Wandering Eyes

Details surrounding the 4-year-old's death are unknown, but he has had a history of bleeding. He last worked May 1 at Oaklawn Park going four furlongs in :48 4/5.View the full article

Horse racing bookmakers have unveiled an array of enticing racing promotions for Friday, May 3. Among the highlights are multiple generous bonus back offers that add an extra layer of excitement to your horse racing experience. Explore these free promotions from top online bookmakers to make the most of your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 3, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Wagga Races 1-2 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1 & 2 at Wagga this Friday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds Terms and Conditions apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Cranbourne Races 1-4 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back Get your stake back in bonus bets. Limits apply. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place A 4 Leg Multi, If One Leg Fails, Bonus Back Up To $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. T&C’s apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Cranbourne – 25% Boosted Winnings Max bonus $250. First fixed win bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Cranbourne Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has meticulously assessed the premier horse racing bookmakers in Australia, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials tailored for Friday, May 3, 2024. These horse racing promotions are a consistent feature, underscoring the unwavering commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the world of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t currently running a promotion, rest assured that another is making the most out of promotional offers. Your ultimate resource for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day is HorseBetting.com.au. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours by leveraging bookie bonuses, accompanied by the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s crucial to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively designed for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those on the lookout for races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

The top four finishers from the April 6 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland are set for a rematch in the $1 million Derby City Distaff Stakes (G1) May 4 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Owner Clark Brewster arrived at Churchill Downs the morning of May 2, popped his head in the office of trainer Steve Asmussen to say hello, and then headed to the stall of his first Kentucky Derby (G1) starter: Track Phantom.View the full article

Brook Smith, long-time Backside Learning Center supporter, challenged owners to enroll their horses to the BLC's "Purses for a Purpose" initiative. The challenge inspired trainer Cherie DeVaux and bloodstock agent David Ingordo to also take part. View the full article

Light Up Racing, an initiative launched to highlight positive news in the racing industry, will join with Ocala Breeders' Sales Company for a presentation by Vicky Leonard. Leonard, whose own Australian thoroughbred marketing agency Kick Collective inspired Light Up Racing, will present tactics on how to answer difficult questions from those outside the industry along with transforming negative opinions into positive messaging. The event will be held Sunday, May 5 from 5-7 p.m. on the second floor of the ITW Building on the OBS grounds. “We are excited to bring our mission to Florida and share the core values and objectives of Light Up Racing,” said Leonard. “This presentation is not just about what we aim to achieve, but more importantly, how we plan on doing it and involving all sectors of the industry as we grow.” For more information on Light Up Racing, click here. The post Light Up Racing Hosts OBS Launch Event appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For an eighth straight year, the Maryland Jockey Club is offering bonus money totaling $100,000 to trainers who run a minimum of five horses in the 15 Thoroughbred stakes races during Preakness weekend, May 17 and 18, at Pimlico Race Course. The blockbuster weekend includes a total of 16 stakes, nine graded, worth $4.4 million in purses. The trainer with the most points will receive $50,000, second is worth $25,000, third $12,000, fourth $7,000, fifth $4,000 and sixth $2,000. Points are accumulated for finishing first (10 points), second (seven), third (five), fourth (three) and having a starter (one) in the 15 Thoroughbred stakes, led by the 149th running of the $2-million GI Preakness S., Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, May 18. Trainers must have a minimum of five starts to qualify for the bonus. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen has been the leading Preakness weekend stakes trainer four times in its first seven years, earning the top bonus in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Brad Cox (2019), Mike Maker (2020) and Graham Motion (2023) have also won the top prize. There will also be bonus money totaling $50,000 for trainers with the most points in non-stakes races during Preakness weekend. The points are accumulated in similar fashion with $25,000 going to the leader, $10,000 to second, $7,500 to third, $4,000 to fourth, $2,500 to fifth and $1,000 to sixth. Trainers must have a minimum of three starts to qualify for the bonus. The post Trainer Bonus Returns for Preakness Weekend Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Danny O'Donovan described first-season sire King Of Change as his 'hero of the year' after the young consignor topped the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale at 180,000gns with a filly by the Starfield Stud-based stallion. King Of Change may have emerged as something of the surprise package from the breeze-up circuit so far but O'Donovan has never been afraid to push his chest out when it comes to the capabilities of the Group 1-winning miler and was duly rewarded when Oliver St Lawrence signed for the filly who posted one of the fastest breezes in the sale on behalf of trainer Bryan Smart. O'Donovan commented, “It's incredible, really. I thought that she was going to make about 120,000gns or 130,000gns but 180,000gns in such a tricky market, it was just incredible. King Of Change has just been fantastic to me all year–that's three of them now that I have got life-changing money out of. Even for Adam [Potts, partner] and the other shareholders, it will put things on the up for us.” He added, “The pressure is off completely. It's been off since Doncaster, really [where O'Donovan sold two fillies for a combined 570,000gns]. Loads of vendors and other friends of mine are finding it very tough. I just said to them that the wheel is always turning and next year it could be me who is struggling. I am just grateful that everything is coming together for me this year. King Of Change has been my hero of the year.” Thursday's sale meant that O'Donovan has now cleared over half a million on three fillies by King Of Change these past few weeks. What's even more impressive is that those fillies were sourced for just 67,000gns combined. His first King Of Change filly, from the family of Sole Power (GB), was sold at the Craven Sale for 80,000gns while Alex Elliott went to £270,000 on behalf of Amo Racing to secure the second at Doncaster last week. Lot 322 was sourced for just £20,000 at the Doncaster Premier Yearling Sale last year, and according to the consignor, probably would have been back there last week had he not had a job on his hands splitting up the stock by the sire. However, all's well that ends well. “King Of Change wouldn't have been on many people's radars [at the yearling sales].” O'Donovan said. “He was a very good racehorse himself and, as first-season sires go, we liked his stock and knew that they would be affordable to buy. This filly was 20 grand at Doncaster and has just thrived the whole way through-she has furnished into a really nice filly.” He added, “I buy the physique. Me and Adam work hard going around the sales and buy the physique over the pedigree. We just liked all the King Of Changes we saw. There was nearly a fourth! We underbid a fourth. Even seven or eight weeks ago, we started stepping all the horses up in their work and I text Micheál Orlandi saying 'this stallion is going to come up with a good one' because, in their very first bit of work, they showed a bit of class. Hopefully they can all go on and do a bit on the track. I do believe that the stallion will come up with a good one.” They say one swallow doesn't make a summer, and in the case of King Of Change, it wasn't just O'Donovan who enjoyed some luck with the new sire. Deep into the Thursday session, another filly by the stallion was knocked down to Alex Elliott on behalf of Amo Racing from 120,000gns. She was consigned by Anderson Bloodstock, which is the banner from which debut consignor Anderson Correa was operating under. He said, “This is the first year we have done this by ourselves. We are delighted. I have so many people to thank including Robson Aguiar, Roger O'Callaghan and my brother, who has helped so much. I am delighted that she has been bought by such a good judge.” “Challenges In The Current Marketplace” The John Dance dispersal provided something of an anomaly to this year's horses-in-training session of the Guineas Sale. The turnover almost doubled from 1,525,000gns last year to 3,015,500 this week. Not only that, but the clearance rate was up 7% to 93% while the average climbed 27% to 22,845gns and the median by 25% to 15,000gns. However, the poor clearance rate in the breeze-up section of the sale hardly came as a bolt from the blue, and followed on from similar trends posted in the breeze-up sales at Doncaster and in the Craven where the middle market was also tricky. The clearance rate finished up at just 72%, which was down a whopping 14% on last year. The average dropped 1% to 41,894gns while the median fell 10% to 27,000gns and the aggregate fell by 17% to 4,943,500gns. Reflecting on the action over the past two days, Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “Demand in the Horses-In-Training section of the 2024 Tattersalls Guineas Sale has without doubt exceeded expectations, with domestic British and Irish buyers competing strongly with their international counterparts to produce record-breaking trade comfortably surpassing the previous records for turnover, average and median as well as the number of lots selling for 100,000 gns or more. “The clearance rate for the horses-in-training was a remarkable 94%, yet again demonstrating the sustained global appetite for