Wandering Eyes

After blitzing out of gate 14 in the $569,770 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2T) May 4 at Churchill Downs, Cogburn drew off in the stretch to a 2 1/4-length score in the 5 1/2-furlong test for 3-year-olds and up.View the full article

Down in trip to the one-turn mile after trying nine furlongs in his two most recent appearances, SEIZE THE GREY (c, 3, Arrogate–Smart Shopping, by Smart Strike) took advantage of a lightning-quick pace up ahead of him an plugged on gamely through the final sixteenth of a mile to cause a 9-1 upset in Saturday's GII Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs. Between horses through an opening quarter in :22.12, Seize the Grey dropped back a spot or two as the half, cut out by 'TDN Rising Star' Vlahos (Kantharos), went in :44.59. Just in behind the leaders turning for home with the pace very much still on, Seize the Grey bumped with an outside rival, and therefore went for an inside run into the final furlong. Vlahos battled on gamely despite the taxing fractions, but ultimately he ran out of steam as Seize the Grey edged past in the dying strides. Fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Nash (Medaglia d'Oro) was up late to touch Vlahos out of second. Third to Endlessly (Oscar Performance) and West Saratoga (Exaggerator) in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Mar. 23, Seize the Grey was a latest seventh to Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. Apr. 6. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. O-MyRacehorse; B-Jamm LTD (KY); T-D Wayne Lukas. Seize the Grey gets up just in time to win the G2 Pat Day Mile presented by @SAP. Jockey Jamie Torres rode the colt for trainer D. Wayne Lukas and owner MyRacehorse. pic.twitter.com/Ugogaou1Qs — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 4, 2024 The post Arrogate’s Seize the Grey Seizes The ‘Day’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2023/2024 Irish National Hunt champions were crowned at Punchestown on Saturday, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) announced. After a close tussle, Jack Kennedy earned his first Irish Champion Jockey title, just edging out Paul Townend, who was aiming for his seventh year-end award. The full list of champions for the 2023/2024 National Hunt season are as follows: Champion Owner: JP McManus Champion Trainer: Willie Mullins Champion Jockey: Jack Kennedy Champion Conditional: Danny Gilligan Champion Amateur: Patrick Mullins Champion Lady Amateur: Jody Townend HRI chief executive, Suzanne Eade, said, “It has come down to the final day of the season but we now have our six champions confirmed and many congratulations to JP, Willie, Jack, Danny, Patrick and Jody. Jack and Paul served up a thrilling finale to the jockeys' championship and their tussle certainly added to the excitement of the concluding weeks of the season. I recognise that there are many thousands working behind the scenes and away from the limelight, and I thank them so much for their efforts that keeps the show on the road.” Kennedy said, “It's an unbelievable feeling to have won the championship. Paul got close enough in recent weeks to give me loads of sleepless nights but I'm delighted to have hung on. I've had a great 12 months, leading the championship for much of the way and riding over 100 winners in a season for the first time in my career.” Added Mullins, “It's fair to say that this has been our best season at home and abroad, and it is a credit to our hardworking and dedicated team that we are celebrating again today. Congratulations to all champions today, especially Jack on winning his first champion jockey title.” McManus said, “It's such a great honour to win this title and I feel so lucky. My sincere thanks to all the trainers, jockeys, stable staff and all who contributed so much to my success. I have had wonderful days out with my family, grandchildren and friends and the season has given me memories which I will greatly treasure.” The post Jack Kennedy Takes Tight Jockeys’ Race As Irish NH Champions Crowned At Punchestown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson shares his thoughts on Rangiora today. View the full article

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Edited Press Release The morning after Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) won the GI Kentucky Oaks, trainer Ken McPeek is mulling over a chance for his filly to run in the fast-approaching GI Preakness S. Outside his barn, he also reported that the 3-year-old who splashed home a convincing winner on Friday in the Oaks came out of the race in fine shape. “She left a little bit of grain last night, about half a scoop, but it's nothing to be worried about,” McPeek said. “It's something we watch regularly, and she typically eats up every night. She's tired. She ran hard.” The Kentucky-based conditioner is weighing Thorpedo Anna's options. One avenue would be to take on the boys at Pimlico, but he indicated that's probably not likely, at least as of the morning after the Oaks. McPeek did saddle 2020 Preakness winner Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil). “We're gonna look at the Preakness, but she's gonna have to show us in the next three or four days,” he said. “We'll get some clarity. There are some fees ($150,000) involved. Probably, at this point, it's less than 50 percent.” He added that he is looking forward to some stakes possibilities in New York. “I'll see what the calendar says for 3-year-old fillies,” McPeek said. “You don't want to run her back in the Black Eyed Susan. Where do you find Grade I races for 3-year-old fillies? I definitely want to get her in the Coaching Club Oaks, Alabama, the Acorn, races