Wandering Eyes

What South Australian Derby 2024 Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville SA 5043 When Saturday, May 4, 2024 Prizemoney $1,000,000 Distance 2500m Status Group 1 Conditions Set Weights | Three-Year-Olds 2023 winner Dunkel (8) | T: Patrick Payne | J: Billy Egan (55kg) Visit Dabble The Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) headlines the second day of the Adelaide Racing Carnival at Morphettville on Saturday afternoon. The time-honoured classic has drawn a capacity field of three-year-olds, all looking to etch themselves into racing folklore. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DERBY 2024 ODDS Online bookmakers are having a hard time framing the 2024 South Australian Derby betting markets, installing Coco Sun as a +450 favourite. The filly holds the call ahead of Warmonger (+500), Bold Soul (+650), Antrim Coast (+750) and Ahuriri (+750). A Samurai Mind (+1500) and Gold Wolf (+1600) are next in the market. SA DERBY 2024 SPEED MAP The speed in the SA Derby is drawn out wide, with Air Assault looking to cross and lead from barrier 13, with Glad You Think So in 15 likely to come across and sit outside throughout. Sunsets will look to use his low draw (3) to sit on the leader’s heels, with horses like Zakouma, Antrim Coast and A Samurai Mind looking to hold a midfield spot. Market fancies Coco Sun, Bold Soul, Warmonger and Ahuriri will be making their charges late. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 South Australian Derby. SA DEBRY 2024 PREVIEW & FORM Bold Soul put in a ripping Derby trial when closing late to claim the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) on April 27. Having won the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) three runs ago, the step up to the 2500m looks to be no issue. Jake Noonan will likely have Bold Soul swinging wide on the home turn, but this girl has a strong finish for a stayer and looks the one to beat in the 2024 SA Derby. Despite being rolled as favourite by rival Gold Wolf at Caulfield last time out, Antrim Coast has clearly been aimed towards this race ever since running second behind Orchestral in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). He will gain every chance to see out the 2500m having drawn barrier six under Mick Dee, and with a sit on the speed throughout, Antrim Coast will look to open up his rivals early in the home straight and has the ability to fend off his rivals. Warmonger settled a mile off the speed in the Chairman’s Stakes but was flying late to finish fifth, beaten by a length. The three-year-old gelding does get back in his races, but the 2500m should give him a chance to build his revs up in the home straight. The way he hit the line last time out suggests he should have no issue seeing out the trip; he just needs to be within striking distance when turning for home. Outovstock is another Kiwi on the rise and looks the best play at odds, while Coco Sun and Ahuriri have to be respected based on recent performances. 2024 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DERBY SELECTIONS & BEST BETS Selections: 4 BOLD SOUL 1 ANTRIM COAST 7 WARMONGER 8 OUTOVSTOCK $100 betting strategy $100 win #4 Bold Soul @ +650 with Bet365 2024 South Australian Derby Final Field 1. Antrim Coast (6) T: Stephen Marsh J: Michael Dee W: 56.5kg F: 21208 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Roc De Cambes (NZ) Dam: Coasting (NZ) +750 +190 2. Sunsets (3) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Jacob Opperman W: 56.5kg F: 8550x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Waterloo Sunset +2600 +550 3. Air Assault (13) T: Andrew Gluyas J: Jason Holder W: 56.5kg F: 31114 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Justify (USA) Dam: Elegant Eagle (NZ) +1800 +400 4. Bold Soul (12) T: Patrick Payne J: Jake Noonan W: 56.5kg F: 13×11 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Embellish (NZ) Dam: Twin Soul (IRE) +600 +150 5. Gold Wolf (1) T: David & Coral Feek J: Neil Farley W: 56.5kg F: 17243 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tivaci Dam: Gold Spice (NZ) +1600 +380 6. Glad You Think So (15) T: John Sargent J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg F: 37603 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: So You Think (NZ) Dam: Gladwell +1700 +400 7. Warmonger (14) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Damian Lane W: 56.5kg F: 526×6 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: War Decree (USA) Dam: Princess Sapphire (NZ) +500 +125 8. Outovstock (18) T: Chad Ormsby J: Opie Bosson W: 56.5kg F: 12144 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Orphea +2200 +500 9. A Samurai Mind (5) T: Dan Clarken & Oops MacGillivray J: Lachlan Neindorf W: 56.5kg F: 2141 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Shamus Award Dam: Mo Femme +1400 +340 10. Shinjuku (5) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Todd Pannell W: 56.5kg F: 7811x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tarzino (NZ) Dam: Singa Songa +3000 +650 11. Just Berrilliant (7) T: Ricky Maund J: Jeffrey Maund W: 56.5kg F: 216 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Justify (USA) Dam: Berrimilla +3000 +650 12. Tulsa King (17) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Jake Toeroek W: 56.5kg F: 4212x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Kermadec (NZ) Dam: Alqwah (IRE) +2500 +550 13. Steel Blaze (8) T: Brett Lazzarini J: Dom Tourneur W: 56.5kg F: 68991 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Real Steel (JPN) Dam: Aliyana Tilde +6600 +1400 14. Warialda Warrior (16) T: John Ramsey J: Darryl McLellan W: 56.5kg F: 8712x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Saxon Warrior (JPN) Dam: Romance Writer (NZ) +5000 +1000 15. Coco Sun (10) T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy J: Jamie Kah W: 54.5kg F: 311×5 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Miss Hufflepuff +380 -105.26 16. Ahuriri (11) T: Chris Waller J: Craig Williams W: 54.5kg F: 18216 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Mackenzie Kate (NZ) +700 +180 17 (1E). Zakouma (4) T: Pat Carey & Harris Walker J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 4226x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Crowded House (GB) Dam: Dar Es Salaam (NZ) +9000 +1900 18 (2E). Maputo (19) T: Maputo J: Rhys McLeod W: 56.5kg F: 56189 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Crowded House (GB) Dam: Buyback +8000 +1700 19 (3E). Just Explosive (9) T: Simon Zahra J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 493×3 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Preferment (NZ) Dam: Pyrotechnics +20000 +5000 Horse racing tips View the full article

