Wandering Eyes

Wexford Stables enjoyed a winning afternoon on both sides of the Tasman on Saturday, including a fourth win in a row for breakthrough performer Little Bit Of Love (NZ) (Time Test) in the Elsdon Park (1400m) at Pukekohe. Little Bit Of Love’s heroics came less than an hour after his three-year-old stablemate Geriatrix (NZ) (Almanzor) took out the A$85,000 HKJC Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in his first Australian start. “It’s been a very special day today, and it’s a credit to all of our team,” said Lance O’Sullivan, who trains in partnership with Andrew Scott at Matamata. This has been a coming-of-age campaign for Little Bit Of Love, who made his debut with a well-beaten ninth on his home track in December. The four-year-old son of Time Test was a maiden winner at Tauranga second-up in early January, followed by seventh and fifth placings in his next two starts. Then he started winning and never looked back. Little Bit Of Love strung together three victories in a row at Te Rapa, producing booming finishes out wide on the track to win a 1300m Rating 65 and two 1400m Rating 75 events. He stayed in the same grade again on Saturday but rose to the top of the handicap at 60.5kg, with apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey reducing that impost to 57.5kg with his 3kg claim. Hailey was in no hurry in the early stages of the race, easing back to third-last as his best-credentialled rival Wessex (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) took up her customary role in the lead. Wessex still had plenty to offer at the top of the straight and scooted away from the field, while Hailey brought Little Bit Of Love to the outside to produce the finishing flourish that is becoming his trademark. Little Bit Of Love hit top gear and soon drew up alongside Wessex, who fought back hard on his inside. In a head-bobbing battle through the last 100m, Little Bit Of Love gradually gained the upper hand and edged out Wessex by a head. The third-placed Jack In The Box (NZ) (Jakkalberry) finished another two lengths behind the first pair. Little Bit Of Love has now had a total of eight starts for five wins, earning $99,725 in stakes. “He’s really put things together this autumn,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s probably fair to say that he’s no oil painting, but he tries very hard and that’s a big part of the battle. It’s not easy to win four races in a row. “We’ll get him home now and see how he comes through this race before deciding on our next move. He could go to the paddock, or there might be another race for him coming up somewhere. He’s in such good form at the moment and gets through rain-affected ground well, and that’s what we’re racing on at the moment.” Little Bit Of Love was bred by Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax and is raced by the One Second Syndicate, managed by their daughter Kylie. He is a half-brother to the four-race winner and multiple stakes placegetter Cork (NZ) (Complacent). View the full article

Little Bit Of Love won his fourth-straight race at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Wexford Stables enjoyed a winning afternoon on both sides of the Tasman on Saturday, including a fourth win in a row for breakthrough performer Little Bit Of Love in the Elsdon Park (1400m) at Pukekohe. Little Bit Of Love’s heroics came less than an hour after his three-year-old stablemate Geriatrix took out the A$85,000 Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in his first Australian start. “It’s been a very special day today, and it’s a credit to all of our team,” said Lance O’Sullivan, who trains in partnership with Andrew Scott at Matamata. This has been a coming-of-age campaign for Little Bit Of Love, who made his debut with a well-beaten ninth on his home track in December. The four-year-old son of Time Test was a maiden winner at Tauranga second-up in early January, followed by seventh and fifth placings in his next two starts. Then he started winning and never looked back. Little Bit Of Love strung together three victories in a row at Te Rapa, producing booming finishes out wide on the track to win a 1300m Rating 65 and two 1400m Rating 75 events. He stayed in the same grade again on Saturday but rose to the top of the handicap at 60.5kg, with apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey reducing that impost to 57.5kg with his 3kg claim. Hailey was in no hurry in the early stages of the race, easing back to third-last as his best-credentialled rival Wessex took up her customary role in the lead. Wessex still had plenty to offer at the top of the straight and scooted away from the field, while Hailey brought Little Bit Of Love to the outside to produce the finishing flourish that is becoming his trademark. Little Bit Of Love hit top gear and soon drew up alongside Wessex, who fought back hard on his inside. In a head-bobbing battle through the last 100m, Little Bit Of Love gradually gained the upper hand and edged out Wessex by a head. The third-placed Jack In The Box finished another two lengths behind the first pair. Little Bit Of Love has now had a total of eight starts for five wins, earning $99,725 in stakes. “He’s really put things together this autumn,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s probably fair to say that he’s no oil painting, but he tries very hard and that’s a big part of the battle. It’s not easy to win four races in a row. “We’ll get him home now and see how he comes through this race before deciding on our next move. He could go to the paddock, or there might be another race for him coming up somewhere. He’s in such good form at the moment and gets through rain-affected ground well, and that’s what we’re racing on at the moment.” Horse racing news View the full article

