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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 BLOODHORSE.COM/DAILY

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IN THIS ISSUE

7 Oaklawn Looking for 22 Starters to Split Arkansas Derby

9 Tampa Bay Downs Approved for Meet Extension to May 30

10 Bill Casner Relives the ‘Impossible’ With Super Saver

Bellafina Plays a Road Game in Carousel Stakes

ROUNDABOUT

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 2 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

» Santa Anita Racing Still Under Review By L.A. Officials

» Three Stakes Highlight Los Alamitos Summer Schedule

» Where to Catch the Weekend Racing

» In Adjustment, NHC Tour to Generate More Qualifiers

CONTENTS

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Editorial DirectorEvan HammondsVisuals DirectorAnne M. EberhardtAssistant EditorsMeredith DaughertyMary LaRue (Reeder)Bloodstock EditorEric MitchellSales EditorRon MitchellFeatures EditorFrank AngstAssociate EditorsByron KingChristine OserSenior Correspondent Bob EhaltSenior ColumnistJay HovdeySenior Bloodstock ColumnistBill Oppenheim

General ManagerScott Carling

Managing EditorClaire Crosby

Digital DesignerErin Morgan

Senior Web Producer Christine Wittmer

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Copy EditorMark Sonka

Regional Sales ManagersShirley DievertKristi Heasley

Ellen LambertusAmanda Ramey

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Director of TechnologyCourtney Bearse

Pedigree Analyst Alan Porter

ON THE COVER Bellafina wins the 2019 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita Park

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3 Bellafina Plays a Road Game in Carousel Stakes

6 Leading Sires of Dirt 3-Year-Olds

7 Oaklawn Looking for 22 Starters to Split Arkansas Derby

8 Churchill Downs Delays Stable Opening Until May 5

9 Tampa Bay Downs Approved for Meet Extension to May 30

10 Bill Casner Relives the ‘Impossible’ With Super Saver

12 Virtual Kentucky Derby to be Televised May 2 on NBC

13 Midnight Bisou Breezes for First Time Since Saudi Cup

14 No Parole Returns to Sprinting in Oaklawn Allowance

16 Tacitus Could Return in May 2 Oaklawn Handicap

18 The Road: Charlatan’s Pedigree a Mix of Speed and Stamina

20 Our Voices: TAA Moves Forward Despite COVID-19

22 BHA Proposal Calls For Reduced Fields, Veteran Jockeys

24 Racing at Dortmund Could Resume May 4

25 Derby Officials ‘Keen’ on Rescheduled Chelmsford Race

26 Levy Board Gives Tracks Access to Additional Funds

27 Financial Aid Package Launched to Help Jockeys

28 Government Forces Regain Control of Libyan Stud

29 Results & Entries

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 3 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

BELLAFINA PLAYS A ROAD GAME IN CAROUSEL STAKESBy Bob Ehaltt @BobEhalt

Athletes at every level can struggle while playing on the road.

Apparently, that can also hold true for equine athletes.

A case in point is 4-year-old filly Bellafina.The daughter of Quality Road owned by Kaleem

Shah, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith has started 13 times in her career and has been unplaced three times. All in all, that's a remarkable record considering she has raced in nine grade 1 stakes.

The hitch is that all three off-the-board finishes have come in races outside the friendly confines of California. In her only other start beyond the borders of the Golden State, she was third.

Doing the math, that means when she's playing a home game, she has six wins and three seconds from nine starts.

In road games, she's 0-for-4.That enigma will come into play April 25 when

the suspension of racing at Santa Anita Park will take Bellafina to Arkansas, where the three-time grade 1 winner will make her first start at 4 as she faces seven fillies and mares in the $125,000 Carousel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

"I really don't believe it has anything to do with traveling because she's an absolute pro and handles all of that well," California-based trainer Simon Callaghan said. "It's that she was running in top races not at her best distances. I think she's more of a sprinting filly, and every time she traveled, except for the Test (G1) at seven-eighths, she ran a mile and an eighth or a mile and a sixteenth.

"All things considered, we probably would have stayed at Santa Anita and raced there, but at the moment going to Oaklawn seemed like the right thing to do."

Each of those four journeys outside California brought Bellafina to one of the sport's major races for fillies. She was fourth in the 1 1/16-mile Cotillion Stakes (G1) at Parx Racing, fifth in the 1 1/8-mile

Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs, and fourth, again at Churchill Downs, in the Tito's Handmade Vodka Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at 1 1/16 miles.

In her lone sprint on the road, she had the misfortune of running into a buzz saw named Covfefe, who was ultimately crowned as a dual champion of the 3-year-old filly and female sprinter divisions. Bellafina finished third, 9 1/4 lengths behind Covfefe, in the Longines Test Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

(Top): Bellafina gallops at Oaklawn Park (Bottom): Bellafina walks in the paddock ahead of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs

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The competition Saturday in Arkansas will not be as salty as those grade 1 events, but the six-furlong Carousel will not be a stroll in the park, either, with the grade 1-winning Mia Mischief and grade 1-placed Amy's Challenge in the field.

"Her last two races were fantastic, even though she was second. This is a slightly easier spot than those, but it's definitely not an easy spot," Callaghan said about Bellafina's first start since Dec. 28.

A dual grade 1 winner at 2, Bellafina closed her 3-year-old season by finishing three-quarters of a length behind Covfefe in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) and 2 1/4 lengths behind Hard Not to Love in the La Brea Stakes (G1). Both runner-up finishes by the earner of $1.4 million came at Santa Anita Park. Bred by JSM Equine out of the Malibu Moon mare Akron Moon, she was purchased from the Wavertree consignment at The Gulfstream Sale, Fasig-Tipton's Florida select 2-year-olds in training sale.

Bellafina will break from the rail with Joe Talamo aboard. The mare who looms as her main rival will be at the other end of the field in post 8.

Unlike Bellafina, Mia Mischief feels right at home at Oaklawn, where she has three wins and two seconds in five starts for trainer Steve Asmussen. She was second in last year's Carousel and returned from a 4 1/2-month break March 20 with a 2 1/4-length score in a six-furlong allowance optional claiming race at the Hot Springs, Ark., track.

The winner of the 2019 Humana Distaff Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs in her start following the Carousel, Mia Mischief was bought last year for $2.4 million from the ELiTE consignment at The November Sale, Fasig-Tipton's Kentucky fall mixed sale, by Stonestreet Stables, which elected to keep the now 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief in training with Asmussen.

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BELLAFINA PLAYS A ROAD GAME IN CAROUSEL STAKES

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 5 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

Oaklawn's leading rider, Ricardo Santana Jr. (48 wins), will be aboard the $1,140,234 earner, who will carry 122 pounds and concede five pounds to Bellafina and Amy's Challenge.

Novogratz Racing Stables' Amy's Challenge also has an enviable record at Oaklawn with a mark of 3-2-1 from seven tries, including two wins by a combined 14 lengths in 2019 listed stakes for trainer McLean Robertson.

Her 2020 record at Oaklawn is not as dazzling, but the Artie Schiller mare is coming off a game loss by a neck to Midnight Fantasy in the Feb. 29 Spring Fever Stakes at Oaklawn, where she waited for room at the quarter pole and settled for second under Alex Canchari. Canchari and Amy's Challenge drew post 6.

Carl Moore Management's Midnight Fantasy, a Midnight Lute filly who won the 5 1/2-furlong Spring Fever in her most recent start, is trained by Joe Sharp and will be ridden by Martin Garcia from post 2.

