Rugby

Australia’s newest Group One winner, Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice), will back-up in Saturday’s Gr.3 Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot, assuming he comes through the weekend’s heroics in good order. After a luckless campaign, which saw him finish third in both the Gr.3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m), both at an odds-on quote, Cosmic Crusader took out the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1400m) on November 22, before his gutsy Northerly triumph. Having gone from 1400 metres up to 1800 metres, the five-year-old gelded son of Maurice, who was bred by and is raced by Bob Peters, will now drop back to 1400 metres in the Gold Rush. Michael Grantham knows it’s somewhat of an unorthodox preparation, and it’s certainly a challenge, but it’s one he’s looking forward to. “He’s pulled up well this morning,” Grantham told SEN Track. “We’ll probably accept for the Gold Rush and I’ll just keep monitoring him during the week and keep the work up to him, because I don’t want him to get away from me. “It will be a very big test for him. I know it was a big test on Saturday.” Cosmic Crusader will meet a quality field on Saturday, with defending champion Western Empire (NZ) (Iffraaj), who placed third in the Northerly, also set to back-up. Beaten Winterbottom Stakes contestants Overpass (Vancouver), Jokers Grin (Maschino), Rey Magnerio (Magnus) and Rope Them In (Playing God) will also tackle the race. Western Empire’s stablemate, Watch Me Rock (Awesome Rock), who was narrowly beaten by Cosmic Crusader in the Northerly, won’t be there; the Gr.1 Railway Stakes victor has gone to the paddock. “That Gold Rush, with those couple of handy sprinters that can really turn on the speed, it might bring him undone, but you’re racing for $1.5 million so you’ve got to have a crack while you’ve got the horse,” Grantham added. View the full article

