Wandering Eyes

A select field of nine will assemble for Sunday's G1 Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp, Europe's first Group 1 contest of the season, with G1 Deutsches Derby hero Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) among the likely protagonists. Liberty Racing's 4-year-old added to his Classic score when annexing September's G2 Prix Niel at the Bois de Boulogne venue, but failed to make an impression and was down the field in the following month's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He returned for this campaign with a pipe-opening second in last month's Listed Preis von Dahlwitz at Hoppegarten, but his participation is not certain should track conditions deteriorate overnight. “Fanta is in a great mood and everything has gone according to plan so far,” trainer Sarah Steinberg told GaloppOnline. “We hope that the weather gods are kind to us and that the amount of rain will be small. He needs a good track to perform at his best, but soft is okay. Anything worse than soft wouldn't be good and, if it is worse than soft, we will make a decision on Sunday morning.” Joseph O'Brien trainee Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), winner of 2022's G1 Vincent O'Brien National S., is on the comeback trail. He was out just twice last term, finishing second in both G3 International S. and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, with the latter a 3/4-of-a-length defeat by subsequent Arc hero Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}). “The dream is he is an Arc-type horse, but we'll take it race by race with him,” his trainer said. “The Ganay is a logical starting point for what we hope is a top-class middle-distance horse. We were proud of his run in the Guillaume d'Ornano. He showed a good turn of foot and came strong in the last 100 yards. That bodes well for what may come this season. He didn't have any significant setbacks [last year]. He had an infection leading up to the Irish 2000 Guineas and he was lame on the eve of the [Irish] Champion [S.]. It was a little frustrating, but his ownership group is patient and, hopefully, their patience will be rewarded.” Another on the comeback trail is Amo Racing's Crypto Force (GB) (Time Test {GB}), who has been sighted just once since annexing 2022's G2 Beresford S. at the Curragh. Depth is provided by a home defence which includes G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}), this month's G2 Prix d'Harcourt victor Zarakem (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and the consistent multiple pattern-race winner Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}). The post German Derby Hero Fantastic Moon Set For Ganay Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dermot Weld's stable has yet to fire on all cylinders and, having set the ball rolling with Cork maiden winner Spoken Truth (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) on Friday, made its mark on the pattern-race scene when Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}–Eziyra {Ire}, by Teofilo {Ire}) swooped late to register a career high in Saturday's G3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil S. at Navan. Ezeliya, who shed maiden status at Cork in the second of two juvenile starts last September, employed patient tactics off the tempo in sixth for most of this 10-furlong test. Nudged forward into contention approaching the quarter-mile marker, the 9-1 chance came under sterner urging thereafter and was driven out inside the final furlong to gain a half-length verdict from Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) nearing the line. Purple Lily's rider Billy Lee got tangled up in his off-side stirrup in the dying strides, but the incident made little difference to the result. “I thought she would run a big race and she did,” Weld said. “It was a very true-run Group race and they went a real good gallop for a mile-and-a-quarter. Chris [Hayes] took his time on her. He planned to sit a little bit closer, but the pace they were going he waited. I loved the way she attacked the hill and saw her race out well. Better ground will suit her better. It is a lovely family, a good, tough family and I think she will get a mile-and-a-half. She is a Group 1 filly and there's lots to look forward to. She is in both [G1 Oaks and G1 Irish Oaks] and we will review it and see. We will see how she progresses during the week and make a decision in two weeks time.” Pedigree Notes Ezeliya, who becomes the 179th pattern-race winner for her sire, is the second of three live foals and leading performer from two winners out of multiple Group 1-placed G2 Blandford S. victrix Eziyra (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). The March-foaled homebred bay's stakes-placed second dam Eytarna (Ire) (Dubai Destination), who produced a total of four black-type performers, is kin to G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Prix Royal-Oak heroine Ebadiyla (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), G1 Moyglare Stud S. victrix Edabiya (Ire) (Rainbow Quest) and G1 Gold Cup winners Estimate (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) and Enzeli (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}). Ezeliya is a half-sister to an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Siyouni (Fr). Saturday, Navan, Ireland IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF SALSABIL S.-G3, €65,000, Navan, 4-27, 3yo, 10fT, 2:12.27, gd/yl. 1–EZELIYA (FR), 128, f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Eziyra (Ire) (MGSW & G1SP-Ire, G1SP-Eng & HK, $754,699), by Teofilo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Eytarna (Ire), by Dubai Destination 3rd Dam: Ebaziya (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-H H The Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan's Studs SC (FR); T-Dermot Weld; J-Chris Hayes. €39,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $52,399. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Purple Lily (Ire), 128, f, 3, Calyx (GB)–Boca Raton (Ire), by Approve (Ire). 'TDN Rising Star'. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€17,500 Wlg '21 GOFNO1; €24,000 Ylg '22 TATIRY; €155,000 2yo '23 TATGOR). O-Zinlo Syndicate; B-B O'Neill (IRE); T-Paddy Twomey. €13,000. 3–Everlasting (Ire), 128, f, 3, Kingman (GB)–Could It Be Love, by War Front. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €6,500. Margins: HF, HF, 1. Odds: 9.00, 1.00, 6.00. Also Ran: Caught U Looking (Ire), Bellezza (Ire), Wingspan (Ire), Riviera Queen (Ire). Dermot Weld is well and truly up and running! After winning a maiden at Cork last night, the Weld team now have what looks an Oaks prospect in Ezeliya, who stays on best to land the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes under @chrishayes24.@NavanRacecourse | @IrishEBF_ pic.twitter.com/oVaxeyvgKq — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 27, 2024 The post Dubawi’s Ezeliya Swoops Late to Seal Salsabil Triumph at Navan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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