Lawrence Roman's What a Fox, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Bernardini who was third in the Spring Fever, will also return Saturday and landed post 4 for jockey David Cohen and Robertino Diodoro, Oaklawn's leading trainer (49 wins).

Hronis Racing's Lady Suebee will be turning back in distance for trainer John Sadler as she will be making her first start in a dirt race at less than a mile since May 26, a period covering six starts. The daughter of First Defence was last seen Feb. 17 finishing fifth in Oaklawn's Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles.

Tyler Baze has the riding assignment from post 7.The Carousel will be the 10th race, with a scheduled

post time of 5:16 p.m. CT. BHs Share this story

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BELLAFINA PLAYS A ROAD GAME IN CAROUSEL STAKES

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Mia Mischief works five furlongs April 11 at Oaklawn Park

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 6 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

LEADING SIRES OF DIRT 3-YEAR-OLDS

Stallion, YOB (Sire) Rnrs/ BTW/ BTH/ GSW/ Lifetime Chief Earner Rank Farm, Stud Fee Wnrs % Rnrs % Rnrs G1W AEI (Earnings) '20 Earnings

1 Into Mischief, '05, (Harlan's Holiday) 68 / 19 6 / 8.8% 10 / 14.7% 2 / 0 1.94 Authentic $1,631,017 Spendthrift Farm, KY, $175,000 $300,000

2 Uncle Mo, '08, (Indian Charlie) 47 / 19 4 / 8.5% 6 / 12.8% 4 / 0 1.63 Modernist $1,334,428 Ashford Stud, KY, $125,000 $377,400

3 Constitution, '11, (Tapit) 41 / 12 2 / 4.9% 5 / 12.2% 1 / 1 1.62 Tiz the Law $1,229,631 WinStar Farm, KY, $40,000 $598,300

4 Munnings, '06, (Speightstown) 39 / 11 4 / 10.3% 6 / 15.4% 3 / 0 1.52 Bonny South $1,139,015 Ashford Stud, KY, $30,000 $291,600

5 Blame, '06, (Arch) 19 / 4 1 / 5.3% 2 / 10.5% 1 / 0 1.56 Nadal $969,392 Claiborne Farm, KY, $35,000 $753,000

6 Lookin At Lucky, '07, (Smart Strike) 14 / 3 1 / 7.1% 2 / 14.3% 1 / 0 1.76 Wells Bayou $939,403 Ashford Stud, KY, $20,000 $801,600

7 Speightstown, '98, (Gone West) 25 / 6 0 / 0.0% 0 / 0.0% 0 / 0 1.94 Full Flat $805,840 WinStar Farm, KY, $70,000 $487,479

8 Tonalist, '11, (Tapit) 34 / 9 1 / 2.9% 2 / 5.9% 1 / 0 1.11 Tonalist's Shape $733,446 Lane's End, KY, $15,000 $213,110

9 Tapiture, '11, (Tapit) 48 / 18 2 / 4.2% 4 / 8.3% 0 / 0 0.96 Steph'sfullasugar $672,597 Darby Dan Farm, KY, $10,000 $90,000

10 Curlin, '04, (Smart Strike) 42 / 13 0 / 0.0% 3 / 7.1% 0 / 0 2.33 Fire Coral $665,765 Hill 'n' Dale Farms, KY, $175,000 $105,000

11 Liam's Map, '11, (Unbridled's Song) 39 / 15 0 / 0.0% 1 / 2.6% 0 / 0 1.42 Basin $653,745 Lane's End, KY, $35,000 $110,000

12 Khozan, '12, (Distorted Humor) 37 / 12 1 / 2.7% 3 / 8.1% 0 / 0 1.44 Liam's Lucky Charm $631,862 Journeyman Stallions, FL, $10,000 $109,000

13 Super Saver, '07, (Maria's Mon) 37 / 9 1 / 2.7% 3 / 8.1% 1 / 0 1.08 Down On Da Bayou $618,187 Jockey Club of Turkey Stud Farms, TUR, Private $220,000

14 Tapit, '01, (Pulpit) 32 / 8 1 / 3.1% 5 / 15.6% 1 / 0 2.24 Enforceable $603,779 Gainesway, KY, $200,000 $220,000

15 Declaration of War, '09, (War Front) 12 / 6 1 / 8.3% 1 / 8.3% 1 / 0 1.82 Silver Prospector $581,907 JBBA Stallion Station, JPN, 2,300,000 Yen $464,167

Listed above are the 2020 leading sires of 3-year-olds by progeny earnings on dirt through April 22, 2020. Only stallions that stand, will stand, or stood in North America (excluding stallions that died or were exported prior to the 2016 breeding season), and have runners in North America are included. Racing statistics are 2020 Northern Hemisphere only.

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 7 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

OAKLAWN LOOKING FOR 22 STARTERS TO SPLIT ARKANSAS DERBYBy Bob Ehaltt @BobEhalt

The decision on whether to split the $750,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) is

likely to be made at the April 26 entry deadline as Oaklawn Park officials are now targeting 22-24 starters in order to run the 3-year-old stakes in two divisions.

Oaklawn Park racing secretary Pat Pope said April 23 that if the 1 1/8-mile stakes is split, each division will carry a $500,000 purse and that Churchill Downs has granted permission to offer a total of 170 qualifying points for the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) in each of those divisions.

Pope said there are 16 likely starters for the May 2 stakes, but the connections of about seven potential entrants remain noncommittal, forcing Oaklawn to wait until the entry box closes Sunday to make its decision on whether there will be one 14-horse division with a $750,000 purse or two of them at $500,000 apiece.

If the race is contested as one division, the 14 starters will be the horses with the most earnings.

"My bosses have said if we get 22-24 horses, we will split the race. We won't know how many we will get until Sunday when entries are taken because trainers are saying 'maybe' and 'I don't know.' They won't commit because they want to see who is coming," Pope said. "If we end up with 16 starters, then 14 will get to run and the other two without enough earnings will not get to run."

Previously, Oaklawn targeted 20 entrants as enough to split the race, but 22 now looms as the magic number.

"If there's not 22-24, there will not be a strong inclination to (offer two divisions)," Pope said.

Pope said the final number of starters will be affected by travel arrangements and final workouts for

the race in the next few days."There are a lot of moving parts at this moment,"

he said.Among the lengthy list of likely candidates for the

Arkansas Derby are Charlatan, Nadal, Gouverneur Morris, King Guillermo, Storm the Court, Silver Prospector, Basin, Anneau d'Or, Wells Bayou, Farmington Road, Taishan, Blackberry Wine, Shooters Shoot, and My Friends Beer.

The key horse on the bubble at the moment is the Bob Baffert-trained Charlatan, owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Fred Hertrich III, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables. A highly impressive winner of maiden and allowance races in his two starts, the son of Speightstown has earned only $67,200 and most likely would not have enough earnings to run if there is just one division.

The 170 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby will be divided among the first four finishers on a 100-40-20-10 scale. BH

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Charlatan may not have enough earnings to get into the Arkansas Derby

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 8 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

CHURCHILL DOWNS DELAYS STABLE OPENING UNTIL MAY 5By BloodHorse Staff

Churchill Downs announced April 23 that it must delay the reopening of its stable areas at both

Churchill Downs and its auxiliary training center, Trackside, to at least May 5. The opening of the 2020 spring meet, originally scheduled for April 25, also has been postponed, and a determination of the exact start-ing date will be made closer to the opening of the stable areas.

Churchill Downs officials are in ongoing discussions with state and local officials and public health experts about reopening its stable areas and conducting spectator-free racing under strict guidelines.

