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One-time Melbourne Cup favourite Goldman has bounced back to winning form for the first time in more than 18-months when leading throughout to score in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman last saluted in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) in March of last year which rocketed him to 2023 Cup favouritism. While subsequent preparations haven’t gone to plan, Goldman relished being in his favoured on-speed ride under Beau Mertens and out-toughed runner-up Grand Pierro in winning the A$300,000 feature. Muramasa made the best ground from last, while Smokin Romans battled on well after tracking the speed, but all honours were with the winner. Third-up and getting out to his preferred staying distance, the six-year-old son of Verdi ensured syndicator Darby Racing again remained in the limelight after a remarkable run through December. “I spoke to Gai this morning, and the only instructions were to give it a Gai Waterhouse ride – it’s pretty simple when she wants that done,” winning jockey Beau Mertens said. “They presented the horse in great order for me to do so and once I jumped and got to the front I had a very enjoyable time and built from the 800m. In typical Waterhouse fashion, they keep running. “Probably in the last 100m, Grand Pierro came up alongside and really tested him, but my bloke dug deep and was strong.” The win also held some personal significance to the in-form hoop, who emulated his late father Peter in riding a Pakenham Cup winner, with Peter successful in 2002 and 2004. “It’s unbelievable. Many years later, we (have both) got the job done, it’s always good picking off races that Dad won,” he said. Goldman has now won six of 18 starts, with a further three placings and amassed $640,368 in prizemoney. The stayer is a son of the Zabeel stallion Verdi, a half-brother to the multiple Group One winners Sir Slick and Puccini, who stands at Long Acres Stud in Canterbury. Prepared by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Verdi won three of his eight starts and had Group One potential before a tendon injury pre-maturely ended his career. Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Goldman is out of the Montjeu mare Goldsmith and won two of his four starts in New Zealand for the Smithies and original trainer Tony Pike. Goldman was sold to syndicators Darby Racing via bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo following a narrow victory over 1600m at Pukekohe in November 2022. View the full article