Aidan O'Brien annexed the two latest editions of Saturday's Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Navan with subsequent Group 2 winners Aesop's Fables (Ire) (No Nay Never) and River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and he secured the hattrick after 1.25-million guineas Tattersalls Book 1 graduate Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) produced a 'TDN Rising Star' display in the extended five-furlong contest. Aesop's Fables and River Tiber also earned Rising Stars in this event and Camille Pissarro becomes Wootton Bassett's seventh Rising Star. Camille Pissarro dwelt slightly as the gates opened, but swiftly recovered and bounded along stalking the leaders out wide in a prominent fourth. Inching closer from halfway to launch his challenge passing the quarter-mile marker, the 10-11 favourite was given one reminder from Ryan Moore's persuader and found another gear inside the final furlong to open up a 1 1/2-length margin back to New Theory (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) at the line. “He's a horse that has shown a bit at home, it is great to get him out here and that was a lovely start,” said Ballydoyle's Chris Armstrong. “He has got an unbelievable pedigree by Wootton Bassett and a fantastic attitude, which is typical of the Wootton Bassetts. The penny was only starting to drop with him in the last half-furlong, which was probably the best part of the race for him. Once he puts the front nine and back nine together, he is very exciting. He's a classy sort, he's one of the smart ones and definitely one for [Royal] Ascot. Whether we get one run into him between now and then, I'm not sure, and we could go there without another run.” Camille Pissarro is the latest of nine foals and eighth scorer produced by a winning half-sister to G2 International Topkapi Trophy, G3 Supreme S. and G3 Criterion S. victor Producer (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}). He is a half-brother to G1 Commonwealth Cup hero Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Listed Cathedral S. winner Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Listed Pipalong S. victrix Exhort (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and to the dam of the dual stakes-placed Annie's Song (Ire) (Camacho {GB}). Camille Pissarro's second dam River Saint (Irish River {Fr}) is a half-sister to 10-time Grade I-winning US champion and matriarch Serena's Song (Rahy). 2nd-Navan, €18,000, Mdn, 4-27, 2yo, 5f 180yT, 1:17.91, gd/yl. CAMILLE PISSARRO (IRE), c, 2, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Entreat (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 2nd Dam: River Saint, by Irish River (Fr) 3rd Dam: Imagining, by Northfields Sales history: 1,250,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €10,620. *1/2 to Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}), G1SW-Eng & G1SP-Fr, $527,144; Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), SW-Eng, $221,340; and Exhort (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), SW-Eng, $124,356. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Peter M Brant; B-CN Farm Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore. A horse to follow 1,250,000gns buy Camille Pissarro makes a winning debut in the same race the @Ballydoyle team unleashed River Tiber 12 months ago. He could be very useful! @NavanRacecourse pic.twitter.com/BUZBoO6Zrc — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 27, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Camille Pissarro Snags TDN Rising Star Rosette at Navan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Impeccably bred Savabeel filly Waikato Girl (NZ) has added valuable black-type to her CV with a brave victory in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainer Michael Freedman. Bred and part-owned by Sir Peter Vela, Waikato Girl is out of Scintilulla, a Group Three winning and multiple Group One placed daughter of champion sire Galileo. Sporting the colours of Gandharvi Racing, Waikato Girl broke maiden ranks when successful at Rosehill in November. She found her way to Queensland for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival off the back of finishing just beyond midfield in the Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) on a Heavy track at Randwick earlier in the month. Specked late in the betting the filly travelled in midfield before sneaking up one off the fence early in the run home. Rider Vlad Duric got to work in the final 200m and she slowly reeled in Amazonian Lass (More Than Ready), who looked set for victory after moving clear of the field at that point, gaining the upper hand in the shadows of the post to register her second career success at just her seventh start. Kiwi import Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was a shade unlucky in third in what was a messy race. Duric admitted the confidence of Freedman had him feeling good about his chances prior to the race, although he had to overcome plenty of adversity in the run. “Michael was very bullish about her with blinkers on today,” Duric said. “Gee it was a rough race. There were horses that nearly fell in front of me and the horse inside me clipped heels and bumped into her and put her into the fence. “The win was first-class. To pick herself up and then fight at the end of the race, all credit goes to her and goes to Michael. “She has got black-type and I know there are a few people who will be very chuffed about this win. My good friend Mike Kneebone (Director of New Zealand Bloodstock) will be rapt, so it’s very good.” Purchased by Bloodstock Agent Michael Wallace for $600,000 out of Pencarrow Stud’s 2022 Karaka Book 1 draft, Waikato Girl is raced by Bangalore-born, Boston-based Kuldeep Singh Rajput under his Gandharvi banner in conjunction with New Zealand Bloodstock proprietor Sir Peter Vela. She is the younger sister of Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m) runner-up Butter Chicken (NZ) (Savabeel) and comes from an extended family that includes multiple European stakes winners. Waikato Girl’s four-time winning half-sister Stella Splendida (NZ) (Zoustar) recently sold for $410,000 on gavelhouse.com. Waikato Girl has now won two races with a further three placings, including a third placing in the Gr.3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m). The blueblood filly has plenty of Queensland options and is in the market for the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 8. View the full article

Jockey Lachlan Neindorf celebrated a Group One milestone as he guided Zoustar mare Climbing High (NZ) to the pair’s first Group One victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. After stepping slowly, Climbing Star, who carries the NZ suffix, settled near last in a strongly run race. The Phillip Stokes-trained four-year-old spotted the leaders in excess of ten lengths and was down on the inner of the track which jockeys had avoided for most of the day. Neindorf didn’t panic and gambled on a rails run which he gratefully accepted as the majority of the field rolled out towards the middle of the track. Climbing Star dashed into contention and narrowly defeated Learning To Fly (Justify) who came deepest of all, with Benedetta (Hellbent) back in third. It was the first success at the highest level for the twenty-two-year-old Neindorf and he was trying to remain calm immediately after the race, although the emotion of the moment was clearly playing out as he accepted congratulations from well-wishers. “I’m trying to keep it together but it was a really good win,” Neindorf said. “She stumbled at the start as I wanted to be a lot closer and from that point on, I just went bugger this, let’s go back to the inside and try and ride a race. “We got the favours and here we are. “A lot was going through my head and I was just trying to treat it like another race, thinking I’d cut my losses and run home into a place with even luck but this is very special. “This is for everyone in the Stokes stable and for my family and everyone here.” Stokes had been cautiously confident in the buildup regarding the chances of both his runners, with Stretan Angel (Harry Angel) also engaged and felt the outside barrier for Climbing Star might be to her advantage although those thoughts went out the window as the barriers opened. “I thought the outside barrier may not be as bad the way the track was playing,” he said. “She has been aimed at this, was third up and going super so we thought she would give a sight. “When I was watching the race, I was thinking what is happening here as we were meant to be on the outer, but it is just great for Lachie to get the win. “I’ve got some really good friends in this horse so it is a big thrill. “She has just come of age and is starting to blossom and she has a big Spring ahead of her.” Bred by Sheikh Fahad and the Royal Family of Qatar under their Qatar Bloodstock banner, Climbing Star is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Bryony, who visited Windsor Park Stud stallion Charm Spirit on three occasions, with that stallion raced by Qatar Bloodstock. View the full article

