Wandering Eyes

Keeneland has cataloged 111 horses for its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, to be held Friday, Apr. 26 following the races on closing day of the Spring Meet. Click here for the online catalog. Keeneland will accept approved supplemental entries to the April Sale until the sale date. On Apr. 26, the final race will go off at approximately 5:09 p.m., and the April Sale will begin at 6:30 p.m. The auction will livestreamed on www.Keeneland.com. “The April Sale will benefit from the excitement generated by our Spring Meet and the fact that all eyes of the racing world are on the Bluegrass at this time of year,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “The auction is well placed on the calendar because in many ways the summer racing season begins when the final race of our Spring Meet is run. Buyers will find tremendous opportunities to add to their stables at this sale on the eve of Kentucky Derby week.” Among the most accomplished horses cataloged are: Dana's Beauty, a 6-year-old daughter of Not This Time who has won her past two races, most recently the Latonia S. Mar. 23. She is out of the winning City Zip mare City Siren, a half-sister to recent Keeneland stakes winner Bo Cruz, who took the GIII Commonwealth S. and from the family of GI Preakness winner and sire Cloud Computing. Dynamic One, a 6-year-old horse by Union Rags who captured the GII Suburban S. and was second in the GII Wood Memorial S. and GIII Ben Ali S. From the family of Racing Hall of Famer Personal Ensign, Dynamic One is entered in Keeneland's GIII Ben Ali S. Apr. 20. Escapologist, a 4-year-old colt by Good Magic coming off a victory in a Mar. 30 allowance optional claimer at Oaklawn Park, where he earned a 93 Beyer. He is out of the winning After Market mare Revealing Moment, a full sister to multiple Grade I winner Belle Gallantey. Expected Value, a 4-year-old colt by Flatter who won his most recent race at Aqueduct in March. His dam is stakes winner Midnight Visit, by Henny Hughes. Fuerteventura, a 5-year-old gelding by Summer Front who is a multiple stakes winner and Grade III-placed runner. In March, he took the Cotton Fitzsimmons S. on turf at Turf Paradise. Noted, a multiple stakes-winning and Grade II-placed 3-year-old colt by Cairo Prince. Out of the winning Proud Citizen mare Sea View Millie, he is from the family of Grade II winner and sire Mark Valeski and Grade III winner Albano. Sir London, a 5-year-old gelding by Malibu Moon who is coming off a victory in March at Gulfstream Park. Smile Happy, a millionaire who is a multiple Grade 2 winner and was second in Keeneland's GI Toyota Blue Grass S. The 5-year-old gelding by Runhappy is entered in the Apr. 20 GIII Ben Ali S. at Keeneland. Tiz the Bomb, a millionaire, Grade II-winning gelding who was second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. The 5-year-old is by Hit It a Bomb. Watchtower, a 3-year-old filly by Demarchelier (GB) who is unbeaten in two races this year on turf at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. She is out of Zloty, a winning stakes-placed daughter of Exchange Rate. Click here for the enhanced digital catalog on www.Keeneland.com. The catalog, also available through the Equineline Sales Catalog iPad app, includes pedigrees, Equibase past performances and race videos, Daily Racing Form past performances, and Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures. Consignors may upload photographs and walking videos. A print catalog is now available for pickup from the Welcome Center at Keeneland along with a separate booklet with Equibase past performances. A supplemental catalog also will be printed prior to the sale. Consignments will be stabled and a barn order list produced and distributed around Monday, Apr. 22 when the catalog– including supplements–is close to final. The post Keeneland Catalogs 111 for April Selected HORA Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Alempijevic has been named Chief Operating Officer of AmWager.com, according to AmWest Entertainment LLC Tuesday. As COO, Alempijevic will oversee AmWager.com's operational strategies with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance user experiences. He will also head business development by maintaining and building supportive relationships both within and outside the horse racing industry. With a career that spans over two decades in the industry, Alempijevic formerly served as Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and in various strategic positions within the New York Racing Association (NYRA). “William's leadership and ingenuity are invaluable assets to our team as we strive to elevate the online betting experience for our users. His deep understanding of the horse racing ecosystem and commitment to excellence makes him the perfect fit for our business,” said Nelson Clemmens, CEO of AmWest Entertainment LLC. “I am incredibly excited to join the dynamic team at AmWager.com and look forward to contributing to the company's mission of offering an unrivaled betting experience,” said Alempijevic. “AmWager's innovative platform appeals to novice and sophisticated bettors alike and shows the company's commitment to providing the resources to help bettors win.” The post William Alempijevic Joins AmWager.com appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ciaron Maher intends on making another impact at Randwick on Saturday when one of the stable’s most popular horses, Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto), returns from a short break. While victory in the Benchmark 100 over 1400 metres won’t quite rank with the awesome Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory of Pride Of Jenni, the race on the final day of the Randwick Carnival is still an important one for a horse who is also going places. The Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in Brisbane in June is the ultimate goal this campaign for the former New Zealander, but for Jimmysstar to get there, he must lift his current rating of 93. Maher said on Monday that he expects Jimmysstar will prove hard to beat and therefore open up the Stradbroke option. “He’s freshened up really well,” Maher said. “He looks fantastic and I think he’s in a good spot. “This is just a ratings race and if he goes well, he’ll have another chance at stakes level in Brisbane. “There’s a Group 3 race up there that would get him there (into the Stradbroke field) but of course, he’d have to do everything right to get in.” Jimmysstar became quickly popular with punters by winning his first three races in Australia, before ridden from the front when beaten in the Listed Elms Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in February ahead of a luckless unplaced run in the Gr.3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m) in March. View the full article

