Wandering Eyes

Adam West has outlined his plans in 2024 for stable star Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}), who is likely to make his first start of the campaign in the G2 Temple S. at Haydock on Saturday, May 25. In 2023, Live In The Dream provided his trainer with a first Group 1 success when winning the Nunthorpe S. at York's Ebor Festival, beating Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) by a length at odds of 28/1. He was subsequently sent on his travels and performed with credit in two races in the US, latterly finishing a close-up fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in November. “It took him a bit of time to unwind from the Breeders' Cup,” West said of those exertions. “He was physically quite tired from the journey on the way back. It took a lot longer for him to be able to switch off but, now he's been able to do that, he has really benefited from it. He spelled at Hen Knight's and he's come back really well. In my opinion, he is the best physically and mentally that I've ever seen him.” As for future plans, West added, “We split the season last year to get more racing out of him, but now we're hoping for loftier targets and less racing–obviously we can't go to Lingfield and Pontefract anymore! “There's a good bit of condition on him that still needs to come off and we're hoping to start him out in the Temple Stakes in May. The main aim will be the Nunthorpe and he's probably going to be campaigned with that in mind, hopefully with the added bonus of going to America.” The post Live In The Dream On Target For Temple Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chain Of Lightning (Aus) (Fighting Sun {Aus}), the surprise winner of the G1 T. J. Smith S. at Randwick earlier this month, is set to be sold before a potential appearance in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday, June 22. Trained by Katherine Coleman and Peter Moody–who memorably won the same race at the Royal meeting with the brilliant Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}) back in 2012–Chain Of Lightning was gaining her first victory at the top level when winning the T. J. Smith, holding on bravely to get the verdict by a neck from Bella Nipotina (Aus) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}). Another run at Randwick in Saturday's G1 All Aged S. is now on the cards for the five-year-old before her sales date and a likely trip to Britain. However, whether she races for Coleman and Moody at Royal Ascot will reportedly depend on whether she is sold and who buys her. Moody told Racing.com, “She's going to the broodmare sales in May and we've accepted an invitation to Ascot, so she'll be sold under that proviso at the Magic Millions broodmare sale.” Chain Of Lightning could be joined at Royal Ascot by the multiple Group 2 winner Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), who was earmarked for a European campaign by trainer Henry Dwyer after she finished a close-up fourth in last month's G1 Galaxy H. at Rosehill. The post Chain Of Lightning Set To Be Sold With Royal Ascot Proviso appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler has all the momentum after a Sunday treble but the long-time leader is still five wins to the goodView the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, April 17, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (8:40pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday evening for a bumper nine-race program. The rail is placed in the C position, and with no significant rainfall predicted in the lead-up, it should be a fair Good 4 surface throughout the night. The action is set to get underway at 6:40pm HKT (8:40pm AEST). Best Bet at Happy Valley: Beauty Infinity Although Beauty Infinity was well beaten by 2.3 lengths at this course and distance on March 27, punters should be willing to follow this talented four-year-old with confidence. He got too far back in an on-speed dominated affair yet proved classy enough to finish runner-up. There should be a solid tempo with the likes of Happy Fat Cat and Superb Capitalist battling for position, leaving Zac Purton and Beauty Infinity to get the last crack at their rivals. Best Bet Race 7 – #6 Beauty Infinity (7) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Ka Ying Cheer Ka Ying Cheer resumes after a four-month spell and two impressive barrier trials. He won a jump-out on the Conghua surface before heading to Sha Tin on April 9, cruising through the wire under a stranglehold. He heads to Happy Valley for the first time as Hugh Bowman hops in the saddle, and with his jump-and-run pattern likely to suit this circuit, Ka Ying Cheer can make every post a winner as he brings up his second Hong Kong victory. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Ka Ying Cheer (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value at Happy Valley: Excel Wongchoy After drawing barriers 10, 13 and 13 respectively, Excel Wongchoy finally draws a marble (6) as he drops back in grade. The son of Exceed And Excel raced three wide throughout his most recent outing at Sha Tin on March 31, fading out to go down by 5.8 lengths. The effort had more merit than the margin may suggest, and with the four-year-old set to gain an economical run in transit, Excel Wongchoy will prove a terrific each-way chance with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #1 Excel Wongchoy (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Alexis Badel (61kg) Bet with Unibet Hong Kong quaddie tips – April 17, 2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, April 17, 2024 1-2-7-10 6 1-2-4-6-7-8 2-4-5-6-10-11 Horse racing tips
 View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King St, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Wednesday, April 17, 2024 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble Canterbury Park Racecourse is the destination for metro racing on Wednesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program awaiting punters. The rail returns to the true position, and with light showers forecast for race-day, expect the surface to be rated in the Soft range. The opening race is set to jump at 12:50pm local time. Best Bet: Little Jeanie After finishing runner-up in her first two outings for the Chris Waller barn, Little Jeanie appears set to peak third-up. She was the best of the beaten brigade at Warwick Farm on April 1, storming through the wire to finish within two lengths of Stand Aside. Stepping out to the 1550m should be ideal for the daughter of Savabeel, and with James McDonald likely to press into the one-one from stall three, Little Jeanie should get every chance to remove her maiden tag. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Little Jeanie (3) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (59kg) -111.11 with Bet365 Next Best: Earth Dance The 1400m proved too sharp for Earth Dance when making his Australian debut on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on March 13. He was eye-catching through the line, however, suggesting the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Irish import could be worth following as he steps out to a staying trip. He appears perfectly placed in this BM72 contest, and with the 1900m journey a major positive, watch for this son of Australia to loom large in the concluding stages. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Earth Dance (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Dylan Gibbons (58kg) +350 with Picklebet Best Value: Trafalgar Square Trafalgar Square didn’t go a yard on the Heavy deck at Randwick in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) on April 6. She attempted to circle the field with 400m to travel but was simply no match for the likes of Espionage and Roselyn’s Star. That form reads exceptionally well for this maiden against the girls, and as Chad Scofield looks to stalk the speed from barrier one, Trafalgar Square will be swamping her rivals when presented down the centre of the course. Best Value Race 2 – #2 Trafalgar Square (1) 2yo Filly | T: David Payne | J: Chad Schofield (58kg) +550 with Neds Wednesday quaddie tips for Canterbury races Canterbury Park quadrella selections Wednesday, April 17, 2024 2-4 5-7-9-12-13 1-3-4-5-7-8-10-13 4-5-7-9-11-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
 View the full article

