Wandering Eyes

The last opportunity to nominate foals born in 2025 to the Breeders' Cup program for a one-time late nomination fee of $1,500 is Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This $1,500 nomination entitles each foal with lifetime eligibility to the Breeders' Cup World Championships and the Breeders' Cup racing programs. All foals sired by a fully nominated North American Breeders' Cup stallion are eligible for nomination to the Breeders' Cup program in their year of birth and up to Feb. 28 of their yearling year. Nomination fees for 2025 foals not nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by Feb. 28 will be increased to $12,000 for horses sired by a Breeders' Cup-nominated stallion and to $18,000 for horses sired by a non-nominated stallion before July 15 of the horse's 2-year-old year. After July 15 of their 2-year-old year, racehorse nomination fees increase substantially. Breeders' Cup foal nominators will earn $10,000 for every victory in the worldwide Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In, and every horse that starts in a Breeders' Cup World Championship race will earn a nominator award. The individual nominating the foal receives these nominator awards even though the horse may change hands throughout its racing career. Anyone that purchased a 2025 eligible foal that wasn't nominated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline can become the foal nominator of record for the horse's racing career. Over $1 million is paid out annually in foal nominator awards. The post Breeders’ Cup Late Foal Nomination Deadline Closes Feb. 28 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Another foaling year has begun and I truly have learned to go into each season with a “brace yourself” mentality as any long-term breeder realizes it is the only way you can keep your sanity year after year. This season, we continue to tackle the flock to the big-book first years and proven sires while breaking out the crystal ball to try to guess which of the bubble horses will succeed when their progeny hits the track. If any of you have ever participated in Geoffrey Russell's freshman sire contest, you will quickly learn that what you think you know you do not know and it becomes a humbling experience every year with my husband always strutting around thinking he is going to win in October before fading in the stretch! I begin my thoughts with a Frank Taylor story to which I am sure many of you all can attest. I see Frank's name flash on my screen knowing well that I am going to get the full-court press on whatever wild idea he is needing supported that all of his siblings have already shot down in the Taylor Made family tree board meetings. “Carrie, I am calling you because I want your opinion on a horse that we are looking to potentially stand at stud” My eyes instantly roll thinking of the parade of yokes that I normally have to drive out to see when this question is poised by a stallion farm. I arrive to the barn with skepticism and ask to see the stallion prospect I have been called about. Out walks this snow white 16.2hand Adonis with the presence of his super sire, Tapit, and I instantly am transported to that first day at Gainesway Farm when his father retired to stud. That year was 2005 and he was standing for $15,000LF. Literally deja vu. I called Frank before the front gates could even close behind me with a resounding yes! yes! yes! with When Harry Met Sally enthusiasm to Arthur's Ride! Beauty, brains, speed, sire power, family, Champion dam. Machmer Hall mares: A Nite in Cairo (Cairo Prince), Wild Story (Exaggerator), Campaigning (Nyquist), Field of Flowers (City Zip), Hava Nagila Hava (Malibu Moon), and Little Miss Macho (Mucho Macho Man) all slated to be bred to him. Hopefully Arthur's Ride will redeem me from telling Frank “absolutely not considering Giant's Causeway has never had a successful son at stud in America,” when he called me to buy a share in..yes, you guessed it. Not this Time. Arthur's Ride | Sarah Andrew Speaking of Not This Time, I had an agent call me and to hear the words, graded stakes winner, great pedigree, big, beautiful and reasonably priced in the same sentence is Kentucky broodmare gold. I try to always act coy when I hear of these types and respond “sounds interesting.” Meanwhile, I am literally doing cartwheels in my living room with my phone on speaker. Circle Of Trust (Union Rags) shipped in as advertised, actually even more stunning than I imagined! She is booked to Not This Time on a $250,000 live foal season instead of a comp season on the share that I could have had, but turned down. Every year since he retired to stud, we have bred multiple mares to Into Mischief (one year I booked 20!) In August last year as is the norm, I confirmed five mares from Machmer Hall in texts to one of my best friends and super agent, Mark Toothaker. Come the week after the November sale and I get an unusually sheepish call from Mark telling me he “forgot to submit my seasons and now it is too late; he is full.” I literally went through the five stages of grief at this point: denial (is this a joke?); anger (hung up on him); bargaining (here are all the text messages of me confirming); depression (you sure Ned won't bend?); acceptance (well we better find a NG season). Mark was like, “Carrie, have I EVER forgotten to book a mare for you in the decade-plus we have been doing this? I just don't know what's came over me?” “No.. No Mark you have not.” Sigh.. Not a month later, I get a text that Mark is in the hospital with a brain tumor and going to surgery that day! He literally calls me from his hospital room being wheeled into pre-op and the first thing he says to me is `well, now we know why I forgot your damn mares!' Successful surgery later and lots of relief, I reach out to Devon Bradley who miraculously had a NG season and maiden mare and stakes winner Blind Trust (Artie Schiller), who we bought privately with James Keogh, is booked to him. He will always be my favorite stallion and I will always be his number one fan even with only one mare booked to him. WARM SUNSHINE (2014, Unbridled's Song–Carolina Sunrise, by Awesome Again), will be bred to Constitution Warm Sunshine and her sister, Simply Sunny, have been anchor Unbridled's Song mares for our farm. Warm Sunshine is a little itty bitty mare that we bought as a yearling in my never-ending quest for them. We raced her and she had a heart the size of Texas. Her first foal is Grade II-winning colt by the best value six-figure stallion in Kentucky, Constitution. Warm Sunshine is now a multiple stakes producer and hopefully her Midnight Lute filly (Lute Warm) can get a piece of black-type at Turfway this month. Currently in foal to Nyquist, Warm Sunshine is booked back to the sire of her GSW Steal Sunshine (Constitution), along with her full sister, Simply Sunny, in addition to Layreebelle (Tale of the Cat), Miss Southern Miss (More Than Ready) and Corposo (Vino Rosso) (I bought the no-guarantee TCA season for her). STRAWBERRY SENSE (2007, A.P. Indy–Strawberry Reason, by Strawberry Road {Aus}), will be bred to Twirling Candy Strawberry Sense is an oldie but goodie..my Mom just LOVES these grand older mares. I was going through the Keeneland November catalogue and the moment I laid eyes on this quadruple stakes producer, I had a big smile come over me. I knew that I was going to get brownie points for this one. We purchased her for $85,000 in foal to Seize the Grey as a 19-year-old and candidly, that has been good luck for our farm as it is the same age we bought Voodoo Lily in foal to Tale of the Cat. Other great older mares such as Saudia, Life Well Lived, Lady Melesi, Miss Shop have all been purchased as older girls that have retired to the farm after their broodmare careers. Miss Shop and Saudia are both current pensioned babysitters at Machmer Hall and Strawberry Sense will join that band upon her retirement here as her final home. She is the dam of a Grade I Candy Ride filly, Kathy's Song, so we figured