a.m. to allow fans time for a day at the races as well as the opportunity to be home in time for a turkey dinner. Both sessions this year will showcase the debut of Del Mar’s new seven-furlong inner turf course, a wider, safer racing surface that is replacing the track’s original greensward installed in 1960. Online ticket and seat sales for the summer meet is schedule to start on Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. Tickets and seats will be available for the fall session during the summer meeting beginning on a date yet to be determined. In 2015 Del Mar is scheduled to run a similar twofold arrangement with slightly different dates. The 2015 summer season is slated for Wednesday, July 15 through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, an expansion of its standard dates from seven to eight weekends and a total of 41 racing days. The fall session would be scheduled from Wednesday, Oct. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 2, a five-week season that would enable the track to be open and available during the Breeders’ Cup traditional dates, which are normally either the last weekend in October or the first in November. “Our fall race meeting starting this year will be totally separate from our summer session,” noted Del Mar Thoroughbred Club president and CEO Joe Harper. “They will be two different animals. We know our summer meet is a winner; we’ve proven it over and over again. And we expect our autumn run can be special, too, in its own way. With the backing of our horsemen and all our many racing fans in the San Diego area, we think we can put on a first-rate show here in the fall and help to keep racing in Southern California strong and successful.” SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 25

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JAN. 15, 2014

Albuquerque, NM Smith named executive director of NMHA

Eric Smith has been named executive director of the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association (NMHA). Smith is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) at the University of Arizona. In the racing industry, he has worked as a racing official at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (Charles Town, W.V.), and Colonial Downs (New Kent, Va.). Before moving to the racing office, he worked at Equibase Company (Lexington, Ken.). He also has political experience including campaign consulting for numerous statewide candidates and a presidential campaign, and has worked on Capitol Hill. He will be responsible for elevating the level of communication between the association and its approximately 5,200 members, marketing, legislative initiatives, and fostering positive relationships between the association, the New Mexico Racing Commission and race track operators within the state. “On behalf of myself and the New Mexico Horsemen’s Board we are extremely excited to have Eric join our Association,” said NMHA President Joe Dee Brooks. “We believe with Eric’s strong communication skills, his racing knowledge, and the experience he has in the legislative arena we will be able to build an extremely effective and proactive horsemen’s association.” “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with a great organization like the NMHA and the outstanding owners and trainers we represent,” Smith said. “New Mexico has long been one of the premier states in the country for horse racing and I’m honored to be a part of that history as well as a part of horse racing’s exciting future here. My family and I are excited to be returning to the American Southwest and we are looking forward to putting down roots in here in New Mexico.”

JAN. 14, 2014

Auburn, WA 2014 Emerald Downs live racing begins Saturday, April 12

A 75-day live racing season, Saturday,

who set a new track record for the distance of a mile and one-sixteenth under jockey Rosie Napravnik. The striking gray mare continued her stellar year with two graded stakes victories. Trained by Larry Jones for Fox Hill Farm, Joyful Victory earned $1.2 million in her illustrious career and will be equally impressive as a broodmare. She is a finalist for the 43rd Annual Eclipse Awards, in the older female division, which will be announced on Saturday, Jan. 18. Sam Houston officials are hopeful that another extraordinary champion will be crowned on Jan. 25, and early indications are that this will be a highly competitive field. This year’s event closed with 38 fillies and mares, topping the 20 nominations received in 2013. Some of the most prominent horsemen from both coasts including Mike Maker, Steve Asmussen, Mark Casse, Kiaran McLaughlin, Ken McPeek, Michael Matz, Tom Albertrani, Richard Mandella, Bob Baffert, Jerry Hollendorfer, Peter Miller and Jeff Bonde, have contenders in mind. Trainer Mark Casse shipped in Sisterly Love for the 2013 Houston Ladies Classic and the daughter of Bellamy Road ran a respectable third. The Kentucky-bred mare won back-toback stakes last year at Woodbine and has been training for her 2014 debut at Palm Meadows in Florida. Don’t Tell Sophia, bred by Stonerside Stable, performed well in stakes company in 2013 with a victory in the Grade 2, Chilukki Stakes at Churchill Downs last November. Phil Sims trains the 6-year-old daughter of Congaree Houston, TX and is also the co-owner with Jerry Record number of nominations Namy. received for the $400,000 And Why Not is under consideration Houston Ladies Classic according to her trainer Michael Matz. The 5-year-old mare ran fourth to PrinNominations have closed for the $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic, which cess of Sylmar in the Grade 1 Beldame Invitational last September at Belmont will be contested on Saturday, Jan. 25. Park. Matz, a distinguished member of A record number of fillies and mares the United States Olympic Equestrian representing racing’s top connections from the East and West coast have been Team, is an extremely accomplished in contact with the Sam Houston racing Thoroughbred trainer, best known as office. The richest Thoroughbred race in the conditioner of 2006 Kentucky Derby Texas is the marquee event of the 2014 winner, Barbaro. Jockey Luis Saez, live racing season at Sam Houston Race who celebrated his 1,000th career win milestone on Jan. 11 at Gulfstream Park, Park, which gets underway on Friday, would be Matz’s choice to pilot the Jan. 17. daughter of Street Cry. The winner of the inaugural HousAnother possible entrant is Unusual ton Ladies Classic was Joyful Victory, April 12, through Sunday, Sept. 28, has been announced for 2014 at Emerald Downs. The 2014 season will differ slightly from recent seasons with a Saturday Opening Day and the elimination of Friday racing in April. The two-day race weeks in April will assist Director of Racing Bret Anderson at the entry box at a time of the year when the horse population is not yet in full swing. The three days will be added at the end of September, concluding on Sunday, Sept. 28. Friday racing begins May 2 and continues through the rest of the season. Post time remains 6:45 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Exceptions are a 1 p.m. start on Saturday, May 3, and a 4:30 p.m. first post on Thursday, July 3. The 2014 stakes schedule including the 79th running of the Longacres Mile (Grade 3) will be released in February. Emerald Downs opens for training Saturday, Feb. 1, allowing horses over 10 weeks to prepare for the season. The 2014 meet marks the 19th season of live racing at Emerald Downs. Established in 1996, Emerald Downs is considered the gem of Thoroughbred racing in the Pacific Northwest. The facility sees over 400,000 visitors a year and employs 240 people during non-racing season and 460 during live racing months. Thoroughbred racing in the State of Washington boasts an economic impact of over $250 million each year.

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Way, who captured the $300,000 Zia Park Oaks on Nov. 27 for trainer Jeff Bonde. The California-bred daughter of Unusual Heat is closing in on the $600,000 career earnings mark. Rider Edwin Maldonado, who was an apprentice at Sam Houston ten years ago and is now one of the top jockeys in Southern California, rode Unusual Way at Zia. Rose to Gold is another top-caliber nominee who will ship in from Florida this week for trainer Sal Santoro. The daughter of Friends Lake won both the Grade 3 Honeybee and Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park, punching her ticket to the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks last May at Churchill Downs. Santoro is hopeful that jockey Calvin Borel, who is riding at Oaklawn, will jet in to ride the chestnut filly. Trainer Larry Jones has always done well at Sam Houston Race Park and is considering the Brereton Jones homebred Same Cross for the Houston Ladies Classic. The 5-year-old mare comes off a victory in a six furlong allowance at Fair Grounds on Nov. 29. Eclipse Award winning trainer, Steve Asmussen, has nominated Sister Ginger, a 4-year-old daughter of Student Council, owned by Millennium Farms and Littlebrother Farm. Asmussen has run horses annually at Sam Houston Race Park, winning five training titles as well as three leading owner honors. Fiftyshadesofhay is a multiplegraded stakes winner for Hall of Fame conditioner, Bob Baffert. The Pulpit filly won the Grade 2, Black Eyed Susan at Pimlico and had a solid runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes last August at Saratoga. This would be the first time Baffert has run at Sam Houston Race Park. “We are extremely gratified that so many prominent horsemen have made nominations for the Houston Ladies Classic” said Eric Johnston, Sam Houston Race Park’s vice-president of racing. “Joyful Victory was an amazing champion last year and we look forward to presenting another exceptional evening of racing for our fans here in Houston and across the country.” The Houston Ladies Classic will benefit the Houston affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For the Cure®. Since 1982, Komen has led the way in the fight against 28 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

breast cancer. Sam Houston Race Park will donate $1 for each guest attending the exceptional evening of racing on Jan. 25. In a partnership announced earlier this month, HRTV, “The Network for Horse Sports” will broadcast a two-hour special beginning at 9 p.m. (CT) from Sam Houston Race Park on Jan. 25. The special will include live race coverage and special events as part of the stakesfilled card highlighted by the 2nd Annual $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic and the Grade 3, $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup. The Houston Ladies Classic will be the first stakes of the inaugural Penn Gaming Racing Challenge. The national program will incorporate more than 20 stakes races in 2014 worth more than $5.5 million. The stakes will take place at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Sam Houston Race Park, and Zia Park. The Challenge includes tie-ins between groups of races in the series, as well as bonuses and prizes that include free nominations, refund of entry and starter fees, and trips to the PNGI owned M Resort in Las Vegas. For the full calendar of Sam Houston Race Park’s 2014 live race dates and other events, visit www.shrp.com.

on Saturday, May 3, and a 4:30 p.m. first post on Thursday, July 3. The 2014 stakes schedule including the 79th running of the Longacres Mile (Grade 3) will be released in February. Emerald Downs opens for training Saturday, February 1, allowing horses over 10 weeks to prepare for the season. The 2014 meet marks the 19th season of live racing at Emerald Downs. Established in 1996, Emerald Downs is considered the gem of Thoroughbred racing in the Pacific Northwest. The facility sees over 400,000 visitors a year and employs 240 people during non-racing season and 460 during live racing months. Thoroughbred racing in the state of Washington boasts an economic impact of over $250 million each year.

JAN. 11, 2014

Opelousas, LA Evangeline Downs announces $10,000 consignors’ bonus

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel has announced that they are offering a $10,000 bonus to consignors of horses sold at the Stars of Tomorrow 2-year-olds in Training Sale that will take place on Sunday, March 9. The sale is in conjunction with the Breeders’ Sale Company of Louisiana and will be administered by Stemmans, Inc. JAN. 13, 2014 The $10,000 bonus money will be Auburn, WA divided equally between two races to Live racing begins Saturday, be held in August at Evangeline Downs. April 12 at Emerald Downs Any consignor whose sale horse goes A 75-day live racing season – Saton to win either the $100,000 Star urday, April 12, through Sunday, Sept. Stakes for 2-year-old colts & geldings or 28 – has been announced for 2014 at the $100,000 Starlet Stakes for 2-yearEmerald Downs. old fillies will be awarded $5,000 in The 2014 season will differ slightly bonus money. from recent seasons with a Saturday In order to accommodate consignOpening Day and the elimination of ors who wish to take a shot at the boFriday racing in April. The two-day race nus money, the entry deadline for the weeks in April will assist Director of sale has been extended one week and Racing Bret Anderson at the entry box will now take place on Monday, Jan. 20. at a time of the year when the horse The entry fee is $350 with a 5 percent population is not yet in full swing. The commission ($300 minimum). Late enthree days will be added at the end tries will require a fee of $500 with the of September, concluding on Sunday, same commission fee structure. September 28. The sale will begin at 10 a.m. CST Friday racing begins May 2 and con- with the Gallop Preview Show schedtinues through the rest of the season. uled for Saturday, March 8 starting at 12 Post time remains 6:45 p.m. Fridays noon. The sale and the Gallop Preview and 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Show are free to attend and both are holidays. Exceptions are a 1 p.m. start open to the public.

Horse racing in Brazil. He has been involved in sending noted stallions like Holland Ease to Brazil for breeding and has also managed the stables for leading owners like the late Gianna Samaja, Benny Rosset and many more. Genco was not able to be at the The Secretariat Vox Populi “Voice of the People” Award was presented to Awards Banquet the owners of winner Mucho Macho Man, Jan. 11 at Santa Anita Park, because of a Arcadia, Calif. Patti and Dean Reeves flank jockey Gary Stevens, who rode previous com“the Man” to victory in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. mitment in BraPhoto by ©Benoit Photo zil. Other horses that Genco has been connected For more information about this with include Champion of Champions exciting sale, contact Charlotte Clavier and Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity at 337-316-2696. winner Good Reason SA, All American Futurity winner No Secrets Here, champion Stylish Jess BR and Grade 1 winner Cypress, CA Strength In Numbers. Last To Fire is PCQHRA Horse Of Ed Allred was named the owner and The Year; Genco presented with breeder of the year, while Paul Jones Frank Vessels, Sr. Memorial award was recognized as the trainer of the Jesus Avila and Jesus Cuevas’ Last To year. Leading rider Cruz Mendez was Fire was named PCQHRA Horse of the named the jockey of the year, while Year and top aged gelding in California three-time Champion of Champions at the annual awards banquet at Los winning rider Eduardo Nicasio received Alamitos on Jan 9. the jockey special achievement award. Last To Fire won the Champion of Ron Hartley was presented with the Champions, Vessels Maturity and Go breeder special achievement award. Man Go Handicap on the way to rankTop horses that were recognized ing as the number one Quarter Horse in featured top 2-year-old colt Five Bar the top 10 national poll for older horses. Cartel, winner of the Ed Burke Million “He showed his talent as a 2 and Futurity; top 2-year-old filly Up For It, 3-year-old, but he grew into a mature winner of the Governor’s Cup Futurity; star as a 4-year-old,” said Jesus’ son, Jose top 2-year-old gelding Foose Cash SR, Avila. winner of the Los Alamitos Two Million Avila and Cuevas also received the Futurity. In the 3-year-old division; Los owner special achievement award, as Alamitos Super Derby winner Matabari they campaigned Golden State Million was named the top 3-year-old filly. Futurity winner Turbulent Times. Golden State Derby winner Far Niente Vince Genco received the Frank Ves- was recognized as the top 3-year-old sels, Sr. Memorial Award in recognition gelding, while Southern California Derby winner Jabuti Eagle SA was the of an Outstanding Contribution to the top 3-year-old gelding. Check N Fetch, Sport of Quarter Horse Racing. Genco serves on numerous racing committees winner of the Grade 1 Mildred Vessels Memorial Handicap and Grade 1 Merial at the national and state level and for Distaff Championship, was named the many years has been a driving force in helping to popularize American Quarter top aged mare. Hez Our Secret, who ran

second to the great Ochoa in the Los Alamitos Invitational Championship, was named the top aged stallion. Other equine awards included PCQHRA Breeders Derby winner Significant Heart being recognized as the Most Improved Horse and Ronsepi being named the Iron Horse of the Year. PCQHRA presented La Presita LLC’s Takin Some Gold with the James V.A. Carter Award for Outstanding Broodmare. Takin Some Gold is the mother of Two Million winner Foose Cash SR. The sire of Foose Cash SR, the freshman stallion Foose, was presented with the Three Bars Award as the outstanding stallion. Foose is represented by a syndicate. Raul Valenzuela, who made a tremendous splash during the second half of the Los Alamitos season, was presented with the Val Tonks Award for up and coming Quarter Horse jockey. Orlando Gutierrez, the track’s marketing and publicity director, received the Sam Thompson Award, which is presented to an individual who displays leadership within the Los Alamitos racing community. Gerardo Prado’s Vodka With Ice was recognized as the Intermountain Horse of the Year at Los Alamitos. Awards for the top Thoroughbred horsemen were given to owner Mike Flory, trainer Charles Treece and jockey Ramon Guce. The leading Quarter Horse horsemen in the Northern California Fairs were also recognized on the night. They are owner Isauro Guillen, trainer Miguel Gonzalez and jockey Jesus Arriaga. Awards for leading money winning Cal-bred in 10 difference divisions were also presented on the night night. They are as follows: Leading money-earning 2-year-old Cal-bred Colt: FLYING TOP FUELER Cal-Bred Breeder: Patricia Visscher Leading money-earning 2-year-old Cal-bred Gelding: VIVA MI CORAZON Cal-Bred Breeder: Bob and/or Jerry Gaston Leading money-earning 2-year-old Cal-bred Filly: UP FOR IT SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 29