like that. The Acorn is a 1 1/8 at Saratoga, so that seems like an ideal spot. There's a lot of math to do.” Trainer Bill Mott reported that all appeared to be good with reigning juvenile filly champion Just F Y I (Justify) following her runner-up effort in the Kentucky Oaks. “We haven't had her out this morning but initially she looks good,” said Mott. “I thought everything looked fine. She'll go to Saratoga next, I don't know what we're going to run her in next, but that's where she's going. She was in position to win (in the Oaks) and didn't win.” The post Thorpedo Anna Comes Out Of Oaks Fine, McPeek Weighs Preakness Shot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A running-on second to Alva Starr (Lord Nelson) when making her seasonal return in Keeneland's GI Madison S. Apr. 6, VAHVA (f, 4, Gun Runner–Holiday Soiree, by Harlan's Holiday) was the 8-5 favorite to reverse form with that rival in Saturday's GI Derby City Distaff S. at Churchill Downs and clawed past late for her first win at the elite level. Quickest into stride from an outside barrier, the $280,000 Keeneland September graduate came back nicely into the hands of Irad Ortiz, Jr. and was content to stalk the pace from third as Alva Starr hounded the pacesetting Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall). Alva Starr, looking to continue a productive weekend for Louisiana-breds, appeared to be going best of all, as she struck to the lead a furlong and a half out while Vahva was up and down for a stride or two. Alva Starr was clinging on grimly as they entered the final furlong, but Vahva found her second wind, overtook her rival at the sixteenth pole and edged clear to become the ninth Grade I winnner for Gun Runner. Flying Connection (Nyquist) won a photo for third with Chi Town Lady (Verrazano). Sales history: $280,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP. O-Belladonna Racing, LLC, Hudson, Jr., Edward J., West Point Thoroughbreds, LBD Stable LLC, Nice Guys Stables, Manganaro Bloodstock, Runnels Racing, Hornstock, Steve and Twin Brook Stables; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. #10 Vahva gets the late pass and pulls away to win the Derby City Distaff @ChurchillDowns as the 8/5 favorite! Jockey: @iradortiz Trainer: @reredevaux #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/LfXJZdUnMY — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 4, 2024 The post Gun Runner’s Vahva Gets Her Grade I In the Derby City Distaff appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — They came for a coronation and perhaps, when we look back at the end of the season, that's what those packed into the stands and around Newmarket's vast parade ring will have seen. The crown now just rests on a different head to the one we were expecting. Those who don't appreciate the blustery open swathes of the Rowley Mile are quick to knock the course, but over that same strip last October there had been a truly stellar performance in the Dewhurst by City Of Troy (Justify), who duly hogged the top of the betting market all winter. His reappearance, up until the second he was visibly struggling at around halfway, undoubtedly added to the numbers through the gates and a vibrancy on course for the most anticipated running of the 2,000 Guineas since Frankel's year. The buzz abounded, though City Of Troy himself was apparently unfazed as he wandered quietly, first one in, round and round the pre-parade ring as gradually his rivals arrived to be saddled. There were days when the all-weather racing through the winter was for the lesser Flat runners and a diversion for those fans who don't love the jumps, while the more exalted horses 'wintered well' in anticipation of the Classic trials. Fifteen years ago Ghanaati (Giant's Causeway) poured scorn on the idea that Guineas winners must have had a prep run on turf, but her two prior wins, both at Kempton on the Polytrack, had come during her two-year-old season. Notable Speech (GB), who ripped through the field to give his sire Dubawi (Ire) a fourth winner of the 2,000 Guineas, had done all his winning before Saturday at Kempton too, but he hadn't even been seen in public until January 27, then again a month later, before completing his all-weather hat-trick in early April. Primed to the minute with recent match practice under his belt, including a crucial racecourse gallop at Newmarket, he is a colt for whom the two-year-old races came too early. Now having very much filled his frame, the burly chestnut colt has not just caught up with his contemporaries but has left them wondering which way he went. Once the horses had filed into the parade ring, Aisling Appleby, wife of the soon-to-be winning trainer, positioned herself just outside with their four children. The smallest, Sean, had to be propped up on the rail to see the runners filing past and loyally proclaimed that 'Jockey William' was his favourite rider. William Buick is indeed the reigning champion but he wasn't on the favourite. Notable Speech, at 16/1, had not figured in many conversations coming into the race beyond the walls of Godolphin. While Sean wriggled and turned his attention towards a visit to the on-course sweet shop, Aisling said that she had been planning to bring the children racing on Sunday. “Bring them today,” her husband Charlie had insisted. The sweets would have to wait: there were family photos on the winner's podium to be taken first. Who knows what private mental turmoil trainers endure when things aren't going quite to plan, but Appleby's breezy demeanour seems never to falter. He was champion trainer in Britain in 2021 and 2022 but there followed, by his standards, a more lacklustre season last year. As the sun finally deigned