Wandering Eyes

Originally slated to contest the G2 Dante S. next month, Listed Blue Riband Trial winner Bellum Justum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) will instead head straight to the G1 Derby on June 1, trainer Andrew Balding confirmed on Thursday. A winner of a Newmarket maiden at fourth asking in September, the King Power Racing-owned colt ran out a three-quarter length winner of the Epsom pointer on Apr. 23. “We were delighted with his win in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom and the plan now is to go straight for the Derby,” the trainer said in a stable tour on attheraces.com. “We know he handles the track, I'm pretty sure he will stay, and he is certainly in the mix for the places. “He has ticked a lot of boxes, so we don't see the point in running him again before the Derby.” Balding also had an update on Opulence Thoroughbreds and Teme Valley's listed winner Purosangue (GB) (Aclaim {Ire}), who is targeting either the G3 Pavilion S. next week or the G2 Duke of York S. in the middle of May. The brown colt was second in the G3 Molecomb S. last August. “He was a very smart sprinter last year and his form is rock solid,” the trainer said. “His work has been good this year and it looks like he has trained on grand. “He will either go to Ascot next Wednesday or to the Duke Of York, and we very much hope he is going to develop into a Commonwealth Cup horse.” The post Straight To The Derby For Blue Riband Trial Hero Bellum Justum appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Jevian Toledo is expected to be out of action until late June after having minor surgery to repair his collarbone, while rider J.G. Torrealba will return to action Friday, five days after they were involved in a spill at Laurel Park. Toledo was injured during Sunday's fourth race after being unseated when his mount, Jackie A, tripped over Torrealba and Bourbon and Ice, who had stumbled when in tight quarters at the top of the stretch and fell. Both horses walked off the track. One shy of 1,600 career wins and a four-time annual leading rider in Maryland, the 29-year-old Toledo and five-pound apprentice Torrealba, 22, were both taken to University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. Toledo was subsequently sent to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. “It was a dislocated collarbone [from] the breastplate. They had to go in, make a little incision and do a tiny surgery on him. He spent two nights at Shock Trauma, but he's home now,” Toledo's agent, Marty Leonard, said. “He's going to be out probably two months. He's disappointed, but he's OK. It could have been much worse.” The post Jockey Jevian Toledo Sidelined with Collarbone Injury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Likely GI Kentucky Derby favorites and 'TDN Rising Stars' Fierceness (City of Light) (9-2) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) (6-1) will open as the second and third choices in the Preakness Future Wager when the final pool opens Friday, Apr. 26. The Preakness Future Wager favorite is GI Arkansas Derby winner and 'Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic), listed at 3-1 after opening at 19-1 in the first Preakness Future Wager, while Bob Baffert-trained stablemate and GI Santa Anita Derby runner-up Imagination (Into Mischief) is 12-1. Muth and Imagination will not run in the Kentucky Derby. There are 31 individual entries and a pari-mutuel field of “all other 3-year-olds.” The field is 20-1. The Preakness Future Wager has a $2 minimum and 18 percent takeout. The second and final Preakness pool runs until Saturday, May 4 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.preakness.com/futurewager. The post Muth Favored Over Fierceness and Sierra Leone in Preakness Future Wager 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 and Kenneth and Dave Fishbein's Honor Marie (Honor Code) worked five furlongs in company with his stakes-placed stablemate Agoo (Munnings) in a bullet :59.20 (1/11) over a fast track on a chilly Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. With jockey Ben Curtis aboard for trainer Whit Beckman, the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. winner and GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby runner-up clicked off fractions of :12, :23.80, :35.60, :47.40 and :59.20. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.60 and seven-eighths in 1:27.60. “We can take one breath now that the work is over,” Beckman said about an hour after the 7:30 a.m. breeze. “He came back to the barn and everything was great. The work was great. It reminded me a lot of his work leading up to the Kentucky Jockey Club, except that work was over at (Churchill Downs') Trackside.” “Everybody was smiling when I got back to the barn, and a lot of times that doesn't happen,” Curtis added. Also working Thursday morning were three candidates for the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks: Willis Horton Racing's Tapit Jenallie (Tapit) (four furlongs, :49.40), Whisper Hill Farm's 'TDN Rising Star' Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief) (four furlongs, :49.40) and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) (four furlongs :47.60 in company). Watch #KyDerby contender Honor Marie work 5 furlongs in :59.20 for trainer Whit Beckman. pic.twitter.com/GcPJdclmEQ — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 25, 2024 The post Honor Marie Fires Five-Furlong Bullet for Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a pricy auction purchase. 16.00 Cork, Mdn, €12,000, 3yo, 12f 25yT Aidan O'Brien trainee HIGHBURY (FR) (Galileo {Ire}) is a full-brother to the stakes-placed Friendly Face (Ire) out of G3 Prix d'Arenberg victrix and G1 Cheveley Park S. third High Celebrity (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). Opposition to the €650,000 Arqana August graduate include Marguerite Joyce's Royal Entry (Ire) (Fracas {Ire}), who is a homebred full-sister to G3 Round Tower S. victor Smash Williams (Ire), from the Jim Bolger stable. 