Handy three-year-old Lantern Way (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) returned to his best at Wanganui on Saturday with the aid of a gear change paving the way for a visit to the winners’ enclosure following the running of the Commdives NZ 3YO (1340m). The strapping son of Satono Aladdin had looked to have immense promise when he took out the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings back in September last year, and followed up with a meritorious fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) before heading to the spelling paddock. Much was expected upon his return to racing last month but a middling effort for seventh in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham and an abject failure next up at the same venue left trainer Lisa Latta scratching her head. The Manawatu mentor added a tongue tie to his gear for Saturday and he produced in fine style as he stormed home in the hands of Jonathan Riddell to head Matamata filly Loch Katrine (NZ) (Ardrossan) in the shadows of the post and register his second career victory. “We left Wellington pretty dejected three weeks ago as he was gone a long way out,” Latta said. “We couldn’t put it down to a lot, so we added the tongue tie, and he looked super today. “I was a little bit worried about the real heavy track (Heavy 8) but he has dug deep to win. “While the weather is still good, we will put him out for six weeks then have him ready for Hastings in the Spring. “He has always shown a lot and he is an absolute beauty.” Riddell also made mention of his disappointment in Lantern Way’s Trentham run. “I was so frustrated last start as I went to races and thought he would win but he dropped out,” he said. “He went through his gears today coming around the corner and that tongue tie has helped. “He is a lovely horse, so nice around the stable and he is one on my favourites.” Lantern Way was bred by Rich Hill Thoroughbreds, who will stand his sire Satono Aladdin for a service fee of $65,000 +GST for the 2024 breeding season. Rich Hill offered Lantern Way as a yearling in Book 2 at Karaka in 2022, where Latta secured him for $40,000. His eleven-start career has now produced two wins and four placings, earning more than $184,000 in stakes. View the full article

World’s highest-earning racehorse chases historic fourth Champions Mile victory on bumper Sha Tin SundayView the full article

Waikato Girl (blue cap) and Vlad Duric stuck close to the rails to get up and win the Listed Princess Stakes at Eagle Farm. Photo: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography Impeccably bred Savabeel filly Waikato Girl has added valuable black-type to her CV with a brave victory in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainer Michael Freedman. Bred and part-owned by Sir Peter Vela, Waikato Girl is out of Scintilulla, a Group Three winning and multiple Group One placed daughter of champion sire Galileo. Sporting the colours of Gandharvi Racing, Waikato Girl broke maiden ranks when successful at Rosehill in November. She found her way to Queensland for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival off the back of finishing just beyond midfield in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) on a Heavy track at Randwick earlier in the month. Specked late in the betting the filly travelled in midfield before sneaking up one off the fence early in the run home. Rider Vlad Duric got to work in the final 200m and she slowly reeled in Amazonian Lass, who looked set for victory after moving clear of the field at that point, gaining the upper hand in the shadows of the post to register her second career success at just her seventh start. Kiwi import Firestorm was a shade unlucky in third in what was a messy race. Duric admitted the confidence of Freedman had him feeling good about his chances prior to the race, although he had to overcome plenty of adversity in the run. “Michael was very bullish about her with blinkers on today,” Duric said. “Gee it was a rough race. There were horses that nearly fell in front of me and the horse inside me clipped heels and bumped into her and put her into the fence. “The win was first-class. To pick herself up and then fight at the end of the race, all credit goes to her and goes to Michael. “She has got black-type and I know there are a few people who will be very chuffed about this win. My good friend Mike Kneebone (Director of New Zealand Bloodstock) will be rapt, so it’s very good.” The blueblood filly has plenty of Queensland options and is in the market for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 8. Horse racing news View the full article

Local trainer Phillip Stokes and young jockey Lachlan Neindorf pulled off a major upset in the 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday, with their mare Climbing Star saluting at a juicy $26 price. The four-year-old Zoustar daughter arrived in peak form, following a win in the Listed Matrice Classic (1200m) and a narrow second to Benedetta in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m). A stumble out of the gates forced Neindorf to improvise, abandoning their pre-race plan to take the outside lane. Instead, he kept his cool, staying tucked away near the back of the pack. This tactical switch proved crucial. As they entered the home straight, Neindorf hugged the rails, allowing Climbing Star to conserve energy and find a clear path. The longshot filly surged forward, battling off a late charge from the fast-finishing Learning To Fly. Race favourite Estriella led the pack early, but faded in the final stages eventually running fifth. All eyes turned to Learning To Fly, who appeared poised to snatch victory after a strong closing burst. However, Climbing Star displayed remarkable heart and determination, holding off the challenge to claim a surprise victory. Learning To Fly settled for a close second, while Benedetta completed the trifecta with a strong third-place finish. “That was super,” said a delighted Stokes after the race. “I was watching the race and I thought hang on a second, what happened? We were meant to get her to the outside. “No horse had been there (the inside) all day. “Great for Lachie to get the win.” Neindorf, overcome with emotion, echoed Stokes’ sentiment: “It was a really good win. She stumbled at the start and I wanted to be a lot closer. Eventually, we got the favours and here we are!” While there’s no set plan to run in the upcoming Group 1 $1 million The Goodwood (1200m) back at the track on May 11, Stokes is optimistic about her potential. “We got her to peak on the day today,” he said. “She’s come of her own now. She’s coming of age and just starting to blossom now. “They still haven’t seen the best of her. “She’s got a great spring ahead of her I think. “We’d want to be happy with her (to contest The Goodwood). We don’t have to do that. “If she pulls up well, we’ll look at it.” 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 7 CLIMBING STAR (NZ) Phillip Stokes Lachlan Neindorf 14 56.5kg $26 2 13 LEARNING TO FLY Annabel Neasham Chad Schofield 0.3L 13 54.5kg $10 3 4 BENEDETTA Jason Warren Daniel Stackhouse 0.4L 1 56.5kg $9 4 2 I AM ME Ciaron Maher Blake Shinn 1.4L 2 56.5kg $5 5 12 ESTRIELLA Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 2.5L 11 54.5kg (cd 55kg) $2.80F 6 14 STRETAN ANGEL Phillip Stokes Damian Lane 2.9L 10 54.5kg $26 7 11 WALTZ ON BY Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 4.1L 8 56.5kg $26 8 10 SNAPPED Anthony & Sam Freedman Todd Pannell 4.4L 7 56.5kg $81 9 1 ZAPATEO James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 4.5L 3 56.5kg $8 10 9 WONDERFUL TONIGHT Sam Mynott Craig Williams 5L 12 56.5kg $101 11 3 PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE Grahame Begg Jordan Childs 5.1L 6 56.5kg $9 12 8 LEMPICKA Ken & Kasey Keys Blaike McChief Stipeall 6.9L 4 56.5kg $81 13 6 SKEW WIFF (NZ) Mark Walker Michael Dee 6.9L 5 56.5kg $81 14 5 ROOTS Chris Waller James McDonald 8L 9 56.5kg $26 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Climbing Star Upsets in Thrilling Robert Sangster Stakes 2024 Result appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

