Wandering Eyes

7th-Belmont The Big A, $90,000, Msw, 6-15, 2yo, 5f, :56.97, ft, nose. MENTEE (c, 2, City of Light–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty), on the 'Insights' radar by virtue of his relationship to full brother, champion juvenile Fierceness, MGISW, $1,703,850, stepped up to lead the field in this unveiling. The 1-2 favorite cruised along through :22.37 and :44.80 opening splits and had built a noteworthy margin entering the final furlong. Under confident handling, his rider John Velazquez never seemed worried as Colloquial (Vekoma) rapidly closed the gap with a furious late rally, and his charge won the photo by a nose in a track-record time of :56.97. MENTEE, the 2YO son of @LanesEndFarms stallion City of Light, and full brother to FIERCENESS, just holds on to break his maiden in the seventh race under @ljlmvel for @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/evqw6GAxtF — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) June 15, 2024 In addition to the champion, Mentee has a yearling half-sister by Caravaggio and a 2024 half-brother by Uncle Mo. His eldest half-sister Dolce Bella (Uncle Mo) has a 2024 filly by City of Light. Their dam Nonna Bella is a half-sister to GISW Outwork (Uncle Mo) and to MSP Nonna's Boy (Distorted Humor). Through third dam MSW & GSP Holy Bubbette (Holy Bull), this is the female family of MGSW Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $49,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Repole Stable, Inc. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post City of Light’s Mentee, Full-Brother to Fierceness, Wins the Photo First Out appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a half to Intello (Ger). 13.30 Chantilly, Debutantes, €50,000, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT BUZY (IRE) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) is a daughter of the Wertheimers' G2 Prix de Sandringham winner and G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches second Impressionnante (GB) (Danehill), who provided the operation with their G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Intello (Ger). Ed Monfort has charge of the blueblood, while Maxime Guyon has opted for the owner-breeders' Polyvega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), a Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained daughter of the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Polydream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}). The post Night Of Thunder Half To Intello Debuts At Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With all three of France's Classics staged so far in 2024 falling to unexposed types, Sunday's 175th edition of the G1 Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly could be poised for more of the same as the fast-improving TDN Rising Star Gala Real (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is asked her biggest question. Going from an 11-length win at Lyon-Parilly in November to a 3 1/2-length defeat of the subsequently listed-placed Wootton Zi (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in Saint-Cloud's Prix Durban in April, Scuderia Dei Duepi, Ecurie des Charmes and Ballylinch Stud's girl wonder was not done there. It was her defeat of the Wertheimers' fellow TDN Rising Star Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in ParisLongchamp's Listed Prix de la Seine last month that marks the Alessandro and Giuseppe Botti-trained filly as ready-made for Classic success. She is also owned by the football world's icon Carlo Ancelotti, who after the kind of season he has had with Europe's best Real Madrid will be hoping that his aura of success rubs off on his equine representative in racing's equivalent of the Champions League. Maybe it's that unstoppable momentum that led to the fates determining that she was handed stall one in the draw lottery. “Gala Real is very well behaved and has an impeccable mindset,” Alessandro said. “It's almost certain that a sound surface won't bother her, although we know that she acts on soft ground. If the ground rides good, I hope she'll be just as effective on it as on soft because it will open up a lot of opportunities for us further down the line. There's no doubt that we're going to get a properly-run race with the presence of British and Irish fillies and I'm hoping for that proper gallop. Christophe Soumillon has carte blanche–he knows her better than me.” Une Aventure Fabuleuse? Aventure has just a short neck to make up on Gala Real from the Prix de la Seine and has since bounded forward with an impressive seven-length win in the 12-furlong G3 Prix de Royaumont here. The question mark is the drop back in trip, but trainer Christophe Ferland is unconcerned about that factor. “For me, the 2,100-metre trip won't be a worry,” he said of the half-sister to the Diane runner-up Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) from the family of Plumania (GB) (Anabaa), who was third in this. “After the Prix de Royaumont, everyone asked me if she would heading to the Prix de Diane. It also depended on how she recovered from the Royaumont,” he added. “The overriding consideration was how she recovered and, since then, she's been doing her normal daily work in the form of some gentle canters on the all-weather, combined with a very short piece of work on grass to see if her action was still fluid and there were no problems on that score.” What Of Menuisier's Zarkava? Where Aventure has to contend with an unfavourable high draw in 10, the apple of David Menuisier's eye Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) has struck lucky with