International Pedigree That's Pretty Unusual

It's unusual for a runner to cross the finish line before a champion, unusual for any horse to have ancestors from 6 nations in her 3rd generation, and definitely Pretty Unusual to fit both of these descriptions.

Sutherland Caps Big Weekend in El Encino

Jockey Chantal Sutherland earned her second grade II victory in as many days when she guided 29-1 outsider Pretty Unusual to win the El Encino Stakes at Santa Anita Jan. 17. Favored Stardom Bound was second.

Stardom Bound, 'Dixie Start New in El Encino

With fresh starts to the new season, Stardom Bound and Justwhistledixie will each try to get their 4-year-old campaigns off on the right foot, as they face each other in the $150,000 El Encino Stakes (gr. I) Jan. 17

Flashing Shows Her Heels in Sharp Gazelle Win

Flashing, thought to be making the final start of her career, popped the gate in front and never looked back, drawing away from Unrivaled Belle through the stretch drive to easily win the $300,000 Gazelle Stakes (gr. I) by 4 1/4 lengths at Aqueduct Nov. 28.

Stardom Bound Returns in Gazelle

The flashy gray 3-year-old daughter of Tapit returns to action in the $300,000 Gazelle (gr. I) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct.

Bar Set High at Fasig-Tipton November Sale

While the plunging economy was pounding other mixed sales late in 2008, the Fasig-Tipton November select auction generated spectacular results. The gross revenue rose 35.1% from the previous year while the average price and median prices increased 58.8% and 38.9%, respectively.

Dutrow Horses Preparing For Plenty of Action

Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., reported on several of his top horses Sept. 25 from Aqueduct, including Paul Pompa Jr.'s Futurity (gr. II) winner D' Funnybone, whose next start is still up in the air.

Paasches Leave Sport for Oregon Youth Project

Christopher and Bonnie Paasch are preparing to open their 500-acre Oregon property to underprivileged, problem youths and even young people with problem parents.

F-T Fall Mixed Sale Set for Nov. 9-10

The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall select mixed sale will be conducted during two evening sessions on Nov. 9 and 10, a Monday and a Tuesday, in Lexington. That format is a change from recent years, when the auction had been held on a Sunday night.

Lanzman Claims IEAH Breached Contract

David J. Lanzman Racing Stable has filed suit against IEAH Stables, claiming breach of contract in connection with IEAH's purchase of half-interest in I Want Revenge, the morning-line favorite for this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) who was scratched the day of the classic.

HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown April 17

HRTV's weekly series analyzing the pursuit of the Triple Crown. This week's edition includes a preview of the Coolmore Lexington, and recaps of the Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass Stakes.

Stardom Bound Gets New Jockey for Oaks

Stardom Bound, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2008, will have a new jockey when she attempts to get back on the winning track in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) in Eclipse Award winner Garrett Gomez.

Charles Cono, Raced Stardom Bound, Dead

Charles Cono, who campaigned 2008 champion 2-year-old filly Stardom Bound, died April 9 at his La Mesa, Calif.

Hooh Why Stuns Stardom Bound in Ashland

Stardom Bound, seeking her sixth consecutive grade I victory, was stunned by 24-1 shot Hooh Why in the $400,000 Ashland Stakes April 4 at Keeneland.

Stardom Bound Looking for Sixth Grade I

Although champion Stardom Bound is the clear choice for the April 4 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) opening weekend at Keeneland, the daughter of Tapit has her work cut out of for her when facing an accomplished field of eight other females looking to secure a spot in the May 1 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

Stardom Bound Sibling Out of Sale

Champion Stardom Bound is scheduled to run in the April 4 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland, but her half-brother by Roman Ruler won't be offered during the Keeneland April sale of 2-year-olds in training in Lexington.

Ashland-Bound Fillies Prepare for Battle

Co-owner Mark Hoffman walked his Ashland Stakes (gr. I) hopeful Hooh Why at Keeneland the morning of March 31, a day after the Cloud Hopping filly worked a half-mile in :49.60.

25% Interest in Stardom Bound to Lanzman

David J. Lanzman, who announced March 30 that 50% of his homebred Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contender I Want Revenge had been sold to IEAH Stables, has purchased 25% of IEAH's champion filly and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) contender Stardom Bound.