The good times keep on rolling for connections of winning machine Here To Shock(NZ) (Shocking) who plundered the inaugural A$1 million Supernova at Pakenham over his favoured 1400m distance for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes. The seven-year-old son of Shocking bounced back to winning form after a rare down the field effort when tenth in the A$3 million Big Dance (1600m), where he pulled up with a heart arrhythmia. A subsequent pleasing trial gave the Hayes team the tick of approval they were seeking and a perfect Daniel Stackhouse ride paved the way for Here To Shock to narrowly defy stablemate Arkansaw Kid in the lucrative slot race. The ever-improving Here To Shock has now won 12 races, eight over his preferred 1400m as his career earnings soared to A$2,418,580. “Here To Shock, he’s an old marvel – we were confident we could get him back after the Big Dance,” a delighted Will Hayes said. “We had our eye on this race from a long way out, that’s why he was in our slot today. “Getting back to those paddocks in Euroa, he loves the country environment. He had the earmuffs on today to keep him relaxed, and keeping him relaxed has been key to him going through the grades. “Arkansaw Kid ran huge, big thanks to Cavallo Park Stud for letting us put him in that slot… they both ran super.” The win also splits $10,000 between the community groups represented by each placegetter, with the winner tied into to the Pearcedale Baxter Junior Football Club. “Winning is already great enough, and having a community edge to it just makes it better,” said Hayes, an accomplished former AFL player. Daniel Stackhouse notched a treble at Pakenham on Saturday and said the improvement in Here To Shock’s demeanour has been the key to the gelding’s success. “I rode him two and a half years ago, and he was just a young kid, just out of control really,” Stackhouse said. “He’d sweat up, he’d pull, he just did so much wrong but he always had a lot of ability. “It has been a great job by the stable.” Stackhouse gave a nod to syndicator Rob Slade, who has been a good supporter of the expat Kiwi hoop. “I’d just like to thank Rob Slade as well, he’s been solid to me, so it’s nice to reward him,” he said. Slade went to $70,000 to purchase the then colt by proven Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking out of the Lonhro mare Frescoes from the 2019 Cambridge Stud yearling draft at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding Gold Bullion dug deep to stave off all challengers when leading throughout to land the Listed Seven Members Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The son of Savabeel was ridden to victory by Regan Bayliss and looks set to leave his mark on the Queensland Summer Carnival as he chases further stakes success. Now the winner of three of his 14 starts with a further five placings, Gold Bullion was second-up after finishing third over 1400m on the Kensington track a fortnight ago. “He was really brave today,” stable representative Juliet Partridge said. “He’s had a pretty easy week up here in Queensland and has just been working nicely enjoying the warm weather. “He is a lovely horse that is very straight forward and is glowing in the coat.” Partridge indicated Gold Bullion would be aimed at the A$500,000 The Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 4. Winning rider Regan Bayliss was full of praise for Gold Bullion who narrowly defeated Junipal and Poetic Drama. “It was a really good tough win,” Bayliss said. “We got a lovely lead and he got into a beautiful rhythm for me and I just upped the tempo from the 600m and tried to get them chasing a little bit. “Junipal headed me with 100m to go, but to my guy’s credit he pinned the ears back and hit the line strongly. “He was only second-up today and I think at his next start he will step out to 1800m which will suit him even better. “He has come back a lot better this preparation and the sky is the limit.” Raced by a syndicate and sporting the colours of the China Horse Club, Gold Bullion is by Waikato Stud’s champion sire Savabeel and out of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush, a daughter of So You Think. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding Gold Bullion showed grit and determination, leading all the way to win the Listed Seven Members Mile at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Photo Credit: Grant Peters Four-year-old gelding Gold Bullion dug deep to stave off all challengers when leading throughout to land the Listed Seven Members Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The son of Savabeel was ridden to victory by Regan Bayliss and looks set to leave his mark on the Queensland Summer Carnival as he chases further stakes success. Now the winner of three of his 14 starts with a further five placings, Gold Bullion was second-up after finishing third over 1400m on the Kensington track a fortnight ago. “He was really brave today,” stable representative Juliet Partridge said. “He’s had a pretty easy week up here in Queensland and has just been working nicely enjoying the warm weather. “He is a lovely horse that is very straight forward and is glowing in the coat.” Partridge indicated Gold Bullion would be aimed at the A$500,000 The Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 4. Seven Members Mile Race Replay – Gold Bullion https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Listed-Seven-Memberts-Mile-21122024-Gold-Bullion-Gai-Waterhouse-Adrian-Bott-Regan-Bayliss.mp4 Winning rider Regan Bayliss was full of praise for Gold Bullion who narrowly defeated Junipal and Poetic Drama. “It was a really good tough win,” Bayliss said. “We got a lovely lead and he got into a beautiful rhythm for me and I just upped the tempo from the 600m and tried to get them chasing a little bit. “Junipal headed me with 100m to go, but to my guy’s credit he pinned the ears back and hit the line strongly. “He was only second-up today and I think at his next start he will step out to 1800m which will suit him even better. “He has come back a lot better this preparation and the sky is the limit.” Raced by a syndicate and sporting the colours of the China Horse Club, Gold Bullion is by Waikato Stud’s champion sire Savabeel and out of the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush, a daughter of So You Think. Horse racing news View the full article

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman triumphed in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli One-time Melbourne Cup favourite Goldman has bounced back to winning form for the first time in more than 18-months when leading throughout to score in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on Saturday. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman last saluted in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) in March of last year which rocketed him to 2023 Cup favouritism with the top online bookmakers. While subsequent preparations haven’t gone to plan, Goldman relished being in his favoured on-speed ride under Beau Mertens and out-toughed runner-up Grand Pierro in winning the A$300,000 feature. Muramasa made the best ground from last, while Smokin Romans battled on well after tracking the speed, but all honours were with the winner. 2024 Pakenham Cup Race Replay – Goldman https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pakenham-2024-Listed-Pakenham-Cup-21122024-Goldman-Gai-Waterhouse-Adrian-Bott-Beau-Mertens.mp4 Third-up and getting out to his preferred staying distance, the six-year-old son of Verdi ensured syndicator Darby Racing again remained in the limelight after a remarkable run through December. “I spoke to Gai this morning, and the only instructions were to give it a Gai Waterhouse ride – it’s pretty simple when she wants that done,” winning jockey Beau Mertens said. “They presented the horse in great order for me to do so and once I jumped and got to the front I had a very enjoyable time and built from the 800m. In typical Waterhouse fashion, they keep running. “Probably in the last 100m, Grand Pierro came up alongside and really tested him, but my bloke dug deep and was strong.” The win also held some personal significance to the in-form hoop, who emulated his late father Peter in riding a Pakenham Cup winner, with Peter successful in 2002 and 2004. “It’s unbelievable. Many years later, we (have both) got the job done, it’s always good picking off races that Dad won,” he said. Goldman has now won six of 18 starts, with a further three placings and amassed $640,368 in prizemoney. The stayer is a son of the Zabeel stallion Verdi, a half-brother to the multiple Group 1 winners Sir Slick and Puccini, who stands at Long Acres Stud in Canterbury. Prepared by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Verdi won three of his eight starts and had Group 1 potential before a tendon injury pre-maturely ended his career. Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Goldman is out of the Montjeu mare Goldsmith and won two of his four starts in New Zealand for the Smithies and original trainer Tony Pike. Goldman was sold to syndicators Darby Racing via bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo following a narrow victory over 1600m at Pukekohe in November 2022. Horse racing news View the full article

