Wandering Eyes

Lane's End's Honor A. P. was represented by his first winner April 25 when Dancing Porky won the fifth race at Turf Paradise in his second career start. View the full article

Horse racing on Friday, April 26, 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 Cranbourne and Tamworth. Friday Racing Tips – April 26, 2024 Cranbourne Racing Tips Tamworth 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 April 26, 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

Mr Mojo Risin’ winning the Listed Anzac Mile (1600m) at Otaki on Thursday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Cambridge raider Mr Mojo Risin’ capitalised on a dream rail run to capture his first stakes victory when he claimed the Listed Anzac Mile (1600m) at Otaki. Carrying the distinctive green colours of his breeders and owners, the Carter family under their Jomara Bloodstock banner, the four-year-old son of Deep Field had suggested he was ready to take the step up in class when powering home to win over 1400m in rating 75 company at the venue earlier in the month. Senior rider Joe Doyle took over from apprentice Triston Moodley for the feature event on Anzac Day and soon had the Andrew Forsman-trained runner trucking along nicely in the trail behind surprise pacemaker Dark Destroyer. Things started to go awry for Doyle approaching the turn as Dark Destroyer felt the pinch and dropped back in his lap just as race favourite Islington Lass swooped into contention wider out. The native Irishman didn’t panic and as soon as the inside run presented itself he shot Mr Mojo Risin’ through and he sprinted clear to hold out Islington Lass by half a length with Lightning Jack running on gamely for third. John Carter wasn’t on track for the race but was a keen spectator on television and was rapt to see the horse put his best foot forward. “Andrew was pretty confident before the race but we thought he would have had more in his favour with a little more moisture in the track,” Carter said. “The Good4 rating was a concern but in the end he didn’t seem to mind and he dashed away in the closing stages. “He was stakes placed early on but has needed some time to mature and that has been really beneficial as he looks a much stronger horse now. “We will be guided by Andrew on where he goes next but with the tracks softening here now there will be options. He knows how to travel as he has been back and forwards to Australia so maybe something in Queensland or in Victoria will be a consideration as well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Qali Al Farrasha will contest the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Te Akau Racing’s Mark Walker was busy packing on Thursday morning as he readied himself for a trip to Adelaide to link up with a five-strong arsenal from the team’s Cranbourne base that will contest most of the major events at Morphettville on Saturday. The quintet is headed by Qali Al Farrasha in the day’s feature event, the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) along with Skew Wiff in the other elite event, the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m). Also representing the stable on the day will be Group One winner Campionessa who will contest the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m), Zourion in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) and Sans Doute shooting for five wins in a row in the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m). Walker knows the strength and depth of the fields on the day will make winning a challenging prospect, but he is confident each runner will acquit themselves well. “It is a great day of racing and the added prizemoney on offer has really added a lot of interest to the fields that have been assembled,” Walker said. “Most of our horses will be having their last starts for the season and I am expecting them all to run well despite not having a lot of luck with our barrier draws in some races.” Walker was referring to Qali Al Farrasha who has drawn the extreme outside in barrier 19 (reduced to 16 with scratchings) in the Oaks while Campionessa also fared poorly drawing barrier 12 of 18. “Qali Al Farrasha is having her first run in Australia after finishing third in the New Zealand Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) in March,” he said. “She has travelled over well and has worked nicely but we certainly copped the visitors draw in this one. “We are just going to have to take our medicine and go back at the start and see how things unfold from there. “Mick (Michael) Dee has the ride so she will get every opportunity and it will be very interesting as to how the New Zealand fillies go in the race as both Pulchritudinous and Positivity are in the field and they are the two that beat us home at Trentham. “The Kiwi three-year-olds generally measure up very well at this time of the year in Australia and we are hopeful that is how it plays out again. “Skew Wiff has been mixing her form of late but in strong fields and she strikes another one on Saturday. “Her last race wasn’t that bad as she was travelling well and the rider went to the outside for a run where if he had stayed put he would have got the gap on the inner. That is easy to say in hindsight but if she performs like we know she can, she will be a chance. “She will have this race then head back home to Waikato Stud for a nice spell.” Walker also found plenty of positives for his other three runners on the day. “Sans Doute has been working extremely well and she is shooting for five in a row,” he said. “This is a step up and a new challenge as her wins have come at Flemington, but she has the advantage of being just half a kilogram off the minimum for the race. “She will then head to the spelling paddock and we are excited about her for next season. “Campionessa has a lot of weight on her back (59.5kgs) but she has earned it as a Group One winner and she has enhanced her reputation over here with what she has done. “She will head home for a break in New Zealand after Saturday as well. “Zourion is likely to just have this start before we put her away for a spell. “She chipped a fetlock in the Thousand Guineas (Group 1, 1600m) back in November and got plenty of time off to recover. “She goes well fresh and has had a couple of jumpouts to get ready, so we are hopeful.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ahuriri dashes to a comfortable victory in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m). Photo: Reg Ryan (Racing Photos) Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor played a starring role at Flemington on Anzac Day, siring the quinella in the $200,000 Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) with his three-year-old daughters Ahuriri and Alma Rise. Ahuriri became only the ninth filly to win the VRC St Leger since 1930, and the first since fellow Kiwi-bred filly Exceptionally back in 2010. Both Ahuriri and Alma Rise were rated among the favourites for Thursday’s staying test, with Alma Rise just shading her rival for favouritism at +230 with online bookmakers after showing real promise with a win and a second in her only two previous appearances. Alma Rose enjoyed a comfortable run in second on the outside of the front-running Ganbare, who was allowed to set a sedate speed out in front. Ahuriri settled in fifth and one off the fence, well within striking distance all the way around the Flemington circuit. Alma Rose cruised up alongside the leader at the top of the straight and clearly had him covered, but then Damian Lane angled Ahuriri out to the centre of the track and sent her into full flight. She bounded to the lead and went clear, opening up an impressive winning margin of two and a quarter lengths over Alma Rise. It was the second win of an eight-start career for the Chris Waller-trained Ahuriri, who has also collected three minor placings and has banked $173,125 in stakes. She was stepping down in class on Thursday, having finished eighth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) in her previous start. “It all clicked into place for her,” Lane said. “It was obviously great placement by Chris Waller and his team. You can always be confident, when you throw your leg over these horses, that they’re fit and well. She was that and she handled herself really well. “I was mindful that the two to beat would probably sit first and second in the run. I thought the leader may go a more genuine tempo, but I didn’t want to be giving too big a head start. I was able to get into a great position, only two or three lengths off the speed. That really helped me get into the race from the corner, and her turn of foot was just way too good. “She’s got real stamina. She’s not very big, but she’s got a lot of heart and that’ll take her a long way.” Horse racing news View the full article

