Wandering Eyes

Hall Of Fame trainer David Hayes is willing to have a throw at the stumps with 2023 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Little Brose (Per Incanto) when he lines up in Sunday’s Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. The three-year-old colt will make his Hong Kong debut in the 1200-metre contest, having had five trials to prepare for the occasion. “He’s a Group One winner and there’s not many international Group Ones in Hong Kong over the sprint distance, so we thought we may as well have a crack at it,” Hayes explained to Racing.com at Sha Tin. “He does sprint well fresh, he’s a lazy worker, his trials have been ok. “The great thing is, in the old days in Hong Kong, if you ran a place, you were murdered in the handicap, you might go up 15 (points) off his rating, or 20. “Now, the maximum, you’re capped at five and if he wins, we’re happy to take the massive penalty but if he runs a place, he can still go back and run through the grades, which gives the owners a real chance. “I think it’s a great initiative by the (Hong Kong) Jockey Club.” Sunday’s Group One contest will see Little Brose clash with classy Hong Kong sprinters California Spangle (Starspangledbanner) and Victor The Winner (Toronado), as well as Japanese contenders Mad Cool (Dark Angel) and Sunrise Ronaldo (Harbinger) plus British filly Believing (Mehmas). “We’ll be very happy if he can be fighting out the finish,” Hayes said. “We’re a long way off being confident, it’s a big ask, an international first-up, but if he was coming from Australia, representing Australia, first-up, you never know. “For me, I think Victor’s the one to beat the way the weather is, I just think he’s going to love this wet track.” While Little Brose hasn’t raced since his midfield effort behind Griff (Trapeze Artist) in last year’s Caulfield Guineas, Hayes believes that the three-year-old colt will be better suited over the shorter distances in his new home. “I hope he can be a top-level sprinter and can be not only a Group One two-year-old, which Australia loves, if he can be an international Group One sprinter, it has massive appeal back home when he retires,” Hayes said. View the full article

