Could spring be on its way finally in southern Ontario? Warming up for a couple of days this week..welcome news to the hard working people on the backstretch. Woodbine opens April 11 FOR A 133-DAY MEETING.
SPRING TRAINING at WOODBINE – image courtesy of JEFF BOWEN
WOODBINE JOCKEYS SHARP AND READY
The jockey’s room at Woodbine this season is going to be as competitive as ever with the arrival of Peruvian/American ALAN GARCIA, who has plans to ride in Toronto this year under agent Tony Esposito.
PATRICK HUSBANDS will set out to hold his title of leading rider and the odds are good that he will be the champ again. It won’t be easy, however. The room is crammed with talents such as EURICO ROSA DA SILVA, JESSE CAMPBELL, EMMA-JAYNE WILSON, JUSTIN STEIN, DAVID MORAN etc.
LUIS CONTRERAS changed agents last year and has been riding in Florida all winter. Contreras picked up a couple of nice wins at Gulfstream on Sunday, one on the Canadian-bred filly HOT AND SPICY, who gave the Woodbine Oaks trail a shot last year for trainer Jim Bond.
HOT AND SPICY is a 4-year-old by Tale of the Cat bred by Bob Harvey and A. Wortzman and she is owned by Bill Clifton. She won the 1 mile turf allowance in her first race since October.
Then, one race later, Contreras steered PHINEUS to a 23 to 1 upset win in a grass race for $16,000 claiming for Woodbine trainer Tino Attard and owners Frank Cirillo and Hidden Springs .
Phineus is a 6-year-old Argentine-bred.
Woodbine rider GERRY OLGUIN guided Stuart Simon and Russ and Brent Maclellan’s GLENSTAL ABBEY to a grass claiming win at Gulfstream on Sunday. Olguin won 56 races last year and is no doubt one of the country’s best riders.
HUSBANDS HAS ANOTHER BIG DAY IN TRINIDAD
THE 11th day of the Arima Club racing season proved another good day at the office for ace jockey Patrick Husbands as he recorded a brace at the Santa Rosa Park in Arima,
Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday. – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/65504/husbands-brace#sthash.eHd95baq.dpuf
QUEEN’S PLATE NEWS
DANISH DYNAFORMER, owned and bred by Charles Fipke and trained by 8-time Plate winner Roger Attfield, will take part in the Grade 3 TRANSYLVANIA STAKES on opening day at Keeneland on Friday.
The improving colt by Dynaformer out of a Danehill mare is nearing his actual 3-year-old birthday on Thursday and he will be ridden by Luis Contreras.
Also in the field, from post 13, is Plate eligible MILWAUKEE MIST, by Milwaukee Brew, recently 3rd in the John Battaglia at Turfway Park. Milwaukee Most was bred by Sean Fitzhenry.
CONQUEST CURLINATE received good reports from his 5 furlong workout at Keeneland on Saturday in company with Conquest Harlanday. The grey Curlin gelding, owned by Conquest Stable and trained by mark Casse went 5 furlongs in 1:01 2/5 and ” finished strongly outside to nip Conquest Harlanday at the wire.”
The WOODSTOCK STAKES, one of Woodbine’s oldest stakes events, will kick off the stakes schedule for the 60th season of the great Canadian track on April 11.
The race is an open event for 3-year-olds and while it is unlikely that the Queen’s Plate winner will be in the field, the race will attract some nice prospects foaled in this country.
They may have to deal with some fast ones from trainer Wesley ward’s barn as that train, who often comes to Woodbine int he spring with sharp and ready runners, has several boys and girls nominated to both the Woodstock and Star Shoot Stakes.
The nominations for the first 2 stakes races of the season are at the bottom of this post.
AMI’S FLATTER is on his way back to WOODBINE after his 3rd in the Grade 1 Florida Derby. AMBER CHALFIN PHOTO/www.horse-races.net
NICK EAVES – FINAL DAY AS WOODBINE CEO/PRES TODAY
Thoroughblog would like to wish the best to NICK EAVES and his family as he moves on to a different world after 20 years at Woodbine. We are hoping to see you at the track soon Nick!
NICK EAVES steps down from Woodbine today – WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT/MICHAEL BURNS PHOTO
Toronto Star feature from earlier this year:
After guiding Ontario’s horse-racing industry through its darkest days, Nick Eaves is handing over the reins.
Eaves announced Thursday he’ll step down as president and chief executive officer of Woodbine Entertainment Group on March 31, ending a 20-year run with the company. When the 46-year-old Eaves departs, Woodbine chairman Jim Lawson will take over on an interim basis.
“It’s largely personal,” Eaves said. “It’s been over 20 years for me and the fact that things are stable and will be better in the days ahead is what gave me the sense it was time.