What Caulfield Heath Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Wednesday, April 17, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble The Heath track at Caulfield is the destination for metropolitan racing in Victoria on Wednesday. Perfect conditions are forecast, and with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail in its true position, there should be no excuses for fancied runners. The first of eight races is set to go at 1pm AEST. Best Bet at Caulfield: Inexorable The Grahame Begg-trained Inexorable put in a stinker on a Heavy track at Geelong on April 2, but he was much better when finishing third behind Fistsoffury and Socks Nation two starts back. A repeat of that effort will be more than good enough to win this 1600m affair. The three-year-old draws perfectly in barrier one under Damian Lane, and with a touch of luck in the home straight, Inexorable should have no issue breaking maiden ranks at the seventh time of asking. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Inexorable (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Damian Lane (59kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best at Caulfield: Nokhbah Nokhbah has been defeated by by the barest of margins in each of her last two starts. Last time out, the I Am Invincible filly looked to have the race sewn up at Stawell over 1100m before getting a stitch inside the final 50m to be overpowered late. Mick Dee will hunt for the rail from barrier five, and under a well-rated steer, Nokhbah should prove too hard to run down this time around. Next Best Race 5 – #3 Nokhbah (5) 5yo Mare | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Michael Dee (59kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Caulfield: She’s Bulletproof Charlotte Littlefield’s She’s Bulletproof has been impressive without winning in two starts this campaign. The three-year-old filly ran on strongly first-up over 1100m at Flemington when narrowly defeated, before chasing the classy Moby Dick at Pakenham on March 21. All she needs to do is to hold that form, and with an economical run in transit, She’s Bulletproof should have no issue in overpowering her BM64 rivals. Best Value Race 6 – #3 She’s Bulletproof (5) 3yo Filly | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Blake Shinn (60.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Caulfield quaddie tips – 17/4/2024 Caulfield quadrella selections Wednesday, April 17, 2024 1-3 1-4 2-3-6-9-10 3-4-8-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Ellerslie has been given the green light to return to racing following the conclusion of a successful trials meeting on Monday. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s (ATR) race meeting last Wednesday was abandoned following race three due to safety concerns arising from a slip on their newly installed StrathAyr track. ATR, in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), undertook an investigation into the issues and came up with an agreed plan of action. A set of eight trials took place at the track on Monday, giving Auckland Thoroughbred Racing the clearance to return to racing this weekend. A number of industry personnel and senior jockeys were in attendance at the trials to monitor the surface, including representatives from Strathayr, Racing Integrity Board, NZTR and ATR. ATR said they received positive feedback following the trials, with senior jockey Warren Kennedy excited to ride on the surface on Saturday. “The track felt a lot better – they [ATR] obviously had done a lot of work on it since Wednesday,” he said. “The horses are getting a good bit of traction and there’s actually a bit of kick back now, which highlights the more traction the horses are getting.” Fellow jockey Craig Grylls was also pleased with how the track rode. “I noticeably felt more traction and more give in the track,” he said. “The machinery work and the spreading of sand since last Thursday has certainly seen an improvement.” View the full article