breeding her to superstar stallion, Twirling Candy, who I also turned buying a share down in and then realized I F'd up royally when I saw his first crop of 2-year-olds breeze…made great sense! She joins fellow Machmer Hall mares, Mojave Desert (Munnings), Becca's Rocket (Idoitmyway), Life Well Lived (Tiznow) and Shade (Street Sense) all going to this over-achieving son of Twirling Candy by whom we have raised Three Grade I winners! Side note: three of these mares are former Machmer Hall homebreds we bought back as broodmare prospects. EGYPTIAN BRIDE (2008, Pioneerof the Nile–Stopshoppingdebbie, by Curlin), will be bred to Chancer McPatrick Egyptian Bride currently in foal to Arabian Knight and Laid Back Lady, currently in foal to Tiz The Law, are slated to go to Chancer McPatrick and the reason we only have TWO mares going to him is because at 9:01 a.m., get the text from Mark… “Chancer coming to stud at Spendthrift!!!!!” I am like, `great, let me take a shower and then respond.' Get out of shower at 9:30 a.m., look at my phone… Chancer is full!!!! I am like, `what on earth? I was in the damn bathroom and the horse is already booked full!' Luckily, Mark's brain was cooperating with me this time and he held me two seasons even though I had not had time to respond. STUDY HARD (2015, Malibu Moon–Silent Academy, by Royal Academy), will be bred to Nyquist Study Hard, the dam of Grade II winner and current Kentucky Derby hopeful Litmus Test (Nyquist), is currently in foal to McKinzie. We bought her as a yearling for $100,000. With my horse addiction in full swing wanting to buy at every sale, I went and looked at yearling fillies for future broodmare potential and I came upon this incredible physical by Malibu Moon, a full sister to a Grade II winner. I was thinking, `Dang it! I will never be able to afford this filly.' I mean she was a 10. Oh, wait! Ask the consignor for her vet report! Ohhh, I see. She does not vet. Excellent news for a broodmare person. Follow her up to the ring and buy her. I distinctly remember the consignor coming up to me to congratulate me saying, “I cannot believe with 12 vets she did not bring more!” We named her after my mother's mantra in life and what I heard 24/7 as a child even though I really did not practice what was always preached. Study Hard's 2023 Nyquist foal was born and at 146 pounds all Craig sent was “Wowza.” Study Hard is booked back to Nyquist for 2026 and she has a 2025 filly by Twirling Candy that we are retaining for the future Machmer Hall broodmare band and she has already been named Keep Studying. ALANA B. (2015, Animal Kingdom–Surf Club, by Ocean Crest), will be bred back to Patch Adams Alana B. is currently in foal to Candy Ride and is a young stakes producer we purchased from Darley carrying her first foal. I was at Churchill Downs the day Patch Adams (Into Mischief) broke his maiden by over 10 lengths and it was a `wow' moment for me especially considering that we own his granddam, Life Well Lived, currently in foal to Practical Joke. A multiple Grade I winner with speed, looks, pedigree and a super sire for a father: what more could you possibly want for $30,000 LF? Total no brainer for us to send Alana B. along with Heidi Maria (Rockport Harbor), Synchronized (Omaha Beach), Wolfbane (Union Rags) and Queen Macha (Keen Ice) to him. He is the most like his sire that I have ever seen in an Into Mischief son going to stud. At the Saratoga 2022 sale, there was a Gun Runner colt that was literally the talk of the sale and ended up a $2.3 million yearling who later became Sierra Leone. I was lucky enough to see him again when he was on a freshening at Ashford and he was even more stunning as an older horse, in impeccable condition and exuding class. I have always felt very connected to his family. We bought his dam's three-quarter sister as a yearling for $8,000 from Legacy Bloostock. Even though I named her Forever Darling since we were going to keep her “forever”… sigh….and even though Albert Davis told me “this filly can really run,” we sold her through as a 2-year-old because the horse trader in me prevailed. Forever Darling went onto win a Grade II and become the dam of Breeders' Cup Classic and Eclipse Award winner and Japan's Horse of the Year Forever Young. Just imagine what kind of broodmare she could have been for Machmer Hall! Well the would-have could-have should-haves is part of any breeder's life, so I have always cheered and admired the family the Oxleys developed. The day of his retirement, I texted Robyn Murray that I would like to submit five Machmer Hall stakes mares to this amazing son of superstar Gun Runner: Asawer (Nyquist), Be My Sunshine (Frosted), Orquidias Biz (Fed Biz), Truth Hurts (Tonalist) and Fortuna Mia (Vekoma). As of me typing this, we currently have 85 foaling mares, 10 barren/aborted mares and 15 maiden mares booked to 47 different stallions at 10 different stallion farms with 19 not having been officially booked yet. We always like to try to see who emerges as the up-and-coming have-to-have 2-year-old sires like Yaupon was last year and Tiz the Law the year before him. This year, when I was down in Ocala in January, the buzz stallion from many 2-year-old consignors was Drain the Clock, so we shall see what happens! Hope you have enjoyed reading about our farm as much as I have enjoyed writing these mating articles featured in the TDN every year. The post 2026 Mating Plans: Machmer Hall appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Plenty – maybe too much – has been said already on the subject of Constitution Hill and whether or not he will run in the Champion Hurdle in a fortnight's time. While we all have our opinions, it is most important now to respect the decision either way of the horse's owner Michael Buckley and trainer Nicky Henderson. What has become patently clear from their interviews on Friday and over the weekend is how much they feel the weight of responsibility when it comes to doing what is right for Constitution Hill and for racing. Whatever happens this year, he has already provided racing fans with a proper feelgood moment just by appearing at Southwell last Friday evening, never mind the jaw-dropping manner in which he won. The prospect of his future participation in middle-distance and staying races on the Flat is something to relish and will add a real spark to the turf season ahead, at home in Britain and internationally. It has been a little disheartening lately to hear of the plans for disco tents [the very use of that phrase will tell you the vintage of this writer], speed dating and the like in a bid to attract young racegoers. There is no doubt that we want young people to come to the races, but wouldn't it be preferable for them to come to watch, enjoy and learn about the sport that takes place at racecourses, rather than being distracted by noisy sideshows? At what stage does the Invades movement become an invasion? If Friday night proved anything – apart from the fact that Constitution Hill can easily reinvent himself as a star of the Flat – then it is that this game is only ever really about the horse. What incredible scenes those were at Southwell, and, with respect, it wasn't for the opportunity to go on a blind date with Oisin Murphy. The people came, in numbers way beyond those usually seen at Southwell, to pay homage to a great horse, and Constitution Hill gave them a night they will not forget in a hurry. So, Epsom, let's hear a little less of the unappealing plan to have an 'Ibiza beach vibe' throughout the racing on Derby Day. Instead, how about focusing on your efforts on persuading Messrs Buckley and Henderson to run their great horse in the £1m Coolmore Coronation Cup? That's the way to encourage the masses to return to Epsom Downs on the first Saturday in June. Farewell to Reliable Man Last week came the news that the 2011 Prix du Jockey Club winner Reliable Man (Dalakhani) had been euthanised in New Zealand owing to complications following surgery to remove some melanomas. The 18-year-old