Wandering Eyes

2nd-Gulfstream, $62,700, Msw, 4-12, 2yo, 4 1/2f, :51.86, ft, 3 lengths. MENSA (c, 2, Complexity–Lady Halite, by Medaglia d'Oro) broke very well from his rail spot to take an easy lead in this unveiling. Never challenged through :22.07 and :45.66 splits, Patrick Husbands only had to keep his mount focused in the lane as the pair came home three lengths best over the filly Unchained Elaine (American Pharoah). Mensa is the first winner for his freshman sire (by Maclean's Music). The most recent winning offspring for Lady Halite, the victor is a half-brother to Recruiter (Army Mule), MSW, $241,985 as well as stakes-placed 3-year-old Miss Sayely (Maximus Mischief). The dam's 2023 Instagrand foal died and she is due to Nashville for 2024. #2 MENSA ($10.00) registered a smart career debut with a victory in race 2 at Gulfstream Park under Patrick Husbands for trainer @markecasse and @DJ_Stable. This is the first winner for @AirdrieStud's freshman stallion Complexity. pic.twitter.com/6yB5HLpLs2 — TVG (@TVG) April 12, 2024 Sales history: $135,000 Ylg '23 OBSOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $45,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-Beth Bayer (FL); T-Mark E. Casse. The post Complexity’s Mensa Sails to First Win for Freshman Sire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

War Chant, a longstanding resident at Yarradale Stud in Australia, died at age 27 April 11. The son of Danzig was victorious in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

On April 22-23 Light Up Racing will launch its Media & Content Cohort Training Program in Lexington, Kentucky, which aims to improve the narrative of horse racing and empower changemakers by teaching skills to better promote the sport, the organization said in a release Friday. Light Up Racing is assembling approximately 20 individuals from every aspect of the horse racing industry, across all demographics, united by their passion for positive change over two days of training. “Our goal is to empower each participant with the confidence to share their stories and perspectives in horse racing,” said Vicky Leonard of Kick Collective. “We believe that by building these skills and generating confidence, we can collectively start shifting how the sport is perceived and talked about.” The days are planned to equip a diverse group of participants with the tools they need to make an impact. While the first focuses on personal branding, leveraging social media and confidence in media interview techniques, day two advances into content creation and strategies for maximizing engagement. “By the end of this program, participants will not just have skills; they'll have the confidence to use their voices and showcase the industry from their perspective,” Leonard said. “They'll also have a community supporting their journey.” This training marks the beginning of a larger movement towards a more open and forward-thinking horse racing community, sharing the positive elements to the wider public. “When an industry isn't talking, people assume it has something to hide,” added Leonard. “The antidote to fixing the perception and trust issues is by opening the door and inviting people in–both in person and online. Your voice matters, and together, we have the power to redefine the narrative,” said Leonard. Additional training will soon be announced across the country, reflecting Light Up Racing's commitment to fostering a nationwide community of empowered racing advocates. “These two days will empower the Kentucky cohort to go out into the community, both in person and online, to engage in fact-based, transparent dialogue about horse racing during a crucial time on our calendar,” said board member Christina Blacker. “We need to share the good stories and we must stop uninformed opinions from driving the narrative of our sport. I look forward to participating in the training myself when it comes to California.” Click here for more information about the training or email hello@lightupracing.com. The post Light Up Racing Launches Media & Content Cohort Training For Industry Community appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's GIII Stonestreet Lexington S. at Keeneland, the final stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, offers a path to Churchill Downs for the first Saturday in May for D. J. Stable and Robert Cotran's Hades (Awesome Slew). Currently on the outside looking in, Hades sits in 24th place on the leaderboard with 30 points. The GI Kentucky Derby is limited to 20 starters. The Lexington offers 42 points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale. With a victory, Hades would be in the top 20. A runner-up finish would put him on the bubble. Hades upset potential Kentucky Derby favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) (third) and next-out GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby winner Domestic Product (Practical Joke) (second) with a game victory in the GIII Holy Bull S. Feb. 3. Hades suffered his first career defeat finishing a well-beaten fifth behind Fierceness after getting bumped at the start in the GI Curlin Florida Derby Mar. 30. “We need the points. I'm not going to go there to be number 21 (on the also-eligible list),” trainer Joe Orseno said. “He didn't get a chance to run in the Florida Derby.” Hades will race with first-time blinkers in the Lexington and will also receive a rider change to Jose Ortiz. Paco Lopez was aboard Hades in his first four career starts. “I always thought he would be better with blinkers, but he kept winning and I couldn't make the change,” Orseno said. “He'll have blinkers here; little ones.” Two other Lexington entrants could be on the Derby bubble with a victory: Encino (Nyquist) (20 points) and Liberal Arts (Arrogate) (19 points). John Battaglia Memorial S. winner Encino, scratched from last weekend's GI Blue Grass S. in favor of this spot, tries dirt for the first time for trainer Brad Cox. Last year's GIII Street Sense S. winner Liberal Arts was an eventful sixth (disqualified and placed eighth for interference after getting rank on the first turn) in the GI Arkansas Derby Mar. 30. The Lexington field of 10 also includes 5-2 morning-line favorite The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso), who makes his first start since finishing a very game second in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland Oct. 7. Saturday's 11-race card at Keeneland also prominently features the GI Jenny Wiley S. Gina Romantica (Into Mischief), a two-time Grade I winner over the lawn in Lexington, held her own against the boys finishing a respectable fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile last time Nov. 4. The 3-1 morning-line favorite is one of four entered for Chad Brown, who has won five of the past six runnings of the 1 1/16-mile turf race for fillies and mares and has six Jenny Wiley victories overall. Brown will also saddle last term's GI Matriarch S. heroine Surge Capacity (Flintshire {GB}), MGSW Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}) and longshot Beaute Cachee (Fr) (Literato {Fr}). “With a lot of my good grass fillies, I like to target this and I like the mile and a sixteenth to start,” Brown said. The field of 10 also includes: Didia (Arg) (Orpen), a game winner of the GII TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational S. at Gulfstream Jan. 27; and the Charlie Appleby-trained English Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who captured the G2 Balanchine S. at Meydan last time Feb. 23. Wet Paint (Blame), three-for-three against stakes company at Oaklawn last season, will face off against California invader Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) in the GI Apple Blossom H. in Hot Springs. Wet Paint, just up in time in last summer's GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga, makes her first start since finishing eighth in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Santa Anita Nov. 4. Adare Manor, winner of last summer's GI Clement L. Hirsch S. at Del Mar, crossed the line one spot better in seventh at the Championships and kicked off her 5-year-old campaign for Bob Baffert with a runner-up finish as the favorite in the GI Beholder Mile S. at Santa Anita Mar. 9. Saturday's graded action is rounded out by the GIII Count Fleet H. at Oaklawn and GIII Giant's Causeway S. at Keeneland. The post Last Chance at the Big Dance: Hades Can Punch Kentucky Derby Ticket in Lexington appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) will be held at Nakayama over 2000 metres on Sunday, and this year's edition features Group 1 winner Regaleira (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}), a winner of the Hopeful S. versus the colts over this course and distance in December. The filly, who bears the Sunday Racing colours and will tote four pounds less than her male rivals, leaves from stall 10 under Hiroshi Kitamura. A winner against newcomers at Hakodate last July, she lost her perfect record when third in the Listed Ivy S. when attempting to closing into slow early fractions. However, she was much farther back and rallied into a fast pace for her Hopeful win, defeating several of these including the blue-blooded Group 3 winner Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) in second and subsequent listed winner Sunrise Zipangu (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in third. Trainer Tetsuya Kimura said, “She's come along as expected, without any problems. She's better in her left foreleg now. Once again, she has a new challenge ahead of her here.” Shin Emperor, a full-brother to G1 Prix de l'Arc de Tromphe winner Sottsass (Fr), ran second after a stalking trip in his 3-year-old bow, the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen to Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn) (Al Ain {Jpn}) with Sirius Colt (Jpn) (Makfi {GB}) third at the beginning of March. Ryusei Sakai has been booked to ride and the duo will leave from stall 14. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said, “He's worked well, with a final furlong time of around 12 seconds. I hope he can run to the level expected of him.” The other Group 1 winner in the field is Jantar Mantar (Jpn) (Palace Malice), winner of the Asahi Hai Futurity S. ahead of Ecoro Walz (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}). Also successful in the G2 Daily Hai Nisai S., the colt is a poster child for his recently relocated sire. He was second to the undefeated two-for-two Justin Milano (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in the Feb. 11 G3 Kyodo News Hai. Trainer Tomokazu Takano said, “He's cantered on the uphill training track and seems easier to ride now. He's developing more as well. I believe in him, and the ability he has, so I want him to show his best in this next race.” The post Regaleira Faces Males In Satsuki Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

High-profile trainer Robertino Diodoro, who is serving a provisional suspension from the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) after the banned substance levothyroxine was found in his barn at Oaklawn Park, has entered a horse for the April 18 card at Lone Star Park. On opening night, he has entered Master of Disguise (Mastery) in a maiden special weight race with a purse of $33,000. Diodoro is eligible to race in Texas because the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) does not have jurisdiction in that state. Diodoro did not return a phone call from the TDN, but it appears that he will be busy at the Lone Star meet, which concludes on July 14. Diodoro has been allotted 50 stalls, which appears to be the maximum amount allowed by the track's racing department. He has not started a horse since April 3 at Turf Paradise. He was able to run in Arizona after his suspension was announced because the horses had been entered before Diodoro was notified of the violation Diodoro was provisionally suspended by HIWU on March 29. Though he has been summarily suspended the case must still be reviewed by HIWU's Internal Adjunction Panel. Diodoro also has the option of trying to contest the suspension in court. Levothyroxine is a thyroid medication. According to the National Library of Medicine the use of thyroid hormones for doping to enhance performance in human sports has long been controversial. There have been claims of abuse of these drugs, but they have not been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Texas Racing Commission interpreted its state racing rules and concluded that only the racing commission can legally oversee racing in the state and therefore would not allow HISA to come into Texas. Because they are not under HISA's jurisdiction, Lone Star Park and Sam Houston cannot send their simulcast signal out of state. Diodoro was the leading trainer in 2023 at Oaklawn Park and is currently still in second place in this year's Oaklawn standings. Training since 1995, Diodoro has 3,184 career wins and a winning rate of 21 percent. A similar scenario is playing out in Louisiana, where trainer Jonathan Wong has begun racing. Wong received a two-year suspension from HIWU after he had a horse test positive for Metformin, a drug that is commonly used by humans to combat type 2 diabetes. Like Texas, Louisiana racing is not under HISA's control. Wong has started eight horses in Louisiana with no winners. He has four horses entered at Evangeline Downs next week and another Saturday night. The post Diodoro Resurfaces At Lone Star Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Robertino Diodoro, provisionally suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit after the alleged discovery of the banned substance levothyroxine in his barn at Oaklawn Park, enters a horse to race at Lone Star Park April 18. View the full article