I’munstoppable leaves the field in her wake with a sharp front-running display in Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Just twenty-four hours after the passing of Wexford Stables figurehead Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan, the New Zealand training icon would have been looking down on Te Rapa with a beaming smile as promising filly I’munstoppable led from go to whoa to capture the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for the Matamata operation. Prepared by O’Sullivan’s fellow New Zealand Hall of Fame member and son Lance alongside Andrew Scott, the three-year-old daughter of Charm Spirit led her age group rivals a merry dash throughout in the hands of Sam Spratt. Spratt bounced her out nicely from barrier five and enjoyed an uncontested lead, quickening nicely around the home bend where she established a three-length break on her nearest rival. Rank outsider Our Absolute (+6000) got closest to the flying I’munstoppable but she was still over three lengths in arrears at the winning post with Impendabelle shading Eqyptian Queen for third. 2024 Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes Replay – I’munstoppable “Early in the spring we thought she was up to this (level) but she was getting things wrong,” Andrew Scott said. “She has built well for this with her last run a fortnight ago, then a week out on the farm before coming back in good form. “It’s good team effort by everyone and I’m so pleased for John and Julie (McLachlan, owners) as they have been so patient with her. “That is her ability as she can really burn, and she will be a good Kiwi sprinter when she is four and five. “Around Ellerslie three starts ago she was a bit stiff and today she has just run them into the ground.” Spratt was delighted a pre-race game plan had worked to perfection. “She doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground and there wasn’t any real speed in the race so both Scotty and I thought we could lead,” she said. “It all panned out well as she came up underneath me fine, although halfway up the straight I thought she might be shortening stride, but she had the others under plenty of strife. “I knew she could skip through the ground and sneak away so it was lovely we could manage to do that.” Bred and raced by John McLachlan and his wife Julie-Anne, I’munstoppable is out of their Rip Van Winkle mare Sisterella, who is a daughter of Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) placegetter Arabian Nights. She is the older half-sister of two-year-old Belardo gelding Lachie who ran fourth on debut in the second race on the card, and has now won three of her eight starts and $97,000 in prizemoney. The victory provided the O’Sullivan-Scott partnership with a double on the day and broke their previous season’s best winning tally with the duo now sitting at 50 wins for the year. Horse racing news View the full article

Climbing Star claims Group One honours at Morphettville. Photo: Atkins Photography Jockey Lachlan Neindorf celebrated a Group One milestone as he guided Zoustar mare Climbing High to the pair’s first Group One victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. After stepping slowly, Climbing Star, who carries the NZ suffix, settled near last in a strongly run race. The Phillip Stokes-trained four-year-old spotted the leaders in excess of ten lengths and was down on the inner of the track which jockeys had avoided for most of the day. Neindorf didn’t panic and gambled on a rails run which he gratefully accepted as the majority of the field rolled out towards the middle of the track. Climbing Star dashed into contention and narrowly defeated Learning To Fly who came deepest of all, with Benedetta back in third. 2024 Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes Replay – Climbing Star It was the first success at the highest level for the twenty-two-year-old Neindorf and he was trying to remain calm immediately after the race, although the emotion of the moment was clearly playing out as he accepted congratulations from well-wishers. “I’m trying to keep it together but it was a really good win,” Neindorf said. “She stumbled at the start as I wanted to be a lot closer and from that point on, I just went bugger this, let’s go back to the inside and try and ride a race. “We got the favours and here we are. “A lot was going through my head and I was just trying to treat it like another race, thinking I’d cut my losses and run home into a place with even luck but this is very special. “This is for everyone in the Stokes stable and for my family and everyone here.” Stokes had been cautiously confident in the buildup regarding the chances of both his runners, with Stretan Angel also engaged and felt the outside barrier for Climbing Star might be to her advantage although those thoughts went out the window as the barriers opened. “I thought the outside barrier may not be as bad the way the track was playing,” he said. “She has been aimed at this, was third up and going super so we thought she would give a sight. “When I was watching the race, I was thinking what is happening here as we were meant to be on the outer, but it is just great for Lachie to get the win. “I’ve got some really good friends in this horse so it is a big thrill. “She has just come of age and is starting to blossom and she has a big Spring ahead of her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Apostrophe sprints to victory in the closing stages over Saint Alice in the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) If Apostrophe has run her final race, the talented mare signed off on a successful career in style with a powerful finish to capture the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Apostrophe was purchased by her trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood for $60,000 at Karaka in 2019 and debuted in the middle of her three-year-old season and has aged like fine wine with each racing season bringing new heights for the now six-year-old mare. This term has been the best yet with her familiar barnstorming finishes coming to the fore in stakes company, narrowly missing Group success in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January going down by a head, and it was the same story back at Trentham two starts later with a long neck separating her from victory in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Stepping out over 2100m in the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes last time out, Apostrophe dominated the fillies and mares’ feature, and punters expected a repeat performance at Te Rapa backing her into -166.67 favouritism with online bookmakers ahead of Saint Alice (+600). The daughter of Tavistock was settled just worse than midfield by regular rider Masa Hashizume, with pacemaker Madame Le Fay taking control at the top. Last year’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner Val Di Zoldo made a break on the field turning for home, Apostrophe having a decent margin to make up with 300m to go. She used the entire length of the Te Rapa straight to reel in her rivals, but the mare provided her signature late sprint to narrowly secure the victory over Saint Alice by a half-head, with Final Purchase running into third ahead of Val Di Zoldo, whose jockey Wiremu Pinn did a sterling effort to round out the top four after losing an iron late in the race. 2024 Group 2 Travis Stakes – Apostrophe James admired the performance of the mare, and indicated she may have made her final appearance on race-day after the Group Two feature. “That was a tremendous effort today, halfway down the straight I though she couldn’t win, but she often does that, she hits a flat patch then sprints quickly. She did that at the end of a mile, and now has done it at the end of 2000m,” James said. “Whether we go on I don’t know, she has had soundness issues and she’s done what every breeder wants to do with a mare, and she’s rising seven. This could be her last run. “All credit to the staff at home, she’s high maintenance and there’s a lot of icing, poulticing and bandaging that goes into a horse like this. It’s a team effort, and it brings our team together when you get a win like this too.” Horse racing news View the full article

Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero chases Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) glory on only his third start in the cityView the full article

Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Vibrant Sun at Moonee Valley in March. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) A perfect front running ride from Mark Zahra has seen Vibrant Sun (+550) lead every step of the way to take out the Group 1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. The daughter of The Autumn Sun was coming off an impressive victory in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes, where she came from off the speed to run over the top of the leader late, which led many to believe that she would get 2000m at her first attempt. Zahra took his filly to the front to lead from Pulchritudinous (+600), and they put a good space between themselves and the rest of the field, which was led by Coco Sun (+700) as they hit the home straight. However, as Tim Clark shook up his mount on the outside of the leader, Zahra was saving the winner for one final sprint, and she let down strong to eventually pull away with 200m to go. Private Legacy (+1600) and Coco Sun flew home and put in a lunge on the winning post but just missed as Zahra got absolutely everything out of Vibrant Sun, recording a win by the barest of margins. 2024 Australasian Oaks Replay – Vibrant Sun Michael Kent Jnr represented the stable post-race and he was elated with the win. “We always liked her. She won her maiden by seven lengths and went to the Thousand Guineas,” Kent Jnr said. “Third-up, 2000 metres, straight to the front, it was a huge win. “She missed a run in the Auraria when she had a little setback, so it’s a massive job by the whole team at home. “She was there to be beaten. It was a huge effort. Awesome result for everybody.” “We’ll take stock and talk to everybody. She doesn’t have to go anywhere now, she’s a Group 1 winner. We’ll work that out on Monday morning.” Mark Zahra was very complimentary of the winner in his post-race interview. “Really gutsy. I couldn’t have her much slower in the run,” Zahra said of the winner. “I took my time getting there, but that’s as steady as I could go, but she’s got a high cruising speed. “I dropped my rein halfway down the straight and I couldn’t pick it up, it was too long. “I just kept riding her along. It was a good gutsy win. “Probably a little bit (out on her feet), which she was entitled to be. “I’ve won a Caulfield Cup dropping the reins, so it still counts. It’s not ideal, but I’m riding light today and a win is a win.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Mark Zahra-ridden Vibrant Sun produced a gritty performance to capture the 2024 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on Saturday. Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr., the daughter of The Autumn Sun defied a slight setback that forced her to miss the traditional lead-up race, the Auraria Stakes. Despite the lack of a recent run, Vibrant Sun’s fitness from her victory in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) proved sufficient for the longer distance. Zahra executed a masterful ride, taking the lead early and dictating the pace. He skillfully guided her around the bend, conserving enough energy for a crucial late push. On the home turn, reigning NZ Oaks winner Pulchritudinous challenged Vibrant Sun for the lead, briefly taking the advantage. However, Vibrant Sun dug deep, regaining the lead with 250m remaining and holding off a strong finishing surge from the competition. Two other The Autumn Sun fillies, Private Legacy and Coco Sun, rounded out the placings, finishing second and third respectively. The pre-race favourite, Wings Of Song, saw her six-race winning streak snapped as she finished a respectable fourth. “We always liked her,” co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr told Racing.com. “Third-up, 2000 metres, straight to the front, huge effort by the filly. “Missed a run in the Auraria, had a little set back, so massive job by the whole team back at home. “What a gutsy effort by the filly. Huge run. “She was there to be beaten. “Awesome result for everybody.” With her maiden Group 1 victory secured, Vibrant Sun may now be given a well-deserved break. The decision on her participation in the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival features will be made later. 2024 Australasian Oaks Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 6 VIBRANT SUN Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Mark Zahra 11 56kg $6 2 12 PRIVATE LEGACY Gregory Hickman Craig Williams 0.1L 9 56kg $18 3 8 COCO SUN Tony & Calvin McEvoy Ms Jamie Kah 0.2L 3 56kg $8.50 4 2 WINGS OF SONG Patrick Payne Jake Noonan 0.9L 8 56kg $5F 5 1 PULCHRITUDINOUS (NZ) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1.5L 6 56kg $7 6 10 QUICKSTER Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Blake Shinn 1.9L 12 56kg $8.50 7 15 BON MISTRESS Ken & Kasey Keys Daniel Stackhouse 3.1L 4 56kg $151 8 7 MOLLYNICKERS Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Ms Carleen Hefel 3.3L 13 56kg $21 9 3 POSITIVITY (NZ) Andrew Forsman Michael Dee 3.7L 7 56kg $20 10 13 INTO YOU Shay Keating Ms Alana Kelly 4.2L 10 56kg $41 11 14 THE AUTUMN BELLE Henry Dwyer Beau Mertens 4.7L 14 56kg $61 12 5 QUEEN OF DRAGONS Peter & Paul Snowden Damian Lane 4.7L 1 56kg $11 13 9 QALI AL FARRASHA (NZ) Mark Walker Billy Egan 6.5L 16 56kg $41 14 11 CONCELLO Chris Waller James McDonald 6.6L 5 56kg $8 15 4 SERASANA Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock John Allen 9.7L 2 56kg $51 16 16 INFINITY IMPERIAL Liam Howley Chad Schofield 27L 15 56kg $201 19e SHUT THAT D’OR Garret Lynch Sairyn Fawke 0 18e SEEKING STARDOM Andrew Gluyas 0 17e HARVEST MOON Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Ms Winona Costin 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Vibrant Sun Shines Brightest in Australasian Oaks Results 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

If Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock) has run her final race, the talented mare signed off on a successful career in style with a powerful finish to capture the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Apostrophe was purchased by her trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood for $60,000 at Karaka in 2019 and debuted in the middle of her three-year-old season and has aged like fine wine with each racing season bringing new heights for the now six-year-old mare. This term has been the best yet with her familiar barnstorming finishes coming to the fore in stakes company, narrowly missing Group success in the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January going down by a head, and it was the same story back at Trentham two starts later with a long neck separating her from victory in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Stepping out over 2100m in the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes last time out, Apostrophe dominated the fillies and mares’ feature, and punters expected a repeat performance at Te Rapa backing her into $1.60 favouritism ahead of Saint Alice (So You Think) ($7). The daughter of Tavistock was settled just worse than midfield by regular rider Masa Hashizume, with pacemaker Madame Le Fay (Smart Missile) taking control at the top. Last year’s Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree) made a break on the field turning for home, Apostrophe having a decent margin to make up with 300m to go. She used the entire length of the Te Rapa straight to reel in her rivals, but the mare provided her signature late sprint to narrowly secure the victory over Saint Alice by a half-head, with Final Purchase (NZ) (Savabeel) running into third ahead of Val Di Zoldo, whose jockey Wiremu Pinn did a sterling effort to round out the top four after losing an iron late in the race. James admired the performance of the mare, and indicated she may have made her final appearance on race-day after the Group Two feature. “That was a tremendous effort today, halfway down the straight I though she couldn’t win, but she often does that, she hits a flat patch then sprints quickly. She did that at the end of a mile, and now has done it at the end of 2000m,” James said. “Whether we go on I don’t know, she has had soundness issues and she’s done what every breeder wants to do with a mare, and she’s rising seven. This could be her last run. “All credit to the staff at home, she’s high maintenance and there’s a lot of icing, poulticing and bandaging that goes into a horse like this. It’s a team effort, and it brings our team together when you get a win like this too.” The Cambridge horseman paid credit to long-term Kingsclere Stables client Jim Hannan, who has had a string of success in thoroughbred ownership alongside his late wife Helen. Based in Invercargill, the couple won the 1997 edition of Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) with their first horse in Foxwood (NZ) (Centaine), and also were victorious in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) of 2000 with Spottswoode (NZ) (Centaine). “This win was made far more special by Jim Hannan being here, he was up at 5 o’clock this morning, well into his 80’s, to catch a flight, and has been to Matamata to see his yearling as well. It would’ve made his day,” James said. “His first horse with me was Foxwood who won a 2000 Guineas, and he’s been a very loyal and lucky owner since.” In a 21-start career, Apostrophe has earned $314,810 in stakes with seven wins and six minor placings for the Inglewood Partnership, and was bred by the Greenwich Stud Pty Ltd. View the full article