stall four. Along with the fellow British-based contender Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), she boasts prior Classic form having been a probably unfortunate fourth in the G1 1000 Guineas. She also has previous at Chantilly, having captured the seven-furlong G3 Prix Miesque last term and her trainer is not holding back. “She makes me think of Zarkava, which is a big statement,” he said. Uh, you could say that. Before the heretic labellers get to speak out, the French-born handler with bullish tendencies elaborates. “She shows similar traits, in that she can be ridden very cold and win a race within a few yards because of her massive turn of foot,” he explained. “She looks more like a colt than a filly, she is a very powerful horse and I'm sure she will keep on improving physically.” He's not finished yet. “I've maintained that Tamfana is the best filly that I've ever trained–she's exceptional.” “She has a pedigree that oozes stamina, there is some proper stamina on the dam's side. On her pedigree, we shouldn't have any doubts about stamina, rather speed, but that's something she's had from when she started to come to herself in September last year,” he added. “If you compare her to [the Oaks third] War Chimes, it is like comparing a diesel to a petrol car. War Chimes is very good, but Tamfana has so much more speed.” Next On Her Dance Card… Having turned up in the 1000 Guineas and Oaks, Godolphin's Dance Sequence is back again having shown Charlie Appleby the way to go since her stirring effort at Epsom. Second-best at that mile-and-a-half trip, the homebred nevertheless produced the sharpest sectional to threaten from three out to two out and this 10 1/2-furlong trip is made for her. “Dance Sequence appears to have come out of Epsom in good shape,” her trainer said. “It's always a bit tricky in terms of timing running in both races, but we feel that she is showing the right signs. We feel dropping back in trip will suit and hopefully some ease in the ground won't do her any harm. We are applying cheekpieces just to hopefully keep her concentration at the business end of the race. She has a sensible draw in seven and, if she can reproduce her Epsom form, she is going to be a big player.” A Classic Treble For The Aga Khan? With the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Oaks in the bag already in 2024, what price a third fillies' monument for The Aga Khan in a matter of weeks? Certainly his Francis-Henri Graffard-trained G3 Prix de la Grotte winner Candala (Fr) (Frankel {GB}) has all the credentials to garner a record-extending eighth renewal for her owner-breeder. If only she had a better draw than 12, but there is something about this special blend of speed and stamina that says she is one of the select few that could overcome. Graffard also saddles Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani's lightly-raced and unproven Paraiba (Fr), another daughter of Soldier Hollow, and he said, “Candala is indifferent to the state of the ground. We have rediscovered the filly we know and love and are very happy with her.” Of Paraiba, he added, “We've always rated her, but her preparation has been hindered somewhat by the weather at the beginning of the year as she's a top-of-the-ground filly. We've got the work into her and she's ready, but if the ground is soft, she won't run.” Bubbling Under… Also carrying the Wertheimers silks is the Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained G3 Prix Cleopatre winner Halfday (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who is looking to provide her sire with the Jockey Club-Diane double. The operation's racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau said, “It was very much part of the game plan to head straight to the Prix de Diane after winning the Prix de Cleopatre, avoiding a detour via the Prix Saint-Alary which would have been her only other option. She is a light-framed filly who needs time between her races and is very much a late developer. She will blossom over the trip in time.” Looking for the fairytale is the Finnish-born Chantilly-based Laura Vanska, who is here with Alain Jathiere and Christine Guilbert's G2 Prix Saint-Alary winner Birthe (Ire) (Study Of Man {Ire}). Having worked in show jumping before taking in Godolphin's Flying Start, she has a tiny string compared to most of her peers represented here and is dreaming big with the €12,000 purchase. “In the Prix Saint-Alary, she proved her ability to act on soft ground, so I'm not worried about rain,” she said. “She's changed a lot since the beginning of the year. As a 2-year-old, she didn't have the required strength to handle bad ground. It's quite incredible to be pitching at this level in this race of such magnitude, given that I only train ten horses!” By Daylight Again? Also on Chantilly's card is the G3 Prix du Bois Longines for 2-year-olds, with the distinct possibility of Earthlight (Ire) having a first black-type winner from his first crop via his daughter Daylight (Fr). Gousserie Racing and Sandrine Gavrois's Patrice Cottier trainee may only have to replicate her debut performance when winning by 4 1/2 lengths over this track and six-furlong trip last month, but in all probability she will need more with Karl Burke involved with his York novice winner Arabie (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}). In the 12-furlong G3 Prix du Lys Longines, Coolmore and Westerberg's unbeaten TDN Rising Star Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who beat the Diane contender Paraiba in the course-and-distance Prix du Puits aux Chiens conditions event last month, takes the next step towards a crack at the G1 Grand Prix de Paris his trainer Andre Fabre loves so much to win. Also on Sunday, Cologne stages the G2 Grosser Preis der Badischen Wirtschaft, where last year's G1 Deutsches Derby hero Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) looks to get back on track and the contenders for Hamburg's 2024 domestic Classic shape up in the G2 Sparkasse Kolnbonn 189th Union-Rennen. Watch for another Sea The Moon here, Gestut Schlenderhan's Listed Dusseldorf Derby Trial runner-up Any Moon (Ger) who is a half-brother to the G1 Melbourne Cup hero Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}). The post Is Gala The Real Deal? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Menuisier and Charlie Appleby have differing levels of experience when it comes to preparing classic contenders, but they present fillies that have shown themselves already to be genuine group 1 caliber in an open-looking Prix de Diane (G1). View the full article

3rd-Belterra, $16,700, Msw, 6-15, 2yo, f, 5f, 1:01.42, ft, 1 length GOOSEBUMPS (f, 2, Tom's d'Etat–Callisto, by Malibu Moon) became her sire's (by Smart Strike) first winner Saturday in her second start after being a well-beaten second going a half-furlong further over the local course May 25. Off the pace early, she worked her way through the pack through a half in :47.99, swung out off the turn and had plenty to offer late, outrunning late leader Secret Valentine (Global Campaign) to get up by a length. A Winblaze homebred, Goosebumps has a yearling half-brother by Yoshida (Jpn) and a newborn half-sister by Outwork. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $22,360. O/B-Winblaze, LLC (OH); T-Timothy E. Hamm. The post Tom’s d’Etat Records First Winner With Goosebumps appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rider Penalties M Sanson | Waikato 12 June; careless riding; suspended 23-29 June inclusive. J Allen | Waikato 12 June; careless riding; suspended 23-28 June inclusive. W Pinn | Waikato 12 June; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 15 June). T Mitchell | Waikato 12 June; rode trackwork without medical clearance; fined $200. N Parmar | Canterbury 13 June; careless riding; suspended 27 June – 7 July inclusive. W Kennedy | Canterbury 13 June; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 15 June). M Sanson | Waikato 15 June; careless riding; suspended 30 June – 7 July inclusive. N Hailey | Waikato 25 June; careless riding; suspended 24 June – 24 July inclusive. K Myers | Waikato 15 June; medical clearance required. M McNab | Waikato 15 June; medical clearance required. K Chowdhoory | Wellington 15 June; use of whip; fined $500. J Mudhoo | Wellington 15 June; medical clearance required. N Parmar | Wellington 15 June; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalties J & R Vance | Waikato 12 June; incorrect gear; fined $50. L Pickford | Wellington 15 June; late rider declaration; fined $50. Horse Penalties HASNALEI | Waikato 12 June; lame; veterinary clearance required. DASH OF RED | Canterbury 13 June; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. MACKENZIE RANGER | Canterbury 13 June; late scratching after escaping riderless at the barriers; must complete trial. GINGER TOO | Waikato 15 June; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. BANKS ROAD | Waikato 15 June; unsatisfactory performance; must complete schooling trial. The post 10-16 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Grade 1-winning fillies Vahva, Society, and Chi Town Lady vie in the $250,000 Chicago Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

WinBlaze's Goosebumps became the first winner for freshman sire Tom's d'Etat in breaking her maiden in the third race at Belterra Park June 15. View the full article

As expected, G2 Sandy Lane S. hero Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) was supplemented to Friday's G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, as fields for the fourth day of the meeting were revealed on Saturday. G3 Horris Hill S. hero Orne (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) has also been supplemented at a cost of £46,000 to bring the current field to 22. The two late entries face dual Group 1 winner and co-favourite Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) in the six-furlong race. Other notables signed on include G3 Prix de Cabourg scorer and May 18 Listed Carnarvon S. hero Elite Status (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Amo Racing's G1 Phoenix S. victor Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) who just won the G3 Lacken S. on May 19, one for Aidan O'Brien in Group 2 winner and three-time Group 1-placed River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and the G1 Cheveley Park S.heroine Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio). The latter also holds an entry in the G1 Coronation S., which will be run without Classic winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Of the 11 remaining fillies, G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas heroine Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) makes her first start since her Classic win for Roger Varian. Third to Elmalka that day was multiple group winner and two-time Group 1-placed Ramatuelle (Justify) from France from the Christopher Head yard. It is another daughter of Justify that garners favouritism with a week until the race in the form of Coolmore's Opera Singer. The Group 1 winner was third to Fallen Angel in the G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas. The winner of the French equivalent, His Highness The Aga Khan's Rouhiya (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), will be making her first start since that May 12 Classic at ParisLongchamp. In the G3 Albany S., 24 fillies have stood their ground, like the undefeated stakes winner Hot Darling (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Joining the Amy Murphy trainee are a trio from Ballydoyle. G3 Fillies Sprint S. heroine Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) is one of the trio, as are the winners Heaven's Gate (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) and Truly Enchanting (Ire) (No Nay Never). Godolphin's two-for-two 'TDN Rising Star' Mountain Breeze (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) is set to line up, as are the Amo Racing pair of unbeaten listed winner Enchanting Empress (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev) and the Fillies Sprint S. third California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}). The final group race on the Friday card is the G2 King Edward VII S. run over 1 1/2 miles for 3-year-olds, and 21 remain in the running. A total of nine hail from Ballydoyle, with winner and G3 Chester Vase runner-up Agenda (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) showing the way. Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) will be hoping for some redemption and the Group 2 winner last emerged victorious from the G2 Champions Juvenile S. at Leopardstown in September, but has three unplaced runs since. G3 Gallinule S. hero Chief Little Rock (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is also among the current entries. Dual Group 3 winner Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) was last seen winning the G3 Prix Hocquart for His Highness The Aga Khan. Juddmonte's Macduff (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) also appears to fit with these on paper and was second in the G3 Classic Trial S. at Sandown earlier this spring before running off-the-board in the G1 Betfred Derby. Brook Farm Bloodstock's War Rooms (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) is also aiming to progress after a third in the G2 Dante S. at York in mid-May. The post Pair Of Commonwealth Cup Supplements Anchor Royal Ascot Friday Fields 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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Gulfstream Park will resume racing June 16, with a 10-race program after the track canceled racing June 13-15 due to record rainfall that saturated the South Florida area.View the full article

While two major legal actions seeking invalidation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act are in hiatus pending further rulings, a lesser-known proceeding was argued in court this week.View the full article

Next week's G1 St James's Palace S. features an intriguing clash between the English, Irish and French 2000 Guineas winners, with Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) leading the trio on ratings, Timeform announced on Saturday. The Godolphin runner earned a mark of 125p for his defeat of Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who would go on to win the G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas and be ranked 121. Next on the leaderboard is Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a winner of the G1 National S. at two, at 120. Listed winner Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has been ranked at 115p, which edges the 115 given to Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) for his win in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Timeform handicapper Patrick Jupp said, “The early signs are that this year's Classic crop of milers are a strong bunch and, as is often the case when looking at the St James's Palace, the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket looks the key piece of form. “Connections of Rosallion may feel entitled to get closer to Notable Speech than on that day, as their charge didn't have the benefit of a recent run, whilst he has since gone one better at the Curragh when doing well to peg back Haatem. “Notable Speech looks a potentially top-class miler, though, possessing both a high cruising speed and a sharp turn of foot, weapons that are sure to stand him in good stead with conditions next week likely to place the emphasis on speed, and it's hard to see anything that finished behind him at Newmarket reversing form.” The G1 St James's Palace S. takes place on Tuesday, June 18, the first day of Royal Ascot. The post Notable Speech Tops Guineas Winners’ Timeform Ratings For St James’s Palace Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) will miss the G1 Coronation S. on Friday, June 21, due to a setback, trainer Karl Burke revealed on Saturday. The G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas heroine was a winner of the G1 Moyglare Stud S. at two and was expected to be one of the major players in the Coronation. “Unfortunately, she's had a little training setback and she's not going to be able to run next week,” said Burke. “We're not sure how long it's going to hold us up for at this stage, hopefully it's not too serious. “It's obviously disappointing, as it looked as though it was going to be one of the races of the week, but it would have been worse if it had happened the week before the Irish Guineas–we've got to look on the bright side.” There are currently 11 possibles for the race now, with Coolmore's Opera Singer (Justify), third in the Irish 1000 Guineas, set to be the new ante-post favourite. The post Setback Derails Fallen Angel’s Coronation Bid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler boosts bid to claim third in championship with race-to-race brace at twilight meetingView the full article