Due to the continuing inclement weather which has led to a series of recent fixture cancellations, Horse Racing Ireland has announced a number of rescheduled meetings, starting with the G3 Curragh's Alleged S. meeting being moved to Saturday, April 20. This meeting replaces the April 6 meeting at the Curragh which was lost to the weather. Entries for this meeting will close by noon next Tuesday, April 16 with declarations to run to be made by 10am on Thursday, April 18. As the Curragh is also scheduled for Sunday, April 21, this will now become a two-day weekend meeting with seven races programmed on each day. To facilitate this, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3-Y-O Maiden is deleted from the Sunday card and is transferred to the Saturday card. In addition, Navan will stage an all-Flat card on Tuesday, May 7. This meeting will replace the Navan meeting which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 9. Entries for this meeting will close by noon on Thursday, May 2 with declarations to run to be made by 10am on Sunday, May 5. The post Curragh’s Alleged Stakes Meeting Rescheduled For April 20 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Bhupat Seemar is set to relocate his hugely successful Zabeel Stables to a new location at Meydan. Seemar landed the $12 million Dubai World Cup with the Juddmonte-owned Laurel River (Into Mischief), a victory that crowned a memorable season for the trainer given he landed a second UAE trainers' championship title. However, pastures new beckon for Seemar, who explained that his large string will be better suited to the new facility. “To leave Zabeel with a Dubai World Cup as well as both the trainers' and jockeys' championship was the crowning glory,” the trainer told The National newspaper. “It was a good send-off and it was beautiful. I have spent 21 memorable years [there] but life has to move on. They are still putting in everything that we've had in Zabeel. So, there's a lot of work going on there. “It's going to be a wonderful facility. Green Stable is the biggest stable at Meydan. We have a large number of horses and that's the most suitable stable. I'm thankful they've offered this to us.” The post Bhupat Seemar’s Zabeel Stables To Relocate To Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wynonna Judd will perform the National Anthem at this year's Kentucky Derby, while Martha Stewart will handle the 'Riders Up' announcing duties, Churchill Downs said via a press release early Friday morning. Judd, a Kentucky native, will take the mic just after 5 p.m. ET and her performance will be broadcast as part of NBC's Derby coverage. “I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions,” Wynonna Judd said. “The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special.” The post Wynonna Judd To Perform Derby National Anthem, Martha Stewart To Handle ‘Riders Up’ Duties appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alessandro and Giuseppe Botti trainee Gala Real (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Cala Violina {Fr}, by Lope De Vega {Ire}) notched an 11-length tally when shedding maiden status at Lyon-Parilly last November and continued on the upgrade with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance in Friday's Prix Durban at Saint-Cloud. The 73-10 chance, who had previously finished last of seven runners in her July 16 debut over seven furlongs at Chantilly, employed patient tactics from flagfall in this 10 1/2-furlong distaffers' test and settled off the tempo in sixth for the most part. Inching closer on the home turn, she cruised to the front on the bridle passing the quarter-mile marker and was not for catching thereafter, lengthening clear under minimal urging inside the final 300 metres to easily outclass Wootton Zi (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) by an impressive 3 1/2 lengths. Gala Real becomes Wootton Bassett's sixth Rising Star, the existing quintet of inductees being headed by last term's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere runner-up Unquestionable (Fr). “I was devastated when she lost first time out, but she won very well on her second start and I am not surprised she won so easily today,” admitted trainer Alessandro Botti. “She enjoyed a good winter, she worked with [Christophe] Soumillon and he said she sent him great vibes. The idea, and it was already the case before she ran today, is to have her at her best for the [June 16 G1] Prix de Diane [at Chantilly] and we will try to find a race for her between now and then.” Gala Real is the first of three foals produced by a winning half-sister to multiple stakes-winning G2 Grand Prix de Deauville third Fenelon (Fr) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Her dual Grade III-winning second dam Aigue Marine (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), a daughter of G3 Prix Fille de l'Air victrix Aiglonne (Silver Hawk), is a half-sister to four black-type performers headed by G1 Prix d'Ispahan-winning sire Mekhtaal (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), G2 Prix Hocquart winner Democrate (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}) and G3 Prix Thomas Bryon victor and G1 Criterium International runner-up Normandy Bridge (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}). The February-foaled bay is kin to the unraced 2-year-old colt Ipso Facto (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and a yearling filly by Camelot (GB). 2nd-Saint-Cloud, €28,000, Cond, 4-12, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT, 2:30.89, hy. GALA REAL (GB), f, 3, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Cala Violina (Fr), by Lope De Vega (Ire) 2nd Dam: Aigue Marine (GB), by Galileo (Ire) 3rd Dam: Aiglonne, by Silver Hawk Sales history: €270,000 Ylg '22 ARQAUG. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, €25,500. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Scuderia Dei Duepi, Ballylinch Stud, Ecurie des Charmes & Hisham Abdulwahed; B-Noir et Or Elevage SA & Ecurie Skymarc Farm (FR); T-Alessandro & Giuseppe Botti; J-Christophe Soumillon. That look from Christophe Soumillon! Wootton Bassett filly Gala Real, who holds an entry in the Prix de Diane, bolts up at Saint-Cloud… pic.twitter.com/3BipkX9Qw4 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 12, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Gala Real Powers to TDN Rising Stardom at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

War Chant (Danzig), the winner of the 2000 GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Churchill Downs, passed away on Thursday, Apr. 11. Housed at Yarradale Stud in Western Australia, the 27-year-old stallion succumbed to old age at the Gidgegannup nursery that he had called home for over a decade, the breeder said in a Thursday release. War Chant was bred and raced by Marge and Irving Cowan, and trained by Neil Drysdale. Out of MGISW Hollywood Wildcat (Kris S.), the homebred finished ninth in the GI Kentucky Derby and ended his racing career with a win later that year in the Breeders' Cup Mile. In seven starts he amassed earnings of $1,130,600. Beginning his stud duties at Robert Clay's Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky in 2001, War Chant performed shuttle duty on occasion to Chile and Western Australia. In 2011, after prolonged negotiations, the late Ron Sayers managed to secure the Southern-hemisphere breeding rights for War Chant for the next three years. Three years later, the sire relocated permanently to Western Australia following the breeding season. He was responsible for 46 stakes winners world-wide with 12 of those based down under. The stallion was regularly used to educate young staff in the breeding barn. His professional manner while covering mares meant that he was the perfect teacher for the younger staff who were keen to perfect their handling skills. “He had the three Ps–Performance, Pedigree and Physique,” said Davy Hanratty, Yarradale's Stud Manager. “His movie star good looks hit you first. He was a quirky devil at times but taught me to be a better horseman. We are very lucky he has built a terrific reputation as a broodmare sire, and rest assured, we haven't seen the last of his name in the record books.” The post Breeders’ Cup Mile Champ War Chant Passes Away In Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner The chance to take his hometown’s biggest piece of harness racing silverware awaits Jonny Cox at Winton on Saturday. Cox will return to his home patch with his exciting pacer Pinseeker who has the Winton Cup in his sights. If the trainer-driver’s raid from his base in Canterbury can be successful, it will mean a lot to him. “I always love getting back to Winton,” Cox said. “It is obviously where I grew up and learned how to drive.” “I always love coming back home, I still call it home these days.” Pinseeker faces a stern test from a 20m handicap in Winton’s 2400m feature. But after just six race starts, the four-year-old is already making a habit of meeting any challenge put in front of him. “He has stepped up every time we have thrown something at him,” Cox said. “He tries his heart out every week and it doesn’t matter how you drive him.” “Whether you drive him cold or put him in the race and have a go, he fights on.” The quality of Saturday’s field adds to Pinseeker’s challenge of starting from a 20m handicap. Cox is hopeful the excellent manners the horse has shown in his six starts to date can again be seen again at Winton. “Most of his starts have all been stands and he hasn’t missed away yet,” Cox said. “He is not always the quickest away, but he is generally safe and if he does the same on Saturday he shouldn’t settle too far behind them.” Pinseeker was rated the early favourite for the Winton Cup ahead of the second favourite, Wag Star. Wag Star returns to racing in the Winton feature after competing at the elite level through the spring. Trainer Craig Ferguson admits his pacer’s lack of recent racing will count against him, but he still expects Wag Star to run a strong race. “He has always been up against it, he has raced in some really good company,” Ferguson said. “Saturday is no different, it is a really nice field with some really nice horses.” “They have the advantage of having some racing under their belt.” “We may need the run but on class alone he should go a good race.” While Wag Star has pleased his trainer in his recent trials, Ferguson expects to see even more from the pacer under race conditions. “He seems pretty good, the couple of workouts that he has had have been OK.” “But he is like that – he seems to step up when he gets to the races.” “Hopefully that is the case on Saturday.” Wag Star will start from a 10m handicap in the Winton Cup, with his stablemate Cormac Leo in front of him on the front line. “He has run a couple of good fourths, probably helped by his good beginnings,” Ferguson said. “We are hoping that is the case again on Saturday.” “Hopefully he makes a good beginning, gets handy and goes another good race.” Mark Hurrell drives Wag Star in the Winton Cup with Brendon McLellan to combine with Cormac Leo. View the full article