Trainer Brian Toomey will be sponsored by Star Sports for the 2024 Flat season. Toomey partnered just shy of 50 winners during his time as a National Hunt jockey, but his career in the saddle was brought to a premature end when he suffered a heavy fall at Perth in 2013 which almost claimed his life. He joined the training ranks having been granted his licence in October last year and has since saddled three winners, with the breakthrough coming when the Harry Redknapp-owned Wake Up Harry (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}) won at Kempton in December. “Becoming a trainer has been a dream for a long time,” said Toomey. “My story is an unusual one and I know how lucky I am to be here. I'm hugely grateful to all the owners who have supported me at such an early stage of my career, my landlord at Bowstridge Farm as it's such a brilliant place to train and now to my new sponsors, Star Sports. “I'm looking forward to telling my story as a new trainer and updating Star Sports' customers on our runners, as well as my views on the big races and issues in the industry.” Luke Tarr, head of PR at Star Sports, added, “Brian's story is truly inspirational. To achieve what he has, both in his recovery from such a serious head injury and in his determined pursuit of a trainer's licence, shows exactly what he is made of, and we are delighted to sponsor the yard. “He has already attracted some massive owners and we're excited to produce some top-quality content with Brian at the beginning of what we're sure will be a very successful training career.” The post Brian Toomey To Be Sponsored By Star Sports appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Day two of The Championships took the spotlight at Randwick last weekend, while racing in Victoria headed to Bendigo for its standalone Saturday metropolitan meeting. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have zeroed in on both of those cards to find three runners worth tracking. Add these horses to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker, and you will receive updates before they run. Bendigo Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R4) Rail position: True entire circuit Race 8: Listed Bendigo Guineas (1400m) | Time: 1:22.71 Horse to follow: War Machine (1st) War Machine recorded a hat-trick of wins when he careered away from his rivals to take out the Bendigo Guineas by two lengths. The Michael Moroney-trained gelding has won three of his five career starts to date, and after a dominant win in Listed grade, he appears destined for Group company soon. The further this son of Harry Angel steps out in trip, the better he gets, so it would be no surprise to see him take on a 1600m contest next start. When to bet: Post-race, the Moroney stable said that Queensland was on the cards for this progressive galloper, and the Group 2 Queensland Guineas over 1600m would be the ideal race for War Machine next. Randwick Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: +4m 1400m-W/Post, +3m Remainder Race 2: Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) | Time: 1:21.98 Horse to follow: Port Lockroy (6th) After producing a strong performance in the Listed Canberra Guineas when fresh, Port Lockroy ran home strongly in the South Pacific Classic and appears ready to go to 1600m third-up. The Annabel Neasham-trained colt settled near last and had to sustain a long run around the outside of the field to finish in sixth place, only 1.55 lengths off the winner. When to bet: If Neasham and her team can find a race over 1600m or 1800m for this colt against his own age group, Port Lockroy will go very close to winning next time out. Race 4: Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.74 Horse to follow: El Morzillo (4th) Kelly Schweida entered El Morzillo in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes against some of the best two-year-old fillies in the country, and she passed the test with flying colours. This daughter of Star Witness flew home from the back of the field and finished in fourth place; however, she went straight past the placegetters through the line, suggesting a step up in trip would suit her down to the ground. When to bet: With the Queensland Racing Carnival just weeks away, Schwieda and his team could find a nice race for El Morzillo over 1400m. If she performs at a similar level to her last start, she will have a big chance to record another win. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

Amelia’s Jewel is the favourite for The Quokka at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. The second edition of The Quokka will headline proceedings at Ascot this Saturday afternoon, with a full field of 14 runners expected to compete in the $5 million slot race. There appears to be a plethora of chances in the 2024 edition, with five of the runners marked in single figures. Online bookmakers have the Simon Miller-trained Amelia’s Jewel heading the market at +230 as the four-year-old mare seeks to go one better than her runner-up finish last year. Unfortunately for the mare’s connections, the luck of the draw has gone against her once more, as the daughter of Siyouni will have to jump from barrier 12 after drawing 14 previously. Patrick Carbery has lost the ride to star hoop Damian Lane, who will make the trip across the country to reconnect with Amelia’s Jewel. Reigning champion Overpass (+360) has drawn perfectly in barrier six for Bjorn Baker and Joshua Parr. The son of Vancouver led every step of the way last year and has since won the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at the track and trip. Bella Nipotina (+400) finished half a length off the top two last year, and she brings strong form-lines out of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes last start. William Pike and Dion Luciani will combine with Oscar’s Fortune (+550) as the three-year-old gelding seeks to build on his impressive Group 3 Roma Cup victory over Amelia’s Jewel two weeks ago. King Of Sparta (+750) rounds out the runners in single figures as the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained gelding makes the trip across the Nullarbor for the first time. The three remaining runners that are given some sort of chance are Ripcord (+2000), Super Smink (+3000) and Almighty Class (+4000). 2024 The Quokka Final Field 1. Overpass (6) T: Bjorn Baker J: Joshua Parr W: 58.5kg F: x102x Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Vancouver Dam: Walkway +360 -117.65 2. King Of Sparta (4) T: Peter & Paul Snowden J: Blake Shinn W: 58.5kg F: x1128 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Octavia +750 +170 3. Malkovich (2) T: Bjorn Baker J: Ben Melham W: 58.5kg F: 26336 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Choisir Dam: Mabkhara +1800 +360 4. Triple Missile (7) T: Grant & Alana Williams J: Brad Parnham W: 58.5kg F: 5×062 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Smart Missile Dam: Triple Latte (USA) +8000 +1500 5. Waitak (10) T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor W: 58.5kg F: x811x Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Proisir Dam: Repo Bay (NZ) +5000 +900 6. Saloon Bar (1) T: Daniel Morton J: Rhys McLeod W: 58.5kg F: 24×19 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sessions Dam: Paris Cracker +15000 +3000 7. Bella Nipotina (13) T: Ciaron Maher J: Craig Williams W: 56.5kg F: 2454x Age: 6YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Mare Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Bella Orfana +400 -105.26 8. Amelia’s Jewel (12) T: Simon Miller J: Damian Lane W: 56.5kg F: 2×091 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Siyouni (FR) Dam: Bumbasina (IRE) +230 -166.67 9. Ripcord (5) T: Luke Fernie J: Clint Johnston-Porter W: 56.5kg F: 3×231 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Written By Dam: Single in London +2000 +400 10. Oscar’s Fortune (3) T: Dion Luciani J: William Pike W: 56.5kg F: 12×22 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Rich Enuff Dam: Oscar Award +600 +135 11. Wild Belle (11) T: Luke Fernie J: Steven Parnham W: 56.5kg F: 114×8 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Hi Belle +2500 +500 12. Almighty Class (8) T: Mitchell Pateman J: Jarrod Noske W: 56.5kg F: 32×21 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Playing God Dam: My Classy Lady +4000 +750 13. Super Smink (14) T: Daniel Morton J: Chris Parnham W: 54.5kg F: x2321 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Super One Dam: Sminky Shorts +3300 +650 14. Petula (9) T: Simon Miller J: Patrick Carbery W: 54.5kg F: 31124 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Nicconi Dam: Run Sally Run +5000 +900 15 (1E). Comfort Me (0) T: Rhys Radford J: TBC W: 58.5kg F: 8×373 Age: 7YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Playing God Dam: Southern Comfort +10000 +1900 16 (2E). Red Can Man (0) T: Steve Wolfe J: TBC W: 58.5kg F: 80×54 Age: 7YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Gingerbread Man Dam: Brocky’s Ace +15000 +3000 17 (3E). Hot Zed (0) T: Lou Luciani J: TBC W: 58.5kg F: 67670 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Red Hot Choice Dam: Zedfire +10000 +2000 18 (4E). Gemma’s Son (0) T: Embroja-Lee Altieri J: TBC W: 58.55kg F: 44172 Age: 6YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Snippetson Dam: Princess Gemma +7000 +1300 Horse racing news View the full article