Michael Freedman has been hoping for a chance to have Panic (NZ) (Time Test) ridden with cover, but he is unlikely to get it this weekend after the horse drew the second outside gate in the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m). Panic raced outside the leader to post a fighting win in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Randwick last start and may have to adopt similar tactics in Saturday’s Group Three race after landing barrier 19 in the field of 16 plus four reserves. “I’d have loved to give him the opportunity to be ridden with some cover,” Freedman said. “While he sat outside the leader the other day and won, he is potentially a better horse when he can get a back to follow. “But if he ran well, or better still could win it, we might have a look at a race like the Fred Best (Classic) up in Brisbane for him.” Panic is unbeaten in two runs this campaign, coming from midfield to beat the older horses first-up at Wyong before making a successful leap into stakes company last start. Freedman nominated the Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) as a target after Panic’s Sydney autumn carnival win and said the three-year-old had continued to please him. “When they win four from six, they’re obviously a good, genuine horse,” he said. “He’s getting up in the grades a bit now, but Saturday looks a logical target.” With regular jockey Tommy Berry in Brisbane to ride stablemate Ducasse in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m), Rachel King has picked up the mount. The Hawkesbury Guineas has attracted a strong field including progressive John O’Shea-trained colt Schwarz and consistent Tulloch Lodge performer Butch Cassidy, who was beaten less than a length when fourth in the Golden Rose last spring. View the full article

I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) will head to Brisbane early next week ahead of his first Group One target over the local carnival. Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman’s star gelding jumped out at Pakenham on Tuesday after finishing third in the Gr.1 T.J. Smith Stakes at Randwick (1200m) last month. “Nice piece of work, he was just having a tick-over (trial), it’s five or six weeks between runs from his last run in Sydney to his next run in Brisbane on the 18th (May) so we just took the opportunity to have a half-mile trial,” Moody said. “He did it all nicely, his action was good, he was good in the wind and he presented very well post-trial, which was the more pleasing thing.” I Wish I Win’s first Queensland target is the Gr.1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m), for which he is favourite with most bookmakers in futures markets. It is then expected the lightly raced five-year-old will press on to contest the Gr.1 Stradbroke (1400m) on June 15. “He’ll do another piece of work here next Tuesday and then he’ll probably get on a plane next Tuesday afternoon and fly up to Brisbane along with his stablemate Chain Of Lightning and, all being well, they’ll both run in the Doomben 10,000,” Moody said. View the full article

Jo Rathbone will be one of several Central Districts trainers heading to Te Rapa for the first Northern jumps meeting of the season on Saturday. The Wanganui horsewoman has engaged progressive steeplechaser Torque Time for the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial (3900m), after the eight-year-old finished second behind Afterallthistime at Hawera a fortnight ago. “I thought it was a good run for him first-up over the jumps this year, and hopefully he’ll be fitter and tougher for Saturday,” Rathbone said. “I’d expect him to go another good race.” The son of Guillotine will be partnered by Irishman Dylan Mcdonagh, who decreases his weight impost to 65.5kg, while well-performed jumper Raucous sits at the top of the book with 70.5kg. Rathbone had previously earmarked the Manawatu Steeplechase (2000m) for Torque Time on May 25, and last year’s winner Des De Jeu also took his next step towards the Trentham feature with a 2000m trial at Waverley on Tuesday. “He’ll have a run in the steeplechase at Wanganui next week, and then he’ll go onto the Manawatu Steeplechase from there,” Rathbone said. Also appearing at the trials was lightly-tried four-year-old Mr Twinkletoes, a soft-track specialist that was successful twice in his last campaign from three appearances. “He’s just looking for a wet track, so we’ll wait for a bit of rain and he’ll be ready to go, but he seems to be coming up nicely,” Rathbone said. View the full article

Dual Group One winner La Crique looked to be near her brilliant best at the Te Awamutu trials on Tuesday, with a trip to Queensland on the cards. A long-standing foot issue, alongside unfavourable track conditions, has plagued another season for the talented mare with just four starts under her belt, however she still managed to add a second career Group One in the Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) in late February. La Crique’s trainers Katrina and Simon Alexander were dealt with another blow when being forced to late-scratch her as hot-favourite for the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in March, but the couple remained positive with hopes of heading to the Queensland Winter Carnival with their stable star. The daughter of Vadamos took a positive step in that direction when effortlessly striding into second in her 1150m heat behind Dusty Road, after settling worse than midfield under Matthew Cameron. “She’s really thriving, with a bit of age on her we have to be cautious that she doesn’t get away on us fitness-wise which is why we chose to give her a trial,” Katrina Alexander said. “We were stuck between trying to keep her fresh with the goal of going to Rotorua and needing a bit of a hit-out in company, so I didn’t want her going out there and doing too much. “Matt didn’t ask a lot of her, she had drawn quite wide so even though she jumped away well, she would’ve been parked out so he’s just eased her and she’s relaxed and come home strong. We were very pleased. “He said she felt super and he couldn’t fault her, so that was what we wanted to achieve.” Alexander indicated the mare’s final domestic appearance for the season would likely be in the Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) at Arawa Park next Saturday (May 11), provided the track is to suit. “That’s all there is left for her really in New Zealand, keeping in mind that we don’t want to be getting into the depths of winter on our tracks,” she said. “She’ll only run there if the track is reasonable, which is a little bit of a gamble at this time of the year, so hopefully we get a good May weatherwise. All going well, coming through there, we will look at Brisbane options for her.” Alexander has earmarked a weight-for-age fillies and mares’ mile on June 8 at Eagle Farm as a potential kick-off point, with further options available through the remainder of the carnival. “That seems like a logical kicking off point, and hopefully from there we can string a few races together at that time of the year,” she said. “We know what we’re dealing with now, and when this horse is right, she is just super and as we know her to be. When she’s not, she lets us know so we just have to do what she allows us too.” As the mare nears the end of her five-year-old season in a career spanning just 18 starts, albeit many of these in top company, Alexander is mindful of the time La Crique has left on the track. “She’s got another birthday coming up shortly, so how much time we have left with her is always in the back of our minds,” she said. “I know she’s got another prep in her and it would be nice to get some Australian black-type if possible, and because she’s had such a patchy season she really hasn’t had a lot of racing under her belt. “Hopefully we can get her over there for her owners who have been very patient, the horse deserves to be rewarded with something nice in Australia to add to her pedigree page for whenever the broodmare paddock comes for her.” View the full article

Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong will again target a black-type feature on their home track on Saturday with a pair of contrasting juvenile contenders. The Riccarton trainers will be represented in the Listed Berkley Stud Champagne Stakes (1200m) by Rose Of Dublin and Lil Zena, who boast similar form lines but are chalk and cheese in appearance. “They are totally different types and Rose Of Dublin is quite leggy and probably not your typical two-year-old type,” Furlong said. “Lil Zena is a little stockier and carries a little more natural muscle.” The pair have gone head-to-head in their last two appearances with Lil Zena having the upper hand, finishing third in both Riccarton starts including most recently in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) with Rose Of Dublin fourth on both occasions. “They have both been really good and need a bit more ground, which they’ll finally get this weekend and we’ve been very happy with them,” Furlong said. “Obviously they will be better three-year-olds, but they are doing everything asked of them now, which has been a bonus. “It will be nice to see both of them get out of the barrier a little cleaner, although Lil Zena had a fair excuse last start with a horse next to her playing up a couple of times. “We would love to see them put themselves in the race a bit more. They are pretty even and hard to split.” Lil Zena is a daughter of U S Navy Flag and a prior association with her family led the filly to the stable of Kennedy and Furlong. “We trained Lil Zena’s mother Zentessa and she was bred by Gareth Downey on behalf of Valachi Downs so that’s how we came about her,” Furlong said. A sister by Zed to the Group One-performed Chase, Zentessa won four races up to 1800m and placed in two editions of the Listed Spring Classic (2000m). “Rose Of Dublin was passed in at Karaka through Little Avondale Stud’s draft and (breeder) Christopher Grace kept a share in her and we took her home,” Furlong said. “Sam (Williams) said come and have a look at this one and we liked her, Christopher was happy to stay in and keep a quarter share which was brilliant and it’s great to have him involved.” By Per Incanto, Rose Of Dublin is from a well-performed Grace family that features the two-time Group One-winning Savabeel mare Shillelagh. “Both fillies will go to the paddock after this so they can have a good break ahead of their three-year-old seasons,” Furlong said. Meanwhile, the stable is hoping the genuine Kikimora can add to her two-win record when she steps out on Thursday in the Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m) on the synthetic track. “She is very consistent and had drawn wide at Timaru (last week) so there was no point going there,” Furlong said. “She doesn’t mind the poly and has drawn well this time so hopefully she does the business.” The daughter of Shamexpress, who placed in last season’s Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m), was a sound last-start third at Ashburton. View the full article