14.33 Doncaster, Nov, £10,800, 3yo, 7f 6yT Juddmonte's hitherto unraced STANAGE (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a John and Thady Gosden trainee, is a full-brother to G2 Coventry S.-winning sire Calyx (GB) and Listed Rosemary S. victrix Coppice (GB). His 10 rivals include Andrew Balding-trained Juddmonte debutante Upscale (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who is a homebred daughter of G3 Fred Darling S. winner Dandhu (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}). 16.10 Sandown, Nov, £20,000, 3yo, 9f 209yT Juddmonte debutante SIYOLA (IRE) (Siyouni {Fr}), another John and Thady Gosden representative, is a homebred daughter of G1 Falmouth S. heroine Timepiece (GB) (Zamindar). She encounters seven rivals in this distaffers' heat. The post 650k Arqana August Graduate Set For Cork Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Europe swings back into pattern-race action Friday, with Sandown playing host to the G2 bet365 Mile, G3 Gordon Richards S. and G3 bet365 Classic Trial on a seven-race card. Godolphin's emphatic G3 Zetland S. winner Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) lays his G1 Derby credentials on the line and will be confronted by eight in the Classic Trial. The €600,000 Arqana August graduate, who also snagged last term's Listed Stonehenge S., shed maiden status at the Esher venue in July. “Arabian Crown has track experience at Sandown, which is always handy, and we were pleased with his recent racecourse gallop at Newmarket,” said Charlie Appleby. “It's the same situation with a lot of early 3-year-olds as we are trying to find out where the rest of the season lies. We will hopefully be a lot wiser afterwards as to whether he's a Derby horse or not.” Arabian Crown's rivals include G1 Criterium International third Portland (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire), G2 Royal Lodge S. fourth Macduff (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and stakes-placed 'TDN Rising Star' War Rooms (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Three-time G1 Dubai Turf hero Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) failed in his bid for a fourth straight renewal of that nine-furlong Meydan contest last month and is one of the main contenders for the Mile. Nominees also include 2022's G1 Dewhurst S. third Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who ran sixth in August's G3 Strensall S. at York when last seen, and Nurlan Bizakov's Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who has a fitness edge returning off a win in last month's Listed Doncaster Mile. Group 2 winners Flight Plan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) also feature in the seven-strong line-up. This year's edition of the Gordon Richards is an open renewal and includes another Godolphin winner of the Stonehenge and Zetland. Flying Honours (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has not been on the track since finishing last of 11 in May's G2 Dante and has been gelded in the interim. Trainer Charlie Appleby is looking forward to the homebred's comeback and said, “Flying Honours hasn't run since last May, so there will be some improvement to come from whatever he does here. A mile-and-a-quarter is a good starting point, although we will be looking at stepping him up in trip afterwards. We are hoping for a nice comeback run that we can build on.” The 4-year-old's rivals include G1 St Leger third Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), another to have been gelded since his last run, G2 Princess of Wales's S. victor Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) and this month's Listed Magnolia S. runner-up Okeechobee (GB) (Time Test {GB}). The post Arabian Crown Set For Classic Trial Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 5-year-old gelding Disguisedlimit (Ire) (Mahler {GB}) (lot 25) took pride of place when selling for £150,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale on Thursday. Consigned by Monbeg Stables, he caught the eye of agent Tom Malone with Philip Hobbs and Johnson White after winning a Curraghmore point-to-point on Apr. 24. His dam is a half-sister to Bobs Worth (Ire) (Bog Back), a multiple Grade 1 winner at Cheltenham. He was purchased by Monbeg Stables for €70,000 out of the 2022 Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale. Monbeg also consigned the second highest lot of the day, lot 13, On The Bayou (Ire) (Affinisea {Ire}), who went to Kevin Ross Bloodstock for £140,000. Related to Listed Prix de Cluny heroine Suprematie (Fr) (Gay Mecene), the 4-year-old gelding also sports a one-for-one record. He prevailed in a Castletown-Geoghegan point-to-point earlier this month. At the close of trade, 28 lots sold (76%) of 37 lots offered for an aggregate of £1,679,000. The average dropped slightly to £59,964 (-1%) and the median was £44,000 (-12%). Tattersalls associate director Mathew Prior said, “It has been a tricky spring and we, alongside our Irish and British point-to-point consignors, have been hostage to the vagaries of the wet weather, but as ever our vendors have produced fantastically talented horses who have been turned out to perfection.” The post Winner Disguisedlimit Tops Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Donnacha O'Brien has a lot to look forward to as he launches into his fifth year of training since retiring as a champion jockey in Ireland. The 25-year-old, who operates under the nom-de-course Bawnmore Racing, is off to a fast start already this spring as he had his first 2-year-old winner of the year at Dundalk on April 13 with Usdi Atohi (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) and just this past weekend at the Curragh, his 4-year-old trainee Yosemite Valley (GB) (Shamardal {USA}) claimed the listed Lester Piggott Gladness S. But there is plenty more horsepower in the pipeline back at O'Brien's base in County Tipperary and of course the horse that everyone is asking about is still backstage preparing for her much-anticipated 3-year-old debut. Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio {USA}), a top juvenile in 2023 whose victories include the G1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park S., will return to the spotlight for the G1 Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday, May 5. Like many horsemen who attempted to circumvent the temperamental weather over the winter, O'Brien has had to remain flexible while constructing an early campaign for his star filly. He initially considered sending her to the G3 Ballylinch Stud 'Priory Belle' 1,000 Guineas Trial S. at Leopardstown on April 7, but opted to skip the contest due to less-than-optimal conditions and point straight for Newmarket. “The weather has been a bit of a nightmare,” O'Brien admitted. “Just trying to get them on grass and make sure their works all go okay and trying to get them to come into their coats. But Porta Fortuna has strengthened up very well over the winter. She was always quite a long filly, not very tall, so we think she has grown a little bit. She has filled into her frame and strengthened up behind the saddle. I think she's more mature mentally as well, so we're very happy with her.” Porta Fortuna took O'Brien's team and her American owners on a thrilling journey last year. Bought by partners Medallion Racing, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Barry Fowler after her winning debut, the daughter of Caravaggio quickly reeled off victories in the G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint S. and G3 Albany S. for her new owners and then placed in a pair of Group 1 contests before claiming the Cheveley Park. One of four Group 1 winners O'Brien has already campaigned, 'Porta' has always been a yard favourite having been bred by Donnacha's parents Aidan and Annemarie O'Brien, but the ever-dependable filly also went on to become Donnacha's first Breeders' Cup performer as a trainer. She put in a game runner-up effort half a length behind Hard to Justify (Justify) in the GI Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita Park. “She's a very special filly in many ways,” O'Brien reflected. “It's a very hard thing for a filly to do, to have that many races and have that long of a year. Her best two performances were arguably her last two races. She's just a super tough, consistent filly and we're really lucky to have her in the yard. We think she's in a good place and we're excited for the year.” When Porta Fortuna's syndicate originally purchased the filly, their plan was to get to Ascot and then bring her to the U.S. But as she put in one breakout performance after another, there became fewer opportunities for her to race in America at the top level so they decided to keep her at her home base until the Breeders' Cup. The situation is similar this year, with only a handful of Grade I races available for 3-year-old turf fillies in the U.S. “Pretty much all of those races are at or over a mile and an eighth,” explained Medallion Racing's Phillip Shelton. “So I think a lot of it depends on how she handles the trip in the Guineas. A mile might be the absolute max she can handle, but there's plenty of pedigree that makes you think she could stretch.” Porta Fortuna's dam Too Precious (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) was a winner going over a mile and another daughter of Caravaggio, Whitebeam (GB), has thrived since shipping to the States and claimed last summer's GI Diana S. at a mile and an eighth. O'Brien also seems to believe that Porta Fortuna should handle added distance. “We'll see how the Guineas goes,” he noted. “We're still not 100% sure what her trip is going to be, but I think she's bred to stay a mile. We'll start her off in Newmarket and depending on how that goes, we're probably going to Ascot whether it be for the Coronation or possibly back to the Commonwealth if we feel that she hasn't really stayed in the Guineas.” Despite Porta Fortuna's upcoming start happening during one of the biggest weekends in American racing with the GI Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, several members of the filly's ownership group will be making the trip across the pond for the occasion. Shelton will be especially busy as he watches another Medallion-owned horse race during the Kentucky Oaks undercard Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs and then boards an overnight flight with the hopes of reaching Newmarket well before Porta Fortuna's performance on Sunday. Porta Fortuna at Santa Anita Park | Horsephotos Medallion Racing is the racing partnership branch of Taylor Made Farm and was created with the goal of taking its investors to the biggest days in racing. Over the past year, Medallion Racing and the other members of Porta Fortuna's syndicate have expanded their involvement both in O'Brien's yard and in European racing at large. This year Medallion Racing, which focuses specifically on fillies, has a pair of 2-year-olds with Paddy Twomey and four juveniles with O'Brien. The half-sister to Porta Fortuna stands out among O'Brien's quartet. Named Sorella Carina (Ire), the daughter of Ten Sovereigns was bought for 400,000gns in Book 1 of the 2023 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale by Avenue Bloodstock, Medallion Racing and M.V. Magnier. She is slated to debut either this Saturday at Navan or on Monday at Naas. The group is rounded out by