Regally-bred colt Magice (NZ) (Savabeel) has plenty of pressure to live up to his family name, but he will begin that challenge when he makes his debut in the Arawa Park Hotel 2YO 1150 at Rotorua on Wednesday. Bred by Waikato Stud, Magice is by the farm’s champion stallion Savabeel and out of Group Three winner Magic Dancer, making him a full-brother to Group One winner Noverre. Purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis out of Waikato Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $800,000, Noverre went on to win three and place in three of his seven starts, including victories in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m). He was retired to stand at Waikato Stud where he has served books of 127 and 136 mares respectively in the last two seasons. Magice has been retained by Waikato Stud and has been entrusted to the care of Matamata trainer Glenn Old, who has a high opinion of the colt and is excited to see what he can do on debut. “His trials have been quite good. He had a couple of educational ones early days and his trial (win) at Taupo was very good,” Old said. “We gave him a quiet trial the other day to pass the barrier certificate because he got his legs over the gates at Pukekohe and had to be scratched.” Magice has drawn barrier 12 and will be ridden by Craig Grylls on Wednesday. “There are a few scratchings so it is only going to be a seven or eight horse field, so he should be able to get into the one-one hopefully or outside the leader,” Old said. “He has shown some potential but we won’t know until raceday pressure as to how he responds. “We are hopeful for a nice run tomorrow.” Old will also line-up Candycane in the Campbell Infrastructure 1560 for breeder-owner Sir Peter Vela. “She has been a bit disappointing, but she is due a win, so we are hopeful,” he said. Later in the week, Old is looking forward to heading to his home track where he will line-up Kaimai Warrior in the Auto Super Shoppe Matamata 1600. “He is going to go to the paddock after Friday and is a nice stayer for next season hopefully,” Old said. View the full article

New Zealand’s reigning Champion Jumper, West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu), is set to resume at Waverley on Thursday and trainer Mark Oulaghan has a plethora of options ahead of him this season with the eight-year-old gelding. The son of Mettre En Jeu is yet to miss a placing in his 14 jumping starts to date, including seven steeplechase victories and a sole Hurdle triumph. His jumping prowess was on full display last year when he won his maiden Hurdle in May before going on to secure four prestige jumps titles, including the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), Wellington Steeplechase (5500m), Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), and Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m). He has returned in fine fettle, having a mile trial at Foxton last week ahead of his resuming run on the flat in the Chris Hay Livestock (2200m). “He seems pretty well. Compared to last year he is in a similar mode,” Oulaghan said. “It (Waverley) is a reasonable place to give him a run and that is basically it for him, he will be there to have a run.” While a similar path to last year is tempting, Oulaghan hasn’t ruled out any targets, including feature jumping contests across the Tasman. “We are not 100 percent sure at this stage,” he said. “We are just going to get a couple of runs into him and see where the opportunities lie. We are a little bit flexible at this stage, we haven’t made any set plans.” West Coast was part of a memorable Grand National double at Riccarton last year for Oulaghan, with stablemate Berry The Cash taking out the Grand National Hurdles (4200m). The seven-year-old gelding is also set to resume at Waverley on Thursday in the Taranaki-Wanganui NZTBA (2200m) after pleasing in his mile trial last week where he finished runner-up behind Group Three winner Aljay. “Berry The Cash is in the same boat, it will just be a conditioning run for him,” Oulaghan said. “We were pretty happy with the run (trial) there (Foxton). I know it was a small field but the horse that beat him is a fair galloper. We were happy enough.” While West Coast’s campaign has yet to be finalised, Berry The Cash’s key targets have been locked in, with a defence of his Grand National Hurdles crown a priority. “He will probably go to Manawatu, Wellington and the National, that will be his programme for this year,” Oulaghan said. Oulaghan is also set to line-up Rocking Light in the Nick O’Leary Farrier (1650m). “Rocking Light will go jumping but we he just needs a few flat runs to get his head around the job properly,” he said. Meanwhile, Oulaghan is looking forward to three of his team having their first run over fences this year when they head to Hawera on Sunday. “We will kick a few off at Hawera on Sunday. Super Flash in the maiden hurdle, and Super Spirit and Kentucky Boy in the Steeplechase,” he said. “They have had a flat run each, so condition-wise they are not super fit, but they are getting that way, and Hawera will be a good place to kick them off.” View the full article