to shine on Newmarket Heath this, then, was just the kind of reboot he was seeking, following Group 1 success in Dubai with Rebel's Romance (Ire) and two trial victories courtesy of Derby hopeful Arabian Crown (Fr) and Romantic Style (Ire). “I'm very lucky to be in the position I am. I have no pressure,” he said as he was engulfed by the press before his second winner of the 2,000 Guineas had even returned to the enclosure. “We're just asked to do the best we can and sometimes you can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, but with the horses we've got now we've got a great chance of getting back to the top table.” Of his colt, the sole locally-trained representative in the 11-strong field, he continued, “You don't very often see Classic winners come off the all-weather. I recall back in August one of the lads sat on him and said he was a nice horse but then he went weak and he wasn't ready to pull out and run. Thankfully he's done what he was supposed to do through the course of the winter and we brought him out in the new year and he hasn't looked back since.” Recalling a recent gallop for Notable Speech under 60-year-old former jockey Paul Eddery, Appleby added, “He got off him and said, 'He stays a mile and the favourite will have to be good to beat him.' From that moment on, I've just been trying to keep a lid on it.” He's been sprung now, and Appleby will doubtless spend must of the rest of the season answering queries about his latest Classic winner, who brings his tally in Britain to five. He has a long way to go to catch the man who earlier in the afternoon had been inducted into the British Champions Series Hall of Fame. Aidan O'Brien had said in an interview last week in TDN that he stays up late on the good days and heads to bed early on the bad ones. This is one result he will want to forget, and he doubtless felt similar on this day last year after Auguste Rodin (Ire) posted a disappointing return in the Guineas. Twenty-eight days later that same horse won the Derby. Saturday belonged to Godolphin, Charlie Appleby and Jockey William, but don't bet against there being plenty of late nights this season for the master of Ballydoyle. The post No Pressure for Appleby on a Notable Return to the Top appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, KY-Sharp as a razor exiting the far gate, Clark Brewster and William and Corinne Heiligbrodt's Cogburn (Not This Time) wasted not time dusting off the cobwebs, coming home a 2 1/4-length winner in the GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint early on Saturday's Derby Day card. Given an 8-1 chance will making his 2024 debut, the 5-year-old broke in front but allowed Coppola (Into Mischief) and Mo Stash (Mo Town) to show the way through a :22.61 opening quarter over a course labeled 'good'. Taking a slight edge from the outside coming out of the far turn, Cogburn lost some ground as Coppola cut the corner in front turning for home, but the Steve Asmussen trainee was clearly best on the day, drawing clear to score comfortably over Filo Di Arianna (Brz) (Drosselmeyer). Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) closed to grab third. “He was sharp, [Asmussen] had him ready today,” said winning rider Irad Ortiz Jr. “The way he broke, Steve told me he was ready. He was running so good, there was no stopping him.” Graded placed on the dirt, Cogburn took four of seven starts last season, highlighted by three consecutive wins when switching to the turf in Lone Star's Chamberlain Bridge S., Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint and the GIII Troy S. in Saratoga. Making one more start at four, he finished fifth in the GII Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs Sept. 9 and was packed away for the remainder of the season. “He has [found a home on turf],” said Asmussen. “Obviously, his turf races are beyond excellent and we're very fortunate to have him. That is typical of him [to break that well]. I was so concerned about the outside draw and he took care of that in one jump.” When asked if there were any concerns coming off a seven-month respite, the Hall of Fame trainer said, “We thought he was doing extremely well coming into the race, this was a very big race coming off the layoff. We were concerned when he drew the 14 hole, that's a lot to overcome. But his break cleared that problem. That's what he's capable of and that's what we'll be getting to campaign the rest of the year.” Pedigree Notes: Cogburn is one of three foals out of In a Jif to race, and all three have found the winner's circle. He also has a 3-year-old sister by Classic Empire named Empire of My Own. The G2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes presented by @sentientjet goes to Cogburn and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr! pic.twitter.com/4T8dmXqo9U — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 4, 2024 The post Not This Time’s Cogburn Defies Layoff, Post In TwinSpires Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NBC Sports will continue to present the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032, Churchill Downs and NBC Sports announced Saturday. The extension of the NBC Sports-Churchill Downs relationship–which began with the 2001 Kentucky Derby–makes NBC the longest-running home of the Derby, and NBCUniversal the first media company to present the Kentucky Derby over three decades. “As we celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is proud to extend the relationship with NBC Sports,” said Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen. “As our media partner for the last 23 years, NBC has artfully captured the most exciting two minutes in sports and the spectacle of the