In Good Order wins Ted Van Heemst Stakes for Daniel Morton. Photo: Western Racepix Daniel Morton & Shaun O’Donnell have combined with In Good Order ($7.50) to claim victory in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday afternoon, being rewarded for an ultra-consistent campaign. The son of American Pharoah was lining up for his ninth run of the preparation on Saturday and having his first crack at Group-level company after finding the minor money in the Listed G.A Towton Stakes (2200m) on December 7. He got the perfect run in transit this time around as O’Donnell found the one-one throughout as the well-supported favourite with horse bookmakers, Socks Nation ($2.50), was sent forward to sit outside the leader, leaving the rank outsider Marocchino ($31.00) to lead them out at a moderate tempo. Numerian ($2.70) got every chance under Clint Johnston-Porter and looked to be doing best in the concluding stages before a wall of horse mounted a late challenge. In Good Order went straight on by in the final furlong, with Let’s Galahvant ($10.00) reeling in the margin, missing by a half-had as In Good Order fell in to secure the $300,000 prize. Ted Van Heemst Stakes Race Replay – In Good Order https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ascot-2024-Group-2-Red-Van-Heemst-Stakes-21122024-In-Good-Order-Daniel-Morton-Shan-ODonnell.mp4 Morton was trackside to comment post-race. “It was some ride and honestly, he’s the best pick-up rider in the business,” Morton said. “He’s been doing a lot of work on this horse behind the scenes. “Chris Parnham has been riding him obviously, but Shaun has such beautiful hands. “He was the go-to once Chris (Parnham) got rubbed out. “I was singing his praises past the post the first time. “It was right where we needed to be.” In Good Order is now an $8 chance withNeds for the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on New Year’s Day. Horse racing news View the full article

The Ciaron Maher-trained Icarian Dream ($3.00) has proven best of the two-year-olds in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, stamping her authority to claim a dominant two-length victory. The Blue Point filly was well-supported with horse racing bookmakers to turn the tables on The Playwright ($4.20) after suffering defeat at Rosehill on November 30. The money was spot on in the end as Jason Collett took a sit mid-field with cover throughout the journey, while the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly was looking to make every post a winner as she did on debut. She was quickly swallowed up in the final 400m as Icarian Dream put in the big strides down the centre of the course, while Cool Archie ($41.00) added some much-needed value for exotics players with Playup. B.J. McLachlan Stakes Race Replay – Icarian Dream https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eagle-Farm-2024-Group-3-BJ-McLachlan-Stakes-14122024-Icarian-Dream-Ciaron-Maher-Jason-Collett.mp4 Icarian Dream will now head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Million 2yo feature as stable representative Anna Weatherlake spoke post-race. “Extremely thrilled with her performance today,” said Weatherlake. “She’s been running against the best in Sydney and it’s good for her to bring that form here and just be dominant like she had. “It was a great ride by Jason (Collett). Obviously, he was very patient and looked after her the whole way. “She’s quite a small filly and very compact, but she’s grown up with every start and we’re super happy with her today.” Jason Collett was elated with the performance as he spoke in the mounting yard post-race. “She’s done well,” said Collett. “Her turn-of-foot was electric when she come to them so quick and it’s a very long straight too, especially when you’re right in the middle (of the track). “She looks like she grown up in front since I rode her last. She’s not very big at all, so what she’s doing now is very good from her.” Icarian Dream is now on the second line of betting at $8.00 with Neds for the 2yo Magic Millions on January 11. Horse racing news View the full article