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The G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches is likely to be the next port of call for Folgaria (Ire) (Due Diligence) following her victory in the G3 Fred Darling S. at Newbury on Saturday, her sixth victory from as many starts following an unbeaten two-year-old campaign in Italy when trained by Stefano Botti. Now in the care of Stefano's brother, Marco Botti, Folgaria was a welcome winner for the team at Prestige Place which has been mourning the death of the stable's former apprentice, Stefano Cherchi, following a fall in Australia last month. Botti himself was not at Newbury on Saturday as he attended his compatriot's funeral in Sardinia, but he was understandably encouraged by the way Folgaria performed on her first start in Britain. “It was a nice performance and she did everything right in Italy, won all her races, but you never know what to expect to be honest,” said Botti. “I thought she won in good style despite the race not panning out how we were hoping. We were in stall one and, although it wasn't a big field, Hollie had plenty of daylight and we wanted to take her back a little bit and then she had to manoeuvre a little bit on the left and battled on. You could say the runner-up was a touch unlucky but, at the same time, Folgaria won with a little bit left in hand. “I think she will come on for the run and she hasn't had a racecourse gallop or anything. That was a performance on what we have been able to do in the mornings.” Turning his attention to future plans, Botti added, “I expect she will come on a fair bit and there is no reason why a mile will not suit her, especially if we went to France where she will race round a bend. “There is plenty to look forward to throughout the season and at the moment the French Guineas is the plan. We always thought we would aim there rather than the English Guineas as simply a mile with a bend is what we think will suit her better. “It's been a tough time the last few weeks and when you get a three-year-old of that calibre and everything goes to plan, it is just a boost for the yard and for everyone involved. “It just gives everyone a little bit of confidence and our horses have been running well during the winter but these are the races you want to be thereabouts in and we know we have a filly like her with lots of potential.” The post Classic Bid On The Cards For Fred Darling Winner Folgaria appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The UK Tote Group and Singapore Pools have signed a new agreement to commingle pools, made in partnership with Arena Racing Company (ARC) and Racecourse Media Group (RMG) as the media rights holders for British racing's 59 racecourses. The agreement sees both organisations combine liquidity, with customers of Singapore Pools betting into the UK Tote's pools on British meetings, creating bigger UK pools and ensuring an improved financial return to the sport. Simon Leong, chief product officer of Singapore Pools, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the UK Tote on this new front, which not only provides our customers access to larger pools but also contributes to British horseracing. We deeply appreciate our longstanding partnership with British racing and look forward to further strengthening the communal horseracing ties shared between us.” Jon Knapman, international chief commercial officer of the UK Tote Group, added, “This is a really positive development and we're pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at Singapore Pools to ensure bigger pools for all our customers. We will continue to cooperate and commingle with our international pool betting partners to ensure bigger, more unified pools on our racing.” The post Singapore And UK Customers Now Betting Into A Single Pool On British Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Pukekohe based trainer Jeremy Young has just two horses entered at Thursday’s ANZAC day meeting, but he is confident both are capable of strong performances. “Both horses are well placed,” says Young, “they’ve both been working well and I’m pretty happy with both of them.” Young’s first runner for the night is Gladys Greenland who takes part in Race three, the Watchu Security Mobile Pace for Junior Drivers. The four-year-old mare by Downbytheseaside, starts fresh up from a spell over 1700 metres with Monika Ranger engaged to drive. “This race was a good starting point for her with the drawcard being it’s penalty free if she happens to win,” says Young, “she’s drawn well (2) and gets off the gate well, so we’ll be looking to go forward and remain out in front.” “Although she missed a trial on Saturday due to the heavy rain, she’s very forward in her work and over the 1700 metre trip I don’t think it should be a problem.” Only lightly raced, Gladys Greenland scored her maiden victory over a mile at Alexandra Park’s sprint night back on November 10 in a time of 1.55-4. She has placed on a further four occasions from just six starts. Young’s other runner is Mantra who starts in Race five, the MacMillan Equine Feeds Mobile Pace over 2200 metres. Driven tonight by Maurice McKendry (MNZM), the three year old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding starts from three on the second line in a full field. “Unfortunately, his draw is a bit tougher but with some luck he can still be thereabouts,” says Young, “that being said, his work has been good and he’s well placed.” His most recent run at Alexandra Park on April 19 saw him three back on the pegs in running before coming out three wide on the home bend to run on nicely into fourth place with the race taken out by Iron Brigade. Mantra has had three starts to date and was a winner on debut at big odds at Alexandra Park on March 15. Young and McKendry have been a successful combination in recent times with the pair combining to win the Group 1 Woodlands Stud Queen of Hearts with Young’s stable star Lady Of The Light in December. “She’s had a good spell and will be returning to work in a week or so,” says Young. “It’s a long way out yet but the big picture would see her targeting a New Zealand Cup campaign provided she’ll manage standing starts and there are also some mares’ races here and in Australia that could be an option down the track.” The Anzac Day Race meeting kicks off with Race one at 5:19pm. View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, April 27, 2024 First Race 11:30am AEDT Visit Dabble NSW metropolitan racing returns to Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, where a massive 10-race card is set to get underway at 11:30am local time. The autumn carnival in Sydney may be winding down, but with 166 acceptors across the day, there’s still plenty of quality on show. The rail is back in its true position, and with sunny skies predicted throughout the week, the surface should be in pristine Good 4 condition. Best Bet at Rosehill: Kazou Kazou returns after a 152-day spell and doesn’t seem to have missed a step based on her barrier trial win at this course on March 18. She led all the way to score by 8.8 lengths, doing it comfortably under minimal riding by Tommy Berry. Her form before being tipped out reads exceptionally well for this BM94 contest, and with no weight on her back, watch for Kazou to make every post a winner with Jay Ford in the saddle. Best Bet Race 7 – #15 Kazou (12) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Jay Ford (52.5kg) +230 with PlayUp Next Best at Rosehill: Rantan Although the margin only reads a half-length at Newcastle on April 3, Rantan was ultra-impressive. She was forced to make a sustained run from the rear of the field, circling her rivals to score. She maps to sit in behind the speed in this open two-year-old contest, and with Joshua Parr stalking the opposition from the one-one, expect Rantan to be prominent when asked for the ultimate effort. Next Best Race 1 – #11 Rantan (2) 2yo Filly | T: Ron Quinton | J: Joshua Parr (56kg) +750 with Bet365 Best Value at Rosehill: Waterford The Chris Waller-trained Waterford returns after contesting the Group 2 Ingham (1600m) at the end of last preparation and looks suitably placed to redeem his winless campaign. He was far from disgraced, making inroads from the back-half of the field to finish within 2.5 lengths of Loch Eagle. His most recent jump-out caught the eye at Randwick on April 8, and provided Waterford can recapture some of his best form from his initial Australian campaign, this guy should be kept safe with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #4 Waterford (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (58kg) +900 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips – Rosehill Gardens Rosehill quadrella selections Saturday, April 27, 2024 7-15 1-2-4-8-9-10-16 1-4-8-10-12-14 3-6-7-8-11-12-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Eagle Farm Races Where Eagle Farm Racecourse – 230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, April 27, 2024 First Race 11:38am AEST Visit Dabble For the second straight weekend, racing will return to Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon as the Brisbane Racing Club hosts a massive nine-race program. The meeting will be headlined by three races at the back end of the card, with the Mick Dittman Plate, Brisbane Mile Quality, and Princess Stakes all to be run at Listed level. The track was rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with little to no rain forecast, the surface is expected to improve into the Good range by race day. The rail will be in the +3m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 11:38am AEST. Mick Dittman Plate Tip: Party For Two Party For Two returned to the racetrack with a tough on-speed win at the Gold Coast over 1200m, where the Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained mare held off a late challenge in the final strides. As one of the key speed influences, this daughter of Sidestep will appreciate the drop in trip to 1000m second-up. With her main rivals coming into this race first-up, Party For Two should have a fitness edge over them, and that should see her get the result. Mick Dittman Plate Race 6 – #8 Party For Two (12) 3yo Filly | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Nikita Beriman (55kg) +220 with Unibet Brisbane Mile Quality Tip: Jimmysstar After suffering his first two defeats in Australia, Jimmysstar will head to Queensland to kick off his Stradbroke Handicap campaign, and the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding appears to be one of the better bets on the card. The son of Per Incanto had no luck last start in the Group 3 Newcastle Stakes before being sent for a seven-week freshen. Although Jimmysstar’s form at Listed level isn’t as strong as most of his rivals, with even luck, this rising star should be able to take care of this field with relative ease. Brisbane Mile Quality Race 8 – #5 Jimmysstar (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Robbie Dolan (54.5kg) +135 with PlayUp Princess Stakes Tip: Miss Jolene Miss Jolene was an impressive winner first-up over 1350m at Doomben before running home strongly to finish a close second behind Oceans Of Energy at the same track and trip second-up. The Kelly Schweida-trained filly appears to be looking for extra distance, so with her stepping up to 1600m third-up, it is expected that the daughter of Russian Revolution will flourish under the conditions. Although Miss Jolene will jump from barrier 16, her get-back-and-run-on racing style will negate the wide draw and should see her finish off strongly down the outside. Princess Stakes Race 9 – #3 Miss Jolene (15) 3yo Filly | T: Kelly Schweida | J: James Orman (56.5kg) +600 with Picklebet Best Bet at Eagle Farm: Frilled Frilled is a very speedy mare who will return from an eight-week spell with the benefit of two strong trials over 735m and 905m in the lead-up to her fresh run. Before heading to New South Wales last preparation, the Matthew Smith-trained galloper recorded a hat-trick of wins, with two of them coming at Moonee Valley in fine style. Frilled will jump to the lead from barrier five, and if she gets an uncontested lead, the daughter of Star Witness will take a power of beating late. Best Bet Race 7 – #7 Frilled (5) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Smith | J: James Orman (57.5kg) +360 with Neds Next Best at Eagle Farm: Nashira Following two strong performances over 1000m and 1200m to begin this campaign, Nashira will step up to 1300m, a distance the Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained gelding will appreciate third-up. This son of Zoustar was held up slightly in the home straight and worked his way through a gap late to finish fourth behind Mishani Sniper last start. Kyle Wilson-Taylor will take the reins for his first ride on Nashira, and if he can find a back to follow around the home turn, he will be letting down strong to challenge the leaders late. Next Best Race 5 – #10 Nashira (15) 5yo Gelding | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor (55.5kg) +500 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Eagle Farm races Eagle Farm quadrella selections Saturday, April 27, 2024 6-7-8 5-7-9 5-11 1-2-3-6-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Tamworth Showcase Cup Day Where Tamworth Jockey Club – 28 Britten Rd, Taminda NSW 2340 When Friday, April 26, 2024 First Race 12:40pm AEST Visit Dabble Tamworth Jockey Club is the destination for NSW country racing on Friday afternoon, with the $200,000 Tamworth Showcase Cup (1400m) headlining a bumper eight-race program. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with the forecast promising clearing conditions in the lead-up, punters should anticipate a Good 4 surface. The action is scheduled to get underway at 12:40pm AEST. Tamworth Showcase Cup: Gringotts Gringotts couldn’t have been more impressive when returning at Rosehill on March 30. The son of Per Incanto chased three wide without cover for the entire journey, proving far too classy for BM88 company. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding gets into this on the minimum 54kg, and provided Ashley Morgan can gain an economical run from stall eight, Gringotts should book his ticket to The Big Dance (1600m) in the spring. Tamworth Showcase Cup Race 7 – #8 Gringotts (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ashley Morgan (54kg) +220 with Bet365 Best Bet at Tamworth: Hellcibell Hellcibell is yet to miss the frame in five starts to date, and punters should expect that trend to continue in this BM66 for the fillies and mares. She was a dominant half-length winner at Scone on March 22, making every post a winner throughout the 1100m contest. The daughter of Hellbent should strip fitter for that effort, and although she needs to lug the top weight of 62kg, Hellcibell has the class to take care of this lot. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Hellcibell (2) 4yo Mare | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Aaron Bullock (62kg) +140 with Neds Next Best at Tamworth: Arctic Legend Arctic Legend toyed with his rivals in maiden company at Tamworth on April 8. He was first-up for the Cody Morgan barn and never looked in any doubt, careering away to score by 2.3 lengths. Watch for the three-year-old to ping the lids and lead throughout once again, and provided Aaron Bullock can get Arctic Legend to jump evenly, this should be another relatively easy watch for followers. Next Best Race 5 – #2 Arctic Legend (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Cody Morgan | J: Aaron Bullock (58.5kg) +170 with Bet365 Thursday quaddie tips – Tamworth Showcase Cup Day 2024 Tamworth quadrella selections Friday, April 26, 2024 2 2-3-4-6-8 2-3-5-8-9 2-3-4-5-8-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Kiwi ace James McDonald backs his star mount in Sunday’s Group One QE II Cup (2,000m): ‘He knows how to get the job done’View the full article

