Track Times Today - With Bernie Dickman - Racing, Breeding, Pari-Mutuels

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

OBS grads in spotlight again . . .

D.J. Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and Kenneth Freirich’s Ewing (Knicks Go- Sassy Ali Joy, by Indian Charlie) earned his first stakes score when he captured the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 2, becoming one of three OBS grads to earn graded stakes victories over the weekend.

Trained by dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse, the son of Knicks Go previously notched a 12-length victory on debut on July 5 in a 5 1/2-fuirlong maiden race. Ewing and fellow OBS grad Obliteration were wide exiting the turn, but Ewing fended off his rival to win by one length.

Casse added he would likely target the Grade 3 Iroquois in September at Churchill Downs with Ewing, who was purchased by D.J. Stable & West Point Thoroughbreds for $585,000 from the Hidden Brook consignment at the 2025 OBS April Sale after breezing in :10 1/5.

At Woodbine Aug. 2, Swift Delivery (Not This Time- Raegen Harper, by Rockport Harbor) named after music superstar Taylor Swift and co-owned by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, earned his first graded win when he took the $150,000 Seagram Cup (G3).

It was the second straight score for Swift Delivery, who entered the Seagram Cup off a two-length triumph on June 22. Swift Delivery was offered at the 2023 OBS June Sale by the White Lilac consignment where he breezed in :10 2/5.

At Ellis Park on Aug. 3, Steve Landers Racing’s Destino d’Oro (Bolt d’Oro- Heart of Destiny, by Lion Heart) sat a perfect trip and drew off with authority to win the $399,400 Pucker Up Stakes (G3). Trained by Brad Cox, Destino d’Oro earned her first graded stakes victory.

Destino d’Oro was purchased by her owner for $185,000 at the 2024 OBS April Sale from the consignment of CM Thoroughbreds after breezing in :10 flat.

Two other OBS grads also earned stakes wins on the Aug. 3 card at Ellis Park.

Susan and Jim Hill's Highway Robber (Hard Spun – Yabba, by Lemon Drop Kid) found racing room in the nick of time and stormed down the lane to defend his title in Sunday’s $300,000 KY Downs Preview Turf Cup.

Trained by Brian Lynch, Highway Robber earned his sixth from 15 career starts and increased his career earnings to $1,315,573. Consigned by Vickers Racing to the 2022 OBS April Sale, he was purchased by his owners for $30,000 after breezing in :10 2/5.

Charles Marquis’ Bear River (Flameaway – Sixtyfivenorth, by Midshipman) battled on the front end and got his head down in time to score a 17-1 upset in Sunday’s $250,000 KY Downs Preview Turf Sprint.

Trained by Keith Desormeaux, Bear River earned his sixth win from 20 starts and increased his career earnings to $543,923. At the 2023 OBS June Sale, he was purchased by his owner for $50,000 out of the Randy Miles consignment after breezing in :10 2/5.

During the previous day’s card at Ellis Park, Ironhorse Racing Stable and T-N-T Equine Holding’s Tomasello (Authentic- Dakota Queen, by War Front) tracked just off the pace before drawing clear by 1 ½ lengths to win Saturday’s $250,000 KY Downs Preview Nashville Derby.

Trained by Mark Casse, Tomasello earned an automatic berth to the Nashville Derby (G3) held on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Kentucky Downs.

Tomasello was purchased by Thomas and Mitchell Bloodstock for $125,000 at the 2024 OBS April Sale from the consignment of Golden Rock Thoroughbreds after breezing in :21 1/5.

At Colonial Downs Aug. 2, Midway Racing’s Trendsetter (Modernist - Suyapa, by Astrology) went from last of six to first in the $100,000 Hickory Tree. Trained by Ben Colebrook, Trendsetter earned his first stakes score. He was purchased by Davant Latham, agent for $130,000 at the 2025 OBS April Sale from the Grassroots Training and Sales consignment after breezing in :10 flat.