California Spangle wins the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint. Hong Kong’s challenging spring weather rather than barrier position is the only concern Tony Cruz has for his highly-fancied California Spangle in Sunday’s (April 28) HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. California Spangle, who won his past two starts at the highest level, continues to reinvent himself as a sprinter after taking out the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai at his most recent start. After California Spangle was allocated barrier seven in the 11-horse at Thursday’s barrier draw ceremony at Sha Tin, Cruz said he had no problem with the six-year-old gelding’s gate. Cruz has one runner in each of the three feature races and they will all be ridden by Brenton Avdulla. Cruz will also saddle Beauty Joy (barrier four) in the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) and Five G Patch (barrier eight) in the Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m). Cruz said he didn’t have any complaints with the barriers, but said California Spangle had never raced on a wet track. “We will have to see but I am not very confident and I prefer a good track,” Cruz said. “You have got to know where you are because (on) a good track, we all know he can perform and we don’t want a wet track to gamble on.” Despite not wanting to encounter a rain-affected surface, Cruz remains confident the Sha Tin surface will dry out significantly for Sunday’s racing. “This track really is amazing compared to any track in the world,” he said. “No matter how much rain there is, it can turn out to be a very good track, still.” With Japanese raider Mad Cool and Hong Kong’s Victor The Winner – both also Group 1 winners – also front-running horses like California Spangle, it shapes as an intriguing battle. Cruz said Victor The Winner and California Spangle were probably the two fastest front-runners in the race but would be challenged by Mad Cool, who won the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) on a rain sodden Chukyo Racecourse in Japan at his last start. Victor The Winner finished third after leading. After starting as a sprinter and then running second to Romantic Warrior as a four-year-old in the Hong Kong Derby (2000m), California Spangle won over 1600m at Group 1 level. His victory at 1200m in Dubai was his first return to the distance in 18 starts and two years. “From the very beginning he held records in the sprint races of 1000m and 1200m (for Griffins) in Hong Kong and then we stepped him up to run at a mile (1600m),” Cruz said. “He is a real sprinter-miler. When we didn’t get success at the mile, I thought in the end I think we should race back in the sprint races because we don’t want to clash with Golden Sixty any more. We were lucky to beat him once because of the barrier draw and the way he was going. “He has had natural speed all his life and sprinting is really his distance.” Cruz said that despite Mad Cool drawing out in barrier 11, he rates him as the biggest challenge. Horse racing news View the full article