Churchill Downs, in conjunction with other Kentucky racetracks, has identified specific protocols to mitigate risks for its stabling and racing facilities as it relates to COVID-19, the track said in a release. A multitude of precautions and procedures based on criteria set by public health experts will be implemented to ensure the safety of employees, stakeholders, and horses.

"We remain hopeful that our horsemen can safely return to work here in Kentucky sooner rather than later," said Kevin Flanery, the president of Churchill Downs. "Horse racing is a unique agricultural business and serves as the prime economic driver for thousands of individuals in the Commonwealth. The Thoroughbreds we cherish need constant care, and it's a testament to our horsemen who have constantly cared for them this winter and spring in different locales under unique circumstances. We're working hard to reopen in a responsible and safe environment that will satisfy our public officials."

Churchill Downs' stable areas have been closed since Dec. 31 for annual winter renovations and were originally scheduled to reopen March 17. Since that time, the track has repeatedly delayed stable opening dates, most recently from April 28.

Other racetracks around the country that were set to open this spring have also imposed restrictions on their stable areas. Some tracks,

such as Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, have continued to house horses and horsemen and allow training past their scheduled meets because of the limited stabling options available elsewhere. Some horsemen still stabled at Fair Grounds are awaiting Churchill Downs to reopen before sending their horses north from Louisiana.

Churchill Downs said it delayed the reopening of its stable areas in response to executive orders issued by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to limit the spread of COVID-19.

This month at Turfway Park, where training has continued after its meet was shuttered in late March on Beshear's state orders, two people tested positive for COVID-19—a backstretch worker and a Turfway staffer. Turfway horses and backstretch workers regularly participate in the Churchill Downs spring meet.

When the time is right to safely reopen, Churchill Downs will allow horses and their personnel to return to its stable areas under a phased, systematic, and controlled approach, the track said.

Churchill Downs' spring meet was originally scheduled for April 25-June 27. On March 17, the track announced that the 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) was rescheduled from May 2 to Sept. 5. BH

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Early morning at Churchill Downs

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 9 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

TAMPA BAY DOWNS APPROVED FOR MEET EXTENSION TO MAY 30By Byron Kingt @BH_Bking

Florida regulators approved on April 23 a request from Tampa Bay Downs to extend its meet beyond

its previously scheduled closing day of May 3, a deci-sion that will continue the current meet through May 30. Tampa, one of just a handful of racetracks across the country still operating amid COVID-19, has been racing without spectators since March 18.

Like other southern ovals, Tampa draws horsemen from northern regions during the winter and early spring months before they leave as more locations open for late spring and summer racing. This year, with those tracks temporarily closed or delaying their stable openings, other stabling options are limited, if not absent.

Tampa officials alerted horsemen this week of their intention to extend the meet.

"It was a pretty easy decision once we realized the horse inventory on the backside was going to remain fairly constant through the month of May, depending on what tracks open up north," said Peter Berube, the track's vice president and general manager. "If all of a sudden the horse population declines, we have the

ability to go back to the state and drop these dates. But I don't anticipate that happening. "

Kathleen O'Connell, a two-time leading trainer at Tampa, described the racing continuation as a lifeline.

"There is a whole group of us that go from Tampa to Monmouth," she said. "There is another whole group that go to Presque Isle, and another whole group that go to Indiana (Grand). And to at least have some relief, someplace to train horses, some racing to generate income, I'm sure I'm speaking for everybody in saying it's a godsend."

Tampa Bay Downs is running four days a week but will shift to a three-day-a-week schedule after May 3, running Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

"Being on a conservative side, hopefully we can have fuller fields going three days a week," Berube said. "Also, we've been using our turf course extensively through our regular meet, and we want to give it a break. So, again, three days a week, run 12 turf races rather than 16, that helps to prolong your meet."

O'Connell said horsemen are ecstatic to race, even on a reduced schedule.

"If somebody is giving you a free steak dinner, we're not going to (complain) that there was no sour cream on the baked potato," she quipped.

Tampa's purse structure and the composition of races it offers are expected to remain the same during

the meet continuation. Many of the track's claiming races have purses in the $10,000-$12,500 range, and straight maiden and allowance races are worth $20,000 or higher.

"We feel pretty good in the sense that we're able to give our horsemen an outlet," said Margo Flynn, the vice president of marketing at Tampa who also works in horsemen's services. "Just training horses is very laborious, and you want to be able to see the fruits of your labors. Hopefully, this will put them in a good position before going up north—we're hoping this will be a big positive for them as well as us."

Tampa remains scheduled to conduct two days of racing June 30 and July 1, a summer festival that largely attracts participants based in Florida year-round. BH

s Share this storyRacing continues at Tampa Bay Downs amid COVID-19 with attendance restricted to participating horsemen and essential staff

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 10 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

INDUSTRY FIGURES RELIVE KENTUCKY DERBY MEMORIES

First Saturday in May

1st

Saturday in May

BILL CASNER RELIVES THE 'IMPOSSIBLE' WITH SUPER SAVERBy Eric Mitchellt @BH_EMitchell

Lifelong horseman Bill Casner describes the Ken-tucky Derby (G1) as "one of those mythical races"

that everyone dreams of winning but never truly believes is possible.

"In all other races, I always thought we had a heck of a shot to win," said Casner, who is a former co-owner of WinStar Farm. "The Derby, though, occupies that space in the stratosphere that makes it seem unattainable."

In 2010, WinStar had its 14th Kentucky Derby starter with homebred Super Saver. The farm's best finish until then was in 2006 with its first Derby contender, Bluegrass Cat, who finished second to Barbaro.

Casner recalled of Super Saver's Derby victory: "It was one of those surreal days that is indelible. I can relive so many parts of it. The whole week prior to the Derby, you absorb and enjoy. As the week progresses, the excitement grows and the crowds grow on the backside. It is a heightened experience when you have a horse in the race. Don't get me wrong, we knew we had a shot; hope is there. Then there is the reality that this is the toughest race in North America to win.

"You can have the best horse on the planet and not win the Derby, and that was the case that particular day. Lookin At Lucky was the best horse and was named champion 3-year-old, but he was totally unlucky that day.

"We had Calvin Borel and post 4, which was the perfect post for Super Saver. Straight out of the gate, Lookin At Lucky was pushed into the rail and never had a shot. You have to have the perfect trip, and

Calvin Borel put (Super Saver) on the fence and never (came) off. When he hit the eighth pole, his silks were clean. Calvin won three Derbys giving them all the exact same ride. He hit the head of the lane, and we were in front; it was just unbelievable. I thought, 'Oh my God, are we going to win the Kentucky Derby?' It was like I was watching it in slow motion—totally surreal.

"The great thing about that day is who we brought to the Derby that year. I could not have handpicked, in retrospect, a group of people I would have more rather shared that day with than who was there. It was a day that is so rare when you stand on the mountaintop and you do it with your friends.

"One experience burned in my memory was after the race. At the after-party, Penny Chenery was standing off to the side waiting to talk with me. Penny and I had gotten to be great friends over the years. She said to me: 'Well, you're one of the club now. There is nothing like it, is there?' That moment was the highlight of the whole day." BH

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REPLAY: Super Saver Wins Kentucky Derby 136

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Bill Casner gives a fist pump in the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner’s circle along with WinStar Farm co-owner Kenny Troutt (green cap) at Churchill Downs

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 11 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

“In all other races, I always thought we had a heck of a

shot to win. The Derby, though, occupies that space in the stratosphere that makes it seem unattainable.”