Call Me Glorious sensationally ploughs through heavy rain to help veteran handler hit the front in tense battle for championshipView the full article

NEWMARKET, UK–Vandeek (GB), who is currently co-favourite for Friday's G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, was put through his paces by James Doyle on Newmarket's Limekilns gallop on Saturday morning. Easing clear of his two older work-mates, the son of Havana Grey (GB) galloped over six furlongs in what co-trainer Ed Crisford described as “a nice topping-up bit of work”. Unbeaten last season in four starts, including the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S., Vandeek, who is owned by KHK Racing, ended 2023 as the highest-rated juvenile in Britain. He returned to action on May 25, finishing third in the G2 Sandy Lane S. behind Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal), who now shares the top spot in the Commonwealth Cup betting. “We just came somewhere different today and it was lovely ground,” said Crisford. “James didn't need to ask him too many questions; he just galloped out nicely, not doing too much before Friday. “He's never been on the Limekilns before so we just wanted to take him somewhere without overdoing it.” Bred in Wales by Kelly Thomas at Maywood Stud, Vandeek topped last year's Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale at 625,000gns. He was a sizeable colt even at two but appears to have improved again physically through this winter and spring. “He's a bigger, stronger horse,” Crisford said. “He has filled out and he has a lot of quality.” Twenty-one horses stood their ground at Saturday's confirmation stage for the Commonwealth Cup, while Inisherin has been supplemented for the race. The trainer added, “It's a proper race: there's the horse who beat him (Inisherin), Elite Status, who looks very good this year; Kia [Joorabchian]'s horse Bucanero Fuerte won well in Ireland. It's as you would expect, really. It's a proper Group 1 field and he will need to be on his A-game. He seems in good order and he's versatile ground-wise, he's won on soft, heavy and on good to firm.” I'm a bit old school, or maybe just old, and I still prefer shooting stills to video. But in the spirit of compromise, here's a bit of both of ⁦@gainsboroughHQ⁩'s Vandeek on the Limekilns this morning with James Doyle and his daily rider Dan Hutchison. pic.twitter.com/zZ0WeqmA4d — Emma Berry (@CollingsBerry) June 15, 2024 The post Vandeek ‘Tops Up’ For Royal Ascot on the Limekilns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a thrilling finish to Queensland’s premier racing event, Bjorn Baker‘s Stefi Magnetica emerged victorious in the 2024 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm. Ridden by young jockey Zac Lloyd, the three-year-old filly edged out multiple Group 1 winning mare Bella Nipotina to claim her first Group 1 win. Lloyd, son of racing legend Jeff Lloyd, […] The post Young Zac Lloyd Claims Stradbroke Handicap 2024 Glory with Stefi Magnetica appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Kempsey Races Where Kempsey Race Club – Warwick Park, North St, Kempsey NSW 2440 When Sunday, June 16, 2024 First Race 12:20pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Kempsey on Sunday afternoon, with the $40,000 Wauchope Cup (1450m) headlining a competitive eight-part program. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with the track rated a Heavy 8 at the time acceptances, and more rain forecast across the weekend, it’s unlikely to gain an upgrade prior to the opening event at 12:20pm local time. Wauchope Cup Tip: Rebel’s Edge Rebel’s Edge is worth forgiving on the seven-day backup after a poor performance at Taree on June 9. The son of Rebel Dane was dragged back towards the rear of the field, caught out three wide without cover throughout the entire journey. His form prior to that effort reads exceptionally well heading into the Wauchope Cup, and provided he can recapture his best, Rebel’s Edge must be considered the one to bear. Wauchope Cup Race 7 – #6 Rebel’s Edge (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Cassandra Stummer | J: Darryl McLellan (55.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Kempsey Best Bet: Pocket Eights Pocket Eights looks close to cracking his maiden status after an outstanding performance at Newcastle on May 25. The Gregory McFarlane-trained gelding held ground to finish within two lengths of Invincible Emma on that occasion, suggesting a step back to this country maiden would be ideal placement to secure his first-career victory. Gate five should allow Aaron Bullock to gain the perfect stalking position throughout, giving Pocket Eights every conceivable chance. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Pocket Eights (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Gregory McFarlane | J: Aaron Bullock (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Bet: She’s Got Teeth She’s Got Teeth went down in a photo-finish at Taree on May 27 and appears set to peak third-up into the campaign. The daughter of Holler looked to have them all covered last start before getting swallowed up by Give It A Nudge in the shadows of the post, with the quinella pair clearing out by 3.8 lengths back to third. The Kris Lees-trained filly hasn’t had much luck in nine starts to date, but with this seemingly her best opportunity to claim victory, She’s Got Teeth looks like a terrific bet to kick off the card at Kempsey. Best Bet Race 1 – #6 She’s Got Teeth (6) 3yo Filly | T: Kris Lees | J: Darryl McLellan (55.5kg) Bet with Neds Sunday