Daniel Stackhouse returns to the mounting yard aboard Here To Shock (NZ) after winning the The Sportsbet Supernova at Sportsbet Pakenham on December 21, 2024 in Pakenham, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Here To Shock ($4.60) has claimed the inaugural running of The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on Saturday afternoon, with the Lindsay Park-trained gelding picking up third win of the campaign. The son of Shocking has proven a model of consistency this preparation, collecting back-to-back stakes wins prior to Saturday, with the well-tried seven-year-old proving too classy once again to secure the $1 million prize. Stable Companion Arkansaw Kid ($7.00) ensured a team Hayes quinella after making strong inroads late, while the Ciaron Maher-trained Chorlton Lane ($19.00) was luckless in the concluding stages, with Saffie Osborne only getting clear in the final 100m. The well-supported favourite with BlondeBet, Nadal ($2.50), was nowhere to be seen when the whips were cracking, with the potential up-and-coming star unable to show his usually blistering turn-of-speed stepping out to the 1400m. It was all about Here To Shock in the end, as the stable star ticked over $2 million in prizemoney for connections on Saturday. 2024 The Supernova Race Replay – Here To Shock https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Pakenham-21122024-The-Supernova-Race-7-Here-To-Shock-Ben-Will-JD-Hayes-Daniel-Stackhouse.mp4 Co-trainer Will Hayes was on course to breakdown the win. “It was terrific, cheering for both of them,” said Hayes. “Here To Shock is an absolute marvel. “We were very confident after the Big Dance in Sydney we were going to get him back and we had our eyes set on this race from a long way out, so that’s why he was representing our slot today, but Arkansaw (Kid) was huge. “He really likes being in the country. He’s just a happy horse. We gave him a tick-over trial before this, and we were really happy with him coming into today. Daniel Stackhouse picked up his third win of the afternoon aboard Here To Shock and spoke post-race. “I have to thank Tatum my partner for trialing him last week for me,” said Stackhouse. “I’d like to thank her and all the Hayes boys and all the owners too. “He ran some great races up in Sydney. Obviously, he had that heart problem last start but trialed beautifully last week. “He’s such a different horse now. He’s so quiet and he normally used to sweat up but he’s really grown up and he’s tough on both ends. “He toughed it out and it was a great win.” Horse racing news View the full article

We effectively now seem to have split the 2yos and 3yos into two tiers each. Based on this year's results so far the better ones work through the traditional pattern and aim for Australian targets eventually, while those who are eligible for the sweepstakes and slot races take a different path and just aim to pick up a maiden race somewhere without having to travel far. Actually, they don't even need to pick up a maiden race really. Nothing to stop a slot holder starting a maiden in the kiwi thing. Certainly a whole new world. Some people think it's wonderful so who am I to disagree.

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, December 22, 2024 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Sha Tin Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-part program set for decision. The rail is in the A+3 position for the meeting, and with nothing but sunny skies forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm HKT. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Charity Gain Charity Gain has been racing without much luck and appears primed to secure his second career victory. The Twilight Son gelding had too much work to do in his most recent outing at Happy Valley on November 27, powering home to get within a half-length of Affordable. James McDonald gets legged aboard for the first time, and with barrier five allowing the star hoop to take closer order, Charity Gain should have no issues justifying the short price with Neds. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Charity Gain (5) 5yo Gelding | T: David Eustace | J: James McDonald (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: City Thunder City Thunder appears set to peak third-up into the campaign after an eye-catching performance behind Happy Park at this course and distance on December 8. The son of Starspangledbanner lunged and only missed by a half-length, with the top three clearing out on their respective rivals in the concluding stages. The booking of Zac Purton shows intent, and provided City Thunder can give his opposition the slip in the final furlong, this guy will prove hard to chase down. Next Best Race 3 – #2 City Thunder (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: Zac Purton (60.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sha Tin: Bling Bling Genius Bling Bling Genius impressed in his last two barrier trials, winning by a combined five lengths across both pieces of work on the Conghua surface. The Douglas Whyte-trained gelding appears to have terrific barrier manners, holding the leaders’ back on both occasions before being pushed out to score impressively. Lyle Hewitson should land in a similar position drawn in stall three, and provided Bling Bling Genius can sprint fresh, expect this guy to give a good account of himself debuting at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #7 Bling Bling Genius (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Douglas Whyte | J: Lyle Hewitson (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections December 22, 2024 2-3-5-6-8-12 1-3-4-5-8-13 1-3-5-8-11-12 2-7-10-12-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Sunday, December 22, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to Sale on Sunday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is set down for decision. Clear skies are set to prevail, leaving punters with a perfect Good 4 track rating and the rail in its true position, meaning every runner will get their chance if good enough. The first race from Sale is set to jump at 1:10pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sale: Pro Aussie Pro Aussie caught the eye when hitting the line strongly first-up at Geelong over 1221m and the step up to 1400m on Sunday looks ideal second-up from a spell. Blake Shinn will likely have the son of Proisir doing as he pleases towards the rear of the field from barrier 10, but if Pro Aussie can produce a similar finish as he did last time out, he should be breaking maiden ranks at start three. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Pro Aussie (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sale: Hampton Palace Hampton Palace has returned in fine form this campaign, winning fresh at Hamilton before being beaten by the barest of margins at Werribee last time out. The four-year-old gelding is a natural on-pace runner, and with Tom Prebble on board claiming 2kg, the pair look set to either lead the field up from barrier three or at worst, be in the stalking position. With just 58.5kg on his back following the claim, Hampton Palace looks perfectly weighted to send punters home a winner in the Sale finale. Next Best Race 8 – #4 Hampton Palace (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Tom Prebble (a2) (60.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Sale: Vongole Vongole was hitting the line strongly behind Pantelone and Why Worry at Moonee Valley last time out and presents great each-way value with Picklebet on Sunday. The nine-year-old gelding made a mess of the start and was forced towards the rear of the field and did well to pick up and be beaten by just 1.4 lengths. He is clearly the best horse in the field, and with Emily Poznan’s 3kg claim getting him in with 61kg on his back, Vongole only needs to replicate his finishing burst to be winning the second leg of the quaddie. Best Value Race 6 – #1 Vongole (11) 9yo Gelding | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Emily Poznan (a3) (64kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Sale Sale quadrella selections Sunday, December 22, 2024 4-7-9 1-2-6-9 3-5-6-7 4-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Champion jockey believes emerging sprinter could face a tricky run from gate 11 in Class Two Poinsettia Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin.View the full article