stallion was understandably a source of great pride to his Swedish owner-breeders Sven and Carina Hanson. He initially won four of his 12 starts in Europe and Canada when trained in France by Alain de Royer Dupre, who had also masterminded the career of the Hansons' great homebred mare Pride (Peintre Celebre). To those victories, which included the the Jockey Club and the G2 Prix Niel, he later added a Group 1 strike down under in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick after being transferred to Chris Waller and racing for a partnership with included the Hansons under their Fair Salinia Ltd banner. That moniker drops a large clue as to Reliable Man's lineage. His granddam was Sven Hanson's dual Classic winner Fair Salinia (Petingo), who, in 1978, gave Sir Michael Stoute his first victory in the Oaks before also claiming the Irish Oaks in the stewards' room on the disqualification of first-past-the-post Sorbus. She later beat that same filly in the Yorkshire Oaks. The mare's seven winners at stud included the Group 3 winners Perfect Circle (Caerleon) and Perfect Vintage (Shirley Heights) as well as On Fair Stage (Sadler's Wells), a Listed winner over a mile who later became the dam of Reliable Man. Reliable Man at Gestut Rottgen | Emma Berry In fact, On Fair Stage was unintentionally an accomplished dual-purpose broodmare, with her son French Opera (Bering) enjoying a lengthy career with Nicky Henderson, for whom his 46 National Hunt starts included victory in the G2 Celebration Chase and G2 Game Spirit Chase. Another half-brother, I'm Imposing (Danehill Dancer), won Group 2 and 3 races in Sydney for Waller while Gale Force (Sinndar) was a Listed winner in France. There's no doubt that Reliable Man was the star of the brood, however, and he went on to stand in both Germany and France, as well as at Westbury Stud in New Zealand, where he died. One of 10 Group 1 winners for Dalakhani, Reliable Man remained a useful conduit for the dwindling Mill Reef-line, which has now slowed to a mere trickle following the death of Lord Of England in 2021 and the retirement of Sir Percy two years later. Lord Of England's Deutsches Derby-winning son Isfahan remains at Gestut Ohlerweiherhof and there is some hope that Prince Faisal will eventually stand his Group 2 winner Eydon, a son of his homebred Olden Times (Darshaan). It is fair to say that Reliable Man enjoyed greater success as a stallion in the southern hemisphere. Three of his four Group 1 winners came in Australia and New Zealand, but to his VRC Oaks winner Miami Bound and New Zealand Oaks winner Miss Sentimental, we can add the German Oaks winner Erle, who, appropriately raced in the colours of her breeder Gestut Rottgen, which was home to Reliable Man for six years. Heating up Amo Racing will be hoping for a big season for its burgeoning team and it was hard not to be impressed by the winning debut on Saturday for Sin City (Too Darn Hot) in the mile maiden at Lingfield. The Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained colt, who has an Irish 2,000 Guineas entry, was a 200,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase from his breeder Rabbah Bloodstock, held off fellow debutant and Shadwell homebred El Nay (Palace Pier), the pair having pulled more than seven lengths clear of third-placed Ghaiyyath Deer (Ghaiyyath). It was a decent day for Too Darn Hot, who had earlier notched a fifth Group 1 winner when Tropicus won the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield. Even better news is that the stallion's leading daughter, the five-time Group 1 winner Fallen Angel, remains in training at the age of five for Wathnan Racing. Benbatl poised to make his name With Dubawi a past champion sire in Britain and Ireland and his son Night Of Thunder the reigning champion, it will be interesting to keep an eye on the progress of another of Dubawi's sons, Benbatl, in Japan. Early signs are encouraging. Benbatl, who is out of the dual Group 1 winner Nahrain (Selkirk) and thus a half-brother to the 2024 1,000 Guineas winner Elmalka (Kingman), was no slouch himself. Fifth in the Derby won by Wings Of Eagles, he later won Group 1 contests in Dubai, Germany and Australia. By the time of his retirement at the age of seven, his ten stakes victories included five at Group 2 level. That hardiness combined with a top-drawer pedigree was doubtless a major part of his appeal to the Japanese market and off he went to Big Red Farm to start his stud career in 2022. Benbatl has not been overrun with mares to cover. His first crop of foals numbered 74, and he had 82 in 2023 and 67 the following year. His 13 individual winners from that first crop last season put him in fifth position in Japan's first-season sires' table, and this year has seen him pick up where he left off. On Saturday, his son Large Ensemble won the Listed Sumire Stakes at Hanshin, beating Aurum Ares (Harbinger), who had finished fourth in the G1 Hopeful Stakes in December. On the same card, the Benbatl filly Femme Courageuse built on a promising maiden win on the Japan Cup undercard in November by winning the Freesia Sho over 2,000m. Along with the Erica Sho winner Coronado Bridge, who is bred on the same Benbatl-Deep Impact cross as Femme Courageuse, the stallion is steadily compiling a a team of Classic hopefuls from his first crop. Watch this space. Gousserie Racing doubles up by the sea The yellow and green silks of the Chehboub family's Gousserie Racing dominated the two Listed contests at Cagnes-sur-Mer on Sunday. Old favourite Horizon Dore (Dabirsim), now six, followed up the victory of his three-year-old full-brother Safran Dore just 24 hours earlier at the same track, holding off his owners' other runner Tipinso (Pinatubo) for a one-two in the not-very-snappily titled Westminster – DP du Departement 06 – Defi du Galop 2026 – Georges Camprubi. Now, if you nodded off during the reading of that race name, let's have you back to tell you that the Chehboubs' stallion Stunning Spirit sired his first stakes winner in the three-year-old filly Baklawa, who sprang something of a surprise in the Prix de la Californie. Stunning Spirit's first stakes winner Baklawa | Scoop Dyga Her victory was doubtless a proud moment on a memorable day for Kamel and Pauline Chehboub as not only was Baklawa bred in the first wave of horses at Haras de Beaumont after they purchased the stud back in 2022 but her sire, dam Aksil, and broodmare sire Spirit One have all raced in those same family colours. The latter beat Archipenko to win the GI Arlington Million back in 2008, while Stunning Spirit, who has now moved to Haras du Mazet after three years at Beaumont, won the G3 Prix de Quincey. The post Seven Days: It’s All About The Horse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Awaiting Napoleon Solo in the the $425,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) Feb. 28 at Gulfstream Park will be three colts trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. in Bravaro, Bull by the Horns, and Solitude Dude; as well as some first-time graded stakes runners.View the full article