senses that surrounds it.” “Telling the rich stories surrounding the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May is part of the fabric of NBC Sports, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with Churchill Downs,” said Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports. “We look forward to surrounding the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby with wall-to-wall coverage and extensive promotion on the platforms of NBCUniversal.” The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Derby and Oaks Day programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, USA Network and additional NBCU platforms. The Kentucky Derby is America's oldest continuously held major sporting event, with the 150th running in 2024. The post Kentucky Derby on NBC Through 2032 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' MINDFRAME (c, 3, Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense), a dominating 13 3/4-length winner of his seven-furlong debut on the Florida Derby undercard at Gulfstream Park Mar. 30, handled his first two-turn assignment with aplomb, cruising home the easiest of winners in Churchill allowance company Saturday morning. Drawn the outside in a field of eight, the $600,000 Keeneland September yearling bounced away so well that he was able to clear all the inside traffic and drop down onto the fence already entering the first turn. Able to slow things down up front through a half-mile in :49.18, Mindframe–carrying the St. Elias colors–took some token pressure on the turn, but was always traveling well within himself and when Irad Ortiz, Jr. said go in upper stretch, it was all over. Mindframe went clear with every stride entering the final furlong and was taken in hand a good 70 yards from the wire, scoring by a very easy seven to eight lengths. It was the second win on the program for Constitution, whose son Catching Freedom is a live chance in the GI Kentucky Derby later on in the afternoon. Sales history: $600,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stables LLC; B-R Larry Johnson (MD); T-Todd Pletcher. #11 Mindframe demolishes the field in Race 3 @ChurchillDowns as the 2/5 favorite! Jockey: @iradortiz Trainer: @PletcherRacing Owner: @RepoleStable and St. Elias Stable #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/T5jsyKTfsg — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 4, 2024 The post Constitution’s Mindframe Rolls To Easy Two-Turn Win at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas went to an unbeaten colt with TDN Rising Star status, but instead of the bitterly disappointing City Of Troy (Justify) it was Godolphin's Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}–Swift Rose {Ire}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) who conquered the Newmarket Classic. Sent off at 16-1 on his first start on turf, the Charlie Appleby-trained homebred who unusually had not raced at two and had only been to Kempton so far in his career waited in last under a confident William Buick. Arriving to Ballydoyle's struggling 4-6 favourite full of running two out, he surged away from last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) from the furlong pole to score by 1 1/2 lengths, with Rosallion's stablemate Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) 1 3/4 lengths away in third. City Of Troy wound up ninth, making it back-to-back flops for a short-priced Ballydoyle favourite after Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) last year. “I hadn't known him for that long–I only rode him in February but I haven't believed in a horse as much as this guy,” Buick said. “I kept going home thinking 'have I lost the plot altogether?' as he has an incredible change of gear and does things so easily. The race couldn't have worked out any better and I've gone close a couple of times in this, so it's nice to win it. He's an out-and-out miler and all about speed–he has a great mindset and is going to keep on improving as well.” 2000 Guineas Stakes (G1) 1.610 m – 500.000 GBP – for 3yo colts Newmarket Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi- Swift Rose , by Invincible Spirit) J : William Buick T :Charlie Appleby O : @godolphin pic.twitter.com/qSFQlH2Eb3 — (@WorldRacing1) May 4, 2024 The post Dubawi’s TDN Rising Star Notable Speech Wins The Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

As much as the May 4 150th edition of the Run for the Roses has been framed as a showdown between the two favorites, Fierceness (5-2) and Sierra Leone (3-1), to a much greater extent it is showcasing the competition between the 3-year-olds' trainers.View the full article

Kentucky Derby day has arrived, with conditions a little better than Kentucky Oaks day. Cloudy skies are forecast with a 30% chance of light rain. The main track will be muddy to begin the day; the turf course is deemed "good."View the full article

All was well at the Kenny McPeek barn the morning after Thorpedo Anna dominated the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3.View the full article