That time of year and the Chief has the functions to attend and was heading out to celebrate at a local Business get together. A good time was had by All and getting later into the evening quite a few drinks had been shouted and Toasts made to another fine BOAY year. Chief being a sensible responsible bloke said it would be prudent to take the Bus home , as there would be sure to be a few police patrols about and breath tests going on, at this time of year with all the Christmas functions on. The bus a better bet to get through and avoid these sort of checks. Sure enough , the bus slows and a heap of cars are pulled over at the RBT and the bus is waved through , so Chief knew he did the responsible thing , and can just go back and pick the car up tomorrow. Chief safely arrives home and he is quite happy with his nice evening out , and also the surprise that he knew how to actually drive a bus. and He is still wondering where he actually got the bus from as well. he will have to return it when he finds out. 😊. lol have a merry Christmas Chief and BOAY and safe travels 🎅🌲.

Italian jockey highlights a lightly raced youngster as one to watch on Sunday: ‘He could have a good chance’.View the full article

Sounds like @Huey has been stitched up?

Which is debately also screwed.

More than happy to let you enjoy your hero worship of this guy.... that's a sad state of affairs.

The Allan Sharrock training polish was to the fore again at Trentham on Saturday when classy mare Islington Lass(NZ) (Proisir) stepped up to a middle distance for the first time in her 16-start career to score a clear-cut victory in the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m) The seven-year-old had hinted at her last start in the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie that she was looking for more ground when finishing off strongly over the final stages of the contest. With Michael McNab aboard, the daughter of Proisir settled beautifully in midfield as McNab saved every inch of ground by hugging the rail as tearaway pacemaker Sagunto, seeking his third consecutive victory in the race, hared away in front. Sagunto began to weaken approaching the home bend as McNab eased into the clear wider out after tracking up a trio of runners who had charged into contention rounding the turn. Within the twinkling of an eye Islington Lass shot to the front at the 250m with McNab riding hands and heels in the final 100m as she held out the late charge of Wolfgang, who came from near last at the 600m to grab second from Whangaehu, who fought well down against the rail. Sharrock admitted he felt a good deal of satisfaction from the win and praised McNab for a classy ride aboard the mare. “I got a bit of a thrill out of that one going from a mile (1600m) to 2300m,” Sharrock said. “She is a very good mare and an outstanding ride. “She is the quickest with a sprint in that field and he was conservative in the run, saved all the ground and got to the right place in the straight. “I don’t know where to next, but I know she won’t get two miles so we will just have to see.” McNab knew he was on a good chance when Sharrock legged him aboard in the mounting yard with a few words of advice. “It worked out well with a good tempo and when I needed to improve I got the back of The Underbelly, was able to get to the outside and she duly obliged,” he said. “He (Sharrock) is a master and I had good confidence in the horse as she has never done me wrong and when I got on he (Sharrock) said just smile for the photo.” Islington Lass is a daughter of Montjeu mare Miss Relentless, a half-sister to Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Boundless and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Limitless and five-time Group One winner Veyron. She has now won eight of her 16 starts, including twice at stakes level and has earned a touch under $250,000 in prizemoney. The victory provided Sharrock with a winning double after promising filly Komocean took out the second race on the card. He quickly turned his tally into a treble as Lochan Ora bolted home in the last race of the day. View the full article

