Wandering Eyes

The Roger Varian-trained Al Musmak (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) will bid to defy his outsider status when he lines out in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday week. The colt brings smart form to the table with a Listed win in Haydock's Ascendant S. sandwiched between creditable placed efforts behind Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) at Ascot and then on his final start of the year when second to Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in the Royal Lodge. A return to the Rowley Mile for the opening Classic of the season has been on the cards ever since, for which Al Musmak is a 66-1 chance. “It's our intention to run Al Musmak in the 2000 Guineas and he's training nicely at home,” said Varian. “He's got some very solid form from last year, finishing runner-up to Rosallion in the Pat Eddery Stakes and winning a strong Ascendant Stakes where the second, third and fourth all run at Sandown in the Classic Trial and we'll be keen to have a good look at that form. Then he wasn't beaten too far by the Clive Cox horse [Ghostwriter] when second in the Royal Lodge. “He's a 108-rated, strong performer and it's always been our intention to go straight to a Guineas with him and we're looking forward to doing that.” He added, “There are a lot of good horses from those autumn races and he's got solid form. He's 108 not 118, so he needs to improve to bring home a 2000 Guineas. But he's going into the race fresh, he's wintered well and he looks a stronger horse-it's not beyond him to run well.” The post Roger Varian Hoping Al Musmak Can Defy 66-1 Odds In 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Oaks & Sangster Day 2024 Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville, SA 5043 When Saturday, April 27, 2024 First Race 12:02pm ACST Visit Dabble The Adelaide Racing Carnival for 2024 gets underway at Morphettville Racecourse on Saturday afternoon with a stacked nine-race meeting awaiting punters. The Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) and Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) headlines proceedings, with black-type racing littered throughout the day. Perfect conditions will greet punters and runners alike with the track a Good 4 and the rail in its true position. A Group 1 day of racing is set to commence at 12:02pm ACST. Race 1: 0-68 Handicap (1100m) Aviatress is set to return from a 24-week spell on Saturday and if the three-year-old filly produces anything close to what she did in her initial campaign, she should prove too classy for her rivals. The Smart Missile progeny was last seen finishing fourth in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m) down the Flemington straight when racing in restricted room in the concluding stages. Jake Toeroek will need a touch of luck in the home straight from barrier two, but if the gaps come, Aviatress has a slick turn of foot and she should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 12 AVIATRESS 5 MEETMEINMELBOURNE 11 WALLY WEST 2 DECLARED Best Bet Race 1 – #12 Aviatress (2) 3yo Filly | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Jake Toeroek (56kg) +120 with Dabble Race 2: Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) In the juvenile feature of the day, the Richard & Chantelle Jolly-trained Karavas looks poised to strike second-up from a spell. The two-year-old filly was hitting the line strongly over 1000m when unable to run down Lincolnshire who gained the perfect run in transit. As the Alabama Express filly steps up to the 1200m for the first time, she has show signs that this trip will suit her perfectly considering the way she finishes off her races. With a strong finishing burst, Karavas can claim her second Group success at just start four. Selections: 7 KARAVAS 1 GROWING EMPIRE 8 PURE AQUA 11 KAHDIME Breeders’ Stakes Race 2 – #7 Karavas (7) 2yo Filly | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Jake Toeroek (55.5kg) +400 with Neds Race 3: Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) Warmonger produced a thunderous finish over 1800m when going down to Air Assault by the barest of margins when the pair clashed on April 13. The three-year-old gelding looks set to turn the tables on his rival as they step up to 2000m in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes. Damian Lane hops back on board after riding him in four of his six career starts, for two successes. The son of War Decree will be in the second-half of the field, but on the back of a genuinely run affair, Warmonger has the finish to blouse his rivals. Selections: 3 WARMONGER 1 AIR ASSAULT 2 BOLD SOUL 4 SHINJUKU Chairman’s Stakes Race 3 – #3 Warmonger (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Damian Lane (57.5kg) +240 with PlayUp Race 4: Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1200m) Press Down was only beaten 1.4 lengths in Group 3 company on April 13 by Benedetta and Climbing Star, who both go around in the Robert Sangster later in the day as strong market fancies. The four-year-old gelding was forced to travel four and five wide with no cover the trip, yet still had the audacity to grip on to third. With speed drawn to his outside, Callan Murray should gain a nice cart across the field and if he can land Press Down in the one-one, he has the ability to out do these sprinters who have a touch more class. Selections: 13 PRESS DOWN 1 SGHIRRIPA 6 WHAT YOU NEED 4 SANS DOUTE Best Value Race 4 – #14 Press Down (13) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter Hardacre | J: Callan Murray (54kg) +900 with Dabble Race 5: Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) Skybird caught the eye when making strong ground late in Open company at Bendigo on April 13 when needing to cary 61kg. The Group 1-placed filly was clearly having that run as a warm-up for what she is set to produce during the Adelaide Carnival and looks to have found the right race in to continue her impressive career. The Exosphere filly will gain a perfect tow into the race from barrier five, and if she produces anything close to what she is capable of, Skybird will prove too hard to hold out over 1200m. Selections: 8 SKYBIRD 1 ARKANSAW KID 9 GUMDROPS 5 PIVOT CITY Tobin Bronze Stakes Race 5 – #8 Skybird (5) 3yo Filly | T: Mitchell Freedman | J: Beau Mertens (55.5kg) +550 with Bet365 Race 6: Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) Coming off her first run off a long break, the Symon Wilde-trained Sirileo Miss looks poised to strike in the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes. The six-year-old mare was wide throughout over 1400m at Bendigo on March 13, and despite finishing 10th, was only beaten 3.1 lengths. With hardly any early speed in the race, Jordan Childs should have no issue in finding a spot outside the lead and keeping luck out of the equation. With four wins and two runner-up efforts from six second-up runs, the Pride of Dubai clearly takes great benefit from fresh runs. Sirileo Miss presents great value with online bookmakers in the quaddie opener. Selections: 2 SIRILEO MISS 10 LADY JONES 5 SEONEE 1 CAMPIONESSA Queen Of The South Stakes Race 6 – #2 Sirileo Miss (15) 6yo Mare | T: Symon Wilde | J: Jordan Childs (58.5kg) +1100 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) The Group 1 Australasian Oaks has attracted a capacity field of 16 for the staying feature of the day, and with even luck, Pulchritudinous can make her Australian debut a winning one. The last-start Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner has since been transferred to the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable and if she is anywhere close to her best, she looks capable of blowing this field away. She put 1.8 lengths on her Group 1 rivals in the NZ Oaks and looks to be a serious stayer on the rise. Tim Clark will have her settled midfield from barrier seven and if she replicates anything close to what she did in NZ, Pulchritudinous should prove to be the superior filly. Selections: 1 PULCHRITUDINOUS 2 WINGS OF SONG 11 CONCELLO 6 VIBRANT SUN Australasian Oaks Race 7 – #1 Pulchritudinous (5) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (56kg) +850 with Neds Race 8: Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) In what shapes to be one of the better editions of the Robert Sangster Stakes in recent times, a field of 14 fillies and mares will do battle for the $1 million on offer. Will Ciaron Maher’s Estriella continue on her winning ways? Or is there an upset brewing in the 1200m scamper for the girls? Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes here. Race 9: Open Handicap (1600m) Chicago Storm was a dominant all-the-way victor in Listed company over 1527m at Morphettville on April 13, and in a similar race can string together consecutive victories. Following the win, the son of Trust In A Gust goes up 4kg, but draws to do no work in barrier four. He clearly brings an element of class to an Open Handicap like the one he faces here, and if Carleen Hefel can take a sit just off the speed, Chicago Storm has a turn of foot which prove to be enough to get the job done in the Morphettville finale. Selections: 1 CHICAGO STORM 7 SECOND TO NUN 4 MY KHALIFA 3 MR MAESTRO Next Best Race 9 – #1 Chicago Storm (4) 5yo Gelding | T: David Aldridge | J: Carleen Hefel (58kg) +320 with PlayUp Morphettville free Saturday quaddie tips Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, April 27, 2024 1-2-3-5-10-18 1-2-6-8-10-11 2-4-12 1-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