Matamata thoroughbred nursery Elsdon Park have had a memorable week in Sydney with the progeny of young broodmare Daniela’s Magic, culminating in stakes success at Randwick on Saturday. While the eight-year-old daughter of Per Incanto never made it to the races, her progeny is more than making up for it, with her first foal, Panic, extending his record to four wins from six starts over the weekend when taking out the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) for trainer Michael Freedman. Bred by Elsdon Park principal Lib Petagna, the three-year-old son of Time Test was offered through Blandford Lodge’s 2022 Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by bloodstock agents Mick Wallace and Paul Moroney for $80,000. He has proven to be an astute purchase, having now accrued more than A$179,000 in earnings. “He was in the last draft that we sold under Blandford Lodge,” said Elsdon Park General Manager Kerrie Cox, with Petagna owning a share of the farm at the time before investing in what is now Elsdon Park. “He was a beautiful type and a lovely moving horse. He was the first foal and he was just big and strong, a lovely mover, and had a great head on him.” Cox said his yearling half-brother by Ardrossan is cast from the same mould and sold accordingly through the farm’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft earlier in the week. “We had a really good Easter Sale where we sold three horses, including the half-brother to Panic, who was the only Ardossan in the sale,” Cox said. “He made A$260,000 and when talking to Michael Wallace over there, who bought Panic with Paul Moroney, he said he (Panic) was going to be running in a stakes race and they were pretty confident. “It was great to see him get that win, especially in a big field like that.” They are the only two live foals out of Daniela’s Magic to date, who is now in-foal to Yulong’s Alabama Express. “Lib owns a share in Alabama and it has turned out to be a pretty good mating,” Cox said. “She is a lovely type of mare. She is leaving a really nice types and they look like athletes.” Daniela’s Magic is a full-sister to Group One performer Saracino, who went on to win four races, including the Gr.2 Danehill Stakes (1200m), Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) and Listed Newmarket Handicap (1200m). He was also placed in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 NRM Sprint (1400m), Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m), and two editions of the Listed Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m), earning nearly A$500,000 in prizemoney. Meanwhile, Elsdon Park has experienced further success on the track in Australia of late, with the Petagna-owned Kalapour placing in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) on Saturday, while farm graduate Hezdarnhottoo became Elsdon Park’s first winner at Randwick a fortnight ago. “Kalapour won the Tancred (Gr.1, 2400m) a couple of weeks ago, and was a really commendable third in the Sydney Cup,” Cox said. “Hezdarnhottoo was the first horse that was branded at Elsdon Park and he won as a two-year-old in Sydney a few weeks ago. That was pretty exciting for us to see our brand cross the finishing line there. “I think there have only been four two-year-olds to the races so far with our brand on and they have gone pretty well. We have had Macaluso who was stakes placed as a two-year-old and also ran in the Karaka Millions. “We have had some nice success with that first crop. It wasn’t a very big first crop so it is nice to see those results coming through as two-year-olds already.” View the full article

Orchestral has returned to New Zealand after a sensational campaign, which culminated in a bold effort for third in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. The highly-talented daughter of Savabeel took the three-year-old ranks by storm through the summer period, with a stunning winning performance in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), which was emulated in both the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m, and the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). In her highly-anticipated Australian debut, Orchestral delivered a fifth-straight win in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), and certainly lost no admirers in her season grand final when finishing a length off Autumn Angel in the Australian Oaks. Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood were pleased to see her return to their Cambridge base in good order ahead of a well-deserved spell. “She’s really well. She got back from Australia late last night (Sunday), and seems to have pulled up nicely,” Wellwood said. “Nearing the end of her preparation, she just had to go to a number of grand finals, and it was hard to peak again last Saturday. “She’s off to the paddock now, we haven’t made any firm plans for the spring but we’re very excited for her next season.” Orchestral accumulated much of her A$1.99 million in stakes during the past four months, and Wellwood identified the Karaka Millions victory as a definite highlight. “The Karaka Millions was right up there, to see her put a nice field away over a mile is when we knew we really had something special,” he said. “For her to then back that up in the Guineas, the Derby and the Vinery was great.” Kingsclere Stables will now shift their focus back to home soil, as they line up six runners at Rotorua on Wednesday. Among their runners is Monsoon Knight, the lightly-tried son of Vadamos finishing second behind Orchestral in his sole juvenile start, and had a tough resuming run for fifth after 10 months away from the races. “He unfortunately hasn’t had a lot of luck, he had a very hard run at Tauranga, and then the races were called off at Ellerslie when he travelled up there,” Wellwood said. “He’s finally drawn a reasonable gate (6), but we just hope the track is still in okay order by that stage of the day. He’s probably not a horse that wants it too wet, so hopefully the weather in the next few days means that it should be okay.” Masa Hashizume is booked to ride the three-year-old, while Ryan Elliot will partner trial winner Tempsford in the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1230m), and Craig Grylls takes the reins aboard Hasstobereel in the Sherlock Contracting 3YO 1560. “Tempsford trialled really well at Cambridge and has continued to work well since then, hopefully she can get a soft run on Wednesday but whether 1200m is her optimal distance, I don’t know,” Wellwood said. “Hastobereel is certainly going to be suited on a track with a bit of give out of it. His trial was good, and he’s an honest customer so I think he’ll run well.” The stable will also prepare debutant Noble Master in the Arawa Park Hotel 2YO 1150, while Aladdin Sane and Ilimitado contest the Have Your Function At Arawa Park 1400 later on the card. View the full article

