Lane Way WINS the Grade 2 Eddie D. Stakes at Santa Anita

Lane Way, trained by Richard Mandella with Mike Smith up, ran with the heart of a champion in the Grade 2 Eddie D. Stakes at Santa Anita today!

He put in a valiant run and it was a huge thrill for us as we watched the race unfold on FanDuel to give him another win--and his first graded stakes win! We couldn't be more proud.

With this win, Lane Way has a good shot at a nomination to the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint this year. 

He also made 2023 his best year ever in terms of earnings, and carries an average for 2023 of $61,000 per start. He ran a 108 Equibase speed figure (his second fastest ever), and moved himself onto the list of Into Mischief's Top Progeny for 2023!  

Video (see also extended version below with Mike Smith interview):

Press: 

Lane Way Takes Eddie D. Stakes for Hall of Famers Mandella, Smith

Lane Way, Hong Kong Harry Notch Popular Graded Wins

Santa Anita Trio Slow Down Andy, Dr. Schivel, LANE WAY Eye Breeders Cup 

Lane Way Race Overview: Eddie D. Stakes at Santa Anita

Ahead of tomorrow’s G2 Eddie D. Stakes, we caught up with Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella this morning who shared his thoughts. 

Richard discussed Lane Way, his overall preparation heading into the race, and his expectations. We know that Lane Way is very fond of the Santa Anita hillside turf course and he has been slated as the deserving second choice with a morning line of 3-1. 

With a race under his belt and the added distance, we feel our 6-year-old is sitting on a strong performance and we hope to see everyone in the winners’ circle! The horse to beat will come from his inside, #2 Bran, a proven winner over the course and will be making his second start off of the layoff as well. Bran and Lane Way are very comparable horses and while Bran is the morning-line favorite at 5-2, there is no argument Lane Way’s speed figures are better over the course. The two horses will have similar trips as they both have tactical speed and will be able to track off of #5 Noble Reflection and #8 Unconquerable Keen. Good luck to all of out partners!

A reminder post time is 5:00 p.m. PT (6:00 MT). 

Simply Enchanting Update

Our team checked on Simply Enchanting this morning at Los Alamitos where she started to gallop yesterday. The daughter of Nyquist looks great and is gradually picking up the pace in her training. Pending all continues well, your filly is approximately 2-3 weeks away from breezing. [Photo from an earlier exercise.]

Mo Temptation Update

Mo Temptation is currently on stall rest at Trifecta Farm in California. Her daily routine currently consists of 30 minutes of hand-walking and the daughter of Mo Town has been handling everything well. 

She will be re-evaluated in early November before possibly being cleared for paddock turnout.

The photo below is a screenshot from a video we received from Trifecta Farm. 

Seize The Grey's Theme Song

This seemed like a good time to unveil Seize The Grey's theme song. This guy is generally laid back and always taking things in stride but he knows how to get down to business when duty calls. This song seems to fit him to a T.  Go, Ceasar!

I Ain't Worried from Top Gun: Maverick

Lane Entered in G2 Eddie D. Stakes on Saturday

Lane Way exited his breeze in good order and was officially entered in the G2 Eddie D on Saturday, September 30th at Santa Anita. 

The son of Into Mischief drew post 6 in a 11-horse field and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will return in the irons. 

The six and one-half furlong race on the hillside turf course is carded as the 9th race of the card and will have a post time of approximately 5:00 p.m. PT.

Seize The Grey Jockey Spotlight

Keep your eye on this newcomer. He's very talented and on the rise. I can only imagine where he'll be 5 years from now. By the way, he's been on Seize The Grey twice for a race--once for his Saratoga win, and also for the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill--as well as some of his morning work outs. We wouldn't be surprised to see him become Ceasar's regular rider.

Jaime Torres - Protege of Hall of Famers

Simply Enchanting - Los Alamitos Update

Simply Enchanting has remained in good order while jogging at Los Alamitos. Trainer Phil d’Amato reported that your daughter of Nyquist will transition to galloping tomorrow. Your 2-year-old acclimated to her new surroundings perfectly and we will follow up with on-track footage this week.