2014 Fee: $1500.00 with Considerations

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Ad Design by TRACK Magazine

Cal-Bred Breeder: Edward C. Allred

the early handle performance at the Fair Grounds 2013-14 meet, it has become necessary to make some reductions in Leading money-earning 3-year-old purses. Unfortunately, overall handle in Cal-bred Colt: the US dropped by almost 11 percent HENOSHERSECRET year-over-year in the month of DecemCal-Bred Breeder: ber. This national trend along with an P. Jones / Thompson Racing, Inc. experience in poor weather and fewer races run at the Fair Grounds has creLeading money-earning 3-year-old ated this scenario. Rather than impact Cal-bred Gelding: overnight purses, the Fair Grounds has REMEMBERING SPENCE decided to strategically reduce some of Cal-Bred Breeder: the purses in stakes races. Fair Grounds Edward C. Allred has historically set aside more purses Leading money-earning 3-year-old for stakes than most tracks. While this Cal-bred Filly: is disappointing, we did consult with REVV ME UP horsemen and it is the most prudent course of action. We are hopeful trends Cal-Breeder: improve so that we do not have to imPaul C. Jones and Keilani Farms pact overnight purses over the remainLeading money-earning aged Cal-bred der of the Fair Grounds 2013-14 meet.” Stallion: HEZ OUR SECRET The races in which purses have been Cal-Bred Breeder: reduced are: Vessels Stallion Farm, LLC Jan. 25: Van Berg Stakes ($75,000 to $60,000) Leading money-earning aged Cal-bred Jan. 25: Gaudin Memorial ($75,000 to Gelding: $60,000) LAST TO FIRE Feb. 1: Battle of New Orleans Cal-Bred Breeder: ($75,000 to $60,000) Estate of Spencer Childers Feb. 1: Happy Ticket Stakes ($75,000 to $60,000) Leading money-earning aged Cal-bred Feb. 22: Bayou Handicap ($75,000 to Mare: $60,000) CHECK N FETCH March 4: Mardi Gras Stakes ($75,000 to Cal-Breeder: $60,000) Mr. or Mrs. Judd L. Morse March 8: Duncan Kenner ($150,000 to $100,000) Leading money-earning Cal-bred March 15: Colonel Power ($75,000 to Horse of the Year: $60,000) LAST TO FIRE March 29: Crescent City Oaks ($75,000 to Cal-Bred Breeder: $60,000) Estate of Spencer Childers March 29: Crescent City Derby ($75,000 to $60,000)

New Orleans, LA Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots to reduce selected stakes purses and cancel four stakes

Selected stakes races at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will see purse reductions in response to an overall handle decline. There will also be a cancellation of four other stakes races. Fair Grounds Track President Tim Bryant said, “Given

Date June 8 June 15 June 29 July 4 July 6 July 6 July 12 July 19 July 27 Aug. 3 Aug. 9 Aug. 31 Aug. 31

March 29: Fair Grounds Oaks ($500,000 to $400,000) March 29: Mervin Muniz ($400,000 to $300,000)

Cancelled stakes races: Feb. 8: March 1: March 1: March 8:

Tiffany Lass Allen Lacombe Black Gold Stakes New Orleans Ladies

More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse. com.

JAN. 9, 2014

Shakopee, MN Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity set for July 6 Canterbury Park Quarter Horse stakes schedule richest ever

Canterbury Park officials announced today the 2014 Quarter Horse Stakes schedule featuring the 27th running of the Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity July 6. The 13-race stakes schedule offers purses estimated to exceed $450,000, making it the richest ever at the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack. The Northlands Futurity, a 350yard race restricted to 2-year-olds, was first conducted in 1986 at what was then Canterbury Downs. In 2013, the $133,525 Northlands’ purse was the largest Quarter Horse purse in Canterbury Park or Downs history, eclipsing the $112,753 paid in the 1991 Northlands. Canterbury officials anticipate the purse this season could exceed $150,000. “Canterbury’s Quarter Horse racing quality improved greatly last season and will again this year,” Vice President of Racing Operations Eric Halstrom said.

2014 Canterbury Park Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule

Stake Race MN Stallion Breeders’ NCQHRA Skip Zimmerman Memorial Minnesota Stallion Breeders’ Futurity Great Lakes Bonus Challenge Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity Canterbury Quarter Horse Derby Bob Morehouse Stakes Dash in a Flash Canterbury Distaff Bonus Challenge NCQHRA Futurity Cash Caravan Stakes Minnesota Derby Minnesota Futurity

Conditions Derby Eligible 3YO 3YO & Up Eligible 2YO 3YO & Up 2YO 3YO 3YO & Up / MNOwned 3YO & Up 3YO & Up / F & M Eligible 2YO 3YO & Up / MN 3YO / MN 2YO / MN

Distance 400 Yards 350 Yards 350 Yards 440 Yards 350 Yards 400 Yards 400 Yards 110 Yards 400 Yards 350 Yards 440 Yards 400 Yards 350 Yards

Purse $15,000 A $20,000 A $20,000 A $30,000 A $100,000 G $50,000 G $20,000 A $15,000 A $25,000 A $20,000 A $25,000 A $35,000 A $35,000 A

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to be announced later this month, but Gremillion, Paretti and Hodges will expand the list of Press Box Hall of Fame members to 34. Glenn Gremillion started his professional career here in November of 1972 as a cameraman on the front tower for Galjour Electronics but quickly graduated to the pan camera, fulfilling those duties for Galjour not only here but also at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, JAN. 7, 2014 and at River Downs in Cincinnati, Ohio. New Orleans, LA Those three tracks were his regular New Orleanians Gremillion, circuit for most of his career but he also worked for a time at Turfway, Kentucky Paretti, Hodges Jr. latest to join Downs, Evangeline Downs, Jefferson, Press Box Hall Of Fame at Fair Lone Star Park, Remington and helped Grounds set up the TV operation at Delta. Three longtime veterans of the New “Working in a television departOrleans press corps will be inducted ment at any racetrack always involves a into the Press Box Hall of Fame at Fair team effort, ” said Gremillion, who now Grounds Race Course & Slots during lives in Lexington and works year-round ceremonies to be held following the at Keeneland running that track’s HD races on Wednesday, March 12, at the operation during the race meets as well Crescent City oval. New Orleans natives Glenn Gremil- as Keeneland’s various annual sales. “When I first started at Fair Grounds, lion, who started with the Fair Grounds Gaston Galjour was my boss and my television department in 1972; A. J. mentor but our team effort also inParetti, who began his Fair Grounds volved people like Mark Segreto and career as a chart maker in 1991 for Daily Scott Mulkey, who still run the operaRacing Form; and track photographer tion at Fair Grounds, ” Gremillion said. Lou Hodges Jr, who joined his track “Even though Gaston is retired and I’m photographer-father in a professional capacity in 1976, will become the three now based in Lexington, Mark and Scott and I are all still on the phone almost latest Press Box Hall of Fame members every day helping each other out with during ceremonies in the Black Gold our various challenges. All of us are still Room. Those three, all sexagenarians now a team.” A J. Paretti started coming to the but with childhood memories at the Fair Grounds “with my Daddy when I local oval, will be honored as part of a was eight or nine years old,” he recalled dual ceremony to be held in conjuncfondly. “I first got involved professiontion with this year’s latest additions to ally at Fair Grounds in 1976, but I first the Fair Grounds Hall of Fame, which came here to work in 1991 for Daily honors owners, trainers, jockeys and Racing Form as a call taker and then horses that have played a significant moved on to Evangeline. In 1992, I role in local racing lore. became a trackman at Jefferson Downs The historic Fair Grounds, considand started calling the charts at Fair ered to be the third-oldest race course Grounds in 1993 shortly before the fire. in the nation, was one of the first to honor the human and equine stalwarts My teletype operators were Marge and Jim Turnbull. They were the last two who raced here but also the first to people out of the building that night. honor those who have contributed “Racing was a lot more fun in those significantly to media coverage of Fair days,” said Paretti, who soon became Grounds and thoroughbred racing in one of the most respected trackmen New Orleans with a Press Box Hall of in the nation whose daily racing charts Fame. Those who will be inducted into the were studied religiously by local handicappers. “It was a job you loved and you Fair Grounds Hall of Fame, which currently has 124 members, are expected always wanted to be here. However, I “The Mystic Lake Northlands Futurity is the centerpiece of the schedule. I expect it to again attract many top horses from the Midwest. As nominations continue to grow, so will the purse; making the Northlands a premier summer Quarter Horse race in this region.” Canterbury Park’s racing season runs May 16 through Sept. 13. Nominations to the Northlands close March 1.

32 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

moved to Opelousas, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina and the job started to involve too much travelling. It was too much of a grind. I retired from Equibase March 28, 2010, but if it wasn’t for Katrina I’d probably still be working there at Fair Grounds. I’m honored to be going into the Press Box Hall of Fame with Glenn and Lou. We’ve all worked together here at Fair Grounds and the other tracks around Louisiana most of our adult lives. Lou Hodges, Jr., who has also served as a track photographer at Rockingham Park, Arlington, Washington Park and Louisiana Downs, will become part of the first father-son Press Box Hall of Fame tandem at Fair Grounds when he is inducted to join his late former track photographer father Lou Hodges, Sr. “I took my first pictures here at Fair Grounds with an old Speed Graphic camera my father gave me as a 12-yearold,” Hodges said. “My father was a veteran of the Army Air Corps during World War II who started working here in about 1960 under a man named Jack Blythe. When that man retired my father became the track photographer. I joined him here in 1976. Almost every day one of these old timers that have been coming here forever will come up to me and say ‘Man, you been around here a real long time – almost as long as I’ve been coming here!’”

JAN. 5, 2014

Opelousas, LA Evangeline Downs in conjunction with Breeders’ Sale Company of Louisiana to host Stars Of Tomorrow 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel in conjunction with the Breeders’ Sale Company of Louisiana will host the Stars of Tomorrow 2-year-olds in Training Sale on March 9. The sale will begin at 10 a.m. CST with the Gallop Preview Show scheduled for Saturday, March 8 starting at noon. The sale and the Gallop Preview Show are free to attend and both are open to the public. Evangeline Downs will offer a pair of six furlong open-bred stakes races for 2-year-olds which will carry a purse of $100,000 each in August. The Evan-

geline Downs Star will be for colts and geldings while the Evangeline Downs Starlet will feature fillies. The purse of each race includes a $25,000 bonus for horses that are graduates of the sale in March and those horses will be preferred when entries are taken. “This sale has become a mainstay for the local racing industry and we look forward to it each year at Evangeline Downs,” said Chris Warren, Director of Racing Operations for Delta Downs/ Evangeline Downs. “We are proud to offer the only 2-year-olds in training sale in the state. Our facilities include a spacious and comfortable Event Center that is conveniently located next to the racing paddock and our hotel which works nicely for this event.” “We are excited to partner with Evangeline Downs and its parent company Boyd Gaming for the Stars of Tomorrow 2-year-olds in Training Sale,” said Brett Brinkman, Chairman of the Breeders’ Sale Company of Louisiana. “We also look forward to expanding this sale in the future and making it even more successful in the years to come.” The entry fee for the 2-year-olds in Training Sale is $350 with a 5 percent commission ($300 minimum). The entry deadline was Jan. 13. Late entries will require a fee of $500 with the same commission fee structure. The sale will once again be administered by Stemmans, Inc. For more information contact Charlotte Clavier at 337-316-2696. Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, just off I-49 at exit 18.