In the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) aftermath, one of Chris Waller’s first thoughts was the hope of a rematch for Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) with Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) come the spring racing features. That is just what he may get as Ciaron Maher says that his star middle distance mare will look to conquering Australasia’s weight-for-age championship, the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), as her main aim in late October. “The Cox Plate will be our target,” Maher told RSN972. “The King Charles (Gr.1, 1600m) has been mentioned but the Cox Plate is the one.” Pride Of Jenni has already firmed in Cox Plate futures markets from $5 into $4.50 with Waller’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes second-placed Via Sistina on the second line of betting at $6 with 2023 Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior (Acclamation). Maher raised no concerns with the six-year-old’s recovery after her Randwick demolition while still coming to terms with the astonishing style of her win. A start in the King Charles III Stakes would require Pride Of Jenni to back-up within seven days to then start in the Cox Plate. A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre, who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the Stud. View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Wednesday, April 17, 2024 First Race 11:27am AEST Visit Dabble Brisbane Racing Club will host a very competitive 10-race card at Doomben Racecourse this Wednesday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with no rain on the forecast in the lead-up, it is expected to improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +10m position, with racing set to kick off at 11:27am AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Italian Riviera Italian Riviera was an impressive winner on his debut over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast two starts back. After settling outside the leader, the Stuart Kendrick-trained gelding took over with 400m to go and pulled away to bring up a one-length victory. Considering seven of his nine rivals are still maidens, Italian Riviera strikes a very winnable race and should prove hard to beat. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Italian Riviera (5) 2yo Gelding | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Michael Rodd (59kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Velozes Velozes missed the kick by two lengths last time out, and after being held up until the 250m mark, she flashed up the inside rail to finish 1.8 lengths off Skywriter at this track and trip. With James Orman back aboard for his second ride on the filly, it is expected that she will jump better and settle closer to the speed. With even luck and a similar finishing burst to last time, Velozes can break her maiden at the third time of asking. Next Best Race 8 – #13 Velozes (8) 3yo Filly | T: Tony Gollan | J: James Orman (56kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Lady Chartwell Lady Chartwell had no luck when running third over the Doomben 1100m first-up. The David McColm-trained mare settled behind the speed and appeared to have a lot to offer in the home straight but was held up until the final 150m. With the aid of Taylor Johnstone’s 3kg claim and a wide draw in barrier nine, Lady Chartwell will be able to push forward and settle outside of runners before finishing off strongly down the outside. Best Value Race 6 – #10 Lady Chartwell (9) 4yo Mare | T: David McColm | J: Taylor Johnstone (a3) (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Wednesday, April 17, 2024 3-4-6 3-5-13 3-4-5-10-11 6-7-12-13-14-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Zantabulous winning at Te Rapa on Sunday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A bright future over further ground is being marked for Zantabulous after the Te Akau mare scored impressively over a mile at Te Rapa on Sunday. The daughter of Almanzor had been successful in two of her nine previous starts and entered Sunday’s Rating 75 contest a $4.80 second-favourite behind consistent mare Casino Princess. In the hands of Wiremu Pinn, Zantabulous settled comfortably on the fence in third, while the race-favourite sat in a three-wide position. The eight-horse field fanned out on the Soft 7 surface turning for home and Zantabulous soon found the lead, the mare kicking strongly to fend off the challenge of Casino Princess by three-quarters of a length. Pinn claimed his second career Group 1 the weekend prior aboard the Matamata stable’s Move To Strike, and indicated Zantabulous has plenty to offer in future campaigns. “She’s a lovely mare,” he said. “There was good speed on, she relaxed beautifully, we cut the corner, and after shifting out to better ground she let down nicely. “I think next time in, when she strengthens up again, she’ll get over 2000m. She’s quite exciting.” Te Akau co-trainer Mark Walker praised Pinn’s ride and was pleased to see the mare back in winning form. “It’s great to see her back in the winner’s circle and another nice ride of Wiremu’s,” said Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. “She’s had a few issues along the way, but it was a promising win today and it looks like she’s in for a good autumn and early part of the winter. “I think she’ll only improve once we get up over more distance.” Out of a three-win Zabeel mare in Zantalegh, Zantabulous was bred by Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud, before being sold to David Ellis for $220,000 at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sales. Horse racing news View the full article

Ellerslie’s meeting on Wednesday was abandoned after The Storyteller (outside) slipped near the crossing following his win. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Ellerslie has been given the green light to return to racing following the conclusion of a successful trials meeting on Monday. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s (ATR) race meeting last Wednesday was abandoned following race three due to safety concerns arising from a slip on their newly installed StrathAyr track. ATR, in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), undertook an investigation into the issues and came up with an agreed plan of action. A set of eight trials took place at the track on Monday, giving Auckland Thoroughbred Racing the clearance to return to racing this weekend. A number of industry personnel and senior jockeys were in attendance at the trials to monitor the surface, including representatives from Strathayr, Racing Integrity Board, NZTR and ATR. ATR said they received positive feedback following the trials, with senior jockey Warren Kennedy excited to ride on the surface on Saturday. “The track felt a lot better – they [ATR] obviously had done a lot of work on it since Wednesday,” he said. “The horses are getting a good bit of traction and there’s actually a bit of kick back now, which highlights the more traction the horses are getting.” Fellow jockey Craig Grylls was also pleased with how the track rode. “I noticeably felt more traction and more give in the track,” he said. “The machinery work and the spreading of sand since last Thursday has certainly seen an improvement.” Horse racing news View the full article