After experiencing Hong Kong Derby glory and Cox Plate euphoria among a host of big-race wins, the Japan Home Centre co-founder’s nerves are far more settled ahead of Sunday’s QE II CupView the full article

Three-time Horse of the Year chases a record-extending fourth Champions Mile victory in what could be his final run on SundayView the full article

The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott training partnership have been in white hot form this season with 48 wins to their credit, including seven at Group or Listed level, headed by the victory of Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November. Currently sitting fourth on the National trainers’ premiership table, the Wexford Stables team will unleash runners at both their local meeting at Matamata on Friday and again at Te Rapa on Saturday with O’Sullivan confident they can break their previous season best tally of 49 wins at short notice. “We certainly have had a great season with a predominantly young team, so it has been very satisfying for everyone associated with the stable,” O’Sullivan said. “I think we are on target to possibly get to 60 wins by the end of July, which would be a great achievement. “Hopefully we can knock off the two wins we need to set a new record in the next wee while and it would be nice to even do it this weekend.” O’Sullivan and Scott have eight of their team set for Te Rapa on Saturday headed up by promising three-year-olds Geriatrix (Almanzor) and I’munstoppable (NZ) (Charm Spirit) in the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), while a pair of youngsters in Zelezniak (Hellbent) and Sister Cynane (I Am Invincible) add plenty of intrigue to the Cambridge Raceway 2YO (1200m) earlier on the card. “Geriatrix and I’munstoppable are both going well but it is a field with very good depth,” O’Sullivan said. “I’munstoppable has the better draw which will probably give her the edge over the other fellow, however, we are very happy with them both. “Our two-year-olds are also in good nick with Sister Cynane a promising filly. “She has won three of her four trials, so we think she has a bright future ahead of her. “Zelezniak went out a raging hot favourite on debut on his home track but did a lot wrong that day and didn’t really fire like we had expected him to. “He has been gelded since and is a real work in progress, but we’d like to think he will be able to show his best from now on.” Stablemates Uderzo (NZ) (Vadamos) and Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie) clash in the open 1400m contest, with O’Sullivan looking for a measure of revenge for Uderzo after he was relegated from first at his most recent start at Pukekohe. “Both Karman Line and Uderzo are also working along nicely and will strip in good order,” he said. “Karman Line had no luck in the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) last time while Uderzo cost himself with his tendency to lay in on other runners in the concluding stages at Pukekohe. “They are hard to split although Karman Line has been working very well.” The stable will have five runners on show on their home track at Matamata on Friday, including three-year-old debutant Miss Bo Peep (NZ) (Astern). She is an Astern filly out of Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m) winner Miss Raggedy Anne (NZ) (Faltaat) and will launch her career off the back of placing in two of her three trial runs. “Miss Bo Peep is probably our best chance on Friday although she has a pretty rough draw (15) to contend with,” O’Sullivan said. “She has pleased in her trials and while she will benefit from the experience of raceday she should go nicely. “Neighbourhood and Jaffira are both in the rating 75 1400m and are hard to split while Trump Card and Te Atatu Dream would be competitive if they can produce their best.” O’Sullivan also reported that this season’s Gr.1 Railway (1200m) winner Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) has returned from Perth in good shape after performing with great credit as the nominated slot runner for New Zealand’s Trackside Media in the A$5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot last Saturday. “He arrived home this morning and is tucked away in his paddock enjoying himself,” O’Sullivan said. “He went absolutely huge on Saturday in a race where he got back, which wasn’t the place to be. “He finished off very strongly and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how he performed and represented New Zealand on the day.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan will head to Te Rapa on Saturday with a couple of in-form runners for breeder-owner Greg McCarthy, and she is expecting them both to go well. McLaren (NZ) (Sweynesse), a five-year-old half-brother to McCarthy’s Group Three winner Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj), has been runner-up in his last two outings and will be out to go one better in the Maneline Cambridge 1400. “He has come out of his Otaki run in good order and I thought he ran well enough down there,” Brennan said. “He always looks like he is going to fade away and then all of a sudden he hits the line really strongly. He has been a quirky one all the way through, we just kid glove him basically and he seems to respond well to that. “He picks up a cheque every now and then. He is not an Ayrton, but he is doing well.” Courtney Barnes will take the reins this weekend where McLaren will jump from barrier 12 with 60kg on his back. “I prefer an outside draw for him because he likes clear air,” Brennan said. “Kelly Myers has ridden him in his last three starts and seems to get on well with him. She is suspended so we have got Courtney Barnes on, and I think he is a more of a female ride than a male ride.” Earlier on the card, Brennan will line-up the fellow McCarthy bred and owned Sir Sterling (NZ) in the Decise Electrical And Control 1300, with the son of Iffraaj also having placed in his last two starts. “He also ran a nice race at Otaki,” Brennan said. “He hit the front a bit too soon there and when he does that, he pulls himself up. He probably should have won that. Hopefully we can bide our time and not hit the front too soon, if he is going to get there on Saturday.” While McCarthy has plenty to look forward to on Saturday, Brennan said he has a couple of youngsters in the barn that are showing plenty of promise for the future. “We have got four for him,” Brennan said. “We have got a really nice three-year-old Belardo filly, who is a half to Sir Sterling. She had a couple of starts during the season and had a couple of chips taken out of her knee. We are looking forward to her getting back into action. “We also have a Ribchester two-year-old for him, so there is plenty to look forward to.” Brennan is also looking forward to her talented jumper English Gambler (Casino Prince) making his return over hurdles at Te Rapa next week. “He will start off next weekend at Te Rapa in the Open Hurdle,” she said. “He had a run 10 days ago at Te Rapa over a mile. I would have preferred to sneak in another flat run for him for fitness, but this hurdle race has come up a bit quick. We thought we would have him ready a couple of weeks out, but he has just taken a few more weeks this year because he spelled so well. “He will obviously go to the front and I expect a good run from him, although I am not expecting him to win first-up. He is going well and doing everything right.” Part-owned by Australian syndicator Roll The Dice Racing, an Australian campaign has always been on the cards for the gelding, however, it has been decided he is more suited to remain in New Zealand. “After running in the Great Northern (Hurdle, 4200m) last year, he just didn’t see out the distance, which I felt like he wouldn’t,” Brennan said. “With all the Australian jumps racing, there isn’t really any short courses for him. There is good enough money to pick up here if he is on song. We are just going to stay on this side of the Tasman and they (Roll The Dice Racing) are happy to do that as well.” View the full article