JAN. 1, 2014

Top-Ranked QH runners firm in final 2013 poll AQHA

The year’s final AQHA RacingHorseplayernow.com National Poll brought clarity to a wild season on the track as the panel of racing experts was nearly unanimous on its choices for the country’s top horses. All American Futurity (Grade 1) winner Handsome Jack Flash compiled 99 out of a possible 100 points in the voting for the year’s top

juvenile, while Champion of Champions (Grade 1) hero Last To Fire made a rousing final impression to secure all 100 possible points among the older horses. Rylees Boy, who closed 2012 at No. 1 in the rankings, followed that up with a stellar 2013 campaign that saw him finish second in the balloting behind Last To Fire among those aged 3 and older. Feature Mr Bojangles earned the season’s final major victory in the division by taking the Championship at Sunland Park (Grade 1), which landed him at No. 5 in the poll. Among the 2-year-olds, Handsome Jack Flash was a decisive choice, but the race for No. 2 saw Kates Dynasty narrowly edge Foose Cash SR by a 79-74 Kent Slabotsky margin on points. Overall, 18 different Courtesy photo juveniles received Top 10 consideration from pollsters in the season’s final balloting. Dec. 31, 2013 The AQHA Racing-Horseplayernow. Grand Prairie, TX com National Poll will return in the Kent Slabotsky named vice spring with weekly updates through president at Lone Star Park the end of the calendar year. Slabotsky continues to oversee Remington Park food and beverage National rankings, 2-year-olds operations 1. HANDSOME JACK FLASH (99) Officials with Global Gaming 2. KATES DYNASTY (79) Solutions recently announced Kent 3. FOOSE CASH SR (74) Slabotsky, Remington Park director of 4. TURBULENT TIMES (61) food, beverage and procurement, has 5. FIVE BAR CARTEL (53) 6. MS FIRST PRIZE ROSE (46) been named vice president of opera7. VIVA MI CORAZON (38) tions of Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, 8. BIG BIZ PERRY (18) Texas. Slabotsky will continue to over9. ESPECIALLY TRES (16) see food and beverage operations at 10. SEPARATIST FIRST DOWN (11) Remington Park in Oklahoma City. “Kent has played a key role at Reagal Eagle (10), Wagon Tales (9), DyRemington Park and will be a welcome nastys First Call (9), Houdini (7), A Corona addition to the executive team at Lone Sunset (4), Skuze Pleeze (3), WR Golden Star Park at Grand Prairie,” said John ElEagle (3), Glitter In My Face (2) liott, Global Gaming Solutions CEO. “His National rankings, 3-year-olds & management style and work ethic fit older perfectly with our goals for the property.” 1. LAST TO FIRE (100) Slabotsky has been employed 2. RYLEES BOY (68) with Global Gaming Solutions since its 3. MATABARI (67) purchase of Remington Park in Janu4. OCHOA (66) ary 2010. He has more than 35 years of 5. FEATURE MR BOJANGLES (53) experience in the hospitality, gaming 6. WICKED COURAGE (52) and entertainment industry. Previously, 7. FEATURE HERO (51) Slabotsky served as executive sous-chef 8. PRICELESS FEATURE (33) for Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in 9. CHECK N FETCH (28) New Jersey and Turnberry Isle in Miami, 10. VODKA WITH ICE (8) Fla., executive chef for Mohegan Sun DM Streakn Thru Fire (6), Prospect To The Casino in Connecticut as well as director of culinary operations for the World Top (5), Hez Our Secret (3), Feature Mr Wrestling Federation in New York City. Who (2) SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 33

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34 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

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RACE RECAPS - QUARTER HORSE PHOTO CREDITS:

ARiZOnA: Turf Paradise: Coady Photography ARKAnsAs: Oaklawn Park: Coady Photography CALiFORniA: Del Mar: © Benoit Photo Golden Gate Fields: Vassar Photography Los Alamitos Race Course: Scott Martinez Santa Anita Race Park: © Benoit Photo COLORAdO: Arapahoe Park: Coady Photography FLORidA: Hialeah Park: Coady Photography iOWA: Prairie Meadows Racetrack: Jack Coady/ Coady Photography LOUisiAnA: Delta Downs: Emily Stevens/Coady Photography Evangeline Downs Racetrack: Courtesy of Evangeline Downs Fair Grounds: Hodges Photography Louisiana Downs: Natalie Glyshaw/ Hodges Photography MinnEsOTA: Canterbury Park: Coady Photography nEW MEXiCO: Ruidoso Downs Race Track: Ty Wyant/ Roberta Harris Sunland Park: Coady Photography SunRay Park: Coady Photography The Downs at Albuquerque: Coady Photography Zia Park: Coady Photography OKLAHOMA: Remington Park: Dustin Orona Photography Will Rogers Downs: Courtesy of Will Rogers Downs OREGOn: Portland Meadows: Courtesy of Portland Meadows TEXAs: Lone Star Park: Reed Palmer Photography Retama Park: Courtesy of Retama Park Sam Houston Race Park: Coady Photography WAsHinGTOn: Emerald Downs: Courtesy of Emerald Downs

Nellie Delaney

JAN. 26, 2014

and three of those wins have come when she’s topped the charts on a trial night. The Oklahoma-bred daughter of Los Alamitos Race Course, FDD Dynasty had the fastest qualifying Cypress, CA time to the Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes Nellie Delaney leads the way last February and also enjoyed the top to the Los Alamitos Winter time to the Grade 1 Southern California Championship Derby on December 1. Her other career Owned and bred by J. Garvan Kelly win came in the Southern California fiand Nancy Yearsley, Nellie Delaney is nal when she dead-heated for first with now a three-time fastest qualifier to a Jabuti Eagle SA on December 22. big money event at Los Alamitos after “We talked about running her in her trial victory on Sunday gave her the the Charger Bar Handicap (on January fastest time to the Grade 1 $156,250 Los 5), but we felt it was too close to the Alamitos Winter Championship. Southern California Derby,” trainer Juan A total of 21 top older horses Aleman said. “We opted for this race competed in the three Winter Chamand even though we were facing male pionship trials and Nellie Delaney was horses we still liked her chances. She the only mare in the bunch. But she took on the boys as a 3-year-old and made the fairer sex proud by posting did well against them so we thought the fastest qualifying time and will she could do well in this race. When now headline the February 16 final as she gets out of the gate she is tough. part of a star-loaded field of 10 horses. She has three wins in a row now. She’s Nellie Delaney will look to become only a fighter. She always tries hard. She the second distaffer to win the Winter stumbled a little bit in the Southern Championship in the 13-year history California Derby and I think that kept of the race. Champion and millionaire her from winning the race by herself. Corona Kool is the only mare to win this She had a good break in this race.” race when accomplishing the feat in Lorena Velazquez Rodriguez’s 2002. The winner of the Los Alamitos Rylees Boy will look to become the first Ridden by the meet’s leading horse to ever win back-to-back runQuarter Horse jockey Raul Valenzuela nings of the Winter Championship on for trainer Juan Aleman, Nellie Delaney Valentine’s Day weekend. The 9-year-old edged defending Winter Championship gelding by Heza Motor Scooter finished winner Rylees Boy by a head while cov- with the second fastest qualifying time after crossing the wire in :19.575 in his ering the 400 yards in :19.564. The victory was her fourth in 14 lifetime starts 50th lifetime start. SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 35

“He had a slow start, but he had a heck of a finish,” trainer Paul Jones said. “One more jump and I think he wins this trial. He ran third in his Winter Championship trial last year and he came back to win the final. He just finished second in this trial so we’ll see if he can do it again.” Ridden by Saul Ramirez, Jr, Rylees Boy finished second in last year’s Champion of Champions after winning the Champion of Champions in 2012. A victory in the Winter Championship will earn him a trip to the sport’s most prestigious race for older horses for a third year in a row. Rylees Boy will not be the only 9-year-old in the Winter Championship final, as Gerardo Prado’s Vodka With Ice posted the third fastest qualifying time of :19.654 following his victory in the opening trial. Like Rylees Boy, Vodka With Ice was making his 50th career starts. And like Rylees Boy, the Stoli gelding has competed in many tracks around the country during his career. Vodka With Ice has enjoyed his time at the Orange County track. In addition to his good showing in the Champion of Champions, he also won the Grade 1 Bank of America Challenge Championship on Nov. 9 and ran third in the Blane Schvaneveldt Handicap. Ridden by Ramon Sanchez, Vodka With Ice crossed the wire a neck ahead of Rosa Barboza’s 2013 Los Alamitos Winter Derby winner Remembering Spence. The latter qualified with the fourth fastest qualifying time of :19.699 and will now try to become the second runner to win the Winter Derby and Winter Championship in back-to-back years (A Stoli Mate in 2007-08). He’ll also look to become only the third to sweep the series, joining A Stoli Mate and Whosleavingwho (2001 Winter Derby and 2003 and 2005 Winter Championship). Juan Aleman saddled Remembering Spence, who was ridden by Eduardo Nicasio. Howard Nichols’ Jess Being Valiant won the final trial of the night after edging R. & R. Gentry and R. Force’s Scatmandu by a neck. Rodrigo Aceves piloted Jess Being Valiant for trainer Jaime Gomez. The son of Valiant Hero came into the trials after winning the A Ransom Handicap on Dec. 20. The complete list of qualifiers to 36 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

the Winter Championship is as follows: Nellie Delaney (:19.564), Rylees Boy (:19.575), Vodka With Ice (:19.654), Remembering Spence (:19.699), Tres Coronas Mas (:19.700), Valiant Valor (:19.736), Jess Being Valiant (:19.745), Eye On Corona (:19.750), Scatmandu (:19.782) and Stel My Corona (:19.809).

his mother also produced 2008 Southern California Derby finalist Decati. “I own their mother,” Frandsen explained. “Her name is Mia Ta Fame and she ran well as a 2 and 3-year-old, but she had some problems. She bowed a tendon as a 3-year-old and we had to retire her. She went on to produce Decati, who made about a quarter of a million dollars, and now she’s given us SS JAN. 25, 2014 Paydirt. She’s proved to be a good mare.” Mia Ta Fame finished third in the Los Alamitos Race Course, 2002 Silver Dollar Futurity and her final Cypress, CA career start came in the 2003 Silver DolSS Paydirt and Viva Mi Corazon lar Derby. Frandsen bred her to Special are top two in Los Alamitos Winter Leader and the result was the talented Derby trials Decati, the winner of the 2007 BitterOwned and bred by Richard Frand- root Futurity and a third place finisher sen, SS Paydirt enjoyed his fifth win in in the 2008 All American Derby. Decati seven career starts while recording the earned $254,177 in his outstanding cafastest qualifying time to the Grade 1 reer. Sired by Carters Cartel, SS Paydirt $196,600 Los Alamitos Winter Derby on is a standout as well. The Utah-bred Saturday at Los Alamitos. gelding won the John Deere Regional A total of 30 sophomores competed Juvenile Challenge at Les Bois Park and in the four trials at 400 yards with the crossed the wire first in the Bitterroot horses with the 10 fastest times movFuturity, but was disqualied and placed ing on to the Winter Derby final on fourth because of interference. Saturday, February 15. Ridden by AQHA “We’re having a ball with SS Champion Jockey Cody Jensen, SS Paydirt,” said Frandsen of Roy, Utah. Paydirt put on a show in the third heat “He got disqualified in the Bitterroot, of the evening, as he posted an ultra but crossed the wire first in each of his impressive 2 ¼ length victory from post first five starts and the first three were number seven. Making his barn debut by big margins just like tonight. Blaine for trainer Trey Wood, SS Paydirt covHadley did a great job with this horse. ered the distance in an impressive fast- He developed him and what a fantastic est time of :19.476. SS Paydirt’s bloodjob he did. There’s three weeks between lines are familiar to local observers, as the trials and the final and we just hope

SS Paydirt

RACE RECAPS - QUARTER HORSE that he returns sound. We’ll be hoping for a good night from him in the final.” As for future plans for Mia Ta Fame, Frandsen has an idea. “We’re hoping to take her back to Carters Cartel,” he said. Racing for AQHA Champion Owners Johnny Trotter and Burnett Ranches LLC and also trained by Trey Wood, Viva Mi Corazon enjoyed his fourth win in five starts at Los Alamitos Race Course following a very professional half-length victory in the second trial of the night. With Jensen in the irons, Viva Mi Corazon covered the distance in the second fastest qualifying time of :19.528. The son of First Down Dash has now qualified to three major stakes races at Los Alamitos since arriving here from Ruidoso Downs last summer. He won the PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity on October 5 and was second in the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity on December 15. Bred by Bob and Jerry Gaston, Viva Mi Corazon will now be one of the leading contenders in the Winter Derby on Valentine’s Day weekend. “He loves it at Los Alamitos,” said Wood’s assistant trainer, Paul Leal. “He’s settled here from day one. With some horses it takes a couple of days for them to settle after arriving. They may not eat for a day or so, but he’s been great from day one. Viva Mi Corazon was a little nervous tonight, which is not like him at all. But he had a nice race. He broke well and went to the front, but Cody did say that he had to get after him a little bit.” “After the Two Million we x-rayed him up and down and he was as clean as a whistle,” Leal added. “He’s always had a lot of talent and he’s always been a big, big horse. He’s as big now as he was early in his 2-year-old year. He didn’t know how to run earlier in his career. It took him about five races to learn. He had a little bad luck at the start of his career, but he now knows what to do.” Jesus Garera Garcia’s Mr Its Country Time held off PCQHRA Breeders’ Futurity runner-up Dynasty Of Habits to win the opening derby trial by a half-length while breaking his maiden in his sixth career start. Ridden by Raul Valenzuela, the son of Country Chicks Man covered the distance in :19.547 to post the third fastest qualifying time. Grant Farms bred Mr Its Country

Time. Ron Hartley’s Moonist won the fourth and final trial by a neck and in the ninth fastest time of :19.846. A Separatist gelding out of the AQHA champion Your First Moon, Moonist won the aforementioned consolation stakes to the Two Million (the Los Alamitos Juvenile Invitation- Maddie’s Gold al) and also the Golden State Juvenile Invitational. He was also second in the Governor’s Cup Futurity and now will be part of the field in the Winter Derby. John Cooper saddled the Vessels Stallion Farm LLC-bred runner, who was ridden to victory by Cesar De Alba. The complete list of qualifiers to the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby is as follows: SS Paydirt (:19.476), Viva Mi Corazon (:19.528), Mr Its Country Time (:19.547), Dynasty Of Habits (:19.612), Spirit Leader (:19.629), Moven Lannie (:19.778), Ms Perry (:19.808), Chalalita (:19.829), Moonist (:19.846), Energized (:19.878).

and in what seemed like just a couple of strides, he blew by Stoney River who was in second and came right up alongside of Jet Set Kitten at the quarter pole. It looked as though Maddie’s Gold might blow by Jet Set Kitten, but that rival fought right back. Maddie’s Gold kept his momentum though, and down the stretch he gradually eased away to win by six and one quarter lengths. Jet Set Kitten finished second, nine lengths ahead of Stoney River who was third. “I knew he would have a really good kick on the end,” said Fergason. “I just

JAN. 19, 2014 Portland Meadows, Portland, OR Maddie’s Gold dominates the Oregon Derby

Maddie’s Gold rallied from off the pace to get up and score in the $25,000 Oregon Derby presented by XpressBet at Portland Meadows. Sent off as the 4/5 favorite in the field of five, Maddie’s Gold ($3.60) settled back in third underneath jockey Luis Torres, who elected to let Jet Set Kitten go out and set the pace. Jet Set Kitten set a reasonable first quarter mile of 24.27 seconds but sped it up down the backstretch to get to a half-mile in 47.78 and open up a big lead. “I thought he would be closer, but they were letting Jet Set Kitten run pretty free up front,” said winning trainer Rolland Fergason. Maddie’s Gold started to make up ground as the field ran into the far turn SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 37

SUNRAY PARK AND CASINO 2014 STAKE SCHEDULE Inaugural Handicap $35,000 Guaranteed Friday, April 18th, 2014 6 ½ Furlongs Three year olds & upward $200 to nominate, $300 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday April 8th, 2014

Marathon Handicap $35,000 Guaranteed 870 Yards Sunday, May 4th, 2014 TB and QH, Three year olds & upward $200 to nominate, $300 to enter Closes Friday, April 25th 2014 at 2:00 P.M.