Two years after taking out the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with Carolina Reaper (NZ) (Vespa), Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have repeated and surpassed that result with a one-three finish headed by the rising star Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock). The time-honoured autumn showpiece was run for the 150th time on Saturday, a week later than expected and at a new home of Te Rapa due to the abandonment of the Ellerslie meeting last weekend. But despite the unusual circumstances, Snazzytavi produced a performance that will take a special place in the Easter Handicap’s recent history. The four-year-old daughter of Tavistock was having only the 10th start of her career, and she settled near the back of a strung-out field for jockey Warren Kennedy. Coming up to the home turn, she had only three horses behind her and was close to 10 lengths from the lead. But then Kennedy brought Snazzytavi to the outside and let her rip down the Te Rapa straight. She charged past nine rivals within the space of a few powerful strides, taking command at the 150m mark and opening up a winning margin of three and three-quarter lengths. Making the result even sweeter for Richardson and Norvall, the winner’s stablemate Channel Surfer (NZ) (Derryn) also produced an eye-catching finish into third. “That was enormous, and what a great run from the third horse too,” Richardson said. “I can’t wait until next year with Snazzytavi. I think she’ll get up over more ground in time as well – she just needs to learn a little bit more about being a racehorse. Races like the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) and Zabeel Classic (Gr.1, 2000m) are great targets that we can try to work towards. “Channel Surfer will be even better next year too. He’s just a little bit funny in the head, but he’s a very cool horse and has much more in front of him.” Snazzytavi capped a four-win day for Kennedy, who had previously scored aboard Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino), Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) and Freeze Frame (NZ) (Vadamos). “I think the step back down to the mile today suited her – she’ll get up over further in time, but at the moment she’s just not quite doing everything right over those longer distances,” the premiership-leading jockey said. “But she can really turn it on. They went at a good clip out in front, and then she made up five or six lengths in the space of about 100m in the straight. It was really quick, really sharp, and she sustained it to the line. I think they’ll have a lot of fun with her next season, and I think she can definitely be up to that Group One sort of level in time.” Snazzytavi has now had 10 starts for five wins, four placings and $231,275 in stakes. She began the season with only one win and one placing to her name from three appearances, but has made giant strides in her four-year-old preparation with four wins out of seven. She also placed behind Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in February. Saturday’s win was a case of so close, but so far for long-time Easter Handicap sponsor Bryan Black, who races the gallant runner-up Chattahoochee (NZ) (Reliable Man). “Our champion ran a great race but was just beaten by a better one today,” he said. “It was a fantastic race and there’s nothing wrong with being second.” Snazzytavi is raced by Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The Easter Handicap was the second leg of a Group double on the Te Rapa card for former Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock, who also sired the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) winner Apostrophe (NZ). “It’s not often you beat the sponsor,” Lindsay said with a hint of embarrassment. “We came into today thinking we had a good chance, but we certainly didn’t expect her to win it as easily as she did. “We didn’t breed this one ourselves, but we liked what we saw from her in a trial and we bought her off Gordon Cunningham. Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have done a terrific job with her. “Jo and I just love our racing, and there’s nothing quite like winning a Group race like this with such a promising mare – and especially when she’s a daughter of our late stallion Tavistock.” View the full article

Progressive filly Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino) provided a fitting result in the opening event at Te Rapa on Saturday, a day where one of the greats of the New Zealand training ranks was remembered after the passing of Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan twenty-four hours earlier. The Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned daughter of Tarzino is trained by O’Sullivan’s legendary jockey and now trainer son Lance, in partnership with Andrew Scott and as she hit the line in front there were many dabbing away tears at the result. Guided to perfection by National Jockeys’ premiership leader Warren Kennedy, Tomodachi came with an irresistible finish to score comfortably from Taranaki visitor Bridal Train (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Solidify (NZ) (Redwood) in the three-year-old 1600m contest. Scott was quick to thank racing fans for their kind wishes to the O’Sullivan family and Wexford Stable staff after the race. “It was great for all the team at home and on behalf of team Wexford we’d like to thank everyone for their support and messages as it means a lot to us,” Scott said. “What a promising filly she is for Sir Peter as she won with a bit in hand and hopefully we can take her to Brisbane with a bit of confidence after a chat with Sir Peter. “She is a very promising stayer and will make a Group (stakes) horse in time as she has just quickened so well today. “We’ve had to teach her to stay, so to see her kick on is great and she is bred to go a lot further.” Tomodachi is out of Vela’s lightly raced High Chaparral mare Quintessentially (NZ) and comes from a female line that includes horses of the calibre of multiple Group One winner Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm) and Hong Kong Cup (1600m) winner Romanee Conti (NZ) (Sir Tristram). Kennedy was full of praise for the effort. “She was just fantastic and was a real treat today as she did everything right,” he said. “She settled really well and when I let her build into the race she quickened nicely. “She was looking around and waiting for a challenge after I hit the front as she wanted something to chase.” Tomodachi has now won three races in a row after finishing third at Taupo on debut. The win equalled the O’Sullivan/Scott partnership’s previous best for a season of 49 wins, with three months of the current racing season still to come. View the full article