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 (NZ) (Almanzor) in the day’s feature event, the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) along with Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) in the other elite event, the Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m). Also representing the stable on the day will be Group One winner Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) who will contest the Gr.2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m), Zourion (NZ) (Zoustar) in the Gr.2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) and Sans Doute (Not A Single Doubt) shooting for five wins in a row in the Gr.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 (Gr.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.” While Walker will be in Adelaide, he will also cast his eyes back to Te Rapa where Egyptian Queen (NZ) (Zoustar) will tackle the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). “Egyptian Queen disappointed a little at Trentham last time but she had an excuse as she was found to be 2/5 lame in the right foreleg after the race,” Walker said. “Wiremu Pinn is booked to take the ride and he has been having a good run on our horses lately. “She has recovered and trained on well after Trentham so again we are hoping she can show her best in another good field that has been assembled for the race.” View the full article

Jockey Luke Morris hopes the British raider will be met with favourable conditions on Sunday: ‘He deserves his crack at the top level’View the full article

Impendabelle (Impending) proved herself at the highest-level last campaign, and the talented filly is poised to strike in a fresh state in Saturday’s Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa. The daughter of Impending undoubtedly brings the most outstanding form to the three-year-old feature, having won the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) as a two-year-old, and holding that form this season with a Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) crown, and a pair of Group One placings in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Levin Classic (1600m). A deserved month in the spelling paddock followed the filly’s midfield-finish in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) in January, and she will have the services of an in-form Michael McNab when resuming on Saturday. “She’s looking fantastic after a month in the paddock, she’s been pretty unlucky not to win a Group One this season, but she’s been very consistent,” Pike said. “I’m very happy with how she’s come back, and she has drawn well (1), although 1200m may be a touch short of her best, from that gate she should be hard to beat.” With softer tracks looming, the filly’s immediate plans are weather-dependant, however, Pike indicated she may be set for the Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) at Arawa Park on May 11. “A lot will depend on how track conditions hold here, we may go to the Rotorua fillies and mares weight for age race two weeks later, should she run well on Saturday,” he said. Talented four-year-old Rudyard (NZ) (Charm Spirit) will be one of several runners returning for round two of the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) after the Ellerslie meeting was called off prior to the feature event last Saturday. The Charm Spirit gelding has been near-perfect through this season, with nine top-four finishes from as many starts, including four wins and a third placing in the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) to Group One winners Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai) and Legarto (NZ) (Proisir). “It’s a bit of a shame with the Easter being called off last week, but his work on Tuesday was very pleasing and he’s continued to hold his condition and form well right through this preparation,” Pike said. “It’s a bit of a tricky barrier (12) but I’ll leave that up to Sam (Weatherley, jockey), this horse has been very consistent all season and it would be great to see him go out with a good win to end his campaign.” Rudyard had posted victories at both two and three-year-old level, however, similar to his Group One-performing dam Lady Kipling (NZ) (Savabeel), the gelding has gone to another level at four. “He’s always shown the ability but has probably just been mentally quite immature as a young horse and did a lot wrong,” Pike said. “This season, he’s become a furnished racehorse and very professional, and has just needed the time to put it all together.” Pike will also be represented in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) by Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree), a previous winner at Group Two level in a Lowland Stakes (2100m) who had little luck in the closing stages of the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) last-start when fourth. “Her run at Wellington was very good, she was just held up for the entire length of the straight and only got out late, but closed very well considering the trip she had,” Pike said. “She can go forward in her races and is pretty versatile, she’s a filly at 2000m that can put herself in the race from a wide gate (10) if need be. She’s been very consistent and deserves her chance in a good race on Saturday.” With three trials under her belt, well-related juvenile Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) will debut in the Cambridge Raceway 2YO (1200m), and Pike said the granddaughter of superstar mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross) would be one to follow into her three-year-old spring campaign. “She’s a nice filly, she’s probably going to be a better three-year-old, but she was impressive in her trial at Counties,” he said. “It would be nice to get a couple of runs into her as a two-year-old, she’s drawn awkwardly (10) which is never ideal, but the race-day experience will do her the world of good. She’s a promising filly going forward.” Overdrawn (NZ) (Shamexpress) (Maneline Cambridge 1400), Slipper Island (No Nay Never) (Decise Control & Electrical 1300) and Roederer (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) (Cambridge Equine Hospital 2400) complete Pike’s strong team of runners at Te Rapa, and the Cambridge horseman holds the latter in high regard as a future staying prospect. “He (Roederer) had no luck in his last start at Ellerslie last Saturday, he was shuffled back in a slowly-run race and finished off really well through the line,” he said. “He’s a horse we’ve always had a lot of time for as a progressive stayer going forward, and I think he’ll be hard to beat on Saturday. “We just decided to put Slipper Island back up to 75 grade as he’s been competitive in that grade before, just to get the pull in the weights. He’s another that has drawn wide on Saturday, but he can bounce and put himself in the race. He should be very competitive again. “Overdrawn is a horse that wants a good surface and has just been tripped up by two soft tracks. Hopefully he’ll get that on Saturday, the forecast looks reasonably good. “It’ll probably be the last run of his preparation, but back on a better surface he should be competitive.” Elsewhere throughout the weekend, Poetic Justice (NZ) (Almanzor) presents as a strong hope for Pike in the maiden three-year-old 1200m event at Matamata on Friday, while Ardrossan gelding Cannon Hill (NZ) will venture further south to Wanganui to contest the Commdives NZ 3YO 1340 on Saturday. “Poetic Justice is a nice horse but has probably been a bit immature all the way through his early three-year-old season,” Pike said. “He’s come back really nicely after a break, 1200m might be to be a little bit sharp for him, but from the good draw he won’t be far off the speed and should be hard to beat. He’s one to follow further into his four-year-old season. “Cannon Hill is a promising three-year-old, we decided to head to Wanganui as that was a nice open age group race for him. It’s a long way to go, but he should be pretty hard to beat.” View the full article

A judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals denied an emergency motion to allow Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth into the Kentucky Derby (G1) in an order described on the court's online docket after regular office hours April 24.View the full article

Trainer Phil D'Amato has captured two of the last three runnings of Santa Anita Park's Royal Heroine Stakes (G3T). This year, the conditioner will look to take yet another rendition when he saddles not one but three live contenders.View the full article

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Thoroughbred class of 2024 is confirmed, with Glen Todd, Starship Jubilee, Patrick Husbands, Channel Maker, Danny Vella, and Richard Grubb to be inducted this summer.View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Candelario Villamar has been suspended 15-days and fined $1,000 after his trainee, Olivia's Choice, tested positive for capsaicin when finishing third at Turf Paradise on Feb. 26. A Class B controlled medication under HISA, capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers causing burning and irritation, and can be found in topical analgesics. Trainer Valorie Lund has been banned seven days and fined $1,000 after Amaretto Di Amore tested positive for gabapentin when finishing second at Turf Paradise on Feb. 26. Gabapentin is a Class B controlled medication under HISA that is an FDA human-approved anticonvulsant used to treat conditions like epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia and in the treatment of partial onset seizures. There is currently no detailed explanation behind these rulings posted on HIWU's website. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Resolution Date: 04/24/2024 Licensee: Valorie Lund, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 25, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin-Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Amaretto Di Amore, who finished second at Turf Paradise on 2/26/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/23/2024 Licensee: Carlo Vaccarezza, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Little Blaze. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Resolution Date: 04/23/2024 Licensee: Jose Garoffalo, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Sarawat on 03/09/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/22/2024 Licensee: Danny Gargan, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Cool Operator. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Resolution Date: 04/22/2023 Licensee: Richard Baltas, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Highly Desirable on 03/23/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/22/2024 Licensee: Ruben Alvarado, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, One Smokin Moon. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Resolution Date: 04/22/2024 Licensee: Candelario Villamar, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 23, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Olivia's Choice, who finished third at Turf Paradise on 02/26/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/22/2024 Licensee: Ron Rozell, trainer Penalty: None. Withdrawal of Equine Anti-Doping Charge/Moved to and Resolved under Atypical Finding Policy. Explainer: For the presence of Pemoline–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Bavaria. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/18/2024 Licensee: Bill McLean, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Street Tiger, who finished fourth at Golden Gate on 3/2/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/18/2023 Licensee: Bret Calhoun, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); treated as 1 violation with Dixon Tuff under 9/8/23 HISA Guidance. Final decision by internal adjudication panel. Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Ain't Broke, who won at Churchill Downs on 09/21/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 4/18/2024 Licensee: Bret Calhoun, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel. Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Tatanka, who finished eleventh at Churchill Downs A on 9/14/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Pending ADMC Violations Date: 04/23/2023 Licensee: Steve Knapp, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Caribbean King, who won at Santa Anita on 2/17/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/23/2023 Licensee: Gary Stute, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Sand to Sea, who finished second at Santa Anita on 2/16/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/22/2024 Licensee: Isidro Tamayo, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Dust Maker, who won at Turf Paradise on 4/2/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/18/2024 Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin-Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Dontkissdaminister, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 3/22/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/18/2024 Licensee: Matthew Fales, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Rantanen, who finished third at Turf Paradise on 3/21/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/18/2024 Licensee: Arturo Chavez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin-Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Jr's Confidence, who won at Sunland Park on 03/15/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/18/2024 Licensee: Casey Lambert, trainer Penalty: Provisionally suspended Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Storey's Fury, who won at Sunland Park on 2/9/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Marker. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Fanduel Sportsbook and Horse Racing Juan Molina – violation date April 20; 250 fine and no other public details provided Horseshoe Indianapolis Jaime Torres – violation date April 23; $250 fine and one-day suspension Oaklawn Park Rafael Bejarano – violation date April 20; $250 fine and one-day suspension Santa Anita Kyle Frey – violation date April 19; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 2 strikes over limit Tyler Baze – violation date April 20; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 2 strikes over limit Victor Espinoza – violation date April 21; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 1 strike over limit Tampa Bay Jose Torrealba – violation date April 20; $250 fine and one-day suspension Angel Castillo – violation date April 21; $250 fine and one-day suspension Jacinto Herrera – violation date April 21; $250 fine and one-day suspension Other Key Rulings The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. California Track: Santa Anita Date: 04/19/2024 Licensee: Antonio Fresu, jockey Penalty: Three-day suspension Violation: Careless riding Explainer: Having received notice from the California Horse Racing Board that the appeal of LATC Ruling #34 issued at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 21, 2023, has been overruled, the original ruling is reinstated. Jockey Antonio Fresu is suspended for three racing days (Apr. 27-28, and May 3, 2024). New York Track: Aqueduct Date: 04/21/2024 Licensee: Gokhan Kocakaya Penalty: Three-day suspension Violation: Careless riding Explainer: Jockey Mr. Gokhan Kocakaya for having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended three NYRA racing days May 5, 2024, May 9.2024, May 10, 2024 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 1st race at Aqueduct Racetrack on Apr. 19, 2024. Kentucky Track: Keeneland Date: 04/16/2024 Licensee: Walter Rodriguez, jockey Penalty: Three-day suspension Violation: Careless riding Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Walter A. Rodriguez, who rode fracture in the fourth race at Keeneland on Apr. 13, 2024, is hereby suspended three racing days, Apr. 21, Apr. 24 and Apr. 25, 2024 for careless riding in the stretch that resulted in the disqualification of his mount. The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Apr. 18-24 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse racing on Thursday, April 25, will feature 11 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 Flemington, Randwick-Kensington and Darwin. Thursday Racing Tips – April 25, 2024 Flemington Racing Tips Randwick-Kensington Racing Tips Darwin 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 25, 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