Brosay (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), a winner at Goodwood on Friday, is one of four wildcards added to the Tattersalls Online May Sale, the sales company announced on Saturday. Currently rated 80+ by Timeform, the colt (lot 87) was originally a 25,000gns purchase by Star Bloodstock, Byron Rogers and Diego Dias. His dam Hattytown (GB) (Ivawood {Ire}) is a half-sister to the Group 3-placed Blood Moon (GB) (Equiano {Fr}). The other lots are the placed hurdler Shengai Enki (Fr) (Buck's Boum {Fr}) (lot 84), a 2-year-old colt by Advertise (GB) (lot 85), and the winning mare Peebles Place (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) (lot 86), who is sold with her Profitable (Ire) colt foal at foot. The Tattersalls Online May Sale begins on May 8 at noon and concludes on May 9. For the full catalogue, please click here. The post Brosay Leads Four Tattersalls Online Wildcards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The familiar colours of Waikato Stud were part of a remarkable finish at Hawkesbury on Saturday as Fall For Cindy dead-heated for first in the A$160,000 The Lawn Shed Benchmark 88 Handicap (1400m). There was only half a length separating the first five horses across the line, with Fall For Cindy and apprentice jockey Jett Stanley finishing strongly out of the pack to join in a blanket finish across the track. In a head-bobbing battle to the line, Fall For Cindy and Rise Of The Masses were locked together at the finish and unable to be separated. The third-placed Highlights was only another nose away, with a neck back to Coastwatch in fourth. From 14 starts, Fall For Cindy has had four wins and five placings, earning A$228,500 for owner-breeder Garry Chittick. “This was a deserving result for the Chittick family and for Garry, who has a big birthday coming up soon,” trainer John O’Shea said. “It’s nice to get some sort of win for him today. “She’s a really good mare. She got hampered at a crucial time today, not to take anything away from the horse she dead-heated with, so it was a really good performance. “We’ll probably take her up to Scone next and try to run for a bit of black type. We’ll hope for a bit more luck in the straight there. “She’s in great form and she showed that today.” Fall For Cindy is by Waikato Stud’s homebred former stallion Sacred Falls, who has sired 168 winners from 276 runners including nine individual stakes winners. The dam of Fall For Cindy is the unraced Savabeel mare Cindy Cee, who is a three-quarter-sister to the stakes performer Save The Date and a half-sister to the Group Two winner and Group One-placed Sports Illustrated. Further down the pedigree page, the stakes-placed second dam Pin Up is a half-sister to champion racehorse and successful sire Starcraft. Cindy Cee is the dam of three named foals and all three have been winners. Her first foal Willinga Freefall is a five-year-old and has won four races across New South Wales and Queensland. Fall For Cindy was Cindy Cee’s second foal in 2019, followed a year later by the winning Tivaci filly Cintivee. Cindy Cee’s subsequent foals are a two-year-old colt by Ocean Park, a yearling filly by Tivaci and a weanling colt by Ardrossan. View the full article

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy and jockey Jamie Kah celebrated a momentous victory on Saturday with talented filly Coco Sun coming up the inside to win the 2024 South Australian Oaks at Morphettville. Coco Sun (pictured in 2023) won the 2024 SA Derby on the quick back-up off a third in the Oaks. Photo: Jenny Barnes. This triumph marks Kah’s first ever Group 1 win in her home state, making the occasion even more special. Coco Sun, a beautifully bred daughter of The Autumn Sun, entered the race after a close third-place finish in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) the prior week. Despite the quick turnaround, Kah remained confident about the filly’s ability to handle the demanding South Australian Derby (2500m). “Very exciting. These are the races we like to win,” co-trainer Tony McEvoy declared after the race. “This filly is a really good filly. “Kah was so bullish about backing her up. “She had so much faith in her. She wanted to bounce out and put her there (on speed). The only question I had was the 2500 (metres)…but you don’t argue with Jamie Kah! “She just gave her a beautiful trip and the filly ran it beautifully. “She’s (Kah has) been a star forever and I love her. “Very special.” Kah delivered a masterful ride, positioning Coco Sun perfectly in third place on the inside, saving ground in the box seat before flashing up the rails once on the straight. This tactical brilliance allowed them to avoid having to go around any rival, ultimately securing them the victory. Andrew Gluyas’ Air Assault led the pack for much of the race, but with 250m remaining, Kah made her move. Coco Sun surged ahead, holding off a late challenge from the fast-finishing Warmonger from the back to claim victory by a comfortable 1.3 lengths. Air Assault, despite leading for a significant portion of the race after crossing from out wide, displayed admirable stamina to finish a close third and round out the SA Derby trifecta. Following this impressive win, McEvoy has confirmed that the Group 1 $700,000 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 8th is the likely next stop for Coco Sun, barring any unforeseen setbacks. “I think there’s five weeks now until the Queensland Oaks,” McEvoy noted. “If she’s well, we’ll go to the Oaks.” Coco Sun’s performance has certainly captured the attention of punters, with Ladbrokes placing her at $7 to win the Queensland Oaks. This South Australian Oaks victory is a significant milestone for both Coco Sun and her connections. With the Queensland Oaks on the horizon, the future looks bright for this talented filly. 