What Wagga Gold Cup Day Where Murrumbidgee Turf Club – Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 When Friday, May 3, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing continues at Wagga on Friday afternoon with the $200,000 Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) headlining a bumper eight-race program. The rail remains in the true position for back-to-back meetings, and with the forecast promising more sunny skies, the surface should maintain its Good 4 rating. The action is set to get underway at 12:25pm AEST. Wagga Gold Cup: Cliff House Cliff House is searching for a hat-trick of wins after giving his rivals a galloping lesson in the Gundagai Cup (1800m) at Wagga on April 8. The Tim Donnelly-trained gelding relished the Heavy 8 conditions, circling his rivals to score a dominant 4.5-length victory. Getting back on top of the ground should be no issue for the son of Starcraft, and although he may be the last one mounting a challenge from the rear of the field, watch for Cliff House to explode when asked for the ultimate effort by Danny Beasley. Wagga Gold Cup Race 7 – #11 Cliff House (14) 5yo Gelding | T: Tim Donnelly | J: Danny Beasley (54kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Bet at Wagga: Joey D’or Joey D’or broke his maiden in dominant fashion at Orange on April 19 and made every post a winner over the 1010m journey, pounding away to score by two lengths. This will prove a true test of stamina over the 1200m with plenty of speed engaged to his inside; however, leave it in the capable hands of Rachel King to launch across from stall nine, giving Joey D’or every chance to secure back-to-back victories. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Joey D’or (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Rachel King (60.5kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best at Wagga: Cruizingdafield The Scott Collings barn may have picked up a smart one as Cruzingdafield returns after a 652-day spell. The daughter of Deep Field only had two starts for former trainer Mark Newnham, including a gritty win on the Kensington circuit at Randwick last time out. She has since suffered a setback, keeping her away from the races, but based on her trial at Canberra on April 12, Cruizingdafield looks prepared for a first-up assault. Next Best Race 8 – #2 Cruizingdafield (4) 4yo Mare | T: Scott Collings | J: Nick Heywood (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Wagga: Mickey’s Medal Mickey’s Medal was tested in the Listed Canberra Guineas (1400m) on March 10 and never shirked the task despite being outclassed. The gelding by Brave Smash continued to whack away behind the likes of Xidaki and Port Lockroy, managing to finish mid-field 2.5 lengths away. He’s shown plenty of promise for the Annabel Neasham barn, and although barrier 12 is a sticky one for apprentice Angus Villiers to overcome, the each-way odds with online bookmakers make Mickey’s Medal a terrific play in the MTC Guineas (1600m). Best Value Race 6 – #5 Mickey’s Medal (12) 3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Angus Villiers (a1.5kg) (57.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Wagga Gold Cup Day quaddie tips – 3/5/2024 Wagga quadrella selections Friday, May 3, 2024 1-2-4-6-7-11-12 1-2-5-6-10-11 2-3-4-5-7-11 2 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Warrnambool Racing Club has been in operation since 1847 and continues to be the heart of the Victorian country racing scene since its inception. Affectionately known as ‘The Bool’, Warrnambool Racecourse is the home of the Australian steeplechase racing – including the Grand Annual Steeplechase every year during the May Racing Carnival, producing a week filled with Victoria’s best equine talent on display. The sensational week of racing isn’t just about the hurdlers stepping out to shine, they also hold other features – including the Warrnambool Cup (2350m) gaining a boost in prizemoney to $250,000, and the Wangoom Handicap (1200m) for the sprinters. Not only is Warrnambool Racing Club a staple of Victorian racing for racegoers, but all participants in the industry, with many trainers schooling their gallopers at Warrnambool, and providing consistent barrier trials throughout every calendar season. The usage of Warrnambool’s facilities has only grown throughout the years, and since undergoing track renovations in the year 2000, it’s allowed the country circuit to hold upwards of 15 meetings every year. Warnambool horse racing news With so many horse racing meetings and jump-outs taking place at Warrnambool, our dedicated team of writers here at HorseBetting.com.au are consistently keeping readers up to date with all the news coming out of Victorian country racing. Here is the latest Warrnambool racing news: Rolls set for Warrnambool Cup defence Australia horse racing news 6 hours ago Having saluted on Day of the Warrnambool May Carnival, the Maddie Raymond-trained Rolls will back up on Day 3 to … Read More Leaderboard claims maiden hurdle success at Warrnambool Australia horse racing news 1 day ago The Kiwis hit early on the opening day of Warrnambool’s three-day May carnival, with the Mark Walker-trained Leaderboard winning the … Read More Grand Promenade suffers fatal fall at Warrnambool Australia horse racing news 1 month ago Tragedy struck at Warrnambool on Monday as Grand Promenade, a two-time Melbourne Cup contender, was euthanised following a fall during … Read More Campbell Rawiller suffers nasty injury after Warrnambool fall Australia horse racing news 2 months ago Young gun Campbell Rawiller has suffered a suspected broken collarbone after falling from his mount Teofilo Star in the opening … Read More Racing Victoria announce 2024 Jumps Racing Program Australia horse racing news 4 months ago Racing Victoria (RV) has officially unveiled the schedule for the upcoming 2024 jumps racing season, closely resembling the successful 2023 … Read More Ritchie returns to Warrnambool in search of Jericho Cup triumph Australia horse racing news 5 months ago Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie has crossed the Tasman for a second tilt at the Jericho Cup (4600m) at Warrnambool on … Read More Aaron Kuru with strong book of rides at Te Rapa New Zealand horse racing news 11 months ago Expat Kiwi Aaron Kuru will once again return to his homeland this weekend to bolster the jumps jockey ranks at … Read More Punt Drunk: The ‘Bool is that seriously bloody good! Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The team at Punt Drunk headed down to Warrnambool for the massive three-day spectacle at the ‘Bool. Check out their … Read More Rolls relishes quick back-up to claim Warrnambool Cup Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Maddie Raymond and Harry Grace have combined to take out their maiden Listed Warrnambool Cup victory, with Rolls getting the … Read More Rockstar Ronnie claims Grand Annual Steeplechase Australia horse racing news 12 months ago All eyes were on Stern Idol in the 2023 Grand Annual, but it was the stablemate, Rockstar Ronnie who reigned … Read More Warnambool horse track tips Throughout the season our expert tipsters at HorseBetting.com.au will do their best to find you all the best bets and quaddie numbers – particularly during the May Racing Carnival. Check out all the latest Warrnambool horse racing tips: Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 1, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 6 hours ago Five thoroughbred meetings are scheduled for around Australia today. Check out HorseBetting’s free racing tips for horse racing on May … Read More Warrnambool free racing preview & betting tips | May 2, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 23 hours ago The Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) headlines the final day of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival. Check out HorseBetting’s free betting … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 30, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 day ago Four thoroughbred meetings are scheduled for around Australia today. Check out HorseBetting’s free racing tips for horse racing on April … Read More Warrnambool Wednesday races betting tips | May 1, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 2 days ago Day 2 of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is headlined by the Listed Wangoom Handicap. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview … Read More Warrnambool races betting tips & best odds | Tuesday, April 30 Horse Racing Tips 2 days ago The 2024 Warrnambool May Racing Carnival commences on Tuesday with a stacked 10-race meeting. HorseBetting.com.au brings you free tips and … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 25, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 month ago Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Warrnambool free horse racing tips & quaddie picks | March 25 Horse Racing Tips 1 month ago Racing returns to Warrnambool on Monday afternoon, where a nine-race program is scheduled. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview & best … Read More Today’s free horse racing tips & top odds | March 12, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 2 months ago Three horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Warrnambool Tuesday racing preview & quaddie tips | March 12 Horse Racing Tips 2 months ago Racing returns to Warrnambool Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon for a competitive eight-race meeting. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview and quaddie … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | January 7, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 4 months ago Six horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Warrnambool racecourse address & how to get there Warrnambool Racecourse is located at 2-64 Grafton Road, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280 and is approximately 260km from the Melbourne CBD. Located to the south-west of the Melbourne city centre towards the coast, Warrnambool Racecourse isn’t the easiest horse racing track to navigate your way to, so unless you’re local it’s best to be prepared with a plan of action. If you’re travelling from Melbourne you need to travel via the Princes Highway or Hamilton Highway, which usually takes three hours. However, if you’d prefer to take a more scenic route, you can utilize the Great Ocean Road, which adds an extra three hours to your journey. If you’d rather not drive to Warrnambool from the city, public transport is available at Southern Cross Station to Warrnambool Station. From there, you simply need to make your way to the course proper, with buses regularly scheduled to arrive at Koroit St Interchange or Warrnambool College, both of which are short walks to the track. Warnambool race course dimensions, barriers, starting points Warrnambool Racecourse is known as on of the more expansive circuits in Victorian racing, with a circumference of 2066m and a home straight of 305 metres, usually allowing for all participants to get their chance. The barrier guide gives tremendous details on where some of the key starting positions are, for example: The 1400m and 1700m starting points both disengage from a chute position, with maximum field sizes of 16 throughout the entire track. Meanwhile, the 1000m-1300m starting points all have only one turn before veering into the home straight. While the staying trips over the 2000m, 2200m, and 2350m all start on the home straight. Major races held at Warnambool The beginning of May is a horse racing pundits dream, with the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival a ‘must attend’ event on the horse racing calendar. The Grand Annual Steeplechase has been a tradition since 1872 and continues to provide the main target for jumps horses in Australia, with the likes of Gold Medal (2021, 2018), Regina Coeli (2017, 2015), Al Garhood (2011, 2010) and Hibernian Prince (2002, 2001) winning the race on two occasions in recent years. The Warrnambool Cup (2350m) and Wangoom Handicap (1200m) are steeped in their own respective history, usually produce capacity fields, and provide a terrific appetizer to Australia’s most historic hurdle race. The Warrnambool Racing Club has recently introduced a $304,000 staying feature on the flat course around Brierly Paddock known as the Jericho Cup (4600m), dedicated to the heroic Light Horsemen and their horses, The Walers, for their deeds in the Middle East from 1914-1919. The Jericho Cup takes place on the fourth Sunday after the Melbourne Cup and entry is free for all veterans in attendance. How to bet on Warnambool races Australia’s top online bookmakers provide the best options for betting on Warrnambool races and racing across the nation. Online betting sites give punters all the best promotional offers and consistently suit your needs in regards to form analysis and best available prices for any given runner, even those at Warnambool. Whether it be for race-day or futures markets, you can jump on board with any of the following bookmakers and check out our reviews to see what suits your needs. Bet365 (bet365 racing review), Ladbrokes (Ladbrokes racing review), and Unibet (Unibet racing review) are just some of the best available options, with most App available on Android and iOS smartphones. If you’d rather bet in person, make sure you check out the betting ring at Warrnambool Racecourse, with all your local bookies likely to be represented to go along with regular TAB facilities. View the full article

