The Royal Duet - La Cuvee 21 at Stonestreet

La Cuvee ’21 has been doing well since returning to the track at Stonestreet farm. Our Cotai Glory colt is currently galloping a mile and a quarter and moving well according to farm trainer Ian Brennen. In addition to galloping, he has continued on the Aquaciser a few times a week. 

We took a follow-up set of X-rays a few weeks ago and everything continues to look good. Ian reported he is likely two weeks away from his first easy breeze.

La Cuvee 21 at Stonestreet Farm, approximately 12-31-2023

Seize The Grey has First Breeze After Freshening

Seize the Grey had his first three-furlong breeze this week at Highlander Training Center. Farm trainer Jon Newbold oversaw the work and reported, “The colt worked a nice and easy 3/8ths this morning and looked good doing it.” 

Our soon to be 3-year-old continues to progress in the right direction. As mentioned, the plan is for him to put in a few half-miles before shipping back to D. Wayne Lukas' barn at Oaklawn Park.

There are no definite plans for our soon-to-be 3YO, since everything will depend on how he trains back, but...Oaklawn does host the Arkansas Derby which awards considerable points toward the 2024 Kentucky Derby for 1st through 5th place. Here's a photo of Ceasar from this morning.

Ceasar at Highland Training Center 12-30-2023

The Royal Duet: Guinevere Workout

Guinevere breezed a half-mile from the gate this morning at Keeneland, covering the four furlongs in :49.40 while on the outside of Mourne Mountains (two-time runner at the MSW level). Entering the final stretch with two lengths to make up, our 2-year-old filly quickened in the final stages to finish head-to-head at the wire with her workmate. 

With a series of half-mile drills including three gate works under her now, we are not too far away from a potential debut with your daughter of Justify. We’ll talk further with trainer Wesley Ward but there are a few options towards the latter half of January at Turfway that she could potentially be ready for pending all things continue well. Once we have a finalized target, we will pass along that information.

Seismic Beauty Update: Lay-Up

Seismic Beauty is being placed on lay up for at least a three-month period. She will remain on stall rest for the first 90 days and then hand walking can begin. She will start with 10 minutes a day and increase by five minutes each additional week up to 30 minutes. 

This, of course, means that she is completely out of contention for this spring's Kentucky Oaks and other major 3YO stakes this Spring and Summer, and will probably not begin her career until at least the late Summer or Fall. It's disappointing, but the welfare of the horse MUST always come first.

We will follow up with further reports during her R&R.

Adaay In Asia Update

Adaay in Asia has been able to have two additional half-mile drills, including one last week before the rain where she covered a half mile in :49.60. 

This morning, she breezed a sharp half-mile in :48 flat (the final time was not posted) and galloped out in a 1:00 and change. The daughter of Adaay left the half-mile pole on the keener side which is nothing new but did settle down the backstretch for rider Hector Berrios. She was very enthusiastic down the lane, striding out nicely. 

Adaay in Asia remains on schedule for our targeted G3 Las Cienegas Stakes on January 14th and she could have one or two additional works ahead of this race.

Catalyst Update

Catalyst was out galloping a mile and a quarter this morning at Oaklawn Park and has remained in good order according to the Asmussen barn. Steve is taking his time with our daughter of Gun Runner who could return to the work tab later this week but that decision will be left up to Steve. We will report back once she breezes.

UPDATE: Catalyst Breezes December 28, 2023

Catalyst had her first work back this morning at Oaklawn Park, covering a half-mile in :50.40 while on the outside of Twirled (3x winner). Under jockey Erik Asmussen, our daughter of Gun Runner traveled easily throughout the drill under no urging, finishing head-to-head at the wire with her mate. 

This was a solid first breeze back for our soon to be 3-year-old who has handled everything out of her debut in good order. 

We will discuss a race plan with trainer Steve Asmussen in the coming week and follow up in our next update but our next possible options would come on Jan. 12 or Jan. 19.

[Photo below is a screenshot from the workout this morning. Catalyst is on the outside.]

Secret Crush Performs 3rd Official Work & Video

Secret Crush, our late-to-the-party 2YO colt (by Candy Ride out of a daughter of Take Charge Lady sired by Storm Cat) has now performed his third official work since 12/11/2023 and this time stretched out to 4f on dirt at Palm Beach Downs for a nice time of 49.80, which was the 11th fastest of 21 works.