by Jonny Turner The proven and the unknown will clash in the inaugural running of the Group 2 Entain Two-Year-Old Fillies Stakes at Winton on Saturday. Southland’s newest group race, which comes courtesy of the new operators of the New Zealand TAB, is part of a bigger and richer than ever Winton Cup Day. It is also the first Group race to be held at Winton in its more than 100 year history. Forever Dream is set to start a warm favourite after putting the Group 2 Leonard Memorial Stakes on her resume last weekend. The two-year-old faces the big task of travelling to Southland and competing just six days later. It is an assignment trainer Cran Dalgety thinks his filly is capable of handling. “We have a filly that is in the zone and fit and well, so we are heading down south to have a go at a lovely stake,” Dalgety said. “She knew she had had a run after her win at Addington, it was a big battle up that straight and it was her determination that got her there.” “But she has come through the week well and we head south with full faith in her.” Forever Dream showed crucial gate speed in her last start win, blasting across in front of her rivals to lead easily. Barrier 6 hardly looks like an inconvenience on Saturday considering how fast the two-year-old can leave the gate. There are many more unknowns about the leading Southland hope in the province’s new Group feature. Captains Mistress comes into the Entain Two-Year-Old Fillies Stakes with just one start to her name and plenty to prove. But her trials both before her debut second placing, and more recently, point to her having all the ability needed to win for trainer-driver Nathan Williamson. “I was really happy with her last trial, it was just what I wanted heading into this week,” Williamson said. “It wasn’t an overly taxing run and I am happy with her, she has trained well this week.” “So everything looks good.” Captains Mistress has drawn in a much more tricky spot than Forever Dream, being handed barrier 7, outside her main rival who has speed to burn. Williamson brings his stable star Dreams Are Free to Winton Cup Day to seal his start in next weekend’s Group 2 Southern Supremacy Stakes. The pacer comes in fresh following a luckless Group 1 Northern Derby tilt, but his trainer is confident his star three-year-old is forward enough to run a nice race. “I took him into Ascot Park this week and he trained nicely, I am happy with him.” Dreams Are Free will clash with his stablemate Miraculous in Saturday’s Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Heat. Racing journalist Jonny Turner’s five of the best for Winton Cup day. Dreams Are Free : The three-year-old became a viral sensation with his epic win in his last visit to Winton. A repeat of Dream Are Free’s effort to catch the field after losing up to 20 lengths at the start looks unlikely on Saturday, but he can still play a starring role on Saturday. The pacer comes in fresh after returning from a luckless Northern Derby tilt, but his class should take him a long way. Taking on a small field also makes the pacer’s wide draw a little more workable. All factors look to add up to Dreams Are Free being hard to beat. Always Dreaming : On bloodlines alone, Always Dreaming has to be a horse to watch at Winton on Saturday. The pacer’s baby brother just sold at the national yearling sales for a record $340,000 while older brother Don’t Stop Dreaming will start favourite in the $1,000,000 The Race by Grins on Friday night. Always Dreaming has built a handy reputation of his own which only went up following his strong last start third in the Kindergarten Stakes behind two classy two-year-olds. Though drawing wide on the front line is against the pacer on Saturday, Always Dreaming should take plenty of holding out. Falcons Watch : He’s not one of the pin up horses heading into Saturday’s meeting but he does look like a big winning chance. Falcons Watched produced a strong last start third at Winton, coming in off a freshen up and fighting on strongly in a race dominated by swooping backmarkers. Having leading reinsman Blair Orange back in the sulky looks one of several plusses for the pacer on Saturday. An improved draw this week and his gate speed big hopes that Falcons Watch can lead and take some catching. Fiery Bandito : The rising star of southern trotting will be out to strut his stuff at Saturday’s big Winton Cup meeting. The big striding trotter produced an emphatic statement when continuing his outstanding form with a crushing last start win at Addington. Fiery Bandito will face another tough task on Saturday, with a 30m handicap no easy mark to overcome over 2400m. But the trotter has all the class needed to win and there will be no shortage of fans to cheer him on. Pinseeker : This impressive pacer keeps meeting every challenge put in front of him, so it is hard to doubt him heading into the Winton Cup. As well as showing speed and stamina, Pinseeker has shown standing start manners and tractability in his short but impressive career. Lining up from a 20m handicap, giving many of his rivals a head-start, will be no simple task for the four-year-old on Saturday. But if trainer-driver Jonny Cox can negotiate the right path for Pinseeker he should take plenty of holding out. View the full article