Russell & Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap *$50,000 Guaranteed 6 ½ Furlongs Saturday, April 19th , 2014 Fillies & Mares, Three year olds & upward Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday, April 8th, 2014

La Plata Stakes G3 $35,000 Guaranteed th 400 Yards Saturday, May 10 2014 Three year olds & upward $200 to nominate, $300 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

Animas Q.H. Stakes $35,000 Guaranteed 400 Yards Sunday, April 20th , 2014 Three year olds $200 to nominate, $300 to enter Starters will be based on High Money Earned At Time of Nomination at 2:00 P.M. Closes Friday, April11th, 2014 Jack Cole Handicap *$50,000 Guaranteed One Mile Saturday, April 26th, 2014 Three year olds & upward Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter Closes Tuesday, April 15th 2014 at 2:00 P.M.

Zoetis SunRay Park Starter Allowance Challenge $20,000 Added 350 Yards Sunday, May 11th 2014 $10,000 from SunRay Park, $10,000 from AQHA Trials Friday, April 25th 2014 New Mexico Breeders’ Stakes R-G3 *$50,000 Guaranteed 400 Yards Sunday, May 18th 2014 Three year olds Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Friday, May 9th 2014 Budweiser Allowance Stake th

Four Corners Senora QH Stakes *50,000 Guaranteed 400 Yards Sunday, April 27th, 2014 Fillies and Mares, Three year Olds and Upward Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Friday, April 18th 2014 SunRay Park & Casino Handicap $35,000 Guaranteed One Mile Saturday, May 3rd 2014 Three yr olds $200 to nominate, $300 to enter 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday, April 22nd 2014

Tuesday, May 20 2014 Three year Old, Fillies $200 to nominate, $300 to enter Closes Sunday, May11th 2014

$30,000 Guaranteed 6 ½ Furlongs at 2:00 P.M.

Aztec Oaks *$50,000 Guaranteed 6 ½ Furlongs Saturday, May 24th, 2014 Fillies, Three year olds Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund Starters will be based on High Money earned at time of nomination. $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday, May 13th 2014

NOMINATION FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED UNLESS RACE IS CANCELLED OR NOMINEE ENTERS IN THE STAKE RACE AND DOES NOT WEIGH IN 38 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

SUNRAY PARK AND CASINO 2014 STAKE SCHEDULE New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity R-G2 *$50,000 Added 350 Yards Sunday, May 25th 2014 Quarter Horse, Two year olds Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund. Nominations due February 3, 2014 Trials: Friday, May 9th 2014 Dine’ Stakes *$50,000 Guaranteed th 6 ½ Furlongs Tuesday, May 27 2014 Colts & Geldings, 3yr old Registered NMB *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund Starters will be based on High Money earned at time of nomination. $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Sunday, May 18th 2014 Dr. O. G. Fischer Memorial Handicap $30,000 Guaranteed 7 Furlongs Saturday, May 31st 2014 Fillies & Mares, Three year olds & upward $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday, May 20th, 2014 Jimmy Drake QH Stakes *$50,000 Guaranteed 400 Yards Sunday, June 1st, 2014 Three year olds & upward Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter Closes Friday, May 23rd, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes *$50,000 Guaranteed 4 ½ Furlongs Tuesday, June 10th 2014 Fillies, Two year olds Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund Winners preferred, with high money earners having second preference at time of nomination. $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Sunday, June 1st 2014

Totah TB Stakes *$50,000 Guaranteed 4 ½ Furlongs Tuesday, June 17th 2014 Thoroughbred, Two year olds Registered New Mexico Bred Colts & Geldings *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund Winners preferred, with high money earners having second preference at time of nomination. $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Sunday, June 8th 2014 Four Corners Futurity G3 $30,000 Added 350 Yards Saturday, June 21st 2014 Two year olds Nomination due February 3rd, 2014 Trials: Friday, June 6th 2014 Tommy “Duke” Smith QH Stakes R-G2 $50,000 Guaranteed 400 Yards Saturday, June 21st, 2014 Three Year Old, Fillies Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Tuesday, June 10th 2014 New Mexico Horseman’s Association Handicap *$50,000 Guaranteed 870 Yards Sunday, June 22nd 2014 TB & QH, Three year old & upward Registered New Mexico Bred *Includes est. $30,000 from NMHBA Fund $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Friday, June 13th, 2014 San Juan County Commissioners Handicap $75,000 Guaranteed One Mile & One Eighth Sunday, June 22nd 2014 Three year olds & upward $200 to nominate, $400 to enter at 2:00 P.M. Closes Friday, June 13th, 2014

NOMINATION FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED UNLESS RACE IS CANCELLED OR NOMINEE ENTERS IN THE STAKE RACE AND DOES NOT WEIGH IN SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 39

told Luis not to run out of horse. I didn’t think the distance would be a problem if he had any of his dam’s stamina, which it appears he does.” Maddie’s Gold stopped the clock in 1:41.13 seconds for the one-mile journey. It was the fourth career score for Maddie’s Gold and it bumped his earnings up to $63,548 for owners Hurliman Enterprises LLC. As far as what’s next for Maddie’s Gold trainer Rolland Fergason didn’t hesitate to answer when asked. “He’s gonna get a rest for a while,” said Fergason. “He’s had a great year and he’s earned some time off. I’m not sure where I’m gonna bring him back yet.”

Julieta Torres of Peyton, Colorado. The fast stallion has won 5 races from 10 starts over Sunland Park soil. The fast starting Pajarita Sita broke like a bullet as usual and led early under jockey Esgar Ramirez. The daughter of Pappasito ran boldly throughout but could not hold off Tf Featured Effort the winner. She finished second as Sunland Park, NM the 3-1 second favorite. 21-1 long shot Tf Featured Effort wins $50,000 Mighty Famous Vic wound up third, beaten less than a length. KOFX Radio Handicap 13-race Bet On Ballou finished 2012 West Texas Derby and 2013 West Texas Maturity winner Tf Featured fourth as the 2-1 favorite and comEffort returned to his favorite racetrack pleted a $1 superfecta worth a healthy on Sunday and raced to a smashing win $4,341.40. in the $50,000 KOFX Radio Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. JAN. 12, 2014 Under jockey Raul Gutierrez, Tf Los Alamitos Race Course, Featured Effort regained his winning Cypress, CA form with a powerful performance Dynasty Red enjoys impressive sparked by a good start in the 350 stakes win in Barbra B Handicap yards stakes event for older runners. After coming close to a stakes vicThe five-year-old son of Feature Mr Jess tory many times before, Spackman Racbroke out gates without trouble and ing and Lin Melton’s Dynasty Red finally was within striking range of the lead. By mid-stretch, Gutierrez had plenty of enjoyed the spoils after going wire to horse under him, and Tf Featured Effort wire in the $20,000 Barbra B Handicap at 440 yards on Sunday at Los Alamitos. was rolling under a hand ride. He put Ridden by Jay Conklin, Dynasty Red away the fast starting Pajarita Sita with crossed the wire a half-length ahead 75 yards to go and won confidently by of Spencer Childers California Breedthree parts of a length. The winning ers Championship Handicap runner-up time was a sharp 17.143 seconds. Once Over in the quarter mile dash. Despite his multiple stakes winning form, Tf Featured Effort was let go at over Bred by Anselmo Aguilar, Dynasty Red 5-1 odds and paid $13.60. He was coming covered the distance in :21.622 on the off two subpar efforts at Zia Park last fall. way to earning $11,000 for the effort. The gelded son of FDD Dynasty has a Winning trainer Jaime Dominguez was very pleased with his horse and indicated long list of second and third places finishes at Los Alamitos, but it was finally that Tf Featured Effort might return to defend his title in the 2014 West Texas his turn to shine according to his trainer. Maturity to be held at Sunland Park on “He has been close so many times Saturday, March 1. Trials will be run on before and never runs a bad race,” Friday, Feb. 7. Melton said. “Jay rode a perfect race. Tf Featured Effort earned $30,000 The horse was running so smoothly.” from his 6th career win in 20 starts. Dynasty Red finished second in His career bankroll stands at nearly both the 2012 Holiday Handicap and $230,000 for owners Heysol Howlet and 2013 John Ward Handicap held at Los 40 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Alamitos. He also ran third in last year’s Vandy’s Flash Handicap and most recently in the December 20 A Ransom Handicap. He was disqualified from second and placed fifth in last year’s Bitterroot Derby at Les Bois Park and also ran fifth in the PCQHRA Breeders Derby here on October 4. Conklin was the jockey in five of those six stakes races. “K.C. Spackman and I saw this horse at the (2011) Los Alamitos Equine Sale,” Melton added. “We got lucky with him and we like him a lot. We’ll keep running him in handicaps (like the Barbra B). We feel that he runs best every six weeks. You can’t find a bad race in his form.” “He gives you his best every race,” Conklin added. “I am very proud of him. I broke on top and halfway through the race I got after him a little bit. I figured he would do well at 440 yards and he showed what he is capable of doing when he leaves like he did tonight. It was finally his turn in a stakes race. The owners have stuck with me for a long time riding this horse and it’s nice to be able to win a stakes race for them.” Dynasty Red has won five of 18 starts while earning $81,491. He’s finished in the top three a total of 15 times. Trained by Scott Willoughby, Once Over earned $4,500 for running second. Lyle Lovett’s Stray Cat earned $2,500 for finishing third. Thrifty, Gold Flames On Fire, Ric Oh Shay, Follow The Dream, Bingo and Pathological Liar completed the field.

RACE RECAPS - QUARTER HORSE

Dynasty Red

JAN. 5, 2014

Native Tea Rose

is what it’s all about.’ She showed it tonight that she is really starting to figure things out. We’ll race her one more time Los Alamitos Race Course, and then I’ll say what all good owners Cypress, CA say, ‘I’ll leave it to the trainer to decide It’s fine ‘Tea’ in Charger Bar what’s next.’ ” Handicap Shortly after enjoying the winner’s Abigail Kawananakoa’s Native Tea circle presentation for the Charger Bar, Rose finished powerfully while beatKawananakoa, who is a direct descening a field that included Champion of dant of the last queen of Hawaii, was Champions participants Check N Fetch on the phone, smiling while speaking and Significant Heart and six other talented distaffers in the Grade 2 $100,000 to trainer Paul Jones. The trainer, who Charger Bar Handicap on Sunday at Los after another extremely busy training season in 2013, is currently vacationing Alamitos Race Course. in Hawaii. Ridden by Carlos Huerta, who Sent off at odds of 7-1, Native Tea picked up the amount just a few hours Rose improved her record to five wins earlier, Native Tea Rose was fifth at from 10 starts. Fourth in the 2012 All the start, but found her top gear soon American Futurity, she earned $51,000 after that and eventually moved ahead for the win to take her career bankroll of two-time Grade 1 winner Check N to $237,430. Fetch to win the Charger Bar by a neck. In addition to Native Tea Rose, Trained by Paul Jones, the 4-year-old Jones also saddled Charger Bar runnermare by First Down Dash covered the up Check N Fetch, fourth place finisher 400 yards in :19.682 from post number Im A Feature Girl, fifth place finisher four to give her back –to-back stakes Thisfeatureisspecial and sixth place victories. Native Tea Rose defeated finisher Significant Heart. several of her opponents in this race in “It’s tough when you have five the Las Damas Handicap in her previous horses in a race like the Charger Bar start on Dec. 8. because you want all five to do well,” Kawananakoa saw the Las Damas Jones added. “You just hope that one victory as a sign of positive things to of the five steps up to do well. Check N come for Native Tea Rose. “She was always one of our favorite Fetch has done it, Thisfeatureisspecial has done it and Significant Heart has horses and she did some good things done it well. It was Native Tea Rose’s as a 3-year-old last season,” said Kawananakoa. “It all came together for her in time to shine.” Native Tea Rose is out of the the Las Damas. When I watched the way she finished the race in the Las Damas, multiple stakes winner St Pats Tea, a I thought that she was starting to really Louisiana-bred mare from the stock on Edward Poston. Racing for owners Bob figure out racing. She was saying ‘this

and Jerry Ann Gaston, St Pats Tea won the Grade 2 $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Derby and the Grade 3 $43,880 TQHA Sires’ Cup Derby in 2001. For her career, she earned over $95,000 while winning five of 13 starts. Lorena Velazquez Rodriguez’s Check N Fetch posted another big effort while running second in the Charger Bar on Sunday. Fifth in the Champion of Champions on December 14, the 6-year-old Check Him Out mare earned $16,000 in the Charger Bar. She’s been in the top three in nine of her last 11 starts at Los Alamitos, while winning five stakes races during that span. She’s earned $289,312 in her 23-race career. Dean Frey’s Shez Jess Toxic has been a model of consistency as well. The daughter of Take Off Jess ran third in the Charger Bar to give her 16 finishes in the top three in 17 career starts. Her only out of the money finish ever in a fourth place in last year’s Charger Bar. Shez Jess Toxic earned $10,000 to take her earnings to $217,607. Jorge Haddad’s Im A Feature Girl earned $7,000 for running fourth. She was followed across the wire by Thisfeatureisspecial, Significant Heart, Curlie Cue, Flame N Flash and Shanachee.