three more fillies recently named Sharpen (Ire) (Fastnet Rock (Aus}), Fitzroy Gardens (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Lush Lips (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) who were bought for £200,000, £100,000 and £82,000 respectively. “We tried to buy a balance of horses that we felt like were going to be early, or at least early enough to have an Ascot dream with, and then a couple others that will be later maturing,” said Shelton. In the past, Medallion Racing has focused on purchasing horses that have already won with the goal of bringing them to the U.S., but it appears that Porta Fortuna may have set a new standard for the partnership. Shelton said that their groups' experience at Ascot last year combined with a trip to Ireland to visit O'Brien's yard the following week inspired several members of the syndicate to express an interest in going out and buying yearlings to race in Europe. “Ninety per cent of our horses are in America and all of our partners are in America, but we've had some success with Euro imports,” he explained. “We had 21 partners go over to Ireland and it was a very cool experience. Everyone got to tour Donnacha's yard and I think for a lot of people, they thought it was a way better environment for the horse than being at the track. Donnacha was very gracious with his time and came to dinner with us one night. He gave a lot of access to our partners.” Communication is key for a syndicate group based an ocean away from their horses and Shelton said that this is another factor that has increased their involvement in O'Brien's program. “Every time one of our fillies breezes, I get a video and a voice note,” said Shelton. “He is brutally honest. If the filly isn't doing good, you're going to hear about it. If one has an issue, you'll know. I can share the voice notes to all of my partners and it's not just me recapping a conversation. Our partners can be comfortable hearing the good and the bad.” Medallion Racing and the rest of Porta Fortuna's syndicate are not the only American groups who have found their way to O'Brien. D.J. Stable, Commonwealth Racing and Ocean Reef Racing are all part of a growing list of clientele. “We've been trying to get more owners in the yard and obviously fillies like Porta make it easier,” said O'Brien. “Through her and through different people we've been able to get some American clients which has been fantastic. We're lucky to have them and hoping to continue to expand over the next few years.” Bawnmore Racing, which is based just outside Cashel and is David Wachman's former yard, has its biggest crop of 2-year-olds yet this year and the ambitious O'Brien shows no signs of slowing down. “I think we have about 45 to 50 2-year-olds overall, so a nice mix of some earlier types and some later types,” he said. “Our goal is to continue to grow slowly. We want to make sure we have the right people and facilities to be able to deal with the number of horses. We want to grow in terms of quality as well, which is important. I don't see myself ever having 250 or 300 horses or those kinds of numbers, but we're hoping to gradually grow and we'll see where it takes us.” The post Guineas-Bound Porta Fortuna Spearheads Strong Team for Donnacha O’Brien appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding has opened on Fasig-Tipton Digital for the “Mensa Flash Sale,” a one-horse online auction of Mensa (Complexity), a debut-winning 2-year-old colt who was the first winner for his freshman sire. Bidding will close Monday, April 29, at 2 PM ET. Trained by Mark Casse for owner D.J. Stable LLC, Mensa won by three lengths going gate-to-wire in his debut at Gulfstream Park April 12. Mensa is scheduled to make his next start in the Kentucky Juvenile S. at Churchill Downs May 2. “Mensa earned a 9 Thoromanager figure in his first-out win, a faster number than Casse-trained champions Classic Empire and Wonder Wheel received in their debut wins in the spring as two-year-olds,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “He is an exciting prospect that Mark Casse thinks has a very bright future. This is an opportunity for racing stables to buy a live two-year-old with unlimited potential.” Mensa is stabled at Churchill Downs and will train each day at 9:10 am in a special saddle cloth. Prospective buyers can follow him back to Barn 36 post-training to inspect him. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for D.J. Stables LLC Graduate, consigns Mensa. Successful horses sold by D.J. Stable on Fasig-Tipton Digital include Witwatersrand, who was recently named Champion Two-Year-Old Filly in Canada. Prospective buyers may view the entry and register to bid here. The post Bidding Open For Mensa Flash Sale Via Fasig-Tipton Digital appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The lineup of a dozen women riders for the 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup was revealed by Goodwood Racecourse on Thursday. Set for the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Thursday, Aug. 1, the 13th edition of the race is over 5 1/2 furlongs up the Goodwood straight. Over £2.4 million has been raised for charitable causes by the initiative since it began. This year, the Markel Magnolia Cup will support My Sisters' House, a West Sussex women's centre. New in 2024, a place in the race will be offered each year to a student of the Riding A Dream Academy, with Aamilah Aswat representing the school this term. The 12-women line up is as follows: Aamilah Aswat -Riding a Dream Academy graduate Amy Moring – entrepreneur and founder of Food Brand, Hunter & Gather Rebecca Haryett – lead physiotherapist in the British Army Ellen Barber – international heptathlete Eleanor Franchitti – global head of business development at Caxton Associates and wife of former racing driver