In an exhibition of pure sprinting prowess, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum's Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) brought all his power to bear on his rivals on Friday to register back-to-back successes in Goodwood's G2 King George Qatar S. Despite the contrasting ground conditions to the easy turf he encountered 12 months ago and the obvious questions posed by defeat in the June 19 G1 King's Stand S. at Royal Ascot, the bay attracted heavy support as the 8-11 favourite and was in front before he had raced two...
The 17th edition of the Claiming Crown, held Saturday at Gulfstream Park, generated total handle of $10,118,000--up 0.57% from 2014 despite rainy conditions which caused four races to be taken off the turf. Gulfstream was hosting the event for the fourth year. "We're extremely pleased with the success of Saturday's Claiming Crown," said P.J. Campo, General Manager of Gulfstream Park and Vice President of Racing for The Stronach Group. "We had big fields and tremendous participation from horsemen throughout North America. We're confident the numbers would have been even more...
Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a daughter of Midday (Oasis Dream). 3.40 Saint-Cloud, Debutantes, 3yo, f, 10fT REGAL CHIME (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}) is the ninth foal out of Juddmonte's outstanding racemare and high-class producer Midday (Oasis Dream), whose previous progeny include the dual Group 3 winner Midterm (Galileo) and...
Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features a newcomer to follow at Chantilly. 3.40 Chantilly, Debutantes, 3yo, c/g, 8f (AWT) MR LOPE CEN (IRE) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) starts out for Yeguada Centurion and the Henri Devin stable in this intriguing affair and as a half-brother to Justify's Prix de la Foret heroine...
Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a half-brother to the multiple Grade I-winning sire Up To The Mark. 16.55 Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 3yo/up, c/g, 8fT Aidan O'Brien entry SHAFTESBURY AVENUE (Maxfield) is a $1-million Keeneland September acquisition and half-brother to multiple Grade I-winning sire Up To The Mark (Not This Time). His...
Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features a Godolphin blueblood. 18.15 Southwell, £12,000, Nov, 3yo, 12f 14y (AWT) Godolphin homebred INTO THE LIGHT (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was thrown by a stakes-winning full-sister to G1 1000 Guineas fourth Fireglow (Teofilo {Ire}) and bids to extend Charlie Appleby's red-hot run. Coming back off a 10-furlong...
Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Tuesday's Observations features a horse to follow at Chantilly. 3.05 Chantilly, Debutantes, 3yo, f, 9 1/2f (AWT) MAINE (FR) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) is the 12th foal out of the Wertheimers' G2 Prix de Royallieu winner and outstanding broodmare Balladeuse (Singspiel), who is responsible for the Prix Vermeille heroine...