Lady Blitz Final Work at Monmouth Park Before Shipping

Lady Blitz had a final work over a very muddy Monmouth Park surface yesterday, and shipped out to the Pletcher barn at Palm Beach Downs in Florida today. She worked well but didn't seem really crazy about the mudbath surface, so hopefully the normally dry track at Gulfstream Park may be more her cup of tea. We'll keep you posted. [Photo from a previous start at Saratoga. Irad Ortiz, Jr. up.]

Photo from a previous start at Saratoga.
Irad Ortiz, Jr. up.

Seize The Grey - Two Nominations

Seize The Grey has been nominated to TWO stakes races including the Breeders Futurity at Keeneland and the Castle and Key Bourbon Stakes! A nomination doesn't necessarily mean he'll be entered, so we'll post another update when he has a definite entry.

Pioneer Prince Runs a 3/4 Mile Work

Pioneer Prince has not run a 6f work (3/4 mile) in about 18 months, and he just ran the fastest 6f of his career:

Santa Anita 09/23/2023 Dirt 6F 1:13.20 Handily 3/5

We're very excited to see what's ahead for our son of Pioneerof the Nile.

A photo of Pioneer Prince with Mike Smith up

Lane Way Bound for Next Stakes Race

Lane Way had his final drill this morning at Santa Anita, working a solo five furlongs in :59.60 under exercise rider Jose Contreras. Once again, the son of Into Mischief was in hand the whole way and showcased his natural speed throughout the work. He galloped out nicely past the wire and appears to have taken a step forward as hoped since his race at Del Mar. 

Trainer Richard Mandella was all smiles after the work and commented “We’re ready!” 

Lane Way will be entered on Wednesday for next Saturday’s G2 Eddie D Stakes at Santa Anita!

Lady Blitz Update

Lady Blitz Workout Report 

Lady Blitz had another improved breeze this morning at Monmouth Park and was credited with a half-mile in :49.20 (38/112). Our daughter of Audible proved to be much the best working in company with a proven winner, Seduction, who was most recently 6th in the G3 Monmouth Oaks in July. Lady Blitz galloped out better than normal as well and continues to make good headway since her last race. 

Shipping South 

The Pletcher team will be shipping her South to Palm Beach Downs where she got her start with the Pletcher barn last fall. They will look for a maiden special weight at Gulfstream in the near future.

Lady Blitz on opening day at Saratoga this summer
where she placed 3rd

Seize The Grey Post Iroquois Stakes Update

Seize the Grey exited his fourth-place finish in the G3 Iroquois in good physical order and earned a career-best 74 Beyer Speed Figure. 

There are a few different routes and options we could take with Seize the Grey with the first being the G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity on Oct. 7 at Keeneland. This would be a final chance to make a run at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. If your colt is doing well, the Hall of Fame trainer has no fear of turning this son of Arrogate right back to make a run at the big dance. 

Otherwise, if the barn felt more time was needed between his races there are multiple options later in the Fall at Churchill including the G3 Street Sense and G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. 

We will remain in contact with trainer D. Wayne Lukas and assistant Sebastian Nicholl as we finalize our next race plan.

Seize The Grey after 4th place finish
in the G3 Iroquois Stakes

Pioneer Prince Pointed To a MSW on Oct 14

Pioneer Prince being pointed toward a MSW on October 14th, if all goes well.

Lady Blitz Workout Report

Lady Blitz remained on schedule and breezed a half-mile in :49.60 yesterday morning at Monmouth Park. Once again, assistant trainer Stu Hampson reported this was a good work for the daughter of Audible who has been training forwardly in the past few weeks. With the Monmouth Park meet being over, trainer Todd Pletcher is considering various options for our filly which would require her to ship and we will report back once we have a finalized plan. Audible had a successful month, both on the track with MSW winner Life’s an Audible at Saratoga and at the sales with a topper of $255,000 at the Keeneland Yearling Sale.

Lane Way Work and Nominations

Lane Way had a fantastic breeze this morning, stopping the clock in 47.60 for 4f. We were sent a video of the work and he looked exceptional. 

He has been entered in two Grade 2 stakes--both on September 30th at Santa Anita--the Eddie D. and the City of Hope. We'll keep you posted.