“If things weren’t stable and hadn’t been turned around then it would be critically important for me to help to continue to evolve that. But now that we’ve moved into a better place, I’m young and got to think about what the rest of my life and career look like although, frankly, I don’t know the answer to that.”
http://www.thestar.com/sports/2015/01/15/woodbine-entertainment-ceo-steps-down.html
ORC releases Sunshine List for horse racing
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/03/30/33-woodbine-staff-on-horse-racing-sunshine-list.html
WOODSTOCK STAKES KICKS OFF WOODBINE’S 60TH MEETING
$125,000 Guaranteed
(Plus up to $25,000 for Eligible Ontario Breds)
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS
SIX FURLONGS
TO BE RUN SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015
ASIA
b.f.3 by Lookin At Lucky(Smart Strike) – One Hot Wish(Bring the Heat)
Mrs. John Magnier Wesley A. Ward
BRING ON THE BULL
ch.g.3 by Giant Gizmo(Giant’s Causeway) – Ace It(Cape Canaveral)
Best Friends Racing Stable and Shale Wagman Denyse McClachrie
CITY OF VENGEANCE
ch.g.3 by City Zip(Carson City) – Avenging Tomisue(Belong to Me)
Santulli, Richard, Lyster, Wayne and Bell, Gatewood Wesley A. Ward
CONQUEST BIGLUCK E
ch.c.3 by Lookin At Lucky(Smart Strike) – Hi Lili(Silver Deputy)
Conquest Stables, LLC Mark E. Casse
CONQUEST BOOGALOO
dk b/.c.3 by Scat Daddy(Johannesburg) – Jules Best(Jules)
Conquest Stables, LLC Mark E. Casse
GOODOLDHOCKEYGAME
ch.g.3 by Old Forester(Forestry) – Domasca Bella(Domasca Dan)
Frank D. Di Giulio Jr. Robert P. Tiller
HAMMERSTEIN
dk b/.c.3 by Bernstein(Storm Cat) – Prized Stamp(Prized)
William Sorokolit Darwin D. Banach
IMPERIAL DREAM
dk b/.c.3 by Stormy Atlantic(Storm Cat) – Nicki Knew(Tethra)
Tucci Stables Nicholas Gonzalez
INDYGO BO
dk b/.c.3 by Indygo Shiner(A.P. Indy) – Bexley(Level Sands)
Mark D. Breen Michael J. Maker
JACKS ESCARPMENT
dk b/.c.3 by Old Forester(Forestry) – Escarpment(Grand Slam)
John K. Caulfield Nicholas Gonzalez
SCORCH
dk b/.c.3 by Candy Ride (ARG)(Ride the Rails) – Nashinda(Silver Deputy)
Augustin Stable Mark R. Frostad
SERIOUS TALK
dk b/.g.3 by Forestry(Storm Cat) – Agapanthus(Theatrical (IRE))
Michael M. Hui Michael J. Maker
SPANISH PIPEDREAM
b.f.3 by Scat Daddy(Johannesburg) – Doc’s Leading Lady(Doc’s Leader)
Hat Creek Racing Wesley A. Ward
THREE RING CIRCUS
b.g.3 by Where’s the Ring(Seeking the Gold) – Yolie(Menifee)
Frank D. Di Giulio Jr. Robert P. TillER
Star Shoot Stakes
$125,000 Guaranteed
SIX FURLONGS
TO BE RUN SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015
***********************************
ANCIENT GODDESS (FR)
b.f.3 by Iffraaj (GB)(Zafonic) – Jezebel (GB)(Owington (GB))
Sovereign Stable John P. Terranova, II
ASIA
b.f.3 by Lookin At Lucky(Smart Strike) – One Hot Wish(Bring the Heat)
Mrs. John Magnier Wesley A. Ward
BOSSY
ch.f.3 by Street Boss(Street Cry (IRE)) – Profit Girl(General Meeting)
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners Wayne M. Catalano
DANCING ON FIRE
dk b/.f.3 by Philanthropist(Kris S.) – Fiery Pegasus(Fusaichi Pegasus)
Super Six Stable Michael P. De Paulo
DIXIE TWIST
b.f.3 by Indian Charlie(In Excess (IRE)) – Dixie Talking(Dixieland Band)
John C. Oxley Mark E. Casse
EFF BEE EYE
b.f.3 by Philanthropist(Kris S.) – Victoria’s Destiny(Doneraile Court)
Rolph Davis and Robert Tiller Robert P. Tiller
GALINA POINT
b.f.3 by Saffir(Unbridled) – Celtic Craft(Danehill)
Gary Barber Mark E. Casse
HAPPY TO GO
b.f.3 by Saint Anddan(A.P. Indy) – Arctic Dove(Dove Hunt)
Raul Bahena Armando De la cerda
HARLAN’S DESTINY
b.f.3 by Harlan’s Holiday(Harlan) – Mantekilla(Lemon Drop Kid)
James F. Miller Jr. Wayne M. Catalano
HER MAJESTY’S FLAG
ch.f.3 by Midshipman(Unbridled’s Song) – Regal Point(Point Given)
Dominion Bloodstock & Barry Butzer David Cotey