Consistent three-year-old Beau Brummell (NZ) (Embellish) commenced a successful journey south for jockey Warren Kennedy, who picked up a trio of winners at Phar Lap Raceway on Wednesday. Kennedy has made regular visits to the South Island this season to partner Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton-based contingent, while also in pursuit of the jockeys’ premiership, which he currently leads by 14 wins with 104, to Michael McNab’s 91. Beau Brummell has also made his presence felt this season, with five starts for two victories and a fourth placing in the Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) and was an overwhelming $1.30 favourite to add a third success to his record in the Jon Snow & Echoes Of Heaven @ Clearview Park Mile (1600m). The son of Embellish settled into stride comfortably behind the speed and never looked in doubt as he swept clear down the straight to score by 2- 1/4 lengths to Soul Destroyer. Mark Walker, who prepares Beau Brummell in partnership with Sam Bergerson, was pleased to see the Te Akau Stud homebred continue to perform. “He’s starting to become really consistent, winning three of his six starts, and it was another nice ride of Warren’s to give him a great trip,” Walker said. “Like most of the progeny by Embellish, he’s a horse that’s maturing with a bit of time. “We think, as he continues to strengthen, that he’ll continue to improve as a four and five-year-old.” Bred and co-raced by Te Akau principal David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, the gelding has earned $54,195 in six starts. Beau Brummell is out of an unraced Pentire mare in Fashion Forward (NZ), however his granddam Marie Claire (NZ) (O’Reilly) was placed in a Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) and won at Listed level. Kennedy continued his winning roll with a race-to-race double in Race 5 and 6, saluting aboard promising John Blackadder-trained mare Yoshime (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven) in the Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m), before adding another in the tangerine silks with French Rose (NZ) (Burgundy) taking out the Central Districts Trainers Association Sprint (1200m). View the full article

Key strategic changes across the two equine codes headline the 2024-25 New Zealand racing calendar released today. Following on from a strategic partnership between TAB NZ and Entain Australia and New Zealand that commenced in June last year, the two organisations and three racing codes in New Zealand have taken the opportunity to revamp the calendar. Next season’s calendar features include: -An increase of 27 Sunday meetings for thoroughbred racing, including 14 double thoroughbred meetings on Sundays. -A revamped thoroughbred summer feature calendar (previously announced in January). 46 extra harness racing licences for the 2024/25 season, with 36 extra meetings on a Tuesday to be run for lower stakes. -Addington and Alexandra Park to be run on Friday nights together on 35 occasions next season, and more harness racing in the North Island. -Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s race meetings are largely a rollover of the current season’s scheduling with 407 race meetings planned. Nick Roberts, Chair of the TAB NZ Dates Committee, said that with minimum guaranteed funding for five years under the strategic partnership, the time to deliver change is now. “This is the inaugural racing calendar established under the industry’s new operating model, with representatives of TAB NZ, Entain, and the three racing codes working collaboratively towards an optimised calendar,” Roberts said. “We already saw the success of some changes to the summer feature calendar this year, and we’re really pleased with the natural flow that has been created for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s feature racing next summer, leading up to The NZB Kiwi in early March.” The Dates Committee incorporated new guiding principles aimed at fostering the growth of New Zealand racing and expanding the strategic partnership’s wagering customer base. The new calendar balances various factors, including club interests, the operational capabilities of Entain’s broadcasting and on-course facilities, a revitalised racing pattern, venue use, and the pursuit of new revenue opportunities. The 995 meetings in the 2024/25 season will be made up of 300 thoroughbred meetings, 288 harness meetings and 407 greyhound meetings with 10,291 individual races to be run. This is an increase of 27 scheduled race meetings and 394 scheduled races against the current season. The full calendar can be found on tabnz.org in the Other Reports section, or by clicking here. View the full article

