Paris Bikini

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Kyoto and Tokyo Racecourses: Saturday, June 15, 2024 5th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200m AMERICAN BIKINI (JPN) (f, 2, American Pharoah--Paris Bikini, by Bernardini) is a half-sister to Paris Lights (Curlin), who won the 2020 GI CCA Oaks, prompting Katsumi...

It wasn't the fanciest of jumps from the gate but it was the kick in the late stages which mattered, carrying Sedona (f, 3, Curlin--America {GSW & MGISP, $580,532}, by A.P. Indy) past her rivals to a first-out victory and on to 'TDN Rising Star' honors. The 8-5 favorite as the betting public set their sights on her royalty-befitting auction price and pedigree, the flashy chestnut took some time to find her feet as the entire field, save for one filly who never was involved, disputed affairs at the front....

Every year, like the fireflies, they emerge with the gathering heat of summer. Even as the more established sophomores hobble out of the Triple Crown series--many requiring rest or recuperation, some even menaced by retirement--a second wave reliably reinvigorates the crop. Sure enough, in recent days a couple of new names have volunteered themselves to test the resilience of those Classic protagonists who do persevere to Saratoga and beyond. But while both share a fresh, progressive profile, in other respects they could scarcely be more different. 'TDN Rising Star' First...

The Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland November sales are known as places to shop for some of the best racemares in the country as they conclude their careers on the track and transition into motherhood. However, the other prize offerings at both auctions are the mothers of some of the country's most talented runners. Many breeders have shifted focus towards these proven producers in hopes that if they did it once, they can do it again, like three-time Grade I producer Leslie's Lady or Littleprincessemma, who has produced a Triple Crown winner...