Career Debut: English Jubilee

English Jubilee just made her debut at Woodbine in a 7f turf race as #4 in a 13-horse field. She had a bad start, hopping out of the gate and giving another hop a few strides out, then got down to business.

Beginning as the trailer of the field, she confidently made up ground and worked through traffic to make a late run and finish a closing 5th. This as in spite of a near wreck on the rail to her right as a horse veered into a fellow competitor. English Jubilee kept her focus in spite of it. 

We were very pleased with the confidence and ability she showed on her first start. As her races get longer and she gets fitter, she should only improve. We'll amend this post when we hear from Eclipse.

RACE REPORT

This is a paraphrased recap of the report from Eclipse and English Jubilee's trainer, Mark Casse. 

She had a sneaky good 5th place finish today in her career debut. She was well behaved in the post parade and loaded without incident. Unfortunately, English Jubilee had her head cocked and slightly acted up as the latch sprung, spotting the field 4 or 5 lengths. 

After she got rolling, she traveled nicely and Patrick Husbands let her get into a good rhythm. She made a little move around the turn but the last furlong and gallop out had her trainer Mark Casse very pleased.

Post race, Mark was very happy with her maiden voyage. She started to engulf the field as the wire approached and galloped out in front of everyone demonstrating an exciting turn of foot.

English Jubilee has been her own worst enemy at the gate leading up to today but Mark Casse showed why he is in two hall of fames, as English Jubilee behaved almost perfectly during the lengthy load of 13 horses.

We will see how English Jubilee is energy wise after her first race, but this could set her up for a big move forward in her next start.

Seize The Grey Runs a Close 4th in the Iroquois Stakes

Our boy had a rough trip in the Iroquois Stakes today and finished 4th, but right there with the leaders. He had to change paths several times, and finally went to the outside where he closed. An inquiry was called for possible interference with Edified in the late stretch, but his 4th place held. 

This was by far the longest race to date for Seize The Grey and no doubt the most grueling. Jockey Jaime Torres said he tired a bit near the finish. The good news is that he now has a mile distance under his belt and has earned points toward the 2024 Kentucky Derby. 

(Photo of the end of the race. Seize The Grey is #6, the outside horse.)

Coexist Wins Big as 9-1 Longshot at Churchill Downs

Coexist ran a brilliant race today at Churchill Downs, in an effort that added $46,800 to her bankroll. She broke from the 1 post, tracked along the inside rail in 4th and 5th position until the first turn where she swung to the outside and prepped to turn on her afterburners in the stretch run. Rocketing by the other horses, she finished 3-1/2 lengths in front of her nearest rival. 

Fantastic trainer/rider team on this girl now! In the post parade she couldn't have looked happier or sharper. We are SO GLAD she has landed in a great barn, and we pray she continues her winning ways for her newest connections. Go, Coe!

Photo from a previous win when
Coexist race and won in the Eclipse silks.

English Jubilee to Debut on 9/17/23 at Woodbine

English Jubilee has been entered for her debut! Woodbine - Race #8 - MSW - Sunday - Post #4 - Patrick Husbands up. on Sunday at Woodbine. English Jubilee has drawn post #4 with Patrick Husbands on board. Post time is 5:08 PM ET.

Seize The Grey is Listed in the Top 12 Derby Contenders to Watch

From the Kentucky Derby Site: 

The Top 12 Contenders to Watch for the 2024 Kentucky Derby Trail 

Iroquois Stakes Articles Including Seize The Grey

 A pre-race analysis can be read here:

Iroquois Stakes 2023

And Ceasar (Seize The Grey) is identified as 1 of 2 juveniles to watch, here:

2 Saratoga Juveniles to Watch as the Kentucky Derby Trail Begins

Also mentioned on this YouTube analysis:

Iroquois Stakes Preview

Iroquois Post Positions on Saturday 9-16-2023

Iroquois Stakes

Churchill Downs

Purse $300,000. One Mile. (Includes $75,000 – KTDF - Kentucky TB Devt Fund). For Two Year Olds.