—BILL CASNER

SKIP DICKSTEIN

JOSEPH REY AU

ANNE M. EBERHARDT SKIP DICKSTEIN

Calvin Borel leaps into Elliott

Walden’s arms

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 12 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

VIRTUAL KENTUCKY DERBY TO BE TELEVISED MAY 2 ON NBCBy BloodHorse Staff

Churchill Downs announced April 23 that it will conduct a virtual running of the Kentucky Derby

during a May 2 telecast on NBC from 3-6 p.m. ET on the traditional day of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).

Called the "The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown," the virtual race is a computer-simulated version of the American classic, which was postponed this year from its traditional running on the first Saturday in May to Sept. 5 because of COVID-19.

The virtual race, created by Inspired Entertainment, will feature the 13 Triple Crown winners and use data algorithms, including historical handicapping information about each horse, to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions.

Plans call for an at-home "Derby party," with track officials aiming to raise $2 million for COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. As part of this theme, Churchill Downs will join the Kentucky Derby Museum and other partners to offer virtual tours, Derby cocktail instructions, and an at-home fashion contest.

Beginning April 30, fans will be able to visit

KentuckyDerby.com to choose their favorite horse to win the virtual race and also join Churchill Downs in making a charitable donation to COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. All participants who select the winning horse will be entered to win the ultimate Kentucky Derby 146 VIP Experience. Churchill Downs has pledged to match up to $1 million of donations with funds to be directed to the Team Kentucky Fund and Direct Relief. A small percentage will be earmarked for the Relief for Equine Industry Needs, a program managed by the Churchill Downs Foundation designed to benefit workers of the backside whose livelihood has been impacted by COVID-19 and also to help ensure essential care for horses throughout the pandemic.

"The anticipation of which Triple Crown winner will emerge as the ultimate champion is thrilling," said Bill Carstanjen, the CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., "but most importantly, we are proud to use this platform as a force for good by raising money for these worthy COVID-19 emergency initiatives. We urge fans to join us by donating and celebrating with us from home."

The NBC program will also feature the 2015 Kentucky Derby that began American Pharoah's historic Triple Crown run.

"For many fans around the country, the first Saturday in May has become a part of their family's yearly traditions," said Kevin Flanery, the president of

Churchill Downs. "While we eagerly look forward to the 146th Kentucky Derby this year on the first Saturday in September, we will celebrate the annual excitement of our traditional date with our fans and community by offering ways for us to join together for a great cause. Our fans will be captivated by the realistic view of the virtual race, and we can debate, as we do each year, our favorite to win."

Track officials encourage fans to delve into social media by posting your home Derby Party experience using #KyDerbyAtHome and following @KentuckyDerby on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on the first Saturday in May. An updated schedule of activities can be found at KentuckyDerbyParty.com. BH

s Share this storyAmerican Pharoah wins the 2015 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 13 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

MIDNIGHT BISOU BREEZES FOR FIRST TIME SINCE SAUDI CUPBy Byron Kingt @BH_Bking

Midnight Bisou resumed breezing April 23 at Keeneland, her first timed workout since a

runner-up finish in the Saudi Cup Feb. 29. Her con-nections are eyeing an early summer return for the champion mare after stakes schedules are reworked following COVID-19-related cancellations and delays.

Clockers timed the 5-year-old daughter of Midnight Lute covering a half-mile in :52 3/5, an effortless solo work for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

"It could not have gone any easier," co-owner Jeff Bloom said. "She is training as well as she ever has. She's healthy and happy.

"Now, like with everybody else, it's figuring out where she is going to run. With that said, the idea would be based on expectations that we all have for things opening up a little bit more, sometime toward the early part of summer, whatever that means. Our original plan following the race was to come back and point for the La Troienne (G1) on Derby Weekend, but, of course, that all went up in smoke like everything else."

The $500,000 La Troienne Stakes Presented by United Card Events by Chase (G1) is typically run on the first Friday in May on the undercard of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs, though not on that date this year. The Churchill Downs spring meet was delayed pending public health clearance for racing without spectators, and the Oaks and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) are postponed to Sept. 4-5, respectively.

Although Churchill Downs has not released its stakes schedule, track officials said last month they hoped to replicate Derby-week racing during the first week of September.

Midnight Bisou, owned by Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables, and Allen Racing, has won 12 of 20 starts and $7.25 million, a tally that could grow if Maximum Security is disqualified from first in the Saudi Cup. On April 13, Saudi officials announced the purse of that race would be withheld pending an investigation into Maximum Security and trainer Jason Servis, who is under federal indictment, accused of misbranding performance-enhancing drugs that were administered to racehorses.

"We've not heard anything since then. We're just waiting it out," Bloom said.

First place in the Saudi Cup is worth $10 million and second place $3.5 million. BH

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Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables, and Allen Racing’s Midnight Bisou, second in the Saudi Cup, resumed breezing April 23 at Keeneland

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 14 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

NO PAROLE RETURNS TO SPRINTING IN OAKLAWN ALLOWANCEBy Meredith Daughertyt @BH_MDaugherty

Maggi Moss and Greg Tramontin took a gamble with their talented Louisiana-bred sprinter No

Parole in March when they entered him in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park. Described as an "exper-iment" by trainer Tom Amoss, the move was designed to give the 3-year-old Violence colt, who had already proved himself as a more-than-competent sprinter, a shot at the Triple Crown trail.

But an off-the-board finish in the March 14 Rebel told the team all they needed to know. With six furlongs comfortably in No Parole's sweet spot, the colt will return to Oaklawn for an allowance optional claiming race April 24 at his preferred distance.

"The No Parole that everyone was introduced to outside of Fair Grounds was the horse that was very, very impressive in sprint starts where he won by open lengths in each," Amoss said. "We felt that he deserved a chance at one of the (Kentucky) Derby (G1) preps. The Rebel is the race we chose, and Maggi Moss and I did that through conversation, deciding on that specific race with the understanding that if it

didn't work out, we would do what we knew he could do well, which was sprint."

No Parole was unbeaten in three starts upon entering the Rebel, his longest win coming at a mile in the Feb. 8 LA Bred Premier Night Prince Stakes at Delta Downs. Though the colt broke sharply in the 1 1/16-mile Rebel, he managed only a brief duel with winner Nadal before fading at the six-furlong mark to finish eighth.

"That race back in March did not work out, so we're coming back in this race Friday with what we know he does well, and we're going to stay with that plan from here on in," Amoss said.

No Parole will break from the rail under Joe Talamo. The race drew 12 entrants, plus one also-eligible, from around the country, including another stakes winner in Texas-bred colt Bubba Bling, who will be making his first start at the Arkansas track.

Owned and trained by Steve Asmussen, Bubba Bling has hit the board in all five starts and picked up black type at 2 when he won the My Dandy Division of the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes at Retama Park. In his only start in 2020, the Too Much Bling colt finished third in the non-black-type Jim's Orbit Stakes Feb. 22 at Sam Houston Race Park.

Bubba Bling will break from post 3 under Ricardo Santana Jr.

(L-R): No Parole wins the LA Bred Premier Night Prince Stakes at Delta Downs; American Butterfly breaks his maiden at Saratoga

COADY PHOTOGRAPHY COGLIANESE PHOTOS

(continued on page 15)

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 15 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

Among the most tested sophomores entered is Les Wagner's American Butterfly, who will be making his 11th start. Trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, the American Pharoah colt last raced April 5 at Oaklawn, where he finished third in an allowance optional claimer.

Though he has yet to earn black type, American Butterfly competed at the top level at 2, in the Runhappy Hopeful Stakes (G1) and Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1). He returned to graded company at 3 in his second start of 2020, finishing off the board in the Feb. 17 Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn. Jockey Stewart Elliott will have the call from post 2.