Joanne Surgenor had plenty of success a couple of seasons ago with multiple Group Two winner Showoroses, and now she is set to unveil a close relative that she believes has just as much talent. Showoroses was a standout for Surgenor, winning five of her 20 career starts, including the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile and Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), and also placed in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), Cal Isuzu Stakes and Auckland Thoroughbreds Breeders’ Stakes. She was subsequently sold at Magic Millions’ 2022 Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale to Corumbene Stud for A$525,000, where she has commenced her career as a broodmare. Surgenor has been hoping to find that talent once more, and believes she has in the form of Whiskey ‘N Roses, a Belardo two-year-old gelding out of two-win mare Fullinbloom, a half-sister to Showoroses. “He is from the same family as Showoroses and he has got that family trait about him – a little bit of toughness,” Surgenor said. “I have had him since he was a foal, so he has been here all of his life. He has got a bit of tenacity about him. “He is very much like her (Showoroses), especially his personality. I trained his mother, Fullinbloom, as well, she was a nice filly but unfortunately she got injured in a storm and that is why her career ended. She was a nice type too.” Bred by Ashford Lodges’ Peter and Sherin Walker, the couple own Whiskey ‘N Roses in partnership with Haunui Farm, and Surgenor said they are excited to unveil his talent for the first time on raceday in Saturday’s Listed TAB Star Way 1200 at Ellerslie. “Peter and the family are absolutely thrilled to have him and have something out of the family that is showing something again,” Surgeoner said. Whiskey ‘N Roses has made one public appearance to date, winning his 800m trial at Pukekohe last week by 2-1/4 lengths, and Surgeoner believes he is ready to be thrown into the deep end in stakes grade this weekend. “He is very well, I am really pleased with him. He has come through his trial really well and all looks good at the moment,” she said. “He had a jumpout at his previous prep and he went quite well. We put him away and he has come back this time around twice the horse. I am absolutely thrilled with him. “It is coming to the end of the season for two-year-olds and you have just got to chance your luck.” While looking forward to his debut outing on Saturday, Surgenor believes he will be better with time. “I think he is going to be a lovely three-year-old,” she said. “He won that trial and he has done it nicely, it is nice to get a race into them going forward into their three-year-old season. I think his future is more three and onwards.” View the full article

Epee Beel’s (Epaulette) victory in Saturday’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton was a welcome result for breeder Monovale Farm. The three-year-old daughter of Epaulette became the first stakes winner out of Group Two performer Pipi Beel, who was bred by the late Paul Smithies, father of farm principals Joe and Max. Smithies senior sold Pipi Beel as a yearling for $75,000 to Murray Baker at Karaka 2013, for whom she went on to win three and place in three of her seven starts, including runner-up in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) and third in the Gr.3 Lowland Stakes (2100m). She was later bought back by Monovale Farm as a broodmare, and she is starting to leave her mark in that space, with Joe and Max believing the best is yet to come from the mare. “My father bred Pipi Beel out of a mare called Pierian – we sold her and then bought her back,” Max Smithies said. “She had serious ability herself and was trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman. “In our opinion, we think she is one of the best mares on the farm that didn’t get to reach her full potential. “She leaves quite a strong, forward type. She is dry this year so we are unsure whether she is going to go back to Australia, but now that our New Zealand stallion ranks are quite strong, we could find her something here, but we are still working on that.” Epee Beel is the third foal out of Pipi Beel and was purchased by trainer Andrew Forsman at Karaka 2022 for $80,000. “We always thought a lot of her as a yearling,” Smithies said. “She went through Dave Duley’s draft (Landsdowne Park), who does some yearlings for us, and he does a really good job. Andrew really liked her.” She was subsequently offered a year later on gavelhouse.com where she was purchased by clients of Michael and Matthew Pitman for $5,250, and she has gone onto win two and place in five of her 12 starts to date for the father-and-son training partnership, including Saturday’s maiden stakes success and placings in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) and Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “She was quite a forward type that we thought that we might have seen a bit earlier as a three-year-old. As it turns out, they have been patient with her and got the results,” Smithies said. Monovale Farm sold an Almanzor yearling half-sister to Epee Beel at Karaka earlier this year for $75,000, and Smithies said Saturday’s result will go a long way to promoting her Proisir weanling half-brother, who is set to go through the sale ring next year. “We have got a weanling colt by Proisir out of the mare who we are really happy with. He will be heading to the sales, so it was a really pleasing result for him too,” Smithies said. While they have been pleased with the racetrack success of their farm graduates, the Smithies have also been rapt with the results of their racing team of late. “Our racing team has been going very well,” he said. “Hat Trick (NZ) (Hat Trick), who is with Tony Pike, he won three in a row and was narrowly beaten at Pukekohe last start. He has just come home for a spell. We have got a couple with Terri Rae that have been going really well.” View the full article

Jim and David Wallace are savouring the best of both worlds with their Ardsley Stud homebred War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel). While they failed in two attempts to sell the son of Harry Angel at Karaka, father and son are now enjoying the three-year-old’s burgeoning racing career as part-owners of the last-start Listed Bendigo Guineas (1400m) winner. War Machine had fallen short of his $100,000 reserve at both New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale and Ready to Run Sale when offered by Ardsley. “Everybody thought he was too small, I never agreed with that because he always had a little bit of length,” Jim Wallace said. “He was never going to be a 17-hand giant, but he was always going to be 15 through to 16 and he’s closer to 16 now. “We liked the horse all the way through and set a mark in the sand and if he didn’t sell, we were happy to do the next thing.” Wallace prepared War Machine to win a two-year-old heat by six lengths over 1000m at Foxton, which prompted a private sale to clients of Michael Moroney’s Flemington stable. “We sold him and David and I stayed in the horse, which is a great bonus,” Wallace said. “He’s going to the paddock now and he will be aimed at the A$10 million race (Golden Eagle) in November. “He’s certainly a progressive horse and just improving in leaps and bounds and the stable has been absolutely rapt with him.” War Machine placed in one of his two starts last winter before successfully resuming at Kyneton last month and won again at Cranbourne before claiming the Guineas to provide a great fillip for Moroney, who was hospitalised last week. The gelding is a son of the Hussonet mare Caserta, a half-sister to the Gr.3 Coongy Handicap (2000m) winner Fire In The Night and to the dam of the dual Group Two winner Hooked. “David and I bought her (for A$40,000) at the Magic Millions under our MDJ banner and have had her ever since,” Wallace said. “She was in foal to Shamus Award when we got her and we sold her for $100,000 at Karaka,” Wallace said. Named Stolen Away, she won twice in Australia while half-brother Bourbon Falls, by Sacred Falls, was a $47,500 Karaka purchase and has so far won twice from Lisa Latta’s Awapuni stable. “The Per Incanto sold very well last year ($275,000) and she was a beautiful filly, I understand she is in training with Gerald Ryan in Sydney and the reports so far are very good,” Wallace said. “We’ve got a Darci Brahma yearling colt who is being broken in at the moment and there’s a Satono Aladdin colt on the ground and the mare is in foal to In The Congo.” Meanwhile, former stable star Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) will be offered through the Sledmere Stud draft as Lot 20 at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale at the Riverside Stables on May 9. Wallace prepared the daughter of Satono Aladdin to win three races, including the Group One double of the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Australian Oaks (2400m). View the full article