We are excited to see him advancing in his workouts and moving forward as he approaches his 3YO season. 

We'll follow up with the next report when we receive it. 

UPDATE: MORE INFO AND VIDEO OF WORK

A further report and a video of the work was post on YouTube so we are making it available here.

Secret Crush picked up the pace yesterday morning at Palm Beach Downs, covering a half-mile in :49.80. He breezed on the outside of stablemate Sixty Degrees and the pair worked head and head to the wire. On the gallop out, our son of Candy Ride proved best taking over a length advantage. This was great to see, as it was the first time Secret Crush had been asked for anything in his works. He will remain on a weekly work schedule and should return with his second half-mile next week.

Blue Curl 22 Update

Blue Curl ’22 (temporary name) galloped twice around the track this morning at Two Springs Farm. Chetley Breeden remains pleased with the daughter of Speightstown who is moving along nicely in her training. Blue Curl '22 will become a 2YO on January 1, 2023.

Screenshot from the video we were sent of
Blue Curl 22's work

Mo Temptation Update

Mo Temptation has been doing well at San Luis Rey since shipping back to the O'Neill barn in early December. Assistant trainer Kimberly Marrs reported our daughter of Mo Town will start back on the track this coming week. The O’Neill barn is taking its time with her so Mo Temptation will likely jog for 3-4 weeks before moving forward. 

We'll report back with any news to share in the coming weeks.

Fancy Quality Potential Debut Target

Trainer Kenny McPeek has been pleased with the daughter of Wootton Basset's works and expects her to be ready for a debut in mid-January, with a MSW turf going a mile on January 18th looking to be a likely target.

Lane Way Featured in Santa Anita Calendar

So proud of this guy. He's an absolute trooper. 

Special Message from Simply Enchanting

Simply Enchanting sent us a Christmas card! (This was a first. :) ) Merry Christmas, everyone.

Merry Christmas!

 

Simply Enchanting to Bypass Friday's Race

The good news: She's not injured and nothing is amiss.

The bad news: Simply Enchanting will bypass her debut originally to be run on Friday, December 29th.

 Here's the official update:

We opted to bypass the maiden special weight on Friday for Simply Enchanting, as our week of training was disrupted quite a bit due to the rain. Horses were unable to train on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and were only able to jog this morning. 

Trainer Phil D’Amato thinks the best decision is to be patient, allowing him to get additional breezes into her and not rush to get her final breeze in. We completely agree with the decision we finalized on with Phil and our partner, Joey Platts as we believe this will give your daughter by Nyquist the best chance for her debut.

We're in 100% agreement. Considering the late date, look for Simply Enchanting to be making her first start as a 3YO in 2024.

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and Looking Forward to a Brand New Year!

 

English Jubilee is Back from Freshener in Florida

English Jubilee (English Channel x Kitten's Joy daughter) is back from her freshener in Florida with a 3F work this morning. :D Casse Training Center - 12/21/2023 - Dirt 3F - 37.20 - Breezing - 3/4

LEGITIFY: Unofficial Work

LEGITIFY (by Justify out of a daughter of Galileo) was back on the track at Santa Anita with a short unrecorded work this morning. We were sent the video and were very happy with what we saw. We'll post more updates as he progresses. Richard Mandella is his trainer. 

[Photo of an earlier work. Legitify is the chestnut horse on the outside.]

Pioneer Prince Update and Status Change

Pioneer Prince (Pioneerof the Nile) was back after about 30 days off with a pretty nice work at Santa Anita going 49 flat for 4 furlongs. The reason for his absence was for recovery purposes. Our ridgeling is now a gelding. 

Exciting Update for Simply Enchanting

Simply Enchanting had her first work at Santa Anita this morning, breezing five furlongs from the gate in 1:00.80 (21/88) while on the outside of stablemate, Aint No Joke. Under jockey Santiago Gonzalez, your daughter of Nyquist broke well and showed decent early foot as the pair went down the backstretch. Simply Enchanting finished about a neck back from her mate as they completed the five furlongs at the eighth pole since, galloping out six furlongs to the wire. 