With racing limited to tracks still operating without spectators, Amoss said he's pleased to see an overall increase in the level of talent coalescing in traditionally smaller races.

"Racing has been consolidated to a great extent," Amoss said. "There are two tracks in Florida, one in the Midwest, and a couple of minor tracks in the Texas and Oklahoma area. What you're seeing in these races at Oaklawn Park, including the race with No Parole, is a real cosmopolitan field that includes horses from all over. What would be described, literally, as a first-level allowance race after looking at the racing form is one you could interpret as a stakes-race-type group.

"It's great for the fans, but it hasn't made it easy on us trainers. But I feel blessed that we have a place to run the horses. I'm not complaining." BH

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(continued from page 14)

NO PAROLE RETURNS TO SPRINTING IN OAKLAWN ALLOWANCE

THOROUGHBRED OWNERS AND BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

Thank you

During these uncertain times,

TOBA is still working for you ...

to all our loyal TOBA members. Your support allows TOBA to continue to be a vital resource in our Thoroughbred community through our programs and the assistance we provide to other crucial organizations. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining today or in the future at toba.org/membership.

We support the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition

and the Coalition for Horse

Racing Integrity

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 16 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

TACITUS COULD RETURN IN MAY 2 OAKLAWN HANDICAPBy BloodHorse Staff

Tacitus, last year's Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G2) winner, is

under consideration for a start in the $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap (G2), where he could join a lineup in the May 2 race expected to include grade 1 winners Improbable and Combatant.

The gray son of Tapit out of the Eclipse Award-winning mare Close Hatches was in the Middle East this year for the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), which was slated for March 28 but was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 4-year-old colt owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms since returned to Belmont Park, where he posted a pair of breezes just five days apart, including a five-furlong move April 20 in 1:01.35 on the dirt training track.

"He'll work again, and if that goes OK, we might go to Oaklawn," said trainer Bill Mott, who is on the cusp of saddling 5,000 winners in North America, a milestone matched by only six others.

As of April 23, Mott has won 4,988 races from 25,463 starts in North America.

Tacitus made his 4-year-old debut off a five-month layoff in the inaugural Saudi Cup and finished fifth,

beaten 4 1/4 lengths."He hadn't been out in a long time," Mott said.Tacitus made his sophomore debut a winning one

in March 2019 with a rallying effort in the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2). He then recorded a 1 1/4-length score in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack.

He was elevated to third in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), which was awarded to stablemate Country House. Tacitus finished second in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets

(G1), Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), and Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1).

He completed his 3-year-old campaign with a third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) in September at Belmont Park, banking more than $1.6 million for the year.

Mott also nominated Godolphin homebred Endorsed to the Oaklawn Handicap. Previously trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, who has switched gears to become a jockey agent for Luis Saez, the 4-year-old Medaglia d'Oro colt was fifth behind Combatant in the March 7 Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

"If Tacitus runs, he probably won't run," Mott said of Endorsed. "He's a nice horse, and we're optimistic as he's been improving a little bit. He looked like he was improving for Kiaran, and hopefully he'll continue in that direction."

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Tacitus trains this year at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Saudi Arabia

Harvey’s Lil Goil wins the Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack (continued on page 17)

COGLIANESE PHOTOS/CHELSEA DURAND

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 17 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

Mott has a trio of talented fillies in Harvey's Lil Goil, Lake Avenue, and Antoinette nominated for the $400,000 Fantasy Stakes (G3) May 1 at Oaklawn Park. The 1 1/16-mile test offers 100-40-20-10 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifying points to the top four finishers.

"All three might make their way to Oaklawn," Mott said.

The trainer is looking for his first win in the Kentucky Oaks, which this year will be run Sept. 4.

The Estate of Harvey A. Clarke and Paul Braverman's Harvey's Lil Goil romped to a six-length maiden win at second asking in December at Aqueduct and followed with a 7 1/2-length score over next-out Busher Invitational winner Water White in the nine-furlong Busanda Stakes in February.

"She might not get in the Fantasy. They have a big field, and she might not have enough earnings," Mott said.

Entries for the Fantasy will be taken April 25, followed the next day by those for the Oaklawn Handicap.

Harvey's Lil Goil is out of the Tapit broodmare Gloria S, a half sister to 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another and the Mott-trained dual graded stakes winner Golden Award.

Mott said the filly relishes a distance of ground, which should suit her well as she gears up for grade 1 races like the Kentucky Oaks and the 1 1/4-mile Alabama Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

"She's a nice filly, and distance isn't going to hurt her," Mott said. "I really didn't want to shorten her up to the mile and a sixteenth in the Fantasy if she gets in there, but if we don't run there, we might not be running for a while."

Harvey's Lil Goil is 21st on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 10 points.

Godolphin homebred Lake Avenue won the Demoiselle Stakes (G2) at 1 1/8 miles in December at Aqueduct. After a disappointing fourth in the Busher Invitational to launch her 3-year-old campaign, the Tapit filly was third last out in the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2).

"She's doing well. She ran much better here in the Oaks than her previous race in New York," Mott said.

Lake Avenue is 11th on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 35 points.

Godolphin homebred Antoinette, a daughter of Hard Spun, graduated at second asking on the Belmont turf in October and followed with a victory in the off-the-turf Tepin Stakes in December at Aqueduct.

Last out, in the Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), Antoinette moved to 12th on the Oaks leaderboard by garnering 20 points with a troubled third-place run.

"It was a good race. She had to wait for running room, but she ran a decent third. She's doing well," Mott said. BH

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(continued from page 16)

TACITUS COULD RETURN IN MAY 2 OAKLAWN HANDICAP

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 18 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

THE ROAD

(continued on page 19)

CHARLATAN'S PEDIGREE A MIX OF SPEED AND STAMINABy Byron Kingt @BH_Bking

Much has changed in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford

Reserve (G1) this year because of COVID-19, the most important of which is the race's postpone-ment until Sept. 5.

Time, it would seem, is on the side of the inexperienced, providing them more opportunity to gain starts toward the classic. It's securing the stakes racing to get there that is the issue.

Charlatan, whom Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert calls one of his superstar talents among his 3-year-old crop along with Authentic and Nadal, is one such horse in this predicament. A winner of each of his two starts at Santa Anita Park by open lengths, at six furlongs Feb. 16 and a mile March 14, he looked ready to follow Triple Crown winner Justify's schedule by competing in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in early April.

Then a health department order in Los Angeles County brought a change to those plans, halting racing at Santa Anita and tabling the Santa Anita Derby.

Now he needs some luck to make the May 2 Arkansas Derby (G1), the only race left, for now, on the Road to the Kentucky Derby schedule. Unless an overflow lineup is split into two divisions, Charlatan, who has limited earnings, could be excluded.

Should he get the opportunity to run, his participation would make for compelling viewing—not only for the talent but also to gauge his effectiveness in longer routes. Whether Charlatan—a son of Speightstown, who is known more for passing along

speed and brilliance than stamina—can excel at the Arkansas Derby's distance of 1 1/8 miles, let alone the Derby's 1 1/4 miles, is up for debate.

On the flip side, his dam, the Quiet American mare Authenticity, won a two-turn, 1 1/8-mile race, capturing the 2013 Shuvee Handicap (G3) at Saratoga Race Course. She also took the La Troienne Stakes (G2) at 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs earlier that year.

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Charlatan wins his Feb. 16 debut at Santa Anita Park

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 19 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

THE ROAD

Bear in mind, there are few stakes opportunities, or much need, to run a dirt mare beyond 1 1/8 miles.