Dominic Sutton will give his two youngsters who have given him a flying start to his training career one more run each before they are spelled ahead of spring. After only saddling up his first starter on March 8, Sutton has made a spectacular start to his training career with Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) winning at Pakenham and then Caulfield and filly Khadime scoring at Sandown last week. Both horses will now head to feature races at the end of the month, with Feroce to head to Flemington to run in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) on April 25, before Khadime becomes his first Group runner in the G3 Breeder’s Stakes (1200m) on April 27 at Morphettville. Sutton said Feroce has taken improvement from his two runs and should be suited by 1400 metres. “It will be a good test to see whether we can stretch him out further in distance in the spring,” he said. “That will be it for him and it will be the same for Khadime (Star Turn) as she will also complete her campaign in Adelaide and come back for the spring.” Sutton believes Khadime is a sprinting type and so he will restrict her to races no more than 1400m in the spring. He also went close to training his fourth winner with only his 10th runner at Morphettville last Saturday, as Garachico was beaten in a photo finish when he contested a 2500-metre race. “He’s a real grinder and he’ll be even better over more ground,” Sutton said. Both Feroce and Khadime were sold through the draft of Kilgravin Lodge at last years Ready To Run sale for $160,000 and $200,000 respectively to Sutton Racing and McKeever Bloodstock. View the full article

Punters don’t have to do too much drilling to find the right form lines for New Zealand stayer Good Oil (NZ) (Dalghar) when he starts in Saturday’s A$300,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2400m). At his most recent start, Good Oil finished second in the Auckland Cup to Mahrajaan, with subsequent impressive Roy Higgins Quality winner Mark Twain third. Trainer Andrew Forsman has taken the stayer to his Flemington stables so he can tackle the Mornington Cup on Saturday and the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 18. Both races have significant appeal to Forsman, as the winner of the Mornington Cup gains an automatic start in the Caulfield Cup and the Andrew Ramsden winner goes straight into the Melbourne Cup. “His form lines look good through Mark Twain, albeit he was a bit unlucky in the Auckland Cup, but I thought my horse went pretty well,” Forsman said. Forsman said he has been a little surprised by the improvement his on-pace stayer has shown. “He’s stepped up every time we’ve raised the bar. He’s racing well,” he said. “We thought he’s a dual Group 2 placegetter now at home and there’s not a lot of options for him during our spring.” Forsman said now is a good time to find out whether Good Oil can measure up in the better staying races in the spring. “We thought we’d get him over there while he’s fit and well and test the waters to find out,” he said. Forsman has booked Billy Egan to ride Good Oil. “He arrived last Wednesday and he’s very bright and well and he’ll have a good hit-out on Tuesday,” he said. View the full article

With countless highlights throughout its 100-lot catalogue, the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale gives buyers access to a quality selection of yearlings that would not have been out of place in the Book 1 or Book 2 sessions at Karaka earlier in the year. There are 16 siblings to black-type performers, along with half a dozen progeny of stakes-performed mares. Top-class families feature prominently throughout many of the catalogue’s pedigree pages. Below is just a small selection of some of the highlight lots that will be available for purchase in the National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus. Poplar Lodge presents Lot 37, a filly by Shocking out of Musigny (Reset). Herself a winner as a two-year-old and runner-up in the Listed St Albans Stakes (1400m) at Moonee Valley, Musigny is the dam of five winners including the Group placegetters Jimmy Lincoln (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) and Amor Fati (NZ) (Showcasing). Rich Hill Stud’s Lot 16 is a filly by emerging sire Ace High out of Kiara (NZ) (Pentire). Herself unraced, Kiara is a full-sister to 10-time Group One winner (King) Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire). Group One winners (The) Bostonian (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) and Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park) are also close relatives, along with big-race performers Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Cheval d’Or (NZ) (Almanzor). Lot 50 is a colt by Cambridge Stud’s exciting newcomer Hello Youmzain out of the winning mare Runway Queen (Star Witness). Runway Queen is a full-sister to the Group Three-placed Serenade (Star Witness) and half-sister to multiple Group One winner Stratum Star (Stratum), along with the Group One performer and exciting stallion prospect Prague (Redoute’s Choice). Lot 36 is by superb Australian stallion Written Tycoon, who is the leading sire of two-year-olds in both Australia and New Zealand in 2023-24. His outstanding juvenile daughters this season include Golden Slipper (1200m) heroine Lady Of Camelot, along with New Zealand’s $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Group One Sistema Stakes (1200m) winner Velocious. All unbroken yearlings purchased from the National Online Yearling Sale are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Just nine short months after they make their virtual sale-ring debut, graduates of the online sale can compete for a share of the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) plus a $200,000 bonus for New Owners. NZB’s 2024 National Online Yearling Sale will take place on premium online subsidiary Gavelhouse Plus, with bidding opened on Friday 12 April and closing from 6pm (NZT) on Wednesday 17 April. View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Thursday, April 18, 2024 First Race 5:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Thursday evening promises another exciting night of racing at Pakenham, with a full card of eight races on the agenda. The track condition is listed as a Soft 5, and the rail position is set out 4m for the entire circuit. The action kicks off at 5:15pm AEST. Best Bet at Pakenham: Angland Angland was a dominant debut winner over the Pakenham 1200m on April 4. The three-year-old gelding stalked the speed, and when asked to quicken, he blasted away from his rivals before going on to win by 7.5 lengths. The son of Ace High draws barrier four in a field of seven, and with a similar run in transit, a similar result is expected for Angland in this BM64 affair. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Angland (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Beau Mertens (59.5kg) -111.11 with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Nodachi Nodachi has just one win from 10 career starts, but this BM64 might be the easiest assignment of her career. The already Group-placed filly continues to run on strongly from the rear in her races, and with a genuinely run 1400m affair expected, this one sets up perfectly for Nodachi to absorb the pressure and blouse her rivals. Next Best Race 6 – #5 Nodachi (7) 3yo Filly | T: Mathew Ellerton | J: Joe Bowditch (60.5kg) +450 with Picklebet Next Best Again at Pakenham: Field Of Praise Field Of Praise has hardly run a poor race of late, but she’s struggled to find the winning post in time. The four-year-old mare has been overpowered in her last two starts at Cranbourne, but Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim is a massive help in this 1200m BM58. If the pair can find the lead from barrier eight without using up too many carrots, Field Of Praise should prove hard to run down in the closer. Next Best Again Race 8 – #1 Field Of Praise (8) 4yo Mare | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Cartwrgiht (a3) (62kg) +270 with PlayUp Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, April 18, 2024 2-3-4-5-7 1-4-5 1-3-4-6 1-4-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