Dario Franchitti Harriet Hemmings -rRural chartered surveyor Joanna Jensen – entrepreneur and founder of Family skincare brand, Childs Farm Lady Katherine Lindsay – property and projects manager for David Ross and survivor of a congenital abnormality Lauren Price – social media at ITV Racing & World Horse Racing Lizzie Jelfs – leading Australian racing presenter Matilda Butcher – performance marketing at Harrods Sophie Pumfrett – successful model Simon Wilson, president of Markel International, said, “Markel has enjoyed a successful partnership with Goodwood for over a decade, and in the past few years we've taken this a step further with our sponsorship of the Markel Magnolia Cup. This race represents far more than what happens on the day itself; it's about people coming together to champion and raise money for charitable causes that provide essential support to vulnerable people and communities around the world. I'm looking forward to learning more about the [riders] and about My Sisters' House and the impact this year's event will have on the valuable work they're doing.” To donate to the Markel Magnolia Cup via Just Giving, please click here. The post Riders Revealed For 2024 Markel Magnolia Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 69 horses have been catalogued for the upcoming BBAG Spring Sale on Friday, May 31, the sales company announced on Thursday. Past graduates of the sale include multiple Group 1 winner and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}). Overall, 24 horses offered by BBAG across all of their sales won group races in 2023, while five of the last 10 winners of the G1 Deutsches Derby are BBAG sale alumni. Among the juvenile sires represented are Galiway (GB), Holy Roman Emperor (Ire), Kendargent (Fr), Le Havre (Ire), Mehmas (Ire), New Bay (GB), Sea The Moon (Ger), Starspangledbanner (Aus), Territories (Ire), The Grey Gatsby (Ire), and Too Darn Hot (GB). Part of the Baden-Baden spring meeting from May 30-June 2, the sale consists of 39 2-year-olds, 28 3-year-olds and older horses and two in-foal mares. Many of the 2- and 3-year-olds qualify for the BBAG auction race programme, while several others also qualify for lucrative French bonuses. The 2-year-old breezes are set for Thursday, May 30 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Iffezheim racecourse, and the sale proper begins on Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m. The post BBAG Spring Sale Catalogue Features Almost 70 Lots appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nominations for the €1.2-million Arqana Series, now in its second year, are now open until June 1, the sales company announced on Thursday. Consisting of five races reserved for foals offered at the 2022 Arqana Vente d'Elevage and 2-year-olds sold at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale, the series features four races for 2-year-olds and one for 3-year-olds. A trio of juvenile races and the 3-year-old race will take place at Deauville on Aug. 15. The final 2024 Arqana Series race will be held at ParisLongchamp on Arc Weekend, Oct. 5. For more information and to nominate, please visit the Arqana website. The post Nominations Open For 2024 Arqana Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

War Like Goddess (English Channel) typically makes a single stop at Keeneland per year and she does so exclusively to win the GIII Bewitch S. Not only did the 7-year-old mare win last year's edition, she also won the same race in both 2022 and 2021. Making her first start of 2024 off a seventh to Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita last November, War Like Goddess began her 2023 campaign in exactly the same way, debuting to a win in Keeneland's closing-day feature to kick off a season that saw her defend her titles against the boys in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Aqueduct. Trainer Bill Mott also used this race at a stepping-off point for her 2022 campaign. Opposing the favorite from the outside is Vergara (Noble Mission {GB}), a 5-year-old who will look to be the speed of the field also making her first start of the year since checking in third in November's GIII Long Island S. But while she's had plenty of experience going the 1 1/2 miles, including a start two races back over the local course, the Graham Motion trainee has yet to find the winner's circle over the distance. Potentially making things interesting along the rail will be GI Darley Alcibiades S. runner up Chop Chop (City of Light). Unraced on the turf since a narrow third in last year's Allen Black Cat Lacombe Memorial S. at Fair Grounds in March 2023, she does come in off a run of good form over the Tapeta at Turfway, winning two of her last four dating back to December. She also has youth on her side, being one of just two 4-year-olds in the field (the other being Cherie DeVaux's Tower Bridge [Street Sense]). The post Bewitch Continues To Run Through War Like Goddess appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-SA, $54K, Msw, 3-5yo, 5 1/2f, 6:30 p.m. ET. PARENTING (Justify) debuts for Ganhdarvi LLC., who purchased the colt at last year's OBS April Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale for $750,000. The Bob Baffert trainee's dam is a half-sister to Canadian champion turf male El Tormenta (Stormy Atlantic) and GSW Zero Tolerence (Mizzen Mast). The other half of the Baffert uncoupled entry is first time starter Middleburg (Tapit). A $485,000 buy for SF Bloodstock, Starlight and Madaket at the 2022 Keeneland September Sale, the gray is out of MGSW Selcourt (Tiz Wonderful), who was herself purchased by Breeze Easy for $800,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale. Finally, Fausto (Mastery) heads to the post for his unveiling under the care of John Shirreffs. The bay's unraced dam counts as half-brothers GI Kentucky Derby longshot champ Giacomo (Holy Bull) and GI Santa Anita Derby hero Tiago (Pleasant Tap). TJCIS PPS 1st-KEE, $84K, Msw, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 12:30 p.m. ET. Wesley Ward homebred Saturday Flirt (Mendelssohn) hails from a strong female line. The filly's second dam, GSW Letgomyecho (Menifee), produced GIII Gotham S. victor J Boys Echo (Mineshaft), GI H. Allen Jerkens S. winner Echo Town (Speightstown) and champion 2-year-old filly Echo Zulu (Gun Runner). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: Justify Colt Debuts For Gandharvi At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Highclere Castle Gin will sponsor the Listed Carnarvon S. at Newbury, on Saturday, May 18, the racecourse announced on Thursday. The six-furlong race will be worth £65,000 on Al Shaqab Lockinge with Ladies Day and is a prep race for the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. In 2023, the Carnarvon was won by Shaquille (GB) (Charm Spirit {Ire}), who would go on to add the Commonwealth Cup and G1 July Cup. Highclere Castle is the home of The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, as well as the location for beloved television series “Downton Abbey”. The gin, featuring botanicals from the Highclere Castle gardens and oats from the Highclere Estate, was created in 2019. Lord Carnarvon said, “The Carnarvon family and Highclere Estate have a long association with Newbury Racecourse with my great grandfather the fifth earl being a founder shareholder in 1904. My father was a passionate owner/breeder and a great supporter of Newbury Racecourse being chairman from 1985 to 1998. Highclere Castle Gin is proud to sponsor the Carnarvon S. as we appreciate the link to the terroir of Highclere with our oats which have also powered so many of the winners of this race.” The post Highclere Castle Gin To Sponsor Carnarvon Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The biggest challenge is no one wants a 'fun horse' to win races anymore, they are just a liability, making vendors worry that official times will be harder to shift the bottom half of the sale. You can hit it out of the park on one but staying afloat is about how you shift the other 80% of your horses… As Brian Sheerin says, the times are available for anyone that wants them and I doubt there is a buyer on the sales ground that wouldn't have known how a horse clocked, but the worry is simply that next step may make it harder again. The skill is in interpreting, stride, time and other data buyers can generate from a breeze-up sale, but the top buying teams have 15-20 people working on collecting, analysing and reviewing the data to come up with a short list. Most end up on similar horses creating the polarised 'haves' and 'have nots' market and it comes down to who has the biggest wallet and willingness to spend. –Matt Eves, Star Bloodstock Let us know what you think. Email garyking@thetdn.com. The post Letter To The Editor: Publishing Times For European Breeze-Ups appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bookmaker William Hill has been named the official betting partner of the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket from May 3-5, the racecourse announced on Thursday. Already an official betting partner of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree earlier this month, the bookmaker will have its name attached to 15 races across the three-day stand. Among the sponsored races are the G2 Jockey Club S. on Friday, the G3 Palace House S. on Saturday and the G2 Dahlia S. on Sunday. Two £100,000 Heritage Handicaps on Saturday's card will also be sponsored by William Hill. William Hill's head of media, sponsorship and social, Daryl West, said, “For many racing fans, the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket is the meeting where the Flat turf season really hits its stride and we are therefore thrilled to be the official betting partner. “This year we have the added excitement of the reappearance of City Of Troy (Justify) in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, who is the most exciting horse to be seen in many a year and our current 4-6 market leader. We look forward to a wonderful three days.” The post William Hill Named Official Betting Partner Of QIPCO Guineas Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The group-placed Blanchland (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) (lot 198) and the 88-rated Cephalus (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}) (lot 196) have been added to the Tattersalls Guineas Horses-in-Training Sale as wildcards, the sales company announced on Thursday. Consigned by Jane Chapple-Hyam, Blanchland was second in the G3 Zetland S. at Newmarket as a juvenile, and is a half-brother to the multiple group winner Atzeco (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). He is owned by Peter Harris. Part of The Castlebridge Consignment, Cephalus is trained by Gary Moore for Veljko Jovanovic and already sports four wins over a mile in 2024. He was recently fourth at Chelmsford. The Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up & Horses-in-Training Sale features 202 juveniles galloping over the Rowley Mile on Wednesday, May 1 beginning at 9 a.m. The horses-in-training portion of the sale begins with 197 lots later that day at 5 p.m. One day later, the racehorse portion of the sale concludes at 9:30 a.m., prior to the start of the breeze-up lots going through the ring. For the full catalogue, please visit the Tattersalls website. The post Wildcard Duo Join Tattersalls Guineas HIT Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Mike Moroney is ‘making good progress in hospital’, his stable has confirmed. Ballymore Stables released a statement on Thursday updating the industry on Moroney’s health after