The much-anticipated documentary “The New York Times Presents: “Broken Horses” will debut on the FX Network Friday at 10 p.m ET and will begin streaming on Hulu next day. What follows is a review of the documentary. You probably haven't seen the FX documentary “The New York Times Presents: “Broken Horses” yet, but, then again, you have. Be it from 60 Minutes, HBO's Real Sports, the Washington Post or in the pages of the New York Times, the story of horse racing's problems has been told numerous times. It's not that these aren't serious issues or things that the sport should be sweeping under the rug. It's just that after a while one grows weary of being told ad nauseam that the sport is rotten…especially when the positive changes racing has made are always downplayed and the many things that make the game special are conveniently ignored. But when it was announced last year that the FX Network and the New York Times had teamed up to produce a documentary on racing and its woes it was time to be concerned. Thanks in large part to the reporting of and relentless criticism by sportswriter Joe Drape, no outlet had been tougher on racing than the Times or caused more damage to its image. That the Times was now taking the story to the small screen and that Drape and colleague Melissa Hoppert were listed as the producers of the documentary was ominous. The Times appears to have an anti-racing bias and two of its reporters had been given free reign to use its ample resources to bludgeon horse racing. This promised to get ugly. By no means is Broken Horses kind to racing, but what is truly surprising is that after all the time and effort that was obviously put into creating this piece, the documentary seems a bit stale. The gist of the story is that racing has become a huge business that is all about money and that greed has led people in the industry to put the almighty dollar ahead of the welfare of the horse. “I have been covering racing for 25 years and I have seen the money and the economics just bloom,” Drape says. “It's a 'win now' culture and I'm afraid it's eclipsed the culture of 'let's care for our horses first,'” Drape says. He continues: “The use of drugs in horse racing really picked up in the eighties and it was largely because of the money. Purses were exploding, stallion rights were exploding. And you saw more horses dying.” Arthur Hancock has this to say: “Willie Nelson said greed is a terminable disease and I think you see a lot of that in this business, in every aspect of it.” When it comes to controversies, they leave no stone unturned. There were too many breakdowns at Churchill Downs and then Saratoga. Jorge Navarro, Jason Servis, Dr. Seth Fishman. It took an FBI investigation to bring them down. Bob Baffert is the boogeyman. The use of even legal drugs has gotten out of hand. Super trainers are ruining the sport. Things got so bad that the government needed to intervene and create the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Their narrative is complemented by the predictable montage of gore, one scene after another of horses falling, breaking down and flailing helplessly on the racetrack until they could be euthanized. With all the controversies he has been involved with, Baffert was an especially easy target. That Churchill Downs banned him after the 2021 GI Kentucky Derby is a big part of the narrative. The Broken Dreams team deserves credit for getting Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Caratsanjen, who rarely grants interviews, to come on a camera. He explains the rational behind banning Baffert when he says, “We needed to take action because we actually run a racetrack. We have to make sure our product is fair and that it is safe.” Carstanjen goes on to say that the ban was extended through 2024 because Baffert never accepted responsibility for or apologized for his actions after Medina Spirit (Protonico) tested positive for betamethasone following the 2021 Derby. Broken Horses also drudges up the subject of the breakdown of the Baffert trained Havnameltdown (Uncaptured) in the GIII Chick Lang S. on the undercard of the 2023 GI Preakness. They conclude that the horse came into the race with numerous problems that any trainer or veterinarian should have recognized and that he had no business racing that day. Their “smoking gun” is that the horse allegedly had corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid injected into both hocks and both stifles. Or at least that is the conclusion formed by Dr. Sheila Lyons. The problem is that Lyons is not a racetrack veterinarian. This is from her own website: “Doctor Lyons' international private consulting practice includes elite race, dressage, show jumping, combined training, endurance and polo horses.” Lyons has been attacking racing for years and that she is not directly involved in the sport makes her less than credible. It will be interesting to see how the industry reacts to the documentary. After 60 Minutes aired its piece last November the reaction was vitriolic and much of it was aimed at The Jockey Club and its chairman Stuart Janney III. (Janney is also interviewed in the FX production but probably didn't say anything that would draw the ire of his critics). Though this very review may raise concerns that we are attacking the messenger, that isn't necessarily the case. It is more a critique of the body of work and how it left a lot to be desired and that the reporting was borderline lazy. Much of what it had to say is true, even if we have heard it all before. What they got right is that horse racing has serious problems, so much so that its very existence is in jeopardy. The industry tends to circle the wagons when things don't go its way, and that hasn't done the sport any good. You don't have to like Drape, the New York Times, The New York Times Presents: “Broken Horses” or Dr. Lyons. But to ignore what they have to say is not the answer. Yes, this documentary was hardly enlightening, but that doesn't make things any better. The way to silence the critics is not to shout them down but to solve the problems they seem so eager to bring to light. The post NY Times, FX Investigation Into Racing Fails To Break New Ground appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This new initiative sees both parties come together to form a series of high-class partnerships that will power increased international participation across a host of top-quality graded contests and marquee race days.View the full article