California Spangle trials at Sha Tin Brenton Avdulla has a perfect record aboard California Spangle and the in-form Australian will be hoping it stays that way when the pair takes aim at the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, April 28. Twice victorious under Avdulla, California Spangle’s resurgence is one of this season’s success stories following victories in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and US$1.5 million (approx. HK$11.74 million) Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m). “If you told me 12 months ago that I would be linking up with California Spangle and taking on the world I would have laughed at you. “Hong Kong’s most popular horses at the moment are obviously Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior, Lucky Sweynesse and California Spangle. He’s got a good horses record and to be partnering a horse like him in my first season in Hong Kong is an absolute honour. “I’m very thankful to Tony Cruz. There’s a lot of behind the scenes work that has got me this opportunity. I’ve had some good support from a number of trainers,” Avdulla said. California Spangle saw his form dip following first-up victory in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) in October. The Irish-bred was unplaced in four subsequent runs, including a lacklustre 13th placing in the HK$32 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) last December. The decision to switch back to sprinting with the Group 1-winning miler has reaped massive rewards for Cruz and now California Spangle is expected to be favourite in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, which won’t feature Lucky Sweynesse, who is out with injury. Two former sparring partners, Golden Sixty and California Spangle, finished first and second at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning in a barrier trial over 1200m on the dirt. Golden Sixty led the field home in 1:10.31. “I’m happy with him (California Spangle). He’s had a busy last six weeks. He won here, he went to Dubai and he seemed to travel well and did a good job. He’s come back and he’s only just got out of quarantine yesterday (Monday, 15 April). “He trialled this morning – he was moving well, feeling well and I thought he trialled just as well as he did to prior to me riding him in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup,” Avdulla said. Golden Sixty returns in the HK$22 million Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), aiming to win the race for a fourth consecutive time for trainer Francis Lui. “You look at him and you can see he is happy. He’ll have another grass gallop next Thursday (April 25),” Lui said. Ben Thompson only recently arrived in Hong Kong but the talented jockey is relishing the opportunity to ride in one of world racing’s most challenging jurisdictions. “I’m loving it. It’s just gone two months – time has flown. It’s great to have had a few winners and I’m receiving great support. “It’s been an amazing couple of months – with what I’ve learnt and just to be in this environment. Hopefully, I can stay here for longer,” Thompson said. A lightweight in the saddle, Thompson has ridden successfully in Australia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and now Hong Kong. He is aiming for a hat-trick of wins atop Courier Magic at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. “He’s been going super. He’s really enjoying getting around Happy Valley. He steps up to 1800 metres but he remains in Class 4, which he won in last start,” Thompson said. Trained by Jamie Richards, Courier Magic has two wins from nine starts in Hong Kong. “He’s drawn barrier 10 but given he comes in on a rating of 47 with a light weight, there’s no reason to suggest why he can’t keep going on with his winning ways,” Thompson said. Horse racing news View the full article

Pierre Ng is only in his second season of training. Pierre Ng is looking to up the ante in his bid to win a maiden Hong Kong trainers’ championship when he heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday night armed with eight chances across the nine-race fixture. Ng led by 16 wins at Christmas, but now his margin is five (55-50) as a rampaging Francis Lui surged to a half-century with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday. “They’re chasing hard – it is what it is. We’ll just keep going and hopefully we can get a few more winners, I think we have done a very good job this season,” Ng said. Ng’s entries for the midweek programme are Island Surprise, Medic Elite, Team Happy, Dragon Star, Captain Win, Ka Ying Cheer, Excel Wongchoy and Quantum Patch. The handler has booked Zac Purton for Dragon Star, while Hugh Bowman partners Ka Ying Cheer and Quantum Patch. “Finally, he (Quantum Patch) gets a good draw (two). Luckily, we have Hughie on, I tried to get Zac but he’s unavailable. Hopefully, he gets another win for us,” Ng said. Captain Win lines up with Karis Teetan up, who comfortably holds second place in the jockeys’ championship on 61 wins. “Captain Win has been knocking on the door,” Ng said. “He’s been running really well and I am just looking forward to having one win for the owner. He hasn’t won since he joined my stable and I am really looking forward to that.” Star four-year-old Galaxy Patch stepped out for Ng in a barrier trial on Tuesday under Teetan at Sha Tin, finishing first over 1200m on the dirt in a time of 1:10.48 after coming from off the pace. “He did very well. It was quite easy enough and his racing manner seems to be more mature. The jockey felt like he has really improved from his last race,” Ng said. The four-time winner was second in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) across his last two starts. “He’s been very impressive over pretty much every distance. What I’m looking for is a good run against Golden Sixty. We’ll be happy, and to just learn from that race – he will be a better horse next season,” Ng said. “He definitely does settle now. During the trial he settled more, so he’s much easier to handle. We’re just trying to switch him into a ‘press button horse’ and he did that in the trial, so I’m happy enough.” Blake Shinn will ride Galaxy Patch for a second straight time in the HK$22 million Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on April 28 at Sha Tin. “He’s definitely special. To finish second in the Derby and second in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup – he is something that we can look forward to over the next two seasons,” Ng said. Horse racing news View the full article