Matt Dixon collected his biggest win as a solo trainer when his much-improved mare Marotiri Molly(NZ) (Per Incanto) ran away with the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Foxton-based Dixon trained five Group and Listed winners in partnership with David Haworth between 2009 and 2014, but had not scaled those heights since resuming his career on his own in 2019. Marotiri Molly has changed all that. Dixon has had to be patient with Marotiri Molly, who was an eight-length trial winner as an autumn four-year-old but then finished last when she made her debut in July of 2023. The Per Incanto mare showed more promising signs when she returned at the age of five, collecting two wins and a second from four starts and beginning her long-awaited rise through the grades. Marotiri Molly has continued to go from strength to strength since turning six. She resumed with a second at Taupo, then was checked in the straight when finishing ninth at Hastings. After recording three consecutive wins at Hawera, Otaki and Trentham, she stepped up to the big time and proved she belonged with a third behind La Crique and Lux Libertas in last month’s Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. Marotiri Molly was sent out as an $8 chance in Saturday’s $150,000 weight-for-age feature at Trentham and produced a career-defining performance. Drawn the outside gate in a field of 12, Marotiri Molly and jockey Kate Hercock were awkwardly placed early in the race but soon surged forward to take up a position in second behind the clear leader Town Cryer. Marotiri Molly was able to produce a second sprint after rounding the turn into the home straight, dashing past Town Cryer and taking command. The chasers tried hard to reel her in, led by Faraglioni and Sharp ‘N’ Smart, but Marotiri Molly kept herself well out of their reach and won by a length and a half. From 12 starts, Marotiri Molly has now recorded six wins and three placings. She has earned $227,245 for her owner-breeders Beven and Christine Parlato. “She was challenging in the early days,” Dixon admitted. “This just shows that if you’re patient, you can be rewarded. “She can be a bit hit-and-miss out of the barriers, so I just left the plan up to Kate, and she gave the mare a ten-out-of-ten ride. “Her run up north last month was huge. It was a big ask, running right-handed for the first time, going on her first big trip away and racing against those good mares at level weights. Her performance that day certainly gave us a lot of confidence. “She’s right up there with the best horses I’ve trained. She’s always shown that level of ability, and I think she should continue to get better from here.” Dixon is in no rush to map out any future plans for his stable star. “She’s not nominated for the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m),” he said. “There are a lot of good options coming up through the rest of the season, but we’ll just celebrate today’s win first and think about future plans later on.” Saturday’s win was a poignant result for Hercock, with the sad loss of her partner Danny Champion late last month understandably still very fresh in her mind. “We jumped and I looked across and there was a lot of speed,” she said. “And then, all of a sudden, this gap just popped open. I put it all down to Danny. I just wish I had him at home to share it with. “This horse has such a big fight. She’s like a lion. She’s a bit like me – we just keep going. She’s so honest and tries so hard. “She was hard work for a while. She was bloody difficult, to be honest. But she’s improved by miles. She’ll take a sit and race anywhere you want now. “Sometimes you go into a race with a game plan and then she’ll decide to walk out of the gates, so you’ve got to have two plans in mind when you ride her. She is what she is. You just go out there and do the best with what you’ve got, because you know she’s going to put everything into it once she turns for home.” Marotiri Molly became the 32nd individual black-type winner for Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto. Marotiri Molly is one of two winners from two foals to race out of the Al Akbar mare Marotiri Miss, who herself won five races and placed in the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) and Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m). Faraglioni was a gallant second in Saturday’s Challenge Stakes, edging out Sharp ‘N’ Smart by a neck. That third placing was a bold return by the former New Zealand Horse of the Year, whose previous appearance was an unplaced finish in last month’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Lightning Jack, Town Cryer, Puntura, Liffey and Perfect Scenario were close up behind the placegetters, all within a length and a half of the runner-up in a blanket finish. View the full article