Amr Zedan's incorporated racing stable advanced its lawsuit to get Bob Baffert-trained horses un-banned from the GI Kentucky Derby by telling a Kentucky judge Thursday that the motion to dismiss filed by defendant Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI) “confirms that the extension of its ban is based on pretext rather than genuine, fact-based concerns about health and safety.” Zedan's Apr. 11 legal response in Jefferson Circuit Court underscored the time-pressing need for a swift judicial response to Zedan's request for an injunction before the Apr. 27 deadline for all entered Derby horses to be on the grounds prior to the May 4 race. The next hearing in the case is Apr. 15. Zedan articulated concerns that CDI's legal invocation of an Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute was “not only meritless, but perverse.” An Anti-SLAPP claims process might take months to legally unfold, and while it played out there would be a mandatory halting of all other legal proceedings, including Zedan's pending motion for the temporary injunction. After Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone in the 2021 Derby, Baffert was banned from CDI's properties for two years. A federal judge in February 2023 denied Baffert a preliminary injunction that the Hall-of-Fame trainer had sought to be eligible to race in the Derby. Last July CDI extended the ban at least through 2024. Zedan owns the GI Arkansas Derby winner Muth (Good Magic), who would be among the Derby favorites if allowed to race. It is unclear if a ruling in favor of Zedan would allow other Baffert trainees owned by different entities to also participate in the Derby, or if any lifting of the ban would also permit Baffert's trainees to enter the GI Kentucky Oaks. CDI's Apr. 8 motion to dismiss stated that “The demand for a last-minute judicial takeover of the world's most storied horse race…is baseless, outrageous and should be immediately rejected.” Zedan's responded in the Apr. 11 filing: “CDI has given away the game at the outset. In purporting to uphold the right 'to petition and speak freely on issues of public interest,' CDI has discredited its sole gripe against Baffert: far from acting on any substantive concerns about the health or safety of horses, CDI admits its extended ban is based only on its dissatisfaction with Baffert supposedly 'pedd[ling] a false narrative,' i.e., uttering words, in public interviews, that displease CDI.” In a different section of the filing, Zedan stated, “Observers to this point might have thought that CDI stands behind its ban-and CDI's professed concerns about an actual threat to 'integrity' and 'safety'-as reflecting hard, objective facts that CDI has diligently verified. But observers now know better. CDI has admitted to this Court that its banning of an all-time-great horse trainer was and is just a matter of CDI's casual, subjective opinion!” Zedan's filing later continued: “CDI argues that Zedan suffers no serious detriment and that CDI gains no unfair advantage from any inconsistency, but the facts amply refute that. CDI's bait-and-switch tactics have cost Zedan millions of dollars in sunk costs while enabling CDI successfully to defend a two-year ban against legal challenge, only thereafter to extend the ban indefinitely.” Baffert is not a party to the lawsuit filed by Zedan. The post Zedan: Derby Ban Based on `Pretext,’ Not `Health and Safety’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was two years ago this week that Cachet (Ire) won the G3 Nell Gwyn S. at Newmarket's Craven Meeting, setting her on the path to Classic glory for trainer George Boughey, who enjoyed the biggest success of his burgeoning career so far when the daughter of Aclaim (Ire) returned to the Rowley Mile to win the G1 1,000 Guineas less than three weeks later. That was a maiden victory at the top level for Boughey, who wasted no time doubling his tally in 2023 when Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) won the G1 Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh, before going on to suffer narrow defeats in both the G1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville and G1 Champion S. at Ascot. Boughey will be without the services of Via Sistina in 2024–she recently won the G1 Ranvet S. at Rosehill on her first start in Australia for Chris Waller, having been bought for 2.7 million gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale–but the team at Saffron House Stables still have plenty to get excited about as the Craven Meeting looms, the first big staging post of the season as Boughey looks to build on the success of the last two years. Considering the heights he's reached since saddling his first runners in July 2019, Boughey said, “I think getting to 100 winners is something I'd dreamt of doing and to have done it the last two years is a credit to everyone who has worked hard to get us there. It's hard to do and it's around-the-clock racing. “We had less winners than the year before, but we had less runners,” he added of his 2023 campaign. “I think with the quality of our horses increasing, they don't take as much racing. Via Sistina was the star of the show and she was probably unlucky not to win one or two more Group 1s than she won. Finding horses at that level is what it's all about and we'll be doing our best to find another this year.” When Boughey saddled a personal-best tally of 136 winners in Britain in 2022, no fewer than 51 of them were two-year-olds. By comparison, he sent out only 27 juvenile winners last year from a total of 103 in Britain, a sign perhaps that the pool of young talent at Saffron House didn't run as deep in 2023 as it did in previous years. According to Boughey, however, there were a number of different factors at play, from the harsh treatment his two-year-olds received from the handicapper to a change in buying philosophy which means he now has more horses who are unlikely to come into their own until well into their three-year-old careers. “We lacked that sharper horse last year but, in turn, the milers and the 10-furlong horses are the horses that we really want to be training,” he explained. “I'm pretty happy with how it's going and how it's evolving each year. “We had a lot of nursery winners the year before and very few last year. There's a guy sat in an office in London or somewhere who decides how racing is run and he decided last year that he didn't want me to have any nursery winners. Everything seemed to get 10-15 pounds more than they'd run to, so life became a lot harder last year. “Those horses disappear out of training before they're given a chance nowadays. There is no maths in handicapping in the UK anymore–that's what we're dealing with.” Chic Colombine (Fr) (Seahenge) was in the minority when winning a pair of nurseries for Boughey last year, while her recent Listed victory at Saint-Cloud identifies her as one of the most exciting three-year-olds in his care this season. As for the juveniles, Boughey expects to add to his already significant team at the upcoming breeze-up sales, including at the Craven where Cachet was picked up for just 60,000gns in 2021. “The breeze-ups are a big part our system,” said Boughey. “I think we've had five stakes winners from the breeze-up sales and I try and buy horses at every sale. For me it's all about recycling, when they're not good enough, and keeping the ball rolling. “I love the breeze-ups and I find it an intellectual challenge as much as anything. You have to try and work out what the previous trainer has effectively done. We've never had the budget to buy the really fast, swanky breezers, but the horses that we've found in the middle of the road, the sort of workingman's breezers, have been fun horses on the track. “They might not be superstars, all of them, but I think we bought a handful of breezers last year and most of them won.” Colts Addictive (Ire) Pedigree: Kodiac (GB) colt out of Dierama (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) Bought by Hamish McCauley/George Boughey for €50,000 from Aughamore Stud at Goffs Orby Owner: Edward Ware Comment: He's a nice horse who ran with credit on his debut at Chelmsford. He's a hard-knocking two-year-old and I hope he'll be winning his maiden before long. He's going to want fast ground and he'll be better on turf. Asuka (GB) Night Of Thunder (Ire) colt out of Lady Momoka (Ire) (Shamardal) Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum He's a Sheikh Mohammed Obaid homebred. He's a half-brother to two relatively decent animals, Boiling Point (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and Resolute Man (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). He's a nice horse–one for the second half of the year. As we know with most of these pedigrees, they improve with age, and I won't be in any rush with him. Brooklyn (Ire) Night Of Thunder (Ire) colt out of Black Ruby (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) Bought by Arthur Hoyeau (Agent for Windfield Colts Partnership) for €175,000 from Ballylinch Stud at Goffs Orby Windfield Partners He's a nice horse. He's very backwards, but I'd love to try and get a couple of runs into him in the autumn. He's doing everything right so far. Celeborn (GB) Postponed (Ire) colt out of Galadriel (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum He's another homebred for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. He's a nice horse out of a Dutch Art mare and he's training away nicely at the moment. He's quite some way from doing his first piece of work and I wouldn't expect to see him on the track until later in the summer or into the autumn. He's a horse who is going to improve when he gets over a bit of ground, but he's a straightforward colt with a nice attitude to his work. Dutch Finale (GB) Dutch Art (GB) colt out of Rosebride (GB) (Mayson {GB}) Bought by George Boughey Racing/Michael Roy for 135,000gns from Evergreen Stud at Tattersalls Book 2 Mrs Susan Roy He's a precocious horse owned by Mrs Susan Roy and a brother to Salvuccio who they also raced. He's shown up well in the spring. He went a little bit weak and we've just given him a short break, but he's back training away. He's a more substantial horse than his brother and he cost a little bit more. It would be no surprise to see him in a late-April/early-May novice and he's been showing a bit of pace. Edge Ofthe Unknown Quality Road colt out of Nefertiti (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) Niarchos Family He's a nice horse but very much one for the backend. He's just been training away and he's a long way from doing any fast work. He's bred to be a miler and I wouldn't expect to see him over anything shorter than seven furlongs on debut. He won't be starting until the autumn, I'd imagine. El Burhan (Ire) New Bay (Ire) colt out of Sar Oiche (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) Bought by Shadwell Estate Company for 210,000gns from Deerpark Stud at Tattersalls December Foal Sale in 2022 Shadwell Estate Company He's a nice horse who is yet to gallop but has been showing up nicely. He's got a good outlook and he's probably going to want a bit of give in the ground. He's progressing nicely and he's not far off galloping. I'm going to give him a chance to be a summer horse, but I've no doubt that he'll improve as the year goes on and into his three-year-old career. Foro Romano (Ire) Acclamation (Ire) colt out of Frosty's Gift (Goldencents) Bought by Arthur Hoyeau (Agent for Windfield Colts Partnership) for 45,000gns from Galbertstown Stables at Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale Windfield Partners 1 I thought he'd run a little bit better at Wolverhampton. He's a nice horse and he probably wants six furlongs on turf. He might wait for six but, if there's the right opportunity, then you might see him again over five. He was greener than I thought he'd be on debut. He was just on the back foot a little bit from the get-go and when he really had to quicken it just came a bit unnaturally to him and he had a bit of a wobble. He'd probably been finding his work a bit easy at home. I hope to see a different horse next time–he's better than he showed. Hopewell Rock (Ire) New Bay (GB) colt out of Tidewalker (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) Bought by George Boughey for 235,000gns from Camas Park Stud at Tattersalls Book 1 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum I hope he's a nice horse and he cost a few quid at Tattersalls Book 1. He's a horse for the summer, I hope. I'm going to give him a chance at being a seven-furlong horse, but he hasn't worked or anything. He's just training away nicely and he's got a really nice outlook. I'm sure he's going to be a miler or possibly a 10-furlong horse next year, but those nicer milers often do start popping their heads up before Royal Ascot. He's a very long way from an Ascot horse, but he's going the right way at the moment and is one to enjoy in the autumn. Inshad (Ire) Gregorian (Ire) colt out of Siphon Melody (Siphon {Brz}) Bought by Hamish Macauley/George Boughey for £31,000 from Grove Stud at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale Fawzi Abdulla Nass He's by Gregorian and has got a bit of a rounded knee action. He's going to appreciate six or seven furlongs, I'd imagine. He's owned by Fawzi Nass, who understands the game being a trainer himself. He'll be given a chance to run over five furlongs, but I'd imagine he'll be seen to better effect when he steps up in trip. Luzon Prince (GB) Pinatubo (GB) colt out of Jumira Princess (Ire) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum I haven't seen much of him at the moment. He's just been training away and he's still quite backwards. I can't imagine we'll see him until the autumn. Motawaared (GB) Mohaather (GB) colt out of Papaya (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) Bought by Shadwell Estate Company for 75,000gns from WH Bloodstock at Tattersalls Book 2 Shadwell Estate Company He's a nice colt owned by Shadwell. He's going the right way and looks a seven-furlong horse, probably a miler in the end. He hasn't galloped, he's just cantering away. He finds his slower paces pretty easy, but we haven't asked him to go any faster yet. Pit Boss (GB) Ardad (Ire) colt out of Mara Grey (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}) Bought by Hamish Macauley/George Boughley/Amo Racing for 62,000gns from Throckmorton Court Stud at Tattersalls Book 2 Amo Racing Limited He's a fun horse who is galloping away at the moment. He's not ready to run yet, but he's shown enough to suggest he can be fun through the summer. His brother Crispy Cat was owned by Amo Racing as well and he seemed to have a super attitude on the track. This horse would be the same. He's not as immediately early as I'd hoped, but he'll be on the turf around late-April/early-May. Play Me (GB) Too Darn Hot (GB) colt out of Initially (GB) (Dansili {GB}) Bought by A C Elliott for 75,000gns from Genesis Green Stud Ltd. at Tattersalls Book 2 Valmont and Ellipsis II He's a nice colt who has done a couple of bits of work. His pedigree suggests he wants seven furlongs or a mile and that's probably where he'll end up. He's just a very straightforward horse who enjoys his work and he should be winning races as a two-year-old. Royal Alliance (Fr) Persian King (Ire) colt out of Alliance d'Or (Ire) (Linngari {Ire}) Bought by George Boughey for 300,000gns from Tally-Ho Stud at Tattersalls Book 1 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum He was a Tattersalls Book 1 purchase for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. He's a nice horse and a miler in time. I can't imagine we'll see him until the backend, but he's been training away nicely without having galloped. He's a very good-looking colt. Sapphire Valley (Ire) Blue Point (Ire) colt out of Mystic Dawn (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) Al Asayl Bloodstock He's a homebred for Al Asayl Bloodstock. We trained his half-brother last year, Dark Before Dawn, who was a first foal and we didn't quite get him to win. He's bred on the same cross as the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner, Big Evs. He's not worked yet, but he's going the right way. He's not overly big, but he seems to have a decent attitude to his work. Stayinit (GB) Due Diligence gelding out of Gilt Linked (GB) (Compton Place {GB}) Bought by Hurworth Bloodstock for 20,000gns from Whitsbury Manor Stud at Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale Shylock He's a fun horse. He's just been gelded and he's on a break at the moment. He's a little bit more backwards than some of them. Strobelight (Ger) Earthlight (Ire) colt out of Soprana (Ger) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) Bought by Westward Bloodstock for £85,000 from Barton Stud at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale Ms Fiona Carmichael He's a nice horse. He's done a couple of bits of work and is showing up nicely. He's going to be a seven-furlong horse in time, I think, but the fact he's done a couple of bits of work already is encouraging. I've just backed off him in the knowledge that he's going to want further. Target Man (Ire) Earthlight (Ire) colt out of Dettoria (GB) (Declaration Of War) Bought by Ben McElroy/Amo Racing for 325,000gns from Redpender Stud at Tattersalls Book 2 Amo Racing Ltd He's a straightforward horse and he looks like he's well capable of running five furlongs. He will improve for the run, like most of my two-year-olds, but he's showing up well enough to run well on debut. I think he'll probably get six furlongs, but he's more than capable of starting over five [since finished second on debut at Lingfield on Monday, April 8]. Unnamed (GB) Pinatubo (Ire) colt out of Filona (Ire) (Motivator {GB}) Bought by Rabbah Bloodstock for 95,000gns from Q Cross Stables at Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale Salem Rashid Bin Ghadayer He's a horse who is bred to sprint but is still quite backward. He hasn't galloped yet, but he's a nice enough horse. He's just still maturing into his frame at the moment, so I haven't pushed any buttons. Unnamed (Ire) Magna Grecia (Ire) gelding out of Intermittent (GB) (Cacique {Ire}) Bought by George Boughey Racing for €44,000 from Baroda Stud at Tattersalls Ireland September Yearlings For Sale (at time of writing) He's doing well. He's a horse who is going to want decent ground in the summer and probably seven furlongs. He's been training away nicely and he's not far off doing a piece of work, which makes him more precocious than most in his family. He's a half-brother to Spangled Mac and Mrs U S A, who were both winners for me. I hope we can find someone to own him! Unnamed (Ire) Kodiac (GB) colt out of Key To Power (GB) (Slade Power {Ire}) Bought by Hamish Macauley Bloodstock/AMO Racing for 78,000gns from Tally-Ho Stud at Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale Amo Racing Limited He's a half-brother to Secret Attack who ran once in the Amo Racing colours in January before being sold. He's a horse who has just taken a bit more time than I thought he would, but his brother by Inns Of Court didn't run until the turn of the year, so I'm not in any rush with him. He's a good-looking animal. Unnamed (GB) Zoustar (Aus) colt out of La Rioja (GB) (Hellvelyn {GB}) Qatar Racing Limited The family has probably slightly flattered to deceive so far. They're a good-looking bunch and he's a very good-looking horse. I'm not in any sort of rush with him and he looks a seven-furlong horse/miler. He's just cantering away nicely at the moment. Unnamed (GB) Study Of Man (Ire) gelding out of Mariee (GB) (Archipenko) Bought by Hurworth Bloodstock for 3,500gns from Staffordstown at Tattersalls December Yearling Sale Shylock He's a fun horse. He's quite a tall horse and has a bit of maturing to do, but he's done very well since we bought him as a yearling. The family has thrown up winners and I'd be surprised if he's not winning at two. He's a likeable horse. I don't think he's a superstar, but he's certainly going to be winning races. Unnamed (GB) Iffraaj (GB) colt out of Power Of Light (Ire) (Echo Of Light {GB}) Dr Ali Ridha He's owned by his breeder, Dr Ali Ridha. He's a full-brother to Powerful Breeze, who raced for Hugo Palmer and was second in the Fillies' Mile. He's a very good-looking colt. I'm not in any rush whatsoever with him and he's not galloped yet, but he's going to be a lovely horse for the second half of the year. I'm really looking forward to seeing how he matures through the summer. Fillies Adoon Valley (Ire) Too Darn Hot (GB) filly out of Jordan Princess (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum She's a homebred for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. I expect we'll see her in the second half of the year. She's not worked yet, but she shows a nice attitude. These are the first two-year-olds we've had for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. We bought a few yearlings at the sales and he sent us a few homebreds. They're a great set of silks to have in the yard and I've dreamt of training pedigrees like that. Hopefully, we can find a fast one. Bacor (Ire) Mehmas (Ire) filly out of Flying Sparkle (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}) Bought by Hurworth Bloodstock for 105,000gns from Tally-Ho Stud at Tattersalls Book 2 George Waud George has a handful of horses with me now and is a big supporter of the yard. She looks pretty sharp and her dam won on debut for Amo Racing. She's bred to run five furlongs and she'll probably be out at the end of this month. She's likely to want fast ground, but she's showing up well at home at the moment. Beronia (Ire) Hello Youmzain (Fr) filly out of Testa (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) Bought by Kildaragh Stud for €210,000 from Haras de la Perelle at Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale Antoinette Kavanagh She's a filly for the second half of the year. She's by Hello Youmzain, a first-season sire–I've only got one by him. She seems to be going nicely enough, but we're a long way from pressing any buttons with her. She's from a family that the owners know very well and they were looking to buy back into the family. Bountiful (GB) Zoustar (Aus) filly out of Rich Legacy (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) Bought by Highclere Agency for 95,000gns from West Park Farm at Tattersalls Book 2 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Golfinch She's pretty sharp. She's done a handful of bits of work and I'm working back from the Craven Meeting with her. She's showing plenty of pace at home and we've had this race in mind for a while. I like to run a two-year-old at Newmarket when it's one I think is capable of doing so–she looks capable at the moment. Englemere (Ire) Goken (Fr) filly out of Ascot Family (Ire) (Desert Style {Ire}) Antoinette Kavanagh The owners bought the mare carrying this filly. She looks sharp and she's bred to run five or six furlongs pretty early doors. She's done a couple of bits of work and has been showing up nicely. I'd expect to see her on the track in April over five furlongs. I haven't really pushed any buttons with her yet, but she's not a million miles away from an entry. Isla Bella (GB) Land Force (Ire) filly out of High Luminosity (Elusive Quality) Bought by Hurworth Bloodstock for 6,500gns from Highclere Stud at Tattersalls Book 3 Robert Johnson & Roldvale Ltd She only cost six grand. She wants to be early and she's not overly big. She's a fun filly and the owners had a horse with me called Band Of Joy last year. She was a Land Force filly and she won a couple of GBB races and more than paid for herself. I'm not sure whether lightning can strike twice, but we'll certainly give it a go. Loving Angel (Ire) Dark Angel (Ire) filly out of White Bullet (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) Bought by Joe Foley for £48,000 from Jamie Railton Sales Agency at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale Bronte Collection She's a nice filly. I haven't done anything serious with her. She's probably just going to come into herself at the end of this month. I like her and she's improving with each week. I'd be surprised if she doesn't start over five furlongs, but she may well get six in time. Made The Cut (Fr) Wooded (Ire) filly out of Amaze Me (GB) (Aqlaam {GB}) Bought by Hamish Macauley Bloodstock/George Boughey for 42,000gns from Sherbourne Lodge at Tattersalls Book 1 Ed Babington, Sam Sangster and Lee Westwood She's named after Lee, probably, who has made the cut this time and been able to come in on the horse having missed out on Missed The Cut! She's an attractive filly who is going to take a bit of time. We had a bit of fun with her brother at the end of last year, a Middleham Park horse called Alfred. She's going to need seven furlongs and will probably be a miler at the end of the year. She's just been training away nicely and I haven't really asked her to do anything yet, but she's going the right way. Missile Mac (GB) Havana Gold (Ire) filly out of Super Midge (GB) (Royal Applause {GB}) Bought by Hurworth Bloodstock for 34,000gns from Kirtlington Stud at Tattersalls Book 3 Adrian McAlpine A straightforward filly who has been in pre-training for much of the winter. She's just come to us and she looks like a six-furlong filly. She was bought to try and win a GBB race and I think she's going to be a bit of fun. She's owned by Adrian McAlpine, a big supporter of the yard who owns all the 'Mac' horses. I don't know a huge amount about her at the moment, but she's done a couple of half-speeds and is going the right way. Night In Paris (Fr) No Nay Never filly out of Oh Beautiful (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) Bought by Hamish Macauley Bloodstock/George Boughey for 140,000gns from WH Bloodstock at Tattersalls Book 2 Mrs John Magnier and Mrs Paul Shanahan She's a nice filly and has been showing up well. She's done a couple of bits of work and shows more pace than her pedigree suggests, being out of a Galileo mare who would probably put a bit more stamina into her. I'm going to try and wait for the six-furlong races with her, but she may well debut over five. She's an attractive filly, by a fantastic stallion, and she has a super attitude to her work. Orange Sky (Ire) No Nay Never filly out of Beauly (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) Bought by George Boughey for 330,000gns from Grove Stud at Tattersalls Book 1 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum She's a half-sister to Missed The Cut we bought from Tattersalls Book 1. She's just gone a little bit weak and I can't see her starting over anything shorter than seven furlongs. She showed up well early doors, which probably means there's an engine in there somewhere. I've been kind to her of late and she's just been training away. She's one for the autumn, I'd imagine. Orchid (Ire) Blue Point (Ire) filly out of Dalkova (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) Bought by Highclere Agency for €110,000 from Glenvale Stud at Goffs Orby Highclere Thoroughbred Racing She's a nice filly who will want seven furlongs in the summer. I've done very little with her, she's just been training away, but she's got a good outlook. Her sire can do very little wrong and it's nice to have a filly by Blue Point for Highclere. Praying For Time (Ire) Sea The Stars (Ire) filly out of Sweet Delight (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) Bought by Blandford Bloodstock for 50,000gns from Platinum Bloodstock at Tattersalls December Yearling Sale Tactful Finance and Friends She's a backwards filly bought at the December Sales. You won't see her until the autumn–she's well named and luckily the owners are very patient! Shimaleyah (Ire) Dark Angel (Ire) filly out of Gharbeya (More Than Ready) Shadwell Estate Company She's a Shadwell homebred. She's just training away, I haven't galloped her. I imagine she's going to want seven furlongs. Spirit To Win (GB) Invincible Spirit (Ire) filly out of Unforgetable Filly (GB) (Sepoy {Aus}) Dr Ali Ridha She's out of Unforgetable Filly for owner-breeder Dr Ali Ridha. She's done a couple of bits of work and shows plenty of pace. I'd imagine we'll wait for the six-furlong races with her. I was at Hugo Palmer's when the dam was there and this filly seems to have a similar attitude. That was probably what made Unforgetable Filly good so, if she has any of her ability, then she's going to be a lot of fun for the owner. We're not in an immediate rush and I look forward to seeing her on the track. Unthinkable (Ire) Kessaar (Ire) filly out of Mediska (GB) (Medicean {GB}) Bought by Hamish Macauley Bloodstock/George Boughey for 32,000gns from Tally-Ho Stud at Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale Shylock She's showing up well enough to win a novice. I trained her brother Robbie Roger, who showed plenty at home and much less on the track, so I hope she goes through with it when she gets to the sport [since finished fourth on debut at Wolverhampton on Wednesday, April 10]. Violet Love (GB) Havana Grey (GB) filly out of Passionate Love (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) Bought by Hamish Macauley/George Boughey for £30,000 from Galbertstown Stables at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale Amo Racing Limited She ran with credit on her debut when second at Southwell. We were handicapped by being stood in the stalls for too long and she was a little bit slowly away from the gates. She's not overly big–she looks to be an early-season two-year-old, so that's what we're doing. I think she's more than capable of winning a restricted race. Unnamed (Fr) Pinatubo (Ire) filly out of Fresh Air (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) Bought by Robson Aguiar for €185,000 from Haras d'Etreham at Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale Amo Racing Limited She's one for seven-furlong races, I would think. I haven't pushed any buttons with her, she's just cantering away nicely. She's still got a bit of maturing to do before we see her on the track. Unnamed (GB) Bated Breath (GB) filly out of Lady Aquitaine (El Prado {Ire}) Bought by Avenue Bloodstock for M V Magnier for 260,000gns from Newsells Park Stud Ltd. at Tattersalls Book 2 Tynan, Magniers, Shanahan & MacLennan She's an attractive filly with a very good pedigree. She's still quite weak and it looks like she's going to take a little bit longer than a couple of her immediate siblings. She's a straightforward horse who has just been cantering away. She's quite some way off galloping and it wouldn't be a surprise if she had another break before we started doing a bit more with her. The post ‘There Is No Maths In Handicapping In The UK Anymore – That’s What We’re Dealing With’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Terang Cup Day Where Terang Racecourse – 10 Keilambete Rd, Terang VIC 3264 When Sunday, April 14, 2024 First Race 1:20pm AEST Visit Dabble The Terang & District Racing Club will host its marquee meeting this Sunday afternoon, with an eight-race card set down for decision. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with no rain forecast for the weekend, the surface is expected to improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +3m position from the 1000m–400m mark and in the true position for the remainder. The opening race on Terang Cup Day is scheduled to jump at 1:20pm AEST. Terang Cup Tip: Flossing Flossing has returned with a win and a placing from two starts this preparation, and his last-start third over 2040m at Moonee Valley suggested a rise in trip third-up would suit him perfectly. The Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained gelding settled near last, and after being run off his legs mid-race, he let down with a booming finish to nab a place. With good speed expected in the race, Flossing should be able to settle midfield and swoop around his rivals late to play a prominent role in the finish. Terang Cup Race 7 – #3 Flossing (7) 6yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: John Allen (56kg) +450 with PlayUp Best Bet at Terang: Sea Mist Sea Mist did a lot wrong on debut at Moe over 1100m; however, the Matt Laurie-trained filly has impressed at the jump-outs leading up to her second career start. This daughter of Headwater has shown good barrier manners and superior speed in those jump-outs, which is exactly what she will need in this 1000m affair. With Damian Lane taking the reins from the ace draw, Sea Mist will jump to the front of the field and prove too speedy for her rivals. Best Bet Race 2 – #8 Sea Mist (1) 3yo Filly | T: Matt Laurie | J: Damian Lane (57kg) +100 with Picklebet Next Best at Terang: Nodachi Having been beaten first-up over 1200m at Cranbourne, the Matthew Ellerton-trained Nodachi will appreciate a rise in trip to 1400m in Benchmark 64 grade. The three-year-old filly ran fourth in the Listed Exford Plate at Flemington when second-up last preparation before competing in back-to-back Group 2 contests during the Victorian Spring Carnival. Damian Lane will be legged aboard this daughter of No Nay Never, and with even luck from a wide gate (17), Nodachi’s class edge should be enough. Next Best Race 5 – #12 Nodachi (17) 3yo Filly | T: Matthew Ellerton | J: Damian Lane (58.5kg) +340 with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Terang Cup Day Terang quadrella selections Sunday, April 14, 2024 10-12-13 1-5-9-10 2-3-6-9 1-2-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