PP Horse              A/S     Jockey Wgt     Trainer

1 Liberal Arts (KY) 2/C     C A Torres 122 R Medina

2 West Saratoga (KY) 2/C    R Bejarano 122 L W Demeritte

3 Union Roll (KY) 2/C     G Corrales 122 T A Pletcher

4 Edified (KY) 2/C     R Santana, Jr. 122 S M Asmussen

5 Market Street (KY) 2/C     G Saez 122 D W Lukas

6 Seize the Grey (KY) 2/C     J A Torres 122 D W Lukas

7 Gettysburg Address (KY) 2/C     F Prat 122 B H Cox

8 Risk It (KY) 2/C     T Gaffalione 122 S M Asmussen

9 Patriot Spirit (KY) 2/C     J L Castanon 122 M B Campbell

Seize The Grey -- Looks Like he's in The Iroquois!

Official Notice for the partnership:

As expected, Seize the Grey shipped to Churchill Downs and had his final work yesterday morning, breezing a strong half-mile in :47.60. In this solo drill, Seize the Grey proved he handled the track perfectly as he has in the past and transitioned to his new surroundings in good order.

We proceeded with entering him this morning in the G3 Iroquois S. which will be run on Saturday, Sep. 16 at Churchill Downs. Traditionally run at 8.5 furlongs, this year the Iroquois was cut back to a flat mile. The Iroquois has been carded as Race 9 with a post time of 4:55 p.m. ET. Seize the Grey drew post 6 (of 9) with Jaime Torres back in the irons.

We look forward to seeing our colt stretch out in distance this weekend!

Simply Enchanting has Arrived at Los Alamitos

Trainer Phil D’Amato reported that Simply Enchanting arrived and settled in at Los Alamitos well. The D’Amato team gave her the weekend to acclimate to her new surroundings and she will pick up in her training this coming week. 

We'll keep you posted on her progress. 

Lady Blitz Workout Report

Lady Blitz had her second work back at Monmouth Park this morning and was credited with a half mile in :50.60. 

Assistant Stu Hampson was happy with todays work and the gallop out especially going by herself. He reported he’s feels she’s settled in better and seems to be making good strides following just an average work last week. 

With the Monmouth meet coming to an end on Saturday, we will need to determine where she goes next but will leave that up to the Pletcher Team. As reported after her last race our plan is to aim for a dirt race next time out.

Seize The Grey Update

Seize the Grey had a maintenance five furlong drill in 1:03.43 yesterday morning at Saratoga. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas kept this work on the easier side by intention as your colt is plenty fit. 

The Saratoga meet closed yesterday with the final race. With the G3 Iroquois approaching at Churchill Downs on September 16th, Seize the Grey is expected to ship to Churchill in the coming days and have his next breeze in Kentucky.

The photo below is of "Ceasar" during some down time at Saratoga in August.
 

Lane Way Update

Lane Way exited his fifth-place effort in Saturday's G3 Green Flash Handicap in good order. He was a little tired this morning which was not unexpected given a 7-month layoff. Our son of Into Mischief earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure for his effort. 

\Trainer Richard Mandella will decide when our veteran will return to the track giving him as much time as he needs. He will remain training at Del Mar for the short term before shipping back to Santa Anita sometime next week. [Photo taken in July 2023]

Lane Way Race Review and Video

Lane Way was fifth in his return to the races yesterday in the G3 Green Flash Handicap under Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith. 

Our gelding broke well but was bumped shortly out of the gate, causing him to lose his position early. He settled toward the rear of the field and gradually picked up foes before being forced to go very wide into the turn. 

Lane Way plugged away in the stretch and gained position, but was unable to quicken with the top three and was only beaten a half-length for fourth, just 2-1/4 lengths behind the winner. 

Mike Smith reported he was "blowing" at the end of the race and definitely a little tired when he returned to get unsaddled but nothing unexpected off of a seven month layoff. He should improve in his second start off of the layoff and will probably gain some fitness from this effort. 

We’ll look for a hill option giving him more distance at Santa Anita in October.

Here's the race on YouTube:

Seize The Grey has been Nominated to the Iroquois S.

Seize The Grey has been nominated to the  42nd running of the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs on September 16, 2023. The Iroquois is a Grade 3 stakes and the distance is 1 mile on dirt. Nomination does not guarantee he will be entered. The Iroquois is a bonus qualifyier for the Breeders Cup Juvenile on November 3rd and carries points for the 2024 Kentucky Derby. 