Headed by the renamed $2.5 million GIII Nashville Derby Aug. 31, Kentucky Downs will stage six races worth at least $2 million apiece, including supplements for registered Kentucky-breds, at this year's seven-day race meet which runs Aug. 29 and 31 and Sept. 1, 5, 7, 8 and 11, the track said in a Wednesday release. The Kentucky Downs condition book features purses scheduled to total $35 million, including $16 million in Kentucky-bred money. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday approved Kentucky Downs's purse enhancement request from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF), which is restricted to registered horses that were foaled in the Commonwealth and sired by a Kentucky stallion. Previously known as the Dueling Grounds Derby, the Nashville Derby becomes the richest race in track history and the most lucrative grass race in North America outside the $5 million GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. The only American race offering more money for Kentucky-breds on any surface outside the Breeders' Cup are the GI Kentucky Derby and the GI Pegasus World Cup. “We want to build the Nashville Derby into a race that American and European horsemen alike point to and buy horses for,” said Ron Winchell, co-managing partner of Kentucky Downs with Marc Falcone. “The name change reflects our close proximity to one of America's great cities, which we see as an added incentive for coming. Even horses that aren't Kentucky-breds still will race for $1.5 million, and we've positioned the Nashville Derby so that it fits into a big-money circuit for 3-year-old turf horses with Keeneland and Churchill Downs' stakes as well as the New York's Belmont Derby, Saratoga Derby and Jockey Club Derby.” The Kentucky Downs meet will have 11 stakes overall worth at least $1 million (including KTDF supplements) out of a total of 18 stakes. Nine stakes enjoy graded status, including the track's first Grade I stakes in the $2 million Franklin-Simpson for 3-year-old sprinters. The showcase Sept. 7 card's six graded stakes offer a total of $10 million in purses, including a quartet of $2 million races. Kentucky Downs | Coady Photography Also being bumped to $2 million this year are the Franklin- Simpson; the GII Kentucky Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles for older horses; GII Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint for sprinters and the GII Music City S. for 3-year-old filly sprinters. The Kentucky Turf Cup was raised from $1.7 million last year; the others from $1 million, including KTDF. Other races getting purse hikes: the $1.5 million GIII Ladies Turf and $1.5 million Dueling Grounds Oaks (both $1 million last year). Kentucky Downs's four stakes for 2-year-olds were increased to $750,000 from $500,000 for Kentucky-breds. An 18th stakes was added: The $500,000 Nashville Gold Cup at 2 1/16 miles set for Sept. 11's closing card. The Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint and Kentucky Downs Turf Cup winners receive a fees-paid berth in the corresponding Breeders' Cup race. Kentucky Downs overnight purses, the richest in America, also were raised. Maiden races, already the richest in the world, increase from $150,000 to $170,000, with allowance races worth up to $220,000 for Kentucky-breds among the 75 total races scheduled for the meet. To boost its international profile, Kentucky Downs has added track executive Martin Panza to its staff. He brings 30 years of experience, including being senior vice president of racing operations at the New York Racing Association from 2013-2021. Another addition includes the services of the International Racing Bureau, which has planned and/or launched the Breeders' Cup, Dubai World Cup, Japan Cup and Arlington Million. The organization recruits overseas horses for big race dates around the world, working with horsemen and the tracks on logistics. Click here to access the condition book and here for the index. The post Kentucky Downs Condition Book Released With Expanded Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Headed by the renamed $2.5 million Nashville Derby (G3T) Aug. 31, Kentucky Downs will stage six races worth at least $2 million apiece, including supplements for registered Kentucky-breds, at this year's seven-day race meet.View the full article

With just 10 days until the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1), most contenders completed routine gallops April 24 as they gear up for their final published workouts this weekend. Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Stronghold made his first pre-Derby appearance.View the full article

Hastings Racecourse opens for its 2024 racing season April 27 at 2:30 pm PT with a new schedule and some horseplayer-focused changes. This season marks the debut of Friday night racing.View the full article