After 10 wins, more than $4 million in stakes and three seasons of putting Go Racing’s name in lights in Australia, the Kiwi syndicators’ remarkable ride with Atishu is set to come to an end in Saturday’s Gr.1 Queen of the Turf (1600m) at Randwick. The dual Group One winner will be offered during next month’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast, bringing the curtain down on an outstanding racetrack career in the blue and white colours of Go Racing. Offered by her breeders Waikato Stud as a yearling at Karaka in 2019, the daughter of Savabeel was bought by Go Racing for $260,000. She has turned that into no less than A$4.17 million through the five years since then, with 10 wins and 13 placings from a 40-race career. Atishu started out in the Cambridge stable of Stephen Marsh, winning four races as a three-year-old including the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) and Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m). But the defining stage of her career came when she crossed the Tasman and joined the stable of expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. From 31 starts in Australia, Atishu has recorded six wins, headed by Group One triumphs in last year’s Queen of the Turf and the A$3 million Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in November. She also won the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and Gr.3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), while her stakes placings include the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in November and a last-start third in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 30. The Go Racing team are hoping for a special swansong in Sydney on Saturday. Atishu will be ridden by Blake Shinn and is rated a $5 second favourite on the TAB’s Final Field market behind stablemate Zougotcha ($3.60). “She’s been a terrific mare and has given us all some huge thrills along the way,” Go Racing manager Matt Allnutt said. “It’s been an amazing ride, and it would be a real fairy tale if she could sign off with one more big Group One performance at Randwick this weekend. “Chris and his team have been really happy with her in the last few weeks. She’s come through the Australian Cup beautifully and galloped well this week. They couldn’t be happier with her.” Allnutt admits there will be mixed feelings as one of Go Racing’s biggest success stories draws to a close. “It’s going to be quite an emotional day,” he said. “She’s done so much for us over these last few years and sustained a long and very high-quality career. “She gave us the odd heart murmur with her behaviour in the starting gates early in her career in Australia, but it’s a real credit to Chris Waller and his team that they got her through that. A lot of people don’t realise that she wasn’t a Group One winner until after she went through all of that, so it’s amazing what Chris has been able to achieve with her. We’ll always be grateful.” View the full article