Multiple Group 1 winning filly Orchestral is heading for a well-deserved spell following her placing in last Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Orchestral has returned to New Zealand after a sensational campaign, which culminated in a bold effort for third in last Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. The highly-talented daughter of Savabeel took the three-year-old ranks by storm through the summer period, with a stunning winning performance in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), which was emulated in both the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m, and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). In her highly-anticipated Australian debut, Orchestral delivered a fifth-straight win in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), and certainly lost no admirers in her season grand final when finishing a length off Autumn Angel in the Australian Oaks. Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood were pleased to see her return to their Cambridge base in good order ahead of a well-deserved spell. “She’s really well. She got back from Australia late last night (Sunday), and seems to have pulled up nicely,” Wellwood said. “Nearing the end of her preparation, she just had to go to a number of grand finals, and it was hard to peak again last Saturday. “She’s off to the paddock now, we haven’t made any firm plans for the spring but we’re very excited for her next season.” Orchestral accumulated much of her A$1.99 million in stakes during the past four months, and Wellwood identified the Karaka Millions victory as a definite highlight. “The Karaka Millions was right up there, to see her put a nice field away over a mile is when we knew we really had something special,” he said. “For her to then back that up in the Guineas, the Derby and the Vinery was great.” Kingsclere Stables will now shift their focus back to home soil, as they line up six runners at Rotorua on Wednesday. Among their runners is Monsoon Knight, the lightly-tried son of Vadamos finishing second behind Orchestral in his sole juvenile start, and had a tough resuming run for fifth after 10 months away from the races. “He unfortunately hasn’t had a lot of luck, he had a very hard run at Tauranga, and then the races were called off at Ellerslie when he travelled up there,” Wellwood said. “He’s finally drawn a reasonable gate (6), but we just hope the track is still in okay order by that stage of the day. He’s probably not a horse that wants it too wet, so hopefully the weather in the next few days means that it should be okay.” Masa Hashizume is booked to ride the three-year-old, while Ryan Elliot will partner trial winner Tempsford in the Pearl Series Race (1230m), and Craig Grylls takes the reins aboard Hasstobereel in the Sherlock Contracting 3YO 1560. “Tempsford trialled really well at Cambridge and has continued to work well since then, hopefully she can get a soft run on Wednesday but whether 1200m is her optimal distance, I don’t know,” Wellwood said. “Hastobereel is certainly going to be suited on a track with a bit of give out of it. His trial was good, and he’s an honest customer so I think he’ll run well.” The stable will also prepare debutant Noble Master in the Arawa Park Hotel 2YO 1150, while Aladdin Sane and Ilimitado contest the Have Your Function At Arawa Park 1400 later on the card. Horse racing news View the full article

Panic scores a narrow victory in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Matamata thoroughbred nursery Elsdon Park have had a memorable week in Sydney with the progeny of young broodmare Daniela’s Magic, culminating in stakes success at Randwick on Saturday. While the eight-year-old daughter of Per Incanto never made it to the races, her progeny is more than making up for it, with her first foal, Panic, extending his record to four wins from six starts over the weekend when taking out the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) for trainer Michael Freedman. Bred by Elsdon Park principal Lib Petagna, the three-year-old son of Time Test was offered through Blandford Lodge’s 2022 Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by bloodstock agents Mick Wallace and Paul Moroney for $80,000. He has proven to be an astute purchase, having now accrued more than A$179,000 in earnings. “He was in the last draft that we sold under Blandford Lodge,” said Elsdon Park General Manager Kerrie Cox, with Petagna owning a share of the farm at the time before investing in what is now Elsdon Park. “He was a beautiful type and a lovely moving horse. He was the first foal and he was just big and strong, a lovely mover, and had a great head on him.” Cox said his yearling half-brother by Ardrossan is cast from the same mould and sold accordingly through the farm’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft earlier in the week. “We had a really good Easter Sale where we sold three horses, including the half-brother to Panic, who was the only Ardossan in the sale,” Cox said. “He made A$260,000 and when talking to Michael Wallace over there, who bought Panic with Paul Moroney, he said he (Panic) was going to be running in a stakes race and they were pretty confident. “It was great to see him get that win, especially in a big field like that.” They are the only two live foals out of Daniela’s Magic to date, who is now in-foal to Yulong’s Alabama Express. “Lib owns a share in Alabama and it has turned out to be a pretty good mating,” Cox said. “She is a lovely type of mare. She is leaving a really nice types and they look like athletes.” Daniela’s Magic is a full-sister to Group 1 performer Saracino, who went on to win four races, including the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m), Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) and Listed Newmarket Handicap (1200m). He was also placed in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Group 1 NRM Sprint (1400m), Group 3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m), and two editions of the Listed Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m), earning nearly A$500,000 in prizemoney. Meanwhile, Elsdon Park has experienced further success on the track in Australia of late, with the Petagna-owned Kalapour placing in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) on Saturday, while farm graduate Hezdarnhottoo became Elsdon Park’s first winner at Randwick a fortnight ago. “Kalapour won the Tancred (Group 1, 2400m) a couple of weeks ago, and was a really commendable third in the Sydney Cup,” Cox said. “Hezdarnhottoo was the first horse that was branded at Elsdon Park and he won as a two-year-old in Sydney a few weeks ago. That was pretty exciting for us to see our brand cross the finishing line there. “I think there have only been four two-year-olds to the races so far with our brand on and they have gone pretty well. We have had Macaluso who was stakes placed as a two-year-old and also ran in the Karaka Millions. “We have had some nice success with that first crop. It wasn’t a very big first crop so it is nice to see those results coming through as two-year-olds already.” Horse racing news View the full article