Ben and Ryan Foote will be represented by a pair of stakes contenders at Te Rapa and are expecting bold showings from the duo. The father and son training partnership’s feature race hopes on Saturday rest with Nancy She Wrote (NZ) (Wrote) in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) and Rayet (NZ) (Tivaci) in the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The former has been in good recent form in the lower grades and was narrowly beaten two runs back by subsequent Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) winner Nereus (NZ) (Savabeel) at Trentham. She returned to the capital earlier this month and was a fast-finishing fourth after rider Michael McNab had trouble plotting a clear path for the Wrote mare. “She drew wide and jumped well and had to be pulled back and things went against her, but Michael was really keen to stick with her so that’s always a good sign,” Ben Foote said. “She’s up to good company and she’s racing well, but has got back a bit and run into some bad luck. “She has drawn a better alley (seven) and we would confidently ride her closer.” Rayet has made a promising start to her career with a brace of victories and a runner-up finish from six appearances. At her most recent outing, the Tivaci filly bungled the start and got home strongly for sixth under Courtney Barnes who will again take the reins. “To be honest, I’m quietly confident she can be right in it,” Foote said. “She has showed a lot and she stepped up to the Rating 75 grade quite quickly, I really rate her. “She’s starting to race a lot more kindly now, and I think she’s a big chance on Saturday.” Foote will also send Enthusiastic (NZ) (War Decree) back to the Central Districts for the Commdives NZ 3YO (1340m) at Wanganui on Saturday. The son of War Decree was a last-start maiden winner at Otaki and is expected to fully realise his potential when seasoned enough to step up over more ground. “He’s a staying type and wasn’t quite ready for a mile, otherwise I would have run him at Te Rapa,” he said. “Once he gets up to 2000m, I think he can be quite a smart horse.” Meanwhile, stablemate Charmer (NZ) (Charm Spirit) will be chasing a long overdue first victory in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1400m) at Matamata on Friday. The Charm Spirit three-year-old has placed seven times from 12 starts, including a runner-up finish in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) and third in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m), and most recently ran fifth at Otaki. “She drew the outside last time and had to be pulled right back and we probably should have ridden her forward,” Foote said. “She just needs the slightest bit of luck and she wins.” Barnmate Mars (NZ) also didn’t have a lot of luck last time out and the Zoustar filly will get her opportunity to turn her form around when she drops back to Rating 60 company in the Mount Maunganui RSA (1600m). View the full article

Sam Mynott has been ticking up the air miles over the Tasman Sea this week and she is hoping it will all be worth it when she lines up her first horse in Australia on Saturday. Imwonderfultonight (I Am Invincible), who races as Wonderful Tonight in Australia, has been a stable flagbearer for Mynott, highlighted by her maiden stakes success at Otaki earlier this month when taking out the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). Mynott was rapt with the result, with Imwonderfultonight having been stakes placed on three previous occasions, including the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1400m), and Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m). A trip across the Tasman was in the works following her last start success, with the Queensland Winter Carnival firmly in the crosshairs, however, Mynott began to look for more immediate Australian assignments following her Otaki win, and Saturday’s Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville was identified as an ideal target. “It was great to tick that (stakes win) off,” Mynott said. “She came through it really well. She was bouncing around after the race like she hadn’t even had a run, which gave us a bit more confidence in heading over to Adelaide. “We had the Queensland Winter Carnival in-mind and we only looked towards Adelaide after Otaki. While she was up and going we thought it could be a good time to go over. “She arrived (in Melbourne) last Wednesday and is at Andrew Forsman’s Flemington barn at the moment. “She has settled in really well. She has been eating up as soon as she got there, she is really happy.” Mynott was in Melbourne to help settle in Imwonderfultonight but has returned to New Zealand to oversee the final preparations of stablemates Aquilifer (NZ) (Charm Spirit) and Persiflage (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) ahead of Saturday’s Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). “I got home last (Tuesday) night and will fly back to Adelaide on Friday,” she said. “They are niggly draws. Aquilifer (11) will definitely start but we haven’t decided on Persiflage (14) yet and whether we just save her for another day, but I am happy with both of them. “It is a strong field, but Aquilifer has been showing up and has been thereabouts in her runs, they have all been full of merit so far. I am looking forward to seeing what she can do.” The pair will race in the colours of breeder-owner Ben Kwok, who also shares in the ownership of Imwonderfultonight with Windsor Park Stud. The Singapore-based businessman has been a major backer of Mynott’s, with their association beginning just over a year ago. “He has been so supportive and it is just brilliant to have him onboard and have these fillies performing for him,” Mynott said. “Aquilifer came to me as a two-year-old before I got Wonderful. I started off with those two and it grew from there. “I am super grateful for his support, he has been fantastic, and long may it continue.” While excited for the weekend with Kwok’s trio, Mynott said she has a number of youngsters of his in her care that she believes have a bright future. “He has a really nice two-year-old that I have just sent to the paddock, it is very exciting for the future,” Mynott said. “She is a Shamexpress out of Miss Montjeu, so she is a full to (Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes contender) December.” View the full article

Promising filly Bedtime Story (NZ) (Per Incanto) will be looking for a fairytale ending to her three-year-old season when she heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Per Incanto has been in pleasing form for trainers Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos, winning three and placing in two of her six starts, with her only unplaced run coming last start when fourth in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). She has been freshened since that run and Lowry is hopeful she can end her season on a high and gain some valuable black-type this weekend. “She has had a good freshen-up. She is in good nick and will go for a spell after Saturday,” Lowry said. “I thought her run in the Wellington Guineas was very good, stepping up to 1400m. It wasn’t the best spacing, having raced a week before, but in saying that she is very honest. I think she will strengthen into a nice horse next season.” Further south, Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca) will also be the stable’s sole representative at Wanganui when he lines-up in the Carpet Maintenance & Cleaning Open 1200. The five-year-old son of El Roca was a last start runner-up in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Otaki, and Lowry believes he will be more than competitive this weekend with 60kg on his back. “He always takes a couple of runs to get going,” he said. “I think he is well weighted there. With a bit of luck he should be at the right end.” Wewillrock campaigned in Australia last winter for John O’Shea and a return trip across the Tasman could be on the cards. “Australia is a possibility,” Lowry said. “There is just nothing around for five weeks for him in Sydney. We will get through Saturday and see where we are at from there.” Meanwhile, on Thursday, Lowry will head to Otaki’s ANZAC Day meeting with four contenders, including consistent gelding Gohugo (NZ) (Per Incanto) in The Tele Otaki Handicap (1400m). The son of Per Incanto has placed in his last four starts, and Lowry is hopeful he can breakthrough for a deserved victory at the mid-week meeting. “Gohugo is an honest horse and just missed out a few times and deserves a win. He is going well,” Lowry said. Lowry will also be represented by Rosalita (NZ) (Tivaci) in the Vets On Riverbank Maiden (1400m), It’s Amelia (NZ) (Eminent) in the Cavallo Farms & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1100m), and debutant Flashlight (NZ) (Embellish) in the Harcourts Otaki Maiden (1600m). “Rosalita is another one that has had a bit of a freshen-up. I think she will be competitive. She is an honest filly that is only going to strengthen as she gets older,” Lowry said. “It’s Amelia has done well since her spell and should run well fresh. And I like Flashlight, I think he is going to end up a nice stayer.” View the full article