quaddie tips for Kempsey Kempsey quadrella selections Sunday, June 16, 2024 2-3-4-6 1-3-7-9-10 4-6 1-2-4-6-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Blackwood Star storms to victory at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Handy galloper Blackwood Star made a welcome return to winning form when she charged home against the outside rail at Trentham. The Dan O’Leary-trained seven-year-old had made a disappointing start to her new campaign, finishing well back in her two starts at Listed level over 1600m before tackling one of Saturday’s feature events. Rider Kate Hercock gave the daughter of Westbury Stud-based stallion Redwood plenty of opportunity to settle into a rhythm at the back of the field, before inching her way into contention at the 600m. The field fanned across the track entering the home straight with eventual minor placegetters Marroni and Pride Of Aspen settling into a battle for supremacy, however Hercock had Blackwood Star finishing powerfully to their outer where she swept past to win comfortably by just over a length at the line. O’Leary who bred and races the mare with his wife Jane Nugent-O’Leary was thrilled to see his stable star return to the top step of the podium. “It’s great to have her back,” he said. “She just wasn’t hitting out on the firmer tracks for her first two starts and that wasn’t good for her. “Her work has been fine, but I was wondering whether she wanted to really stretch out properly and we got that today as Kate had her in a lovely rhythm throughout. “Now the wet tracks have really arrived I think she can hold her form as this win will give her plenty of confidence. “In saying that I don’t have anything specific planned for her, we will just take it step by step as the opportunities present themselves.” Horse racing news View the full article

Berry The Cash cruises to victory at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Berry The Cash added another dominant hurdle victory to his ever-growing list of achievements at Te Rapa. Prepared by Mark Oulaghan, Berry The Cash made a bold statement winning last year’s Grand National Hurdles (4200m) in his first season over fences, and he picked up where he left off in the hurdling role with a comfortable victory in the Awapuni Hurdle (3000m) last month. The son of Jakkalberry ventured north to Te Rapa for his next assignment as a $1.70 favourite with horse racing bookies, with his closest danger returning star hurdler Nedwin at $5.80, who won last year’s Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) and started the 73kg topweight on Saturday. In the hands of regular rider Portia Matthews, Berry The Cash settled into his work in midfield, while English Gambler soon broke away to a 15-length margin in his typical front-running style. The lead was narrowed as the field headed down the back straight for the final time, the charge led by a cruising Berry The Cash, who got on even terms with English Gambler passing the 600m mark while the remainder of the field were well off the bridle. Berry The Cash hit the front turning for home and the margin was extending as English Gambler fell at the second-last, leaving Matthews to guide the seven-year-old to an 11-length demolition over Smug and Lord Spencer, who fought gamely into the minor placings. Matthews shook her head and saluted in admiration of the gelding passing the post, their partnership now spanning five wins from nine attempts. “He’s incredible, and we haven’t seen the end of it now,” she said. “I ride him differently when English Gambler is in the race because I don’t want to put myself too far behind, but I know when English Gambler stops, he stops very quickly and with the ground being the way it was with the extra distance, I knew that the track was going to suit my horse better. I never panicked, and I knew it was coming up for me. “He gets a couple of rough ones (jumps), but I’ve ridden him all the way through, so I know what to expect. We’ve worked our way over those rough ones, and he just goes phenomenally. “He’s only a second-season jumper and Mark has been very patient with him, I can’t thank him enough for the connection with this horse and carrying on through our ups and downs. “The group of owners have been wonderful and have supported me all of the way.” Oulaghan had left Berry The Cash in the care of Tommy Hazlett for the meeting, a former top jump’s jockey who had major success for the stable with notable partnerships including Yourtheman and Counter Punch. “The boss (Oulaghan) has done it again. He had a fair idea 18 months ago that this horse had a fair bit of potential, and his run the other day at Woodville was absolutely magnificent,” Hazlett said. “Isn’t she (Matthews) riding well, she’s really turned a leaf this year. She’s relaxed, she’s not overthinking things, she sees a stride well, and she gets along with this horse absolutely fantastically, “I was a bit worried when Portia started to chase the tearaway leader (English Gambler) at the half-mile because I had my doubts whether or not he would stay, but I’ve been away from the game a long time and I’d be far from telling her what to do. “She’s done a great job, and he’s a serious animal this horse.” The victory also extended Mathews’ lead atop the Jump Jockey’s Premiership with 10 wins, two ahead of Shaun Fannin. She added a further win two races later aboard stablemate Super Spirit in the day’s maiden steeplechase. Berry The Cash has won $192,100 in stakes earnings for connections in 27 starts. Horse racing news View the full article