Pricilla Schaefer, exercise rider for Danny Gargan, gets to ride two Kentucky Derby contenders each morning in Dornoch and Society Man.View the full article

5th-Turf Paradise, $30,000, Msw, 4-25, 2yo, 5f, :59.17, ft, 1 1/4 lengths. DANCING PORKY (c, 2, Honor A. P.–Morning Dance, by Broken Vow) recorded the first worldwide winner for his Lane's End freshman sire Honor A.P. (by Honor Code), who has 80 foals of racing age to his credit. The juvenile, who debuted at Turf Paradise and finished third Apr. 11, was sent off as the 1-2 choice here. Though the colt started slowly, around the far turn he got into gear. Driving down the lane, Dancing Porky crossed the line by 1 1/4 lengths over Just Trust Me (Bodexpress). The winner's dam is responsible for a yearling by Lexitonian and she was bred to West Coast for this season. Sales History: $6,000 Ylg '23 FTCAYR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $21,300. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O-Gordiano Racing Stable and Silva, Jose Luna; B-H & E Ranch (KY); T-Jose Luna Silva. The post Freshman Sire Honor A.P. Gets His First Winner At Turf Paradise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Daily Racing Form (DRF) writer Dan Illman has been named recipient of the 2024 Old Hilltop Award for covering Thoroughbred racing with excellence and distinction and will be honored May 16 at Pimlico's Alibi Breakfast in the buildup to the GI Preakness S. “I am very honored to receive the Old Hilltop Award from the Maryland Jockey Club,” said Illman, who also serves as executive producer for DRF's video productions. “I fell in love with racing the first time I went to Belmont Park as a child, snuck the Daily Racing Form into my high school classes, and am very grateful to live my dream by covering the sport each day. The last few years of reporting on the Mid-Atlantic region, especially Maryland racing, have been the most rewarding of my career.” For more information and tickets for the Alibi Breakfast, an institution at Pimlico since the 1930s, click here. The post Dan Illman to Receive Old Hilltop Award at Alibi Breakfast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland will host its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale following Friday's 10-race card on closing day of the Spring Meet. The fledgling auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET. Keeneland's final race will go off at approximately 5:09 p.m. ET. A total of 134 horses–and still growing–have been catalogued to the one-day sale. “It's an exciting sale,” Keeneland's Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach said earlier this week. “It's kind of a celebration of the end of our race meet and it also kicks off Derby week. This is only the second time that we've held it right after the race meet on closing day. It creates a really positive atmosphere. We'll have live music before and after the sale and we'll also have Grey Goose cocktails and sandwiches from Drake's, a local restaurant. We really liked the vibe that we created two years ago. Last year, we had to pivot to a Sunday sale because OBS's schedule had changed.” Breathnach continued, “Currently, there are about 85 horses in the sale, it's a moving number. It will be right down to the last minute with the number of horses that will go through the ring, but that's right in line with where we were the last two years. We take a lot of pride in selling horses that have run well or won at the meet. Hopefully, we'll have a lot of energy. We've had a lot of people talk about the sale and ask or confirm if we were doing it going back to as early as the turn of the year. We're excited to see how it unfolds.” Highlights from the catalogue include: the 3-year-old gelding Save the Trees (Preservationist) (Hip 131, consigned by Airdrie Stud, agent), an impressive come-from-behind debut winner for the Estate of Brereton C. Jones and trainer Wayne Mackey at Keeneland Apr. 19; the streaking 4-year-old ridgling Uncle Jake (Uncle Mo) (Hip 119, consigned by Vaccarezza Racing, agent), who made it three straight wins with a Keeneland allowance tally for JKX Racing and Vaccarezza Racing LLC at Keeneland Apr. 11; the 3-year-old filly Watchtower (Demarchelier {GB}) (Hip 79, consigned by ELiTE, agent for White Birch Farm), who is unbeaten in two races this year on turf for Peter Brant and Chad Brown at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs; 2023 GII Alysheba S. winner Smile Happy (Runhappy) (Hip 57, consigned by Gainesway, Agent II); 2022 GII Suburban S. winner Dynamic One (Union Rags) (Hip 101, consigned