City’s most successful galloper and rising star set for enthralling Champions Day battle after warming up in styleView the full article

All eyes are on Amelia’s Jewel as she seeks redemption in the second edition of The Quokka, Perth’s richest race with a $5 million purse. Installed as the early favourite again, Amelia’s Jewel will have to overcome a wide barrier draw (12) to claim victory this time around. Amelia’s Jewel is dominant favourite to win The Quokka 2024 in Perth this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. The now four-year-old daughter of Siyouni finished a close second to Overpass in the inaugural Quokka last year. This time, she’ll be aiming to go one better at her beloved Ascot track. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Group 3 Roma Cup (1100m), she’ll likely relish the step up to 1200m. While the wide draw presents a challenge, Amelia’s Jewel remains the favourite at $3.40 with Ladbrokes. Champion jockey Damian Lane will be in the saddle as she looks to secure the win for punters. Last year’s surprise winner, Overpass, is back for a shot at consecutive victories. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding will look to capitalize on another favourable draw (gate six) as he returns to the track and distance where he triumphed in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes last December. Overpass boasts a perfect record at Ascot (2:2-0-0) and is currently priced at $4.60 in The Quokka betting. Rounding out the podium finishers from the first Quokka was Bella Nipotina, who is also back this year with jockey Craig Williams aboard the classy Ciaron Maher-trained mare. Drawn poorly at gate 13, she’ll be looking to improve on her third-place finish at odds of $5.50. Beyond the top contenders, several other horses are eager to claim their own piece of The Quokka glory. Oscar’s Fortune ($6) is a serious threat with ace local jockey William Pike. He’s been in top form recently and has a history of success at Ascot (5 wins, 3 seconds from 8 starts). Rich Enuff ($6) is a lightly raced three-year-old with a promising record (5 wins, 3 seconds from 8 starts). While yet to win over the 1200m distance, he shouldn’t be discounted after he beat Amelia’s Jewel home in the Roma Cup last time out. Finally, King Of Sparta ($8) is a force to be reckoned with coming off victories in the Magic Millions Sprint and the Expressway Stakes earlier this year. Drawn well in gate four with Blake Shinn riding, his impressive 1200m record (19:7-3-2) makes him a contender to watch. The stage is set for an exciting race with Amelia’s Jewel facing a strong challenge from a field of talented competitors. See the latest The Quokka 2024 betting odds here. 2024 The Quokka Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 90x12x201x OVERPASS Bjorn Baker Joshua Parr 6 58.5kg 115 2 624x28211x KING OF SPARTA Peter & Paul Snowden Blake Shinn 4 58.5kg 113 3 576×363362 MALKOVICH Bjorn Baker Ben Melham 2 58.5kg 105 4 42x7x260x5 TRIPLE MISSILE Grant & Alana Williams Brad Parnham 7 58.5kg 100 5 55700x118x WAITAK (NZ) Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott Kyle Wilson-Taylor 10 58.5kg 106 6 3242191×42 SALOON BAR Daniel Morton Rhys McLeod 1 58.5kg 83 7 33315×4542 BELLA NIPOTINA Ciaron Maher Craig Williams 13 56.5kg 113 8 x12x1190x2 AMELIA’S JEWEL Simon A Miller Damian Lane 12 56.5kg 113 9 3x228132x3 RIPCORD Luke Fernie Clint Johnston-Porter 5 56.5kg 104 10 111122×21 OSCAR’S FORTUNE Dion Luciani William Pike 3 56.5kg 107 11 3x178x41x1 WILD BELLE Luke Fernie Steven Parnham 11 56.5kg 99 12 6x12x23 ALMIGHTY CLASS Mitchell Pateman Jarrad Noske 8 56.5kg 78 13 1211x1232x SUPER SMINK Daniel Morton Chris Parnham 14 54.5kg 90 14 11×4742113 PETULA Simon A Miller Patrick Carbery 9 54.5kg 81 15e 225x3373x8 COMFORT ME Rhys Radford 0 58.5kg 108 16e 0x13645x08 RED CAN MAN Steve Wolfe 0 58.5kg 104 17e x371607676 HOT ZED Lou Luciani 0 58.5kg 102 18e 205×627144 GEMMA’S SON Embroja-Lee Altieri 0 58.5kg 96 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post 2024 The Quokka Field & Odds: Amelia’s Jewel Faces Stiff Competition appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The Maggstar and jockey Jade Hampson return to the mounting yard after dead-heating for the win in the National Apprentice Race Series at Sandown in April 2023. (Photo: Pat Scala/Racing Photos) The Northern Territory could seal its first National Apprentice Races Series (NARS) title on Wednesday. The fifth and final leg takes place at Doomben, and with two heats remaining it’s South Australia on 37 points leading from the NT (31). Jade Hampson, Darwin’s third-year apprentice, will be seeking points after drawing Aces Up in a 2000m maiden and Under Twenty Two in a 1200m Class 1. The 20-year-old represented the NT last Friday in Darwin after replacing suspended Top End apprentice Emma Lines. Hampson had two seconds, succumbing to WA’s Rosie Mahony on each occasion. NT had not participated in the NARS since 2014 before returning last year, when Hampson and Alice Springs pair Dakota Gillett and Ianish Luximon appeared in five of the six legs. NSW did not feature in the NARS last year and Victoria pulled out this year, but it was during a heat at Sandown last April that Hampson dead-heated for first aboard The Maggstar. Although she had no luck at Eagle Farm in 2023, Hampson’s Sandown success gives the NT hope on Wednesday having also won on debut at Darwin, Alice Springs, Broome, Kununurra, and Jamestown. SA’s Rochelle Milnes is booked to ride In The Picture and then Zelgaria, and form suggests that Hampson has the better rides. Aces Up has finished second in his past two starts, while Under Twenty Two boasts a second and a win after returning from a spell. Hampson, who claims 1.5kg in the NT after 61 wins, can claim 3kg in Brisbane. “I’m pretty happy with my rides,” she said. “It will be good to experience Doomben, it’s always nice to try out new tracks. “I like the NARS concept, it’s a good opportunity for apprentices to come here to Darwin and for us to ride interstate. “Dakota rode at Murray Bridge, Lek (Maloney) went to Hobart and Ianish had success in Perth. “Everyone who has represented NT has done well, hopefully Emma will get her opportunity next year.” During the recent Alice Springs Cup Carnival, Hampson, Gillett, Maloney, Luximon and Lines all booted home a winner at Pioneer Park on Day 1. Hampson is riding well and getting back to peak fitness following a fall last July prior to the Darwin Cup Carnival, with a back injury sidelining her until Melbourne Cup Day. “I still have back issues – it hurts sometimes, other days it doesn’t,” she said. “Getting back to full fitness was my main objective, I also wanted to improve my stamina. “I’m now pulling up well after races and physically I feel a lot better. “No more physio, but I’m still going to the gym every day. “My riding has improved, I’m reading races a lot better. “My master Tayarn Halter and other trainers have told me to be a bit more patient. “They’ve been supportive in every way possible.” Horse racing news View the full article