IEAH Finally Gets 'Revenge'

IEAH Stables announced March 30 the completion of its purchase of a half-interest in Gotham Stakes (gr. III) winner I Want Revenge from David Lanzman. Mike Iavarone, president of IEAH, said Jeff Mullins will continue to train the colt.

Stardom Bound, Hooh Why in Ashland Works

Champion Stardom Bound and Hooh Why have put in their final works for the April 4 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland.

Stardom Bound Settles in at Keeneland

Champion Stardom Bound arrived at Keeneland on March 18 and will have her first breeze over the Polytrack on March 21 as she prepares for her scheduled start in the $400,000 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) on April 4.

Justwhistledixie On Top of Future Wager

The powerhouse duo of champion Stardom Bound and Rachel Alexandra figured to be the top stories in the only pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Oaks Future Wager of 2009, but it was rising star Justwhistledixie who stole the show and ended up as the favorite over that duo as four days of Oaks Future betting drew to a close Sunday evening.

Favoritism Unchanged in Oaks Futures

The streaking Justwhistledixie continued to be a surprising favorite over the high-powered duo of reigning 2-year-old filly champion Stardom Bound and Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II) winner Rachel Alexandra as Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager headed into the last day of its four-day run.

Justwhistledixie Clear Choice in KOFW

Justwhistledixie, an easy winner of the Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park, was a surprise favorite over morning line choices Stardom Bound and Rachel Alexandra following the March 12 opening day of betting in Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.

Stardom Bound, Rachel Alexandra Top KOFW

Champion Stardom Bound, winner of five consecutive grade I stakes races, and rising star Rachel Alexandra, the heavy favorite for the March 14 $300,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II) at Fair Grounds, are the narrowly separated top betting choices heading to this week's only pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.

Stardom Bound Headed to Ashland Stakes

Stardom Bound, who just got up for a desperate nose victory in the Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I) March 7, did not take the big step forward her connections had been hoping for, and now likely will point for the Ashland Stakes (gr. I) and the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

Ky. Derby Trail: The Total Package

March means many things to owners and trainers of horses on the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trail. There's the nail-biting, the sleepless nights, and the early morning phone calls that every owner dreads. And for many it sadly means the end of the road.

Pioneer, Old Fashioned Shine in Works

Leading West Coast Triple Crown contender Pioneerof the Nile worked five furlongs on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride March 8 in a bullet :58.80 under regular rider Garrett Gomez for the grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles. At Oaklawn, Old Fashioned worked a bullet five furlongs in :59.

Stardom Bound Barely Best in 'Anita Oaks

Champion filly Stardom Bound, seven wide at the top of the lane, got up in the final stride by a nose over unheralded Third Dawn to win the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I) for her fifth consecutive grade I win March 7.

HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown March 6

HRTV's weekly series analyzing the pursuit of the Triple Crown. This week's episode includes recaps of the Fountain of Youth and Sham, a focus on Stardom Bound - comparing her to Winning Colors, a look at the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes, and a preview of the Gotham.

Santa Anita Oaks: 9 Battle Stardom Bound

Stardom Bound, who could be headed for the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) next month, puts her four-race grade I victory streak on the line in the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I) March 7.

Mahubah's Corner: What a Pear

MAHUBAH'S CORNER, by Avalyn Hunter

What a Pear has just served notice that Stardom Bound will have competition in the sophomore filly division this year.

Stardom Bound Breezes for 'Anita Oaks

Stardom Bound, champion 2-year-old filly of 2008, breezed five furlongs on Pro-Ride in 1:01 2/5 March 1 for the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I) March 7, which is expected to be her second start of the year.

Stardom Bound Heads KY Oaks Nominees

IEAH Stables, Paul Pompa Jr., Michael Dubb, and Golden Goose Enterprises' Stardom Bound, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2008 and winner of the Las Virgenes (gr. I) at Santa Anita in her 2009 debut, heads an impressive roster of 170 horses nominated to compete in the 135th running of the $500,000-added Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), which will be run at Churchill Downs May 1.

Stardom Bound Among 120 Ashland Nominees

Stardom Bound, winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and reigning 2-year-old filly champion, headlines 120 nominees to Keeneland's $400,000 Ashland Stakes (gr. I), scheduled for April 4.

Old Fashioned Thoughts - Derby Top 10

Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, reviews Old Fashioned's performance in the Southwest and offers a new top 10 Derby Watchlist.