JAN. 4, 2014 Sunland Park, NM Woodys Allstar speeds away In 42nd running of the $290,656 Shue Fly Following a jet-propelled start;

SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 41

Woodys Allstar

Woodys Allstar sped away for a neck victory in the 42nd running of the $290,656 Shue Fly Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Woodys Allstar parlayed her excellent gate skills to winning Sunland Park’s third richest race in a brilliant time of 19.067 seconds, good for a 95 speed index. Freshened by an 8 month layoff, Woodys Allstar has returned to Sunland Park this season as a racing dynamo. The New Mexico-bred daughter of Woodbridge set the fastest qualifying time for Shue Fly by winning her trial last month by nearly 2 lengths. She retained her sharpness for trainer Mike Joiner and rider Salvador Martinez. The talented 3-year-old held off a strong bid from Kia Won to take home the hefty first place prize of $136,608 for owners Joe Dee Brooks, Ted Rushing and Lee R. Lewis. Woodys Allstar confirmed her 4-5 favoritism with a third career win from four starts. Her only defeat came in last spring’s New Mexican Spring Futurity when she finished third to Moonifisant. The speedy threeyear-old now holds earnings in excess of $171,000. Joiner and Martinez collected their second stakes wins of the meet. The duo won the Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Derby with Feature Mr Lucky. Kia Won closed with interest on the outside to get second place under jockey Ricky Ramirez. The grey Ketel Won gelding showed much determination and earned 42 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Fols Jesse

result in 14 career starts. The gelding did not run again last year, but he returned fresh and ready to fire in the Anaheim at 300 yards. “The quarter was not the reason why we decided to turn him out,” Holly added. “The main reason was that we needed to give him a break. He had been going for a while and the best JAN. 3, 2014 thing for the horse was to give him a Los Alamitos Race Course, break. We want to keep running him for Cypress, CA a long time so giving him some time off at the ranch so that he could just Fols Jesse returns to action with be a horse was great for him. He alvictory in Anaheim Handicap Back in action for the first time since ways gives you 100 percent so we were surprised when he didn’t run well in the the middle of June, Mesa Valley Farms Vessels trial.” LLC’s Fols Jesse delivered the kind of Fols Jesse ran great in the Anaheim, performance that his connections are accustomed to seeing from the 5-year- as he covered the distance a swift :15.403 on the way to earning $8,800. old gelding by Jesse James Jr. With Cody Jensen aboard for trainer The winner of the 2012 Kip Didericksen Handicap and 2013 Cypress Handicap, Mark Skeen, Fols Jesse broke sharply the homebred runner has now earned from post number three before out$77,350 in his 15 career outings. This dueling multiple stakes winner High School Secrets by a neck in the $16,000 was his sixth career victory. James Azevedo and Boyles FamAnaheim Handicap for 3-year-olds and ily Trust’s High School Secrets earned upward on Friday at Los Alamitos. $3,600 for finishing second. The son of The effort was a big turnaround No Secrets Here won the James Smith from Fols Jesse’s final start of 2013, a forgettable eighth place finish in a trial Memorial Handicap and Dillingham to the Grade 1 Vessels Maturity on June Handicap last year and also ran second in the Vandy’s Flash Handicap. He has 16. finished in the top two in eight of 16 “He grabbed a quarter pretty hard career starts. in the second jump of that race,” said Lucky Seven Ranch’s Amore La Holly Skeen, the trainer’s wife and assistant trainer. “That’s why he didn’t run Blue flew out of the gate and finished a game third against male rivals. Fire Bye, like he usually does.” Fols Jesse’s out of the money finish Betty Gun and Tac Out completed the in that outing was only his second such field. $52,318 for owners Nahum Prieto and Joe Rios. Moonifisant fought valiantly from the inside and held on to third place, beaten just over a length. One Lethal Blaze finished in fourth, a nose in front of Osaka Moon.

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED JAN. 25, 2014 Santa Anita Race Park, Arcadia, CA California Chrome brilliant in $250,000 California Cup Derby

They saved the best for last on Saturday at Santa Anita. Trained by Art Sherman and ridden by Victor Espinoza, California Chrome demolished nine state bred rivals in taking the $250,000 California Cup Derby by 5 ½ lengths, getting 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.22 – perhaps stamping himself as a top tier Kentucky Derby prospect. A striking chestnut colt by Lucky Pulpit, California Chrome came off a dazzling six length win in the seven furlong King Glorious Stakes on Dec. 22 and was making his eighth career start on Saturday. “I know he’s doing great but it was his first time around two turns,” said Espinoza. “We wanted to find out if he could go that far and today, he showed he can go the distance. He did it easy. I had to tap him once though, just so he kept going, because he waits for other horses.” Owned by his breeders, Martin Perry and Steve Coburn, California Chrome, the second choice at 5-2, paid $7, $3.80 and $3.20. “I thought he would run awesome today,” said Sherman. “He’d been training like a bomb. I brought him over here (from his Hollywood Park base) about a week before and schooled him and took him in the paddock. The horse, the light bulb went on. He was kind of green starting out. He had a couple rough trips in his races, he kind of got banged around and had no place to go. “Now, he’s learned how to rate himself and have speed – and in California, that’s the type of horse you want.” Although he has yet to garner any Kentucky Derby qualifying points, California Chrome picked up $137,500 for the win, increasing his earnings to $352,350. Jerry Hollendorfer’s Tamarando, the 9-5 favorite, was taken well off the pace by Rafael Bejarano and made a good run through the lane to finish second, 3 ¼ lengths clear of Life Is a Joy and

California Chrome

Corey Nakatani. Tamarando paid $3.40 and $2.60. “I certainly didn’t expect him to be that far back,” said Hollendorfer. Life Is a Joy sat second early to longshot Better Bet and finished 4 ¼ lengths in front of Awesome Return and paid $4.60 to show.

Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AR Apropos gallops to American Beauty victory Claiborne Farm and Adele

Dilschneider’s Apropos improved her Oaklawn record to a perfect three-forthree with an easy 3 ¼ length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 American Beauty Stakes. Her popular victory as the 6-5 favorite came just 13 days after she returned from a five-month layoff to win an allowance optional claiming race Jan. 12. In the American Beauty, Apropos sat right off of Hurricane Girl through an opening quarter in 23 and then began to inch toward the lead before a half-mile in 46 4/5. By the time the field

Apropos SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 43

Indianapolis

Tanzanite Cat

win the$75,000 San Pedro Stakes, negotiating six furlongs in 1:08.80, which, according to Bob Baffert, will be his final start sprinting for the time being, as he’ll now be pointed down the Kentucky Derby Trail. Breaking from post two, Indianapolis, who was an impressive first-out maiden winner on Nov. 24, was heavily favored at 3-5 and sat second early to longshot Rockin Home, who was ridden from the rail by Tyler Baze. Indianapolis took the lead at the quarter and dispatched a legitimate bid from 5-2 second choice Papa Turf, who ran second under Joe Talamo. “We’ve always thought that he has that ‘super-star’ status and he showed it today,” said Baffert. Unbeaten in two sprint starts, Baffert was asked when Indianapolis would stretch out to a route of ground. “Now, he’ll run in stakes races… From here on out, hopefully up to the first Saturday in May, we’ll put him on a schedule that will stretch him out and hopefully we’ll win some big races. Keeping him healthy and happy, that’s all we can really do,” Baffert said. With no show wagering, IndianapoJAN. 20, 2014 lis paid $3.20 and $2.10. Owned by Mrs. John Magnier, MiSanta Anita Race Park, chael Tabor and Derrick Smith, IndiaArcadia, CA napolis picked up $46,200 for the win. Indianapolis impressive 4 Papa Turf, who loomed boldly while ¼-length winner of $75,000 San four-wide turning for home, was clearly second best and finished 2 ¾ lengths Pedro Ridden by Martin Garcia, Indianap- in front of Baffert’s other runner, Beach olis rocketed to an emphatic 4 ¼ length Hut, who was ridden by Mike Smith. reached the top of the stretch, the winner was clear and the only battle was for second place. Boss Barney’s Babe rallied from eighth to take second by a neck over Ms Anna Destiny. Hurricane Girl held on for fourth. Apropos completed the six furlong race in 1:11 2/5 over a fast track. “I felt very confident on her,” said winning rider Ricardo Santana Jr. “Turning for home, I was really confident.” “She’s a good horse and obviously loves Oaklawn Park,” said winning trainer Al Stall Jr. by phone from New Orleans. “We’re extremely happy with how she ran, especially with the quick turnaround. We’ll get her back home and talk to the owners about what’s next.” Apropos, a 5-year-old First Samurai mare bred by her owners, improved her career record to five wins from nine starts and has now earned $220,433. Among the 10,145 in attendance Saturday was Miss Arkansas, Amy Crain, who presented the trophy in the American Beauty. The winner returned $4.40, $3.40 and $3.

44 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Papa Turf paid $2.80 to place. Beach Hut, who was three wide off the turn, finished 8 ¾ lengths in front of Rockin Home, who was last in a field of four. Fractions on the race were 21.80, 44.97 and 56.94.

Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AR Tanzanite Cat pulls mild Smarty Jones upset No rider-trainer combination has been hotter than Norberto Arroyo Jr. and Cody Autrey since the start of the meet and on Monday, they combined to win the $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes with Tanzanite Cat before a holiday crowd of 12,582. The victory earned Tanzanite Cat 10 points based Churchill Downs’ criteria for making the Kentucky Derby and puts the Graeme Hall colt in line for Oaklawn’s other three-year-old races culminating with the $1 million Arkansas Derby (Grade 1) April 12. Last year’s winner, Will Take Charge, was recently named Champion ThreeYear-Old of 2013. Coming off a front-running maiden score at Fair Grounds Dec. 8, Tanzanite Cat used similar tactics in the Smarty Jones. He vied for the lead throughout with Walt, racing side by side through an opening quarter in 23 and a halfmile in 47 1/5. The winner, who only had a head advantage at the top of the stretch, began to shake clear through the stretch and drew off to win by 1 ¼ lengths over Walt.

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED

Exit Stage Left

Spellbound

Exit Stage Left was the 5-2 second choice in the betting and paid $7.20 after collecting his third stakes victory in as many starts. It was a very impressive win for Exit Stage Left, who set the pace inside of Harbaugh while posting solid fractions on the synthetic Tapeta racing surface – 23.86 for the opening quarter of a mile and 48.20 for the half-mile. “I thought (Harbaugh) would clear me leaving the gate and I’d sit just off of him, but he didn’t break all that sharp and run away from the gate the way I thought he would,” said Baze. “My horse rose to the challenge when he came up next to me. Down the backside I gave JAN. 19, 2014 him his head a little bit. Once he got Golden Gate Fields, Berkeley, CA a little in front, he relaxed real well for Exit Stage Left exits California me.” Exit Stage Left shook off Harbaugh Derby with third stakes win Exit Stage Left won a duel for the lead entering the lane but soon had to deal with the hard-charging duo of Enterover Harbaugh and a duel down the stretch over Enterprising and Infosec to prising and Infosec. Exit Stage Left was claim victory in the $100,000 California up to the challenge and held his two rivals at bay. Derby at Golden Gate Fields. “He doesn’t like to let horses by Exit Stage Left, ridden by Russell Baze and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, him,” said Baze. “He ran hard all the way remained undefeated when he gamely to the wire. He kicked real good when I asked him, and when (Enterprising) fought off 9-5 favorite Enterprising to came into sight, he laid his body down win the 1 1/16-mile stakes for 3-yeareven harder. He’s tough and he’s talolds by a half-length in a good time of ented. You have to like that combina1:44.07. Infosec finished third. Harbaugh, a horse named in honor tion. And, you know, he’s still a work in progress.” of San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Exit Stage Left, a New Jersey-bred Harbaugh, was bet down from his 10-1 morning line odds to 6-1. Unfortunately colt by the sire Noonmark, is owned in partnership by Hollendorfer and for his backers, Harbaugh tired in the Mark DeDomenico. Winner of the stretch and checked in seventh in the Golden Nugget and Gold Rush Stakes field of eight. Coastline, the 6-5 favorite, raced in third from the start and held that position at the end after making a mild bid around the final turn. The winning time was 1:38 3/5 over a fast track. Son of a Preacher finished fourth and was followed by Fire Starter, A Step Ahead, Unstoppable Colby, Denali Rahy Ruler, D’Cajun Cat and Whyruawesome. Tanzanite Cat has now won two of his three career starts and has earned $123,000 for owners James and Ywachetta Driver. He returned $20.20, $8.40 and $5.60.

as a 2-year-old, Exit Stage Left earned $60,000 for his victorious 3-year-old debut and has banked $135,350 in his three races.

Santa Anita Race Park, Arcadia, CA Longshot Spellbound rallies from far back to win Grade 2 La Canada Sent from the gate, 6-5 favorite Broken Sword set a fast early pace, setting up the late run of 16-1 longshot Spellbound, who was dead last, 17 lengths off the lead in a field of seven past the half mile pole and rallied four-wide at the quarter to get up and win the Grade 2, $200,000 La Canada Stakes by a neck under Victor Espinoza, negotiating 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.14. Trained by Richard Mandella, Spellbound was taken in hand out of the gate and loped along comfortably while well behind fractions of 22.86, 45.47, 1:09.66 and 1:36.38. “I knew they were going fast on the front-end, but I just wanted to focus on my own filly,” said Espinoza. “I wanted her to be happy and I wanted to enjoy the ride… Turning for home, I knew we had a lot of ground to make up and the wire was getting closer and closer… She’s so big, I think she’s much better on the dirt rather than synthetic.” Beaten 12 ½ lengths by Broken Sword in the Grade 2 Bayakoa Stakes run on synthetic Cushion Track Dec. 7 at Hollywood Park, Spellbound was two for three on natural dirt coming into SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 45

Shakin It Up

the La Canada, a race restricted to fillies four years of age. A 4-year-old Kentucky-bred filly by Bernardini, Spellbound paid $35.00, $12.80 and $7.80. Owned by Ramona Bass, Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, Spellbound picked up $120,000 for the win, increasing her earnings to $208,750. She now has three wins from eight starts. As has become customary in Santa Anita’s graded stakes this winter, training titans Jerry Hollendorfer and Bob Baffert were both represented by a pair of runners, each with different styles. The outcome of the race was no doubt shaped in great part by the fact Broken Sword, breaking from post five with Rafael Bejarano, broke sharply inward leaving the gate, interfering with 6-5 second choice Fiftyshadesofhay, a dedicated front-runner trained by Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith. For his part, Smith, who was forced to check sharply out of the gate, downplayed the incident. “It cost me the race, but we probably caused our own trouble to be honest with you,” said Smith. “She (Fiftyshadesofhay) needs to stand a little better in there.” Next-to-last going into the Club House turn, Fiftyshadesofhay rallied determinedly to run fourth, beaten about a length, while Broken Sword, who was pressed by Baffert’s other runner, Ondine, with Martin Garcia up, tired badly to finish fifth, beaten 7 ½ lengths. Let Faith Arise paid $11.80 and $7. 46 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Daddy Nose Best

developed into a bigger, stronger colt. I think he can get a mile and an eighth and after that, it’s no man’s land.” By Midnight Lute and bred in Kentucky by Mike Pegram, Shakin It Up is owned by Pegram and former U.S. Congressional Representative Dennis Cardoza. He paid $8.20, $5 and $3.20. With the winner’s share of $120,000, JAN. 18, 2014 Shakin It Up now has earnings of Santa Anita Race Park, $487,600. Lightly raced, he’s now 7-4-1Arcadia, CA 1 overall. Baffert’s Shakin It Up completes Governor Charlie, a runaway winner Malibu/Strub double of the Sunland Derby and idle since well An impressive late running winner beaten in the Preakness Stakes May 18, of the opening day Malibu Stakes going sat second as expected to Heir of Storm, seven furlongs, the Bob Baffert-trained made the lead leaving the quarter pole Shakin It Up answered any lingering and was second-best, finishing 2 ¼ questions about his ability to go two lengths in front of 7-5 favorite Hear the turns with an emphatic 2 ¼ length win Ghost. in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Strub “Governor Charlie, I always thought Stakes at Santa Anita, getting 1 1/16 he was the better of the two last year,” miles in 1:41.86 under Mike Smith. said Baffert. “Governor Charlie ran Well beaten in his only previous pretty brave today off that long layoff.” two-turn attempt, the 1 1/8 miles Off at 6-1, Governor Charlie, also by Sunland Derby on March 24, Shakin It Midnight Lute, paid $7.60 and $4.40. Up was dispatched as the 3-1 second Ridden by Corey Nakatani, the Jerry choice in the eight-horse Strub, a race Hollendorfer-trained Hear the Ghost restricted to horses four years of age. A came off a close second in the Grade 3 comfortable third, 2 ¼ lengths behind Native Diver Stakes Dec. 14 and the son speedy Heir of Storm around the Club of Ghostzapper was making his third House turn, Shakin It Up overtook start Saturday following a long layoff. stablemate Governor Charlie three Mid pack early, Hear the Ghost had sixteenths of a mile out and won going four lengths to make up turning for away. home but couldn’t menace the top two “I was really impressed,” said Smith, while wide-out through the lane. who rode Shakin It Up for the first time Hear the Ghost paid $2.60 to show. on Saturday. “My main concern was Fractions on the race were 23.98, the distance today… He certainly has 47.06, 1:10.73 and 1:35.50. Ondine, who drew even with Broken Sword at the five sixteenths pole, ran a remarkable race, overtaking the tiring favorite at the quarter pole and proving game to the wire, finishing third, beaten a pair of necks. She paid $4.60 to show.