A graduate trifecta in the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) provided a timely reminder of the quality that can be found in Book 2 of NZB’s National Yearling Sale, and more of the same can be expected at Karaka 2026. A new-look Book 2 will take place on just one day – Tuesday 27 January – and features a select catalogue of 280 yearlings. The catalogue contains plenty of yearlings with the credentials to follow in the footsteps of Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo), Affirmative Action (Yes Yes Yes) and Shoma (NZ) (Contributer), who were bought for $75,000, $115,000 and $20,000 respectively from Book 2 of Karaka 2024. They finished first, second and third in the $700,000 New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 15. Book 2 of Karaka 2026 features siblings and progeny of numerous black-type performers, including Lot 613, a colt by Divine Prophet from the draft of Mapperley Stud. The colt is a half-brother to Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock), whose nine wins include last season’s Group One Zabeel Classic (2000m), Group One Livamol Classic (2040m) and Group Two Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m). Another half-sister, Le Societe (Anabaa), was stakes-placed and is a black-type producer, while their dam Ritzy Lady (NZ) (Zabeel) herself won at Listed level. Lot 572 is an Ardrossan colt whose dam is a half-sister to the dam of Perth’s recent Group One Railway Stakes (1600m) winner Watch Me Rock (Awesome Rock). Ardrossan is also the sire of Lot 624, a filly out of the Group Three-winning mare Seven Schillings (NZ) (O’Reilly). She is the dam of four winners including Group Two winner Emily Margaret (NZ) (Pins) and stakes-placed Heptagon (NZ) (Jimmy Choux), while Emily Margaret is the dam of the stakes-placed Ha’penny Hatch (NZ) (Circus Maximus). Lot 633 is a colt by exciting Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State, whose first crop of two-year-olds has already produced the stakes-winning Australian filly Torture (NZ). This colt is out of a half-sister to the brilliant triple Group One winner Sunlight (Zoustar) along with fellow stakes winners Sisstar (Zoustar) and Clean Energy (Zoustar). Lot 655 is a half-brother to Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel), who claimed the biggest win of his career in the Group Two Crystal Mile (1600m) on Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October. Lot 737 is an Acrobat colt who is a three-quarter-brother to the Group One Levin Classic (1600m) winner Age Of Fire (Fastnet Rock). He is also a three-quarter-brother to the dam of Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) winner Amazonian Lass (More Than Ready). Lot 785 is a colt by Tarzino (NZ) out of the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner and NZB Filly of the Year Insouciant (NZ) (Keeper). Other catalogue highlights include: Lot 579, an Ancient Spirit colt whose half-sister Inflamed (NZ) (Ghibellines) won the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) during the recent New Zealand Cup Carnival in Christchurch. Their dam Ortem Fire (NZ) (Gallant Guru) was herself a winner at Listed level. Lot 590, a colt by King’s Legacy out of the Group Three Quezette Stakes (1100m) winner Petits Filous (Street Boss). Lot 596, a filly by Dundeel (NZ) out of the five-time Group placegetter Promise To Reign (Manhattan Rain). Lot 610, a filly by Noverre (NZ) out of the Group Three winner and Group One-placed Reilly Lincoln (NZ) (Pins). Lot 611, a Satono Aladdin colt who is a half-brother to stakes winners Arby (NZ) (Proisir) and Ess Vee Are (NZ) (Shocking). Lot 612, a U S Navy Flag filly whose dam is a half-sister to Group One winner Devise (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and three-quarter-sister to Group One winner Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma). Lot 619, a filly by Super Seth out of stakes-winning mare Ruby Armani (NZ) (Makfi). Lot 620, a colt by Noverre (NZ) out of the Group Two-placed Safura (NZ) (Almanzor). Lot 623, a full-sister to the multiple black-type placegetter Poetic Drama (NZ) (Proisir). Lot 625, a full-brother to the Group Three Rough Habit Plate (2000m) winner Shocking Luck (NZ) (Shocking) and the stakes-placed Analytica (NZ) (Shocking). Lot 638, a Tarzino (NZ) half-brother to Group Three placegetter Baby Wong (Press Statement). Lot 641, a Sword Of State colt who is a half-brother to the stakes-placed Manzor Magic (NZ) (Almanzor). Another by Sword Of State, Lot 644, whose dam Taroni (NZ) (Showcasing) placed in the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). Lot 647, a Proisir half-brother to Group One South Australian Derby (2500m) runner-up Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel). Lots 650 and 651, fillies out of unraced half-sisters to Group One winner Thee Auld Floozie (NZ) (Mastercraftsman). Lot 671, a filly by freshman sire Profondo out of Group Two-winning mare Yearn (NZ) (Savabeel). Lot 684, a Hello Youmzain half-sister to stakes winner Viva Vienna (NZ) (All Too Hard) and the black-type-placed Divine Inanna (Real Impact). Another filly by Hello Youmzain, Lot 697, whose dam Beyond The Fort (NZ) (Niagara) won the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m) and placed in the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Lot 700, a filly by Satono Aladdin out of Group Two winner Bisou Bisou (Shaft). Lot 714, an Ardrossan half-sister to Group Two winner Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress). Lot 716, a Profondo colt who is a half-brother to two stakes performers including Group Two winner Tavidream (NZ) (Tavistock). Lot 719, an Ace High filly who is the first foal out of dual Group Two placegetter Contagious (NZ) (Proisir). Lot 724, a Profondo half-sister to Listed winner and Group Three placegetter Sheez Dominant (NZ) (Vanbrugh). Lot 747, a full-brother to Group Three winner Soleseifei (NZ) (Shocking). Lot 751, a Tarzino (NZ) filly who is a half-sister to $1m Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) winner Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar). Lot 767, a Profondo half-sister to stakes winner Family Ties (NZ) (Contributer). Lot 788, a Hello Youmzain colt whose dam Italian Princess (NZ) (Bertolini) won at Listed level. This colt is also a half-brother to the Group Three placegetter Tevere (NZ) (Contributer). Lot 812, a Sweynesse colt whose dam is a half-sister to the recent Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo). Lot 813, a Hello Youmzain half-sister to multiple Group winner Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo) and the stakes-placed Cheveux (NZ) (Belardo). Their dam L’Amour (NZ) (Towkay) also placed at stakes level. Lot 814, a Derryn half-sister to stakes winner and Group One placegetter Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto). Lot 815, a Hello Youmzain filly whose half-brother Show Pony (NZ) (Vespa) and dam Last Sight (NZ) (Showcasing) are both multiple black-type placegetters. Karaka 2026 will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 25 to 29 January, with Book 2 taking place Tuesday 27 January. All yearlings purchased are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series featuring the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series with $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races each season. SALE SCHEDULE: TAB Karaka Millions Raceday: Saturday 24 January at Ellerslie Book 1 Sale: Sunday 25 & Monday 26 January at Karaka Book 2 Sale: Tuesday 27 January at Karaka Karaka Summer Sale: Thursday 29 January at Karaka View the full article