Having already secured a special place in South Island racing history through a career spanning more than four decades, it would be fitting for Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman to take a share of the spotlight during an exciting raceday on his home track on Saturday. The nine-race programme features two Listed races along with the inaugural running of the $350,000 TAB Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) – an innovation race restricted to trainers with South Island stables. Runners must have been based at the trainer’s South Island stable as at December 31, and they must have contested at least two South Island races since that date. Pitman and his son Matthew have four horses entered among a capacity field of 14 plus six emergencies for the lucrative new race, headed by the $2.40 favourite Mystic Park. But that is not the only reason Pitman is eagerly looking forward to Saturday’s showpiece autumn meeting. “They’ve turned this meeting into an exciting raceday, and especially with that Southern Alps Challenge,” Pitman said. “That race is really a huge boost for our part of the country. “I’m looking forward to the day, and the other exciting thing for us is that I’m two wins away from 2,000. It would be great if we could get there tomorrow, or if not tomorrow, maybe back at Riccarton the following Saturday.” Pitman’s 1,998th winner came when Third Decree won at Ashburton on April 4, and he sits in second place on New Zealand’s all-time list behind Graeme Rogerson. The Pitman family already has more than 2,000 New Zealand victories to its name, reaching that milestone in March of 2022. But 93 of those wins came when Pitman was based in Ballarat in the 1990s and his wife Diane took over the Riccarton stable. Mystic Park has the form credentials to push Pitman closer to that milestone and create another slice of history for the trainer as the first winner of the Southern Alps Challenge. The Ocean Park gelding has had nine starts for five wins and three placings. His six appearances so far in his four-year-old season have produced four wins and a second, with the only blip coming when he failed to handle the quick back-up between the two Saturdays of the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November. Mystic Park blew his Rating 75 rivals off the track with a four-length romp over 1400m on February 10, then stepped up into open company and again won impressively over the same distance on March 23. Pitman expects the step up to 1600m to suit Mystic Park, but there is one factor that has dented his confidence. “He deserves to be the favourite after those recent performances and his work has been super,” he said. “But, to be honest, I am worried about track conditions. “We had a lot of rain overnight and the track was down to a Soft7 this (Friday) morning. It only stopped raining about an hour ago. He’s a very free-going galloper, and horses like that usually tend to prefer better footing. “He ran third behind Makabar in his only previous run on a heavy track. He drew the inside that day, and that’s sometimes like going off a cliff when Riccarton is heavy – it’s very hard to win when you’re down on the rail. With that in mind, I believe his wider draw this week (14) will be a help rather than a hindrance.” Stablemate Charbano is rated a $31 chance, but he was an easy last-start winner on heavy ground at Riverton, and Pitman believes he should not be underestimated. “I really think Charbano might be the best-weighted horse in the race,” he said. “He’s in form, he’s won at Riccarton and won at the distance, he loves wet ground and he’s got 53.5kg on his back. He should be very competitive.” Makabar and Proserve are the first and second ballots for the Southern Alps Challenge, with Makabar also entered for the Angus Meats Open Handicap (1200m). “If he doesn’t get a start in the big race, I think Makabar might be hard to beat in the open sprint,” Pitman said. Pitman also has multi-pronged representation in Saturday’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m), headed by Epee Beel. The consistent daughter of Epaulette has finished in the first four in eight of her 12 starts this season, including a third in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m), fourth in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) and third in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “She’s been going great,” Pitman said. “This is probably the strongest field we’ve had for one of these fillies’ races in the autumn for a long time. There are nine fillies down from the North Island, and they’re always hard to beat. “A wet track won’t bother Epee Beel, but she might be better suited to stepping up in trip for the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) next week. She’s out of a Zabeel mare, so those genes might kick in once she gets up to 2000m.” Blanche was a maiden winner over 2000m in January and has placed in both of her last two starts. “I thought her last-start third was particularly good,” Pitman said. “It’s hard to find riders with such a big field for this race, so I’ve put my apprentice on (Abdul Najib). “She’s another one who will be a better chance over 2000m next week. She’s already won over that distance.” View the full article