5 – BLACKSMITH, SA, 2/20-3rd, 1 mile (video) Beyer Speed Figure-82 (c, 3, by Liam's Map–Sweet Achiever, by Curlin) O-Wathnan Racing. B-Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings & St Elias Stables (Ky). T-Bob Baffert. J-Florent Geroux. Distance has always been important for Blacksmith given his pedigree, and he was striding out nicely in this decisive 3 3/4-length score to make amends for a puzzling flop at odds-on six weeks ago. His unraced Curlin dam is a full-sister to former Baffert speed demon Cezanne, but her granddam happens to be Better Than Honour, the No. 1 female stamina influence of the past quarter-century. This is his second appearance on Five Fastest Maidens and should be his third: his runnerup 94 Beyer on Dec. 13 went undocumented since it was achieved in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity and not a maiden race (apologies to Blacksmith for the oversight). 4 – RIVER WIND, OP, 2/16-1st, 6 furlongs (video) Beyer Speed Figure-83 (f, 3, by Lexitonian–Rachae Leigh, by Stormin Fever) O-Turman Racing Stable, Resilient Six Stables and TJR Thoroughbreds. B-Javie Woodstock & Javier Hernandez (Ky), T-Norm Casse, J-Ramon Vazquez. Getting support at 4-1 in her debut, she sped to the front and left a modest field 8 1/4 lengths in her wake. This first crop of Calumet stallion Lexitonian has produced a SoCal stakes winner in Revera, a Woodbine stakes winner in Fire and Wine, and She Be Smooth, a Todd Pletcher-trained contender in Saturday's Davona Dale at Gulfstream. And River Wind's 83 Beyer is the second-highest among Lexitonian's 113 starters to date. River Wind | Coady Media 3 – GREAT MOMENT, FG, 2/21-7th, 6 furlongs (video) Beyer Speed Figure-85 (2nd) (c, 4, by Flatter–Josaka, by Smart Strike) O/B-Tamaroak Partners (Ky). T-Greg Foley. J-Mitchell Murrill. Sent away at 13-1, his best Beyer in five previous races had been 58. But Beyer Speed Figures are based on the teletimer, not handicapping, and he stopped the clock at 1:09.74 in his runner-up finish Saturday over a Fair Grounds surface that wasn't lightning-fast. And this addendum: owned and bred by Fred and Debbie Schwartz, Great Moment is a half-brother to Bango, the popular sprinter retired last fall with a record lifetime 12 wins at Churchill Downs alone. 2 – BRING THE SMOKE, LRL, 2/21-2nd, 6 furlongs (video) Beyer Speed Figure- 91 (g, 4, by Preservationist–Covey Trace, by Stevie Wonderboy) O-Team Gaudet. B-Brereton C Jones (Ky). T-Lacey Gaudet. J-Forest Boyce. Making his second start, he didn't have much to beat: his three rivals were a combined 0-for-39. But he didn't just beat them – he pounded them by a widening 18 1/4 lengths as the 3-5 favorite. Preservationist stood for $5k at his conception (and died last summer in Korea), his dam sold in November 2024 for $9k, and he brought only $37k as a yearling. But the latest number – his 91 Beyer – is legit. 1 – SARGENT SULLY, FG, 2/21-7th, 6 furlongs (video) Beyer Speed Figure-93 (c, 4, by Instagrand–Indian Miss, by Indian Charlie) O/B-OXO Equine (Ky). T-Will Walden. J-Ben Curtis. A Beyer progression from 48 to 74 to 93 is illogical, you say? Well, aside from the small detail that Sargent Sully scorched six furlongs in 1:09.11, he also is a half-brother to Hot Rod Charlie ($5.9 million) and champion sprinter Mitole ($3.1 million). Indian Miss had already produced an Eclipse Award winner, and OXO's Larry Best added her to his broodmare band for $1.9 million three days after Hot Rod Charlie gave a peek into his future with his second to Essential Quality at 94-1 in the 2020 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. The post Five Fastest Maidens for the Week of Feb. 16 – 22 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Danox Co. Ltd's Danon Figo (Jpn) (Into Mischief) was under serious consideration for Sunday's G1 February Stakes following a very strong third-place effort in the Feb. 1 G3 Negishi Stakes at Tokyo, but made the most of this path of lesser resistance to become the first Japanese stakes winner for his all-conquering stallion in Monday's Listed Kakitsubata Kinen at Nagoya. Sent off the even-money favorite with Yuga Kawada back at the controls, the bay colt settled in fifth position for the run into the first turn as fellow American-bred Jasper Robusto (Khozan) opened a daylight advantage. Asked to come after that front-runner with about 600 meters to travel, Danon Figo made eye-catching progress along the inside, was steered wide off the final corner and pulled confidently clear to take it by four lengths. Godolphin's U.S.-bred import Wayward Act (Maclean's Music) ran home for second, while Jasper Robusto settled for fourth. “I'm relieved we lived up to the expectations as the favorite,” winning trainer Yasuo Tomomichi told Japanese media. “I really wanted to go to the February Stakes, but rather than jumping straight into Group 1s, I thought we'd steadily earn prize money and build up step by step.” Danon Figo is the first foal for Ollie's Candy, winner of the 2019 GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and also placed in the GI Del Mar Oaks before selling to K I Farm for $1.65 million at Keeneland November in 2020. She was then bred to this sire on an early cover and exported to Japan, where she foaled Danon Figo on Feb. 25, 2022. The mare is also represented by a 2-year-old Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) filly and a yearling filly by Contrail (Jpn), to whom she is also due in 2026. Danon Figo, the 191st stakes winner overall for Into Mischief, was given an entry for the G2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan on Mar. 28. 7th-Nagoya, Kakitsubata Kinen-Listed, ¥55,000,000 ($356,290), 4yo/up, 1500m, 1:32.2, ft. DANON FIGO (JPN) (c, 4, Into Mischief–Ollie's Candy {GISW, $930,151}, by Candy Ride {Arg}) Lifetime Record: GSP-Jpn, 11-6-1-2, $740,737. O-Danox Co Ltd; B-K I Farm; T-Yasuo Tomomichi. 【写真おかわり】#ダノンフィーゴ#川田将雅 #友道康夫#かきつばた記念 撮影：稲葉訓也 pic.twitter.com/IbfTLaENGI — netkeiba (@netkeiba) February 23, 2026 The post Danon Figo A First Japanese Stakes Winner For Into Mischief appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2026 Pennsylvania-Bred stakes schedule will offer $1,700,000 in purses across 20 stakes races. All three of Pennsylvania's racetracks will host stakes. Beginning Apr. 22, Parx Racing will feature three Pennsylvania-Bred stakes, including the $75,000 Wait for It Stakes for 3-year-old PA-Sired runners, which was carried over from December 2025. Contested over six furlongs, the Wait for It is restricted to Pennsylvania-Breds sired by registered Pennsylvania stallions. Also featured on the Wednesday card are the $100,000 Unique Bella Stakes for fillies and mares and $100,000 Page McKenney Handicap, both over six furlongs for ages 3-year-olds and up. Similar to last year, Penn National will feature all turf stakes events. The first pair of turf stakes will be held on the Penn Mile card on May 29. Both contested over 1 1/16th miles, the Lyphard Stakes for filles and mares and Alphabet Soup Handicap will both feature purses of $75,000. On Aug. 14, Penn National will host its second pair of PA-Bred turf stakes–the $75,000 Crowd Pleaser and the $75,000 Marshall Jenney. Presque Isle Downs will feature three Pennsylvania-Bred stakes, starting with the $75,000 Malvern Rose Stakes on June 22. The Malvern Rose is for 3-year-old fillies over 6 1/2 furlongs. The $75,000 Princess of Sylmar Stakes for 3-year-olds and up fillies and mares will be contested over a mile and 70 yards on Aug. 17, while the $75,000 Power By Far Stakes over 6 1/2 furlongs will be featured on the Presque Isle Masters undercard on Sept. 18. Pennsylvania's Day at the Races, a card that exclusively features Pennsylvania-Breds, will return to a Saturday in 2026. Taking place July 18, the card will feature four $100,000 stakes. Parx's Labor Day card on Sept. 7 will feature two stakes for PA-Sired, PA-Breds. Both at $75,000 the Prince Lucky and Imply Stakes are both restricted to sophomores over 7 furlongs, with the Imply open to fillies. Also available for PA-Sired runners at Parx are the Jump Start and Disco Chick. Slated for Tuesday, November 10th the distances will again cover 7 furlongs, while this time open to runners aged 3 & up. Wrapping up the Pennsylvania-Bred stakes schedule on Thanksgiving Eve, 2-year-olds will be featured in the $100,000 Shamrock Rose for fillies will take place over six furlongs while the $100,000 Pennsylvania Nursery covers seven furlongs. For the complete stakes schedule, click here. The post 2026 PA-Bred Stakes Schedule Features $1.7 million in Purses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fort Erie Race Track will host the 91st running of the Prince of Wales Stakes on Labor Day, Sept. 7. This marquee event serves as the second jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown.View the full article