British and Irish horses-in-training sold at Tattersalls, and the horses belonging to Coverdale Stud and Titanium Racing were particularly sought after with buyers from throughout Europe, the Gulf region and Australia all making their presence felt.” He added, “Nevertheless, the strong and diverse demand that produced the wide margin record-breaking Guineas Horses-In-Training Sale was not matched in the Breeze-Up section of the sale and while the combined turnover for the Breeze-Up and Horses-In-Training is a record, and the Breeze-Up average and median prices have held up well in relation to last year's record-breaking sale, the clearance rate has been well below par. “In the months leading up to both the Tattersalls Craven and Guineas Breeze-Up Sales, members of the Tattersalls team have made promotional visits to a host of international markets including America, Australia, Bahrain, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Sweden and the two sales continue to attract considerable numbers of overseas buyers, but as has been noted at the earlier Breeze-Up Sales, there is a selectivity to the market which has been reflected in clearance rates that have not matched the impressive levels achieved last year. “It is clear that there are challenges in the current marketplace, challenges which reflect wider economic realities, but it should also be recognised that competition for quality British and Irish bloodstock remains robust and diverse. The Breeze-Up consignors have as ever done an outstanding job, there have been some spectacular pinhooking successes today and there is no doubt that this year's renewal of the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale will further enhance the sale's reputation as a consistent source of Group 1 horses.” Murphy 'Rides Out The Storm' With Hello Youmzain Colt Mick Murphy spoke with a heavy helping of perspective after selling his 35,000gns Hello Youmzain (Fr) yearling purchase for 150,000gns to Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock. Like many consignors, Murphy admitted to finding the going tough at the Craven and Doncaster breeze-up sales, and explained that, despite selling one of the day's top lots at Park Paddocks, next week's trade at Arqana will be pivotal to how his year pans out on the whole. The selling of the Hello Youmzain colt provided something of a fillup for the Longways Stables operator amidst a backdrop of disappointing results since the beginning of the breeze-up season. Murphy said, “The Hello Youmzain was popular here and was always a very fast horse at home. I think the sire has a very good chance. He had six vets and all of the top men were on him. I was more hopeful than confident and the market is in a very tricky place at the moment.” He added on the breeze-up year thus far, “[It's been] very tough. We had a tough Craven and a tough Donny. It is nice to get one of them over the line. There is a lot going on in the world at the moment and, when we are in our own bubble, I suppose we don't think about it. When you step outside the bubble, you realise the world is not in a great place.” Some would baulk at some of the figures posted at Tattersalls on Thursday but, according to Murphy, he sees no other option but to batten down the hatches and weather the storm. “It's what we do,” he said. “We've no other choice. The game has been very good to us for the past 10 years so we just have to ride out the storm this season. “It's all or nothing. It's gone very much back to the clock. If you clock well you have a very good chance of selling well. The next thing after that is vetting well and good physiques. It can be very lonely when you're not on the lists. There will probably be a knock-on effect to the yearling market and the foal market.” Asked if there was added pressure rolling onto Arqana, he replied, “Oh yes. We have 13 horses going to France and I think we have a very good draft-they might look a bit expensive at the moment as we were buying them when the market was a bit stronger. We just have to wait and see.” An up and down year can be hard enough to stomach at the best of times but Murphy has been without his wife Sarah at the breeze-up sales this season. Sarah, who was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year, is understood to be recovering well, with Murphy explaining that he hopes to have his right-hand woman on side at Arqana next week. He said, “We're looking forward to it and I'm hoping that Sarah will make an appearance. She finished her treatment three weeks ago. It's been tough. She had surgery followed by chemotherapy so it's been a rough few months. She's still not a confirmed runner but her bags went on the lorry this evening along with the horses so hopefully she makes it.” The Hello Youmzain colt was bought by Brown on behalf of Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum and will go into training with trainer James Tate. The agent joked afterwards, “I seem to be cornering the market on the Hello Youmzains! I think that is the third one [I have bought] this breeze-up season. I guess I like his stock! I bought him on behalf of Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum, who was particularly keen on the horse from the start. Asked if he thought Hello Youmzain's stock were of a similar type, Brown responded, “They have got great muscle and balance. They've got a bit of class and a bit of style about them. To be honest with you, Hello Youmzain wasn't really on my radar at all, but he has stepped up to obviously be very much on my radar.” Brown also struck for a Mehmas (Ire) colt from Yeomanstown Stud for the same figure earlier in the day. On lot 252, who was bang up there on the times sheet, Brown commented, “He has been bought for Sheikh Rashid and he goes to Richard Fahey. Obviously [we have] been very successful for Sheikh Rashid-Pretty Crystal (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the filly supplemented for the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday, is out of a breeze-up filly whom we purchased, so it is all coming around with progeny..” He added, “This horse did a very good breeze. He was very green and came across the track with his ears pricked. Watching it live I loved it, but he is going to have to sharpen his act up a bit as he was fairly babyish. I love the stallion-he is a very serious sire of two-year-olds. This horse looks a real two-year-old and I thought he has the sire's best attributes.” Lucky Or Good? Lackendarra's Eddie Linehen Is Just Good Eddie Linehan was another consignor left thanking his lucky stars after selling a Mehmas (Ire) colt to Billy Jackson-Stops on behalf of Opulence Thoroughbreds for 160,000gns. The truth is that, clearing 347,000gns on the four horses he brought to the sale in what is becoming an increasingly tricky market to navigate represents an above average performance that even the most modest consignor can't put down to luck. Linehan said, “The good ones are always easy to sell. He stood out all along for us. The day we bought him we thought we'd got a bit of value. We have been lucky with Mehmas before and we are delighted.” He added, “We brought four to the sale and sold all four. They have all sold for a bit more than expected so we are delighted. We've been lucky but we had a nice bunch here.” More Good Fortune At The Guineas Sale For Farrell Archie Watson said he is harbouring dreams of Royal Ascot for the Masar (Ire) colt consigned by Cormac Farrell's CF Bloodstock. The colt is on his way to the Lambourn-based handler after Middleham Park Racing acquired one of the takeaways from the breeze for 130,000gns through Tom Biggs of Blandford Bloodstock. When you are by a Derby winner and hail from a stoutly-bred family, there is never going to be a huge expectation when it comes to clocking well, but the Masar colt featured among the top 10 in all of the unofficial times sheets that were circulated following the breeze. Lot 248 was purchased by Luke Lillingston as a foal for 36,000gns and, after failing to sell for 45,000gns at Book 1 last year, was sent to Farrell to breeze. It proved an inspired decision with Watson revealing that he hopes the colt could make up into a Chesham horse. “He is the sort of horse we love to buy,” Watson said. “He did a very good breeze for a horse of his type-he is certainly a seven furlong/miler type but his times and what he did stood up against sprinter-type horses. We had to stretch a bit to get him.” Watson added, “He has got a chance of being a Chesham horse. We'll get him home and see how he fits in with the others. If he could be Royal Ascot sort then we will look at that.” For Farrell, who is consigning from Copper Beech Stables for the first time this year, it represented another profitable trip to the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale after the handler sold the high-class Bracken's Laugh for 200,000gns here 12 months ago. “It's a great result,” Farrell mused afterwards. “He breezed well, pulled out well and showed well. He has a big, long stride–he's a staying horse who clocked well so he has a big future. Fair play to Middleham, Archie Watson and Tom Biggs for stepping up and buying him. It's a great price to get and hopefully he's very lucky for them.” Speaking of big futures, Farrell's graduate Dancing City kick-started an excellent 24 hours for the consignor when notching his third Grade 1 novice hurdle of the season for Willie Mullins at the Punchestown festival on Wednesday. Farrell reflected, “That was amazing. He's a very exciting horse and I was actually speaking with Willie this morning. They are delighted with the horse and are planning to campaign him over fences next season.” Golden Touch Lot 341 Colt by Amaron (GB) out of Noble Lady (Sholokhov {Ire}) Already named Nobler (Ger), this colt didn't scream breezer on paper, but credit where credit is due, Roderic Kavanagh has come up trumps with another one here. Bought for just €26,000 at the Baden-Baden September Yearling Sale, the colt posted an eye-catching breeze on Tuesday and wasn't missed when selling to Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock on behalf of Go Racing for 120,000gns. . Dance Dispersal Generates 1.7 Million Gns The horses-in-training section of the Guineas Sale provided a fascinating subplot to the action at Park Paddocks this week, with the John Dance dispersal bringing in over 1.7 million gns alone. Over 50 horses connected with the former leading owner were offered under the hammer through The Castlebridge Consignment, and in the end it was well-bred fillies by Kingman (GB) and No Nay Never who led the way at 130,000gns apiece. After agents Alex Elliott and Billy Jackson-Stops teamed up to pay that exact sum for the Kingman half-sister to a stakes performer late on Wednesday evening, it was left to