Trainer Phil D’Amato thought this was a solid work in what was a demanding drill over a new surface against a mate who has run twice of late. He did report this wasn’t his ideal plan given she worked from the gate last week at Los Alamitos but due to the incoming weather, he wanted to be sure he got a second gate work in with a potential debut on the horizon. 

Phil is going to keep his eye on a maiden special weight on Friday, December 29th at Santa Anita which will be contested going six furlongs on the dirt. He'll play the weather by ear this coming week but if she bounces out of the work well and has no hiccups throughout the week, he feels it would be good to get a run into her. By no surprise, both rider and Phil believe her future is going to be around two turns, but your filly has not been slow by any means in her a.m. activity which gives the barn confidence sprinting her first time out.

Simply Enchanting from August of 2023
(post growth spurt)

Simply Enchanting Ships to Santa Anita and Runs First Work Over Track

SIMPLY ENCHANTING, our 2YO Nyqyist daughter, has been shipped to Santa Anita where she ran her first work over the track this morning -- from the gate -- in a very nice time. Needless to say, we're super pleased with her progress. 

This one's a very special filly who shares Laurie's birthday, and who we met at Ocala in February. She had to be taken out of training earlier this year when she went through a rapid growth spurt that put a strain on her developing joints. 

She restarted training this past Fall and ran her first official work at Los Alamitos on October 15th. Phil D'Amato is her trainer. 

Work stats for this morning: 

Santa Anita - 12/17/2023 - Dirt 5F - 1:00.80 - Handily from gate - 16th/66

M

Meeting Simply Enchanting at Ocala in February

Simply Enchanting after her growth spurt and before
shipping West to trainer Phil D'Amato

Lady Blitz Update: Back at Wavertree

Lady Blitz has settled in at Wavertree and has now been there for approximately 10 days. Your daughter of Audible will get some much-deserved turnout time as we will allow her to decompress from the racetrack and get some weight back on her. Ciaran and our team will regroup every 30 days but plan on giving her a total of 60 days off.

The Royal Duet - Another Nice Work from Guinevere

Guinevere had another nice time on her work this morning from the gate at Keeneland. She's been looking great after her break to let her grow up and mature a bit. It will remain to be seen if she's got the talent to go to Royal Ascot in 2024, but that was the plan. We'll see how things go this spring. [Photo of earlier Dec. work] 

Keeneland - 12/15/2023 - Dirt - 4F in 47.40 - Breezing from gate - 6th/28

Photo of Guinevere from an earlier December 2023 work.

Fancy Quality Update

Fancy Quality breezed a half-mile in :51.80 on Saturday morning at Fair Grounds (Louisiana) while working in company with her usual stablemate Bad Betty. Similarly to last week, our daughter of Wootton Bassett took the upper hand in the final stage of the drill, her workmate was clocked in :52 flat for the four furlongs. Our filly’s exercise rider did not ask for much and the McPeek barn reported she is handling things well. Fancy Quality could have her first five furlong drill next week and pending a few additional breezes including a gate-work, we are not too far from a potential debut at Fair Grounds.

Adaay In Asia Targeting a Grade 3 Stakes

Adaay in Asia had her first breeze at Santa Anita Park this morning, covering four furlongs in :48.80 under jockey Kyle Frey. The daughter of Adaay was on the muscle from the get-go and hooked up with some company from other barns around the turn. She traveled well through the stretch while never being asked for anything. “She’s an A+ workhorse,” said trainer Phil D’Amato. “If I wanted her to breeze a bullet every week she could.” We plan to target the G3 Las Cienegas Stakes on January 14th which will be contested down the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. This was a major reason why the filly shipped west and we are excited to see how she handles it. We still have a month to go for that race so trainer Phil D’Amato will keep her on a weekly work schedule while not needing to do anything too serious from a work standpoint. She’s a filly that gets plenty out of her daily gallops. Also note, it is the time of year when rain will start to come in Arcadia and our first expected storm is projected next week which could affect her work schedule in the short term.

Lady Blitz and Here's The Kicker Take a Break

Lady Blitz (Audible) and Here's The Kicker (Liam's Map) have both been sent from Palm Beach Downs to Wavertree Training Center in Florida for a freshener. We'll keep you posted on any news. 