2024 SA Derby Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 15 COCO SUN Tony & Calvin McEvoy Ms Jamie Kah 8 54.5kg $5 2 7 WARMONGER (NZ) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Damian Lane 1.3L 12 56.5kg $6 3 3 AIR ASSAULT Andrew Gluyas Jason Holder 2L 11 56.5kg $26 4 1 ANTRIM COAST (NZ) Stephen Marsh Michael Dee 3.7L 5 56.5kg $7.50 5 16 AHURIRI (NZ) Chris Waller Craig Williams 4.2L 9 54.5kg $4.80F 6 12 TULSA KING Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Jake Toeroek 4.4L 15 56.5kg $31 7 5 GOLD WOLF (NZ) David & Coral Feek Neil Farley 5.6L 1 56.5kg $31 8 4 BOLD SOUL (NZ) Patrick Payne Jake Noonan 5.7L 10 56.5kg $9 9 8 OUTOVSTOCK (NZ) Chad Ormsby Opie Bosson 6.2L 16 56.5kg $15 10 13 STEEL BLAZE Brett Lazzarini Dom Tourneur 8.7L 7 56.5kg $101 11 14 WARIALDA WARRIOR John Ramsey Darryl McLellan 8.9L 14 56.5kg $61 12 11 JUST BERRILLIANT Ricky Maund Jeffrey Maund 10.9L 6 56.5kg $61 13 10 SHINJUKU (NZ) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Todd Pannell 12.1L 2 56.5kg $61 14 2 SUNSETS Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Jacob Opperman 13.5L 3 56.5kg $18 15 9 A SAMURAI MIND Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray Lachlan Neindorf 13.6L 4 56.5kg $31 16 6 GLAD YOU THINK SO John Sargent Blake Shinn 112.1L 13 56.5kg $13 19e JUST EXPLOSIVE (NZ) Simon Zahra 0 18e MAPUTO Pat Carey & Harris Walker Rhys McLeod 0 17e ZAKOUMA Pat Carey & Harris Walker 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post 2024 SA Derby Results: Coco Sun Makes History, Queensland Oaks Next? appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Coco Sun winning at Bendigo on April 13, 2024. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Jockey Jamie Kah claimed her maiden Adelaide Group 1 success when steering Coco Sun to victory in the Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) at Morphettville. Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, the three-year-old filly was on the quick seven-day backup after finishing third in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) seven days prior. Having stepped cleanly from the barriers, Jamie Kah took her time to get Coco Sun (+400) towards the front of the field, and could not have landed a better spot, on the heels of race leader Air Assault (+3300) leaving the home straight. Coco Sun managed to stalk the leader throughout and despite a majority of rivals making their move approaching the home turn, Kah bided her time perfectly and turning for home, Coco Sun kicked clear. Warmonger (+550) made up a stack of ground from the rear of the field, with Air Assault sticking on for third. There was to be no doubting the winner though, as Jamie Kah celebrated maiden Group 1 success at her old stomping ground. 2024 Group 1 SA Derby Replay – Coco Sun Coco Sun’s victory was Tony & Calvin McEvoy’s first success in the SA Derby, and Tony was quite impressed following the race. “Very exciting. These are the races we like to win,” he said. “This filly, she’s a really good filly. Calvin (co-trainer and son) was here last week, and both he and Jamie (Kah) were so bullish about backing her up. “Jamie had so much faith in her. She said to me she wanted to bounce out and put her there, and the only question I had was the 2500 (metres), but you don’t argue with Jamie Kah. “She gave her just a beautiful trip and the filly stayed it beautifully.” Following her win on The Map in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup the race prior, Jamie Kah secured a clean sweep of the Morphettville features on SA Derby Day. “I had a great ride today. I had a great ride last weekend, but it obviously didn’t go my way,” Kah said. “Today it did, and for the old boss too. He’s put up with me for a long time. “I had so many years here riding with Tony and so many winners and he looked after me so well, so it’s nice to repay him. “He put up with a lot of rubbish back in the day too. “All that I wanted to do was ride a Group 1 winner in Adelaide in front of Mum and Dad and family, and all those that have supported me.” Horse racing news View the full article

Kintyre returns after taking out the Group 2 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham On the back of claiming Group 3 glory at Randwick in the stewards room last time out, there was no doubt about Kintyre’s win in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. The three-year-old gelding trained by Gary Portelli took his earnings to upwards of $700,000 with Saturday’s success, aided by a gun ride from young Cejay Graham. The pair jumped cleanly enough from the barriers to take advantage of barrier two when landing the box seat throughout. Kintyre (+800) was racing well within himself as he approached the home turn, and as Captain Fenkel (+4000) started to fade, Kintyre and eventual runner-up Razors (+1300) staked their claim with 300m to go. In a back-and-forth tussle, it was Cejay Graham who stuck closer to the inside that got the better of Razors in a driving finish, with Press Link (+600) finishing off well into third. It was all honours to Kintyre and connections, with the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) on the agenda, but not concreted into the plans. 2024 Group 2 Queensland Guineas Replay – Kintyre The win handed Gary Portelli his first win in the race, and was quick to heap praise on Cejay Graham in the process, while pouring cold water on a potential QLD Derby tilt. “I’ve been watching Cejay since I came up here, she rode a winner for me on Spaceboy and helped me out when we had Fireburn up here, so I wanted to repay her for helping me out. “I put her on this horse in a Group 2, I told her not to be worried about going up the inside because it’s not inferior ground. “He’s a tough horse and she rode him a treat.” “He’ll go to the Rough Habit Plate in a fortnight’s time, I’m just a bit worried about him seeing out 2400m. “I don’t want to ruin a nice horse because he’s got a big future. I’d love to have a crack at the Golden Eagle next prep.” Following her first Group success as a jockey, Cejay Graham was left somewhat speechless post-race. “It feels incredible, I don’t have the words to describe it really. To be given this opportunity was surreal, and to salute feels incredible,” Graham said. “I didn’t think I would get these opportunities with the time I’ve had off, but to be back here and winning that race makes every bit of hard work worthwhile.” “I couldn’t be more grateful to Gary and the owners. “Gary has been such a big supporter of female jockeys for many years, and hopefully this will put me in good stead as I come out of my apprenticeship.