INDIANTOWN SUNRISE
b.f.3 by Not Bourbon(Not Impossible (IRE)) – Krismas Prospect(Arch)
Joey Gee Thoroughbreds Pat Parente
MISSISSIPPI DELTA
b.f.3 by Giant’s Causeway(Storm Cat) – Texas to a Tee(Purge)
Jackpot Ranch and Mike G. Rutherford Mark E. Casse
POHDI POHDI
ch.f.3 by Old Forester(Forestry) – Miss Juicey(Trajectory)
3 Sons Racing Stable Ltd. Robert P. Tiller
ROAMING
gr/ro.f.3 by Quality Road(Elusive Quality) – Throbbin’ Heart(Smoke Glacken)
John Menary & Gail Cox Gail Cox
SPANISH PIPEDREAM
b.f.3 by Scat Daddy(Johannesburg) – Doc’s Leading Lady(Doc’s Leader)
Hat Creek Racing Wesley A. Ward
SPLENDID GLORY
ch.f.3 by Old Forester(Forestry) – Grandy’s Glory(Bold Executive)
Jessie L. Ladouceur Harold Ladouceur
STARLESS NIGHT
b.f.3 by Grand Slam(Gone West) – Victory Romance(Slew City Slew)
Tucci Stables Nicholas Gonzalez
SWEET CORINNA
b.f.3 by Corinthian(Pulpit) – Sweet Sugaree(Tiznow)
Gabe Grossberg Mark E. Casse
VINOLICIOUS
b.f.3 by Zensational(Unbridled’s Song) – Ethan’s Car(Cat Thief)
Paul Cooper and John Cardella John Cardella
ZIA
b.f.3 by Munnings(Speightstown) – Faux Pas (IRE)(Sadler’s Wells
KENTUCKY DERBY POINTS
Rank Horse Points Owner(s) Trainer Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1. International Star 171 Ken & Sarah Ramsey Mike Maker $940,979
2. Mubtaahij-IRE 100 Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum Mike de Kock $1,400,000
3. Materiality 100 Alto Racing LLC (Gil Moutray) Todd Pletcher $632,028
4. Upstart 76 Ralph M. Evans Rick Violette Jr. $807,680
5. El Kabeir 75 Zayat Stables, LLC (Ahmed Zayat) John Terranova II $620,792
6. Dortmund 70 Kaleem Shah Inc. Bob Baffert $630,000
7. Carpe Diem 64 WinStar Farm, LLC (Kenny Troutt) & Stonestreet Stables LLC
(Barbara Banke) Todd Pletcher $870,000
8. American Pharoah 60 Zayat Stables, LLC (Ahmed Zayat) Bob Baffert $810,000
9. Itsaknockout 60 Starlight Racing (Jack & Laurie Wolf & Donald & Barbara
Lucarelli) Todd Pletcher $288,560
10. Firing Line 58 Arnold Zetcher LLC Simon Callaghan $530,000
11. *Dubai Sky 50 Three Chimneys Farm (Goncalo Borges Torrealba) & Besilu Stables
(Benjamin Leon) Bill Mott $371,780
12. War Story 44 Christopher T. Dunn & Loooch Racing Stables, Inc. (Ron
Paolucci) Tom Amoss $195,000
13. Maftool 40 Godolphin Racing LLC (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum et al) Saeed bin Suroor $630,595
14. Ami’s Flatter 40 Ivan Dalos Josie Carroll $195,200
15. Stanford 40 Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke), Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith
Todd Pletcher $151,400
16. Conquest Typhoon 26 Conquest Stables, LLC (Ernie Semersky & Dory Newell) Mark Casse $430,827
17. Far Right 22 Harry T. Rosenblum & Robert V. LaPenta Ron Moquett $385,906
18. Keen Ice 22 Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford) Dale Romans $136,520
+Golden Barows 20 Hirotsugu Inokuma & Katsumi Yoshida Noriyuki Hori $354,316
+Where’s the Moon 20 J. Kirk & Judy Robison Henry Dominguez $236,000
19. Madefromlucky 20 Cheyenne Stables LLC (Everett Dobson) & Mac Nichol Todd Pletcher $150,000
20. Prospect Park 20 Pam & Martin Wygod Cliff Sise Jr. $80,000
20. *Tiz Shea D 20 Wachtel Stable (Adam Wachtel), Brous Stable LLC (Nils Brous) &
Gary Barber Bill Mott $80,000
22. Bold Conquest 17 Ackerley Brothers Farm (Lee & Bob Ackerley) Steve Asmussen $162,176
23. Mr. Z 14 Zayat Stables, LLC (Ahmed Zayat) D. Wayne Lukas $525,826
Calculator 14 Richard C. Pell Peter Miller $180,000
24. Frosted 13 Godolphin Racing LLC (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum et al) Kiaran McLaughlin $176,200
25. Classy Class 13 Cheyenne Stables LLC (Everett Dobson) Kiaran McLaughlin $85,000
Texas Red 12 Erich Brehm, Wayne Detmar, Lee Michaels, Keith Desormeaux &
Gene Voss Keith Desormeaux $1,176,000