Torque Time will contest the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial (3900m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Jo Rathbone will be one of several Central Districts trainers heading to Te Rapa for the first Northern jumps meeting of the season on Saturday. The Wanganui horsewoman has engaged progressive steeplechaser Torque Time for the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial (3900m), after the eight-year-old finished second behind Afterallthistime at Hawera a fortnight ago. “I thought it was a good run for him first-up over the jumps this year, and hopefully he’ll be fitter and tougher for Saturday,” Rathbone said. “I’d expect him to go another good race.” The son of Guillotine will be partnered by Irishman Dylan Mcdonagh, who decreases his weight impost to 65.5kg, while well-performed jumper Raucous sits at the top of the book with 70.5kg. Rathbone had previously earmarked the Manawatu Steeplechase (2000m) for Torque Time on May 25, and last year’s winner Des De Jeu also took his next step towards the Trentham feature with a 2000m trial at Waverley on Tuesday. “He’ll have a run in the steeplechase at Wanganui next week, and then he’ll go onto the Manawatu Steeplechase from there,” Rathbone said. Also appearing at the trials was lightly-tried four-year-old Mr Twinkletoes, a soft-track specialist that was successful twice in his last campaign from three appearances. “He’s just looking for a wet track, so we’ll wait for a bit of rain and he’ll be ready to go, but he seems to be coming up nicely,” Rathbone said. Horse racing news View the full article

Talented mare La Crique dashes to a second Group One victory in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Dual Group One winner La Crique looked to be near her brilliant best at the Te Awamutu trials on Tuesday, with a trip to Queensland on the cards. A long-standing foot issue, alongside unfavourable track conditions, has plagued another season for the talented mare with just four starts under her belt, however she still managed to add a second career Group One in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) in late February. La Crique’s trainers Katrina and Simon Alexander were dealt with another blow when being forced to late-scratch her as hot-favourite for the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in March, but the couple remained positive with hopes of heading to the Queensland Winter Carnival with their stable star. The daughter of Vadamos took a positive step in that direction when effortlessly striding into second in her 1150m heat behind Dusty Road, after settling worse than midfield under Matthew Cameron. “She’s really thriving, with a bit of age on her we have to be cautious that she doesn’t get away on us fitness-wise which is why we chose to give her a trial,” Katrina Alexander said. “We were stuck between trying to keep her fresh with the goal of going to Rotorua and needing a bit of a hit-out in company, so I didn’t want her going out there and doing too much. “Matt didn’t ask a lot of her, she had drawn quite wide so even though she jumped away well, she would’ve been parked out so he’s just eased her and she’s relaxed and come home strong. We were very pleased. “He said she felt super and he couldn’t fault her, so that was what we wanted to achieve.” Alexander indicated the mare’s final domestic appearance for the season would likely be in the Group 3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) at Arawa Park next Saturday (May 11), provided the track is to suit. “That’s all there is left for her really in New Zealand, keeping in mind that we don’t want to be getting into the depths of winter on our tracks,” she said. “She’ll only run there if the track is reasonable, which is a little bit of a gamble at this time of the year, so hopefully we get a good May weatherwise. All going well, coming through there, we will look at Brisbane options for her.” Alexander has earmarked a weight-for-age fillies and mares’ mile on June 8 at Eagle Farm as a potential kick-off point, with further options available through the remainder of the carnival. “That seems like a logical kicking off point, and hopefully from there we can string a few races together at that time of the year,” she said. “We know what we’re dealing with now, and when this horse is right, she is just super and as we know her to be. When she’s not, she lets us know so we just have to do what she allows us too.” As the mare nears the end of her five-year-old season in a career spanning just 18 starts, albeit many of these in top company, Alexander is mindful of the time La Crique has left on the track. “She’s got another birthday coming up shortly, so how much time we have left with her is always in the back of our minds,” she said. “I know she’s got another prep in her and it would be nice to get some Australian black-type if possible, and because she’s had such a patchy season she really hasn’t had a lot of racing under her belt. “Hopefully we can get her over there for her owners who have been very patient, the horse deserves to be rewarded with something nice in Australia to add to her pedigree page for whenever the broodmare paddock comes for her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Babylon Berlin winning at Te Rapa in November. Photo: Race Images Plans for Babylon Berlin are yet to be locked in, but a trip to Australia is high on the wish list for the top-quality sprinter. The multiple Group-winning daughter of All Too Hard hasn’t raced since she finished out of the money in the Group 1 Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, after which she underwent a wind operation. The Ben and Ryan Foote-trained mare, who is tentatively booked to cross the Tasman later this month, took a pleasing step toward a return to competition on Tuesday when she was untouched to win her open heat over 850m at the Te Awamutu trials. “I was pretty certain that everything was back to normal, so I expected that,” said Ben Foote, who shares in the ownership of the six-year-old. “It was a bit of a relief of course, but I certainly thought she was back to her old self. She just stretched her legs for the last 100m or so and had a good blow.” Babylon Berlin showed her customary gate speed to make the running and lengthened stride the run home for rider Courtney Barnes to coast home by 4.5 lengths. “I’m not sure if she will have another trial or race here before she goes to Australia,” Foote said. “She has got a booking on the flight to Brisbane on May 25 so we might go there, but nothing has been set in stone just yet.” Babylon Berlin has won eight of her 27 starts, including Group Three successes in the Concorde Handicap (1200m), King’s Plate (1200m) and Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and a brace of Listed wins. The only missing credit on her resume is a Group One victory after placings at the top level in the Telegraph (1200m), twice in the Railway (1200m) and BCD Sprint (1400m). Horse racing news View the full article

With three Group 1s, Auckland’s Premier Meeting at Alexandra Park on Friday, May 3 promises to be a beauty. Included in the night’s action will be the Dawson Harford NZ Messenger, the Breckon Farms Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes and the Peter Breckon Memorial National Trot, all worth $110,000. So to help keep you updated we have produced a special lift-out with articles, selections and more. You can see it here View the full article