At Saratoga on July 31, Tristar Farm’s Doc Sullivan (Solomini- Queen Frostine, by Giant’s Causeway) returned to form when nailing fellow OBS grad The Wine Steward to win the $150,000 John Morrissey Stakes.

Doc Sullivan was making his first start for trainer John Ortiz after 14 outings for conditioner Michael Miceli and earned his first win since capturing the state-bred Mike Lee last June. He was a $59,000 purchase by Glen Lostritto from the consignment of Omar Ramirez Bloodstock at the 2023 OBS June Sale after breezing in :21 1/5

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Successful Breeding Season for Pleasant Acres

Friday, August 1, 2025

Stallions breed 546 mares . . .

MORRISTON – Pleasant Acres Stallions has successfully concluded the 2025 breeding season with 546 mares bred across its diverse stallion roster – demonstrating continued confidence in Florida breeding despite ongoing industry uncertainties.

The 2025 season marked a significant milestone for the Florida-based operation with the addition of two exceptional first-year stallions: Champions Dream, a son of Triple Crown winner JUSTIFY, and Mr Fisk, who represents one of the few remaining sons of the late, great ARROGATE.

"We're thrilled with the response to our roster this season," said Christine Jones, Director of Stallion Services. "Despite the challenges facing Florida breeders with decoupling concerns and various industry obstacles, the support from our mare owners has been tremendous. Several of our stallions increased their book size compared to 2024, which speaks to the quality and confidence breeders have in our horses."

The season saw particularly strong support for established stallions. Leinster – currently in the TOP 5 2025 Leading 1st Crop Sire for progeny earnings and is #1 for 1st Crop Sires by % of BT Winners in all of North America – more than doubled his book from the previous season. Resident stallion Neolithic – the 2021 Florida Freshman Sire of the Year – saw significant growth as his progeny continue to excel on the racetrack in 2025. He currently is the #1 5th Crop Sire by % of BT Winners – ahead of Kentucky stallions Gun Runner ($250,000 fee) and Practical Joke ($100,000 fee.) The success of Leinster and Neolithic gaining such strong support based on their progeny's performances in the sales ring and on the track, validates Pleasant Acres Stallions’ commitment to standing quality horses.

"The Florida breeding industry continues to face headwinds, but operations like Pleasant Acres Stallions prove that quality stallions and dedicated service still attract mare owners," Jones continued. " We're optimistic about the future and committed to supporting Florida breeders through these transitional times."

Pleasant Acres Stallions stands a diverse roster including Grade 1 and multiple graded stakes winners, regional champions, proven sires, and promising young stallions – all supported by the expert care of owners Joe and Helen Barbazon and their dedicated team. The farm’s loyalty to Florida-Bred Excellence includes the important ingredient of Florida-bred progeny BY Florida stallions, strengthening the entire state breeding program. Reflecting their excellent commitment to the industry, the Barbazons were recent recipients of the 2024 Florida Broodmare of the Year Award.

Standing at Pleasant Acres Stallions: Champions Dream (Justify), Chess Chief (Into Mischief), Doppelganger (Into Mischief), Leinster (Majestic Warrior), Magic on Tap (Tapit), Mr Fisk (Arrogate), Neolithic (Harlan's Holiday), Simplification (Not This Time) and Verifying (Justify) at the 220-acre farm located just northwest of Ocala. Pleasant Acres Stallions and Joe and Helen Barbazon have received many accolades for excellence, including the 2024 Florida Broodmare of the Year Award, 2021 Florida Freshman Sire of the Year for Neolithic, 2017 Florida Freshman Sire of the Year for Poseidon's Warrior, 2017 DRF Florida-bred Beyer Award, 2009 Florida Breeder of the Year, 2009 Florida Broodmare of the Year, Breeder of the 2009 Florida Horse of the Year, and was ranked third in the nation for leading breeders in 2009 by average earnings per starter with 10 or more starters.