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED

Fordubai

Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans, LA Daddy Nose Best outranks rivals in Col. E. R. Bradley Handicap; Fordubai upsets FG’s $100,000 Louisiana Handicap

Unbridled Forever

Fordubai upsets FG’s $100,000 Louisiana Handicap Jim Tafel’s Fordubai – overlooked in the wagering – prompted the pace, saved ground throughout, took command in upper stretch and drew clear late for a one-length score in the 68th Cathy and Bob Zollars’ favored running of Fair Grounds’ $100,000 LouiDaddy Nose Best, unhurried early and siana Handicap while drifting out late without racing room, launched a bold when well clear of rivals. bid once clear when set down for the Fordubai was ridden by Robby Aldrive and was up to best Diamond barado and trained by Greg Geier. Racing et al.’s Adios Nardo the Grade 3 “I got inside and we took advantage Col. E. R. Bradley Handicap at about 1 of it,” said Albarado. “I was able to save 1/16-miles over a yielding Stall-Wilson ground on both turns and when we turf course at Fair Grounds Race Course turned for home he ran hard.” & Slots. The winner who returned mutuels Trained by Steve Asmussen and of $16.80, $9.60 and $3.60, had to surridden by Rosie Napravnik, Daddy Nose vive a claim of foul by the rider of Zayat Best paid $5.80, $3.40 and $2.80, toured Stables’ odds-on favorite Prayer for Rethe distance in 1:46.54 and increased lief for interference at the quarter pole his career earnings to $942,303 with his before the 1 1/16-mile race for older ninth win in 24 career starts. horses was declared official. He toured “I was very, very blocked at the top the distance in 1:43.37 and increased of the stretch,” said Napravnik, “had a lot his career earnings to $327,452 with his to do in the lane but he finished really fifth victory in 11 lifetime starts. nicely for me.” Maggi Moss’s Grand Contender Adios Nardo, who prompted the made the early pace with splits of 23.84 pace under Mark Guidry, gained the and 47.49 but could not withstand the advantage in mid-stretch, could not winner late, saving the place by a neck withstand the winner late but held the paying $5.80 and $2.60, while Prayer place by a half paying $6.80 and $3.80. for Relief, who lacked the needed Moyglare Stud’s Speaking of Which response held down the third spot to rallied late to gain the show position return $2.10 as the public’s 3-5 wagerand returned $3.20. ing choice. Charles Craig Smith’s String King Unbridled Forever wins FG’s made the pace along the inside with splits of 24.41 and 51.02, but had no Silverbulletday rally when challenged. Charles Fipke’s’s Unbridled Forever,

always well placed, commenced a strong rally in the final furlong and was up to be clearly best by a 1 ½-lengths in the $125,000 Silverbulletday Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The Silverbulletday is the first leg of Fair Grounds three-race series for sophomore fillies that concludes with the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks on Louisiana Derby Day March 29. The Silverbulletday winner, out of 2006 Kentucky Oaks winner Lemons Forever, is trained by Dallas Stewart, who also trained Lemons Forever. Unbridled Forever, who was ridden by Robby Albarado, returned mutuels of $4, $2.40 and $2.10, and toured the mile and 70 yard distance in 1:43.03. She increased her career earnings to $100,830 with her second win in three career starts. “She’s a phenomenal filly,” said Albarado. “She’s got a lot of buttons to her. Dallas has been very high on her from the start. I don’t feel like we know the depth of her yet.” Brereton C. Jones’s Divine Beauty made most of the early pace with fractions of 23.75 and 47.87, could not withstand the winner late but was clearly second best, paying $2.20 and $2.10 while finishing 2 ¼-lengths in front of L.T. B. et al.’s Express Model who returned $3. “We had a great trip,” said Rosie Napravnik, rider of Divine Beauty. “I thought we’d go to the lead. She showed a lot of heart and that was a SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 47

Eden Prairie

great try for the first time around two turns.” Army and Istanford completed the order of finish.

Eden Prairie rules Marie Krantz Memorial Handicap Lothenbach Stables’ Eden Prairie, who won the $75,000 Pago Hop earlier in the season at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, made it two in a row in Saturday’s $75,000 Marie Krantz Memorial Handicap for older fillies and mares over a yielding Stall-Wilson turf course at the Crescent City oval. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik and trained by Neil Pessin, Eden Prairie prompted the pace most of the way, gained the advantage at the furlong marker and drew clear for a length tally at the wire. “I wasn’t worried necessarily about the class hike as much as the distance if she relaxed the way she did,” said Pessin. “I told Rosie beforehand she did not have to have the lead. She let her settle back in third. When she relaxes she can compete with almost anybody.” Napravnik said much the same thing. “We could have laid off or gone to the lead,” said Fair Grounds’ three-time defending jockey champion. “She really finished strong and showed her class.” Eden Prairie paid $8, $5 and $3.80, toured the about 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:46.70 and increased her career earnings to $237,389 with her fifth victory in 12 lifetime starts. 48 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Aces N Jacks

M & M Thoroughbred Partners’ 63-1 longshot Masquerade, who made the pace with splits of 24.25, and 49.73, easily held the place, paying $37.60 and $15 while finishing two lengths to the good of Calumet Farm’s Irish-bred Starstruck who returned $2.60. Twirl, Always Kitten, Channel Lady, Blushandbashful, Street of Gold, Starry Eyed Kate, Bluegrass Sapphire, Grandma’s Rules, and Queenie Vic completed the order of finish.

Sam Houston Race Park, Houston TX Four Texas Champions weekend stakes contested at Sam Houston Race Park The $50,000 Groovy Stakes has been a great springboard for young colts and geldings and was the first of the four stakes contested Saturday evening. Aces N Jacks, a half-brother to Cowgirl N Up, was a game winner for owner and trainer Caroline Dodwell. The son of Jet Phone broke his maiden on November 16 at Retama Park, but ran ninth in his second start. A minor lung infection was to blame Texas Air

and the dark bay returned in top form this evening. “He kind of faltered in his last start, but we knew not to give up on him,” said Dodwell. “My stepson Scooter has done a great job with him.” Larry Taylor was aboard for the victory, sending the dark bay to the lead and was never pressured. He crossed the wire of the six furlong event in 1.11.39, over four lengths ahead of stakes winner Circustown Flyer and Me Commanche. Overlooked by the betting public, Aces N Jacks returned $19.40 for the win.

Texas Air cruises in the $50,000 Star of Texas Trainer Danny Pish was hoping for another big effort from Special U F O in the one-mile $50,000 Star of Texas. The

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Triumph and Song

4-year-old son of Special Rate was seeking his fifth consecutive win for owners Southwestern Racing LLC, but the win streak was snapped tonight with a dominant performance by Texas Air. Allen Milligan conditions the 6-year-old gelding for owner/breeder Paul Rigali, Jr. He won impressively in an allowance last month at Retama Park under rider Dakota Wood, who set his sights on Special U F O in the early stages of the one mile feature. “Every time I asked this horse to accelerate, he did,” said Wood. “I really appreciated the connections giving me this opportunity. It means a lot.” “We bred this horse here in Texas and are very proud of him,” said Regali. “Allen has done a wonderful job.” Texas Air ($3.80) crossed the wire in 1:39.46, increasing his lead to 2 ¾ lengths over Safe Range, the second Pish trainee. Wampas Kitty ran third for trainer Clifford Dodson.

Triumph and Song takes the $50,000 Spirit of Texas Rider Junior Chacaltana had a much better result in the $50,000 Spirit of Texas Stakes guiding Triumph and Song ($3) to a decisive victory in gate-to-wire fashion. The 5-year-old was claimed by trainer Karl Broberg for $40,000 at Churchill Downs. He won for new owners H & H Ranch on December 13 at Fair Grounds and showed even more potential this evening.

Quiet Acceleration

“He did it easily,” said his rider, of his final time of 1:10.06. “Karl told me we would win and that is all I needed to know,” said owner Carolyn Hanak of Beaumont, Texas. “We love running at Sam Houston Race Park.” Solar Charge, who won the 2012 edition of the Spirit of Texas Stakes, ran second for the second year in a row. Wagson, with Lindey Wade aboard, picked up the third place check.

Quiet Acceleration takes top honors in $50,000 Richard King Stakes A field of nine took to the Connally Turf Course in the $50,000 Richard King Stakes, for 4-year-olds and upward at a mile and one-eighth. Danny Pish’s, homedbred Quiet Acceleration, ridden by Roman Chapa, closed out the Texas Champion Weekend stakes with a decisive win. He had prepped for the Richard King with a victory over the Retama Park turf course last month, and ran exceptionally well this evening. “I had a lot of horse under me, that’s for sure,” said Chapa. “The pace was slow and he just dragged me to the front. When the hole opened mid-turn, he gave me all he had. Inside the sixteenth pole, I knew we were home free.” Pish was in New Orleans tending to Got Shades who ran in the Grade 3, $200,000 LeComte Stakes, so his son, Joe Dan, accepted the trophy and was pleased to say a few words. This was the eighth win from 26

starts for the 5-year-old son of Silent Picture, who ran fifth in last year’s Richard King. Quiet Acceleration ($12) covered the mile and one-eighth on a firm turf course in a final time of 1:52.69. Valid Message closed gamely under jockey Glen Murphy followed by Wild Slew.

Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AR Heavy favorite Don’t Tell Sophia wins second Pippin

Don’t Tell Sophia didn’t let her fans that made her the prohibitive 2-to-5 favorite down when she drew off to win her second straight $100,000 Pippin Stakes before an on-track crowd of 12,248. Ridden by Channing Hill, Don’t Tell Sophia settled into last place after an awkward start as Fully Living led the six-horse field through an opening halfmile in 46 1/5 and six furlongs in 1:11 1/5. The winner, racing four wide, began to make her move around the turn, gained the lead at the top of the stretch and drew off to win by 1 ½ lengths over the early leader. Sister Ginger, last year’s Martha Washington Stakes winner, came on late for third. Don’t Tell Sophia finished the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:44 1/5 over a fast track. Sticks Wondergirl, Custody and millionaire Dixie Strike completed the order of finish. “She’s all class,” said Hill. “That wasn’t much more than a workout for her. I handicapped the race, looked at all their numbers and it was a pretty SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 49

Don’t Tell Sophia

even bunch. She won very easily. It was going to take a good horse to beat her today.” Trainer Phil Sims, who co-owns the 6-year-old Congaree mare with Jerry Namy, said after the race that Don’t Tell Sophia will now be pointed toward a defense of her Bayakoa Stakes title Feb. 16 with her ultimate goal being the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap April 11. “All the fillies in my barn, not just Sophia, love this track, love the weather and love the fans,” said Sims. “We’re so proud of her and we can’t wait to move forward with her.” Don’t Tell Sophia returned $2.80, $2.60 and $2.10 as winner while improving her career record to 18-8-4-2. She now has earned $532,882.

Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans, LA Louisiana-bred Vicar’s In Trouble wins Grade 3 Lecomte

Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s Louisianabred Vicar’s in Trouble, a well-regarded second choice in the wagering in Saturday’s Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes on Road to the Derby Day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, became the first Louisiana-bred horse since One Tough Cat in 1987 to win the first leg of a three-race series that will conclude with the $1 million Louisiana Derby on March 29 at the Crescent City oval. Ridden by Fair Grounds’ three-time defending jockey champion Rosie Napravnik for conditioner Mike Maker,

50 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Vicar’s In Trouble

Vicar’s In Trouble prompted the early pace, gained the advantage entering the lane and drew off steadily for a 6 ¾ -length tally. “He’s got natural speed,” said Napravnik. “Options (were) open. He could have gotten the lead (or) could have sat off (the pace.) The horse has been improving. I think he’s a little immature but I think he can move up a lot from this race.” The winner, who broke his maiden at last asking by 13 lengths here, ironically on Dec. 14’s Louisiana Champions Day, accomplished the mile and 70 yard distance in 1:42.57 and returned mutuels of $5.40, $4 and $2.80. He increased his career earnings to $148,900 with the second win of his three-race career. Maker’s assistant trainer Joe Sharp, Napravnik’s husband, offered his own assessment about his horse’s first effort at two turns. “It’s something you have to try at this point in the year with a 3-year-old,” Sharp said. “He’s never given us any reason he wouldn’t go the distance. He’s naturally quick but he is very pliable and has a good brain. It seems like you can handle whatever you ask of him.” Brereton C. Jones’s Albano, trained by Larry Jones and ridden by Kerwin Clark, was well placed early, could not stay with the winner in the lane but held the place, paying $8 and $3.80. “Good trip,” said Clark. “We got the pace we wanted and went after the leader at the three-eighths pole, but we just got tired. I think the horse might

have been a little confused around two turns. He wanted to go and we just kept doing a stop-and-go thing. He’s got a lot of upside.” The wagering favorite disappointed in the Lecomte as Winchell Thoroughbreds’ odds-on Gold Hawk finished third returning $2.20 while a half-length behind Albano. However, he was fractious when being loaded in the gate. Gold Hawk’s jockey Shaun Bridgmohan remained positive. “He had a smooth trip,” said Bridgmohan. “The horse has a lot of upside and is only going to get better.” Roman Unbridled, Got Shades, Plug Catcher, Silent Ruler, Rainbow Trip, and Smarty’s Echo completed the order of finish.