Riccarton trainers Shane Kennedy & Anna Furlong will have two chances in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m). Photo: Race Images South Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong will again target a black-type feature on their home track on Saturday with a pair of contrasting juvenile contenders. The Riccarton trainers will be represented in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) by Rose Of Dublin and Lil Zena, who boast similar form lines but are chalk and cheese in appearance. “They are totally different types and Rose Of Dublin is quite leggy and probably not your typical two-year-old type,” Furlong said. “Lil Zena is a little stockier and carries a little more natural muscle.” The pair have gone head-to-head in their last two appearances with Lil Zena having the upper hand, finishing third in both Riccarton starts including most recently in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) with Rose Of Dublin fourth on both occasions. “They have both been really good and need a bit more ground, which they’ll finally get this weekend and we’ve been very happy with them,” Furlong said. “Obviously they will be better three-year-olds, but they are doing everything asked of them now, which has been a bonus. “It will be nice to see both of them get out of the barrier a little cleaner, although Lil Zena had a fair excuse last start with a horse next to her playing up a couple of times. “We would love to see them put themselves in the race a bit more. They are pretty even and hard to split.” Lil Zena is a daughter of U S Navy Flag and a prior association with her family led the filly to the stable of Kennedy and Furlong. “We trained Lil Zena’s mother Zentessa and she was bred by Gareth Downey on behalf of Valachi Downs so that’s how we came about her,” Furlong said. A sister by Zed to the Group One-performed Chase, Zentessa won four races up to 1800m and placed in two editions of the Listed Spring Classic (2000m). “Rose Of Dublin was passed in at Karaka through Little Avondale Stud’s draft and (breeder) Christopher Grace kept a share in her and we took her home,” Furlong said. “Sam (Williams) said come and have a look at this one and we liked her, Christopher was happy to stay in and keep a quarter share which was brilliant and it’s great to have him involved.” By Per Incanto, Rose Of Dublin is from a well-performed Grace family that features the two-time Group One-winning Savabeel mare Shillelagh. “Both fillies will go to the paddock after this so they can have a good break ahead of their three-year-old seasons,” Furlong said. Meanwhile, the stable is hoping the genuine Kikimora can add to her two-win record when she steps out on Thursday in the Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m) on the synthetic track. “She is very consistent and had drawn wide at Timaru (last week) so there was no point going there,” Furlong said. “She doesn’t mind the poly and has drawn well this time so hopefully she does the business.” The daughter of Shamexpress, who placed in last season’s Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m), was a sound last-start third at Ashburton. Horse racing news View the full article

Plans for Babylon Berlin are yet to be locked in, but a trip to Australia is high on the wish list for the top-quality sprinter. The multiple Group-winning daughter of All Too Hard hasn’t raced since she finished out of the money in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, after which she underwent a wind operation. The Ben and Ryan Foote-trained mare, who is tentatively booked to cross the Tasman later this month, took a pleasing step toward a return to competition on Tuesday when she was untouched to win her open heat over 850m at the Te Awamutu trials. “I was pretty certain that everything was back to normal, so I expected that,” said Ben Foote, who shares in the ownership of the six-year-old. “It was a bit of a relief of course, but I certainly thought she was back to her old self. She just stretched her legs for the last 100m or so and had a good blow.” Babylon Berlin showed her customary gate speed to make the running and lengthened stride the run home for rider Courtney Barnes to coast home by four and a-half lengths. “I’m not sure if she will have another trial or race here before she goes to Australia,” Foote said. “She has got a booking on the flight to Brisbane on May 25 so we might go there, but nothing has been set in stone just yet.” Babylon Berlin has won eight of her 27 starts, including Group Three successes in the Concorde Handicap (1200m), King’s Plate (1200m) and Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and a brace of Listed wins. The only missing credit on her resume is a Group One victory after placings at the top level in the Telegraph (1200m), twice in the Railway (1200m) and BCD Sprint (1400m). Meanwhile, Babylon Berlin’s progressive stablemate The Odyssey is still on a break after a lucrative spring and summer campaign. The Zacinto four-year-old broke his maiden at Rotorua in October and added two wins at Te Rapa before success in the inaugural $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. “He will be back in work in two weeks, I didn’t want to bring him up too early,” Foote said. “He was always a horse that was going to take a bit of time, his mum (Macavelli Miss) won the Thorndon (Gr.1, 1600m) as a five-year-old. “We’ve got a few targets in the spring for him, the Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m), Wanganui Cup (Listed, 2040m), Waikato Cup (Gr.3, 2400m), Manawatu Cup (Gr.3, 2300m) are some of the races we can try and get him in with lighter weights. “It depends how he comes up, we could also look at the Livamol (Gr.1, 2040m) but he’s a long way from that yet but you never know.” The Odyssey’s stake earnings of more than $240,000 from nine starts is also a welcome reflection of the increased stake money that has been injected into the industry. “One thing I’ve never really worried about is the trainers’ percentage every fortnight, but now it makes a difference and certainly a lot better than any time during my career,” Foote said. View the full article

Rolls ridden by Harry Grace wins at Warrnambool on Tuesday. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) After securing his first victory since claiming the 2023 Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) by winning a 1700-metre handicap at the same track on Tuesday, a race where he finished runner-up last year, the Maddie Raymond-trained Rolls is now set to pursue back-to-back wins in the Cup as he lines up again on Thursday. The seven-year-old gelding aims to emulate Hissing Sid’s feat in 2010 by winning the Listed event in consecutive years. Raymond expressed confidence in Rolls’ ability to perform well in quick succession “He has always run really well off a back-up and we’ve followed a very similar preparation,” Raymond told Racing.com post-race. “He’s had three runs but his rating has jumped up considerably last preparation, so it’s been a little bit tricky placing him. “But I am happy I have got the runs into him I need to, to have him on song. And I think he’s going as good as he was last year.” Rolls is currently a +900 chance for the Warrnambool Cup with online bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

SA Derby hopeful Gold Wolf. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Mornington-based trainers David and Coral Feek are gearing up to send out just their second ever Group 1 runner as Gold Wolf takes on Saturday’s Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville. After securing a victory in the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) at Caulfield on April 6, the son of Tivaci skipped the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington last week. “We were happy to keep the horse to 2500 metres and the way that race ended up panning out I was really pleased that we didn’t run as it turned into a sit and sprint,” David Feek said. “Despite it being 2800 metres, in my opinion, it didn’t look like a true staying contest. The horse is very, very fit.” “We’re happy with him but in the back of my mind, was that a peak performance winning the Galilee Series Final? “There are no negatives, but I haven’t seen any obvious improvement. “His coat is starting to become a bit wintry, but all the other checklists that we do, we’re ticking those boxes. “He’s probably plateaued for the preparation and hopefully that is enough to be competitive.” Horse racing news View the full article

Horse racing on Wednesday, May 1, will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Canterbury, Happy Valley (HK) and Warrnambool. Wednesday Racing Tips – May 1, 2024 Canterbury Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips Warrnambool Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on May 1, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Picklebet is causing quite a stir among horse racing aficionados with its exciting 25% Boosted Winnings promotion for today’s Warrnambool races. This thrilling offer allows punters to boost their potential winnings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying action on the track. Thanks to Picklebet’s innovative promotion, bettors can take advantage of the opportunity to boost their returns while enjoying the thrill of backing their favourite runners at Warrnambool. Warrnambool – 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 This promotion excludes punters from NSW and SA. Max winnings of $250. First fixed win bet only. Paid in Bonus Cash. Must use available balance. See Picklebet website for full terms & conditions. Picklebet.com are one of the new bookmakers making a splash on the horse racing scene and with inviting promotions like the one they are offering at Warrnambool, they will continue to make an impact in Australia. HorseBetting’s Warrnambool racing tips View the full article