Field Solid Favorite in Future Pool 1

The mutuel field, or "all others," was the solid 9-5 favorite among 24 wagering interests at the conclusion of betting in four-day pool. But Fox Hill Farm's Old Fashioned was a clear choice among the 23 individual horses in the Derby Future pool that ended on the eve of the colt's 3-year-old racing debut.

'All Others,' Old Fashioned Lead KDFW

The traditional status of the mutuel field, or "all others," as the favorite in the opening pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager seems secure for another year, but unbeaten Old Fashioned has strengthened his position as the leading individual contender for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) with one day of wagering remaining in the first of three 2009 Derby Future pools.

Field Pegged at 4-5 in Derby Future Bet

The mutuel field, or "all others" has been the favored wagering interest in every opening pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager since its introduction in 1999, and bettors showed little inclination to change that pattern on the first day of the 2009 action.

'All Others' 5-2 Choice in First KDFW

Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager begins its 11th year when the first of its three betting pools opens Feb. 12. And for the 11th time with the first pool, the mutuel field, or "all others," is the morning line betting favorite.

Ky. Derby Trail: Nile Flowing Fast

It was an excellent weekend on the old trail, with some first-class performances, not only by the winners, but several of the losers as well. The latest Top 15 follows the column.

Stellar Comeback Win for Stardom Bound

Stardom Bound, champion 2-year-old filly of 2008, could be headed for the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) after turning in a big effort in winning the $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) for new connections in her 2009 debut Feb. 7 at Santa Anita.

Stardom Bound Booked to Big Brown

Big Brown, last year's 3-year-old champion male, is scheduled to cover a number of prominent mares this year at Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky. Mates beyond this year will include champion Stardom Bound following her retirement from racing.

Patena to La. Derby; Old Fashioned Works

LeComte Stakes (gr. III) runner-up Patena, will make his first start for new majority owner IEAH Stables in the March 14 Louisiana Derby (gr. II), IEAH co-president Mike Iavarone said.

Stardom Bound Faces 8 in Las Virgenes

Stardom Bound, the juvenile filly champion of 2008, makes her 3-year-old debut Feb. 7 in the $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride racing surface.

Stardom Bound Works for 3-Year-Old Debut

Stardom Bound, the runaway 2-year-old filly Eclipse champion of 2008, worked five furlongs at Santa Anita Feb. 1 in preparation for her 3-year-old debut in the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) Feb. 7.

Midshipman High-Weight on Experimental

Midshipman, winner of the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), received the high weight assignment of 126 pounds on the 2008 Experimental Free Handicap,

2YO Filly Eclipse Award: Stardom Bound

Every so often a juvenile filly comes along that just dominates her competition, and Stardom Bound did just that in 2008. What makes her accomplishments even more dramatic is she was able to inhale her rivals with hold-your-breath, last-to-first moves.

LeComte Runner-up Patena Sold to IEAH

IEAH Stables is back on the Kentucky Derby trail after purchasing majority interest in LeComte Stakes (gr. III) runner-up Patena from John and Glen Sikura and Dominic Dilalla.

Derby Contender Workouts

No prominent 3-year-old races this weekend, but plenty of action on the worktab. Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at this week's works for Derby contenders.

Ky. Derby Trail: Flashback to Greatness

What do the following horses have in common? Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid, Affirmed, Alydar, Damascus, Buckpasser, Easy Goer, Riva Ridge, Holy Bull, Spend a Buck, and Swale?

Derby Hopefuls on the Worktab

Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at recent works for some Derby Hopefuls.

Curlin, New Approach Share Top Rankings

Curlin, the all-time earner among North American Thoroughbreds, gained another accolade on Tuesday, Jan. 13 when he was officially named the joint best horse of 2008 in the World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Stardom Bound Could Run in Las Virgenes

Stardom Bound, the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filly (gr. I) winner and likely the divisional champion, could make her 3-year-old debut in the $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) at one mile on Feb. 7, new trainer Bobby Frankel said.

Keeneland Suffers More Setbacks

The marketplace continued to take a pounding from negative economic forces outside the Thoroughbred industry during the third day of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale in Lexington. Compared to 2007, the Nov. 5 session was down 42.1% in gross revenue, 33.3% in average price, and 36.5% in median price. The buy-back rate soared from 20.9% last year to 28.2% this year.