Sunland Park, NM Reaper takes third career stakes win in $85,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes Under a cool ride from jockey Irwin Rosendo, Reaper gained his third career stakes win with a courageous come from behind win in the $85,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Reaper returned to his favorite distance of six furlongs in the New Mexico-bred stakes race for three yearolds. The gelded son of Attila’s Storm was unbeaten in one-turn sprint races last year having scored lucrative wins in the Mountain Top Futurity at Ruidoso Downs and the New Mexico Classic Cup Juvenile at Zia Park. In the Pepsi Cola, Reaper raced off

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED

Reaper

a torrid pace set by Infinite Bull who roared through early fractions of 20.99 and 43.98 seconds for the first two calls. Rosendo found an opening for Reaper passing the quarter mile marker, and the well decorated stakes winner dove towards the rail on the inside of Infinite Bull. Reaper continued to find his best strides through the stretch and held safe at the wire to win a driving finish by a half-length. The winning 2-1 favorite paid $6.20 to win and clocked the distance in a fast 1:10.10. Former Kentucky rider Rosendo completed a great day winning three races. Reaper returned to winner’s circle following two third place finishes going one mile in both the Eddy County and the Red Hedeman Mile Sunday’s win was sweet vindication for the leading New Mexico-bred three-year-old Thoroughbred. He has won 4 of 6 races overall for owner R.D. Hubbard of Pal Desert, California. The Pepsi Cola win was worth an impressive $51,000. Reaper has earned over a quarter million dollars in his brilliant career. Reaper is out of the fine stakes placed mare Hang Glide. Zia Park maiden winner Infinite Bull ran the race of his young life under jockey Duane Sterling. The 10-1 upstarts set a ferocious pace and still held on gamely in deep stretch to finish second. The runner-up earned $18,700 for the Tucumcari Thoroughbreds. The runnerup finished one and one-half lengths in front of 5-2 second choice D E Lover. The latter ridden by Larry Gamez got away slowly and gradually moved into

Lasting Bubbles

a contending third place position. He failed to muster a rally in deep stretch and remained in third place. Dandy Don Who finished well back in fourth and completed at $1 superfecta worth $555.40.

JAN. 17, 2014 Sam Houston Race Park, Houston TX Lasting Bubbles, Scooter’s Choice and Smiles Golden Song shine on opening night at Sam Houston Race Park Three Texas Champions Stakes highlight the first card of the 2014 Thoroughbred racing season Live racing returned to Sam Houston Race Park and three Texas Champions stakes highlighted the 10-race card. Texas-bred fillies and mares took center stage in the $50,000 Bara Lass for 3-year-old fillies; the $50,000 Yellow Rose for older fillies and mares and the 50,000 San Jacinto Stakes on the Connally Turf Course.

Lasting Bubbles goes gate-to-wire in the $50,000 Yellow Rose Stakes The first stakes of the evening was the $50,000 Yellow Rose Stakes with defending champion Cowgirl N Up taking on seven rivals at the distance of six furlongs. Judy Peek’s Lasting Bubbles was sent to the lead under rider Fabio Arguello, Jr. and held off the late closers to capture her second stakes of the

year. Trained by Ken Peek, the 6-yearold mare held off a game effort from My Golden Belle with Jeremy Collier in the irons. “She had done well on turf, but we were looking to get her back on the main track, said winning trainer Peek. ”I was holding my breath that she would hold on and couldn’t be more pleased to have Fabio ride.” Lasting Bubbles covered six furlongs in 1.12.46 and returned $4 for the win. Long shot My Golden Belle trained by Andy Konkoly, ran a game second to complete the $100 exacta, and Nurse Goodnight ran third.

Scooter’s Choice returns in fine form for the $50,000 Bara Lass Stakes The $50,000 Bara Lass featured a full field 3-year-old fillies at a distance of six furlongs. Trainer Bret Calhoun has had success bringing back horses off a layoff, and did it again with Scooter’s Choice. The daughter of Too Much Bling, owned by Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch, made her debut last May at Churchill Downs and was shipped to Lone Star Park, where she ran third in the TTA Sales Futurity on July 6. Lindey Wade, who won the riding title here in 2011, had the return call, and was very impressed with her frontrunning score. “I’m so thankful to be back in Houston,” said Wade. “The filly ran a tremendous race. She got a little hot in the post parade, but I got her to calm SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 51

Scooter’s Choice

down. We got a good second quarter and were able to finish well.” Jay Severs, assistant to Calhoun, saddled Scooter’s Choice, and was also impressed that she was able to win her first stakes in commanding fashion. “Nice filly coming off the layoff; big effort from her, no doubt,” said Jay Severs, assistant to Calhoun. “These are great owners; we’ve had several super horses with them.” Sanders and Hirsch owned several notable Texas Champions, including Taptam, winner of the 2011 Star of Texas Stakes and Chief of Affairs, who won the 2009 Spirit of Texas Stakes. Scooter’s Choice crossed the wire in 1.11.93 and returned $18.80 as the third betting choice. Post time favorite Bakken Baby ran second under Junior Chacaltana and Discreet Girl overcame a troubled start to close for second with Deshawn Parker in the irons.

Apprentice David Cabrera victorious in the $50,000 San Jacinto Stakes A competitive field of fillies and mares took to the Connally Turf Course for the mile and one-sixteenth San Jacinto Stakes. Smiles Golden Song, owned by Sylvia Baird, won the Fiesta Mile on the Retama Park turf course, and validated her affinity for the lawn in a driving finish for her second stakes victory. It was the first win at Sam Houston Race Park for apprentice David Cabrera “This was my first win ever at Sam Houston,” said Cabrera. “She’s a pretty 52 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Smiles Golden Song

nice filly. She loves the turf.” Trainer Larry Stroope saddled the 5-year-old daughter of My Golden Song, who has now won six of her 10 turf career races. Defending champion, Vilao, owned by Rugged Cross Racing, closed with authority under jockey Ramon Luna, defeated Smiles Golden Song last year, but could not catch her tonight. “I was very pleased with the way she ran tonight,” said Luna. “She ran big after being off for almost a year.” Smiles Golden Song ($4.00) covered the mile and one-sixteenth feature in 1:44.66 over the firm turf course. Vilao closed for second and Green Briar Kitty, at odds of 52-1, was a game third. Texas Champions Weekend continues on Saturday evening with four stakes. The card will include the $50,000 Groovy Stakes, $50,000 Richard King Stakes, $50,000 Spirit of Texas and the $50,000 Star of Texas Stakes.

a field of six older fillies and mares at 9-1, 5-year-old Golden Production was attentive to the pace and overtook pacesetter Rock and Glory leaving the quarter pole, and then fought off a stretch-long challenge to her outside from 2-1 second choice Stanwyk, with Victor Espinoza up. “We planned to play the break,” said Pedroza, who also won Saturday’s Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes aboard Blueskiesnrainbows. “We wanted to see if the mare drawn to our outside (Rock and Glory, with Martin Garcia) wanted the lead. We thought she was the speed horse, but since my mare was coming from sprints she might show more speed. “When I saw Gary (Stevens, aboard 2-1 favorite, Argentine-bred Miss Serendipity) go to the lead I wasn’t concerned since it was her first time in this country…When my mare took the lead she was kind of waiting on horses. When she felt the horse Victor was on (Stanwyk) on her outside, she got a little JAN. 12, 2014 more game.” Trained by Peter Miller and owned Santa Anita Race Park, by Myron Miller, Golden Production Arcadia, CA paid $20.80, $7.60 and $4.00. A PennsylLongshot Golden Production vania-bred by Exchange Rate, Golden takes $75,000 Paseana Stakes Production picked up $46,800 for the under Pedroza win, boosting her earnings to $208,140. The Paseana was her fifth win overall Claimed three starts back for from 11 starts. $40,000, Golden Production stretched “I claimed her (Oct. 17, at Santa out to take Sunday’s $75,000, 1 1/16 miles Paseana Stakes at Santa Anita by a Anita) and I was hoping I made a solid head under Martin Pedroza in 1:44.34 – claim,” said Miller. “It’s turned out really her fourth win in-a-row. well so far. I told Martin to play the Off as the second-longest price in break. I was kind of surprised to see

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED

Golden Production

Blueskiesnrainbows

1/16 miles in 1:43.17. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, 5-year-old Blueskiesnrainbows came off a similar gate to wire win going 1 1/8 miles in the Grade 3 Native Diver Handicap and has now won three stakes from his last five starts, all in partnership with Pedroza. “Everybody seems to think that he has to have the lead, but he doesn’t necessarily,” said Pedroza. “He’s not really quick from the gate, so you have to send him to get position. Once you get him going though, he’s OK. “The reason we send him is because of that… It worked out well and I got the lead all to myself today. He galloped out strong, I had to fight him to pull him up.” The 2-1 favorite in a field of seven, Blueskiesnrainbows paid $6.20, $4.20 and $2.80. “This horse is doing real good right now,” said Hollendorfer, who allowed that the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap on March 8 is a race “we should be thinking about,” was happy JAN. 11, 2014 with the early San Pasqual pace. Owned by Kelly Mitchell’s Bad Boy Santa Anita Race Park, Racing and Stanley Whisenant’s WhizArcadia, CA way Farms, Blueskiesnrainbows picked Pedroza guides up $120,000 for the win, increasing his Blueskiesnrainbows to frontbankroll to $669,552. His overall record running win in Grade 2 San now stands at 23-7-3-3. Pasqual Stakes Majestic Harbor, off at 17-1, sat a Favored Blueskiesnrainbows was good trip midpack with Tyler Baze to sent from the gate and dictated the the far turn, tried to collar the winner leaving the quarter pole but could pace throughout to take the Grade 2, never get on terms while proving $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths under Martin Pedroza, getting 1 second-best, 2 ¼ lengths clear of Drill Stevens on the lead, but then Rock and Glory came up and gained the lead. I didn’t know what to expect, but my mare is really game and she tries hard. A half sister to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, Stanwyk came off a Grade 3 stakes win at Belmont Park Oct. 26 and loomed a bold threat turning for home. Named by owner/breeders Jerry and Ann Moss for the late Academy Award winning actress Barbara Stanwyk, she paid $3.80 and $2.40. Hard knocking Halo Dolly, who was in search of her 18th career win for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, kept to her task at 7-2 with Rafael Bejarano, finishing third, 1 ¾ lengths behind Stanwyk and paid $2.60 to show. It was another half length back to favored Miss Serendipity, who was making her U.S. debut. Trained by Ron McAnally, she made the lead at the five furlong pole and relinquished it readily leaving the quarter.

and Mike Smith. “In my opinion, he was the best horse in the race,” said Baze of his mount. “I got a little excited with him and thought I was going to win and dropped my stick – he runs from it. I did the best I could with the trip I had.” Majestic Harbor, the next-to longest price in the field, paid $15.20 and $5.20. Drill, the fourth choice at 4-1, finished a nose in front of Majestic City and paid $3.20 to show. Hollendorfer also saddled Rousing Sermon, who was never a factor and finished fifth with Rafael Bejarano as the second choice at 2-1. Blueskiesnrainbows set fractions of 23.88, 47.91, 1:12.20 and 1:36.75.

Baffert’s Midnight Hawk impressive in Grade 3 Sham Stakes In a performance befitting the race’s namesake, the Bob Baffert-trained Midnight Hawk stretched out to two turns in style, winning Saturday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Sham Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths under Mike Smith, thus stamping himself as a leading contender for the Grade 1, $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 5. With two scratches out of the Sham, the field was reduced to four and 2-1 second choice Kristo, with Rafael Bejarano up, was sent to the lead going into the Club House, but was engaged immediately by Midnight Hawk, a 3-yearold Kentucky-bred colt by Midnight Lute who was making only his second career start. SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 53

Midnight Hawk

“It kind of turned into a match race today,” said Smith. “Today, more so than winning, I wanted to find out if he could go long… He proved he could. He’s still a bit green down the lane. When the crowd screams… he thinks they’re yelling at him and he gets scared. With no show wagering, Midnight Hawk, the prohibitive 2-5 favorite, paid $2.80 and $2.10. Bred by Mike Pegram and owned by reigning Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice (who just inked a deal with the Atlanta Falcons as their offensive line coach for the 2014 season), John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Mike Kitchen and Pegram, Midnight Hawk picked up $60,000 for the win and most importantly, 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. “He was waiting a bit on horses but he came back, he didn’t look like he was very tired,” said Baffert. “He wasn’t blowing very hard, so that’s a good sign. It’s a good step. But that’s the way Midnight Lute was. Midnight Hawk was ‘showing up’ in the mornings, but you don’t know until you do it (in the afternoon)…So far, so good, but we’ll just take baby steps as we go and just have fun with him.” Trained by John Sadler, Kristo appeared well beaten at the rail turning for home but battled back gamely when shifted to the outside by Bejarno. He paid $2.20 to place. Bejarano tipped his cap to the win54 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

High Test Gal

ner. “The winner was much too fast. He lost ground on both turns and still beat me.” Kristo finished 3 ¼ lengths in front of 10-1 shot Ontology, ridden by Mario Gutierrez, and it was another 9 ½ lengths back to 13-1 shot I’ll Wrap It Up and Tyler Baze. Fractions on the race were 23.31, 46.33, 1:10.50 and 1:23.06.

Sunland Park, NM High Test Gal romps in $85,000 La Senora Stakes High Test Gal won her second straight stakes of the meet with a devastating 4 and 1/2 length win in the $85,000 La Senora Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday. The $85,000 Enchantress Stakes winner from last month retained her keen sharpness in the six furlong distaff feature for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies. Coming off a big win in the Enchantress going one mile at 15-1 odds, High Test Gal raced in Saturday’s sprint as the 2-1 second choice and delivered another sparkling performance. With jockey Francisco Giles aboard, High Test Gal raced off a torrid pace set by That’s The Idea. Giles kept the High Octane filly about 4 lengths off the crackling tempo of 21.51 and 44.57 seconds before asking her for top run. Coming into the stretch run, High Test Gal was in full flight and inhaled That’s The Idea. The emerging star drew away at will for a highly convincing win in a time of 1:10.41. High Test Gal paid a

$6.60 to win. High Test Gal earned a $51,000 pay day for owner Denton Crozier of Hobbs, New Mexico. Poppy Aldavaz trains the winner of over $142,000 from 4 career wins. Rollsetroll found some energetic strides in deep stretch to earn second placed under jockey Alfredo Juarez, Jr. The fast finishing daughter of Roll Hennessy Roll picked up $18,700 for owner Linda Hunter. Todd Fincher’s charge showed determination after launching a 4-wide bid on the turn. Double stakes winner That’s Idea competed as the even money favorite for trainer Henry Dominguez. She looked good from the outset pouncing on the lead down the backstretch under jockey Enrique Gomez, but the Diabolical filly had nothing left for the stretch drive. The betting choice finished a distant third.

Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans, LA Heitai rises again In Costa Rising at Fair Grounds Rowell Enterprises’ Heitai, cleverly ridden by Diego Saenz once again, teamed up to use the same tactics they did four weeks ago in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint to capture the $60,000 Costa Rising Stakes for Louisiana-breds by 2 ¾-lengths at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Taking command just after the start, Heitai cut out early fractions of 22.16 and 44.89 before drawing off steadily in

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED

Heitai

the lane to get the 5 ½ furlong distance in the race taken off the grass in 1:03.46. The Karl Broberg-trained son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus returned mutuels of $6.60 $3.80 and $3.40 and increased his career earnings to $274,943 with his fifth victory in 15 lifetime starts. “This is a nice horse,” said Saenz immediately after the race. “He made the lead pretty easy. The No. 4 horse (Midwest Thoroughbreds’ favored Southern Dude) had a little speed too, but my horse – he did it all on his own.” Glen Warren & Andrew Leggio Jr.’s Skip the Pinot, never far back, rallied late to easily gain the place, paying $4.40 and $3 while finishing 1 ¾ lengths in front of Merrill Scherer and Dan Lynch’s Nubin Ridge who returned $5.20 to show. Completing the order of finish was Southern Dude, Heavy On Themister, Unitas and Palmy Bay.

JAN. 10, 2014 Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AR Street Story wins opening day Dixie Belle Whispering Oaks Farm’s Street Story got the 2014 live meet off to a fast start for 2013 leading jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. and leading trainer Steve Asmussen by winning the $100,000 Dixie Belle Stakes before a rain-drenched crowd of 15,031. The Street Cry (Ire) filly survived an objection in the race to earn her first

Street Story

stakes victory. Street Story raced in the second flight of the nine-horse field while Zip On led through an opening half-mile in :46 2/5. The winner began to make her move entering the turn, gained control at the top of the stretch and drew off to win by one length over Questlie. Racing Holiday finished third. The winning time was 1:14 1/5 for six furlongs over a sloppy track. More Than Beauty, the 2-1 favorite finished eighth. “There was a lot of speed in the race; I thought Ricardo did a really good job with her today,” Asmussen said. “We were really fortunate with the draw. He took advantage of where she was at and she ran really well.” Street Story, bred in Kentucky by John Oxley, improved her record to 4-21-0 and has now earned $98,350. She returned $7.20, $4.60 and $3.20 at odds of 5-2. In addition to Street Story, the other star of the day was jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr., who was a perfect four-for-four in his first day of riding at Oaklawn. Three of his winners came for trainer Cody Autrey and owner Steve Landers.

JAN. 5, 2014 Santa Anita Race Park, Arcadia, CA Pontchatrain overcomes rough start to win Grade2 Monrovia Favored Pontchatrain overcame a rough start to win the Grade 2,

$200,000 Monrovia Stakes for older fillies and mares by three quarters of a length, overhauling pacesetter Kindle and Rafael Bejarano inside the sixteenth pole while covering 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.14. Idle since winning the Grade 3 Senator Ken Maddy down the hill Nov. 2, Pontchatrain, conditioned by Tom Proctor, notched her third consecutive hillside stakes win under Stevens. “Tyler’s filly (Baze, on Camryn Kate) must have jumped in a little bit because my filly’s right rear went down for two strides,” said Stevens. “She got right back up underneath me but I thought she might have grabbed a quarter, it was pretty severe. “But then, boom, she just took off. I even asked Amy (Dollase, assistant to Proctor) when we came back to check her right hind and she said that the shoe had ‘sprung.’ It almost would have been better if it came off completely. It’s not often that happens…She’s got a great turn of foot and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tom stretch her out at some point.” The even money favorite in the seven-horse Monrovia, Pontchatrain, despite the troubled beginning, was into contention early and was second, one length Kindle, when they crossed the dirt at the top of the lane. Owned by Leonard Lavin’s Glen Hill Farm, Pontchatrain, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred filly by War Front, paid $4.20, $2.40 and $2.10. SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 55

Pontchatrain

A winner of the Unzip Me Stakes down the hill on Sept. 28, Pontchatrain now has five wins from seven starts and with the $120,000 from today’s Monrovia, she has earnings of $324,882. Second in last year’s Monrovia, the ultra-quick Kindle had been idle since running third in the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes Jan. 26. The second choice at 2-1, Kindle broke from the rail and finished 1 ¼ lengths clear of Proctor’s other runner, Purim’s Dancer. Kindle paid $3.20 and $2.60. Purim’s Dancer, ridden by Joe Talamo, sat third early and stayed on the rail to the wire, finishing third, three quarters of a length in front of European import Ultrasonic, with Mike Smith up. Off at 11-1, Purim’s Dancer paid $3.60 to show.

Sunland Park, NM Smack Ridge goes wire-to-wire in $50,000 Winsham Lad Handicap In a daring wire-to-wire performance, Smack Ridge used his impressive cruising speed to win the 38th running of the $50,000 Winsham Lad Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. With a brilliant ride from Dusty Shepherd, Smack Ridge controlled the pace throughout the one mile and 70 yard feature and soundly beat the best handicap horses in the southwest including Ol Winedrinker Who. Smack Ridge broke fast from the No. 1 post position in the route feature and com-

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Smack Ridge

pletely controlled the pace, setting fractions of 23.91 and 47.34 seconds for the first two calls. When asked for his best by Shepherd at the quarter mile pole, Smack Ridge delivered in kind. The sixyear-old bay gelding by Cactus Ridge out of the Victory Gallop mare Smack Madam maintained his sharp tempo and would not be denied. The 7-1 front runner winner held off Dry Summer by three parts of a length. He clocked the distance in a fast 1:39.80 for winning trainer Simon Buechler. Smack Ridge won for the 9th time in his productive career and earned $30,000 for the Judge Lanier Racing Team led by Mr. Tom McKenna of Taiban, New Mexico. His career bankroll now exceeds $200,000. Loyal supporters of Smack Ridge received $16.60 to win despite coming off a resounding allowance win on Dec. 17. Mine That Bird Derby winner Dry Summer ran a strong race in his Sunland Park return but had to accept second place honors. The son of Any Given Saturday was caught wide on both turns but still finished with a determined effort. The runner-up was ridden by Alfredo Juarez, Jr. Dry Summer campaigned at Del Mar, Santa Anita and Hollywood Park for the latter half of 2013. Jaycito finished third beaten almost 5 lengths. 6-5 favorite Ol Winedrinker Who failed to muster a sufficient charge after a slow start and finished in fourth place. The well decorated stakes router was coming off two smashing stakes

wins at Zia Park last fall.

JAN. 4, 2014 Santa Anita Race Park, Arcadia, CA Jeranimo sling-shots to victory in Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes With Track Announcer Trevor Denman bellowing “It’s Jeranimo, coming like a rocket on the outside, and Jeranimo – from last to first, a scintillating performance!...,” 8-year-old Jeranimo, with Rafael Bejarano aloft, overhauled pacesetting Slim Shadey and Corey Nakatani to win Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths, winning for a record third time while covering 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:46 flat. Run for the 67th time Saturday, the San Gabriel was taken for an unprecedented sixth time in-a-row by the remarkable Bejarano. “This horse loves to sit back and relax,” said Bejarano. “He doesn’t like to be too close to the lead because he gets too excited. He was flying at the end and showed me a big kick. Nakatani was only four or five lengths in front of me, so I knew I just had to wait and I would catch him. I knew I had a lot of horse and just waited for the stretch.” A San Gabriel winner in 2010 and 2013, Jeranimo, who is trained by Mike Pender, was second in the 2012 San Gabriel – when he was sent to the front early as the 3-5 favorite. Off as the 6-5 favorite in a field of

RACE RECAPS - THOROUGHBRED

Jeranimo

seven, Jeranimo paid $4.60, $2.80 and $2.60. Owned by B.J. Wright and Robert LaPenta, Jeranimo picked up $120,000 for the win, increasing his bankroll to $1,521,364. He now has 11 wins, six seconds and five thirds from 39 career starts. “We had backed off his training a little (since running seventh in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint Nov. 2), which I thought was best seeing as how he’s eight years old,” said Pender. “He didn’t drop as far out of it today as he had in some other races where he just didn’t fire so consequently, he had dead aim on the rest of the field throughout. “We are going on a race-to-race basis with this horse. If he starts feeling good, we’ll run him. As you can see last year we ran him with more time in-between races than the year before. This race will probably take a little bit out of him so we’ll re-group and see what the future holds.” English-bred Slim Shadey, ridden to perfection by Nakatani from the rail post position, was sent to the lead through splits of 23.23, 47.30, 1:11.20 and 1:34.34 and looked to have a commanding two-length advantage at the top of the stretch. Off as the 2-1 second choice, Slim Shadey paid $3.80 and $3.20. It was another 1 ½ lengths back to third place finisher Artic North and Joe Talamo, who finished a half length in front of longshot Utopian. Off at 9-1, Artic North paid $3.80 to show.

Roman Unbridled

Delta Downs, Vinton, LA Roman Unbridled unleashes massive effort to win The Big Drama at Delta Downs Michelle Y. Brown’s 3-year-old colt Roman Unbridled was ultra-impressive while winning the featured $75,000 Big Drama Stakes at Delta Downs. Under jockey Kevin Smith, the Chad Cook trainee took the lead right out of the gate in the seven-furlong test for 3-year-olds and just got better and better as the race went along. At the finish line he was 8-1/2 lengths in front of race favorite Dunkin Bend who finished second. Mypalcharliebrown was another 1-3/4 lengths back in third. Roman Unbridled covered the distance over a fast track in 1:25.67. The remainder of the field in finishing order included Angel Avenger, Grand Account, Strike for Gold and C C Midnight Rider. The victory by Roman Unbridled came after he suffered a troubled trip while finishing fourth behind Rise Up in the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot (Grade 3) on Nov. 23. Overall it was his second career win from seven starts. He earned $45,000 for the effort and that raised his bankroll up to $126,225. Roman Unbridled is a son of Roman Ruler, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Ambition Unbridled. He was bred in Kentucky by Cloverleaf Farms II, Inc. Sent to the gate as the third wagering choice of the public, Roman Unbridled paid $9.20 to win, $3.40 to place

and $2.20 to show. Dunkin Bend was worth $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Mypalcharliebrown paid $2.10 to show.

Fair Grounds Race Park, New Orleans, LA Seeking Ms Shelley wins FG’s Pan Zareta Stakes Dream Walkin’ Farms’ Seeking Ms Shelley, trained by Joe Duhon, moved boldly into contention entering the stretch and drew off late to win the $75,000 Pan Zareta Stakes by a length and a half under jockey Roman Chapa. The winning 8-year-old mare, who had failed in two previous Pan Zareta renewals, proved the third time the charm and might have borrowed from one her country singer owner Toby Keith’s famous songs by saying How Do You Like Me Now to her rivals late in the stretch run. Seeking Ms Shelley, named after one of the singer’s daughters, returned $23.40, $6.20 and $4.20 to her backers and increased her career earnings to $360,046 with her 13th career win in 22 lifetime stars. She accomplished the about 5 ½-furlongs over a soft StallWilson turf course in 1:04.32. “I was in a perfect spot,” said Chapa. “The trainer told me to lay off the pace and make one big run and that’s just what she did. She’s a great mare.” Trainer Duhon wanted to spread the credit around. “She can run on any surface,” Duhon said. “She’s just a race horse. She’s SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2 57

Seeking Ms Shelley

8-years-old but she tries her best every time. The rider rode her perfect, too. He really knows this horse.” Bertram and Richard Klein’s favored Good Deed, who cut out early fractions of 21.50 and 45.18, easily held down the runner-up position, paying $2.60 and $2.20 while finishing three-quarters of a length in front of Stoneway Farm LLC’s Swift Artist, who paid $4 to show. Leinan, Brown Eyes Blue, Storm’s Promise, Hurricane Girl, Mosaicist, Bounding Bi, and La Song completed the order of finish.

JAN. 1, 2014 Santa Anita Race Park, Arcadia, CA Sushi Empire rates, pounces, wins $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes With the aplomb of a seasoned veteran, Sushi Empire rated off the early pace and came flying three-wide into the stretch to break her maiden in Santa Anita’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 1 ¼ lengths, getting one mile on turf in 1:36.22 under Corey Nakatani. Breaking from post position five in a field of seven, Sushi Empire was outrun to the Club House turn by longshot One More Wild Ride, with Tyler Baze, and Rever de Vous, ridden by Rafael Bejarano – who out-footed “Sushi” early and sat second to the pace setter. “It was real tight going into that first turn,” said Nakatani. “Bejarano’s horse 58 SureBet RacingNews.com • February 2014 • Vol. 8 No. 2

Sushi Empire

crossed over and they weren’t clear yet, but my horse was wanting to go… I was able to get her back through. The way she did it, was just tremendous. Content to sit third down the backside behind fractions of 24.17, 48.31, 1:12.45, Nakatani called upon the Eoin Harty-trained daughter of Empire Maker leaving the quarter pole and she flew by both Bejarano and Baze turning for home, stopping the timer at 1:24.48 after seven furlongs. Off as the second choice at 3-1, Sushi Empire paid $8.40, $3.40 and $2.40. Owned by Wounded Warrior Stables, she picked up $47,100 for the win, more than doubling her earnings to $70,560. “I felt good about her chances but when Tom Proctor’s filly (morning line favorite Famous Alice) scratched, I felt real good,” said Harty. “There was false speed today and she always tries to do too much. I emphasized to Corey that I didn’t want him to send her away from the gate and to try and save some ground. I want to keep her on the grass.” Third, beaten 1 ½ lengths by Full Ransom in the Grade 3 Miesque Stakes Nov. 30, Sushi Em-

pire now has a win, a second and a third from five starts. Breaking from post four, Full Ransom, winner of the Nov. 30 Miesque, was ridden by Victor Espinoza and rallied to be second as the 6-5 favorite, paying $2.80 and $2.10. Rever de Vous got a perfect tracking trip and finished a half length behind Full Ransom at 7-2 and paid $3 to show. It was another half length back to One More Wild Ride, who finished fourth at 19-1.

Another Win for CalDensity! Reliance Ranches, LLC is a proud client of CalDensity. From short yearlings, to our seasoned race horses like 2013 G1 All American Derby winner FEATURE HERO, we trust that CalDensity helps to give their bones strength and durability for the long haul. CalDensity is easily administered and reduces the stresses of transporting and working our racehorses. Reliance Ranches, LLC recommends CalDensity to anyone looking to strengthen their racing program and produce sound athletes the natural way.

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DIABOLICAL

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