Just twenty-four hours after the passing of Wexford Stables figurehead Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan, the New Zealand training icon would have been looking down on Te Rapa with a beaming smile as promising filly I’munstoppable (NZ) (Charm Spirit) led from go to whoa to capture the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for the Matamata operation. Prepared by O’Sullivan’s fellow New Zealand Hall of Fame member and son Lance alongside Andrew Scott, the three-year-old daughter of Charm Spirit led her age group rivals a merry dash throughout in the hands of Sam Spratt. Spratt bounced her out nicely from barrier five and enjoyed an uncontested lead, quickening nicely around the home bend where she established a three-length break on her nearest rival. Rank outsider Our Absolute (NZ) (Niagara) ($61) got closest to the flying I’munstoppable but she was still over three lengths in arrears at the winning post with Impendabelle (Impending) shading Egyptian Queen (NZ) (Zoustar) for third. “Early in the spring we thought she was up to this (level) but she was getting things wrong,” Andrew Scott said. “She has built well for this with her last run a fortnight ago, then a week out on the farm before coming back in good form. “It’s good team effort by everyone and I’m so pleased for John and Julie (McLachlan, owners) as they have been so patient with her. “That is her ability as she can really burn, and she will be a good Kiwi sprinter when she is four and five. “Around Ellerslie three starts ago she was a bit stiff and today she has just run them into the ground.” Spratt was delighted a pre-race game plan had worked to perfection. “She doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground and there wasn’t any real speed in the race so both Scotty and I thought we could lead,” she said. “It all panned out well as she came up underneath me fine, although halfway up the straight I thought she might be shortening stride, but she had the others under plenty of strife. “I knew she could skip through the ground and sneak away so it was lovely we could manage to do that.” Bred and raced by John McLachlan and his wife Julie-Anne, I’munstoppable is out of their Rip Van Winkle mare Sisterella (NZ), who is a daughter of Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) placegetter Arabian Nights (NZ) (Almutawakel). She is the older half-sister of two-year-old Belardo gelding Lachie (NZ) who ran fourth on debut in the second race on the card, and has now won three of her eight starts and $97,000 in prizemoney. The victory provided the O’Sullivan-Scott partnership with a double on the day and broke their previous season’s best winning tally with the duo now sitting at 50 wins for the year. View the full article

Progressive staying three-year-old Bold Soul (NZ) (Embellish) tuned up for next week’s Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) with a strong win in the Gr.3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville for trainer Patrick Payne and jockey Jake Noonan. The son of Embellish has followed a similar path to the Payne-trained Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel), who won last year’s South Australian Derby after spring-boarding off a successful campaign in Tasmania. Like Dunkel, Bold Soul won both the Listed Launceston Guineas (2100m) and Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) on a successful working holiday in the Apple Isle. The Kiwi-bred gelding travelled sweetly throughout on Saturday in the back quarter of the field and picked up well late to suggest he will relish getting over next week’s extended trip on the roomy Adelaide track. Winning rider Jake Noonan said he had taken plenty of learnings from Bold Soul’s third placing in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) at his previous outing. “I probably didn’t put enough trust in the horse last start when he hit a flat-spot,” Noonan said. “Today I just trusted the horse and Patrick just instilled it in me to do that. “When he hit a flat-spot I didn’t rush him through it which gave himself a chance to pick himself up and then from the 400m I travelled like the winner from a long way out. “I had the stick in the left hand ready to go today as I know he can lay in. But for me he went pretty straight, and it took until the last 100m to get him to flatten out, but he got there. “I wasn’t too worried about where I was and who I was following, I was just trying to ride my horse. “This horse looks in great order physically still. He has had a Tasmanian preparation and as Pat suggested they don’t have a hard time in Tassie. They train down there with Adam Trinder and they’re in a good environment.” By Cambridge Stud’s Group One winning son of Savabeel, Embellish, Bold Soul is the last foal of the now retired Singspiel mare Twin Soul and was bred by Lou Te Keeti. Bold Soul was sold at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 2 Yearling Sale for $20,000 to Wanganui horseman Hamish Auret. He subsequently won a jump-out for Auret and was purchased privately before joining Payne’s Victorian operation. A genuine galloper, Bold Soul has now won five of his eight starts with a further three placings and has amassed prize money of A$371,675 to date. View the full article

Queen Of The South Stakes winner Seonee. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) A perfect ride from Billy Egan has helped Seonee (+450) take out the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes to give Patrick Payne a training double at Morphettville on the first day of the Adelaide Racing Carnival. The Egan-Payne combination is a lethal one when going well and with an Egan peach from barrier one, the daughter of Winning Rupert stalked Legacies (+800), who led the field up to the home turn, before peeling off her back late to run away with a strong win. Although it appeared as though the winner would need some luck on the rail, a massive gap opened for Egan to push his mare through and when he asked for an effort, Seonee let down with a blistering turn of foot. Seonee would record a 1.5-length victory over Lady Jones (+700) and Silent Surrente (+2200), with Legacies holding on for fourth place as the leading division dominated the race from start to finish. 2024 Queen Of The South Stakes Replay – Seonee Joe O’Neill represented the Patrick Payne stable in the post-race interview. “We’re absolutely thrilled. We’ve got a heap of owners here,” O’Neill said. “She’s just a lovely mare. We didn’t pay much for her and she’s been fantastic. “Paddy Payne, what a training performance, and Billy Egan, what a ride.” “She’s a lot stronger now than what she was. “Who knows, next year the Coolmore Classic or races like that. She’s a much better mare when we can get a wet track, but we just haven’t had them. “She’s now won nine races and is the second most winning mare from the 2021 Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast behind Imperatriz. “She’s done a great job and Paddy has brought her along gently, let her develop, didn’t push and look what we have today. “I think there’s a race in Brisbane, a mile and then there’s the Tatt’s Tiara. “They’re probably her next two runs if we decide to go that far, otherwise we can put her away. We just don’t know how far she can take us.” Billy Egan has a great record aboard Seonee throughout his career and he spoke post-race. “I thought I only needed to come four to five horses off the fence. Everyone wanted to get away from the fence and I was always going to go up on the fence and come out to the middle,” Egan said. “One was always going to drop off and I would always get into the clear. “I was happy with how it panned out. Legacies was a good horse to use as a bunny and I knew it would take me a long way. “She’s got a terrific record. It’s good to see her win at the mile as well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Winner of the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes, Skybird, pictured here after a previous win at Bendigo. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Mitchell Freedman and Beau Mertens have combined with the ultra-impressive Skybird (+600) to take out the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes, with the one time Thousand Guineas favourite proving way too good for her rivals over 1200m at Morphettville. After returning with an encouraging run at Bendigo first-up, Freedman sent his filly to Adelaide to claim another valuable Group level victory and with that in the rear-view mirror now, The Goodwood in two weeks time could be on the cards for Skybird. With several speed influences in the race, it was no surprise to see the race run at a good clip and set up for the runners with a good turn of foot finish off strong down the outside. Mertens followed the Pivot City (+600) around the home turn before peeling off his back at the top of the straight to let down with her customary blistering finish. As soon as Skybird took over with 250m to go, there was no way any of her rivals were going to catch her and she recorded an impressive 1.9-length victory over Moesha (+450) and Pivot City, who filled the placings. 2024 Tobin Bronze Stakes Replay – Skybird Mitchell Freedman was elated with the win and he spoke post-race. “We had a specific plan to come to this race or the Sangster, but we thought the Sangster was heating up with the prize money on offer,” Freedman said of the plan. “We’re still building our fitness in the three-year-old race and if she comes though it well enough, we might come back in two weeks time (to race in The Goodwood). “There is a chance on the way she won there. “I know she has a bit of improvement to come, so she could come and compete in that race and get the weight advantage, being a filly. “I think you’ll find 1400 metres will be her best distance, or 1300 maybe, that 1200 to 1400 will be right for her. I’m not sure she runs a mile. “She’s only tasted defeat two times and the other day at Bendigo, things were against her and in the Thousand Guineas. She’s a very good filly with plenty of upside. “We’ve got an ultimate goal of trying to get to the Golden Eagle, so that’s on our radar and we’ll see how we get there.” Beau Mertens has built a strong affiliation with Skybird and he spoke glowingly about the filly after the win. “She’s outstanding. Mitch has done a terrific job to get her to perform like she has today,” Mertens said. “She missed a trial leading up to her first-up and we both thought it was a good enough run to come here and give it a shot. “She gave me the feel last prep of a really nice filly. “She’s a filly that doesn’t get too clean away out of the machine but as time goes on she’s learning to get out and get herself amongst it which is going to make her life a lot easier. “I was able to have a really nice spot with a bit of cover three deep following Blake (Shinn) and it took me right into the race. “When I gave her squeeze at the top of the straight, I knew she would be there for me.” Horse racing news View the full article