RESULTS: GREEN FLASH HANDICAP

 Lane Way's race wasn't what we were hoping for. 

He had a bad break and troubled trip running 5th in a 12 horse field, and although he was closing strongly at the end he ran out of real estate that might have nabbed him a 1st or 2nd. At the wire, he was only 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner. 

We knew he's better at 6-6.5f but coming off an 8 month layoff and with a shot at a Breeders Cup Turf Sprint berth, the Green Flash was well worth a shot. 

This effort should set him up well for his next race, if all goes well. In spite of his trip, he ran a 96 E-figure. That's 10 points slower than his last two 106 E-figures in December and January. 

I'll report back when we have an official debriefing from the trainer/jockey. [Photo from a previous race.]

CHART

Overview of Green Flash H.

We're sharing the overview of the Green Flash here on our blog for interested fans of Lane Way. Hope you can tune in today at Del Mar. R#9 6:39 PM Mountain time. 

Here's the recap for the partners: 

In a salty edition of the G3 Green Flash H., our veteran Lane Way makes his return to the races following seven months off. Lane Way was last seen when he dominated in the Clocker’s Corner S. over the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. While your gelding was the runner-up in the 2022 Green Flash, he has returned to training so well that trainer Richard Mandella was strongly considering bringing him back in the $1-million G2 Ainsworth Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs. It would have been a bold return spot, but speaks volumes of how well he was doing. The added distance at Kentucky Downs of six furlongs was also a major contributing factor. With the risk of not getting into the body of the field at Kentucky Downs and having to bypass the Green Flash in order to even find out, we opted to take the safe route and run out of our own stall.

Nonetheless, we know our son of Into Mischief is tactical enough to handle the five-furlong distance he will get on Saturday, but it does limit the opportunities for adversity. We also know Lane Way can handle a layoff, earning two career-best Beyer Speed Figures, in addition to setting the track record back in October of 2021 following a nine-month break. He then went straight to the sidelines and fired big over the Green Flash conditions last summer in a second-level allowance where he was only beaten half of a length.

The pace should be red-hot early with speedsters #1 Fast Buck, #2 Kid Corleone, #7 Noble Reflection and #11 Bus Buzz signed on. This dynamic should only benefit our gelding and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith knows him best, finishing in the top two in five tries on him. Smith and Mandella are both having a successful meet individually and together. They look to team up for their biggest day together with three graded stake entrants: Sumter (Del Mar Mile), Lane Way and Geaux Rocket Ride (Pacific Classic.)

Lane Way is 5/1 on the morning-line. Enjoy the video above as he galloped on the track showing plenty of enthusiasm this morning. Good luck to all owners!

Main Threats:

#2 Kid Corleone (10/1): Interesting newcomer to the turf sprint division ran huge in the G1 Bing Crosby earlier in the meet. Did not run poorly in his debut on the turf but quickly found a home on the dirt. Stablemate Anarchist, who was second in Bing Crosby, returned to win the G2 Pat O’Brien which is where you would have thought this colt would have run back. The barn is hot and not afraid to take shots like this.

#5 Beer Can Man (6/1): Knows how to get it done at Del Mar. There was some fear that this one may have lost a step when he went to the sideline for over a year but his numbers speak otherwise. Most recently paired career-best Beyer Speed Figures (96). Three for four over this turf course and two for three at the distance on this course. Must respect.

#8 Motorious (4/1): Second to Lane Way in Clocker’s Corner, but followed that performance up with two triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures. One-for-one at Del Mar’s five-furlong configuration and should sit a good trip. Interestingly Prat does not choose to ride him back.

Possible September Debut

Still tentative at this time, but a race in mid-September could be a possible for our daughter of English Channel. Stay tuned. 

Lane Way Paddock Schooling

Lane Way was in the paddock schooling yesterday between races at Del Mar. Our veteran was on his toes and looked fantastic ahead of his big comeback in tomorrow’s G3 Green Flash Handicap. The son of Into Mischief will likely school again between the races today and then...all systems are go for Saturday!