The familiar combination of trainer Robbie Patterson and jockey Craig Grylls continued their outstanding success rate in stakes races when promising filly Leica Lucy(NZ) (Derryn) took out the Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. The daughter of Grangewilliam Stud-based stallion Derryn had impressed when winning on debut at New Plymouth last month before being narrowly beaten over 1400m at Trentham a fortnight ago. Relishing the step up in distance to 1600m on Saturday, Leica Lucy settled sweetly in midfield for Grylls as pacemaker Vanish set up a strong tempo at the head of affairs. Grylls got busy rounding the home bend as he brought Leica Lucy to the middle of the track where she burst to the front at the 300m and cleared out from her rivals to win by three lengths from Connello and Skymax. Patterson was confident before the race he had a smart stayer in the making on his hands and the winning run did nothing to dampen that enthusiasm as he sets her for the $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) in March. “I knew she had that in her but until they do it you can’t get too confident,” Patterson said. “It’s great for Peter and Heather Crofsky (owners)who put a lot into the game and are great friends of mine. “She was off the bit all the way and went through a flat patch at the 600m, but she is an out and out stayer and I just have to work back from the Oaks and go from there. “She will have ten days in the paddock now then come back for the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and then to the Oaks.” Grylls was succinct in his summary of how the race had panned out for the pair. “What she has done in her first two starts, she indicated a trip was going to suit her,” he said. “With the mile (1600m) today she was actually quite relaxed and switched off but when I clicked her up she came up underneath me and while she did a couple of things wrong, she has got the ability there. “She is very progressive.” Bred and raced by the Crofskeys from their Sir Percy mare Dynamite Lucy, Leica Lucy comes from an extended family that includes dual Group One winner Elevenses. She now sits as a $12 chance in the TAB Fixed Odds market for the New Zealand Oaks which is headed up by Hinekaha at $8. View the full article

A pair of talented three-year-olds from last season locked horns in the Te Rapa straight on Saturday, with Tanganyika(NZ) (Ace High) claiming a narrow win over Talisker(NZ) (Embellish) in the Print House (1400m). The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Tanganyika showed real promise in a five-start campaign as a three-year-old, recording two wins, a second and a third. His only time outside the top three was in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie in February, where he finished strongly from last to cross the line fifth and only a length from the winner. That black-type feature was won by Pericles, who himself scored a stylish win at Te Rapa on Saturday. Tanganyika kicked off his current campaign with a fourth and a fifth over 1100m and 1200m, making up eye-catching ground in the final stages on both occasions. The step up to 1400m on Saturday looked ready-made for the Ace High gelding, and he was sent out as a $2 favourite. For a large part of the race, it seemed likely that Tanganyika would find the Rating 75 as easy on the track as it looked on paper. He cruised in fourth as Leroy Brown set a solid speed out in front. Jockey Masa Hashizume began to move Tanganyika through his gears coming up to the home turn, and he loomed ominously behind Leroy Brown and Talisker coming into the straight. But when Hashizume released the brakes and drove Tanganyika past that pair, last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) runner-up Talisker saw him coming and went with him. It developed into a head-bobbing duel through the last 200m, with neither gelding giving an inch. Talisker fought for all he was worth, but Tanganyika gradually gained the upper hand and edged out his gallant rival by a neck. Talisker beat the third-placed Keegan by two and three-quarter lengths. Tanganyika’s eight-start career has now produced three wins, two placings and $57,820 in stakes. “He’s a horse with a huge amount of ability and he has it all in front of him,” Scott said. “It was a good race for him today, going up to the seven furlongs and being able to settle a bit closer in the running. In those first couple of runs back, he was disadvantaged by wide barriers and had to drop well back over those shorter distances. “He had a bit of luck go his way today and was able to take advantage of that with a strong win. He’s a horse we’ve always had a good opinion of, and he showed plenty of potential as a three-year-old last season. He’s still learning all the time. “His position in the ratings means we can probably give him another run in Rating 75 company before we start raising the bar higher with him. We’ll be patient with him, give him another opportunity in this grade and hopefully continue to build his confidence up.” Tanganyika is by promising Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High out of a three-quarter-sister to the multiple Group winner Beauden. His second dam is the Group One performer Flying Babe, who was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old in 2000-01. Tanganyika was offered by Rich Hill at the 2021 National Weanling Sale at Karaka, where his owners the Olsen Partnership bought him for $42,500. Rich Hill Stud will offer a full-brother to Tanganyika at Karaka 2025 in late January. The Ace High colt will go through the ring as Lot 670 in the Book 2 session. View the full article