Authenticity's only other foal to race, Hanalei Moon (by Malibu Moon), is a stakes-winning router on turf, effective from one mile to 1 1/16 miles.

Just as important as the mix of speed and stamina will be how Charlatan responds to his rider's cues. He can be a bit eager at times in his

morning workouts, though jockey Drayden Van Dyke has gotten him to relax in his races once the colt has taken the lead.

Baffert said he initially questioned how far Justify would run when he first observed him, only to be continually impressed by how he handled each longer task. Raw talent allows special horses to run effortlessly, leaving them with more in reserve over longer distances, he believes.

Time will tell for Charlatan as the distance test will come in the Arkansas Derby or a later, to-be-announced prep this spring or summer. BH

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CHARLATAN’S PEDIGREE A MIX OF SPEED AND STAMINA

(continued from page 18)

THE FOURTH CROP SIRETHAT MOVES UP HIS MARES. BTH % BTW % GSH % GSW % JIMMY CREED ($15,000) 11.81 4.64 3.80 1.69 Take Charge Indy ($17,500) 9.40 4.51 2.26 1.13 Violence ($25,000) 7.94 3.70 3.17 0.79

JIMMY CREEDBiggest & best-bred crop are yearlings in 2020.

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 20 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

COMMENTARY FROM INDUSTRY FIGURES

OUR VOICES

TAA MOVES FORWARD DESPITE COVID-19By John Phillips

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance? We are doing well, and thank you for asking.

Despite the world seemingly on hold, the TAA is moving forward, albeit with some improvisation given the circumstances, but forward nonetheless.

Specifically, the accreditation process for 2020 is well underway and functioning as normal as the team is currently reviewing the submitted applications.

Now more than ever, our 74 accredited organizations with their 160 facilities need support. We are striving to maintain regular contact with these aftercare soldiers on the ground and provide them with as much information and assistance as possible. Although informal surveys do not suggest a wave of heightened demand for aftercare at this point, we are working on strengthening triage systems and monitoring capacity at various facilities. The circumstances have enhanced the communication with the TAA and the networking between our aftercare partners.

You may already know that when the magnitude of the pandemic became clear, our midyear grants were expedited so that our accredited organizations could receive those grants in early April, nearly four weeks ahead of the typical disbursement.

In times of trial, you learn who your real friends are. I am so pleased to tell you that so many of our relationships have stepped up, especially financially. One such impressive example of support is from NYRA and NYTHA. Despite racing's suspension in New York, NYRA and NYTHA calculated their estimated

contribution based on the $10 per starter fee and made a corresponding contribution. This gesture is more than just money, it is a commitment to and understanding of our financial ecosystem and unique equine culture. The TAA cannot thank them enough for their support and leadership, and we hope you join us by expressing your appreciation to them as well.

While many of our events have been rescheduled and the staff is working mostly from home, the TAA remains focused on its mission of accreditation and awarding grants. Watch for our updates on our website and postings on social media. We will keep you informed, and we will join you in keeping the faith. We will get through this together. BH

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance president John Phillips

The only accrediting body in Thoroughbred aftercare.

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 21 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 22 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

BHA PROPOSAL CALLS FOR REDUCED FIELDS, VETERAN JOCKEYSBy Peter Scargill/Racing Post

Field sizes will initially be restricted to a maximum of 12 runners, and only senior jockeys will be al-

lowed to participate under the latest plans revealed by the British Horseracing Authority for the resumption of racing in Britain.

Both measures follow risk assessments designed to minimize the potential for injury and reduce any potential pressure on the National Health Service, a key consideration in racing's proposals to restart the sport following its stoppage since March 18 as a result of COVID-19.

The moves would also allow for better social distancing, an issue that was raised in specific relation to racing by culture secretary Oliver Dowden during a select committee session April 22, as will a limit on people attending more than one fixture a day.

In a letter to trainers, the BHA also acknowledged that such restrictions would lead to increased competition for places in the reduced fixture list, particularly for lower-grade horses.

"This (proposal) is based on risk modeling, which indicates that field sizes of 12 or fewer reduces the

risk to participants on the track and assists with social distancing requirements at the racecourse," The BHA said. "We have taken in a similar risk mitigation approach in relation to jockeys. Consequently, only the more senior jockeys will be able to ride under initial plans. This will be reviewed continually.

"We recognize (field-size restrictions) will increase competition for places, so we plan to extend the number of races on a card, including by staging more divisions. Even though we intend to provide a balanced program, it is likely that due to competition for places, some horses, particularly those that are lower rated, may find it difficult to get a run in the early stages of resumption."

Last week, the BHA extended the suspension of British racing from its initial restarting point of May 1 to an unspecified date, as well as outlining that no spectators would be permitted until June at the earliest.

A number of plans have been put forward for resuming racing, including the use of hub racecourses, such as Newmarket, Lingfield, and Newcastle, where those needed to run a fixture—such as jockeys, stable staff, and officials—could stay close by or onsite in hotels.

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Racing at Lingfield in 2019

(continued on page 23)

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 23 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

The BHA resumption of racing group is "not ruling out any model for resumption," and both flat and jumps courses are soon to be asked to apply to host fixtures and demonstrate they are able to potentially operate under strict risk-management and infection protocols.

"On current planning, we anticipate that the early stage models for resumption would allow for horses to race behind closed doors under strict conditions at locations which meet specific criteria around risk mitigation and infection control," the BHA letter said. "Once finalized, these criteria will be used to identify which racecourses may, in principle, be able to fulfill the safety requirements of racing behind closed doors under the strictest resumption models."

Behind-closed-doors racing is set to restart in Germany and France early next month, with Ireland running a similar system when the sport restarts there. Brant Dunshea, the BHA's chief regulatory officer and chair of the resumption of racing group, is due to meet officials from those racing nations next week to discuss their plans.

The classics in France and Germany have been rescheduled as part of the reformed racing programs. In Britain, under a "best-case scenario," the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) and One Thousand Guineas (G1) will take place in early June, and the Investec Oaks (G1) and Investec Derby (G1) in early July, with certain trial races for each rescued by the BHA and run in the second half of May.

Alongside this, the BHA outlined in its letter that "the intention is to keep the race program as close to normal as practicable" providing racing for all classes and ages of horse, including 2-year-olds.

A fixture list for the first two months of racing after resumption will be published "within the next fortnight," according to the regulator, providing a "sense of how the calendar would look" when racing comes back.

The BHA reiterated that with betting shops closed and no income from crowds, however, prize money for races when the sport returns will be affected.

The letter said: "As explained in our previous update, with no income from crowds and the potential continued closure of betting shops, racecourse revenues will be significantly reduced, which means there will be a greater reliance on the Levy Board to meet the costs of resuming racing.

"As well as reducing the number of fixtures that we can afford to stage, this will inevitably impact prize-money values. We can't provide exact figures on this yet, and we are still exploring various options that might be available to support or supplement prize money until crowds return and/or betting shops reopen."

For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock news, visit RacingPost.com. BH

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(continued from page 22)

BHA PROPOSAL CALLS FOR REDUCED FIELDS, VETERAN JOCKEYS

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 24 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

RACING AT DORTMUND COULD RESUME MAY 4By Tom Park/Racing Post

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting near-er for European racing as Germany is planning

to resume action May 4 following positive talks between racing authority Deutscher Galopp and government officials.

Germany will join France, which confirmed April 21 it plans to resume racing behind closed doors May 11.