by Highgate Sales, Agent V); and MGSW & MGISP Wit (Practical Joke) (Hip 124, consigned by Gainesway, Agent XV as a stallion prospect). Last year's sale was topped by then 2-year-old Commissioner Dan (Commissioner), who brought $500,000 from Pedro Lanz, bidding on behalf of the Saudi Arabia-based KAS Stable, following a debut win at Keeneland. Keeneland sold 67 horses through the ring for $6,743,000, good for an average of $100,642 and a median of $70,000, at last year's auction. Recent graduates of the April Sale include: Carmel Road (Quality Road) ($260,000 '23 KEEAPR), winner of the 2024 King Faisal Cup in Saudi Arabia; 2023 GIII John B. Connally Turf Cup S. winner Scarlet Fusion (Curlin) ($110,000 '22 KEEAPR); and last weekend's Danger's Hour S. winner Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro) ($280,000 '23 KEEAPR). “There's really a market for ready-made animals,” Breathnach said. “The claim box has been popular and busy the whole meet. There are a lot of people that are looking for horses that are ready to go on with. We've had a lot of support and interest from Saudi Arabia and they'll be live and active again. They like dirt horses and hopefully we have some of what they want.” The post Keeneland’s April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale Follows Friday’s Closing Day Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Peter Stennett and jockey Vanessa Arnott are all smiles after five-year-old gelding New Entrerprise made it back to back wins at Fannie Bay on Anzac Day. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) Darwin apprentices Emma Lines and Jade Hampson, as well as senior rider Sonja Logan, have enjoyed plenty of headlines this season. Lines was the Alice Springs Cup Carnival’s leading rider. Hampson represented the NT with distinction in the National Apprentice Race Series. Logan, last season’s top rider in the Alice Springs and Provincial Premierships, is never far from the spotlight. The trio continue to leave their mark in Darwin and Alice Springs. On Anzac Day, it was one other senior female jockey who had their moment in the sun, with Vanessa Arnott landing two winners at Fannie Bay. The day didn’t start well for Arnott, with Patrick Johnston’s Gelata remaining idle in the gates. It only got better for the experienced hoop with victory aboard Motivated Miss ($5.50) over 1200m (BM54) for trainer and partner Jason Manning before saluting on Peter Stennett’s New Enterprise ($2.70) over 1600m (0-64). It was Arnott’s first double since Noir De Rue and Motivated Miss prevailed last July during the Darwin Cup Carnival. Back from a spell, Motivated Miss shared the early lead before making a winning move at the 600m. The four-year-old mare led comfortably in the home straight before overcoming Gary Clarke’s Captain George ($1.50) by 1.2 lengths, with Manning’s fast-finishing Kirakat ($19) third. New Enterprise, who has now had 24 Darwin starts since March last year, jumped from a wide gate before joining Phil Cole’s Supermo ($11), who held the fence, out in front passing the 1200m. The five-year-old gelding by Anacheeva was two lengths clear at the 400m before sealing the deal after Arnott got him home over 1300m (0-64) six days ago. After six wins and seven minor placings for Stennett, New Enterprise finished 4.7 lengths clear of Supremo and Chris Pollard’s Bart’s Bullet ($11), who was last turning for home. After last Friday’s treble, Clarke and Jarrod Todd had two wins with Desarmer ($1.65 fav) over 1300m (Class 2) and Wolfburn ($2) – third in last year’s Darwin Cup – in an open 1200m handicap. Desarmer, a five-year-old gelding by Turn Me Loose, made it two wins from as many starts since arriving from Victoria when he led throughout when toppling stablemate Nassau County ($7) and Cole’s Whitten ($4.20) by 3.4 lengths. Wolfburn, the son of Snitzel, is back for a third Darwin campaign, and after sharing the early lead with Chole Baxter’s Swing With Junior ($4.80) and Angela Forster’s Zoumist ($5) he eventually flexed some muscle at the 300m. The 2022 Darwin Guineas and 2023 Toyota Cup winner, defeated Swing With Junior and Clarke’s Siakam ($5.50) by 3.5 lengths. Husband Tom and wife Sonja Logan were justifiably pleased when four-year-old mare Canada Bay ($3.20), a recent NSW purchase, impressed first up with an emphatic 3.5 lengths win over 1100m (0-58). The daughter of Vancouver was in front by the 1000m and was in no danger of defeat, with Jo Banks’ Sweet Cheval ($9.50) and Cole’s Lord Fenrir ($4) filling the minor placings. Horse racing news View the full article