Mauritian jockey backs rising star to handle biggest challenge of his career in Group Three sprintView the full article

Warmonger ridden by Blake Shinn takes out the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Warmonger (+850) has given his rivals a galloping lesson in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, pulling away to score an impressive 10-length victory. The Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) runner-up looked to have it all to do pre-race, with most judges mapping the son of War Decree to drag back towards the rear of the field from barrier 18; however, Blake Shinn had other ideas. The Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)-trained gelding was sent forward early in the contest, proving to be the winning move for the three-year-old, as Shinn gained an economical run in transit. He hadn’t shown much early speed in the past, but with Navy King (+1200) charging forward under Craig Williams, it allowed Shinn to work his mount towards the front of the field, while the pair of pre-race favourites, Autumn Angel (+130) and Tannhauser (+360), were forced to work from awkward positions in the strung-out field. Moonlight Magic (+2500) and Felix The Scat (+7000) added some massive value to exotic players, but they were simply fighting out the minor money, as Shinn pulled the whip with 500m to travel, bursting clear of his rivals to assure a dominant victory in the 2024 Queensland Derby. 2024 Queensland Derby replay – Warmonger Michael Kent (Jnr) was on course to represent the stable and credited his team before praising the brave steer by Shinn. “He’s just flying, credit to the whole team, the horse took the travel well to Queensland,” said Kent (Jnr). “The query was getting through the wet track, Blake (Shinn) said it was more like a heavy than a soft. “During the race I’m thinking what are you thinking here Blake, but he just made all the right calls. By putting him into the race and when that leader got away you had to be near the pace. In the end it was just a huge staying performance by the horse. “He obviously handled the ground very well, he’s a kiwi so he was born in it, but he clearly relished the stamina test today.” Blake Shinn was delighted with the win in his post-race assessment. “What a great run by that horse,” said Shinn. “He did it the tough way but he was comfortable. I just wanted to make sure he kept going on his run. He did it tough. “It was a bit of a track gallop for him. He enjoyed it. He had his ears pricked down the back. He could see Navy King up in front. I asked him to extend from the 500 (metre mark) and he just kept building. I made sure he kept going to the line, but the horse really deserved it. “He’s been putting up some great displays in running second and it was really well deserved. I’m grateful for the ride.” Horse racing news View the full article