Lane Way Update - And a Sigh of Relief

We recently had a scare when Lane Way showed some filling (swelling) on an ankle. He was immediately taken out of training and scheduled for a PET scan. 

Things seemed questionable for our soon-to-be 7YO horse, but we are extremely pleased to report Lane Way’s scan returned free of any issues! We weren’t sure what to expect but we couldn’t be happier to receive this news! 

Lane Way returned to the track today to jog alongside the pony. He was feeling fresh and very happy to get back on the track following a few days off. Unfortunately, this has set us back from our short-term plans of the G2 Joe Hernandez on Dec. 30th at Santa Anita. The Mandella team will continue monitor his ankle as he gets back into training but this will hopefully only be something that effects our immediate plans. 

We’ll continue to update you with more information and his progress over the coming weeks.

Catalyst Back on the Track After December 8th Debut

Catalyst was in good order and back on the track jogging today after her debut (7th) last Friday, December 8th. She'll begin regular workouts again next week. 

A Big Work from Seismic Beauty

Seismic Beauty breezed a stellar half-mile in :47 flat this morning at Los Alamitos. The daughter of Uncle Mo looked well from the get-go and did everything by herself under no urging. She followed up with a big gallop out, carrying her speed well past the wire. 

Assistant trainer Mike Marlow was extremely pleased with today’s drill. While she has never put in a poor work since returning to the barn, this was the work we have been waiting for from your filly. 

Next week, it is possible she will work in company now that she has a steady foundation under her and we wouldn’t expect it to be too long before she is ready to ship to Bob at Santa Anita. We can’t wait to see her progress in the coming weeks.

Fireball Birdie Update

Following a few days at Churchill Downs, Fireball Birdie shipped to Louisiana Downs and settled in nicely in his new digs with trainer Steve Asmussen. Steve reported that our son of Uncle Mo was moving forward in his training while currently galloping as you can see in the video above. Pending a few additional weeks of galloping, we could see Fireball Birdie have his first speed work towards mid-January. We will continue to report on his progress and follow up with any news from the barn.

Simply Enchanting is Galloping at Santa Anita

Simply Enchanting galloped for the first time this morning at Santa Anita. Everything remains well for the daughter of Nyquist.

Mo Temptation Back at San Luis Rey

Mo Temptation has settled back into her home at San Luis Rey in great order and assistant trainer Kimberly Marrs is very happy with how your filly looks. Given we have had two setbacks with this filly, Kim is going to take things slow and give your daughter of Mo Town every chance to succeed. We want to thank the team at Trifecta for doing a phenomenal job with and preparing her for her return to the track.

Secret Crush does First Official work

Secret Crush had his first official breeze this morning at Palm Beach Downs, covering three furlongs in :39.88. Since this was his first work for trainer Todd Pletcher, this was a fairly easy drill from your colt by intention. Secret Crush did everything in hand and relaxed in the bridle, continuing past the wire at a steady tempo with a nice gallop out.

Speightstown - Sire of Blue Curl '22 (now Isle Blue) - Passed Today at Winstar Farms

Sire-of-sires Winstar Farms Champion Speightstown Euthanized

Catalyst Debut Recap

Catalyst finished eighth on debut this evening at Oaklawn Park. 

Things never really went our filly’s way as she got nervous in the gate leading her to miss the break. After breaking last, jockey Cristian Torres had to immediately go to plan B, easing her to the rail and trying to save as much ground as possible. 

It took her a few strides to fully get comfortable as she experienced a serious amount of kick back but did find a steady rhythm as they entered the backstretch. She gradually moved up positions while on the rail but was unable to sustain any serious run when things mattered most. 

We were hoping for a better end result but as per a previous video with trainer Steve Asmussen, we knew she was likely going to benefit from having this race under her belt. Having a horse ready on debut as a 2YO is a challenge in itself and in this case going two turns added another element to that challenge. 

This performance certainly doesn’t change our viewpoint on what we hope to see from this filly down the line and we expect to see a much improved performance with more experience and fitness. The team will make sure she bounces out of the race in good order and then develop a plan with Steve moving forward. 

We'll follow up in the coming days with any post-race updates.

Lane Way - Stormy Liberal Stakes Photos

A few shots of Lane Way in the saddling paddock area before the 2023 Stormy Liberal Stakes at Del Mar with trainer "Pappa" Mandella and jockey Mike Smith. Photo credits Terri Ibers (partner).  