Constitution Hill (Blue Bresil) has been awarded a Timeform rating of 106P following his impressive victory in Friday's SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the nine-year-old was making a belated debut on the Flat at the Nottinghamshire track, but the outstanding ability he'd previously shown over hurdles was there for all to see as he powered clear in the final furlong to win by nine and a half lengths. To put the rating into context, the leading stayer Trawlerman (Golden Horn) has a Timeform master rating of 127, while last year's Betfred Derby hero Lambourn (Australia) is on 121. The 'P' attached to Constitution Hill's figure denotes that he is open to significant improvement under the right circumstances. The Timeform report on that Southwell success also alluded to the dilemma now facing his connections. “A race – and an evening – all about one horse, Constitution Hill, who'd landed the 2023 Champion Hurdle among a sequence of eight straight Grade 1 hurdles, the second of which had catapulted him to rarefied air in Timeform's long and proud history of rating horses, but who found himself very much on the comeback trail following three falls and a listless run at Punchestown across his last four starts,” the report read. “The £40k on offer ensured a full field of declarations – and even a slight doubt earlier in the week as to whether or not the headline act would get into the race – but no opposition that could have turned up would have got close to him in this form, indeed such was his authority on the night that this makes his future arguably more uncertain than it was beforehand as his brilliance – most of which seems to be intact – could lead connections, who are rightfully fearful of the damage another fall could do, to explore a Flat campaign that could take him to the highest level via something like the John Porter at Newbury, an unenviable decision given the stakes involved and the public affection for the horse.” The post Constitution Hill Awarded Timeform Rating of 106P Following Southwell Romp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NZ Stallion Awards The Centaine Award Sire whose NZ-conceived progeny have the highest earnings worldwide. The Dewar Stallion Trophy Sire whose progeny have the highest combined earnings in Australia and New Zealand. The Grosvenor Award Leading Sires by earnings in New Zealand. NZ-bred Winners Malaysia (February 18) RHYTHM OF ZEN (NZ) 2020 by Time Test (GB) out of Perfect Beat (AUS) by Magnus (AUS); Breeder: Jamieson Park Ltd; Auckland; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1020; Sale: 2022 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Jamieson Park $37500 P: Lilywhites Lodge; 2022 Ready To Run Sale V: Lilywhites Lodge $26000 P: Mr RTS Cham WISEMAN (MLY) Unusual Saint (NZ) 2018 by Unusual Suspect (USA) out of Saintly Ripa by Rip Van Winkle (IRE); Breeder: Mrs K A & N J Auret; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1775 LAXON (MLY) Tequila Sunset (NZ) 2020 by Darci Brahma out of Southern Sunset (GB) by Polish Precedent (USA); Breeder: The Oaks Stud; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1400 HAPPINESS DAY (MLY) Tarzy Tarzino (NZ) 2021 by Tarzino out of Grise Leigh (FR) by Green Tune (USA); Breeder: Mapperley Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Maiden WFA. 1400; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Mapperley Stud $50000 P: HY Investments DUMA (NZ) 2021 by Too Darn Hot (GB) out of Podravina by Bel Esprit (AUS); Breeder: Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 3 H. 1200; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Prima Park $45000 P: Esther Quan Hui Lim ASTRO NASCENTE (MLY) Needtobeseen (NZ) 2021 by Time Test (GB) out of Hollywood Angel (AUS) by Dehere (USA); Breeder: Mrs H G & W G Bax & Goldeye Trust; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4A H. 1600; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Blandford Lodge $100000 P: John Foote Bloodstock THE WILD CHIEF (MLY) Nature Chief (NZ) 2019 by Time Test (GB) out of Deb by Darci Brahma; Breeder: E P Lowry; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Open 1500 Hong Kong (February 22) COOL BLUE (NZ) 2018 by Foxwedge (AUS) out of Imanana (AUS) by More Than Ready (USA); Breeder: B J Lindsay MNZM & Mrs J E A Lindsay; Auckland; NZ; Race: HKJC Jasmine H. 1800m.; Sale: 2020 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Cambridge Stud $70000 P: Kaipira Lodge ALL’S WELL (NZ) 2021 by Frosted (USA) out of Ruby Queen by Pentire (GB); Breeder: Mrs H G & W G Bax; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Peach Blossom H. 1400m.; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book1 V: Blandford Lodge $20000 P: G Old KA YING RISING (NZ) 2020 by Shamexpress out of Missy Moo by Per Incanto (USA); Breeder: Grandmoral Lodge Racing; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup Gr.11400m. COOL BOY (NZ) 2022 by Per Incanto (USA) out of Saoirse by Iffraaj (GB); Breeder: Fairdale Stud (2007) Ltd; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Peony H. 1200m.; Sale: 2024 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Hallmark Stud $220000 P: Jamie Richards / Andrew Williams B/stock POWER OF VITAM (HK) Ad Vitam (NZ) 2021 by Proisir (AUS) out of Mariota by O’Reilly; Breeder: Weowna Park Ltd; K K A Wong & S Y S Yan; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Primula H. 1600m. Malaysia (February 22) PRINCE LONHRO (NZ) 2019 by Lonhro (AUS) out of Palace Gardens by More Than Ready (USA); Breeder: Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1275; Sale: 2021 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Pencarrow Stud $80000 P: DC Ellis SMART CAT (NZ) 2021 by Frosted (USA) out of Lisitsa (AUS) by Medaglia D’Oro (USA); Breeder: Ben Kwok & Windsor Park Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4B H. 1275; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 2 V: Windsor Park Stud $35000 P: Mr HK Ma COOL SIXTY-ONE (MLY) Cavani (NZ) 2018 by Vespa out of Marie Doree (FR) by River Boy (USA); Breeder: Wellfield Holdings Ltd; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4A H. 1100 ACHILLES PEGASUS (NZ) 2021 by Per Incanto (USA) out of Isstoora (AUS) by High Chaparral (IRE); Breeder: Mahoenui Partnership; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1400; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Kilgravin Lodge $100000 P: Mr Mohammad Latif Bin Abdul Khan LASER CANNON (MLY) Charm Noir (NZ) 2021 by Ocean Park out of Loveable by Savabeel (AUS); Breeder: Waikato Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Maiden WFA 1400; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Waikato Stud $100000 P: Ohukia Lodge; 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Ohukia Lodge $210000 P: Gavin Bedggood Racing VERY SURPRISE (NZ) 2018 by Star Witness (AUS) out of Costarosa (AUS) by Encosta De Lago (AUS); Breeder: B J Lindsay MNZM & Mrs J E A Lindsay; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Open 1500; Sale: 2020 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Cambridge Stud $120000 P: John Foote Bloodstock/Gollan Racing Global NZ-bred winners 2026-02-14 / 2026-02-21 AUSTRALIA Almanzor : Jewel County (NZ) (Special Diamond by Zabeel) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Orange JC Buckley’s Carpet Court Maiden H. 1300m Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $60000 Almanzor : Sexy Time (NZ) (Abeautifulred by Handsome Ransom) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Sky Racing H. 1800m Almanzor : Lady Tangalooma (NZ) (Unbeatable Dancer by Invincible Spirit) 2022; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Racecourse Village Maiden H. 1800m Sold by Landsdowne Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $160000 Almanzor : Pub Crawl (NZ) (Fun Seeker by Darci Brahma) 2021; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Kangaroo Island RC Sealink Maiden H. 1050m Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $150000 Ardrossan : Tam Na Ghar (NZ) (Royal Queen by His Royal Highness) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Gibson Maiden P. 1400m Contributer : (Lord) Penman (NZ) (Update by O’Reilly) 2021; 21 Feb 2026, 1st ATC Racing and Sports H. 1400mSold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $60000 Derryn : Laws Wars (NZ) (Tesia by Pins) 2022; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Alice Springs TC Povey Stirk Lawyers Maiden P. 1400m Sold by HGT Bloodstock Ltd at National Weanling and Broodmare Sale for $10000 El Roca : Kiss My Rock (NZ) (Love and Kisses by Encosta de Lago) 2021; 20 Feb 2026, 1st TTC Harvey Norman H. 1600m Sold by Westbury Stud at National Yearling Sale for $75000 El Roca : Danxia (NZ) (Cashenti by Conatus) 2021; 16 Feb 2026, 1st Wine Country RC Horsepower H. 1150m Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $80000 Embellish : Kazaru (NZ) (Paulette by Keeper) 2022; 20 Feb 2026, 1st TTC Tasmanian Oaks L 2100m Sold by Cambria Park at National Yearling Sale for $27500 Farnan : Kokatahi (NZ) (Diva von Tessa by Testa Rossa) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Hawkesbury RC Richmond Club Maiden P. 1500m Sold by Milan Park at National Yearling Sale for $425000 Hello Youmzain : Beautifully (NZ) (But Beautiful by Pivotal) 2022; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Terang RC Ky Valley Dairy Maiden P. 1406m Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $280000 Hello Youmzain : Azarax (NZ) (Sunny Rose by Tavistock) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Hawkesbury RC XXXX Gold H. 1300m Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $190000 Ocean Park : Velaris (NZ) (Spectacular by Spectatorial) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Newcastle JC Mai-Wel Maiden H. 1600m Sold by Hallmark Stud at National Weanling Sale for $80000 Ocean Park : Let’s Sea (NZ) (Leti by Flying Spur) 2017; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Geraldton TC Tabtouch H. 1600m Sold by Brighthill Farm at National Yearling Sale for $20000 Per Incanto : Trapper John (NZ) (My Hope by Howbaddouwantit) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Superior Food Services H. 1000m Per Incanto : Mighty Feat (NZ) (On Yer Feet by Snitzel) 2016; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Dederang PRC Lloyd Refrigeration Trophy 1000m Per Incanto : Sacrimony – Asif (Sing.) (NZ) (Royal Excess by Exceed and Excel) 2018; 21 Feb 2026, 1st WATC Pearce Racing H. 1600m Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $150000 Per Incanto : Reggio Calabria (NZ) (Drive On by Fastnet Rock) 2020; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Albany RC Specsplus Retired Jockeys H. 1000m Pierro : Pressurised (NZ) (Galaxy Star by Redoute’s Choice) 2022; 18 Feb 2026, 1st WATC Happy Birthday Darryn Pateman Maiden P. 2100m Press Statement : Press Link (NZ) (Villa de Madrid by Mossman) 2020; 14 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Ladbrokes H. 1200m Proisir : Pro Velocity (NZ) (High Spin by High Chaparral) 2021; 16 Feb 2026, 1st Wine Country RC Sharp Office P. 2100m Proisir : Vidia (NZ) (The Fairy’s Kiss by Elusive Quality) 2022; 16 Feb 2026, 1st Wine Country RC Davali Thoroughbreds Maiden P. 1150m Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $600000 Proisir : Proshow (NZ) (Our Showgirl by Ego) 2020; 17 Feb 2026, 1st Werribee RC Corio Waste Management H. 1600m Sold by Prima Park at Ready to Run Sale for $60000 Proisir : Seychelles (NZ) (Donna Marie by Don Eduardo) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Ladbrokes Maiden P. 1400m Sold by Hallmark Stud at National Yearling Sale for $1600000 Reliable Man : Miss Stalwart (NZ) (Avoid by Cullen) 2018; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Canberra RC TBC Distribution H. 1600m Rip Van Winkle : Vee Rod (NZ) (Seducation by Danehill) 2018; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Kangaroo Island RC Wolf Blass Patron H. 1750m Sacred Falls : Cameron Falls (NZ) (Pink Bubbles by Pins) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st MRC Vale Queman H. 1200m Sold by Phoenix Park at National Yearling Sale for $32500 Sold by Pertab Racing at Ready to Run Sale for $190000 Savabeel : Chispa (NZ) (Scintillula by Galileo) 2022; 17 Feb 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Man Walk Australia Maiden P. 1300m Savabeel : Samurai Warrior (NZ) (Hiragana by Fusaichi Pegasus) 2020; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Toowoomba TC Gerry Brown’s Shelving and Storage H. 1890m Savabeel : Ivy Legend (NZ) (Vinevale by Flying Spur) 2021; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Wyong RC Roos Foundation Maiden H. 1625m Staphanos : Movin Out (NZ) (Wahaha by Stravinsky) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st ATC Macquarie St Social H. 1300m Sold by Anistay Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $24000 Super Seth : Will it Snow (NZ) (Snowdrop by Pins) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st GCTC Supercoat H. 1900m Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $60000 Sweynesse : Satness (NZ) (Satanya by Mossman) 2018; 17 Feb 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Henry Clive Bar H. 1400m Swiss Ace : Kokako (NZ) (Cortado by More Than Ready) 2020; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Trusteel Fabrications H. 1200m Tarzino : City of Troy (NZ) (Helen of Rose by New Approach) 2020; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Goondiwindi RC Larder Maiden P. 1400m Tarzino : Tarvue (NZ) (Vamoose by Admire Moon) 2020; 14 Feb 2026, 1st VRC TAB H. 2000m Tarzino : Helping Hands (NZ) (Charitable Nature by High Chaparral) 2021; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Stony Creek RC Ladbrokes Maiden P. 1600m Tavistock : Stylebender (NZ) (Mary D’Or by Verglas) 2017; 18 Feb 2026, 1st ATC Asahi Super Dry H. 2140m Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $50000 Time Test : Kairos Louie (NZ) (Lucy Liu by Thorn Park) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Ladbrokes H. 1600m Sold by KB Bloodstock at Ready to Run Sale for $26000 Tivaci : Sabertooth (NZ) (Knew It by O’Reilly) 2022; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Seymour RC IRT Maiden P. 1300m Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $60000 War Decree : The Western Front (NZ) (Rosaeflora by Zacinto) 2020; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Rhino the Wrecker H. 2025m War Decree : Lillian (NZ) (I’ve Got Rhythm by Mossman) 2021; 21 Feb 2026, 1st WATC Happy Birthday Tahlia Allen H. 2200m Zed : Magic Mikey (NZ) (Magic Tryst by Magic Ring) 2018; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Kojonup Rc Kojonup Cup 1770m Sold by Grangewilliam Stud at National Yearling Sale for $17000 Hong Kong Per Incanto : Aeroinvincible (NZ) (Miss Bondi by O’Reilly) 2020; 19 Feb 2026, 1st HKJC Prosperity H. 1400m Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $320000 Wrote : Come Fast Fay Fay (NZ) (Madrekay by Towkay) 2021; 19 Feb 2026, 1st HKJC Kung Hei H. 1200m Malaysia Atlante : Zygarde (NZ) (La Madelina by Giant’s Causeway) 2016; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1400m Sold by Valachi Downs at National Yearling Sale for $80000 Charm Spirit : Cash Cove (NZ) (So Nice by Mastercraftsman) 2019; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Penang National Park S. 1200m Sold by Kawa Park at Ready to Run Sale for $11000 Sold by Seaton Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $32000 Darci Brahma : Laxon (NZ) (Southern Sunset by Polish Precedent) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Wishes Come True S. 1400m Nadeem : Pasir Pinji (NZ) (Mistaar by Iffraaj) 2016; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Westend Partnership at National Yearling Sale for $6000 Sold by Woburn Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $34000 Tivaci : Evana Trumpalot – Salam Sixty-One (Mal.) (NZ) (Evana by Entrepreneur) 2020; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Seaton Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $150000 Ocean Park : Ocean Jupiter (NZ) (The Iffraaj Dame by Iffraaj) 2020; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Penang