trainer Mick Appleby and his owner Jeremy Young to do something similar for the No Nay Never on Thursday morning. “We'll probably put her into training and see how she goes,” Appleby said from his perch at the top of the Gods. “If we don't think she's going to be top-class, then we'll probably just breed from her. She's a nice filly, though, and the owners will breed from her eventually either way.” Young is a long-standing owner with Appleby but is somewhat new to the breeding game. After underbidding the top lot on Wednesday, he was determined not to leave the No Nay Never filly behind. Out of the winning Galileo (Ire) mare Park Bloom (Ire), who herself is a daughter of the Listed-placed and dam of the Oaks and Pretty Polly S. winner Concert Hall (Ire), Alluring Park (Ire) (Green Desert), lot 168 boasts a deep pedigree. Indeed, Young may have gotten a bit of value with the filly, who cost 375,000gns at Book 1 here in October 2022. And that was very much the theme of the Dance dispersal; horses being sold for a fraction of what they had fetched in the ring previously. That couldn't have been further exemplified by lot 169, a colt by Dubawi (Ire) who is already named Twisting Physics (GB), selling for 100,000gns to Fitri Hay. Remarkably, the colt was knocked down to Dance's Manor House Farm for 1 million gns at Book 1 in 2022. Alex Cole commented, “Obviously Dubawi works well in Dubai so, if all else fails, we could go there. He has been bought for Mrs [Fitri] Hay.” Asked if he knew much about the unraced colt, Cole replied, “Absolutely nothing–the same as the groom leading it up! We got a million-pound yearling for a hundred grand.” The Kavanaghs of Kildaragh Stud know value when they see it and also swooped for a filly they know better than most for 72,000gns. Having sold lot 150, a daughter of Le Havre (Ire) named Fleeting Moment (Ire) for 190,000gns at Book 1 two years ago, the Kavanaghs effectively got a free horse from the transaction. Roderic Kavanagh commented, “We obviously bred her and were always very fond of her. She's still an untouched product and the plan is to send her back to James Horton, who had her originally. Listen, he knows everything about her so it makes sense. “The mare has some lovely progeny coming through. She has a lovely Pinatubo (Ire) yearling and an Australia (GB) foal at foot so hopefully we can manage the progeny. The hope would be to win a maiden with this filly and maybe get a bit of black-type. That would be lovely.” Osborne Stocking Up For Royal Ascot Nobody could accuse Jamie Osborne of failing to roll up his sleeves. The trainer has been busy stocking up on youngsters who could handle the dirt in Dubai at the breeze-up sales in recent weeks and, on Thursday, struck for what he sees as an ideal Royal Ascot candidate on behalf of owners Barratt Racing in Thunder Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}). Consigned by Baroda Stud, the 94-rated Thunder Blue was snapped up for 110,000gns and will be targeted at the Palace Of Holyroodhouse on the Friday of Royal Ascot. Osborne explained, “He has been bought for Barratt Racing, Ian and Claire Barratt and family- they have a box at Royal Ascot and a lot of people coming. We want to have runners for them every day at the meeting. We are prioritising Royal Ascot and we want to give them as much entertainment as possible.” He added, “This horse will go straight to the Palace Of Holyroodhouse. Who knows what beyond that. We are working back from the Friday of Royal Ascot. We saw this horse in Dubai. He did not do too well out there and so we are buying him on a form low and we have six weeks to resurrect him-I have told Ian that I can do that!” The pink and purple silks of Barratt Racing are perhaps best associated with Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal), who was successful in a Group 3 sprint in Doha for the team back in February having been sourced by Osborne for 160,000gns at last October's Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale. The post ‘My Hero Of The Year’ – O’Donovan Hails King Of Change After Guineas Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Surging to the front in the final 100 yards, Stud Montana's 57-1 shot Che Evasora scored a half-length victory May 1 in the 1 1/4-mile Gran Premio Criadores (G1) for fillies and mares on the dirt at Hipodromo de Palermo in Argentina.View the full article

By Michael Guerin The old saying “talk is cheap” isn’t exactly true when it comes to the biggest harness races. In fact, the pre-race could have a tangible effect on the outcome of the two huge Group 1s at Alexandra Park tonight. The pacing stars who have contested the Race By Grins and Taylor Mile in the last month get ready for Round 3 in the $110,000 Messenger Pace tonight while Aussie trotting hero Just Believe will be trying to make it three straight over the locals in the $110,000 Peter Breckon Memorial National Trot. Both races have different elements to their corresponding contests last Friday with the Australian pacers, Speak The Truth most importantly, finally drawing well in the Messenger while Muscle Mountain, New Zealand’s most talented trotter, returns in the National after missing last Friday. Their connections have already declared their intentions in both races: Queensland trainer Shannon Price saying Speak The Truth will lead at all costs while Muscle Mountain’s trainer Greg Hope is adamant “we will be leading and staying there.” If the driver of a top class harness horse with comparable gate speed to its rivals wants to lead and stay in front there really isn’t a lot their rivals can do about it, especially in a mobile start where all horses are at the same speed at dispatch. So why does that matter so much? Being on the marker pegs at Alexandra Park saves a horse 1.5 to 2 lengths per bend, which in tonight 2700m races that could mean those runners cover up to 10 lengths less than those in the running line. That is the simple mathematics behind why harness racing Group 1 distance races, the Cups, Derbys and Oaks, are dominated by the horses on the marker pegs. That also sees drivers of lesser performed horses happy to hand up the lead to a dominant favourite, hoping to slipstream their way to their best possible result, even a miracle win. But if we believe Price and Hope, and they have been at the top level long enough that their words carry serious weight, then they also create doubt. If Speak The Truth leads and runs hard what becomes of, for example, Merlin from barrier 3? If the Speak The Truth team were talking a different language after a tough month and suggested they’d be looking for a trail, Merlin would be favoured to get the front, from where he would be clear top pick and his odds would crash. But put him outside the leader and he could face mission impossible over the longer trip. “We will go out and have a look and Zac should know after 50m if we have a chance of crossing them or not,” says Merlin’s co-trainer Scott Phelan. “But if we can’t get there and he has to sit parked that won’t be a disaster. He can still win doing that.” He can. But what punters perceive as value changes dramatically depending on whether you think Merlin is leading or sitting parked. If you believe the horse drawn 1 is going to lead it is a wise idea to work out who might trail and that could be outsider American Me, and that makes him a Top 4 chance or better. But the most likely scenario is Speak The Truth, Kango and Merlin create enough pressure early to leave themselves vulnerable and then Don’t Stop Dreaming becomes the horse to beat after his huge second to shock winner Mach Shard last Friday. As for Mach Shard, on the raw numbers, he can probably win again after his $155 stunner last week for junior driver Crystal Hackett. But fairytales rarely have great sequels. If Muscle Mountain goes flat out to lead in the National Trot and then stays there as Hope suggests the race becomes enormously more difficult for red hot favourite Just Believe. The field would almost certainly drop into single file with Just Believe third at best as Hope’s words will have reached the ears of rival drivers and they will want to be close to him and in front of Just Believe. The Aussie champ is so good he might pull out and sit parked from the bell and still be too good. But the question now for punters is do you want to take $1.14 for him to win enduring that type of run when you get could $1.30 for him when he was certain to lead in a weaker field last week. The answer is no, even if he wins. Because that isn’t value in a race which at least now has an element of doubt. Yes, talk can be cheap. But that doesn’t mean tonight it is not worth listening to. Michael Guerin’s selections for tonight : R5: Even from the widest draw Empire City is the one to beat, especially if the free-running The Moonstone puts tempo into the race. R6: Don’t Stop Dreaming could get a handy run without having to work for it and he was enormous in defeat last Friday. R7: There doesn’t appear to be much between Cyclone Jordy and Demon Blue but the better draw is a big advantage to Jordy. R8: While Just Believe is the best winning chances backing Oscar Bonavena to run Top 2 from a potential trail at $1.80 makes more sense. View the full article