he was hospitalised with acute pneumonia and a collapsed lung. “Michael’s breathing is still assisted by a ventilator and he is undergoing physiotherapy and treatment for that,” the statement read. “He is communicating with the teams at Ballymore Stables’ Flemington and Matamata bases, discussing racing and training programs. “Michael and the team are most grateful for the numerous well wishes received from all corners of the globe over the past fortnight and also for the continuing support from clients, family and friends. The videos sent have been well received and have provided a great tonic.” The stable has continued to train winners despite Moroney being in hospital, with War Machine claiming the Bendigo Guineas. Sassy Merlot took out the Easter Stakes in New Zealand as well. “We would also like to thank the staff at Ballymore Stables, in particular Flemington Assistant Trainer Glen Thompson, Racing Manager Anthony Feroce and Training Partner Pam Gerard in New Zealand for keeping the stables running like clockwork and continuing the excellent season Ballymore is experiencing on both sides of the Tasman,” the statement read. “Both stables are currently lying in 10th place on their respective Melbourne metropolitan and New Zealand seasonal premierships and have produced six wins during Michael’s enforced absence. “Michael has been receiving regular video updates on the horses and is excited to be back at the track and races soon. In the meantime, he is doing a great job promoting racing, turning his medical team into racing fans by encouraging them to watch the Ballymore runners.” View the full article

Emma-lee Browne ventured to Flemington on Thursday without any expectations regarding how Pondalowie (Deep Field) would perform and left with a win which was celebrated by a raucous group of owners. Pondalowie, ridden by Billy Egan, led from the outset in The Les Carlyon and extended clear from her rivals over the last 200 metres for a comfortable win in the Benchmark 70 event for three-year-old fillies over 1100m. “That was a bit of a relief. I’m very excited as we were a little bit disappointed in her. To see her do that is pretty exciting as we came here without any expectations,” she said. “She’s always shown us so much promise but she’s had a few hiccups early in the preparation and we put her out and let her have a think about a few things. She’s put on a bit of weight since.” At her last start Pondalowie, who was purchased out of Prima Park’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 draft, finished third at Pakenham behind Niance (NZ) (Swiss Ace) on February 29. The ownership group included one member who wore a Monkey Mask after the win. Browne explained that he was an owner of Ziva which made masks and they had nominated the name Discovery Channel for the Deep Field filly but it was rejected. View the full article

Emerging stayer Samuel Langhorne (NZ) (Shocking) will try and secure a start in the Melbourne Cup in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes after his impressive win in the William Newton VC (2500m) on Thursday at Flemington. In an unusual twist he will now clash with Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking), who was the pen name of the famous 19th century writer. Samuel Langhorne’s trainer Michael Kent bought both horses when they were yearlings but sold Mark Twain to Terry Henderson and his OTI group. Samuel Langhorne circled the field before the turn eight wide with his “ears flapping” according to Kent. Kent didn’t mind jockey Blaike McChief Stipeall’s move saying that it was a slowly run race and he was pulling too much. “He’s a very fit horse. He needed to get moving and he’s got a massive tank. Blake Shinn get on slowing up in the lead so he had to go,” he said. “He couldn’t hold him. He had to do it. He had the race won early but he took a long time to win.” Kent said the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) on May 18 which carries the golden ticket to the winner into the Melbourne Cup was the perfect race for Samuel Langhorne. “I don’t know whether he’s good enough. He’s up in class but the further he goes the better he goes and he might like more of a test.” View the full article

Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro) will attempt to land a record-extending fourth consecutive win in the HK$22 million Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday after receiving gate seven at this morning’s barrier draw. Hong Kong’s champion horse became the first to complete an FWD Champions Mile hat-trick in 2021, 2022 and 2023. He returns for the first time in 2024, which will be his second run this season after claiming the HK$32 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) last December following a 224-day break (a record for the race). The earner of an unmatched HK$165.85 million globally, Golden Sixty – the Pride of Hong Kong – pairs with trusted companion Vincent Ho for trainer Francis Lui as he makes his first start for 140 days. “The barrier draw isn’t a worry, only the weather will be. Now, he’s very professional and he looks after himself. I think his condition has come up just in time,” Lui said. The 133-rating Golden Sixty is Hong Kong’s most prolific winner in history, prevailing in 26 out of 30 starts. He is the only horse to win 10 Group One races in the city and only three-time consecutive Hong Kong Horse of the Year (2020/21, 2021/22 & 2022/23). The eight-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro became the second horse to sweep the Four-Year-Old Classic Series in 2020 after Rapper Dragon (2017). He galloped on the turf at Sha Tin this morning alongside stablemate Yellowfin under Ho, clocking 1m 20.00s (29.7, 28.6, 21.7). “He’s shown us already what he can do. I’m happy and Vincent is happy. He’s brought a lot of fun for us, the whole team. There won’t be another one like him,” Lui said. Golden Sixty is two-for-two across his career when jumping from gate seven over Sha Tin’s mile course. Persistent rain has lashed Hong Kong across this week, while further showers are forecast through Sunday. Ready To Run Sale graduate Golden Sixty has raced once on yielding ground at Sha Tin, finishing third to Russian Emperor in the 2022 G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m). Golden Sixty will stretch his legs tomorrow at Sha Tin ahead of Sunday. “He’ll have light work tomorrow (Friday, 26 April), a light canter on the little track. Galaxy Patch (as a main rival), they said Beauty Joy likes the soft ground and I think Brave Emperor also likes soft ground,” Lui said. View the full article