John Hawkes Stakes winner Extremely Lucky. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Extremely Lucky (+650) has broken through for his first win in nearly two years, as the five-year-old gelding recorded a nice victory on her return for the Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea stable in the inaugural running of the John Hawkes Stakes at Morphettville. After spending 12 months with Chris Waller in Sydney, the son of Extreme Choice returned to the South Australian trainers to take his place in the Adelaide Racing Carnival over the next few weeks, and the change of scenery has paid dividends instantly. Master Eight (+7000) made sure the race was run at a breakneck tempo as he took off mid-race to lead by three lengths over Celsius Star (+2000) and Sghirripa (+500) who settled behind the leader, and by the time they hit the top of the straight, those two took over to lead the field with 400m to go. However, it was easy to see that the swoopers were going to run over the top of them in the concluding stages as they launched down the outside with their runs. In a tight photo finish, Extremely Lucky just held on from a fast-finishing Sans Doute (+380), with What You Need (+360) and Grey River (+800) finishing in third and fourth place, respectively. 2024 John Hawkes Stakes Replay – Extremely Lucky Will Clarken was clearly emotional after the win of Extremely Lucky during his post-race interview. “He’s a horse that we spruiked and and our stable really believes in data and he’s the benchmark, the best horse we’ve trained in that sort of stuff, but has never got there,” Clarken said. “Whether he will is yet to come. This was a Listed race and it was the right circumstances. “There was good speed. Jamie rode him and I’ve been a believer that when you’re working with a horse and things aren’t going right, it’s very hard to correct at the time. “I got a bit of time when he went to Waller’s just to think about things that I would do differently. I corrected every mistake I made and I’m able to train the horse a lot better now. “He might have lost a bit of time there in his life for a life, but he’s back now well and we’ll give him a bit of time to see how he comes out of that. “Group 1 horses win Group 1’s. What he can do is quite astonishing and they have to do it race day. “We’re a long way from that, but he ticks a lot of boxes that a lot of horses can’t do. “It’s great to haves the Hawkes’ on course today. They’re a famous South Australian racing family and it’s great to see them back here.” Jamie Kah was also very happy with the win post-race. “It’s good to see him back. He was a very, very smart horse, but so much went wrong with him,” Kah said. “He was feeling the pinch near the line, but it was deserved. “At the 400 metres I thought he was really smoking and I thought he’d easily win. “He got to the 100 metres and had nearly had enough. Will told me he’d only had the one trial, but it’s good to win on him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Bold Soul on his way to winning the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville. Photo: Atkins Photography Patrick Payne has trained his first winner of the 2024 Adelaide Racing Carnival to kick off what could be a big day for the stable, with Jake Noonan piloting Bold Soul (+300) to victory in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Morphettville. With the likes of Seonee and Wings Of Song set to represent the stable in two of the feature races later in the program, Bold Soul will have settled the nerves for the Victorian trainer, as his three-year-old gelding turned the tables on Air Assault (+360) and Warmonger (+170) from the Port Adelaide Guineas last start. As expected, Air Assault jumped to the front and led the field at a solid tempo, while the other two favoured runners settled towards the rear of the field. However, when the leader turned into the home straight, it was clear that he was starting to take smaller steps and the swoopers were starting to gain on the leading division. Noonan allowed his mount to balance up and the son of Embellish let down with a strong finish to take over and claim victory in the final strides of the race, with Just Berrilliant (+10000) and Air Assault fighting out the placings and finishing in that order. 2024 Chairman’s Stakes Replay – Bold Soul Although Patrick Payne was unavailable for a post-race interview, Jake Noonan spoke about the win of Bold Soul. “I didn’t put enough trust in the horse last time when he hit that flat spot. Today I just trusted the horse and Paddy just instilled in me to do that,” Noonan said. “If he gets out of his ground, don’t worry about it and if he hits a flat spot, don’t worry about it. “It’s a nice track and he’s got time to balance up and hit the line if he’s good enough, he should close well. “The horse, when he hit that flat spot, I didn’t rush him through it, I gave him the chance to pick himself up and then from the 400, 500-metres out, I felt like the winner a long way out. “I had the stick in the left all the way and was ready for him to hang in, but for me he went pretty straight and flattened out in the last 100 metres and got there. “I wasn’t worried who I was following and I just wanted to ride my horse. “He rolled along the other day and I put the trust in him to get the first half right so he can finish off the second half. “I said to Paddy he looks great in the yard and he gave me a hip and shoulder as to say, ‘what are you trying to say’. “Paddy and his team have great credentials and his deeds speak for themselves. This horse looks in great order. “This horse has had a Tasmanian prep, but they don’t have a hard time in Tassie. “They get trained down at the beach with Adam Trinder and they’re in a good environment. “That allows three-year-olds like this to have that sort of preparation and to come here and be in good order.” Horse racing news View the full article