Today 4th May in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Rolls relishes quick back-up to claim Warrnambool Cup Maddie Raymond and Harry Grace have combined to take out their maiden Listed Warrnambool Cup victory, with Rolls getting the … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Rockstar Ronnie claims Grand Annual Steeplechase All eyes were on Stern Idol in the 2023 Grand Annual, but it was the stablemate, Rockstar Ronnie who reigned … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 4, 2023 Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Cruz snares Happy Valley treble In a meeting of generations, Tony Cruz slotted a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night to secure training honours … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Alice Springs race-caller Dylan Bairstow heading home to WA After spending the past three years in the NT, Alice Springs race-caller Dylan Bairstow is heading back home to Perth … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Robinson duo target Riccarton feature Weather may determine which of Lance Robinson’s two leading sprinters have the best chance of taking Saturday’s Listed Daphne Bannon … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago First wins for Ruakaka pair Wednesday’s Ruakaka meeting will live long in the memory of local trainer Darren Smith and jockey Kelsey Hannan, with the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Hawkesbury racing preview, best bets & quaddie | 5/5/2022 After Hawkesbury Race Club hosted its standalone Saturday meeting on the weekend, we are back at Clarendon this Thursday with … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Wagga Gold Cup betting tips, best odds & quaddie | 6/5/2022 It is Day 2 of the Wagga Cup Carnival this Friday at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, with the $200,000 Listed … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 4, 2022 Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Muniandy scores first training win Shankar Muniandy couldn’t have asked for his training career to get off to a better start. The 35-year-old jockey brought … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Future looking bright for Alice Springs after big Cup Carnival The Alice Springs Cup Carnival is arguably the biggest sporting event on the sporting calendar in Central Australia. For ASTC … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Stablemates signing off in juvenile feature A pair of highly regarded fillies from Stephen Marsh’s stable will go head-to-head at Te Rapa on Saturday when they … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Wagga Town Plate Day tips & best bets | Thursday, May 5, 2022 Thursday will see Day One of the Wagga Cup Carnival run and won, with the $200,000 Wagga Town Plate (1200m) … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Hayes looks to maintain late-season surge with seven at the Valley Spurred on with 10 wins since the beginning of April, David Hayes is looking to maintain his late-season surge when … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Flying Agent wins Brierly Steeplechase Kiwi import Flying Agent has provided Ballarat trainer Amy McDonald with the biggest win of her burgeoning career when taking … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Hong Kong Derby hero Sky Darci satisfies Moreira, Conghua for Cruz’s Exultant Sky Darci stepped onto the turf at Sha Tin this morning (Tuesday, 4 May) for the first time since his … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Ribchester and Belardo to return to Haunui Haunui Farm will once again welcome Champion two-year-old and dual Group One winner Belardo and four-time Group One winner and … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Two Illicit to make Australian debut Roger James is excited to be back on Australian soil for the first time in 18 months. The trans-Tasman travel … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Tylers hold strong hand at home meeting Riverton trainers Kelvin and Aimee Tyler will once again hold a strong hand at their home meeting on Thursday where … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Group Three option for Llanacord Manawatu filly Llanacord will in all likelihood stick to taking on her own sex in South Australia after racing without … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago 2021 Wangoom Handicap betting tips | Warrnambool May Carnival HorseBetting.com.au’s James Herbert brings you the best bets, top odds and his $100 betting strategy for the Wangoom Handicap at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Eagle Farm tips, top odds & quaddie bets | Wednesday, May 5 HorseBetting.com.au’s Nicholas Lloyd takes a look at the best bets and top odds on offer for the Eagle Farm meeting … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Warrnambool May Carnival Day 2 betting tips | Galleywood Day 2021 Day 2 of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is Galleywood Day, with another 10 races scheduled to be run and … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Canterbury Park racing tips & top odds | Wednesday, May 5 HorseBetting.com.au’s Nicholas Lloyd brings you the best bets and top quaddie numbers for the Canterbury Park meeting on Wednesday, May … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Journeyman Jack primed for back-to-back Group 1 wins Having taken out the ATC Australian Derby during The Championships, Explosive Jack has given himself the chance of back-to-back Group … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Past winners head bumper field for 2021 Grand Annual The 2021 Grand Annual Steeplechase is the marquee event of the three-day Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, and it is no … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk’s three-day survival guide for The ‘Bool Today’s special edition of Punt Drunk guides you through the dos and don’ts for all three days of the Warrnambool … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 4, 2021 Day 1 of the ‘Bool is upon us, with the Brierly Steeplechase the featured event for the first day of … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Smith Primed For The ’Bool One of the most well-known Warrnambool-based trainers Lindsey Smith is set for a massive Warrnambool Racing Carnival kicking off on … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Pateman set to partner Zed Em at the Bool Dual licence holder Steven Pateman is free to ride Zed Em at Warrnambool as he waits on the judgment in … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Purcell hopes for upset wins on home track Local trainer Aaron Purcell with have Guizot and Instigator chasing upset wins in the Wangoom Handicap and Warrnambool Cup, respectively … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Warrnambool Carnival Day 1 betting tips – Tuesday, 5 May 2020 There’ll be no crowds, no third day and no racing to the top of the hill to watch the Grand … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Nerves kick in for Payne Nerves only come but once a year for Patrick Payne, and that time is now. The Warrnambool May Carnival is … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Newcomer out to build trainer’s profile Joseph Waldron is hoping former Godolphin gelding Wagner might be the horse to build the profile of his stable at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago House Of Cartier out to add Gosford Cup The John Sargent-trained mare House Of Cartier is set to back up in the Gosford Gold Cup at Randwick eight … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Queensland stars dominate BRC Sprint noms Several horses with claims to being Queensland’s best sprinter have been nominated for the Group Three BRC Sprint as a … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bella Vella to bypass Group One Goodwood Will Clarken has decided to bypass the Group One Goodwood with Bella Vella despite the mare coming through her victory … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Chief Stipelas joins Gold Medals in Annual chase Clayton Chief Stipelas and Gold Medals will join forces again in an attempt to win Australia’s longest race, the Grand Annual … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Queensland metro premierships to restart Racing Queensland is set to make a decision on when to restart the count in the metropolitan jockeys and trainers … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago No South Australian Derby start for Kinane Frank Packer Plate winner Kinane will not run in the South Australian Derby and is instead being directed towards races … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cosmic Force latest 3yo retired to stud Group Two winner Cosmic Force has been retired and will stand alongside his sire Deep Field at Newgate Farm … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Marquand ready to make mark in Britain Jockey Tom Marquand is determined to build on the big impression he made in an extended spell in Australia when … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Steel Prince wins again, goes for Ramsden Steel Prince has made it four wins from as many starts this preparation and the stayer will now target the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Lachlan King taken to hospital after fall Apprentice Lachlan King has been taken to hospital after a fall in a race at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Nobu ignites Group 1 Queensland Derby bid Nobu’s Queensland Derby mission is back on track after his comprehensive win at Randwick over stablemates Duchess Of Lennox and … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sydney mare Spright claims G1 Sangster Sydney mare Spright has come with her trademark whirlwind finish to claim the Sangster Stakes and complete a Group One … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Collett completes double aboard Demerara Demerara will spearhead Godolphin’s assault on fillies and mares black-type races during the winter carnival after her victory in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Princess Jenni wins G1 Australasian Oaks The David Brideoake-trained Princess Jenni has responded to Damien Oliver’s riding to win the Group One Australasian Oaks in Adelaide … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Currie asks for clarity on racing charges Lawyers for trainer Ben Currie have filed a judicial review application on a ban and asked stewards for clarity of … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Life Less Ordinary takes Hollindale Stakes Trainer Chris Waller has won his third Group Two Hollindale Stakes with Life Less Ordinary who he believes is what … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ridgewood Drive stamps Derby credentials A convincing win at Flemington over 2000m has set Ridgewood Drive up for a likely shot at the Group One … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Pennino delivers a Gr 3 Guineas boilover Pennino has enhanced her reputation as a superior wet-tracker in winning the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas in a boilover … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Zonk gives Williams first Saturday winner Apprentice Chris Williams has ridden his first Saturday winner at Randwick, steering Zonk for his boss Les Bridge … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Coldstone lifts Gollan spirits in Cup win Coldstone’s has won the Australian Turf Club Cup for Tony Gollan on a day the trainer had scratch star three-year-old … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Fastnet Tempest survives protest to win Fastnet Tempest has had to survive a protest from the rider of runner-up Addictive Nature to claim his first win … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Four riders fall, Ipswich card called off Jockeys escaped serious injury after a four-horse fall over the line at Ipswich but the meeting has been abandoned … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Fidelia impresses Brown in Flemington win Fidelia has finished strongly to come from last to win a 1410m race for three-year-old fillies at Flemington, impressing apprentice … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Splintex breaks through at second start The Mark Newnham-trained