An initial start date of May 1 had been floated, but that had to be put back because of political restrictions. Deutscher Galopp president Michael Vesper is confident, however, that racing will resume on the new planned date.

"We have worked a lot in the past few days and have been in constant contact with governments, local authorities, and the racecourses since then," he said. "We are also deliberately focusing on this week because we would then have the advantage that not much else is happening elsewhere, so we hope to boost betting turnover."

The switch means Dortmund will be the first track to host racing since the coronavirus brought it to a halt last month, with the meetings originally scheduled

to take place May 1-3 at Hanover, Mannheim, and Cologne possibly being rescheduled in the following week between May 5-8.

"On race days without an audience, it is not so important that they take place at the weekend," Vesper, quoted on galopponline.de, added. "It is fundamentally permitted to hold events such as race days again from May 4. The regulations apply until May 3. We are now preparing to start then and talk to the municipalities and those who do have to decide."

For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock news, visit RacingPost.com. BH

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BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 25 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

DERBY OFFICIALS 'KEEN' ON RESCHEDULED CHELMSFORD RACEBy James Stevens/Racing Post

Talks between Chelmsford and Churchill Downs are ongoing as the Essex all-weather track hopes to re-

schedule its qualifier for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and boost opportunities for European runners to feature in America's biggest race.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out both the qualifying meeting at Chelmsford in early April and the American classic. But with the Kentucky Derby rescheduled for Sept. 5, the race's officials are "very keen" for Chelmsford to provide a steppingstone in Europe a month before.

Runners in the Kentucky Derby are selected on a points-based system, with the top 20 scorers allowed to run. The news of interest in European runners is a timely boost at a time of uncertainty surrounding international travel due to the ongoing global crisis.

The first running of the Cardinal Stakes at Chelmsford last year was won by Bye Bye Hong Kong, who did not go to America, but the race did feature the first horses trained by Aidan O'Brien to visit the course.

"I've been in contact with the guys at Churchill

Downs, and they're still very keen for us to have a final European qualifier," said Fraser Garrity, the racecourse manager at Chelmsford. "We're looking at July or August for that, but it's still early days. That'd be a mile conditions race, which would come a month or so before the Kentucky Derby."

He added: "There's been so much disruption now, it might be that this race is a fixed point in time that people can aim for. It might well be that, by that twist of unhappy fate, the race ends up being more attractive to trainers that have the right sort of horse and can target it accordingly."

Of the seven races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, only three are staged in the same season, with the Churchill Downs Classic staged in May. Two of those, at Kempton and Dundalk, have already been run.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has hit Chelmsford hard, according to Garrity. The course, reopened in 2015, has furloughed members of staff, but ambitious plans to open a new turf track in the autumn are subject to funding from the Levy Board.

"We've been hit hard but like so many courses," Garrity said. "We take a financial hit on all the fixtures lost, and we've had six lost in April. We've used the job retention scheme, so quite a lot of the team are on

furlough at the moment, but we're making sure that everything is looking spot on for the resumption of racing.

"Our clerk of the course, Andy (Waitt), along with our grounds manager, Jamie (Waitt), have been working on (the track) and continue to. But part of the master plan is to use the Levy Board loan, but we're currently waiting patiently to find out where we've got to on that.

"There are so many more major issues and considerations all coming together at once, so we'll just wait. We're doing all that we can do at the moment."

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s Share this storyStorm clouds gather over the historic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs

MIKE CORRADO

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 26 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

LEVY BOARD GIVES TRACKS ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL FUNDSBy Peter Scargill/Racing Post

Cash-strapped racecourses have been granted access to a further

£6.5 million in funds by the Levy Board after rules around Capital Credits were relaxed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Racecourses are able to waive payments allocated to them by the Levy Board and build up reserves, known as Capital Credits, which are ringfenced and then put toward future construction projects.

Usually the waived funds cannot be liquidated by racecourses back into cash payments, but the Levy Board has eased the restrictions to give operators access to finance to help sustain businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus and shutdown of British racing since March 18.

"We want to provide flexibility around funds where possible, given the exceptional pressure on the sport while no fixtures are being staged," said Levy Board chief executive Alan Delmonte. "This now includes releasing Capital Credits balances to those racecourses that wish to have them for day-to-day cash requirements, rather than being only for use on capital development projects."

The release of the Capital Credits, which 18 racecourses have in reserve, comes alongside a £13.5 million stimulus package for tracks from the Levy Board and the Racing Foundation announced last week.

Racecourses have been hit particularly hard by the closure of British racing, and British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust said April 19 that "not every track may be able to be saved."

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Providing updated news and analysis THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Plus view recent stakes, allowance and MSW race videos, entries and more!

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 27 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE LAUNCHED TO HELP JOCKEYSBy Peter Scargill/Racing Post

Three schemes designed to help provide financial support to jockeys through the COVID-19 crisis

have been launched by the Professional Jockeys Asso-ciation.

Planned support for riders was announced as part of the £22 million package for racing from the Levy Board and the Racing Foundation last week, with valets and jockeys' agents also covered for loss of income due to the shutdown of the sport in Britain since March 18.

Jockeys, valets, and agents who have not been able to take advantage of the government's self-employment help package will have access to a similar program from the PJA, which will pay 80% of a person's average monthly earnings up to £2,500.

Payments will be backdated to when racing ceased and will run until the end of June, in line with the government measures.

Additionally, grants are being provided by the Racing Foundation to cover people claiming under the government self-employed scheme, which expects to pay out in June, with the grants repayable when the government help kicks in.

"I would personally like to show my appreciation on behalf of the jockeys for all the hard work that the PJA team has been putting in over the last few weeks," said PJA flat president PJ McDonald. "It has given jockeys a lot of comfort in these trying times, knowing that they have such a strong team working on their behalf."

Jockeys will also be able to access hardship grants via the Jockeys Association Trust and Injured Jockeys Fund, which have both pledged in the region of £300,000 to the scheme, alongside a "significant contribution" from the Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust.

"We are pleased to be able to launch these schemes so quickly after they were announced last Friday. They will be of significant assistance and provide reassurance to our members as well as their agents and valets," said PJA's chief executive Paul Struthers. "Both the PJA and its members are extremely grateful to the Racing Foundation trustees and their chief executive, Rob Hezel. I would also like to offer our sincere thanks to the Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, who have made a significant contribution to the hardship grants."

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Jockeys wait to be called to weigh out for the opener at Thurles

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 28 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

PRESENTED BY RACING POST

GOVERNMENT FORCES REGAIN CONTROL OF LIBYAN STUDBy James Stevens/Racing Post

Libya's largest stud, seized by militia in several armed raids in January, is now back under the con-

trol of United Nations-backed government forces, who found six surviving yearlings.

Now Al Shaab Stud's manager, Dr. Amad Eshaab, is waiting to hear the fate of stallions and mares kidnapped in the raid, the cost of which has been estimated at Libyan Dinar 75 million (more than US$52.2 million).

Among the missing stallions is Eavesdropper, a Kentucky-bred Kingmambo half brother to A.P. Indy and Summer Squall. Others include Raise A Grand, who won the 1998 Solario Stakes (G3) for the late Pip Payne; Australian-bred group 2 winner Churchill Downs, who placed third in the 2006 AAMI Golden Slipper (G1); Brut Force, the top sire in Libya; Metternich, by Seeking the Gold; and Backdraft.

Libya's conflict is between the Government of National Accord and Libyan National Army. In January, the latter seized control of the area just south of where the stud was located.

Since GNA forces recovered the area surrounding the stud, it is now part of a military zone used for GNA operations as the government plans to storm the nearby town of Tarhuna, where the kidnapped horses are believed to be, in the coming days.

