2023-12-21 #44 Aqueduct Townsend Prince Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 1) Steeplechase 13 furlongs 3yo+ $300,000
And of course the Breeders’ Cup and Breeders’ Series, if your horse is nominated and qualified. Santa Monica Handicap comes first… any plans? My filly [color=red]Ch. Fool For Flowers is something like a sprinter, and she won an allowance recently, but she rarely runs against the boys… Also [color=red]Ch. Glamorous Fog, but she hasn’t won a race in 2022.
In 2022 I only wrote about The Grand National, in which the winner was NCh. Gaudy Night (he also won in 2019) from Starfish Stables. I also wrote about Velká Pardubická which is not in the game.
I have two older chasers, each seeking one final requirement to enter studhood. Currently leasing Legends Last who just needs a G1 board placing and is aimed at the Highland Rogue Stakes, and Clowning Around who needs a stakes win of any grade and just hoping for a lucky break somewhere. He’s currently in Florida eyeballing those SC stakes races.
Had a great run in this year’s BS races with the chasers, with wins and board hits from Wayfaring Power, St. James, Wedding Chorale, and others. I don’t really map out campaigns for the chasers beyond choosing locations with the most opportunities. My G1 quality kids are currently wintering and mostly aimed for England debuts next year after some rest and training.
Would love more SC races/especially stakes races. Shanthi, I have a spreadsheet list of multiple graded/group hurdle and chase races between Oct-Dec held in the UK if you would like a copy. Maybe we can integrate?
I’m not based in Oz so others may have a much stronger opinion, but I would be fine with removing SC races in Oz unless stakes races are added. Right now there’s only non-stakes SC down under, which might be tricky for newer/poorer members with nice chasers who can’t really afford to ship them elsewhere for stakes company. Removing Oz chase races entirely might free up more slots for SC stakes races elsewhere – just a thought.
Yay, first post is back! And the first big steeplechase sprint is coming - Santa Anita Santa Monica Handicap (Gr. 1). I even entered a filly that will be her first Grade 1 but at least she seems to like sprints.
The RL Grand National is this Saturday, 5.15pm UK time. Last year’s winner, Tiger Roll, is current favourite after winning a hurdle race earlier this season and the Cross Country chase at Cheltenham a few weeks ago. He carries a higher weight this year but seems in good form. Interestingly, he’s bred to be a flat racer much like the last back to back winner of the GN, Red Rum back in the 1970s. I won’t be having a bet but it would be wonderful to see him win again. Fingers crossed all the runners come home safe and sound.
Highland Rogue Stakes is coming! And Ch. Emoji is entered - a colt bred by Clicker Lab, now owned by New Boston Stables. At least we still keep the dam
Good luck!
@Hilda_with_Clicker I am rooting for Emoji as well! I wish I had kept the dam, but at least we kept his big brother, the stallion Zadar, and 1 sister who is now part of our broodmare band. I hope he does well!
And the winner is… GCh. Unequalled Flight (Littlefield), the 2022 Steeplechase Mare Of The Year.
Ascot Gold Cup in England comes next; an endurance race over 20 furlongs.
And finally a big event for your steeplechasers, the Ascot Gold Cup! It’s on Saturday and there are three horses entered already; my colt Excellent Heart, with absolutely zero experience at this level but hey, his dam is platinum ranked mainly thanks to her daughter NCh. Sneaky Surfer, a multi-millionaire steeplechaser, who maybe did not win the Ascot Gold Cup, but she was very successful at middle to long distance. And she is now in foal to Al Mundhir!
Another horse entered is the well known NCh. Gaudy Night (Starfish Stables), who won The Grand National twice, but this year he has yet to win anything.
Third horse is Introvert owned by Rainee Thoroughbreds who finished a promising 2nd in Gr. 2 Whimsical Stakes. 15 1/4 lengths behind the winner, but there was a speed record!
that will be her first Grade 1 but at least she seems to like sprints.