Overlooked in the lead-up to Saturday’s Gr.2 Happy Hire Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham, Intention(NZ) (Bivouac) burst out of the shadows of her higher-rated rivals and scored an impressive upset win. The $175,000 feature was only the second start for the Awapuni filly, who finished fourth on debut at Otaki on November 28 after jumping awkwardly from the starting gates and then bucking in the early part of the race. Carrying the blue and white colours of Tineke Balcombe’s In To Win Syndication, Intention headed down to the start on Saturday as a $17 outsider among a five-horse field of two-year-olds in the Wakefield. But her performance made a mockery of those odds. Intention’s rider Tina Comignaghi was in no hurry in the early stages of the Wakefield and settled in fourth as the unbeaten Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained fillies Cool Aza Rene and Marokopa Falls set the pace. Landlock kicked through on the inside of that pair at the crossing on to the course proper, hitting the front at the top of the home straight. Cool Aza Rene and Marokopa Falls were soon put under pressure by their riders and struggled to stay with the leader, but just when it looked like Landlock might have pinched a winning break, Intention joined the fray. She quickened stylishly through a big gap one off the rail, moving up alongside Landlock with 200m remaining and throwing down a fierce challenge. Landlock was in for the fight, but Intention slowly but surely edged ahead of him to win by half a length. Landlock crossed the finish line a length and three-quarters in front of the third-placed favourite Marokopa Falls. “I’ve always thought a lot of her, and I decided to line her up on debut without a trial,” winning trainer Mike Breslin said. “Things didn’t work out well for her that day, but she’s just done so well since then. She’s improved hugely. Her trackwork has been fantastic. “I wouldn’t have run her in a race like this if I thought she was out of her grade. I was expecting a big run, and we got it. “It’s great for Tineke and In To Win. We didn’t buy her for very much at the sales, and a filly like her is really important for Tineke and her syndication business.” Saturday’s win prompted the TAB to cut Intention from $41 into $14 for the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 25. “We’ll take her home now and give her a few days in the paddock,” Breslin said. “We’ve got the Karaka Millions there as an option. I’m not sure yet how we’ll get her there, but we’ll see how she goes from here.” Intention’s Wakefield performance made a big impression on Comignaghi, who was riding her for the first time. “I thought she might be a bit green after that debut run, but she was a real professional today,” she said. “She finished it off very strongly from off the pace. She’s a lovely filly and takes everything in her stride, so I think she’ll only improve.” Intention was bred by the Hawkins family’s Llanhennock Trust and offered under their Wentwood Grange banner during Book 1 of Karaka 2024. She was a $65,000 purchase by Breslin and In To Win. Intention comes from the first crop of Godolphin’s multiple Group One-winning sprinter Bivouac, while her dam Bella Hudood is an unraced daughter of champion sire Snitzel. Intention has now earned $102,625 from her two-race career, which puts her clearly at the top of the Karaka Millions order of entry. Saturday’s runner-up Landlock now holds second spot with $57,375. View the full article

Promising filly Komocean(NZ) (Ocean Park) made it two wins from two starts when she dealt to her rivals in fine style when taking out the second event on the card at Trentham, the Breeze Wellington 3YO (1200m). Trainer Allan Sharrock has a big opinion of the Ocean Park filly and expressed it after she overcame a slow start when winning impressively on her home track at New Plymouth earlier in the month. Punters agreed and sent the half-sister to former Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) winner Signify out a warm favourite ($2.40) in the five-horse field on Saturday and she delivered a similar performance to her debut effort in the hands of rider Craig Grylls. After missing away by a length Grylls allowed Komocean to find her feet and was still at the tail of the field rounding the home bend. Angled to the middle of the track, Komocean produced several huge bounds to level up to the pacemakers before easing clear to win decisively by nearly two lengths from Matamata visitor Ballon d’Or in a slick 1.08.46 for the 1200m journey. Sharrock had been confident before the race and has black type targets on the horizon for the filly that he purchased for $80,000 during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka in 2023. “She’s very raw but very good I think,” Sharrock said. “Her family is pretty slick, but being by Ocean Park, if you train her right she might get a trip. “We want black type for her but it might be in the autumn as she is still pretty fragile so I might just put her away for a while.” Grylls was also suitably impressed by the performance. “She is a filly with a lot of untapped ability as she is still very green,” he said. “She did a bit wrong but it is all in front of her. She ambled up to them at the 300m and when I went for her she really kicked away.” Raced by a syndicate that includes Sharrock, Komocean was bred by the Hawkins family under their LLanhennock Trust banner from the mare Pica Pica who is also the dam of 2016 Gr.1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) runner-up El Sicario. View the full article

What has been sewed? We await your erudite analysis.

That is a fine piece of rebuttal Curious. With that concession I do still think it is not the race it was. I have always liked the seasonal flow and consistency of time honoured races but to quote Mr Fish; 'SIGH' ,that is a thing of the past in the land of the long white cloud.