Cambridge raider Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Deep Field) capitalised on a dream rail run to capture his first stakes victory when he claimed the Listed TAB 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 (NZ) (Proisir). 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 (NZ) (Proisir) 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 (NZ) (Per Incanto) 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.” Out of the stakes placed Bahhare mare La Scala (NZ), Mr Mojo Risin’ has now won four of his 16 starts and more than $192,000 in prizemoney with Carter jokingly suggesting his now 22-year-old dam may have to be brought out of retirement. “We retired his dam La Scala but we might have to re-think that now,” he laughed. “She is now enjoying her retirement and is used as a nanny for the young ones, and she is thriving. “We do have a very nice Zed filly named Milanese out of her, which was her last foal. “She has had a couple of starts with Andrew and when she matures a bit more we think she could be quite handy.” Forsman also has a number of runners involved in feature events on both sides of the Tasman over the weekend including the trio of White Noise (NZ) (El Roca), Saint Bathans (Maurice) and Devastate (NZ) (Vadamos) in the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) which is being held at Te Rapa after it fell victim to the abandonment of racing at Ellerslie last Saturday before the race was run. He also has three-year-olds Koheroa (I Am Invincible) and Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) in the Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) while Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor) will contest the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. View the full article

Hallmark Stud have announced that their resident stallion Super Easy will continue his breeding career across the Tasman following his recent purchase by Lewthwaite Thoroughbreds. A $140,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale purchase, the son of Darci Brahma was initially trained in New Zealand by John Sargent, for whom he won on debut before finishing runner-up in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and fourth in the Karaka Million 2Y0 (1200m). He continued his racing career in Singapore where he won a further 14 races on his way to being crowned Singapore Horse of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and Champion Three-Year-Old and Champion Sprinter in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Super Easy has been one of the underrated performers of the New Zealand breeding industry, but has left his mark as a sire, with his progeny including the likes of Group One performer Easy Eddie, Group Three winners Prom Queen, Sheezallmine and Super Strike; and he experienced his career highlight just a few months ago when his daughter Bonny Lass won the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Bonny Lass is one of seven stakes winners for Super Easy, a son of Darci Brahma out of 2015 New Zealand Broodmare of the Year Parfore. “We will be sad to see him go but excited he will get new opportunities at this stage of his career,” Hallmark Stud principal Mark Baker said. View the full article

Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor played a starring role at Flemington on Anzac Day, siring the quinella in the A$200,000 Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) with his three-year-old daughters Ahuriri (NZ) and Alma Rise (NZ). Ahuriri became only the ninth filly to win the VRC St Leger since 1930, and the first since fellow Kiwi-bred filly Exceptionally (NZ) (Ekraar) 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 $3.30 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 A$173,125 in stakes. She was stepping down in class on Thursday, having finished eighth in the Gr.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.” Ahuriri was bred by Helen-Gaye and Graham Bax and is out of the Darci Brahma mare Mackenzie Kate (NZ), who is a half-sister to the Bax-bred triple Group One winner Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel). Ahuriri was a $210,000 purchase at Karaka 2022 by Chris Waller Racing in partnership with Helen-Gaye and Graham Bax’s daughter Kylie. Thursday’s result continued a strong season for Almanzor, who has now been represented by 14 black-type performers across New Zealand and Australia since August 1. That list is headed by the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) quinella of Circle Of Fire and Athabascan, along with fellow Group winners Zabmanzor (NZ), Positivity (NZ), Moonlight Magic (NZ) and Sudbina (NZ). Almanzor is also the sire of this season’s unbeaten and stakes-winning two-year-old Nucleozor (NZ). Positivity and Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) finished second and third in last month’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and are entered for this Saturday’s Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. View the full article