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Map winning on Melbourne Cup Day last year. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Favourite backers were happy with themselves a long way out from home as The Map (+100) made a mess of her rivals in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2500m) at Morphettville. Having not been since finishing second in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m), Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray opted to give their classy mare a seven-week fresh-up heading into the race. With eventual runner-up Crimson Vine (+1000) setting a moderate tempo over the staying trip, the race was always going to come down to who would sprint the best. Despite rank outsider Wolf Prince (+6000) putting in a bold run nearing the home turn, race favourites The Map and First Immortal (+200) were biding their time in a midfield position. As Crimson Vine regained the lead at the top of the straight, First Immortal loomed up, but in doing so gave The Map a perfect tow into the race. When Jamie Kah asked for the ultimate effort, the five-year-old responded in kind and kicked clear with 300m to go and put 3.7 lengths on her rivals. 2024 Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup Replay – The Map Following the win, co-trainer Oopy MacGillivray was quick to declare the stables hand, confirming The Map would next be seen in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) on May 18 at Flemington. “Let’s hope she pulls up from this and she can go to May 18 and the Andrew Ramsden and we can get that Golden Ticket,” she told Racing.com post-race as they hunt a spot in the Melbourne through the win-and-your win Andrew Ramsden. “When they go out at $1.90, or whatever, you’re always relieved. Also I just love that horse and every time she does something like that, my heart explodes. “She tried her heart out. I just love her.” Having steered The Map to victory on Melbourne Cup Day last year, Jamie Kah was clearly ecstatic following the pair’s win. “Every time I ride for The Map for these guys, it feels like I win a Group 1. It’s awesome, it’s a great feeling,” Kah said. “She felt like a 1200-metre horse then. I just had to coast and cruise on her everywhere. “We were hoping for that in the Adelaide Cup, but maybe we just have to wait for the Melbourne Cup.” Following the win, The Map is a +2500 chance in Melbourne Cup betting markets with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Antino ridden by Vlad Duric takes out the Group 2 Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham New Zealand-bred star Antino put a frustrating spring campaign behind him with a superb first-up performance in Saturday’s A$300,000 Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm. The son of Redwood appeared to have the world at his feet at around this time last year, winning eight of his first nine races including the Listed Wayne Wilson (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June. But Antino’s raids on Melbourne and Sydney in the spring were plagued by bad luck. He won the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) but had more than his share of excuses when finishing fourth in the Listed The Sofitel (1400m), second in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), second in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) and outside the placings in the Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on November 11. Saturday’s Victory Stakes was the five-year-old’s first start since then, and his sixth and fifth placings in a pair of lead-up trials did little to inspire confidence. But he returned to race-day competition on Saturday and showed his true colours. Ridden for the first time by Vlad Duric, Antino was slow to leave the starting gates and appeared to be struggling to stay in touch with the field for most of the race. But Duric cut back to the rail in the straight and drove him through the inside of Wee Nessy, lifting and stretching out superbly to overpower that rival and win by a length. 2024 Victory Stakes replay – Antino “That was a massive win,” Duric said. “All the plans I thought I had in my head for this race went out the window at the jump. He was off the bridle the whole way and just couldn’t keep up. “I decided to just switch across to the fence and ride up the fence, and it was a massive performance to get up and win. He was beautiful through to the post and is in for a great preparation.” Antino has now had 15 starts for 10 wins, three placings and A$904,415 in stakes, with trainer Tony Gollan working backwards from the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 15. “I get nervous when this horse trials, when he jumps out, when he races, everything, because he’s just got so much ability,” Gollan said. “The one thing I said to Vlad before he went out is that this horse really can sustain a long run – longer than any horse I’ve ever trained. And he certainly had to do that today. Not only was he slow out, but he was off the bridle mid-race and just never travelled. He made really, really hard work of it. “But I knew, once they got inside the last furlong, they were never going to beat him. He just puts those ears back and he has a go. He’s a different beast. He’s not like any horse I’ve ever trained. “Full credit to Vlad. He was a late booking for the ride when Mark Zahra got suspended, so he sat on him for the first time on Wednesday and didn’t know a whole lot about him. But we got the job done today. “He will certainly rocket into Stradbroke calculations now, if he wasn’t there already. He’ll probably run in the Kingsford-Smith (Group 1, 1300m) here in a month, which will set him up nicely for the Stradbroke.” View the full article