Just weeks after tasting the bitterness of a short-margin defeat in a Group One, jockey George Rooke is savouring the sweetness of scoring his first elite-level success over the weekend. The expat Englishman thought he had nailed his first Group One victory aboard Affirmative Action (Yes Yes Yes) in last month’s New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, but the photo finish revealed his stablemate Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo) got the nod. Rooke was once again caught in a short-margin struggle aboard the Stephen Marsh-trained Provence (NZ) (Savabeel) in Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, and had an agonising wait to hear the judge’s call as a result of a malfunction with the photo finish camera. “It was very nerve-racking because two weeks before I learnt my lesson,” Rooke said, referring to Affirmative Action’s defeat. “It was very close that day and I thought I had won, and I was devastated (when I didn’t). “The camera not working wasn’t ideal for a Group One race (on Saturday), they said the software seemed to fail. It was a painful wait, but we got the right result.” The victory fulfilled a lifelong ambition for Rooke, who moved to New Zealand last year in search of further opportunities. “It was my first Group One, so I am over the moon,” he said. “It has always been a lifetime goal for me. It is what we do it for and why we get up at the crack of dawn. “I had two stakes winners in England, it is just very competitive and hard to get on the good horses. Over here there is a bit more opportunity and I have put in the hard work, and the trainers and owners have always supported me since I have been here. It is just nice to get that Group One, the one everyone wants.” While Rooke’s day ended on a high, having also taken out the last race aboard the Robert Wellwood and Roger James-trained Foreverintime (Written Tycoon), the start was a complete contrast. He was dislodged from Atkins during the preliminary in race three and had to undergo a head injury assessment before being declared to resume riding at the meeting. “The day didn’t start off that well, I had a fall and got stood down for one race,” he said. “I was beaten on two favourites and it wasn’t going too well, but I won the last two races, so it all turned around.” Rooke is hoping he can continue his winning momentum through the remainder of the season, particularly over the busy summer period. “I am looking forward to what Provence, Affirmative Action and a few others can do through the rest of the season,” he said. “Now that the weather is coming good, the racing is coming and the money is coming, hopefully I can have a really good summer.” Rooke is enjoying his time in New Zealand and sees himself staying long-term. “I have been here just over a year now,” he said. “I hit the ground running and did really well when I started. The lifestyle, the weather, the people, everything has just been brilliant, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” View the full article

Simms Davison is more than happy to play the long game with his broodmare gem Bella Carolina (NZ) (O’Reilly) and her family. O’Reilly’s daughter continues to do the Mapperley Stud principal proud with future stakes contender Stella Ma Bella (Contributer) the latest to shine. Davison bred and races the Contributor filly, a sister to the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) winner Campionessa (NZ), who was an impressive winner for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at her second start at Te Aroha on Sunday. “She’s a better physical type than Campionessa, she’s more forward as a younger horse and showing that. She’s got a real physical presence about her, she’s a ripper,” Davison said. “She will go to the three-year-old filly’s race (Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic, 1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, that’s the plan at this stage. “I only had 10 percent of Campionessa so it’s nice to own 100 percent of a nice horse, Te Akau did a great job with her and they’re doing it again with Stella Ma Bella.” Campionessa was also a four-time Group Two winner and is now back in the Mapperley Stud broodmare band. “I sold Campionessa after she had been passed in twice at two different sales,” Davison said. “I bought her back at the Gold Coast (for A$380,000) so there’s probably more money going out so far than in with that family, but hopefully it will reward us in the long term.” A sister to Campionessa and Stella Ma Bella will be offered as Lot 306 in Mapperley’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale in January. “She’s a really good type, you can’t keep everything and we’ve got Campionessa and Stella Ma Bella, so I’ve got two fillies out of the family and hopefully that’s enough,” Davison said. “Bella Carolina’s also got a really nice Profondo colt on her and she’s gone back to him, I have always supported my own stallions with those nice mares.” Meanwhile, Campionessa has also begun her breeding career with a trip across the Tasman to Arrowfield Stud. “She went over to The Autumn Sun, she’s positive and back here on the farm now,” Davison said. “We wanted to breed Oaks types out of her and he’s had another huge spring, so I think we’ve made the right call. “There was a lot of discussion about it to maybe get a bit more speed, Campionessa needed time and distance, but we decided to stick to our knitting. “I think everyone can get a bit carried away about injecting speed, New Zealand is known for producing those Oaks type fillies so we’ve gone to a stallion we think can deliver that.” View the full article

You can't have it both ways @Huey on the one hand through your doom and gloom glasses you are telling us the breeding industry in stuffed, owners are leaving in droves and now you want ALL the tracks to presumably race no horses on.  I realise these are difficult concepts for you to grasp.  Although in saying that you talk in generalisations and anectdotes rather than present any data.