On Wednesday, May 1, various horse racing bookmakers have unveiled their racing promotions, featuring a range of enticing bonus back offers for horse racing enthusiasts. The top Australian racing promotions for May 1, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Warrnambool Races 1-4 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1-4 at Warrnambool this Tuesday to Thursday across the Warrnambool Carnival 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 Canterbury All Races – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Canterbury this Wednesday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Warrnambool Races 1-3 | 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 Warrnambool – 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 Wednesday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at Canterbury & Warrnambool 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, revealing exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored for thoroughbred enthusiasts on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. These horse racing promotions are a regular feature, exemplifying the unwavering commitment of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker happens to lack a promotion on a given day, rest assured that another is stepping up with enticing offers within the realm of gallops. For your daily dose of the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses, HorseBetting.com.au stands as the ultimate destination. Maximise the value of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses boasting the most competitive horse racing odds for every race. It’s crucial to emphasise that these thoroughbred racing promotions are exclusively designed for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay well-informed, adopt strategic approaches, and enhance your overall horse racing experience by capitalising on these exclusive promotions. Horse racing promotions View the full article

The most visible changes may be the new controlled-cut harrows that condition the racing surface and—to some extent—the surface itself as Churchill Downs and others note host of changes made to improve safety at the Louisville track.View the full article

LOUISVILLE, KY–Having not attended the Kentucky Derby since American Pharoah won in 2015, I was reminded of why it's really worth the trip. Yes, one has to deal with the logistics. Limited parking, long walks to get to your destination, excessively priced hotels and car rentals, in addition to the singular hope that a Kentucky Derby Day ticket might miraculously have fallen into your hands. It's probably hard for some to understand just how many people converge in Louisville at the same time, creating something of a controlled chaos. The bustle, which gradually increases before reaching a fever pitch Saturday, is something that has always gone hand-in-hand with the Derby. That's nothing new. But when you decide to come to the Derby, be prepared to play (and pay!). While the overnight rain may have kept some of the crowd at bay Tuesday morning, enough turned up to offer some early morning action on the backstretch at Churchill Downs. It appeared that most of that activity, however, was reserved for the Todd Pletcher barn, where morning line favorite Fierceness (City of Light) drew the largest crowd of the morning following his easy maintenance exertions during the Derby/Oaks training session at 7:30 a.m. Surrounded by the eager media and general public hoping to get a close-up look at the early favorite, Fierceness was soon joined by his owner, Mike Repole, who looked far more interested in the photo opportunity than his horse was. The D. Wayne Lukas barn also enjoyed a fair bit of activity, too. Lukas saddles his 50th lifetime Derby starter with Just Steel (Justify). Interestingly, and somewhat unusual for the backstretch of a racetrack, several babies ended up outside the Hall of Famer's barn offering a poetic counterpoint to the legend's manicured shedrow. Full disclosure, one of said babies was actually a Lukas grandbaby, little Johnny, accompanied by mom Kelly (Jeff Lukas's daughter) and his dad, David Roy. Secured from the converging crowds, Lukas had his pony strategically placed, thus barring the way into his office. Having determined that was a surmountable obstacle, I was undeterred, scooting through to grab a few comments before heading on my way. Johnny Roy, great-grandson of Wayne Lukas, and his parents, David and Kelly Roy | Christina Bossinakis While much of the activity appeared to be revolving around the Pletcher barn and his former boss, a barn that appeared to be oddly sedate considering one of the Derby favorites is stabled there was that of Chad Brown. Both on the track and back at the barn, GI Blue Grass S. winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) looked every bit the $2.3-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga purchase that he is–a bonafide Adonis. Looking at the two Derby favorites back-to-back, it's like comparing Muhammad Ali and Prince (yes, the singer). Not in the least comparable, physically at least, but definitely both oozing class. Given the lack of frenzy at the Brown barn, I decided to take a moment and stop for a chat, and the conversation invariably turned to Brown's former boss and mentor, Bobby Frankel. Still clearly emotionally affected by the departed Hall of Famer, Brown recounted stories about Frankel and Empire Maker, a horse that Brown was blessed to have observed up close through the 2003 Triple Crown. While a Derby win would elude the Juddmonte homebred (Brown recalls that Frankel thought the colt was more than capable of winning that year's Triple Crown), he would go on to win the GI Belmont S. after finishing second to Funny Cide in Kentucky. It's clear that a Derby win for Brown would fulfill a long-cherished dream as a horseman, however, winning it in honor of a remarkable trainer would seemingly be life-altering for the Mechanicville, New York native. Bath time for Sierra Leone | Christina Bossinakis News of the defection of GIII Lexington S. winner Encino (Nyquist) also broke Tuesday, offering a fortuitous berth in the starting gate for Epic Ride (Blame). The winner in Turfway's Leonatus S. in February and most recently third in the GI Blue Grass S., the John Ennis-trained colt looked the picture of health, showing up many of his contemporaries during Tuesday's Derby training session. Definitely a longshot come race day, but maybe a nice exotics addition. With most of the final major works already in the bag, the Japanese were out in force Tuesday to watch Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}) and T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) put in their final pieces of work ahead of a Derby tilt. The pair hit the track, which had been sealed earlier in the morning, following the first harrow break. Working on his own under training assistant Yusaku Oka, Forever Young worked five furlongs in 1:03, carving out internal splits of :14, :27, :39.60, galloping out six furlongs in 1:16.80. T O Password, working in tandem with GII Alysheba S. entrant T O Saint Denis (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), worked a half-mile in :46.80 under jockey Kazushi Kimura with internal fractions of :23.80 followed by a five-furlong gallop out in :59.60. “[Forever Young] handled it well and moved well over the track,” Oka said through a translator. “I think we did a good for job for the final breeze.” Both colts seemed to take everything in stride, and those making up their entourage had some pretty happy faces afterward to suggest that they thought the colts did exactly what they had to do heading into Saturday's big dance. The post The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Check out this week’s Box Seat with hosts Greg O’Connor and Michael Guerin. View the full article

Godolphin homebred Encino has been ruled out of the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) because of a reported soft tissue strain. Replacing Encino is Epic Ride, third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland behind Sierra Leone and Just a Touch.View the full article