Caitlyns Wish clears her rivals to score at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Apprentice jockey Maria Sanson has been with Caitlyns Wish for almost every step of her career, and a tough front-running victory at Te Rapa handed them their fifth win together. The $40,000 sprint was the sixth win from 15 starts for Caitlyns Wish, who has also picked up five placings and has earned more than $124,000 for the estate of the late Stan Painton. Sanson has been in the saddle for 12 of those 15 races, winning five times and placing in another four. The pair have enjoyed a particularly successful autumn and winter, starting with an impressive win at Wanganui on April 27 and a placing at Pukekohe on May 25. With Sanson riding at the northern meeting on June 1, Ciel Butler took over on Caitlyns Wish when she made another successful visit to Wanganui – the only time anyone other than Sanson has won on the mare. Sanson was back aboard on Saturday as the pair went wire-to-wire to defeat a well-credentialled sprint field. Plenty of pace was expected, but that script quickly went out the window when renowned front-runner Babylon Berlin bombed the start and settled at the back of the field. Sanson seized that opportunity, going forward and dictating terms in front while another frequent leader, Johny Johny, sat just behind her in second spot. Caitlyns Wish shook free of Johny Johny at the home turn, but then she faced another battle down the straight as Gospodin, Highlighter and Dusty Road finished strongly and ate into her advantage. Caitlyns Wish was equal to that challenge, holding out the chasing trio and winning by three-quarters of a length. The under-rated mare is trained by Stephen Autridge, who is open to the possibility of taking on elite company while Caitlyns Wish is in such outstanding form. “I might even look at a Foxbridge Plate (Group 2, 1200m),” he said. “She’s in good form, she loves these sorts of track conditions and she likes it here at Te Rapa. “It was always going to be a tactical race today, and I think we were a bit lucky with the way it worked out. We hadn’t planned to ride her that way, but Maria gets on so well with Caitlyn and she judged it well in this race. “With those good horses right up at the top of the weights, we were all the way down on the minimum and claiming 3kg as well, so that was a big plus for us.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Seymour Races Where Seymour Racing Club – 55 Kobyboyn Rd, Seymour VIC 3660 When Sunday, June 16, 2024 First Race 11:55am AEST Visit Dabble Country racing in Victoria heads to Seymour on Sunday afternoon, where a nine-race meeting awaits punters. A perfect winter’s day is set to greet punters and competitors alike, albeit on the colder side, which should equate to a day full of competitive racing. The track will begin as a Soft 6, with an upgrade a slight chance, whilst the rail comes out 3m the entire circuit. Action from Seymour is set to commence at 11:55am AEST. Best Bet at Seymour: Suances Suances has caught the eye at both starts to begin her career, claiming minor placings at Mornington and then again at Cranbourne. The Autumn Sun three-year-old filly has shown a strong turn of foot once in clear air when asked for the ultimate effort, and in what shapes as a relatively weak maiden, the 1411m third-up into her career looks ideal. Billy Egan will need a touch of luck from barrier 11, but if the pair can gain a nice tow into the race, Suances should be breaking maiden ranks at the third time of asking. Best Bet Race 4 – #13 Suances (11) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Billy Egan (57.5kg) +160 with Neds Next Best at Seymour: Cortain Mathew Ellerton’s Cortain thundered home late at Bendigo when finishing second in a driving finish behind Loose On Gin. The three-year-old gelding gave his rivals a massive start when turning into the home straight in last place, and considering he put 5.5 lengths on the third-place horse, the run suggested he would be winning wherever he went next. The long straight at Seymour should suit the son of Impending perfectly, and if he can go through his gears as he did at Bendigo, Cortain can go one better on Sunday. Next Best Race 7 – #3 Cortain (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Mathew Ellerton | J: Billy Egan (61kg) +380 with Bet365 Best Value at Seymour: Sirius Statement Saab Hasan’s Sirius Statement has returned in fine form, winning first-up before back-to-back runner-up efforts. The four-year-old mare was rolled as an odds-on favourite at Wangaratta on June 2, but has found the right race to bounce back in, and we’re getting a nice price with online bookmakers because of it. With speed drawn out wide, Blaike McChief Stipeall can have the progeny of Press Statement stalking the speed throughout, and when the gaps come in the home straight, Sirius Statement has the turn of foot to put this race away. Best Value Race 6 – #14 Sirius Statement (1) 4yo Mare | T: Saab Hasan | J: Blaike McChief Stipeall (58kg) +900 with Playup Sunday quaddie tips for Seymour Seymour quadrella selections Sunday, June 16, 2024 12-13-14 3-6-10 2-3-8-11-13 9-10-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Fawkner Park cruises to victory in the Q22. Photo: Darren Winningham Tyler Schiller and Annabel Neasham have combined with Fawkner Park ($4.00) proving far too strong in the Group 2 Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, turning the tables on stable companion Bois D’Argent ($15.00) after a luckless performance in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 25. It was all too easy for the son of Zoffany, as Tyler Schiller lobbed into the perfect position mid-field with cover throughout the 2200m journey, allowing the progressive five-year-old to cruise through his gears heading into the final 400m. Adelaide River ($5.50) had been well-backed with online bookmakers prior to the jump as James McDonald attempted to add a fifth win to his massive day, however, the European never seemed to travel when asked for the ultimate effort when leading at the final bend. It left Bois D’Argent gaining the lead momentarily, while Knight’s Choice ($101.00) managed to power into a runner-up finish; however, they were simply playing for minor money as Fawkner Park launched down the centre of the course to claim a dominant 3.75-length win in the Eagle Farm finale. 