The start of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June 2024 Two-Year-Olds in Training & Horses of Racing Age Sale will now start at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 12 and run through Friday, June 14, the auction company said in a release Wednesday afternoon. The Under Tack Show will be Tuesday, June 4 and continue through Sunday, June 9 with each session beginning at 7:30 a.m. The June Sale was shifted forward one day to allow additional travel and inspection time for those attending Belmont Stakes weekend held at Saratoga this year from June 6-9. The post OBS Alters June Sale Start To June 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release With Derby week just around the corner, the morning work tab under the Twin Spires was chock full of participants Wednesday, but one Derby entry went further than the others. Susumu Fujita's undefeated Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) worked six furlongs in 1:19.60 over a fast track. With jockey Ryusei Sakai aboard, the colt posted fractions of :14.80, :28.80, :42.60, :55.20, 1:19.60 and out seven furlongs in 1:33,60. He was joined for the last half-mile by Cuffed Candy (Candy Ride {Arg}), an unraced 3-year-old for trainer Dale Romans. “Thanks to Dale Romans (with providing the workmate) so we were able to do exactly what we want to do this far out (from the Derby),” Ryusei said through a translator. As usual, Forever Young warmed up in the mile chute for a half-hour during the first harrow break of the morning before commencing his work that went off slowly and finished with a final quarter-mile in :24.40. The Yoshito Yahagi trainee also visited the starting gate after the work. “The gate was no problem,” said the jockey, who missed out on riding in last year's Derby after Continuar (Jpn) (Drefong) was scratched days before the race. “He has been to the gate before at all the places he has run.” Forever Young, winner of the GIII Saudi Derby and GII UAE Derby, is scheduled to have another work next week. However, Ryusei will not be aboard as he is returning to Japan to ride this weekend. Next Up … Pletcher, Brown, Cox As for the Derby prep schedule pointing towards the weekend, trainer Todd Pletcher plans to work Fierceness (City of Light) on Friday morning with John Velazquez in the irons. While trainer Chad Brown is scheduled to send out on Saturday morning Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Domestic Product (Practical Joke). Brad Cox will do the same with his trio of Derby hopefuls, Encino (City of Light), Catching Freedom (Constitution) and Just a Touch (Justify). The post Forever Young Goes Six Furlongs At Churchill Amid Busy Derby Workers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DONCASTER, UK–Royal Ascot dreams abound for the connections of Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who not only have that unbeaten star to look forward to, but a host of high-class two-year-old prospects as well after Anthony Stroud snapped up speedy fillies by Havana Grey (GB) and Sioux Nation to the tune of £720,000 on behalf of the ownership group at the Goffs Breeze-Up Sale. But Doncaster was dominated by the Derryconnor Stud-drafted diamond by Havana Grey, who led the way at £420,000 to provide top consignor Katie McGivern with her greatest result in the ring. “We expected her to breeze well and then you just have to leave it up to the market to value her,” an ultra-cool McGivern said shortly after the sale. “She had a squeaky clean vetting and it was all down to just who turned up for her. It's not a huge surprise that she made a bit of money. We loved her at home and all of her homework was exceptional. I'm delighted with the result. “She deserved it and it's the most I have ever gotten for a horse so it's a big achievement for me. Fair dues to Jeremy [Mactaggart] because he really pushed for her. She was meant to go to Tattersalls but he made it very obvious how much he wanted her and rang me a good few times asking us to send her. Really happy.” Stroud arrived at Doncaster off the back of a dominant showing at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale where he ended the two-day session as the leading buyer having come home with the six highest-priced two-year-olds under the banners of Godolphin and Stroud Coleman. The leading agent wasn't to be beaten on lot 168 at Doncaster, either, and held off a strong rally from fellow agent Jason Kelly to secure the sale's top lot. “Havana Grey is a very good stallion and this filly did a very good breeze,” Stroud said. “We liked the way she went. She's a very nice and very well-balanced filly. We thought she was one of the nicest fillies in the sale and was bought for KHK Racing.” He added, “Havana Grey seems to be putting a lot of toughness and speed into his stock. He seems to be doing exceptionally well with all the mares that have been sent to him. He's really upping the game. He has a very bright future. Remarkable.” Stroud also signed for Gary Bloodstock's Dandy Man (Ire) filly on behalf of an unnamed client for £100,000 as well as a £270,000 Starspangledbanner (Aus) filly from Kevin Coleman's Slievebrook House Stud. “She's a nice filly who breezed very well and there could be a good update in the pedigree,” Stroud said of the half-sister to G1 Futurity Trophy fourth and recent winner Deira Mile (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). “She'll go to Charlie Appleby. I think like all breeze-ups it's very selective. Either everyone is on the same horses or they're not. If you looked at my list and three other agent's, they wouldn't be dissimilar, that's how it feels to me. “We bought Carla's Way (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) for Shaikh Duaij and True Cyan (Ire) (No Nay Never), who finished fourth in the Nell Gwyn, for KHK Racing last year, and a couple of years earlier we bought A'Ali (Ire) here, so it's a sale that's been good to us.” Coleman might be best known as an emerging force in the training ranks but, as he outlined to TDN Europe on the eve of the sale, trading horses underpins his business. With that in mind, the selling of lot 145 will help fuel the County Tipperary operation for some time. Speaking alongside his brother Aidan, whose decorated career in the saddle was cruelly cut short by injury recently, Coleman said, “We always thought a lot of her. She'd a good update on the page and is by the right sire. She did a very good breeze and she showed very well. All the right people were on her and I just hope to God that she turns up to Royal Ascot and is competitive.” He added, “We were confident that she was going to do one of the top breezes because, the horses she has been working with at home, she has been all over them. She does her work in a good way–she does it in a rhythm. Obviously I train but you need to sell to make the whole thing work.” Top end of the market remains strong at Goffs While turnover climbed by 3% to £10,011,500, it must be noted that there were 23 more lots offered at Goffs compared to last year. In many ways, the sale followed a similar trajectory to last week's Craven, with he top remaining strong but a certain level of shakiness to the middle and lower tiers. That was reflected in a 81% clearance rate compared to 86% in 2023. The average fell 1% to £62,035 while the median dropped 10% to £36,000. Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent commented, “It was always going to be difficult to build on the massive advances made by this sale in 2023 and part way through the day, it was looking unlikely that we would achieve this feat. But the sale appeared to gather momentum as the day progressed and finished with a flourish to deliver a Record Turnover for the Doncaster Breeze Up Sale. These results were aided by a top price of £420,000, 12 horses selling for £200,000 or more and 28 horses achieving a price of £100,000 or above.” “We are the first to acknowledge that none of this could have been done without the loyal support of an incredible group of vendors. The inspection team were bullish when visiting the farms and we were heartened to read that the average purchase price of the yearlings had increased by 6% compared to 2023, but none of this matters when you get to the sale, and we were relieved to hear positive feedback from agents and purchasers who have been inspecting horses prior to today. We would therefore like to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to everyone who trusted Goffs to sell their best early season beezers and we are delighted that we were able to deliver in style at Doncaster.” He added, “Whilst we have much to celebrate today, it would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the fact that the market has been selective. There was a stark difference between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' and this has been very evident today. However, whilst some horses failed to find buyers in the ring some 50 private sales helped to drive an 81% clearance rate, and some have commented that's a true reflection of any Breeze Up market–if they Breeze well, they sell well.” “Lastly, we must thank our buyers at all levels of the market. Whilst we can celebrate the fireworks at the top of the market, the strength of any market lies in what's below the top tier and we were delighted to have a strong domestic buying bench competing with a significant number of new visitors to the sales at Doncaster. Indeed, the Goffs team has worked tirelessly to deliver international buyers to this sale and this has been rewarded with horses selling throughout the day to race in America, Bahrain, Dubai, France, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia and elsewhere.” “Once again, we would like to thank everyone who has been part of today's success and we look forward to seeing these horses on the racecourse where we are confident that they will continue our unrivalled association with success at Royal Ascot.” 