The 2024 season at Woodbine will consist of 129 race dates and runs through Dec. 15. ​The first two weeks of the meet will have racing held on Saturday and Sunday.View the full article

By Mike Love Mid Canterbury reinsman Gerard O’Reilly could offer punters some value at tonight’s ANZAC weekend race meeting at Addington. O’Reilly steers six chances, the first of those in race 2 the Airpark Canterbury Mobile Trot, where he teams up with Bruce Negus and consistent trotter Buffy Northstains ($8.50FF). “She went nice last start. I haven’t driven her before. She’s probably my best each way chance of the night,” O’Reilly said. She’s drawn well at 5, over 1980 metres. The three favoured in the market are Judy J ($3.20FF), What The Bell ($5.50) and Miss Yo ($6.50). Race 3, the Kevin McCormack Decorating LTD Pace for the maidens, O’Reilly pilots the Ivan Court-trained Westburn Abby ($31.00FF). The four-year-old Sir Lincoln mare has been sixth and eighth in her two career starts so far. “There’s a couple of nice ones in there so she will need to find more to be competitive.” Drawn one and two respectively, Miki’s Courage ($1.70) and Biggles ($4.80) dominate the market. O’Reilly teams up again with Court to drive Bondi Lustre ($12.00FF) in race 5 the Fahey Fence Hire Mobile Pace. The six-year-old Sunshine Beach mare produced her usual honest effort last time, and comes up with a handy draw tonight. “With the draw if she can keep in the first four or five all the way she’ll be a nice each way chance.” Arguably O’Reilly’s most intriguing drive of the night comes in race 9 the Tyre General ‘About Now’ Fillies and Mares Trot, where Sonoma Tyron ($7.00FF) will step out for new trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn. She was formerly trained by O’Reilly’s brother Patrick. “She’s a nice wee mare. Patrick sent her up there, he thought she might be sore somewhere and benefit from the beach work. She’s got a good sprint on her so she should be a top 3 chance.” O’Reilly trains and drives the consistently honest Bettor Be Sharp ($13.00FF) in race 10 the New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale 23 May Mobile Pace. “The draw doesn’t help, but he’ll give a good account of himself. He will just need a lot of luck.” Capping off the night in race 11 the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace O’Reilly will team up with fellow Ashburton trainer Simon Adlam and Itz All Fired Up ($13.00FF). The Art Major gelding was able to crack his maiden win last start on the grass at Methven, and is up in grade tonight. “It’s a bit of a step up but the 2600m will suit him because he just keeps going. He should get a nice run and be a top four chance.” Racing commences from 4.34pm. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Barry Purdon has been training great horses long enough to know tonight’s $110,000 Dawson Harford Taylor Mile could look very good, or very bad, for Merlin after just 200m. Purdon and training partner Scott Phelan have three reps in the Group 1 sprint at Alexandra Park but most eyes will be on Merlin, the last-start $1million Race by Grins winner and maybe the best pacer in the country. Merlin has drawn one on the second line in the glamour sprint and if the horse he follows out, Republican Party, holds the lead and Merlin is sitting in the trail after 200m this is his race to lose. But if Republican Party gets crossed, most likely by Kango or ironically Merlin’s stablemate Sooner The Better, then Merlin could be locked away three back on the markers waiting for a gap. Gaps rarely appear in major Alexandra Park mile races. “That about sums it up,” says Purdon. “We couldn’t be happier with him and the way he has come through the Race by Grins, he just seems to handling it all perfectly. “But for this race so much depends on what happens around him and in front of him. “I think Republican Party has some gate speed and being a mile I am sure he will want to use it but there is a big difference between being in the trail and three back and needing luck.” Purdon thinks Sooner The Better also find himself in a sticky position tonight because he could burn plenty of energy early and set the race up for a swooper but if he goes back he has no chance. The Taylor Mile is that type of race, often has been, with those in the marker pegs dominant unless somebody does something stupid and even though Kango will be long odds to win if he leads he could easily pace 1:52 and those coming wide will be flat keeping up. The most obvious swooper is Don’t Stop Dreaming, who nearly ran down a parked out Merlin over a mile two starts ago but was clearly outgunned by him in the Grins. His trainer Mark Purdon says Don’t Stop Dreaming is working well and is still the stable’s No.1 seed over Self Assured, even though the latter has barrier 2. “So much will depend on the early pressure for them both,” says Mark, who is Barry’s brother. The problem with betting against the glamour four-year-olds is nailing the horse who can beat them with all the likely options having doubts: Self Assured (age), Republican Party (form), Speak The Truth and Better Eclipses (bad draws). Later in the night two old trotting mates from Victoria will resume a long forgotten rivalry in the $60,000 Lone Star Alexandra Park Lyell Creek Trot. Just Believe is the undoubted king of Trans Tasman trotting but five years ago he had to bow twice to race rival tonight All Cashed Up, who was a star three-year-old when he was trained in Victoria. All Cashed Up was sent to New Zealand because he trotted better right-handed and has returned to something like his best form just in time for his first meeting in 18 months with his old adversary. The problem for All Cashed Up, and all of Just Believe’s rivals tonight, is the champ has gone up about three new levels in the last two years since joining the Tubbs/Sugars stable. So he should join a very short list of great Australian trotters who have won on their Alexandra Park debut. Michael Guerin’s picks for tonight : R4: Paramount Kiwi (3) should lead and win again with Princess Sadie (4) the only real danger. R6: There wasn’t much between stablemates Youretheonethatiwant (2) and I’m Sandra Dee (5) last Friday but their stable is confident the former is the better. R7: Really tricky as tactics will dictate result. If Merlin trails he probably wins, if he doesn’t Don’t Stop Dreaming is the best swooper. But a “be careful” race. R9: Just Believe should win so take the $1.25 as your anchor in all multis. View the full article