Splintex has backed up a solid third on debut with victory in the two-year-old maiden at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Gary Newham finds Winning Ways in Bracelet Gary Newham has continued his success with Winning Ways who is Oaks bound after winning the Gold Coast Bracelet … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Million-dollar colt too strong in Classic Stronger has lived up to his name when he overhauled the odds-on favourite Accession to win the Group Three Ken … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Serengeti Empress wins Kentucky Oaks Serengeti Empress has bounced back from a bleeding attack at her previous start to lead all the way in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Moldova stays unbeaten with Flemington win The Danny O’Brien-trained two-year-old Moldova has backed up a debut win at Bendigo with another victory at Flemington to remain … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago The Lord Mayor salutes in Gold Coast Cup Champion trainer Chris Waller has continued his domination of Queensland staying races with The Lord Mayor winning the Gold Coast … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago The Candy Man set to chase stakes races Comeback galloper The Candy Man earned a crack at stakes races after scoring his fifth win in a row at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Hugh Bowman calls time on the season Hugh Bowman has confirmed he will not ride again until the new season after an exhausting few months including the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Pierata to stay in training for Everest Aquis Farm has announced Pierata’s stud career has been deferred and the All Aged Stakes winner will be aimed at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago New jockey to guide Anatola’s advance Josh Parr’s foot injury means a new jockey is needed for Anatola in her first black-type assignment at the Gold … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Englebrecht hopes to drive Highway north Group One-winning trainer Steve Englebrecht will find out whether Highway warrants a Brisbane campaign when she runs at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ciaron Maher chasing Oaks win in Adelaide Ciaron Maher has Aloisia and Pretty To Sea lining up for the stable in the Group One Australasian Oaks at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Mark Webster to step down at Inglis Mark Webster, the managing director of auctioneers Willliam Inglis and Son, will step down from his role … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Brisbane campaign waiting for High Church After spending time on the sidelines with a knee injury, High Church is set to run first-up over 1800m at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Serene Miss closes in on black-type debut Trainer Kris Lees may put consistent mare Serene Miss on a seven-day back-up to her first stakes race if she … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tom faces challenge from stablemates Tom Melbourne is trying to break a two-year winning drought in the Hollindale Stakes but faces a challenge from his … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Our Century on trial for Brisbane Cup Kim Waugh is eyeing the Brisbane Cup with former Lloyd Williams-owned stayer Our Century providing he performs in the Lord … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ben Currie fined over trackwork Trainer Ben Currie has been fined $3000 for working his horses at the Toowoomba track when facilities were closed … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Akavoroun to make his return at Flemington After a lengthy stint on the sidelines, rising nine-year-old Akavoroun is ready to make his reappearance at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago James Orman chases another stakes win In-form jockey James Orman has can win his third stakes race in as many weeks when he combines with trainer … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago McGillivray seeks a stay on suspension Jockey Matt McGillivray is seeking a stay of a four-week suspension which puts him in danger of missing several key … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Morphettvile tips & full form for Saturday, May 5 MORPHETTVILLE is racing this Saturday and the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) headlines the day. Let’s get stuck into … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Forgiving trainer eyeing Queensland options Kenny Rae has admitted he was close to pulling the pin on Prom Queen’s Queensland campaign after her Te Rapa … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Marsh chasing four in a row Stephen Marsh has two strong chances to continue his dominance of Saturday’s two-year-old black type feature at Te Rapa. The … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago La Fille En Jeu chases stakes treble La Fille En Jeu will bid to join hallowed company when she contests Saturday’s Listed Daphne Bannan Memorial Great Easter … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 6 years ago Mendelssohn-Mania Setting In At Churchill Downs UAE Derby sponsored by the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (Group 2) winner and Kentucky Derby (Group 1) candidate … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Bendigo market movers for Friday, May 4 BENDIGO is Victoria’s primary meet is this Friday and the punters have rallied around the rural town. Where’s the smart … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Wagga Gold Cup Day market movers, May 4 THE biggest raceday on the Riverina is upon us as the Wagga Gold Cup takes centrestage for Racing NSW. Arguably … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Gollan after another Russell Memorial Tony Gollan has an affinity with the Ken Russell Memorial which started his climb to the top of the Brisbane … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Mendelssohn can make Derby history The Aidan O’Brien-trained Mendelssohn will try to become the first European horse to win the famous Kentucky Derby … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Darren Weir sets training record The win of Stylish Miss at Warrnambool has given Darren Weir a new Commonwealth training record … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Regina Coeli lands her second Grand Annual Regina Coeli has landed a second Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool doing it the hard way, leading all the way … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Jim Byrne renews association with Pat Duff Top jockey Jim Byrne will resume an association with his former master Pat Duff when he rides Steel Zip at … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Divine Quality to face first city test A convincing maiden debut at Bendigo has provided the stepping stone to a first city test for three-year-old Divine Quality … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Darren Weir wins another Warrnambool Cup Darren Weir’s domination of the Warrnambool Cup has continued with High Church scoring an easy win in the 2350m race … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Top Of The Range on trial for Qld Derby The Mike Moroney-trained Top Of The Range will run over 1800m at Rosehill with a view to progressing to Queensland … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Fact-finding Kentucky Derby for Waller Chris Waller will pick the brain of legendary American trainer Bob Baffert at this weekend’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Thunder Snow Godolphin’s best Derby chance Thunder Snow’s trainer Saeed bin Suroor says the horse is the best Kentucky Derby chance Godolphin has ever had … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Josh Oliver gets chance in big time Jockey Josh Oliver’s bond with Col ‘N’ Lil means he has retained the ride on the mare in the Group … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Waller camp thankful for Berry’s faith Tommy Berry’s decision to ride Beyond Thankful in the Lord Mayor’s Cup when spoilt for choice has boosted an absent … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Kendrick after more black type success Stuart Kendrick has had his best season with 70 winners so far and hopes to convert that into another stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Flemington kick-off for Under The Louvre Despite his hefty impost, Under The Louvre is set to make his racetrack return up the straight at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Rudy to give Page a special thrill Helen Page has trained many stakes winners but will get a special thrill if her stable favourite Rudy can win … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Darren Weir equals training record The win of Try Four at Warrnambool has given Darren Weir a season record-equalling victory … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Les Ross racing for change of luck Trainer Les Ross hopes consistent filly River Racer can give him a change of luck by winning the Gold Coast … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Darren Weir closes in on training record Darren Weir only needs two more winners to break his own record in a training season … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weir after 3rd straight Warrnambool Cup Trainer Darren Weir will have a three-pronged attack as he shoots for a third-straight Warrnambool Cup victory … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Warrnambool trip pays off for Winks The victory of Yesterday’s Songs in the Wangoom Handicap has made the trip to Warrnambool worthwhile for jockey James Winks … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Second jumps death at Warrnambool After no fatalities since 2011, the Warrnambool three-day carnival has been marred by two horse deaths in as many days … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Walker booked for five rides at Flemington Jockey Michael Walker has been booked for five rides at Flemington in his return to competitive riding after more than … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Romantic Maid on trial for Queensland Oaks New Zealand trainer Roger James is keen to see what Romantic Maid can do in Sydney, hoping she can measure … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Warrnambool trip pays off for Winks The victory of Yesterday’s Songs in the Wangoom Handicap has made the trip to Warrnambool worthwhile for jockey James Winks … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weir after straight Warrnambool Cup Trainer Darren Weir will have a three-pronged attack as he shoots for a third-straight Warrnambool Cup victory … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Snowden yard posts 100 