Consistent galloper Discretion Rules cracked his maiden victory in fine style after a string of minor placings when taking out the Listed Berkley Stud Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton. The son of Alabama Express is prepared by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson from their Riccarton base and had the misfortune of striking star stablemate Nucleozor at his first three starts, where he placed third then second in consecutive runs, before finding the top step of the podium at his fourth attempt. Bounced away nicely from barrier four by Niranjan Parmar, Discretion Rules sat outside pacemaker Great Time before assuming control at the 300m. Parmar asked for a serious effort, and he shot way by three lengths before holding out the late challenges of Cambridge visitor Ziggy Stardust and the second Walker and Bergerson runner in Colonel Warden. Te Akau Racing Manager Reece Trumper was on hand to witness the victory and was quick to praise the ride by their stable apprentice. “It was a great ride by Parmar as he put him in a lovely position where he relaxed beautifully,” Trumper said. “The step up to 1200m was a question mark but Parmar gave him a treat of a ride and that is why he is the leading apprentice (43 wins) at present. “Colonel Warden was also really good as he flattened out well and will improve with the run, so he won’t be taking long to win one.” Walker was also taken with the performance. “It was a really good win today,” he said. “He’d obviously been going great races behind his stable-mate Nucleozor, but it was good to see him get his Maiden win in a Listed race. “He’s a yearling that Dave (Ellis) bought before we knew how good the sire (Alabama Express) was going to be. He’s a very promising sire and we were very impressed with his yearlings throughout the sales series, at Magic Millions, Sydney, and Melbourne. He’s got a lovely line of young horses. “We’re going to give him a break now, because he’s had four starts since early March, so it’s great for him to gain a valuable win before going out.” Raced by the Te Akau Non-Stop Express Racing Partnership Discretion Rules was purchased by Te Akau Racing Boss David Ellis for $165,000 from the Highline Thoroughbreds draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in 2023. He is out of the Zoustar mare Miss Madonna and comes from an extended family that includes a colt (now stallion) with an outstanding record for the stable in Sword Of State who won six races, including the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie before being named Champion Two-Year-Old in New Zealand for the 2020 racing season. Sword Of State is now resident at Cambridge Stud and will stand during the 2024 breeding season for a fee of $15,000 + GST. View the full article

Fan favourite Harlech has finally found his way to the winners’ enclosure following more than three and a half years since his last victory, racing away for a satisfying win in the Avon City Ford Easter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton. The seven-year-old son of Darci Brahma has been in many elite level battles over the years, with a number of placings in races such as the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) and most recently runner-up in the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m), since winning the Benalla Cup (1406m) back in October 2020. Co-trainer Pam Gerard has never lost faith in her charge and echoed the sentiments of many after witnessing his return to winning form in spectacular fashion by running away from his rivals in the final stages. “He deserves it as he was very unlucky last start when finishing second off a slow pace,” Gerard said. “I thought we were a little bit stuck at the top of the straight today but once we got out, he showed the confidence he has gained since being down here. “He had gone up a lot in weight and it is hard to carry that when you are at the end of a long prep. “He looked sensational and to Sian and Hugh and all his other owners who have been so patient and trusted me to bring him down here, a big thank you. “He is one of the favourites at home and we thought he was coming to the end of his career but a trip down here (from Matamata) and some sun on his back means there is no better place than the South Island.” Allpress cut a satisfied figure after the victory and was keen to remind people that her mount was a class animal. “When I got around to the start there were a couple of people there asking if he knew where the winning post was as he has that sort of stigma around him,” she said. “He has been in every big race possible and run creditably so the potential has always been there. “He just kept on giving and wanted to be there and he is very genuine.” Raced by a large group including Dame Sian Elias and Hugh Fletcher, who Gerard had acknowledged in her post race comments, Harlech is out of the former top race mare Obsession who won the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and also finished third in the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) during her career on the track. He was purchased by co-trainer Mike Moroney’s brother Paul for $100,000 out of the Oaks Stud draft at Karaka in 2018 and has now won four races and secured more than $555,000 in prizemoney from his 39 career starts. View the full article