Long known for his skill in training turf horses, Phil D'Amato is making the most of an opportunity with the 3-year-old dirt horse Stronghold, winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and pointed to the Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Del Mar is projecting more than $26.6 million in total purses over the course of the eight-week meeting, the seaside track's 85th summer session. The seaside track will offer $7.875 million in stakes purses, including six grade 1 stakes.View the full article

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A portion of any purse money earned in the May 4 GI Kentucky Derby by Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), winner of the GI Blue Grass S. and expected to be one of the favorites for the American Classic, will benefit the Backside Learning Center (BLC)'s initiative “Purses for a Purpose.” In addition, should the 'TDN Rising Star' win the Derby, co-owner Brook Smith has promised an additional $100,000 to the BLC. Smith, who recently joined the TDN Writers' Room, is a Louisville resident and long-time supporter of the BLC, which is a non-profit aiming to provide support and resources for racetrack workers and their families. Funds earned by Purses for a Purpose program go straight to the BLC. “We're so fortunate to have Brook Smith advocating for the BLC's mission as we work directly with the backbone of the horseracing industry,” said BLC's Executive Director Sherry Stanley. “Now that the BLC has a horse in the Derby, we hope this gives more exposure to the community making it all happen.” In addition to Smith, Sierra Leone, a $2.3-million yearling purchase at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale in 2022, is also owned by Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Westerberg. “I have a challenge,” said Smith. “If we can get 150 owners, and 150 horses for that matter, and they pledge to donate 1% of purse winnings with these 150 horses, that moves a bigger needle than people realize. And it means a lot, the thought that the owners think about the backside, and those who support it.” For more information about the BLC and Purses for a Purpose, visit backsidelearningcenter.org. The post Sierra Leone’s Derby Earnings Will Benefit BLC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth Fishbein, and Dave Fishbein's Honor Marie drilled an eye-catching five-furlong bullet in :59 1/5 at Churchill Downs April 25, his final work before the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

