Thu, 09/05/2013 - 17:11

Churchill Downs: Locust Grove Handicap right in Flashy American's comfort zone

Barbara D. Livingston
Flashy American has been invited to the Grade 1 Personal Ensign, her trainer said.

Ten fillies and mares are entered in the Grade 3, $100,000 Locust Grove at 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs main track – conditions that play to the strength of favored Flashy American.

A late-developing filly who did not win a maiden race until her 11th start last July at Saratoga for a $25,000 claiming tag, Flashy American has since steadily moved up in class with success, becoming a multiple stakes winner and graded-placed.

The reason for her development? Trainer Ken McPeek found her niche.

“Going two turns on the dirt, she’s hickory,” McPeek said.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 17:02

Gulfstream Park new host for Florida Sire Stakes

The six races of the Florida Sire Stakes will be held at Gulfstream Park in 2014 after 32 years of being run at Gulfstream’s crosstown Miami rival, Calder Race Course, officials said on Thursday.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:58

Zia Park opening meet with new stakes, new bets

Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M., has created a $300,000 race for 3-year-old fillies, updated its wagering format, renovated its racing surface, and added two cards to its schedule in key changes made for the 56-date meet that opens on Saturday. The season will run through Dec. 3.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:58

Saratoga: Monday's Glens Falls Stakes to remain ungraded

The American Graded Stakes Committee has decided that Monday’s Glens Falls Stakes at Saratoga will remain ungraded, the committee said Thursday.

Originally a Grade 3 scheduled for 1 3/8 miles on Saratoga’s inner turf, the Glens Falls was one of six turf races moved to the main track on Saratoga’s closing day. Six of the original eight entrants in the Glens Falls were scratched, with five horses drawing in off the main-track-only list, including the favorite and winner, Lady Cohiba. It was run at 1 1/8 miles on a muddy track.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:56

Delaware: DQ gives longshot Jessethemarine win in Whirling Ash

Jessethemarine, the second longest shot on the board at 17-1, came up short by a head following a stretch-long duel but walked away a winner, thanks to the disqualification of Interchange in Thursday’s $50,250 Whirling Ash Stakes for 2-year-olds at Delaware Park.

Jessethemarine, with Jose Caraballo aboard, briefly took a narrow lead over pacesetter Interchange in deep stretch of the one-mile dirt race only to see Interchange, under Victor Carrasco, fight back to narrowly reach the wire first in 1:38.70.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:48

Arlington Park: Whyruawesome wants hot pace in Arlington-Washington Futurity

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – While Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith is in town to ride in the Arlington-Washington Lassie and the Arlington-Washington Futurity, little-known trainer Anne Smith might have the horse for the Grade 3, $150,000 Futurity on Saturday at Arlington.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:47

Del Mar notes: Gypsy Robin headed to Keeneland

Private Zone holds off Ain't No Other to win the Pirate's Bounty on Wednesday. He will point to the Breeders' Cup Sprint.

This content is part of a free preview of DRF Plus. Click to learn more.

DEL MAR, Calif. - Gypsy Robin, who won the California Equine Retirement Foundation Stakes for female sprinters Wednesday, will remain on Polytrack by running in the Grade 2, $200,000 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland on Oct. 5, according to trainer Mike Puype.

Gypsy Robin rebounded from a fourth-place finish in a classified allowance race July 18.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:40

Emerald Downs: Sun City, 9, eyes 22nd win in 101st start

AUBURN, Wash. – After an even 100 starts, Sun City still has something to offer. The 9-year-old mare, who is likely to be one of the favorites in Saturday’s seventh race at Emerald Downs, has won her past two starts, giving her 21 victories. She’ll shoot for No. 22 in a $2,500 claimer at six furlongs.

First post for the nine-race card is 2 p.m. Pacific.

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 16:37

Del Mar: Diamond Bachelor continuing on Breeders' Cup path

Benoit & Associates
Diamond Bachelor, winning the Oak Tree Juvenile Turf, goes next in the Zuma Beach at Santa Anita, which is a prep for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

This content is part of a free preview of DRF Plus. Click to learn more.

DEL MAR, Calif. – Diamond Bachelor made an eye-catching presence when he arrived in the Del Mar paddock for the Oak Tree Juvenile Turf on Wednesday, and minutes later he looked just as good winning the race so easily that he rocketed to the top of the charts of contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.