Wandering Eyes

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

C’est Magique was a smart winner of the Dane Ripper Stakes. Photo: Darren Winningham After a short 63-day spell and a change of stables to the Chris Waller barn, C’est Magique ($5.50) has returned in fine style to claim the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon. The previously Grahame Begg-trained daughter of Zoustar had only managed one win prior to Saturday’s triumph for the former stable, unable to return to the winners’ enclosure since breaking her maiden in August of 2022. It was a clever ride by star hoop James McDonald as he sent the four-year-old forward from barrier eight, taking luck out of the equation, bounding across to gain the leader’s back throughout the 1300m journey. Chinny Boom ($4.60) had been well-supported with online bookmakers and was happy to lead them along at a moderate tempo under Justin Stanley, looking to pinch a break as she did in her last victory. Abounding ($18.00) looked to lob into the ideal stalking position, before Ausbred Flirt ($26.00) got a split towards the inside; however, they were simply playing for minor money as C’est Magique pulled away to score a comfortable 1.5-length win. 2024 Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes Replay – C’est Magique Chris Waller was on course and was delighted with the victory, suggesting there would be more to come from this lightly raced mare as she targets the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) on June 29. “Coolmore purchased the horse and entrusted our team to train her,” explained Waller. “We’re just taking over. I spoke to Grahame (Begg) before the race. She’s a lovely mare and we weren’t sure whether she’d cope with this track – it is quite firm today. “From the draw, James (McDonald) took the option to roll forward and left the race (for her) to show her class. “She’s a lovely horse. Grahame did a great job with her. She’s got good, clean legs. We haven’t panicked and had the confidence to back her. She’s got good form and a talented horse. “That is the plan (the Tatts Tiara). Today was only the entree.” James McDonald spoke again for the fourth time during the afternoon and suggested the Tatts Tiara could be well within her grasp. “We went on a sedate tempo throughout and she only had to sprint home 400 metres so it was a good effort,” said McDonald. “Similar sort of field (in the Tatts Tiara so she could (progress).” C’est Magique is now on the second line of betting at $8.00 with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) on June 29. Horse racing news View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding Hard To Cross further enhanced his impressive record at Sandown with victory in Saturday’s A$130,000 Quayclean Handicap (1600m). The son of All Too Hard has had a total of 20 starts for six wins and five placings, earning A$381,055 for his big group of owners. But he saves his very best for Sandown, where his eight starts have produced five wins and two placings. A winner in Benchmark 70 and Benchmark 84 company at Sandown in his last two appearances, Hard To Cross lined up in Benchmark 78 grade on Saturday. He was lumped with a 61.5kg topweight, but expat Kiwi apprentice jockey Jaylah Kennedy’s 3kg claim took that down to 58.5kg. Hard To Cross was drawn handily in gate four, and the in-form Kennedy took up a handy position in the slipstream of the front-running Golden Crusader. Kennedy switched to the outside at the home turn and Hard To Cross took care of the rest, lengthening stride and driving past Golden Crusader to win by a length. “This horse is flying,” said Kennedy, who has now notched up 60 wins in Victoria this season. “He was probably thinking about things a little bit late in the race. If anyone had come up alongside him, he might have been a bit more impressive. “We drew a low gate in this race, and with the pattern today, I was happy to roll with him. He travelled nicely in my hands. “Just before the straight, I saw the chance to pop out and start building into it. He was super. I always felt like the winner.” Hard To Cross is trained by Patrick Payne, who was represented at Sandown on Saturday by Neil Greaves. “It was a great ride by Jaylah,” he said. “The speed map probably favoured him today and we thought he’d settle somewhere in the first four. Jaylah got him into a lovely spot. “Patrick and his team have done a very good job with this horse, who has a great bunch of owners. They’re spread quite far and wide – these colours are fairly famous around Alice Springs – but a small group of them are here today and I’m sure they’re getting a big thrill out of this win. “This is a great little horse and the ownership group have had a fantastic ride with him.” Bred by Cambridge Stud couple Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Hard To Cross is out of their two-race winning Commands mare Egyptian Cross and is the older half-brother to Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) runner-up Red Sea. View the full article

Richard Laming’s decision to scratch Name Dropper from a A$27,000 midweek race at Sale paid dividends when the Kiwi-bred gelding took on city company at Sandown on Saturday and maintained his unbeaten record. The son of Tavistock won his only previous start, which was a 1400m maiden race at Eagle Farm last August. After 10 months on the sidelines, he returned to action on Saturday, mastered the step up in class for the A$80,000 Vale Fr Brendan Dillon (1400m) and remained undefeated. Name Dropper was sent forward by jockey Ethan Brown in the early stages of Saturday’s race and took up a position in second on the outside of the front-running Vail Mountain. Brown still had a tight hold on Name Dropper when he cruised up alongside the leader with 400m remaining, and he surged ahead of that rival halfway down the home straight. Snappy Secret and El Rocko produced strong late finishes and got close, but Name Dropper held on for a narrow but convincing win. “That was a very good effort,” Laming said. “I thought his inexperience could bring him undone today, but he has plenty of class, which took him a long way. “He’s always shown very good ability, but he’s just been a bit slow-maturing. Our patience is starting to pay off. “I was pretty impressed with what he did there today. He took on some horses with a lot more experience than him, and he dug deep when he was challenged down the straight. “He’s still maturing. He’s a typical Tavistock, a typical New Zealand-bred that’s going to get up over ground a bit later on. I think he’s going to be an exciting stayer. “He’s bred to go a lot further, so to do that over 1400m today and show a turn of foot, there’s exciting times ahead for him. “We’ll just take things one step at a time with him for now. He can go up to a mile next, and we’ll just keep chipping away and bring him through the grades. Hopefully, around this time next year, we might have him up in Brisbane and thinking about the spring as well.” Name Dropper’s two-start, two-win career has so far earned A$66,000 in stakes for his ownership group. Bred by Standard 2080 Ltd, Name Dropper is out of the O’Reilly mare Mandy O’Reilly, whose three winners from four foals to race include the Group Three-placed Miss Mandito. Mandy O’Reilly is a half-sister to the stakes performers and black-type producers Dating and Miracle Miss. Mandy O’Reilly produced Ocean Park colts in 2021 and 2022. She was covered by Proisir in 2022 but died prior to foaling. View the full article