Renovations winning at Te Rapa on Sunday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising youngster Renovations is further vindication of Cody Cole’s eye for young thoroughbred talent. The Waikato Stud-bred filly is a daughter of their resident sire Ardrossan and she’s made an encouraging start to her career for the Matamata trainer. Renovations finished runner-up, albeit a distant one behind the flying Alabama Lass, on debut before a respectable sixth in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). She dropped back in class on Sunday to gain a confidence-boosting runaway success in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m) at Te Rapa, which might prove to be the springboard back to black-type company. The Renovations story had its beginning last year when Cole accepted an invite from Waikato Stud to view available young stock. “They said to me that they had a few fillies they wanted to maintain ownership of, but wanted to lease out,” Cole said. “I went over there about 10 months ago, it was a good opportunity for us and there were three to choose from. “I looked at her (Renovations) and she looked like a readymade racehorse. She’d obviously never had a sales prep, so we leased her and Social Racing took half. “Some of my stable clients and a few newbies came on board and it’s a good group of people who have had a quick return on their investment. They’re having a lot of fun.” The Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) back at Te Rapa on May 4 now looms as an ideal option for the filly. “She’s thriving and is nice and sound, so we’ll definitely be keeping that race in mind for her,” Cole said. “She really wants to be a three-year-old, she’s out of a Zabeel mare, and Hawke’s Bay in the spring has got a flashing red light for her.” In her latest appearance, Renovations worked her way to the front and showed sharp acceleration under rider Matthew Cameron in the straight to romp home by three and a-half lengths. “We were expecting a pretty good run, she had been working well with older horses and we didn’t put her in the Matamata Breeders for no reason and it was just that she didn’t quite have the ringcraft for that,” Cole said. Renovations is a half-sister to six-time winner Shoshone with their dam the Zabeel mare Dee I Why who is currently in foal to Banquo. Young stallion Ardrossan was credited with a winning double later on the Te Rapa program when Cindee downed a competitive three-year-old line-up over 1200 metres. Trained by race sponsor Allan Sharrock, the filly settled off the pace before unwinding powerfully in Craig Grylls’ hands for her third victory from four attempts. She is raced by a syndicate managed by breeder Nick Bolton and is out of the Pins mare Music, who is from the family of Group 1 winners Final Destination and Irish Fling. Horse racing news View the full article

Champion trainer will set gun recruit a big task by running him in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) on Champions DayView the full article

Group 1 Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) After securing a victory in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m), Autumn Angel could be poised for further elite-level success, with considerations for either the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) on June 1 or the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) on June 8. The talented filly, trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, is currently enjoying a spell in Queensland. Managing owner Wylie Dalziel disclosed that the decision to extend her season is under deliberation. “At this stage, she’s having a spell in Queensland,” Dalziel informed Racing.com. “Moods will go up and see her next week and then he will make a decision as to whether to bring her back in for those races.” Reflecting on the significance of Autumn Angel’s triumph, Dalziel shared, “There were quite a few of the owners in Autumn Angel who have raced horses for 40 years and have not had a Group 1 winner. They were thrilled.” Horse racing news View the full article

Promising youngster Renovations is further vindication of Cody Cole’s eye for young thoroughbred talent. The Waikato Stud-bred filly is a daughter of their resident sire Ardrossan and she’s made an encouraging start to her career for the Matamata trainer. Renovations finished runner-up, albeit a distant one behind the flying Alabama Lass, on debut before a respectable sixth in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). She dropped back in class on Sunday to gain a confidence-boosting runaway success in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m) at Te Rapa, which might prove to be the springboard back to black-type company. The Renovations story had its beginning last year when Cole accepted an invite from Waikato Stud to view available young stock. “They said to me that they had a few fillies they wanted to maintain ownership of, but wanted to lease out,” Cole said. “I went over there about 10 months ago, it was a good opportunity for us and there were three to choose from. “I looked at her (Renovations) and she looked like a readymade racehorse. She’d obviously never had a sales prep, so we leased her and Social Racing took half. “Some of my stable clients and a few newbies came on board and it’s a good group of people who have had a quick return on their investment. They’re having a lot of fun.” The Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) back at Te Rapa on May 4 now looms as an ideal option for the filly. “She’s thriving and is nice and sound, so we’ll definitely be keeping that race in mind for her,” Cole said. “She really wants to be a three-year-old, she’s out of a Zabeel mare, and Hawke’s Bay in the spring has got a flashing red light for her.” In her latest appearance, Renovations worked her way to the front and showed sharp acceleration under rider Matthew Cameron in the straight to romp home by three and a-half lengths. “We were expecting a pretty good run, she had been working well with older horses and we didn’t put her in the Matamata Breeders for no reason and it was just that she didn’t quite have the ringcraft for that,” Cole said. Renovations is a half-sister to six-time winner Shoshone with their dam the Zabeel mare Dee I Why who is currently in foal to Banquo. Young stallion Ardrossan was credited with a winning double later on the Te Rapa program when Cindee downed a competitive three-year-old line-up over 1200 metres. Trained by race sponsor Allan Sharrock, the filly settled off the pace before unwinding powerfully in Craig Grylls’ hands for her third victory from four attempts. She is raced by a syndicate managed by breeder Nick Bolton and is out of the Pins mare Music, who is from the family of Group 1 winners Final Destination and Irish Fling. View the full article