It will be a bittersweet day at Golden Gate Fields April 27 as the $175,000 San Francisco Mile Stakes (G3T) is slated to be the last stakes race ever held at the track that opened in 1941.View the full article

Juliet Kagno will serve as The Jockey Club steward for the remainder of Aqueduct spring meet and for the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet while Dr. Ted Hill will assume the steward position during the Saratoga summer meet. View the full article

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has scheduled a 31-day/39 stakes program topped by its premier offering–the 34th running of the $1-million GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic slated for Saturday, Aug. 31. Del Mar is also projecting a total purse distribution of more than $26.6 million over the course of the eight-week season. The shore oval's 85th summer session staged alongside the blue Pacific opens Saturday, July 20 and races ahead to Sunday, Sept. 8. The Pacific Classic will be the highlight of a rich afternoon that will feature five graded stakes, including the GII Del Mar H. and the GII Del Mar Mile. All told, there will be $7,875,000 in stakes purses available, notable among them six Grade I presentations. Along with the Pacific Classic, the other Grade Is are the Bing Crosby S. (July 27); the Clement L. Hirsch S. (Aug. 3); the Del Mar Oaks (Aug. 17); the FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante (Sept. 7), and the Del Mar Futurity (Sept. 8). “We're extremely pleased with the racing program we're offering this summer,” said Del Mar vice president and racing secretary David Jerkens. “Our horsemen and horsewomen have been extremely supportive of our race meets and we look forward to working with them on another successful season.” Del Mar will be the host track for this year's renewal of the Breeders' Cup Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. The post $1-Million Pacific Classic Tops Del Mar’s Summer Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Keeneland, $77,839, Msw, 4-25, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:03.29, fm, neck. INTO DIAMONDS (c, 2, Into Mischief–Diamond Sparkles {GSP}, by War Front) was overlooked by the betting public at odds of 6-1 for his debut here. The bay settled mid-pack up the backstretch as the tone was set by fellow firster Cheval de Guerre (Caravaggio). Trying to get involved around the far turn, the colt fanned four wide at the top of the lane and uncorked a bid to catch the leader. With a final push just the before the wire, the homebred got up in time to graduate. The first registered foal for his dam, the winner has a yearling half-sister by Quality Road. Diamond Sparkles was purchased for $500,000 by Pin Oak Stud during Keeneland November with that filly in utero. Into Diamonds's third dam, Irish and English G1 winner Quarter Moon (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), is a full-sister to Irish G1 winner Yesterday (Ire). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $45,260. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Gary Barber (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. #12 Into Diamonds wins on debut in R2 at Keeneland under @iradortiz for trainer Mark Casse! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/JT48XkkBMK — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 25, 2024 The post Juvenile Into Diamonds Graduates At First Asking Over Keeneland Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Samantha Randazzo will no longer serve as The Jockey Club steward at New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) racetracks, the Jockey Club announced Thursday. The move was made with immediate effect. Current NYRA safety steward Juliet Kagno will fill the vacancy for the remainder of NYRA's Aqueduct spring meet and for the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet from May 2 to July 7. Former Jockey Club steward at NYRA Dr. Ted Hill will assume the steward position during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga from June 6-9 and during NYRA's annual summer meet at Saratoga from July 11 through September 2. During this interim period, The Jockey Club will conduct an international search for candidates for the steward at NYRA position. Parties interested in the position can reach out here. The post Jockey Club Steward To Change At NYRA Tracks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale supplemented a pair of juvenile fillies to its catalog Thursday. Kiss Cam (Mastery) and Vodka With a Twist (Thousand Words) join 132 other horses selling at 6:30 p.m. Friday night following the closing day of racing. Kiss Cam, consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as agent, debuted second in maiden special weight company April 18 while Vokda With a Twist, consigned by Ballysax Bloodstock agent, ran fourth beaten just two lengths in her own maiden special weight race April 24. The enhanced digital catalog is available for viewing here. The post Pair Of Juveniles Added To Keeneland April Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article