'We Come Here With Confidence' – Blandford Spends Over £2 Million At Doncaster Richard Brown | Sarah Farsnworth Richard Brown admitted to being left disappointed to have drawn a blank at last week's Tattersalls Craven Sale but the Blandford Bloodstock agent certainly made up for that at Doncaster by splashing out on a host of smart two-year-old prospects for over £2 million. Towards the top of that list were Mehmas colts [lot 173 and 75] consigned by Willie Browne's Mocklershill and Tally-Ho Stud respectively for £380,000 and £350,000. Speaking after snapping up lot 173, the first produce out of an unraced Hallowed Crown mare, who was sourced by JB Bloodstock for 60,000gns at Book 2, Brown said, “Mehmas is one of the best sires of two-year-olds around and was prepared by one of the doyens of breeze-up consignors. I saw Willie on Sunday and he was very high on the horse. He turned up here and did a seriously good breeze. He's a low-actioned horse and looks forward. He'll get a short break and then we'll try and point him towards Royal Ascot.” Asked what he thought of the market, Brown replied, “The top is very strong, it's patchy below that and then, after that, you drop into very choppy waters. It's polarised.” Brown, who has some of the game's biggest clients on his books including Wathnan Racing and Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum, made a number of other notable purchases throughout the day. They featured lot 98, a colt by first-season sire Hello Youmzain (Fr) for £220,000 from Kilminfoyle House Stud, a Cotai Glory (GB) colt from Tally-Ho Stud for £190,000 and a £170,000 Ardad (Ire) colt from Con Marnane's Bansha House Stud earlier in the session. But the agent still had some big bullets to fire later in the day and secured lot 220, a Starspangledbanner colt from Norman Williamson's renowned Oak Tree Farm outfit for £300,000 followed by another Mehmas [223] from Tally-Ho Stud for £360,000. Reflecting on the sale as a whole, Brown said, “We're very lucky, we have bought good horses from all of the breeze-up sales, from the Craven, to here and Arqana. But we come up here with confidence. We have a big team and spend a huge amount of time analysing the horses. It has been a bit harder to judge the horses given there are so many more horses in the sale but I like it. It's better to say a horse is better than say 220 horses than it is 150. The more horses to grade your horse against, the better. From a buying perspective, I prefer it, but for the vendors, I don't know.” Asked if he could be more confident buying out of the breeze-up sales compared to the yearling sale market, Brown added, “I think so. If you worked Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) over two furlongs, he would have shown pace. There is no doubt that a good horse will show pace over two furlongs. Even Kauto Star (Fr) would have shown pace over two furlongs. Good horses have pace. So, yes, you definitely can [have more confidence buying from the breeze-ups].” Talking points There were 28 horses who made six figures or more compared to the 32 who cleared that figure 12 months ago. Tally-Ho Stud remained top dog in the consigning ranks with a £1,431,000 aggregate for 14 horses sold. Interestingly, the progeny of Tally-Ho-based stallions made up a fifth of the catalogue and Mehmas colts filled the second, third and fourth spots. Mehmas enjoyed a massive £1,505,000 aggregate for 10 horses sold but Starspangledbanner recorded a hugely impressive average of £187,000 for the five two-year-olds by him that sold on Wednesday. Blandford Bloodstock was firing on all cylinders at Doncaster and ended the session as the leading buyer with 10 horses secured for £2,370,000. O'Donovan Records Best Day In The Business With 580k Haul Danny O'Donovan | Sarah Farnsowrth Danny O'Donovan put his name in lights by topping the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale last spring with a €270,000 Zelzal colt but the popular breeze-up handler described selling his fillies by King Of Change (GB) and Sioux Nation–who clocked the fastest and the second fastest on the unofficial times in that order–for a combined £580,000 as his best day on a sale ground. This will be the Cork native's third year operating under his own Donovan Bloodstock and, in selling the speedy Sioux Nation to Anthony Stroud on behalf of KHK Racing for £300,000 and then following up with £280,000 for the King Of Change filly to Alex Elliott on behalf of Amo Racing, the young handler was visibly delighted. “It was a long day and a few sleepless nights before it but we got there in the end,” O'Donovan said afterwards. “I had the two fastest times yesterday and part of me was thinking it might be a bad thing. I'm just delighted to have sold Mr Stroud a horse. Fair play to Alex Elliott as well-he underbid the Sioux Nation filly and then went on to buy the King Of Change filly.” Elliott was equally happy to have secured the King Of Change filly out of Dawn Approach (Ire) mare Evie Speed and described the competition for the higher end horses as stronger than ever. Speaking about lot 141, he said, “She did a superb breeze, the fastest on a lot of clocks, so that's the first part of the jigsaw. The second part of the jigsaw is that she has the right physical, she was that for sure. She looks like a filly with a lot of speed but like she'll be able to carry it going seven furlongs or even a mile given the way she's bred and built. She's been bought for Amo Racing but a trainer is yet to be decided because Kia is in America at the minute. She's a beautiful filly so well done to Donovan Bloodstock.” On the market, Elliott added, “It's like knocking your head against a brick wall half of the time. The selection process has gotten so good that everybody knows what the good horses are; there's no hiding in these sales. When you walk in to buy a good horse you've got to pay a black-type premium. When they breeze well, vet cleanly and the physique adds up, you've got to be prepared to pay. “You've got Richard Brown, Anthony Stroud-if you walk in to bid against them you can't really beat them, so you've got to try and find other spots and that's hard because we're all falling on the same horses. Congrats to the sales company and the vendors for finding these horses and getting them through all the hoops. These horses, when they jump through so many hoops, they have such a good chance of being a good racehorse and that's been proven year after year. All power to the breeze-up community.” Indeed, Elliott and O'Donovan have history together. Eagle-eyed observers might have spotted O'Donovan on the shank when Elliott branched out into consigning horses under his own Imperium Sales at Tattersalls last autumn. It's from that successful stint working together that the relationship has grown. “I worked the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale for Alex last year,” O'Donovan explained. “It was his first year consigning under Imperium and his assistant Lucy [Ryan] asked me if I would help out and I said 'why not?'. “I've gotten to know Alex and have built up a bit of trust with him. I told him about these two fillies at the Craven. I told him I was bringing very nice horses to Doncaster-proper Royal Ascot types. In fairness, they breezed well and he turned up.” He added, “It's brilliant for the whole team. From Adam Potts, who owned a good share of them, to Suzy Woods, who is manning the fort while we are away, and even my girlfriend Jess [Savage], who rode these fillies in their work at home. It's a big team effort. We topped Goresbridge last year with a Zelzal (Fr) colt who I am told is on course to run in the French Derby. I didn't think I'd ever have a day like that again but this has definitely topped it.” Meanwhile, Stroud admitted that Royal Ascot was the ultimate aim for the Sioux Nation filly. He said, “She has been bought for KHK Racing. She is a nice filly and did a good breeze-looks ready to go on with. We're not sure who will train her yet. KHK has done very well with the horses they have bought from the breeze-ups. Sioux Nation is a very solid stallion and can get you a very good horse. When you come here, that's [Royal Ascot] the aspiration.” Golden touch Lot 26 Colt by Ardad out of Sand And Deliver (GB) (Royal Applause {GB}) Consigned by Bansha House Stables Bought by Blandford Bloodstock for £170,000 There would have been any number of worthy nominations for this prize but Con Marnane towers above all others for turning his 8,000gns Tattersalls Somerville Sale purchase by Ardad into a £170,000 Bansha bullet. That takes some doing. Thought for the day What is the aversion to publishing times at the breeze-up sales? The unofficial times are widely shared following the breeze–and there are also live times available during the breeze–so surely it makes sense to make that information readily available to prospective buyers. Goffs recently announced that it would be staging a new breeze-up sale at Naas next year and the rumours are that Goresbridge is set to re-enter the market as well. Would that represent an opportunity for a new sale to set itself apart from the others by embracing times, data and the other metrics that go into buying a racehorse in this sphere? The obvious downside is that, by publishing times, it may create a stronger reliance on the clock. But plenty of good racehorses come out of the breeze-up sales that don't clock–Trueshan (Fr) being the most obvious example. A transparent and data-driven approach to the breeze-up sales might be a fanciful idea. Possibly even a foolish one. But it has to be at least worth having a conversation about. The post McGivern In Dreamland As Vandeek’s Owners Spend 420k On Havana Grey Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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