Berry Bliss (NZ) (Charm Spirit) scored a win in the Platinum Horse Club Trophy at Selangor in Malaysia on Sunday on a day where New Zealand bred horses dominated winning eight of the nine races on the card. New trainer Joseph Leck, 32, who was only granted his A licence last week, saddled his first winner on his debut day with a horse he has just taken over from his uncle Charles Leck. It was a family affair as on hand to pilot the horse home was his cousin Clyde (Charles’ son) who steered the five-year-old to an all-the-way win in the Metro A set-weight event over 1600m. It was a triumphant reunion for horse and jockey as Clyde had ridden the son of Charm Spirit in all his previous nine wins in the last two years. The pair finished second to Pasir Pinji (NZ) (Nadeem) in the Selangor Gold Cup (1600m) last September and since then Berry Bliss has had three disappointing runs. Berry Bliss resumed after a four-month break and beat just one home over 1400m two weeks ago but his old zest was back today. The five-year-old went straight to the front on settling down and he coasted home by two and three-quarter lengths ahead of King’s Command. “I’m very happy with his win,” Clyde Leck said. “I rode the horse in trackwork earlier in the week and I knew he was well and stood a good chance to win. He ran better than I expected and this run should prep him well for the next race. “I am also delighted riding a first winner for my cousin Joseph and there will be many more to come from our partnership.” Berry Bliss arrived unraced in Malaysia after being sold by Bruce Sherwin on Gavelhouse to Dean Wiles and has won 10 times in 22 starts. “I am delighted to have my first winner on my first day as a trainer,” Joseph Leck said. “All thanks to owner Richard Tea for this to happen. The joy is indescribable. It was all the more satisfying as it was my cousin Clyde who rode the horse. Another impressive winner on the card was Antipodean (NZ) (Derryn) who remained unbeaten at his third career start in a Class 4B over 1100m. He was sold through the draft of Regal Farm at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale to trainer Simon Dunderdale. Other New Zealand bred winners on the card were Jazz Band (NZ) (Tavistock), Uptown Girl (NZ) (Shamoline Warrior), Jungle King (NZ) (Makfi), Graphjet Express (NZ) (Belardo), Military Flag (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), & Thousand Mile Eye (NZ) (Belardo). View the full article

Bidding is now open for the 51 lots available on the latest gavelhouse.com fortnightly auction, which includes a former Te Akau Racing mare with outstanding pedigree credentials. Stella Splendida (NZ) (Zoustar) was bred by Sir Peter Vela’s internationally renowned Pencarrow Stud and has star power on both sides of her pedigree. Her sire Zoustar was himself a dual Group One winner from a nine-start career before embarking on a top-class stallion career at Widden Stud. He was Australia’s champion first-season sire in 2017-18, and his current service fee is A$220,000. Zoustar is the sire of 582 winners from 835 runners, with 53 stakes winners including Group One stars Sunlight, Zougotcha, Zoutori, Lezoo, Mizzy, Ozzmosis and Joliestar. He has also made a promising start as a broodmare sire, with three winners including this season’s Group Three-winning Australian two-year-old Holmes A Court. Stella Splendida’s dam is Scintillula (Galileo), who won the Group Three Meld Stakes (1800m) at Leopardstown and placed in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes (1400m). She also finished fourth in the Group One Irish Oaks (2400m) and Yorkshire Oaks (2400m). Scintillula’s full-sister Cuis Ghaire (Galileo) won at Group Three level and placed in the Group One English 1000 Guineas (1600m). Cuis Ghaire is also the dam of Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) winner Danyah (Invincible Spirit). Scintillula’s other siblings include the Listed winner The Major General (Galileo) and Group One placegetters Gile Na Greine (Galileo) and Claiomh Solais (Galileo). From five named foals, Scintillula is the dam of four winners from four foals to race. Butter Chicken (NZ) (Savabeel) placed in the Group Two Autumn Classic (1800m), while the current three-year-old filly Waikato Girl (NZ) has recorded a win and three placings from a six-start career and finished third in last month’s Group Three Kembla Grange Classic (1600m). Scintillula’s daughters have sold at Karaka for $400,000, $800,000, $800,000 and $600,000, while a colt fetched $230,000 last year. Te Akau’s David Ellis secured Stella Splendida for $800,000 from Karaka 2021, and she immediately showed enormous promise with a dominant debut victory at Taupo. “Wow, she’s fast,” rider Opie Bosson said after dismounting. “She had a bit of a look around and needs to drop the bridle, but that’s newness and she’s just class.” Stella Splendida’s promising but short career has now finished with four wins and two placings from her 12 starts. “She’s got a really top pedigree,” Ellis said. “We considered her the best filly in the yearling sale of her year and she rightfully topped the sale. “She showed right from day one that she had an enormous amount of ability, and I think she’ll go on to make a terrific broodmare. “We’ll be sorry to see her go, because she’s been such a beautiful filly, but that’s the way we do it with fillies like her – we put together a syndicate for their racing career, then put them up for sale when they finish racing. “I’m looking forward to seeing the types of progeny that she’ll go on to produce.” Another notable entry in the gavelhouse.com auction is Lot 51, Surtout (NZ) (Cape Blanco) – an unraced half-sister to Group One performers Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) and Eleonora (NZ) (Makfi). The latter is the dam of the current highly talented filly Ethereal Star (Snitzel). As well as coming from such a high-class family, Surtout is being offered in foal to exciting first-season sire Profondo. Lot 38, meanwhile, is the stakes-performed import Leytana (Intello), who is in foal to Ardrossan. Bidding is open now and will close from 7pm (NZT) on Monday 15th April. View the full article