2024 Q22 Replay – Fawkner Park [/video Annabel Neasham was delighted with the win and praised all her runners for a testing preparation before suggesting a Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) tilt might be on the tables for Fawkner Park in the spring. “I love them all (her horses) but I particularly love this horse now,” said Neasham. “It was an impressive win. It was a funny race. I was trying to watch all of them where they were and there was a lot of shuffling around going on midrace. “You could see Tyler (Schiller) biding his time where he was and once he got on the back of the right horse and popped out at the top of the straight, it was an easy watch. “He’s a lightly raced horse and it is great fun to have this horse with Bennett Racing because they’ve given us a fair few horses and it is nice to repay them with a big winner. He’s a very exciting horse and we see the key to him with the right jockey. “He’s got a big heart, he’s got a good stride, he goes on soft, goes on firm and I think we should have a big spring to look forward to. “You’d imagine the Caulfield Cup might be a really nice race for him and then we’ll see.” Tyler Schiller echoed similar thoughts to the rise of Fawkner Park in such a short space of time. “He just keeps improving,” said Schiller. “The confidence that he’s grown from when I first rode him at Albury in the Cup, it isn’t an overly strong race there and I thought he had done a good job to knock another race off in his career – a listed race. “For him to come up to these levels and keep improving, he arguably should have won a group one last start and to see him do that today he’s an exciting horse going forward.” Horse racing news View the full article

Stefi Magnetica sprinted sharply to claim the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. Photo: Racing Queensland Stefi Magnetica ($15,00) has stormed home to claim the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, fending off a gallant Bella Nipotina ($11.00) in the shadows of the post to give NSW-based apprentice Zac Lloyd his first Group 1 victory in the saddle. The Bjorn Baker-trained three-year-old had been on the rise despite not having produced a win since a BM58 at Orange on December 28, with the Autumn preparation culminating in a runner-up performance in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m). She appeared ready to peak third-up into the campaign on Saturday, but from barrier 15, Zac Lloyd had no choice but to drag back towards the rear of the field to maintain cover throughout the journey. It was a decision that would eventually pay dividends thanks to a strong early tempo by Here To Shock ($34.00) and Prince Of Boom ($26.00), as the leading pair were allowed to stride clear early. Bella Nipotina was stalking under Craig Walliams, while Stefi Magnetica was forced to make her run towards the inside running rail. The quinella pair sat down to fight out the finish with 150m left to travel, but with 6kg less to carry and an economical run in transit, it was Stefi Magnetica finishing off best to collect her first Group 1 win. 2024 Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap Replay – Stefi Magnetica Bjorn Baker was out of the country to celebrate the win, however, stable representative Jim Clark spoke on their behalf. “She’s an amazing filly,” said Clark. “She won a Wellington two-year-old race at the back end of the season, she won a BM58 at Orange in December, she was just chinned in the Surround, Bjorn opted to give her a short break and set her for the winter. Her run in the 10 000 was amazing. She was in the wrong part of the track, I think everyone saw that.” “It was an amazing ride there. To win Queensland’s greatest race with a filly that (Gary and Mitch Cunningham) bought as a yearling and trained by one of my best mates and one of my best supporters in Bjorn, is the biggest thrill of my career and I’m just so pleased.” Zac Lloyd couldn’t contain his emotion with his family on course and spoke to the magnitude of the win. “I was fine the whole time cantering back but to see my dad has got me emotional,” said Lloyd. “I was very confident pre-race. She galloped enormous on Tuesday. My dad and I went through the race thoroughly and we honestly thought we were on the right horse. The first furlong or two went perfect. She was in a good rhythm, she wasn’t overracing. “Just as a couple of horses started dropping back in our face I had to make a decision to go around with the pack but I ultimately thought there’d be too much traffic so I thought I was travelling so well I was happy to go inside of them. “She was tough. I saw Bella Nipotina and I thought that was one horse you don’t want to be in a finish with, but she was great. “It is really good just to get that group one on my resume. I’ve had some great opportunities in the past year or so and I haven’t been able to capitalise. To get the job done today in a very big race, it is very special.” Horse racing news View the full article