Islington Lass (NZ) will face the sternest test of her career at Otaki and Allan Sharrock is more than confident Proisir’s daughter can rise to the challenge. The five-year-old has marched through the grades in double quick time to earn a crack at black-type in Thursday’s Listed TAB ANZAC Mile (1600m) with leading rider Michael McNab to reunite with the mare. The in-form Islington Lass has an awkward barrier (15) to contend with, but Sharrock is looking skyward for help in negating that potential drawback. “She has drawn out wide, but the track has had three meetings in the last 25 days and if they get the rain that is predicted they will be getting out to the middle anyway,” he said. Islington Lass has won five of her eight starts and the booking of McNab is another major plus as he has successfully combined with her on three of those occasions. He will also be aboard Dresse’ Par Joli (NZ) (Tavistock), whose chances in the Harcourts Otaki Maiden (1600m) have been boosted by a gear addition. “Blinkers will be on and Tavistocks should have been born with blinkers and it’s worked accordingly, she should be a strong each way play,” Sharrock said. Meanwhile, gifted Ardrossan filly Sindee (NZ) is in tip-top order for the Gr.3 Inglis Sale Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. “This will be the end for her and she’ll go to the paddock after Saturday. It would be great to win a Group race for the boys and I couldn’t be happier with her,” Sharrock said. “She’s come a long way in a short time and taken everything in her stride.” Sindee was successful in her first two appearances at Wanganui before she ran third at Trentham and then bounced back to winning ways last time out. “She’s a very, very talented horse and she’s always showed a lot. I’m actually surprised she’s been beaten, but that happens,” Sharrock said. “We learned a bit more about her after Wellington, she’s done a good job and was very impressive at Te Rapa the other day.” Sharrock will also have Justaskme (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) and Tavattack (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with the latter tipped as the stable’s best chance. “Justaskme will take improvement out of the run and his main aim is the Listed weight-for-age mile (Ag Training Stakes, 1600m) on June 1 at Wanganui that he won last year,” Sharrock said. “That’s probably the only one at the weights that he can win.” Justaskme was unplaced when resuming at Trentham in the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m), in which Tavattack finished fifth. “Tavattack gets in with a winnable weight (55kg) and I thought his work on Tuesday was very good,” Sharrock said. “He let me down at Wellington, but he has improved off the back of that and I think he’s going to be very competitive.” Stablemates Sumi (NZ) (Atlante) and Bridal Train (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) will also be in action at Te Rapa in the Hutton Contracting Handicap (1400m) and AON Insurances Brokers 3YO (1600m) respectively and considered leading hopes. “Sumi is tracking well and safely through this will go to the Rotorua Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) that she ran third in last year,” Sharrock said. “She is more than capable of winning again on Saturday, she’s gone up a kilo and a-half and that shouldn’t bother her.” U S Navy Flag’s daughter Bullet Train (NZ) has a win and a pair of runner-up finishes from her four appearances and will be ridden by apprentice Triston Moodley. “Her run at Matamata last week was great as well, she carried 59.5kg and sat three wide with no cover and had the audacity to run on late for fourth,” Sharrock said. “She’s looking for a mile and with three kilos off she’ll go around with 52kg and that’s a hell of a difference.” His other weekend representative will be last-start course and distance winner Tavi Ann (NZ) (Tavistock) in the G Bristol & Sons Handicap (1600m) at Wanganui. “She has worked well and is up in grade and down in the weights and sometimes they can put two together. Overall, we’ve got a strong team and we should get a prize somewhere,” Sharrock said. View the full article

What Robert Sangster Stakes 2024 Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville, SA 5043 When Saturday, April 27, 2024 Prizemoney $1,000,000 Distance 1200m Status Group 1 Conditions Weight For Age | Fillies & Mares 2023 winner Ruthless Dame (12) | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: John Allen (55kg) Visit Dabble The Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) headlines a stacked program at Morphettville on Saturday afternoon, with a 14-strong field vying for the $1 million on offer. Although the field includes just two Group 1 winners, there is no shortage of quality amongst these fillies and mares. Will hot favourite Estriella continue her winning ways? Can her stablemate I Am Me spoil the party? Or is there an upset brewing? ROBERT SANGSTER STAKES 2024 ODDS Fresh off three straight wins to begin her autumn campaign, Estriella dominates the market with online bookmakers as a +150 elect. Having drawn perfectly in barrier two, I Am Me holds the second line of betting at +400, while last-start winner Benedetta (+600) and Group 1 Galaxy victor Zapateo (+750) are the only other two runners in single digits. Classy types Passive Aggressive (+1000) and Stretan Angel (+1100) are the best of the rest. 2024 ROBERT SANGSTER STAKES 2024 SPEED MAP Despite the Sangster being a Group 1 sprint over 1200m, the speed map looks pretty straightforward. Kiwi raider Wonderful Night will likely roll across the front of the field and take up the running, with Passive Aggressive and I Am Me stalking throughout. Zapateo, Waltz On By, Learning To Fly and Climbing Star will all look to hold a spot just off the speed. Market fancy Benedetta will likely be buried back on the fence from barrier one, while Roots, Lempicka and Stretan Angel will be whipping the field in on the home turn and launching late. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes. ROBERT SANGSTER STAKES 2024 PREVIEW & FORM I Am Me looks poised to break her Group 1 duck at the fifth time of asking. Having chased home Imperatriz first-up at Moonee Valley, the I Am Invincible mare looks perfectly placed. With Blake Shinn on from barrier two, the classy sprinter will look to pounce on the home turn, and on the back of a moderately run 1200m event, it should leave the backmarkers with too much ground to make up. Estriella is a star on the rise, and a deserving favourite. The I Am Invincible filly has taken up the running in her last two wins down the Flemington straight, but back around a corner and seeing Morphettville for the first time, she is certainly vulnerable. If Mark Zahra can have her either outside the leader or with a touch of cover, Estriella can put this field away with her elite turn of foot. Benedetta won the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m) in convincing fashion when getting the better of Climbing Star. Before that, the Jason Warren-trained mare was only beaten by 1.7 lengths in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) when chasing home the likes of Cylinder and Imperatriz. She would be much tighter in the market if she drew away from barrier one, as she is almost certain to be buried on the fence, but Benedetta has the turn of foot to win this if she finds clear air at the right time. 2024 ROBERT SANGSTER STAKES SELECTIONS & BEST BETS Selections: 2 I AM ME 12 ESTRIELLA 4 BENEDETTA 3 PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE $100 betting strategy $100 win #2 I Am Me @ +400 with Bet365 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes field 1. Zapateo (3) T: James Cummings J: Jamie Kah W: 56.5kg F: 123×6 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Brazen Beau Dam: Jerezana +750 +150 2. I Am Me (2) T: Ciaron Maher J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg F: 3×221 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Mefnooda +400 -117.65 3. Passive Aggressive (6) T: Grahame Begg J: Jordan Childs W: 56.5kg F: 61×80 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Miss Judgement +1000 +190 4. Benedetta (1) T: Jason Warren J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 56.5kg F: 144×4 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +600 +125 5. Roots (9) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg F: 3×010 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Press Statement Dam: Arctic Success +1500 +280 6. Skew Wiff (5) T: Mark Walker J: Michael Dee W: 56.5kg F: 700×5 Age: 4YO Color: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Starvoia +7000 +1200 7. Climbing Star (14) T: Phillip Stokes J: Lachlan Neindorf W: 56.5kg F: 21×52 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Bryony +2500 +450 8. Lempicka (4) T: Ken & Kasey Keys J: Blaike McChief Stipeall W: 56.5kg F: 210×7 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Rich Enuff Dam: Hot Art +10000 +1700 9. Wonderful Tonight (12) T: Sam Mynott J: Craig Williams W: 56.5kg F: 13034 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Forever Loved (NZ) +15000 +2500 10. Snapped (7) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Todd Pannell W: 56.5kg F: 410×8 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Not a Single Doubt Dam: Fracture +6000 +1000 11. Waltz On By (8) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Billy Egan W: 56.5kg F: 61331 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Stay With Me +7000 +1200 12. Estriella (11) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 54.5kg F: 111×6 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Madrigals +160 -250 13. Learning To Fly (13) T: Annabel Neasham J: Chad Schofield W: 54.5kg F: 42xL1 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Justify (USA) Dam: Ennis Hill +1800 +320 14. Stretan Angel (10) T: Phillip Stokes J: Damian Lane W: 54.5kg F: 24×71 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Sretan +1100 +210 Horse racing tips View the full article