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OBS Grad Nysos Wins Gr. II San Diego Handicap

Monday, July 28, 2025

Son of Nyquist has earned $300,500 . . .

Baoma Corp’s Nysos (Nyquist – Netta Z, by Bernardini) lived up to his overwhelming favoritism against five rivals when he drew clear through the lane to finish 2 3/4 lengths in front in the $300,500, Gr. II San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, leading the slate of stakes-winning OBS grads for the week.

The 4-year-old son of Nyquist earned his fourth career graded stakes win and now has earnings of $598,500 from five victories in six starts.

“I’m glad to win the San Diego. I haven’t had the best of luck in this race. I’ve had some great horses get beat here. But a lot of pressure,” Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert told the Del Mar publicity team. “It’s just a relief that this horse won and hopefully the Pacific Classic is next for him.”

Nysos was purchased for $550,000 out of the Best A Luck Farm consignment by Donato Lanni, Agent for Baoma Corp at the 2023 OBS April Sale after breezing in :9 4/5.

At Saratoga, Flanagan Racing’s dual Gr. 1-winner Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie- Bernadreamy, by Bernardini) earned his first win around two turns the Listed $135,000 Curlin Stakes.

Chancer McPatrick was 3-for-3 around one-turn last year, including Gr. 1 wins in the Hopeful and the Champagne Stakes. Bred in Kentucky by Rigney Racing, Chancer McPatrick was a $725,000 purchase by Kimmel & Sallusto, Agent, at the 2024 OBS April Sale from the Caliente Thoroughbreds consignment where he breezed in :21 flat.

Patriot Spirit (Constitution- Mistical Plan, by Game Plan), winner of the 2024 Illinois Derby, proved much the best over seven rivals in taking the $100,000 Reigh Count Stakes at Colonial Downs, winning by four lengths over fellow OBS grad Inveigled. Owned by Mellon Patch, Patriot Spirit is trained by Mike Campbell and covered seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:21.01.

Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, the 4-year-old colt by Constitution now has a career record of 14-5-2-1 with $421,210 lifetime earnings. He was purchased by George Mellon for $235,000 out of the Clary Bloodstock consignment at the 2023 OBS March Sale after breezing in :10 flat.

At Hawthorne, Patricia’s Hope and Richard Ravin’s Rich City Girl (City of Light - Hassler (IRE), by War Front) earned her second stakes win when she captured the $100,000 Lady Carey Turf Sprint Stakes. Trained by Larry Rivelli, the filly was purchased by Patricia’s Hope for $435,000 out of the Top Line Sales consignment at the 2024 OBS March sale after breezing in :9 4/5.

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Goodwood Races Earn Pegasus Berths

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Coming up January 24 . . .

HALLANDALE BEACH - A pair of upcoming Group 1 turf stakes at Goodwood Racecourse in England will earn the winners an automatic berth on the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Day program January 24 at Gulfstream Park.

The one-mile Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes for 3-year-olds and up July 30 will serve as a qualifier for the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1), while the 1 ¼-mile Visit Qatar Nassau Stakes for fillies and mares 3 and older is a qualifier for the $500,000 Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2).

Held in late January on a card headlined by the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) for older horses on dirt, the Pegasus Turf is contested at 1 1/8 miles and the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf run at 1 1/16 miles.

Among 26 entries for the Sussex is millionaire Carl Spackler, a winner of eight of 12 races in the U.S. including three Grade 1 stakes before being sold privately to China’s Yulong Investments to race overseas. Carl Spackler made his first two career starts at Gulfstream, the second a maiden triumph in February 2023. He was sixth in the June 17 Queen Anne Stakes (G1) in his European debut.

The Nassau drew 22 horses including Crimson Advocate, who parlayed a win in Gulfstream’s 2023 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies to a next-out triumph in the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot. She has remained in Europe since returning to Royal Ascot last summer, winning the Conqueror Stakes May 3 at Goodwood and most recently finishing third in the Falmouth Stakes (G1) July 11 at Newmarket.