"We are still waiting for the GNA forces to enter the middle of Tarhuna and the liberation of stallions and mares, and we are concerned about their safety during

the storming into the city of Tarhuna," Eshaab said. "We hope that the city will be recovered with minimal damage.

"The current situation is that we're waiting for the release of the kidnapped horses. In order for us to take care of the retrieved horses, we need to resume the maintenance work of the stable and the clinic.

"We lost work from April 4, (2019), which is the date of the beginning of the war on Tripoli, from the militia of (LNA leader) Haftar. We lost the stable on Jan. 4. This is something we could not replace, but we will continue and I'll never leave my profession—I love the horses.

"We lost to this sabotage of our heritage when a large number of manuscripts that talked about horses was lost—it was over 200 years old. There is also the bloodline that we worked on for 20 years."

The estimated cost of the raid comprises the value of the horses, equipment stolen, and the cost of remedial work to the facility, which was severely vandalized during the raids.

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Al Shaab Stud in Libya

COURTESY DR.AMAD ASHAAB

Extensive damage was done during the raids on Al Shaab Stud

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 29 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

WATCH REPLAYS BY CLICKING ON THE RACE NAME

RACE RESULTS

ALLOWANCE RESULTS

Gulfstream Park, Race 6, AOC4/23, $41,000, 3yo/up, 8f (dirt), 1:35.23, track fast.1–Untitled, 118, b c, 3, Khozan–Cindy Says, by Elu-

sive Quality, $25,100, O–Barber, Gary and Sebastian, Michael B., B–Brent Fernung, Crystal Fernung, Mike Sebastian Jr. & Mike Sebastian Sr. (FL), T–Mark E. Casse, J–Luis Saez

Sale History: 2018 FTKOCT, ($45,000 RNA).Margin: 3¾, 4 starters. View Equibase Chart

Gulfstream Park, Race 9, AOC4/23, $47,000, 4yo/up, 9f (turf), 1:47.33, course

firm.1–Temple, 121, dk b/br g, 4, Temple City–Desant, by

Quiet American, $24,000, O–Paradise Farms Corp.

and Mad Dog Racing Stable, B–Mark Toothaker & Dan White (KY), T–Michael J. Maker, J–Luis Saez

Sale History: 2018 OBSAPR, ($75,000 RNA), 2017 FTK-SEP, $75,000, 2016 KEENOV, ($19,000 RNA).Margin: 1¼, 12 starters. View Equibase Chart

Oaklawn Park, Race 1, ALW4/23, $61,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 8.5f (dirt), 1:47.24,

track good.1–Florida Bird, 122, b m, 7, Summer Bird–Boca Ju-

niors, by Peteski, $36,600, O–William N. Martin, B–Dr. K. K. Jayaraman & Dr. V. Devi Jayaraman (AR), T–William N. Martin, J–Walter De La CruzMargin: 5½, 9 starters. View Equibase Chart

Oaklawn Park, Race 8, ALW4/23, $61,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 8.5f (dirt), 1:46.50,

track fast.

1–Luna Fortis, 117, ch f, 4, Will Take Charge–Alec's Moon, by Malibu Moon, $36,600, O–Contreras Stable Inc., B–Machmer Hall (KY), T–Cipriano Contreras, J–Martin Garcia

Sale History: 2017 KEESEP, $160,000.Margin: 1¼, 10 starters. View Equibase Chart

Oaklawn Park, Race 9, AOC4/23, $61,000, 3yo, f, 8.5f (dirt), 1:45.93, track fast.1–Lucky Betty, 122, dk b/br f, 3, Munnings–Chero-

kee Beads, by Street Sense, $36,600, O–Dennis Park, B–TK Stables LLC (KY), T–William B. VanMeter, J–Declan Cannon

Sale History: 2018 KEESEP, $145,000.Margin: 3½, 11 starters. View Equibase Chart

BLOODHORSE DAILY PAGE 30 OF 30FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020

UPCOMING ENTRIES

MIRANDA DIANE S.Will Rogers Downs, Monday, April 27, Race 96f (dirt), $55,000, 3yo/up f/m, 5:15 PM (local) P # PP Horse Sire Age/Sex Jockey Weight M/L Owner 1 Country Daisy Country Day 4/f Ken S. Tohill 118 - Bay, David and Tammie 2 Spring Steen Maclean's Music 5/m Ry Eikleberry 124 - Michael Grossman 3 Lil Footnotes Read the Footnotes 5/m Benny C. Landeros 118 - J. F. Stewart 4 Runaround Rosey Stephen Got Even 4/f Justin Shepherd 118 - B and S Racing 5 Dicey Flat Out 4/f Obed Sanchez 118 - Swan, Patrick E. and Lewis, Jay 6 Three Chords Euroears 5/m David Cabrera 124 - Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. 7 High Class Euro Euroears 4/f Leandro D. Goncalves 118 - Steve Williams 8 She's Shiney Save Big Money 4/f Jose Angel Medina 121 - Adios Reality Farms LLC 9 Fiddlers Tsunami Seeking a Home 7/m Floyd Wethey, Jr. 118 - Blue Moon Stables 10 Lady Orchid Oratory 4/f Lindey Wade 124 - Lori L. BravoBreeders: 1–Bay Ranch; 2–Eureka Thoroughbred Farm; 3–J. F. Stewart; 4–B & S Racing; 5–John James Revocable Trust; 6–Dream Walkin' Farms, Inc.; 7–James E. Helzer; 8–Adios Reality Farms LLC; 9–Patricia Clark, Mike Duplissey & Marilyn Jean Duplissey; 10–Lori L Bravo.Trainers: 1–H. Ray Ashford, Jr.; 2–Francisco Bravo; 3–J. Alan Williams; 4–Scott E. Young; 5–Patrick E. Swan; 6–Kenny P. Smith; 7–Jose Martinez-Espinoza; 8–J. Alan Williams; 9–Jody Pruitt; 10–Francisco Bravo.

TRAO CLASSIC SPRINT S.Will Rogers Downs, Tuesday, April 28, Race 96f (dirt), $55,000, 3yo/up c/g, 5:15 PM (local) P # PP Horse Sire Age/Sex Jockey Weight M/L Owner 1 Gospel Cherokey Desert Key 6/g Curtis Kimes 118 - Steve F. Williams 2 Welder The Visualiser 7/g David Cabrera 124 - Ra-Max Farms LLC 3 Criminal Mister Lucky Cat 4/g Lindey Wade 118 - Kimberly Veenker 4 Timely Reply Wood Reply 7/g Adrian B. Ramos 121 - Kim Swango 5 Fly to the Bank Euroears 3/g Ty Kennedy 115 - James E. Helzer 6 Rockport Kat Rockport Harbor 8/g Ry Eikleberry 118 - Ra-Max Farms LLC 7 Shannon C Latent Heat 5/g Floyd Wethey, Jr. 118 - B and S Racing 8 Eurowest Euroears 4/g Gustavo Herrera 118 - Jimmy R. SkinnerBreeders: 1–Steve Williams; 2–Center Hills Farm; 3–Whitlow Farms LLC; 4–Randy E. Swango; 5–James E. Helzer; 6–H. Allen Poindexter; 7–B & S Racing; 8–James E. Helzer.Trainers: 1–Jose Martinez-Espinoza; 2–Theresa Sue Luneack; 3–Joe S. Offolter; 4–Randy E. Swango; 5–James E. Helzer; 6–Theresa Sue Luneack; 7–Scott E. Young; 8–Martin Lozano.