Nancy She Wrote will contest the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Ben and Ryan Foote will be represented by a pair of stakes contenders at Te Rapa and are expecting bold showings from the duo. The father and son training partnership’s feature race hopes on Saturday rest with Nancy She Wrote in the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) and Rayet in the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The former has been in good recent form in the lower grades and was narrowly beaten two runs back by subsequent Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) winner Nereus at Trentham. She returned to the capital earlier this month and was a fast-finishing fourth after rider Michael McNab had trouble plotting a clear path for the Wrote mare. “She drew wide and jumped well and had to be pulled back and things went against her, but Michael was really keen to stick with her so that’s always a good sign,” Ben Foote said. “She’s up to good company and she’s racing well, but has got back a bit and run into some bad luck. “She has drawn a better alley (seven) and we would confidently ride her closer.” Rayet has made a promising start to her career with a brace of victories and a runner-up finish from six appearances. At her most recent outing, the Tivaci filly bungled the start and got home strongly for sixth under Courtney Barnes who will again take the reins. “To be honest, I’m quietly confident she can be right in it,” Foote said. “She has showed a lot and she stepped up to the Rating 75 grade quite quickly, I really rate her. “She’s starting to race a lot more kindly now, and I think she’s a big chance on Saturday.” Foote will also send Enthusiastic back to the Central Districts for the Commdives NZ 3YO (1340m) at Wanganui on Saturday. The son of War Decree was a last-start maiden winner at Otaki and is expected to fully realise his potential when seasoned enough to step up over more ground. “He’s a staying type and wasn’t quite ready for a mile, otherwise I would have run him at Te Rapa,” he said. “Once he gets up to 2000m, I think he can be quite a smart horse.” Meanwhile, stablemate Charmer will be chasing a long overdue first victory at Matamata on Friday. The Charm Spirit three-year-old has placed seven times from 12 starts, including a runner-up finish in the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) and third in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m), and most recently ran fifth at Otaki. “She drew the outside last time and had to be pulled right back and we probably should have ridden her forward,” Foote said. “She just needs the slightest bit of luck and she wins.” Barnmate Mars also didn’t have a lot of luck last time out and the Zoustar filly will get her opportunity to turn her form around when she drops back to Rating 60 company. Horse racing news View the full article

Imwonderfultonight will contest the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Sam Mynott has been ticking up the air miles over the Tasman Sea this week and she is hoping it will all be worth it when she lines up her first horse in Australia on Saturday. Imwonderfultonight, who races as Wonderful Tonight in Australia, has been a stable flagbearer for Mynott, highlighted by her maiden stakes success at Otaki earlier this month when taking out the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). Mynott was rapt with the result, with Imwonderfultonight having been stakes placed on three previous occasions, including the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m), Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1400m), and Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m). A trip across the Tasman was in the works following her last start success, with the Queensland Winter Carnival firmly in the crosshairs, however, Mynott began to look for more immediate Australian assignments following her Otaki win, and Saturday’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville was identified as an ideal target. “It was great to tick that (stakes win) off,” Mynott said. “She came through it really well. She was bouncing around after the race like she hadn’t even had a run, which gave us a bit more confidence in heading over to Adelaide. “We had the Queensland Winter Carnival in-mind and we only looked towards Adelaide after Otaki. While she was up and going we thought it could be a good time to go over. “She arrived (in Melbourne) last Wednesday and is at Andrew Forsman’s Flemington barn at the moment. “She has settled in really well. She has been eating up as soon as she got there, she is really happy.” Horse racing news View the full article