European-based horses have made their mark in the Pegasus Turf since its debut in 2019. Magic Wand ran second in both 2019 and 2020 before Warm Heart captured the 2024 edition in a track-record time of 1:44.45 in the finale of her esteemed career. Both Irish-bred mares were facing males for trainer by Aidan O’Brien.

Connections Weigh Options for G2-Placed Anna’s Promise

Bell Racing’s Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) runner-up Anna’s Promise, scratched as the program favorite from the July 12 Azalea, is being brought along slowly as trainer Carlos David seeks the next spot for his star 3-year-old filly.

Claimed out of a Feb. 5 maiden win at Gulfstream, Anna’s Promise has worked twice since her most recent start, when she was third of four horses behind Grade 1-placed Take Charge Milady and 2024 champion 2-year-old filly champion Immersive in the 1 1/16-mile Monomoy Girl June 14 at Churchill Downs.

Most recently, Anna’s Promise went a half mile in 49.10 seconds July 6 on the main track at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s satellite training facility in Palm Beach County. David opted to give her some more time before breezing her back this weekend. She worked the week before [the Azalea] and I didn’t like the way she came out of it,” he said. “She left some feed and she wasn’t 100 percent, so we took a step back. It was the right thing to do. She’s doing good now.”

Bell Racing’s William Belford spent $50,000 to claim Anna’s Promise after she finished second twice in five prior starts. She stretched out to two turns to win a March 6 optional claiming allowance next time out and earn her a shot in the Gulfstream Park Oaks, where she ran behind front-running Five G.

From there Anna’s Promise took on the country’s best in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), running fifth at odds of 29-1 as millionaire Good Cheer extended her unbeaten streak to seven races. Among the horses finishing behind Anna’s Promise were multiple graded-stakes winners La Cara and Quietside; Grade 1-placed subsequent Iowa Oaks winner Quickick; Virginia and next-out Delaware Oaks (G3) winner Fondly; Gazelle (G3) winner Ballerina d’Oro; Take Charge Milady and Fantasy (G2) runner-up Simply Joking.

“She ran a respectable race,” David said. “It was definitely a great experience. I was there with my family and we had a great time. The owners were happy to be there, so it was all good.”

Anna’s Promise stayed in Kentucky for the Monomoy Girl, finding herself on the lead through six furlongs in 1:12.10 until being overtaken by the top two entering the stretch and tiring through the lane under jockey Luis Saez, who had been up for both her allowance win and the Gulfstream Park Oaks.

“The last race it was a four-horse field and I felt like Luis just kind of forgot there was only four horses and when they loaded the fourth horse, he was still getting ready when they opened the doors,” David said. “She missed the break a little bit and kind of rushed up and ended up getting tired at the end. She’s good. She’ll be back.”

David has nothing picked out yet for Anna’s Promise but is keeping an eye on the calendar. David entered her in a Thursday allowance at Parx that serves as a prep for the one-mile, 70-yard Cathryn Sophia there Aug. 19, but said he was unlikely to run.

A strong possibility is the seven-furlong Audubon Oaks Aug. 10 at Ellis Park, David said. Among other upcoming spots are the Test (G1) Aug. 2 at Saratoga and Charles Town Oaks (G2) Aug. 22, both also at seven furlongs, and six-furlong Prioress (G2) Aug. 30 at Saratoga.

“We’ve been trying to look at our options. It’s kind of limited with 3-year-old fillies right now here,” David said. “We were thinking about running her [in the Azalea] and then going back up north, but that didn’t work out so now we have to go back to the drawing board.

“There’s the Test in Saratoga but that’s a Grade 1 and it might be a little too tough for her,” he added. “I like her going seven-eighths, but there’s other options. Some of these tracks have those Oaks races around so we might go in one of those again.”