Fancy Quality Workout

Fancy Quality breezed a half-mile in :50.20 this morning at Fair Grounds. 

Working on the inside of Bad Betty, her workmate took a two lengths lead down the backstretch. Our daughter of Wootton Bassett traveled easily and cruised entering the final stretch. Under no urging, Fancy Quality showcased a nice stride and crossed the wire with a 5+ lengths advantage. 

The McPeek barn was pleased with today’s drill as she continues to respond well to training every week.

Catalyst Runs a "Blow Out" Work

In her anticipated "blow out" before her debut on Friday, Catalyst ran the 2nd fastest time of 124 works! Very encouraging sign. We're looking forward to her debut with great anticipation.

Oaklawn Park 12/3/2023 Dirt 4F 48.40 Handily from the gate 2/124

Seismic Beauty Work and Update

Seismic Beauty breezed a half-mile in :48.80 this morning at Los Alamitos. As you will see in the video above, your daughter of Uncle Mo did everything on her own and traveled nicely throughout the drill. She galloped out strongly past the wire with plenty of enthusiasm. At this stage, the Baffert barn couldn’t be happier with our filly as she continues to progress and handle everything well.

Lady Blitz will Take a Break at Wavertree

Lady Blitz exited her last race in good physical order though it was another underwhelming performance. She was sent back to Palm Beach Downs for a short time, and while she has returned to a normal training schedule at Gulfstream Park, MRH has decided to give our daughter of Audible a break from training. There is no particular reason why the break is necessary outside of the fact that she has not performed to expectations through five races. She has had a fairly extensive campaign as a two-year-old and at this stage with no changes, she would need to run for a tag to be competitive which we prefer to not do at this stage. Lady Blitz will return to Wavertree Stables in Ocala where she went through the breaking and pre-training process. Farm trainer Ciaran Dunne was always high on Lady Blitz so we felt it made the most sense for her to spend her turnout period with him and have her prepped there before returning to the track. Given there are no physical set backs, we will likely give her 60 days off before returning to training. We, like many in the partnership, are in full agreement with this plan. Hopefully the added time to mature will be a big benefit, and Ciaran Dunne can get her back on track and ready to begin her 3YO campaign this spring.

Lane Way Runs 3rd in the Stormy Liberal

We're proud of Lane Way's performance today in the less-than-ideal distance, but he's now had his out that should set him up fitness-wise for the longer stakes at the end of December, the G2 Joe Hernandez Stakes. It was a masterful ride by Mike Smith who kept Lane on the rail and cruising along with that huge stride of his. He had a bit of trouble in late stretch when he got blocked in on the rail behind another horse and had to shift to the outside, which could have cost him some time, but it appeared he came back well from a race her really needed. 

Lane Way gets some Press Prior to his Next Stakes Run

In advance of his run in the Stormy Liberal stakes today, Lane Way is getting some press. Here's one story, which probably has it called for the shorter distance. 

Lane Way, Daniel's Magic will have to Hurry in the five-furlong Stormy Liberal Stakes

Catalyst Update - Set for Debut

Catalyst last breezed 5 furlongs in 1:01.80 on Monday at Churchill Downs. Our 2YO Gun Runner filly performed a solid work in company with stablemate Guarani. She could have one final blowout ahead of her debut. 

This morning, Steve Asmussen entered our daughter of Gun Runner in Friday's maiden special weight going a mile on the dirt. Details are as follows: Friday, December 8, Oaklawn Park, R#10, Post #8 of 12, Cristian Torres up, 4:40 CT (3:40 MT).

Simply Enchanting Works 5 Furlongs

Simply Enchanting had her first five-furlong drill this morning at Los Alamitos working on the inside of stablemates Our Consigliere and Shikhara ‘21. Our 2-year-old was in blinkers today, showcasing a nice stride in the final furlongs and re-engaged past the wire. The trio was clocked in 1:01 flat and the D’Amato barn was pleased with what they saw. 

Simply Enchanting is inching closer to a career debut which will likely come at the Santa Anita meet which begins on Dec. 26. She still has a few more works to go, including a gate work. She is ready for according to the barn.