Belardo Boy powers through the heavy conditions to win the Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m) at Wanganui. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Proven miler and winter track specialist Belardo Boy bounced back to winning form when he produced a powerful home straight surge to capture the feature event at Wanganui on Saturday, the Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m). The 2023 Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) winner was having just his second run in a new campaign for trainer Lisa Latta and stripped in good condition after taking plenty of benefit from his first up run for eighth at Te Rapa a fortnight ago. The five-year-old son of former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo settled near the rear for rider Joe Doyle, but travelled sweetly as he saved ground underneath runners approaching the home bend. Last start winner Bradman went for glory as he shot two lengths clear shortly after straightening, however Belardo Boy had a full head of stream as he surged in the final 200m to hit the front in the shadows of the post, winning by a long neck from Bradman with last year’s winner Justaskme finishing resolutely for third. Latta was delighted to see the popular stable runner step back to the winner’s enclosure so early in his preparation. “He was pretty fresh first up and he can get up and pull when he’s like that and is not an easy horse to ride,” Latta said. “I said to Joe it’s not the pattern of racing today but just get him to relax as I know he has a great turn of foot if you can get him to do that. “When he got him relaxed, I knew he could finish it off.” Latta was pleased for the big team involved with the horse although she was wary about what the immediate future holds for him. “He is a stable favourite and good for the team to get the result,” she said. “He is going to be hard to place in the handicaps now, so we will have to have a think about things. “We were considering the Winter Cup again but possibly not now as he will get weighted out of it. “I think he is up to good company and if we could get a track with the fire out, he might be a chance in the first of the big races at Hastings in the spring (Group 1, Tarzino Trophy 1400m).” Doyle admitted Belardo Boy was one of his favourite mounts although he could be quite a handful when he wanted to be. “He’s probably my favourite horse in the country as I’ve won quite a few on him now,” he said. “He’s not a straight-forward ride but when he really lets down it takes a fair horse to beat him on that sort of surface. “All Lisa said to me was bury him but he still got a bit keen as he’s still a bit fresh but that just means there is plenty of meat left on the bone. “He could have a really really good winter and he feels as good as I’ve ever felt on him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Eventual winner Caitlyns Wish (outside) and Wewillrock battle out the Open 1200m at Wanganui. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Apprentice Ciel Butler made good use of her 2kg claim when she guided Matamata visitor Caitlyns Wish to victory in the Open 1200m Handicap at Wanganui on Saturday. The Stephen Autridge-prepared four-year-old daughter of Belardo had been thereabouts of late without securing top spot on the podium and was well backed in the market to start a $3.90 second favourite behind the heavily supported Wewillrock ($2.30). Wewillrock (59.5kgs), who carried a full 7.5kg more in weight than the eventual winner with senior rider Jonathan Riddell in the saddle, made a swift beginning and disputed the early pace with Caitlyns Wish (52kgs), before Bold Belle attacked the pair out wider as Butler eased her mount into a perfect trail. Rounding the home bend, Wewillrock took a direct path to the better going on the outside of the track however Butler had already angled into a similar space with Caitlyns Wish, and the pair set down to stage a length of the straight battle that went in favour of the Matamata mare by a long neck at the line. Butler was all smiles afterwards as she explained the instructions that Autridge had encouraged her to follow. “He (Autridge) said just be positive as she likes to be up there and although it didn’t go exactly as he thought she relaxed lovely behind the pace and it was just a matter of letting her go today,” Butler said. “Once Bold Belle went around us, she really started breathing well and relaxed so nicely. “They will all be coming down the outside today and I was always going to follow Riddell across (to the outside rail).” Horse racing news View the full article

Proven miler and winter track specialist Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo) bounced back to winning form when he produced a powerful home straight surge to capture the feature event at Wanganui on Saturday, the Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m). The 2023 Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) winner was having just his second run in a new campaign for trainer Lisa Latta and stripped in good condition after taking plenty of benefit from his first up run for eighth at Te Rapa a fortnight ago. The five-year-old son of former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo settled near the rear for rider Joe Doyle, but travelled sweetly as he saved ground underneath runners approaching the home bend. Last start winner Bradman (NZ) (Pins) went for glory as he shot two lengths clear shortly after straightening, however Belardo Boy had a full head of stream as he surged in the final 200m to hit the front in the shadows of the post, winning by a long neck from Bradman with last year’s winner Justaskme (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) finishing resolutely for third. Latta was delighted to see the popular stable runner step back to the winner’s enclosure so early in his preparation. “He was pretty fresh first up and he can get up and pull when he’s like that and is not an easy horse to ride,” Latta said. “I said to Joe it’s not the pattern of racing today but just get him to relax as I know he has a great turn of foot if you can get him to do that. “When he got him relaxed, I knew he could finish it off.” Latta was pleased for the big team involved with the horse although she was wary about what the immediate future holds for him. “He is a stable favourite and it was good for the team to get the result,” she said. “He is going to be hard to place in the handicaps now, so we will have to have a think about things. “We were considering the Winter Cup again but possibly not now as he will get weighted out of it. “I think he is up to good company and if we could get a track with the fire out, he might be a chance in the first of the big races at Hastings in the spring (Gr.1, Tarzino Trophy 1400m).” Doyle admitted Belardo Boy was one of his favourite mounts although he could be quite a handful when he wanted to be. “He’s probably my favourite horse in the country as I’ve won quite a few on him now,” he said. “He’s not a straight-forward ride but when he really lets down it takes a fair horse to beat him on that sort of surface. “All Lisa said to me was bury him but he still got a bit keen as he’s still a bit fresh but that just means there is plenty of meat left on the bone. “He could have a really, really good winter and he feels as good as I’ve ever felt on him.” The victory brought up a stakes race double for both Doyle and former Haunui Farm stallion Belardo with Belardi (NZ) scoring in the Listed John Turkington Forestry Ltd Castletown Stakes (1200m) earlier in the day. He also sired Wanganui winner Caitlyns Wish (NZ) and Pukekohe winner Hey Hey Baby (NZ). Belardi joined Belardo Boy, Verona (NZ), Avonallo (NZ) and Southern Warrior (NZ) as the fifth southern hemisphere stakes winner for Belardo, who shuttled to Haunui Farm between 2017 and 2022. Belardo Boy has now won four of his six starts over 1600m and nine of his 36 career runs for a touch over $330,000 in prizemoney after Latta purchased him for $28,000 out of the Haunui draft during the Book 2 Sale at Karaka in 2020. View the full article