Street Food Adventure S. 1500m Sold by Trelawney Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $60000 Pins : Acrobat (NZ) (Turf Fire by O’Reilly) 2015; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Kek Lok Si Temple S. 1200m Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $105000 Proisir : Frenetic (NZ) (Sororia by Iffraaj) 2018; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1600m Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $40000 Reliable Man : Can’t Find One – a Silent Voice (Mal.) (NZ) (Keenly by Keeninsky) 2016; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1600m Sold by The Oaks Stud at National Yearling Sale for $110000 Shocking : Ragnar (NZ) (Barbara Jennie by Bahhare) 2016; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1400m Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $27000 Sold by Rich Hill Stud at National Yearling Sale for $26000 Tarzino : Happiness Day (NZ) (Grise Leigh by Green Tune) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Speed Strength and Success S. 1400m Sold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $50000 Time Test : Rhythm of Zen (NZ) (Perfect Beat by Magnus) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Year of the Horse S. 1020m Sold by Jamieson Park at National Yearling Sale for $37500 Sold by Lilywhites Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $26000 Time Test : Needtobeseen – Astro Nascente (Mal.) (NZ) (Hollywood Angel by Dehere) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Peace and Happiness S. 1600m Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $100000 Time Test : The Wild Chief (NZ) (Deb by Darci Brahma) 2019; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Prosperous Business S. 1500m Nadeem : Pasir Pinji (NZ) (Mistaar by Iffraaj) 2016; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Westend Partnership at National Yearling Sale for $6000 Sold by Woburn Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $34000 Tivaci : Evana Trumpalot – Salam Sixty-One (Mal.) (NZ) (Evana by Entrepreneur) 2020; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Seaton Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $150000 Too Darn Hot : Duma (NZ) (Podravina by Bel Esprit) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Harmony Joy and Abundance S. 1200m Sold by Prima Park at Ready to Run Sale for $45000 Unusual Suspect : Unusual Saint – Wiseman (Mal.) (NZ) (Saintly Ripa by Rip Van Winkle) 2018; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Gong Xi Fa Cai S. 1775m View the full article

Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick has barely had time to draw breath just lately, but on Monday he found a brief window to reflect on what has been a landmark period for his family’s Matamata nursery. That all began 10 days ago with the announcement that unbeaten Group One winner Return To Conquer (Snitzel) will take up duties at Waikato this spring, followed a day later by a first stakes success for resident sire Banquo (Written Tycoon) when his son Justin Case (NZ) won the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m), and in one of the biggest breeding stories ever, last Friday’s news that leading young stallion Super Seth (Dundeel) had been sold to Coolmore. Capping all that on Saturday, another member of the Waikato roster, Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) winner Ocean Park (NZ) (Thorn Park), produced a superb result when his daughters Ohope Wins (NZ) and Autumn Glory (NZ) dominated the finish of the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie. Ohope Wins has become the star of a strong crop of three-year-old staying fillies, completing a Group-race hat-trick with another huge finish in the country’s premier distaff classic. Autumn Glory followed her win in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2100m) with a top-notch effort behind Ohope Wins to credit both their sire and owners with a notable quinella. Both Ocean Park fillies were sold earlier this summer by their respective breeders, Gartshore Bloodstock and Monovale Holdings, to Yulong Investments. The post-Oaks focus now centres on the decision as to whether one or both will target the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) back at Ellerslie on Saturday week. “It was great so see Ocean Park come up with a result like that,” Chittick said. “He’s always been a good sire with a decent horse racing and that filly (Ohope Wins) looks special, she might even be the best he’s left. “We’re so pleased for both fillies’ breeders. Bill and Jim Gartshore have been with us for quite some time, and we’ve also had wonderful support over the years from the Smithies family.” Meanwhile, the changing of the guard on the Waikato Stud roster will see Snitzel’s son Return To Conquer take up residence as the unbeaten winner of four black-type races, the last of those the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), while Super Seth, already the sire of four Group One winners with just three crops on the track, will head to Coolmore’s Jerrys Plain headquarters in the Hunter Valley. Waikato Stud was already a member of the Te Akau syndicate that outlaid A$1.3 million and raced Return To Conquer, and now with a majority interest in the handsome colt soared across all three generations of the Chittick family, has been joined by a number of existing shareholders including Australia’s Kia Ora Stud. In a fitting segue and coinciding with the sale of Super Seth, Coolmore’s Irish-based principal John Magnier has also joined the partnership in Return To Conquer, whose introductory fee will be $15,000 plus GST. “During the negotiations around Super Seth, Tom Magnier said that he had been asked by his father if there was any chance of getting a piece of Return To Conquer, who’s a horse he’s well aware of and has a lot of time for. “My family has always had a relationship with the Magnier family, and with our commitment to continue to support Super Seth at Coolmore and them now having an interest in Return To Conquer, that just strengthens our long-term relationship.” Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner Super Seth was secured in 2020 by Waikato Stud in a deal reported to value him around $15 million, with his Australian owner Jonathan Munz retaining an interest and taking up duties at $35,000 plus GST. His fee increased to $45,000 plus GST in 2024, and with Australian Group One winners Feroce (NZ), Linebacker (NZ) and Maison Louis (NZ) from his first crop, followed by a fourth, champion New Zealand two-year-old La Dorada (NZ), from his second crop, his fee increased to $75,000 plus GST. That 2025 book was Super Seth’s largest at just under 200 mares, while another strong point in his favour was his fertility figures, with a five-year average of just under 83.5 percent. Chittick is both thrilled and philosophical when discussing the lucrative deal struck with Coolmore. “When you put in the time and effort that we have for many years now, it’s great to kick a goal of this size. The Super Seth deal is a big one; I don’t think there’s ever been one like this in the Southern Hemisphere.” One constant at Waikato Stud over the past two decades has been champion stallion Savabeel, who took up duties in 2005 as a rare three-year-old winner of the W S Cox Plate winner and completed his 21st season in December after covering 88 mares. Last Saturday his three-year-old daughter Belle Cheval (NZ) won her second consecutive Group Three race in the Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), confirming her position as joint second favourite for next week’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Now with a tally of 157 black-type winners, Savabeel is just nine short of matching his fellow champion sire Zabeel’s record of 166 black-type winners. With numerous progeny currently competing and at least three more crops still to reach racing age, it’s becoming more and more a matter of when, rather than if, Savabeel establishes a new benchmark. “He’s been an amazing stallion and we’ll be forever grateful for what he’s achieved for Waikato, for our clients and you’d have to say for the whole of racing and breeding,” Chittick said. “He suffered an injury in the serving barn midway through the 2024 covering season which didn’t help him, but to his credit he was back covering last spring, even if his fertility isn’t what it used to be. “We can’t ignore the fact that this spring he’ll be 25 and we’ll have to take increasingly greater care of him, which means that he’ll be restricted to shareholders’ mares.” As for the whole experience he’s been through over the past 10 days, Chittick said he’s still in recovery mode. “From the time Tom Magnier made contact on the Friday 10 days ago and arrived here on the Monday, it’s been full-on. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck, but that’s the nature of what we were dealing with. “We’ve got Return To Conquer arriving shortly at the same time as Super Seth is going out the gate, so now the job begins to develop our next stallion.” View the full article