Sovereignty in Jim Dandy (G2) Saturday, Next Mandatory Rainbow 6 Payout Aug. 3

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner, Sovereignty, winner of the Fountain of Youth (G2) and second in the Florida Derby (G1) this winter, faces four others Saturday in Saratoga’s Jim Dandy (G2). Fans can watch and wager on all of Saratoga’s races at Gulfstream throughout the summer…The next mandatory payout of the 20-cent Rainbow 6 will be Sunday, Aug. 3…Gulfstream’s weekend begins with Edgard Zayas leading all jockeys with 80 wins. Emisael Jaramillo is 20 wins behind…Saffie Joseph Jr. leads all trainers with 43 wins. Jose D’Angelo is second with 36 and Carlos David is third with 34…Ken Ramsey is currently the leading owners with 11 victories, followed by Amaty Racing with 10 and Arindel with nine. Arindel is leading all owners in money won.

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Gonzalez Wins No. 2,000 at Gulstream

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Bobby Bob pays $8 . . .

HALLANDALE BEACH - Jockey Edwin Gonzalez rode the 2,000th winner of his career Sunday at Gulfstream Park, guiding Bobby Bob to victory in Race 6.

The 34-year-old jockey was accompanied by his wife Karina and friends during a winner’s circle ceremony celebrating a milestone achieved by winning a lot of races at every stop in a well-traveled career.

“I’m feeling amazing. It’s been a long road to get here. It was a special moment crossing the wire,” said Gonzalez, who stalked the pace aboard Bobby Bob ($8) before making a wide stretch rally aboard the Antonio Sano-trained 3-year-old gelding to prevail by three-quarters of a length in the mile-and-70-yard maiden claiming race on Tapeta. “I came here [to the U.S.] alone and kept working hard. I’m going to keep working 24-7.”

Gonzalez has been a standout at his profession, literally, as well as physically. Noticeably tall for a jockey, he has used what others may view as a disadvantage to his distinct advantage. “I help the horses with my legs and long arms. I’ve learned from some good guys, like Edwin Castro -- he’s a tall rider in Puerto Rico,” said Gonzalez, referring to Camarero’s dominant veteran jockey with more than 2800 winners. “Turning for home, I help them with my legs and my long arms. I don’t have to hit them.”

Gonzalez first ventured to Gulfstream at the tail end of the 2020-2021 Championship Meet, winning his first race at the Hallandale Beach track aboard Phat Man on March 28, 2021 on his second day of competition. He has gone on to become a prominent year-round force in the Gulfstream jockey’s room.

“I’ve been riding better horses for better trainers. They gave me the opportunity to keep going,” said Gonzalez, whose mounts have earned more than $41.5 million in purses. “I’ve been working hard. I’ve been given the opportunity to ride good horses. I thank all the trainers that support me.”

Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Gonzalez rode his first winner at Camarero aboard his third mount, Perfeccionista, Dec. 20, 2009. He rode 443 winners before relocating to Penn National in 2013. He dominated the jockey’s standings there, achieving a win rate of 31 percent in 2019 while riding 236 winners and 34 percent in 2020 while winning 172 races. He notched career win No. 1,000 aboard Pilot Moon at Penn National on March 11, 2021 shortly before moving on the Gulfstream.

Gonzalez won his first Gulfstream riding title during last fall’s Sunshine Meet, edging defending champion Edgard Zayas by one winner on closing day. Since arriving at Gulfstream Park, he has averaged just shy of one winner from every five mounts.

After winning four graded stakes in Puerto Rico, including the Grade 1 Clasico Dia del Veterano, Gonzalez has registered three graded-stakes scores in the U.S. aboard Ghost Hunter in the 2017 Arlington Handicap (G3), Shifty She in the 2021 Noble Damsel (G2) and Skippylongstocking in the 2022 West Virginia Derby (G3)

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