Victorian mare Eternal Flame (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will test the Group One waters in the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m), although trainer Michael Kent admits he wasn’t expecting the race to be quite so strong. The lightly raced four-year-old has won her past two starts, following up a victory in the Gr.3 Matron Stakes (1600m) with a Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) triumph. Keen to season Eternal Flame in preparation for the spring, Kent thought Saturday’s 1600m feature would be a good opportunity to bank some valuable experience, although he wasn’t expecting to see the likes of Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) winner Zougotcha (Zoustar) and runner-up Semana (Winning Rupert) in the race. “We did a bit of homework and we thought that Zougotcha and Semana were running in the Doncaster (Mile),” Kent said. “Lady Laguna went to the Doncaster, Espiona went to the T J Smith, Fangirl was out, Atishu was here (in Melbourne). We thought we might miss those top-grade mares. “(But) she is training really well, she’s in work and in form so we thought we’d give it a go. It does look a slight overreach but it’s where she is, she has won a Group Two, it was the obvious next thing. “It does look a very deep race, but she’s drawn a nice enough gate (barrier six) and it tells you where she fits because we think she’s a Myer Classic horse in the spring.” Eternal Flame has prepared for her Sydney debut with a couple of track gallops and a jump out in the reverse direction. Kent said she had handled both nicely and she will be partnered by a jockey who knows her well in Damian Lane, who guided her to her first stakes win. Regardless of the result at Randwick, Kent hopes the trip away from home and experience of racing some of Sydney’s most accomplished mares holds Eternal Flame in good stead for the future. “It’s getting her out of her comfort zone so win, lose or draw, I think it will be a worthwhile exercise in the long run,” he said. View the full article

With the curtain coming down on the racing career of Te Akau Racing’s 10-time Group One winner Imperatriz yesterday, they are now looking forward to unveiling their next future star, which could very well come at Riccarton on Saturday. Homebred gelding Nucleozor has been faultless in his two starts to date, winning both outings in convincing fashion, and has been duly installed a $1.40 for the Listed Riccarton Park Functon Centre Welcome Stakes (1000m) this weekend. “He has been impressive in his two starts and Hunter (Durrant, Te Akau’s Riccarton stable foreman) and the team are pretty happy with him,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the gelding in partnership with Mark Walker. “He has gone the right way since his last start victory. He meets a similar field to the previous race and he looks a really nice chance come Saturday. There is a bit of rain forecast, which will make it interesting, but hopefully his class will shine through.” Nucleozor has got the better of stablemate Discretion Rules in their two meetings to date, and Bergerson said the forecast rain should help even the scales between the pair on Saturday, where Discretion Rules is rated a $5.50 second favourite behind his stablemate. “He is another one Hunter is happy with and I think the rain levels them up a little bit,” Bergerson said. “He should get through it, but whether Nucelozor will like it we will know on Saturday. We think it will aid Discretion Rules’ chances.” Later on the card, Te Akau Racing will have a four-pronged attacked in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m), courtesy of Sense Of Timing, Mazzucato, Tranquilla, and Lady Of Court. “They are pretty friendless in the market and there are a couple of handy ones in there coming down from the north,” Bergerson said. “I think the step up to a mile really suits Sense Of Timing. She got a long way back in the three-year-old 1400m last time and was really strong through the line. They probably didn’t go that hard early and the first and second placegetter kicked off the front and held on, but she was really good late. “Mazzucato keeps improving, she wasn’t far away last time. Lady Of Court, I think the step up to a mile suits her as well. I think she ran the fastest last 200m in that three-year-old race. “Tranquilla, I thought it was a very good win last start. Any rain about will aid her chances, she will definitely get through it, and it even probably helps her. “We have four nice each way chances and hopefully a few of them can sneak some black-type.” Further north, Te Akau will also have a couple of stakes contenders at Otaki’s meeting on Saturday, including Aris Aris in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). “I thought she was really good at Tauranga on really testing ground, and if the forecast is right, she will get back to there again,” Bergerson said. “The goal with her is black-type and it would be great to get that for the ownership group because they have been really good clients to Te Akau for a long time. She looks to have a real chance with a nice, light weight and Wiremu (Pinn) on, who is riding in fantastic form.” Elegant Lady will also be seeking stakes success in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m). “Any rain around for her really helps her,” Bergerson said. “I think it is quite an even race on paper. “She had no luck last time in the (South Island) Thoroughbred Breeders’ (Gr.3, 1600m) down there (Riccarton). “The step-up to 2200m really suits her. She has travelled up well and she is staying at Dad’s (Roydon Bergerson) in Palmerston North. She licked the bowl clean last night and has done plenty of travelling and has stayed at Dad’s a couple of times before. She is another one that can hopefully get a bit more black-type.” Bergerson is also looking forward to kicking off the career of two-year-old filly Star Shadow in the McMillan Equine Feeds 2YO (1300m) for Fortuna Syndicates. She has placed in all five of her trials to date, and Bergerson is hopeful she can bring that form to her debut outing where she will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn. “She has aways shown us a bit,” Bergerson said. “She has had plenty of trials now so is well equipped to go to the races. “She finds a field that is very light on numbers, so hopefully she has found the right race for her debut – 1300m on a testing track. She goes down there in good order and we think she will handle the track well, she seems to have a really good brain and is coping with stable life very well.” Fellow juvenile stablemates Viva Glam and Cantatrice also have Bergerson excited ahead of racing at Te Rapa on Sunday where they line-up in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m). Viva Glam placed over 1050m when on debut at Matamata last month, while Cantatrice will make her raceday debut following her 950m trial win at Tauranga a fortnight ago. “I am looking forward to the two-year-old race,” Bergerson said. “It is another weather watch with that meeting, but Viva Glam has shown that she likes heavy ground, so we are confident of her running another nice race. “I am really looking forward to Cantatrice kicking off, she has trialled really well.” Meanwhile, Bergerson said it was a bittersweet moment on Thursday when Te Akau Racing announced the retirement of Imperatriz, with the trans-Tasman team glad to end her career in a healthy and happy state following her brilliant career. “It is sad, but in saying that we have retired her sound and happy,” he said. “The vets were saying she is trotting as sound as she ever has but has just got a bit of wear and tear and we are erring on the side of caution. We would hate to see anything happen with her. “She has done a fantastic job for us and we are so proud of what she was able to achieve, especially over the last few years. “She went over there (Australia) when we were setting up the Cranbourne base and she really flew the flag for us and did an amazing job. “Everyone here at home is grateful to be associated with such a wonderful mare. After her retirement was announced yesterday, to see how many people she affected and the following she had was pretty special. “I am sure she will be a fantastic broodmare. She was just an amazing animal to work with and she was a real privilege to have in the stable. She is an intelligent animal and it will be exciting to see the next chapter with her.” View the full article

Orchestral will contest the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Orchestral will aim to follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s greatest fillies when she contests Saturday’s A$1 million Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. Kiwi-bred fillies have a rich history in the time-honoured classic, boasting seven wins since 2009, including 11-time Group 1 winning heroine Verry Elleegant (2019), and two-time New Zealand Horse Of The Year Bonneval (2017). Last year’s winner Pennyweka joined the elusive list with a comprehensive performance for Opaki’s Jim Wallace, a title Roger James and Robert Wellwood hope to keep on this side of the Tasman with Orchestral. The daughter of Savabeel has been a marvel for the Cambridge trainers this year, establishing a five-race winning streak with victories in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Orchestral’s Sydney campaign commenced with the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight ago, and the filly justified her $1.50 favouritism with a brave effort to down Oaks rivals Tutta La Vita and Zardozi. Wellwood is looking forward to stepping Orchestral back out to 2400m on Saturday where she currently sits the $1.65 favourite ahead of Zardozi ($4.50). “It’s all been pretty easy, she’s in lovely order and has come through the Vinery very well. She’s done everything we’ve asked of her,” he said. “Especially due to the fact that she’d already gone a mile and a half, it was a really good effort coming back in distance in the Vinery. Going back up to the 2400m is really going to suit her at this stage of her preparation.” James McDonald will retain the ride aboard Orchestral, with the filly drawing barrier three outside of fellow Kiwi and Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Quintessa and Opie Bosson. “James came and galloped her on Sunday and Tuesday and was very happy with her work, so she’s ticked every box and is spot on for Saturday,” Wellwood said. “Hopefully she’ll be just ahead of midfield, over further distance she should be able to travel a bit more comfortably, as it’ll be a bit more slowly run in a small field.” Wellwood has collected three elite-level victories in Australia since joining champion trainer James in partnership in 2017 and said an Oaks win would rate highly in his short period at the helm. “My first Group 1 over there was Pinarello’s Derby (Group 1 Queensland Derby, 2400m) and it was pretty cool to tick that off, so to get another three-year-old classic in an Oaks would be great, especially over The Championships,” he said. “Group 1’s anywhere are hard to win, but especially in this carnival, so it would be very exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.” Back home in New Zealand, Kingsclere will be represented by three runners over the Otaki (Saturday) and Te Rapa (Sunday) meetings, hoping to continue a strong start to the week, with Sweynesday successful at Ellerslie on Wednesday. At similar odds to Orchestral, the son of Sweynesse was backed into $1.70 favouritism after finishing runner-up to the promising Tomodachi on debut, and rewarded his supporters with a comfortable half-length win in the maiden three-year-old 1200m event. “I thought his run was very good, he’s a pretty smart horse,” Wellwood said. “He ran well at his first start and the form was good, so he went into Wednesday’s race a deserving favourite, and delivered nicely. “We may look to head to the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Group 3, 1200m), but we have a few people interested in buying him, so we’ll see how the next week or so goes and work from there. He’s going to be a very nice horse looking to next season.” Last-start winner Urban Myth is the stable’s sole representative at Otaki, engaged in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m). “We’re really happy with him, he’s drawn wide (10) but if he can get a soft enough run, he should be there or thereabouts,” Wellwood said. Charm Spirit gelding Itza Charmdeel completed his two-year-old season with a heavy-track success in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and resumes off a 225 day hiatus in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa. “He did have a quite busy end of the two-year-old season through to spring, and he’s probably most effective on a track with some moisture in it, so he’s come back at the right time,” Wellwood said. “We’ll look to step him out further this time in, how far I’m not sure, but we’ll go through the grades and hopefully be there for the autumn and winter racing, and possibly some of the early spring races.” Embellish gelding Paragon broke through for a deserved maiden success last start at Tauherenikau, and will step-up to Rating 65 grade in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East (1300m) under Warren Kennedy. “He’s been good, he came through his last run well and his work has been really nice. He’s drawn well, and I think if he can put his best foot forward, he’ll be right in a race like this,” Wellwood said. Horse racing news View the full article