Speed Boat Beach was named the 2023 Florida-bred Horse of the Year in a vote by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association board of directors.View the full article

In a vote by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association board of directors, Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) has been crowned the 2023 Florida-bred Horse of the Year. The result was announced Monday night at the FTBOA Awards Gala. Bred by Richard Heysek's Caperlane Farm, who was also presented with the Needles Award recognizing the Small Thoroughbred Breeder of the Year in Florida, the Bob Baffert runner also took home the awards for champion 3-year-old colt and champion male sprinter. In 2023, Speed Boat Beach won the GI Malibu S. at Santa Anita Park and finished second in the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship H. Marilyn Campbell's Stonehedge LLC took home Florida Breeder of the Year and leading breeder by Florida-bred earnings awards after Stonehedge-bred runners earned over $3.3-million with 103 wins during the year. Arindel was crowned leading owner by state-bred earnings with over $1.69-million to their credit. Florida stalwart Khozan took home honors as the 2023 Florida Stallion of the Year, a fourth consecutive title, and tied Montbrook and Wildcat Heir by title count. He's the only Florida stallion to be honored four years in a row going back to 1991. Florida-based Jena Antonucci was presented the 2023 Bruce Campbell Award for outstanding achievement as the first woman to train the winner of a Triple Crown race. Stuart Morris and Ruben M. Sanchez' Really and Truly Thoroughbreds were awarded the 2023 Joseph M. O'Farrell Memorial Award, presented by Ocala Breeders' Sales Company to the consignors of Speed Boat Beach, the top Florida-bred of the year who graduated from an OBS auction. Saffie Joseph Jr. was recognized as the leading Florida trainer by state-bred earnings and tied with Kathleen O'Connell and Jose D'Angelo as leading trainer by state-bred wins. Joseph and D'Angelo tied for leading trainer by black-type wins. Other Florida-bred champions on the night were: 2-Year-Old Fillies: Honey Dijon (Girvin) and R Harper Rose (Khozan), who tied for the award 2-Year-Old Colt: Bentornato (Valiant Minister) 3-Year-Old Filly: Dorth Vader (Girvin) Older Female and Female Sprinter: Maryquitecontrary (First Dude) Older Horse: Isolate (Mark Valeksi) Male Turf Horse: Me and Mr. C (Khozan) Female Turf Horse: Sweet Dani Girl.(Jess's Dream) The post Speed Boat Beach is Florida Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Pride Of Jenni was in splendid isolation when claiming the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Ciaron Maher has revealed the roadmap for the formidable Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) victor, Pride Of Jenni, revealing intentions to target the prestigious Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) in October. Initially contemplating the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) following the thrilling win last Saturday, Maher officially solidified the Cox Plate aspirations via RSN972 on Monday. “The Cox Plate will be our target,” declared Maher. “The King Charles has been mentioned but the Cox Plate is the one.” Market dynamics reflect the growing confidence in Pride Of Jenni’s prowess, with her odds firming from +400 to +350 in Cox Plate futures markets with horse racing bookies. She is poised to engage in a riveting showdown with Queen Elizabeth Stakes runner-up Via Sistina, who shares the second line of betting at +500 alongside the 2023 Cox Plate victor, Romantic Warrior. If Pride Of Jenni graces the turf for the King Charles III Stakes, she would enter the Cox Plate on a seven-day back-up. Horse racing news View the full article

Magic Time winning the 2023 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Magic Time is set to amplify her Group 1 achievements as she gears up for Saturday’s All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. Trained by Grahame Begg, the four-year-old prodigy clinched the prestigious Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) on her final outing last season. This time around, she commenced her campaign with commendable sixth and seventh-placed finishes in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) respectively. “I thought she ran very well,” remarked Begg regarding his mare’s performance in the TJ Smith. “The jockey (Michael Dee) thought she was going to be the winner turning for home. I guess she just drew probably not the gate that was desirable on the day, barrier one. “She got beaten 1.1 lengths and ran seventh, so she has run very well.” Begg continued, emphasising her potential for improvement. “Obviously she’ll improve with another run under her belt. That was only her second run back this time round. “She had a good month between runs between the Newmarket and the TJ and now two weeks into the All Aged. We’re very happy with her and she’s stepping up to 1400 metres.” Magic Time is listed +600 a winning chance with horse racing bookmakers for Saturday’s All Aged Stakes. Horse racing news View the full article

Horse racing on Tuesday, April 16, will feature three meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Scone. Monday Racing Tips – April 16, 2024 Scone Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on April 16, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article