Without A Fight winning the 2023 Melbourne Cup. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Sam Freedman is brimming with optimism regarding the outlook for stable standout Without A Fight as the Spring Racing Carnival looms on the horizon. Since his commanding victory in last year’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), the imported talent has been absent from the track, sidelined during the autumn season due to a minor tendon strain. However, Freedman shared encouraging updates on the gelding’s recuperation. “He’s going great,” remarked Freedman, who operates in collaboration with his father Anthony. “I had a chat with Lee Evison this morning and he’s been very pleased with him.” Detailing the progress made, Freedman continued, “The tendon is scanning really well, it’s all been going the right way, he’s been upping his workload and he’s been coping with it very well.” “All being well, if it all continues to go the right way, we’d be optimistic that he could be back under saddle in about six weeks’ time, which seems soon enough given the injury wasn’t all that long ago.” “His rehab’s gone so well, so far, I do say that because he’s got to tick some boxes but the spring’s looking very optimistic at the moment.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Jason Warren-trained Benedetta (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) In the buildup to the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), another contender making strides is Benedetta from the stables of Jason Warren. After securing fourth-place finishes in both the prestigious Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m), the daughter of Hellbent returned to her winning form, clinching victory in the R N Irwin Stakes at Morphettville. “We’ve freshened her up, we went back to the jump-outs … just needed a nice run without knocking her around,” Warren told Racing.com. “She’ll stay here and have a nice two weeks and prepare for the Sangster. “I didn’t want to see her have a tough run. “Hopefully she continues to improve.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Scone Races Where Scone Race Club – 434 Bunnan Rd, Scone NSW 2337 When Tuesday, April 16, 2024 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Scone on Tuesday afternoon for a competitive eight-race program that kicks off at 12:50pm local time. The rail is out +3m between the 900m and 400m marks, while it sits in the true position for the remainder of the course. There is no significant rainfall predicted to hit the course in the lead-up, so punters can anticipate the Soft 5 rating. Best Bet at Scone: Slay Queen Slay Queen debuts for the Peter & Paul Snowden barn on the back of two promising barrier trials. The daughter of Star Witness was ridden with cover throughout her most recent outing at Randwick on March 22 before being asked to make minor inroads down the centre of the course. It was a good piece of education for the two-year-old, and although she draws awkwardly in gate 10, trust Jett Stanley to drag her back towards the rear before unleashing Slay Queen down the middle to score. Best Bet Race 1 – #13 Slay Queen (10) 2yo Filly | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Jett Stanley (57kg) +230 with Picklebet Next Best at Scone: Fuld’s Doubt Fuld’s Doubt should be searching for a hat-trick of wins after being set a hefty task in her latest performance at Tamworth on April 8, swallowing up all but one rival to be beaten less than half-length. She was sensational breaking her maiden first-up prior, and with Reece Jones jumping aboard and expected to take a much closer sit in transit, watch for Fuld’s Doubt to powering over the top late. Next Best Race 7 – #12 Fuld’s Doubt (4) 3yo Filly | T: Rodney Northam | J: Reece Jones (55.5kg) +380 with Bet365 Best Value at Scone: Rockbarton Icon Although Rockbarton Icon is winless heading into start six for the David Atkins barn, the son of Prized Icon has never run a bad race. That includes his first-up effort at Newcastle on April 3, where the three-year-old was held up with nowhere to go at a crucial stage. He may lob worse than mid-field as Aaron Bullock navigates a passage from stall 15, but Rockbarton Icon appears primed to remove his maiden tag. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Rockbarton Icon (15) 3yo Gelding | T: David Atkins | J: Aaron Bullock (59.5kg) +1200 with Bet365 Tuesday quaddie tips for Scone races Scone quadrella selections Tuesday, April 16, 2024 3-4-6-7 1-4-6-8-14 1-2-6-11-12 8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
 View the full article

Horse racing on Monday, April 15, 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 Albury. Monday Racing Tips – April 15, 2024 Albury 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 15, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article