Atishu (NZ) ridden by James McDonald wins the Champions Stakes at Flemington. Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos After 10 wins, more than $4 million in stakes and three seasons of putting Go Racing’s name in lights in Australia, the Kiwi syndicators’ remarkable ride with Atishu is set to come to an end in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. The dual Group 1 winner will be offered during next month’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast, bringing the curtain down on an outstanding racetrack career in the blue and white colours of Go Racing. Offered by her breeders Waikato Stud as a yearling at Karaka in 2019, the daughter of Savabeel was bought by Go Racing for $260,000. She has turned that into no less than A$4.17 million through the five years since then, with 10 wins and 13 placings from a 40-race career. Atishu started out in the Cambridge stable of Stephen Marsh, winning four races as a three-year-old including the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) and Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m). But the defining stage of her career came when she crossed the Tasman and joined the stable of expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. From 31 starts in Australia, Atishu has recorded six wins, headed by Group 1 triumphs in last year’s Queen of the Turf Stakes and the A$3 million Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in November. She also won the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), while her stakes placings include the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in November and a last-start third in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 30. The Go Racing team are hoping for a special swansong in Sydney on Saturday. Atishu will be ridden by Blake Shinn and is rated a $5 second favourite on the bookmakers final field market behind stablemate Zougotcha ($3.60). “She’s been a terrific mare and has given us all some huge thrills along the way,” Go Racing manager Matt Allnutt said. “It’s been an amazing ride, and it would be a real fairy tale if she could sign off with one more big Group 1 performance at Randwick this weekend. “Chris and his team have been really happy with her in the last few weeks. She’s come through the Australian Cup beautifully and galloped well this week. They couldn’t be happier with her.” Allnutt admits there will be mixed feelings as one of Go Racing’s biggest success stories draws to a close. “It’s going to be quite an emotional day,” he said. “She’s done so much for us over these last few years and sustained a long and very high-quality career. “She gave us the odd heart murmur with her behaviour in the starting gates early in her career in Australia, but it’s a real credit to Chris Waller and his team that they got her through that. A lot of people don’t realise that she wasn’t a Group 1 winner until after she went through all of that, so it’s amazing what Chris has been able to achieve with her. We’ll always be grateful.” Horse racing news View the full article

Mystic Park will contest the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Having already secured a special place in South Island racing history through a career spanning more than four decades, it would be fitting for Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman to take a share of the spotlight during an exciting raceday on his home track on Saturday. The nine-race programme features two Listed races along with the inaugural running of the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) – an innovation race restricted to trainers with South Island stables. Runners must have been based at the trainer’s South Island stable as at December 31, and they must have contested at least two South Island races since that date. Pitman and his son Matthew have four horses entered among a capacity field of 14 plus six emergencies for the lucrative new race, headed by the $2.40 favourite Mystic Park. But that is not the only reason Pitman is eagerly looking forward to Saturday’s showpiece autumn meeting. “They’ve turned this meeting into an exciting raceday, and especially with that Southern Alps Challenge,” Pitman said. “That race is really a huge boost for our part of the country. “I’m looking forward to the day, and the other exciting thing for us is that I’m two wins away from 2,000. It would be great if we could get there tomorrow, or if not tomorrow, maybe back at Riccarton the following Saturday.” Pitman’s 1,998th winner came when Third Decree won at Ashburton on April 4, and he sits in second place on New Zealand’s all-time list behind Graeme Rogerson. The Pitman family already has more than 2,000 New Zealand victories to its name, reaching that milestone in March of 2022. But 93 of those wins came when Pitman was based in Ballarat in the 1990s and his wife Diane took over the Riccarton stable. Mystic Park has the form credentials to push Pitman closer to that milestone and create another slice of history for the trainer as the first winner of the Southern Alps Challenge. The Ocean Park gelding has had nine starts for five wins and three placings. His six appearances so far in his four-year-old season have produced four wins and a second, with the only blip coming when he failed to handle the quick back-up between the two Saturdays of the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November. Mystic Park blew his Rating 75 rivals off the track with a four-length romp over 1400m on February 10, then stepped up into open company and again won impressively over the same distance on March 23. Pitman expects the step up to 1600m to suit Mystic Park, but there is one factor that has dented his confidence. “He deserves to be the favourite after those recent performances and his work has been super,” he said. “But, to be honest, I am worried about track conditions. “We had a lot of rain overnight and the track was down to a Soft7 this (Friday) morning. It only stopped raining about an hour ago. He’s a very free-going galloper, and horses like that usually tend to prefer better footing. “He ran third behind Makabar in his only previous run on a heavy track. He drew the inside that day, and that’s sometimes like going off a cliff when Riccarton is heavy – it’s very hard to win when you’re down on the rail. With that in mind, I believe his wider draw this week (14) will be a help rather than a hindrance.” Stablemate Charbano is rated a $31 chance, but he was an easy last-start winner on heavy ground at Riverton, and Pitman believes he should not be underestimated. “I really think Charbano might be the best-weighted horse in the race,” he said. “He’s in form, he’s won at Riccarton and won at the distance, he loves wet ground and he’s got 53.5kg on his back. He should be very competitive.” Makabar and Proserve are the first and second ballots for the Southern Alps Challenge, with Makabar also entered for the Angus Meats Open Handicap (1200m). “If he doesn’t get a start in the big race, I think Makabar might be hard to beat in the open sprint,” Pitman said. Pitman also has multi-pronged representation in Saturday’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m), headed by Epee Beel. The consistent daughter of Epaulette has finished in the first four in eight of her 12 starts this season, including a third in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m), fourth in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) and third in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “She’s been going great,” Pitman said. “This is probably the strongest field we’ve had for one of these fillies’ races in the autumn for a long time. There are nine fillies down from the North Island, and they’re always hard to beat. “A wet track won’t bother Epee Beel, but she might be better suited to stepping up in trip for the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) next week. She’s out of a Zabeel mare, so those genes might kick in once she gets up to 2000m.” Blanche was a maiden winner over 2000m in January and has placed in both of her last two starts. “I thought her last-start third was particularly good,” Pitman said. “It’s hard to find riders with such a big field for this race, so I’ve put my apprentice on (Abdul Najib). “She’s another one who will be a better chance over 2000m next week. She’s already won over that distance.” Horse racing news View the full article

Wexford Stables’ co-trainer Andrew Scott. Photo: Nicole Troost Wexford Stables have the future in the forefront of their minds with a couple of juvenile debutants at Te Rapa on Sunday. Andrew Scott, who operates the Matamata stable alongside Lance O’Sullivan, has engaged Ribkraka and Tristar in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m), where they hope to advance their education ahead of their three-year-old season. Joe Doyle will take the reins from the ace draw aboard Ribkraka, the Ribchester colt closely related to Group 3 winners Elephant and Melt. “He may find the 1100m a bit sharp, but there’s some longer two-year-old races this autumn, and once he gets out over 1400m, he’ll hit his straps,” Scott said. “Drawing near the inside gives him a nice educational experience, covering away with horses around them and avoiding being posted wide. It just makes things easier, particularly for a big, scopey horse such as Ribkraka. “He’s a promising staying three-year-old for the future.” Stablemate Tristar will be ridden by Sam Spratt from barrier three. “She’s a filly that might lack experience, but she makes that up in ability,” Scott said. “She’s another aided by a good barrier, with a top jockey in Sam Spratt aboard. She’s been quickening well at the trials, and while she’s got a lot to learn, she can make her presence felt. “She’s a filly that you can follow with confidence as a three-year-old, she’s got a good turn of foot.” Later on the Te Rapa card, I’munstoppable will make another black-type bid in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m), after finishing midfield last-start in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m). Prior to the Ellerslie feature, the Charm Spirit filly had maintained a solid record with five top-four finishes in as many starts, including a pair of victories. “She might have just come to the end of her preparation on the quick ground at Ellerslie, so we put her out on the farm for a good couple of weeks,” Scott said. “She did a bit of work out there in a new environment and she’s come back into the stable with fresh batteries. “She’s having a run on Sunday in preparation for the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Group 3, 1200m), we would love to get some black-type with her in a few weeks’ time.” Kingfisher posted his most recent success at the Waikato course three starts back, and Scott indicated a downgrade from the current Good 4 (Friday) track conditions would benefit the Savabeel gelding. “He just caught a few tails last time out and was a bit unlucky,” Scott said. “He’s another with a bit of rain on the ground, will make him more competitive, he loves getting his toe in. “He’s got ability to go up to open grade, so hopefully he can take that next step this weekend.” Silver Javelin, Little Bit Of Love and Canny Man will go head-to-head in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East 1300, with the former preparing for her favoured winter track conditions in the coming months. “Silver Javelin has come back bigger and stronger, and should be in for a really good winter,” Scott said. “She’s a mare that has taken a bit longer to come to the fore this time but should benefit a fair bit with the run on the weekend. “Little Bit Of Love rattled home last start, and stepping up that 100 yards in trip should suit. He’s in good form and is a promising galloper. We expect him to finish strongly. “Canny Man loves the soft tracks and should be in for a good winter campaign as well, but he may find the track a touch quick on Sunday. The run will fit him up for the soft tracks when they arrive.” Horse racing news View the full article