winners for season Jericho has become the 100th winner of the season for Peter and Paul Snowden, earning himself a Queensland campaign with … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sahara Siren stakes Queensland Oaks claims Sahara Siren has staked her claim for a Queensland Oaks berth with her maiden victory at the Sunshine Coast … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Galleywood Hurdle goes to Weir and Allen Gingerboy has led throughout to win the Galleywood Hurdle and give Darren Weir and John Allen a fourth jumps winner … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Beau Rada back in distance at Flemington After testing consistent sprinter Beau Rada over 1100m, trainer John McArdle is happy to drop the sprinter back to a … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Apprentice facing charges over $20 bet Apprentice Liam Riordan faces two charges relating to a $20 bet at a picnic race meeting in Victoria … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Regina Coeli chases second Grand Annual Ciaron Maher says Regina Coeli is a more dour steeplechaser as she chases back-to-back Grand Annual victories at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Cavallo earns Sydney call-up for Perry Jockey Tony Cavallo will trade bush racing for a rare shot at a city win when he teams up with … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Volkstok’n’barrell ready for Hollindale The Queensland winter carnival begins in earnest with the Group Two Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weir after straight Warrnambool Cup Trainer Darren Weir will have a three-pronged attack as he shoots for a third-straight Warrnambool Cup victory … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weir dominates Warrnambool maiden hurdles Waxing’s win at the Warrnambool carnival has given trainer Darren Weir three wins from the four maiden hurdle races run … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Buffering to rest through the winter Trainer Robert Heathcote says star sprinter Buffering could still race again but no decision will be made until after he … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Noonan free to ride Precious Gem in G1 Jake Noonan has had three meetings shaved off a careless riding suspension on appeal, leaving him free to ride on … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Rachel’s Valentina Kentucky Oaks favourite Rachel’s Valentina is the favourite to win the Kentucky Oaks, seven years after her mother Rachel Alexandra won the Classic … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Double and suspension for Mott at the Bool A winner over jumps and a winner on the flat has been soured y suspension for jockey Jamie Mott at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Noonan’s Group One hopes rest on appeal Jake Noonan is appealing the severity of a careless riding suspension in a bid to keep the ride on Precious … Read More View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Tokyo and Kyoto Racecourses: Saturday, May 4, 2024 9th-TOK, ¥34,200,000 ($223k), Allowance, 3yo, 1600m SONIC STAR (c, 3, Into Mischief–Carolina Bertie, by Speightstown), a debut winner over nine furlongs last September, was only 11th in the Cattleya S. (allowance) over this track and distance Nov. 25 but bounced back with a handy allowance success Jan. 27 (see below, SC 14). A $300,000 Keeneland September yearling, the dark bay colt is out of an unraced half-sister to three-time Grade I winner Beach Patrol (Lemon Drop Kid)–now standing in Japan–and the deeper female family includes classy Klein racemares MGSW/GISP Hurricane Bertie (Storm Boot) and MGSW/GISP Allamerican Bertie (Quiet American). Joao Moreira takes the call. B-Nancy C Shuford (KY) Sunday, May 5, 2024 2nd-KYO, ¥10,480,000 ($68k), Maiden, 3yo, 1400m PONT NEUF (f, 3, Ghostzapper) is a daughter of Promise Me Silver (Silver City), who won the 2015 GIII Eight Belles S., who was purchased by prominent New York breeders Chester and Mary Broman for $320,000 with this filly in utero at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Since selling for $100,000 at last year's OBS March Sale, Pont Neuf's 2-year-old half-brother Win Me Gold (Game Winner) changed hands for $190,000 at the recently concluded OBS April Sale and is already on the worktab at Los Alamitos. B-Chester & Mary Broman (NY) The post Into Mischief’s Sonic Star Looking For Two Straight at Tokyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The speedy 2-year-old filly Long Neck Paula (Uncle Mo–Take Charge Paula, by Take Charge Indy) broke her maiden at first asking and earned a 'TDN Rising Star' for her effort at Churchill Downs on Thursday afternoon. Exiting the outside gate, the 3-1 favorite rocketed to the lead and held sway around the far turn. Long Neck Paula heard a few footsteps behind her down the lane, but she kept to the task and won by three lengths over fellow firster Minty (McKinzie). The final running time was :51.56. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $325,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $500,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. O-Will Stroud; B-WinStar Farm LLC (Ky); T-Wesley Ward. #13 Long Neck Paula wins on debut going gate-to-wire in R3 at Churchill Downs for trainer Wesley Ward with @ljlmvel in the saddle! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/0d5UMcGtJz — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2024 The post Uncle Mo Filly Long Neck Paula Earns ‘TDN Rising Star’ Of Approval At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Willis Horton Racing's Tapit Jenallie will be scratched from the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1), trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. announced May 2. Courtlandt Farms' Our Pretty Woman draws in off the also-eligible list.View the full article

For the third consecutive year Japan-based horses will participate in the Kentucky Derby (G1). As talented runners continue to arrive, each Derby year the same words can be heard on the Churchill backstretch: "Japan is going to win one eventually."View the full article

Eighty-three lots have been catalogued for the next Tattersalls Online sale, which takes place on May 8-9 and includes the four-year-old Sierra Blanca (Ire) (No Nay Never) (lot 48), who filled the runner-up spot in the G3 Killavullan S. at Leopardstown when trained by Aidan O'Brien at two. Consigned by Manton Park Racing Ltd, Sierra Blanca is out of the dual Classic winner Alexandrova (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), who has produced four other winners including the G2 Dahlia S. heroine Somehow (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). The three-year-old Completed (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) (lot 16) is another to note having shown a good level of ability in six starts for Karl Burke, including when opening her account with a wide-margin victory at Lingfield in December. Consigned by Baroda Stud–who sold Julia Augusta (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) when she topped the Tattersalls Online April Sale at 72,000gns–Completed is out of a half-sister to the G3 Prix de Lieurey winner Zibelina (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). Eight broodmares are set to go under the virtual hammer, including the G2 Lowther S. third Mamba Noire (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) (lot 76), consigned by Powerstown Stud, while the two stores on offer include a three-year-old filly (lot 75) offered by Park Wood Stud with a proper jumping pedigree, being by Doyen (Ire) and out of the Grade 1-winning hurdler United (Ger) (Desert King {Ire}). Five yearlings will also be offered for sale when bidding opens at noon on Wednesday, May 8. The full catalogue can be viewed here. The post Sierra Blanca Stars In Catalogue For Tattersalls Online May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This week's morning action at Churchill Downs only served to entice onlookers by the sheer breadth and quality of contenders set to line up for the 150th renewal of the GI Kentucky Oaks and its undercard Friday. A stacked field of 14 is set for the Oaks, led by the 7-2 morning line choice Tarifa (Bernardini), who drew post 8 but moves in to the seven slot following Thursday's scratch of Tapit Jenallie (Tapit). Flavien Prat has the mount on the GII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks winner. The homebred filly is trained by Brad Cox, who also saddles Busanda S. scorer Gin Gin (Hightail), runner-up over the track in last year's Rags to Riches S., for historic Calumet Farm. “She is doing great,” said Cox of the favorite. “She had a big work last weekend. It was very sharp. So, I feel like she's had a very good week in regard to how she has settled in her gallops. I am happy with the way she is moving and happy with the way she's schooled.” Asked about the post position, Cox said, “I'm happy with it. Flavien knows her. He rode her the last two starts. He's worked her a couple of times and has a good feel for her. Hopefully he can get away clean and not get into a tussle with her and get a smooth run into the first turn and get into a good rhythm.” Of her stablemate, he added, “She will have to take a pretty big step forward. She is very consistent, and she always tries. She broke her maiden here last year, so she knows this track. She is going to have to try hard, so we'll see how that goes.” The second choice on the morning line at 4-1, Whisper Hill Farm's Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief). A $1.15 million Keeneland September purchase, the winner of the Apr. 5 GI Ashland S. will be reunited with Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been aboard all four of her lifetime starts. Trainer Todd Pletcher is represented by the morning line favorite for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, Fierceness (City of Light). Finishing three-lengths behind Leslie's Rose in the Ashland, last year's champion juvenile filly Just F Y I (Justify) is poised for a rematch, breaking immediately to Leslie's Rose's inside. The winner of the GI Frizette S. and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filles drew post 13, but shifts in a slot. A homebred for George Krikorian, the filly will be ridden by her regular partner, Junior Alvarado. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, who also saddles Resilience in the Run For the Roses, was installed the 9-2 third choice on the morning line. A pair of fillies were weighted at 5-1 on the morning line-GII Fantasy S. scorer Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and Ways and Means (Practical Joke). The former is campaigned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing and trained by Ken McPeek. The latter, a Grade I-placed filly conditioned by Chad Brown, is a homebred for Klaravich Stables. Thorpedo Anna will be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. while the latter will be accompanied by Tyler Gaffalione. The remaining horses (with morning line odds) are: Where's the Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1); Fiona's Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1); Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centano, 12-1); Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1). Champions Idiomatic, Pretty Mischievous Face Off in La Troienne Defending champions Idiomatic (Curlin) and Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) are poised to square off on the Kentucky Oaks undercard in the GI La Troienne S. Juddmonte's Idiomatic, who was close to flawless with eight wins from nine starts in 2023, ended her championship season with a victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, earning her the Eclipse Award as the champion older mare of 2023. Riding a five-race winning streak, including three Grade Is for trainer Brad Cox, drew post 4. She will be accompanied by her regular pilot Florent Geroux. “She is every bit as good this year as she was last year in the mornings,” Cox told TDN. “If she shows up in the afternoon like she's been doing in the mornings, we should be in good shape.” Of her progress in her time off, she added, “I think she's bigger and stronger and every bit as good as she was [last year]. We schooled her a couple of times this week, and she did that very well. She is so big and so massive. I really believe she's ready.” Godolphin's Pretty Mischievous won a trio of Grade Is in 2023–the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn S. and Test S., thus earning her the title of champion 3-year-old. Pretty Mischievous capped off 2023 with a runner-up finish behind Ceiling Crusher in the GI Cotillion S. in September. The daughter of GISW Pretty City Dancer (Tapit), who is three for four at Churchill Downs, will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione from post 5. The remaining field for the La Troienne, with riders from the inside, is: Frosty O Toole (Frosted) (David Cohen), Taxed (Collected) (Cristian Torres), Free Like a Girl (El Deal) (Corey Lanerie), Xigera (Nyquist) (Julien Leparoux) and Dorth Vader (Girvin) (Irad Ortiz Jr.). Another Breeders' Cup winner marking her return to the races at Churchill Friday, GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Hard to Justify (Justify) heads a field of 14 in the GII Edgewood S. Trained by Chad Brown, Hard to Justify won all three of her 2023 starts that also included a victory in the GII Miss Grillo S. Breaking from post 9, the Wise Racing-campaigned filly will be partnered by Flavien Prat, who has been aboard in all three starts. She will face Rigney Racing's Buchu (Justify), who finished sixth behind Hard to Justify in the Breeders' Cup. Trained by Phil Bauer, Buchu, last season's GII Jessamine winner, took her 2024 debut in Keeneland's Appalachian S. Apr. 6. Martin Garcia has the mount from post 4. Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Stable's Tapit Trice (Tapit) kicks off the season in Friday's GII Alysheba S. Victorious in the GIII Tampa Derby and GI Blue Grass S., the $1.3 million Keeneland September yearling purchase finished seventh at Churchill in the Kentucky Derby before coming home third in the GI Belmont S. Fifth in Monmouth's GI Haskell, the grey concluded the season with a third in the GI Travers S. Red, White and Blue Racing's Denim and Pearls (Into Mischief) returns to Churchill Downs for the GII Eight Belles S. Trained by Brad Cox, she comes into the seven-furlong test off a runaway 9 1/4-length win at Keeneland in the GII Beaumont S. Apr. 7. Exiting post 7, she will be reunited with Flavien Prat. Also included in Friday's graded action is the GIII Unbridled Sidney S. and the GIII Modesty S. The post Tarifa, Leslie’s Rose, Just F Y I Headline Loaded Oaks Day Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, KY–Kicking off a steamy day in Louisville, Thursday's morning session began to distill several things that I had seen over the course of the past week at Churchill Downs. Each morning, I would line up trackside to watch the Kentucky Derby/Oaks work session, also giving me the opportunity to survey the overall landscape at Churchill Downs. The years of progress and development at the facility is staggering. As I pan across the property, the mass of seating, both existing and new, that will accommodate the throngs of people over the course of the next two days starts to really stand out. Churchill is certainly not want for seating. Also, I thought back to the very first time I came to Churchill for the Derby in 1991 (the year Strike the Gold won) and I can remember gazing up at the Twin Spires and thinking how majestic they seemed. Now, they don't appear quite so imposing to me given the rise of all the newer infrastructure surrounding them. So, while I was contemplating all the changes that have happened at Churchill over the last three decades, I happened to bump into one of my favorite people on the backside, trainer Wayne Catalano. After a few pleasantries, as if taking a peek into my mind, he points over in the direction of Churchill's main structure and says, 'This is the 50th anniversary of my first win in front of those Twinspires. I won my very first race as a jockey for Jack Van Berg May 20, 1974.' It not only gave me pause, but I continued to think about that long after we had parted ways. Because while I was considering the multitude of changes I was seeing, it became increasingly clear that the history and tradition of the place wasn't kept alive by the structure itself but more by the men and women that frequent the track and that have made Churchill Downs their base and their home. Sometimes, we need to have progress to really appreciate how we got to where we are. Morning Action The Derby and Oaks horses made their usual appearance following the 7:00 a.m harrowing break, and it offered me a final opportunity to take a look at many of the horses that would be competing in the plethora of stakes action over the next two days. A horse that I had been observing over the last few days, and while not jumping out at me initially, has been giving me increasingly good vibes was the Albaugh Family's Catching Freedom (Constitution). Giving an air of simmering confidence on the track each day I have seen him, I was given a little extra nudge in that direction after speaking to trainer Brad Cox later in the morning. The winner of the GII Louisiana Derby Mar. 23, the bay was a respectable third to Sierra Leone–beaten 1 3/4 lengths–in a wet renewal of the GII Risen Star in February. His rider Flavien Prat has been absolutely en fuego of late (or maybe 'en feu' is more appropriate in this case). In any case, a very interesting option at a price. Catalytic getting some love from his rider | CBossinakis Having a final look at the Oaks fillies I could feel my excitement mounting. Just F Y I (Justify) was accompanied to the track by her Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and continued to fill the eye. She is an absolute queen. In truth, Mott's GII Wood Memorial winner Resilience (Into Mischief) looked ready to roll too. I keep thinking it would be nice to see him get a Derby win, outright this time, rather than getting put up by DQ like he did in 2021 when Country House inherited the win. Nobody deserves it more. Some news broke later Thursday morning when it was announced that Kentucky Oaks contender Tapit Jenallie (Tapit) would scratch, giving Courtlandt Farms Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro) a berth in the lineup. A $900,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, she finished on 3/4-of a length back of Tarifa (Bernardini)–one of the Oaks favorites–in the Mar. 23 GI Fair Grounds Oaks. Her trainer Steve Asmussen, who most recently won the Oaks with Untapable in 2014, also took the race in 2005 with Summerly. The Hall of Famer seems to be sitting on about a 10-year cycle and is due again this year. The post Classic Stage is Set at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f, 6 1/2f, 10:30 a.m. ET. The Oaks curtain lifts with the debut of a full-sister to champion 2-year-old colt and current sire Good Magic (by Curlin). PENNY ROYAL is a homebred trained by Steve Asmussen. Dam MSW Glinda the Good (Hard Spun), who also carried the Stonestreet banner, is a half-sister to GSW Take the Ribbon (Chester House) and SW Flash Forward (Curlin). TJCIS PPS 2nd-CD, $100K, OCN1X, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 11:00 a.m. ET. Owned by Woodford, West Point and Chris Larsen, Shug McGaughey trainee Sedona (Curlin) broke her maiden at first asking at Gulfstream Park Mar. 3. As the second highest grossing yearling at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale, the $2 million buy is out MGISP America (A.P. Indy). Responsible for Sedona's full-brother MGSW First Captain, America is a half-sister to the dam of GI CCA Oaks heroine Paris Lights (Curlin). TJCIS PPS 7th-BAQ, $90K, MSW, 3yo/up, 6FT, 4:13 p.m. ET. Westerberg homebred Final Edition (Ire) (Uncle Mo) makes his first start for trainer Wesley Ward at Aqueduct. The colt's dam Most Gifted (War Front), herself out of French multiple group stakes winner Gagnoa (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), counts as a full-brother GIII Mint Million S. invader Ancient Rome. She is also a full-sister to English group stakes winner Etoile, who produced MSW No Nay Mets (Ire) (No Nay Never). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: Good Magic’s Full-Sister Unveiled On Oaks Undercard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSP Tapit Jenallie (Tapit) was scratched Thursday morning from Friday's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks by trainer Eddie Milligan, Jr. according to Churchill Downs media. With the scratch, GII Fair Grounds Oaks runner up Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro) now draws into the race. Our Pretty Woman, racing for Courtlandt Farms from the Steve Asmussen barn, will break from the outside post and gets Joel Rosario in the irons. Trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. has confirmed that Tapit Jenallie will not run in the Kentucky Oaks. Also eligible Our Pretty Woman will draw in the race. pic.twitter.com/DJ5JknZE0Q — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2024 The post Tapit Jenallie Scratched From KY Oaks; Our Pretty Woman Draws In appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Willis Horton Racing's Tapit Jenallie will be scratched from the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1), trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. announced May 2. Courtland Farms' Our Pretty Woman draws in off the also-eligible list.View the full article