There are Group One goals on the horizon for Single Choice (Anders) after the Ready to Run Sale graduate’s impressive come-from-behind victory in the A$300,000 Gr.2 Stow Storage Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Single Choice (Anders) was offered by Riversley Park at the 2024 Ready to Run Sale, where Cumani Racing bought him for $80,000. His eight-start career has now produced three wins, three placings and A$294,150 in prize-money. Trainer Matt Cumani has always had a high opinion of Single Choice, and the gelding showed promising signs in the spring with victories at Ballarat and Bendigo, a third in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) and a fifth in the A$500,000 Tapp-Craig (1400m). The Autumn Classic was the second start of a new preparation for Single Choice, who had resumed with a second in a photo finish at Caulfield on February 2. He emphatically went one better second-up. Jockey Damian Lane gave Single Choice a patient ride near the back of the field, then got him into the middle of the track to launch his run down the home straight. He accelerated stylishly and reeled in the leaders, finishing over the top of them and scoring by a long head. The runner-up Arcora (Justify) had also finished second in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) in the spring. “Single Choice was really good,” Lane said. “There was genuine pressure up front, which suited him. I was able to get a good tow into the race and he had to be tough late, and to his credit he was. “You probably wouldn’t pick him as a stayer, being by Anders, but there’s obviously some good staying blood on the dam’s side. “Well done to Matty – winning a Group Two over 1800 metres second-up, and hopefully he’ll get a touch further yet. Matt obviously does a great job with his team, and it was nice to jump on board today.” Cumani is now keen to take a close look at targets such as the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m), Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) and Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m). “Absolutely thrilled – that was a hell of a run and a beautifully judged ride,” he said. “I thought maybe we might have to push forward from that gate today, but Damian said, ‘No, I think there will be decent pace on today,’ and he was dead right. They went flat out and it suited us sitting in the back. “He’s a great horse – he really pushes on all the way to the line, and it’s fantastic to win a race like that. “Great thrill for the owners, and great thrill for us. It’s our biggest win in Victoria. “He’s been knocking on the door of a really good win, and stepping up in distance really helped him. “A huge thank you to all our team. They’ve done a fantastic job. I don’t get an opportunity to say thanks to all of them as often as I’d like, but what better opportunity than a Group Two win? Our biggest stakes win so far. “I just think Single Choice is a horse that’s a little more hardy. He can handle more races, more often. “He’s a horse that’s going to go to Derbies, hopefully. We might need him for all three Derbies, so I want to space it out and I don’t want to back him up. Two weeks between races for me is a short back-up, and he’s just a big, heavy horse. I think racing sparingly will work for him.” Single Choice became the third consecutive Karaka graduate to win the Autumn Classic, following on from Immediacy (NZ) (Tarzino) in 2024 and Shanwah (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) in 2025. View the full article

South Australia is the new home of Group One-winning rider Ashvin Goindasamy, who has made the shift south from Queensland after a six-month stint. Originally from Mauritius, Goindasamy started his apprenticeship and won eight Stakes races in New Zealand, the highlight being the 2021 Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall’s Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly). He was based on the Gold Coast when first coming across the ditch, but with city opportunities tough to come by there, Goindasamy is trying his luck further south. “I’ve come over for a couple of weeks to try and make some new contacts, and it’s been great so far,” he said. “I was riding in New Zealand for probably eight years; I started my apprenticeship and had my first race ride when I was 20, I’ve always had in the back of my mind to come to Australia and ride. “I was at the Gold Coast from August last year, and it was good, I met some nice people over there and worked with some great people. “But it was very hard, when the carnival was coming up, to really get the ground going.” Goindasamy opened his South Australian account at just the second time of asking, giving Andrew Clarken’s Crown And Anchor (Fiorente) a beautiful steer in the 1800m 0-54 at Clare last Friday. The 27-year-old will have a short freshen-up in Bali after his first Morphettville ride on Saturday, aboard Karn Byrnes’ Startide, but is keen to make his presence felt upon returning. “When I come back, I’ll be hungry for more winners,” he said. View the full article

OTI Racing’s $27,500 Karaka yearling purchase Kazaru (NZ) (Embellish) added significant value to her CV with victory in the A$150,000 Listed Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) at Launceston on Friday. Kazaru was offered by Cambria Park in Book 2 of Karaka 2024 and was bought by OTI in partnership with Phill Cataldo Bloodstock. The emerging filly has now had seven starts for two wins, two placings and A$153,150 in stakes. Stakes-placed as a two-year-old in the Listed Oaklands Plate (1400m), Kazaru began her three-year-old preparation with a sixth at Seymour and a second at Pakenham. She broke through for a stylish maiden win over 1717 metres at Sale on February 1, giving trainer Phillip Stokes the confidence to push on and shoot for black-type spoils in the Tasmanian Oaks. Kazaru was ridden by Luke Currie in the Launceston feature and settled in midfield before hooking to the outside just before home turn to launch her run. She finished strongly down the straight and outstayed her 10 opponents, dashing to the lead and going clear to win by a length and a quarter. “A thrilling win and valuable black type added to her name,” OTI Racing tweeted. “Beautifully trained by Phillip Stokes and expertly ridden by Luke Currie. “Congratulations to all involved. A very exciting future for this talented filly!” Kazaru became the sixth individual stakes winner for in-form Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish (NZ), who has also been represented by this season’s Group Two Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner Ultimate Habit (NZ). The dam of Kazaru is the unraced Paulette (NZ) (Keeper), who now has two stakes winners among her five winners from six foals to race. She is also the dam of the Group Two Adelaide Cup (3200) winner Daqiansweet Junior (NZ) (Sweet Orange). View the full article

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