Old Friends, which will host its 19th Annual Homecoming Event on Sunday, May 5, has opened absentee bidding for a number of halters featured in a live and silent auction. Halters previously worn by Afleet Alex, Candy Ride (Arg), Channel Maker, Feathered, Gun Runner, I'll Have Another, Lava Man, Sea Hero, Serena's Song, Silver Charm, Silver State, Sky Mesa, and Tapit are available, most accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. To bid, email your name, address, and phone number along with your highest bid to: horses@oldfriendsequine.org. The final deadline to submit bids is May 4 at 9 p.m. ET. At the event, someone will be assigned to be your proxy and will start low, bidding up to your highest number as necessary. The post Old Friends Auction Halters Ready for Absentee Bidding appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Lammas at graded level at Golden Gate Fields. Golden Gate Veteran Earns Career High In San Fran Ronald Charles and Samuel Gordon's Lammas (GB) (Heeraat {Ire}), a regular for many years at Golden Gate, earned another graded win when taking Saturday's GIII San Francisco Mile S. (video). Trained by Manuel Badilla, the Peter Onslow-bred 7-year-old gelding was an 10,000gns buy-back as a weanling from the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, did not meet his reserve when an £1,800 Goffs UK Autumn yearling, and finally changed hands for 42,000gns out of the 2022 Tattersalls HIT Sale. Also a winner of the GIII Berkeley H., Lammas is the only winner for his unraced dam, Spate Rise (GB) (Speightstown). Group 1 winner and sire Jade Robbery (Mr. Prospector) is related to the third dam, the stakes-placed Add (Spectacular Bid). Dark Angel (Ire) son Heeraat has just Lammas to run for him in America to date. Luck Be A Lady At Aqueduct Madaket Stables, Steven Rocco and West Point Thoroughbreds' Lady Mia (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}) landed an Aqueduct contest on Saturday for trainer Christophe Clement (video). Bred by Daniel Cole, Valerie Dubos and Kleber, the 4-year-old placed in the G3 Prix Miesque in her native land prior to arriving in America last September. Originally raced by Michele Cazaubon and Rana Khaddam, the filly was third in the Listed Prix Saraca and second in the Miesque for trainers Alessandro and Giuseppe Botti. Sent through the ring during Arqana's Arc Sale, she was an €110,000 buy-back, before making €280,000 in the same ring during the Vente d'Elevage when bought by Clement and his brother Nicolas. Her dam, Mrs Micawber (GB) (Nayef), won once at three, and Lady Mia is her last known foal. Luncies (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), a half-brother to her dam, won the G3 Tattersalls Cup, while their mother landed the Listed Zetland S. and was placed twice at group level. Outstrip has sired 80% winners to runners in the U.S. with four winners from five runners. His two stakes winners there including Grade III winners Nadette (Fr) and Outburst (GB). Welcome back, @iradortiz! He gets the win in Race 4 aboard LADY MIA for trainer @clementstable. pic.twitter.com/Jg5XhHP862 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 27, 2024 Onyx Roars At Woodbine Lady Onyx (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), who is a silksbearer for Team Valor International and Steven Rocco, earned her second career victory, this time at Woodbine on Saturday (video). Trained initially by Johnny Murtagh, she is now in the barn of dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse. Bred by P Gallagher, the daughter of dual winner Nuala Tagula (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}) won a maiden at Gowan in May of last year, and managed two stakes-placings from five 3-year-old starts in Ireland. Murtagh and Eddie Linehan paid €52,000 out of the Goffs Sportsman's Yearling Sale for Lady Onyx. Her latest siblings include 3-year-old colt Chief Of State (Ire) (Kuroshio {Aus}), 2-year-old filly Lift Lady (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), and a yearling half-sister by Kessaar (Ire). Lady Onyx is kin to G3 Brownstown S., G3 Fairy Bridge S., and G3 Sceptre S. heroine Realtra (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Rathbarry Stud's Kodi Bear has enjoyed good results with his American-based progeny, and Lady Onyx is his third runner and second winner after the multiple stakes-placed Helens Well (Ire). His Go Bears Go (Ire) was second in the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and third in the GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint. Lady Onyx put up a stunning performance first time out in North America. Her burst of energy was plain to see as she defeated a decent OC 50k field at Woodbine on Saturday over the 5 and a half furlongs. pic.twitter.com/Eaft64tcGT — Team Valor (@TeamValor) April 27, 2024 Kingman Filly Wins At Tampa Klaravich Stables, Inc.'s Peak Earnings (GB) (Kingman {GB}) won a Tampa Bay Downs affair in stalking fashion for trainer Chad Brown this past weekend (video). Bred by Sun Bloodstock SARL, the daughter of dual French group winner Sans Equivoque (Ger) (Stormy River {Fr}) joined Seth Klarman's bloodstock portfolio for 200,000gns out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 when selected by Mike Ryan. She has a 2-year-old Dubawi (Ire) half-sister and a yearling colt by Palace Pier (GB). This is the extended family of G1 Metropolitan winner and sire Seville (Ger) (Galileo {Ire}). Juddmonte's Kingman is a regular in this column as the sire of 39 winners from 66 runners (59%) in North America. His eight stakes winners in the U.S. include GI Manhattan S. winner Domestic Spending (GB), who won another two Grade Is, as well as Grade II winners Technical Analysis (Ire), Public Sector (GB), and Serve The King (GB). Glory For All At Santa Anita Mike McCarthy runner Sunset Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) put it all together to take the Santa Anita nightcap on Saturday (video). Representing Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bruce Treitman, the chestnut was bred by Ringfort Stud. An 5,000gns Book 3 yearling out of the Tattersalls October Sale, Sunset Glory ran fourth at first asking for jockey/trainer Andrew Slattery in the colours of Seamus McGrath. Changing hands privately, she was second in her American debut in October. Out of the unraced Giant Dancer (Giant's Causeway), Sunset Glory is a granddaughter of G3 Fillies' Sprint S. third A Mind Of Her Own (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), herself a full-sister to G2 Superlative S. second Birdman (Ire). Tally-Ho resident Cotai Glory has four winners from 10 runners (40%) in America. His first stakes winner in that jurisdiction is Spirit And Glory (Ire), who was second in the GII Yellow Ribbon H. #4 SUNSET GLORY ($5.80) goes last to first to break her maiden in the finale at Santa Anita Park. @mwmracing trains this four-year-old Cotai Glory filly. @umbyrispoli was in the irons. pic.twitter.com/RHtATSBVsj — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 28, 2024 The post Making Waves: Lammas Takes San Fran Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article