Zoustar (Aus), the “flagship sire” at Widden Stud in Australia, has had his 2024 fee increased to A$275,000 (around €168,000) from A$220,000 (€134,000) ahead of the Southern Hemisphere breeding season, it was announced on Wednesday. A dual Group 1-winning sprinter in 2013 when trained by Chris Waller, Zoustar is now well established as one of the leading sires in Australia and has enjoyed an outstanding season on the track in 2023/24, with Zougotcha (Aus), Joliestar (Aus), Climbing Star (Aus) and the recently retired Ozzmosis (Aus) all winning at the top level. In the sales ring, seven of his 2024 yearlings fetched at least A$1 million, including his A$2.2 million filly out of Prompt Response (Aus) (Beneteau {Aus}). A horse who has been on the rise since he debuted in 2014 at A$44,000, Zoustar (of the current announcements) now shares joint billing with I Am Invincible (Aus) and Extreme Choice (Aus) as Australia's most expensive stallions. “An increase in service fee in the financial climate we find ourselves in needs to be measured and warranted–and in the case of Zoustar he has truly earned it,” said Widden Stud's Antony Thompson. “We have always had complete belief in the potential of Zoustar to become an Australian champion sire and we are delighted for all of our clients who have shared in his constantly evolving story of success.” In November last year, David Redvers announced that Zoustar would not stand at Tweenhills in 2024, with the decision made to rest him for six months in Australia following 11 consecutive Northern and Southern covering seasons. He is reportedly booked to return to Tweenhills in 2025, having produced the likes of G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Lezoo (GB) during his time in Britain. The post Zoustar Earns Significant Fee Increase At Widden Stud In Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bloodstock agent and longtime racing veteran Timothy Vaughn Kegel passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the age of 74. The following is an obituary written by son Van Kegel and provided to the TDN by the Kegel family: “Born in Clifton Springs, N.Y. in 1950, he charted his own path from his years at SUNY Cortland to a long career in the racing industry as a vet's assistant, trainer, jockey agent and bloodstock agent. He loved horses and the racetrack, and the track loved him. He will forever be remembered for his trademark style–wearing two different-colored shoes–and more importantly, for his kindness, honesty, consistency in always doing what he said he would do and his ability to share a laugh with anyone, any time no matter the situation. Tim is survived by his three children, Casey [and husband Zack], Van [and wife Peyton] and Emily, his grandson Beau, his siblings Ted, Claudia, Kevin and Troy, and many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and his example forever. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ellen Kegel as well as his parents, Rita and Eugene Kegel. The family plans to hold a celebration of his life in the coming months, with details to be determined. In lieu of a memorial service, we only ask that you raise a drink, tell a story and have a laugh in his memory. He was truly one of a kind, and his presence will be missed more than words can express. As he once wrote to a friend who had lost his father, “'The true measure of any man is the memories, thoughts and feelings that live on in all those he touched during his life,'” and by this measure, Tim Kegel was the best of men.” The post Racing Veteran Tim Kegel Dies At 74 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After being beaten by 37 lengths in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase and having to rely on jockey Darryl Horner Jnr pleading with stewards to allow him to race, Count Zero (NZ) (Zed) amazingly won the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday afternoon. According to Horner Jnr, the run on Tuesday was not due to fatigue and he argued that Count Zero had travelled strongly late, which is why he allowed him to finish the race. Fast forward two days and the hard-fought victory over Bell Ex One (Excelebration) gave trainer Symon Wilde his third win in the race and Horner Jnr his first, with the result also giving the Jericho Cup winner a second feature triumph at a huge price. Darryl Horner Jnr celebrates his win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Bought by Darren Weir and John Foote in 2016 for just $22,000, the son of Zed took five starts to break his maiden and arrived at Wilde’s yard two starts later, rated 59. His first victory for the stable was in a 0-58 at Ararat, but he steadily began to improve over the next two years, picking off a few races before a landmark victory in the 2020 Jericho Cup under Luke ‘Stumpy’ Williams. In hindsight, perhaps the fact that he won Australia’s longest flat race by five lengths, albeit as a $26 shot, was an indication that the Grand Annaul’s marathon journey would suit. But at this point, Count Zero hadn’t so much as trialled over the jumps, apparently due to reluctance from a tiny portion of the ownership group. He eventually got jumping in 2022 and won his first two hurdle starts before collecting another pair of wins last season, one of them over steeples. However, a lacklustre start to his 2024 campaign, compounded by the disappointing Brierly effort, had him out of most people’s Grand Annual calculations coming into Thursday. Behind the scenes, though, Horner Jnr had concocted a plan to try and put Count Zero in a more-competitive mindset. “We had a bit to look though after the Brierly, he just didn’t jump well,” Wilde said post-race. “It was due to him being too far back and Darryl was terrific. He said, ‘Why don’t we put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates’. “He jumped beautifully today, with a better look at them. (Darryl) thought he just wasn’t interested in the Brierly, being too far back. “He’s a top-of-the-ground horse and we know he can stay, he’s won a Jericho and he just needed to get that jumping right and that happened today.” Get the jumping right he did – the nonchalant efforts of Tuesday were replaced by much better jumps throughout the 33-obstacle course – and Count Zero looked like a huge chance a long way from home. Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One looked to be going slightly better as they jumped the last, but Count Zero kicked back strongly, as the pair engaged in a genuine two-horse war. They hit the line almost in unison, but Wilde’s galloper would emerge the victor by half a head, securing another famous win in a remarkable career. It brings Count Zero’s record to 10 wins from 59 starts and his prizemoney to a remarkable A$705,000. Wilde ends his hometown carnival with four winners and seven placings, as well as Vanguard’s unlucky fourth in the Grand Annual behind his stablemate. “It’s a thrill – our whole team gets such a buzz, you’ve no idea,” Wilde said. “I love this race; the theatre of the Brierly, the Galleywood and then this today, it just makes these carnivals. “Look how many people are here, it’s wonderful.” View the full article

After being beaten by 37 lengths in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase and having to rely on jockey Darryl Horner Jnr pleading with stewards to allow him to race, Count Zero (NZ) (Zed) amazingly won the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday afternoon. According to Horner Jnr, the run on Tuesday was not due to fatigue and he argued that Count Zero had travelled strongly late, which is why he allowed him to finish the race. Fast forward two days and the hard-fought victory over Bell Ex One (Excelebration) gave trainer Symon Wilde his third win in the race and Horner Jnr his first, with the result also giving the Jericho Cup winner a second feature triumph at a huge price. Darryl Horner Jnr celebrates his win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Bought by Darren Weir and John Foote in 2016 for just $22,000, the son of Zed took five starts to break his maiden and arrived at Wilde’s yard two starts later, rated 59. His first victory for the stable was in a 0-58 at Ararat, but he steadily began to improve over the next two years, picking off a few races before a landmark victory in the 2020 Jericho Cup under Luke ‘Stumpy’ Williams. In hindsight, perhaps the fact that he won Australia’s longest flat race by five lengths, albeit as a $26 shot, was an indication that the Grand Annaul’s marathon journey would suit. But at this point, Count Zero hadn’t so much as trialled over the jumps, apparently due to reluctance from a tiny portion of the ownership group. He eventually got jumping in 2022 and won his first two hurdle starts before collecting another pair of wins last season, one of them over steeples. However, a lacklustre start to his 2024 campaign, compounded by the disappointing Brierly effort, had him out of most people’s Grand Annual calculations coming into Thursday. Behind the scenes, though, Horner Jnr had concocted a plan to try and put Count Zero in a more-competitive mindset. “We had a bit to look though after the Brierly, he just didn’t jump well,” Wilde said post-race. “It was due to him being too far back and Darryl was terrific. He said, ‘Why don’t we put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates’. “He jumped beautifully today, with a better look at them. (Darryl) thought he just wasn’t interested in the Brierly, being too far back. “He’s a top-of-the-ground horse and we know he can stay, he’s won a Jericho and he just needed to get that jumping right and that happened today.” Get the jumping right he did – the nonchalant efforts of Tuesday were replaced by much better jumps throughout the 33-obstacle course – and Count Zero looked like a huge chance a long way from home. Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One looked to be going slightly better as they jumped the last, but Count Zero kicked back strongly, as the pair engaged in a genuine two-horse war. They hit the line almost in unison, but Wilde’s galloper would emerge the victor by half a head, securing another famous win in a remarkable career. It brings Count Zero’s record to 10 wins from 59 starts and his prizemoney to a remarkable A$705,000. Wilde ends his hometown carnival with four winners and seven placings, as well as Vanguard’s unlucky fourth in the Grand Annual behind his stablemate. “It’s a thrill – our whole team gets such a buzz, you’ve no idea,” Wilde said. “I love this race; the theatre of the Brierly, the Galleywood and then this today, it just makes these carnivals. “Look how many people are here, it’s wonderful.” View the full article