Massive Sovereign is unbeaten in Hong Kong. Massive Sovereign will aim to join rare company when he lines up in the HK$28 million Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (April 28). Unbeaten across two incredible performances in Hong Kong, including in the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Massive Sovereign is bidding to join Vengeance Of Rain (2005), Ambitious Dragon (2011), Designs On Rome (2014), Werther (2016) and Romantic Warrior (2022) by completing the Hong Kong Derby-QEII Cup double in the same season. Perhaps Hong Kong racing’s brightest rising star, Massive Sovereign reunites with the city’s dominant force, Zac Purton, the winner of 1,701 races. Purton has partnered Massive Sovereign in both outings for former champion trainer Dennis Yip. “It’s hard to do what he did in the Derby, but he’s against his own age there and now he has to go and do it against the older horses. It’s another big step for him. I’m hopeful that he’s able to do it. “It’s a good chance to see how he measures up against the older horses. He felt really good in his trial last Friday (April 19). This race gives us our chance to see how we measure up,” Purton said. Massive Sovereign rounded up his BMW Hong Kong Derby rivals last month in race record time (since the distance was extended to 2000m), clocking 1:59.85. The four-year-old tackles Romantic Warrior for the first time, who has the chance to become the first three-time FWD QEII Cup winner after his triumphs in 2022 and 2023. “It’s a really strong race. The international runners come in with good form and we have Romantic Warrior – he’s pretty hard to beat wherever he goes, and they’re well exposed, they have good ratings and we know what we’re going to get from them,” Purton said. “Although, we don’t know how the track is going to be. That’s a question mark that we can’t answer until we get to race day with the weather (rain) that’s around this week.” Massive Sovereign was formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien. He was a two-time winner in Ireland. Straight Arron, Happy Together, Five G Patch, Nimble Nimbus, Sword Point, Hishi Iguazu, Prognosis, North Bridge and Dubai Honour also feature in the FWD QEII Cup. Purton won the 2020 FWD QEII Cup with Exultant. The Australian reunites with Beauty Eternal in the HK$22 million Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) for John Size, seeking a third win in the race after a pair of victories with Beauty Generation (2018 & 2019). Beauty Eternal has won eight times from 16 starts, including the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Jockey Club Mile (1600m) earlier this season before finishing second in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m). “He’s sort of got to a mark in these Group 1 races against the best horses we have and he just hasn’t been able to find that extra length and a half or so. He just keeps coming up a little bit short. John keeps turning him out in good order and he keeps trying his hardest and gives us everything he has got,” Purton said. Golden Sixty, Voyage Bubble, Galaxy Patch, Taj Dragon, Red Lion, Beauty Joy, Elton Barows, Brave Emperor, Obamburumai and Champagne Color are also in the line-up. Purton links with Flying Ace in the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) for David Hall. “He’s honest, he runs well and he’s been littered with bad barriers this season. He’s been on the outside and you have to go back and give them all such a big head start. Then the one day he drew a nice gate, he found a nice spot and won, but that was in a lower class. It’s a big step up to where he is against these horses,” Purton said. The 41-year-old hopes the leader of the race, whether it be California Spangle, Victor The Winner or someone else, receives pressure at the head of the pack on Sunday. “That’s been one of the frustrating things with our sprint races across the past 12 months. There’s just been no speed in them at all, no pressure, and the leaders have been able to control the race and dictate. They’ve been getting it their own way and it’d be nice if there was a little bit more pressure in the race to help us out,” he said. Purton previously won the Chairman’s Sprint Prize on Ivictory (2018) and Lucky Sweynesse (2023). Horse racing news View the full article

Beau Brummell winning at Phar Lap Raceway on Wednesday. Photo: Race Images South Consistent three-year-old Beau Brummell commenced a successful journey south for jockey Warren Kennedy, who picked up a trio of winners at Phar Lap Raceway on Wednesday. Kennedy has made regular visits to the South Island this season to partner Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton-based contingent, while also in pursuit of the jockeys’ premiership, which he currently leads by 14 wins with 104, to Michael McNab’s 91. Beau Brummell has also made his presence felt this season, with five starts for two victories and a fourth placing in the Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) and was an overwhelming -333.33 favourite with horse racing bookmakers to add a third success to his record. The son of Embellish settled into stride comfortably behind the speed and never looked in doubt as he swept clear down the straight to score by 2.25 lengths to Soul Destroyer. Mark Walker, who prepares Beau Brummell in partnership with Sam Bergerson, was pleased to see the Te Akau Stud homebred continue to perform. “He’s starting to become really consistent, winning three of his six starts, and it was another nice ride of Warren’s to give him a great trip,” Walker said. “Like most of the progeny by Embellish, he’s a horse that’s maturing with a bit of time. “We think, as he continues to strengthen, that he’ll continue to improve as a four and five-year-old.” Bred and co-raced by Te Akau principal David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, the gelding has earned $54,195 in six starts. Beau Brummell is out of an unraced Pentire mare in Fashion Forward, however his granddam Marie Claire was placed in a Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) and won at Listed level. Kennedy continued his winning roll with a race-to-race double in Race 5 and 6, saluting aboard promising John Blackadder-trained mare Yoshime, before adding another in the tangerine silks with French Rose. Horse racing news View the full article

What Cranbourne Races Where Cranbourne Turf Club – 50 Grant St, Cranbourne VIC 3977 When Friday, April 26, 2024 First Race 5:15pm AEST Visit Dabble The Friday night racing action at Cranbourne is set to continue for another week, with eight events scheduled. With persistent showers falling in the area on Wednesday and again on Thursday, the track is likely to remain in the Soft 6 range. The rail sticks to its true position, with racing commencing at 5:15pm AEST. Best Bet at Cranbourne: Acid Wash Clinton McDonald’s Acid Wash is without a doubt the best horse going around at this meeting. He produced a win and three seconds in his initial campaign, with a combined losing margin of 0.8 of a length. The three-year-old gelding draws perfectly from barrier under Jamie Kah and will likely stalk the lead throughout the 1200m race. If clear air comes on the home turn, Acid Wash should have no issue in disposing of his rivals in the finale. Best Bet Race 8 – #7 Acid Wash (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Jamie Kah (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Cranbourne: Upwoods Upwoods is a deadset punters nightmare, registering one win and 11 minor placings in 13 starts. The four-year-old gelding was beaten a lip by subsequent Bendigo winner Samuel Langhorne on April 1 — his second straight defeat by the barest of margins. Jordan Childs will look to have the son of Redwood settled outside the lead, and when asked for the ultimate effort at the end of the 2500m, he should prove to be the superior stayer this time. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Upwoods (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Jordan Childs (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best Again at Cranbourne: Night People Night People from the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young barn finished his initial campaign with three consecutive minor placings, but he gets his chance to break his maiden first-up. The son of US Navy Flag has warmed up for this fresh assignment with a handy jumpout win when going to the line under hands and heels. Craig Newitt will have him settled just off the speed, and when asked to quicken, Night People should be cruising to victory. Next Best Again Race 2 – #4 Night People (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Craig Newitt (59kg) Bet with Dabble Friday quaddie tips for Cranbourne races Cranbourne quadrella selections Friday, April 26, 2024 4-8 1-2-3-6 2-3-6-8 7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Bedtime Story will contest the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Promising filly Bedtime Story will be looking for a fairytale ending to her three-year-old season when she heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Per Incanto has been in pleasing form for trainers Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos, winning three and placing in two of her six starts, with her only unplaced run coming last start when fourth in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). She has been freshened since that run and Lowry is hopeful she can end her season on a high and gain some valuable black-type this weekend. “She has had a good freshen-up. She is in good nick and will go for a spell after Saturday,” Lowry said. “I thought her run in the Wellington Guineas was very good, stepping up to 1400m. It wasn’t the best spacing, having raced a week before, but in saying that she is very honest. I think she will strengthen into a nice horse next season.” Further south, Wewillrock will also be the stable’s sole representative at Wanganui. The five-year-old son of El Roca was a last start runner-up in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Otaki, and Lowry believes he will be more than competitive this weekend with 60kg on his back. “He always takes a couple of runs to get going,” he said. “I think he is well weighted there. With a bit of luck he should be at the right end.” Wewillrock campaigned in Australia last winter for John O’Shea and a return trip across the Tasman could be on the cards. “Australia is a possibility,” Lowry said. “There is just nothing around for five weeks for him in Sydney. We will get through Saturday and see where we are at from there.” Meanwhile, on Thursday, Lowry will head to Otaki’s ANZAC Day meeting with four contenders, including consistent gelding Gohugo in The Tele Otaki Handicap (1400m). The son of Per Incanto has placed in his last four starts, and Lowry is hopeful he can breakthrough for a deserved victory at the mid-week meeting. “Gohugo is an honest horse and just missed out a few times and deserves a win. He is going well,” Lowry said. Lowry will also be represented by Rosalita, It’s Amelia, and debutant Flashlight. “Rosalita is another one that has had a bit of a freshen-up. I think she will be competitive. She is an honest filly that is only going to strengthen as she gets older,” Lowry said. “It’s Amelia has done well since her spell and should run well fresh. And I like Flashlight, I think he is going to end up a nice stayer.” Horse racing news View the full article

