Search Results

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis LEXINGTON, KY - The first of two Book 2 sessions of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale saw marked polarization, as the demand for the perceived quality remained strong, but fell off for the less desired offerings. "It's been a realistic, selective market today," said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. "I think it was pretty evident throughout the day, people knew what they wanted and they were very specific about what they were willing to invest in. Speaking to a lot of...

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis LEXINGTON, KY - After a vibrant afternoon-into-night of bidding, the Fasig-Tipton November Sale grossed over $100 million for the third straight year with champions Nest (Curlin) and Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) leading the way when bringing matching $6-million final bids Tuesday at Newtown Paddocks. "It was another remarkable horse sale, literally from start to finish," said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. "It's really humbling to think that we've been able, for three years in a row, do over $100 million in sales in a single night....

In what was surely one of the most thrilling few moments of Fasig-Tipton's history, three consecutive mares through the November Sale ring fetched $3 million or more Tuesday evening. Hips 178-180--Sauterne (Fr) (Kingman {GB})--Salicorne, by Aragorn {Ire}), Search Results (Flatter--Co Cola, by Candy Ride {Arg}), and Secret Oath (Arrogate--Absinthe Minded, by Quiet American)--combined for a gross of $10.8 million in approximately five minutes. Sauterne, winner this year of the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in France and consigned by Nicky Drion Thoroughbreds, agent, was the first of the trio...

Ever-consistent Grade I-winning millionaire Search Results (Flatter - Co Cola, by Candy Ride {Arg}) figures to be one of the top choices in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. A presence in the Chad Brown barn for three years, the 5-year-old's Distaff bid will be her final race sporting the Klaravich Stables silks as she will head to the Fasig-Tipton November Sale following Saturday's championship meet. "Search Results has been such a wonderful horse not only for us to work with, but for Seth and Beth Klarman," said Chad Brown. "In...

Trainer Chad Brown breezed several Breeders' Cup prospects Saturday at Belmont Park, including Jeff Drown's Zandon (Upstart), who registered his first move since capturing the GII Woodward S. October 1 at Belmont at the Big A. Under overcast skies and temperatures in the 50s, Zandon, who is targeting the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, went a half-mile in 48.87 seconds over the Belmont main track. "He went great, he worked super," Brown said. "His energy level is good coming out of the Woodward. He's doing well and it was just what...

Racing roads converge this Saturday. With a little over a month left before horses and their connections officially point to Santa Anita, the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series returns to Woodbine Racetrack. Featured are three 'Win and You're In' chances, including the GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile. Meanwhile, at Churchill Downs, the prep seasons officially open for 2-year-old colts and fillies, who are seeking to bank points for next May's 150th editions of the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks. There is much to get to with Belmont at the Big...

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- Never shy about being a promoter, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas did not have to use his best pitch as he looked ahead to the GI Personal Ensign S. on Aug. 25 where he will saddle Secret Oath (Arrogate). Always an important race that draws the top older dirt fillies and mares, the $500,000 Personal Ensign will once again have a strong lineup on Friday. Champion Nest (Curlin) and Clairiere (Curlin), who ran 1-2 in the GII Shuvee S. on July 23 are the...

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - While Clairiere (Curlin) and Nest (Curlin) are in the spotlight, attracting most of the attention in the runup to the GII Shuvee S. on Sunday, Played Hard (Into Mischief) is, well, lurking. Stonestreet Stable's Clairiere has won consecutive Grade Is to climb to the top of the older dirt filly division. Nest, last year's 3-year-old filly champ co-owned by Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House, will make her first start of 2023. Meanwhile, Played Hard, trained by Phillip Bauer for Rigney Racing, has been...

ELMONT, NY - Stonestreet homebred Clairiere (Curlin) successfully defended her title with a late surge to nail Search Results (Flatter) in dramatic fashion by a half-length in Saturday's GI Ogden Phipps S. at Belmont Park. Played Hard (Into Mischief) finished third. Clairiere joins Take D' Tour (2006-07), Sightseek (2003-04) and Heatherten (1984-85) as back-to-back winners of the prestigious 'Win and You're In' event for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. "I'm unbelievably proud of her," said winning trainer Steve Asmussen after registering his fourth Phipps victory in five years. "What a...

Unbeaten sensation Flightline (Tapit) headed a bevy of Breeders' Cup workers across the country Saturday. The likely favorite for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic covered six furlongs at Santa Anita in 1:11.80 (1/3). Flightline entered the main track via the quarter-mile chute with John Sadler assistant Juan Leyva aboard just prior to 6:35 a.m. Accompanied by a stable pony, he galloped under the wire and around the clubhouse turn and was set down approaching the five-furlong pole. From there, he clicked off splits of :23.60, :35.40, :47.80 and :59.40 en...

Flatter (A.P. Indy--Praise, by Mr. Prospector), a successful stallion at Claiborne Farm for nearly two decades, was euthanized May 9 at the age of 23 due to the infirmities of old age, Claiborne announced Tuesday. The bay was a second-generation homebred for Claiborne and Adele Dilschneider and a full-brother to GSW and successful sire Congrats. "Flatter was the kind of sire you'd like to have 10 of," said Claiborne's Bernie Sams. "He was solid and consistent year in and year out. He started at the bottom and worked his way...

Last term's GI Acorn S. heroine and narrow GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Search Results (Flatter) returns to action in Saturday's GIII Distaff H. at Aqueduct. The even-money morning-line favorite concluded her sophomore campaign with a third-place finish as the favorite in the GI Longines Test S. at Saratoga Aug. 7. Search Results is two-for-two at the Big A, including a win in last April's GIII Gazelle S. "She's doing well. She's freshened up well down at Payson," trainer Chad Brown said. "This is a good spot and we know that...