Stardom Bound's Dam Brings $825,000

Three days after Stardom Bound sold for $5.7 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed sale, her dam, My White Corvette, brought $825,000 during the third session the Keeneland November breeding stock auction in Lexington.

Better Than Honour Sets World Record

Even though we're in the midst of a global financial crisis, a special horse can still bring a jaw-dropping amount. Better Than Honour, the dam of back-to-back Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winners Jazil and champion Rags to Riches, set a world Thoroughbred auction record for a broodmare or broodmare prospect Nov. 2 when her price soared to $14 million during the Fasig-Tipton November select mixed sale in Lexington.

Stardom Bound Sells for $5.7 Million

Stardom Bound, winner of the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and the probable champion 2-year-old filly, brought $5.7 million from IEAH Stables, which is headed by Michael Iavarone and Richard Schiavo, late in the afternoon of Nov. 2 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed sale. Her new trainer will be Rick Dutrow, who conditioned recently retired Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Brown for IEAH and partners.

HRTV to Cover November Sale

HRTV's coverage of the sale will be interspersed throughout the network's live airing of the final races from both Churchill Downs and Aqueduct, which begin earlier in the afternoon.

Stardom Bound is Fasig-Tipton Bound

Charles Cono's Stardom Bound, winner of the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I), will be offered as planned at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed sale Nov. 2, said her trainer, Christoper Paasch Oct. 29.

BC Sale Horses: How They Did

A number of female runners that competed in the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park are entered in the upcoming Fasig-Tipton November select mixed and Keeneland November breeding stock sales in Lexington. By far the most successful was Stardom Bound, who scored in the Bessemer Trust Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) as the favorite. She is Hip No. 65 in the Fasig-Tipton auction, which is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Bold Move Makes Stardom Bound a Winner

Favorite Stardom Bound, with a bold move, quickly took command of the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I). Dream Empress was second and Sky Diva third. The final time in the 1 1/16-mile race was 1:40.99.

Juvenile Fillies: California Dreamin'

Put together by Kelly Colliver, the 26-member strong Livin the Dream partnership group owns one horse in training. That horse is Dream Empress, who figures to be a strong contender for Friday's Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I).

'Bound' for Stardom in Juvenile Fillies

Dual grade I winner Stardom Bound heads an accomplished field of nicely-matched fillies set for the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park.

Juvenile Fillies: California Star

This year's rendition of the Bessemer Trust Juvenile Fillies is long on local-grown talent in the form of Stardom Bound.

HRTV: Pursuit of the Cup Oct 3 (Video)

HRTV's weekly series analyzing each division of the Breeders' Cup. This episode includes recaps of the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Lady's Secret, previews of the Spinster, Champagne, and Frizette, and much, much more.

Stardom Bound Awesome in Oak Leaf

Stardom Bound put on a dazzling performance in the $250,000 Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 27 during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park. The 2-year-old Tapit filly rallied from last, came eight-wide into the stretch, and mowed down her rivals to win going away under Mike Smith.

Seeking Stardom in Oak Leaf

The first three finishers of the Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) have passed the entry box for the Sept. 27 Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. I). The two-turn, $250,000 race for 2-year-old fillies at the Oak Tree meeting figures to be a key prep for next month's Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I).

HRTV: Pursuit of the Cup Sept 5 (Video)

HRTV's weekly series analyzing each division of the Breeders' Cup. This episode includes an analysis of the Woodward, a review of the Juveniles, a preview of the Ruffian and much, much more.

Stardom Bound Rises to Debutante Victory

The aptly named maiden Stardom Bound, far behind the leaders on the final turn, unleashed a monstrous move through the home stretch to turn the $250,000 Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) into a 4 1/4-length stunner Sept. 1.

Evita Argentina Heads Del Mar Debutante

The muddled juvenile filly picture in Southern California should begin to come into focus on Labor Day when a dozen go to work in the $250,000 Del Mar Debutante (gr. I).

Evita Argentina Flys High, Wins Sorrento

In the second start of her career, unbeaten Evita Argentina flew down the center of the track to defeat favored Stardom Bound in the $150,000 Sorrento Stakes (gr. III) for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar Aug. 6.

Emmy Darling Stars in Sorrento Field

Emmy Darling, winner of the Landaluce Stakes in her second start for trainer John Sadler, heads a field of 11 juvenile fillies in the $150,000 Sorrento Stakes (gr. III) at Del Mar Aug. 6.