The 2024-25 New Zealand racing calendar has been released. Photo: Supplied Key strategic changes across the two equine codes headline the 2024-25 New Zealand racing calendar released on Wednesday. Following on from a strategic partnership between TAB NZ and Entain Australia and New Zealand that commenced in June last year, the two organisations and three racing codes in New Zealand have taken the opportunity to revamp the calendar. Next season’s calendar features include: An increase of 27 Sunday meetings for thoroughbred racing, including 14 double thoroughbred meetings on Sundays. A revamped thoroughbred summer feature calendar (previously announced in January). 46 extra harness racing licences for the 2024/25 season, with 36 extra meetings on a Tuesday to be run for lower stakes. Addington and Alexandra Park to be run on Friday nights together on 35 occasions next season, and more harness racing in the North Island. Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s race meetings are largely a rollover of the current season’s scheduling with 407 race meetings planned. Nick Roberts, Chair of the TAB NZ Dates Committee, said that with minimum guaranteed funding for five years under the strategic partnership, the time to deliver change is now. “This is the inaugural racing calendar established under the industry’s new operating model, with representatives of TAB NZ, Entain, and the three racing codes working collaboratively towards an optimised calendar,” Roberts said. “We already saw the success of some changes to the summer feature calendar this year, and we’re really pleased with the natural flow that has been created for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s feature racing next summer, leading up to The NZB Kiwi in early March.” The Dates Committee incorporated new guiding principles aimed at fostering the growth of New Zealand racing and expanding the strategic partnership’s wagering customer base. The new calendar balances various factors, including club interests, the operational capabilities of Entain’s broadcasting and on-course facilities, a revitalised racing pattern, venue use, and the pursuit of new revenue opportunities. The 995 meetings in the 2024/25 season will be made up of 300 thoroughbred meetings, 288 harness meetings and 407 greyhound meetings with 10,291 individual races to be run. This is an increase of 27 scheduled race meetings and 394 scheduled races against the current season. Horse racing news View the full article

Top End trainer Chloe Baxter with South Australian apprentice Jade Doyle after combining to get Swing With Junior home at Fannie Bay on April 12. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) Swing With Junior has been a consistent performer in Darwin for the past two years, but the Chloe Baxter-trained mare faces a solid test on Thursday. The six-year-old steps up to open company for the first time over 1200m, and although it’s only a five-horse field, the competition is top-draw. Siakam and Wolfburn, representing the Gary Clarke stable, have left their mark in the Top End, Chris Pollard’s Hamlet Von Snitzel brings respectable Queensland form to town; and Angela Forster’s mare Zoumist has celebrated success at Fannie Bay. On April 12, Swing With Junior made it two wins from her past three starts when the daughter of Warhorse won by a head over 1200m (0-70). “It’s probably going to be her toughest race to date for me, for sure,” Baxter said. “It is a tricky race, and there are some nice horses. “Siakam, Wolfburn and Hamlet Von Snitzel will be a big test for her, very handy horses. “Having a light weight is a big advantage (54kg) and she’s drawn well. “I just hope that she runs a nice race; I’ll be really happy if she finishes off. “She’s got Wolfburn, who has plenty of speed, inside her, so I would expect her to go forward along with him. “She’s giving me all the indications that she’s well and feeling good within herself, so if she’s thereabouts I’ll be very happy with her.” Darwin apprentice Emma Lines, second in the Top End and Country premiership, partners the mare after guiding the former Victorian galloper to victory over 1100m (0-64) on March 1. It was following the 2022 Darwin Cup Carnival that Baxter secured Swing With Junior from Bendigo trainer Kym Hann. “I was keen on Swing With Junior, I got to know a little about the horse and I knew she worked really well,” Baxter said. “She won two for Kym up here and had a couple of placings. “She handled the dirt and the track, which is a big tick when you bring horses up here. “I did know that Kym was looking to go home with a few less horses. “She certainly has lived up to my expectations, she’s been super. “She’s only a small mare, but she tries her little heart out. “It’s hard to fault her consistency, she’s got four wins and a bunch of placings for me from 20 starts.” Baxter now has eight horses following the recent acquisition of three-year-old filly Tilussion from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable. “The success of the other horses are paying for Tilussion,” Baxter laughed. “Swing With Junior and the maiden Siberian Larch, who had a nice second last Friday, are the only two I have actively racing. “Most of the others have just come back into work to get ready for the Darwin Cup Carnival. “I’ve got my biggest team to date going into Carnival. “I’ve got a broad range of horses, from maidens to three-year-olds to higher rating ones, so I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into it.” Horse racing news View the full article