Three and a half hours before Moonlight Magic (NZ) (Almanzor) took her place in Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm, her half-brother Belardi (NZ) (Belardo) kicked off a huge day for the family with victory in the Listed John Turkington Forestry Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui. Both Belardi and Moonlight Magic are trained by Andrew Forsman for owner-breeders the Sunlight Trust, and they are among the five winners from just five foals out of the Encosta De Lago mare Japonica. Belardi became the second stakes winner in that group, with Moonlight Magic having previously captured the Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie in April. Saturday’s Castletown Stakes was the third career start for Belardi, who was well supported for his debut appearance at New Plymouth on May 11 after a stylish trial win. He finished only sixth that day, but bounced back strongly to lead all the way for a maiden success at Taupo on May 22. The two-year-old Belardo gelding faced a steep class rise on a sharp 10-day turnaround on Saturday, but he showed that he was up to the task. Jockey Joe Doyle adopted similar front-running tactics, driving him forward from his inside gate to take up a leading position after the first 100m. The previous two races on Saturday’s Wanganui card had established that the outside part of the track was clearly the place to be down the home straight, and Doyle was able to bring Belardi across the front of the field at the turn and into that better ground. Raziah (NZ) (Niagara) and He’s Lucid (NZ) (Contributer) finished strongly out of the pack and tried their hardest to pull Belardi back in down the straight, but the Cambridge gelding kicked away from them again in the last 50m to win by a length and a half. “He didn’t break particularly well, but he was quick into gear and then just travelled so smoothly from there,” said Doyle, who has now ridden 14 Group and Listed winners this season. “He’s a Belardo, and these kinds of tracks often seem to suit them. When we got on to the better ground in the straight and I gave him a squeeze, he picked up very nicely. He might have idled a touch when he was in front in the straight, so I’d say there’s still more in the tank. “He’s not overly big, but he’s a very willing horse. That tendency to idle won’t be there for much longer and I’m sure we’ll see more improvement from him.” Belardi’s three-start career has now produced two wins and $57,725 in stakes. With Forsman in Brisbane to saddle Moonlight Magic and First Innings (NZ) (Contributer) in Saturday’s Queensland Derby, he was represented at Wanganui on Saturday by assistant trainer Trina Riddell. “That was a really good win, and with his half-sister racing in the Queensland Derby today, it’s a big day for the Sunlight Trust,” Riddell said. “Belardi is a really nice horse, and I thought Joe did a great job to lead and get him to that outside ground in the straight.” Belardi became the second stakes-winning two-year-old in the space of a week for former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo, who also sired last Saturday’s Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) winner Southern Warrior (NZ). View the full article

Carpe Diem (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) relished the heavy track and returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in over a year in The Foxton Cup 2040 at Wanganui on Saturday. The winter specialist had recorded four of his prior five career victories in heavy conditions, most recently last May at Trentham, and that factor was duly noted by punters who backed him into a $5 second-favourite behind King Of Hearts (NZ) (Jakkalberry) ($4.10). Waitarere Beach trainer Brendon McDermott secured the services of Warren Kennedy for the Cup and he allowed Carpe Diem to settle one off the fence in fourth while Rocktilyoudrop (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) controlled proceedings boldly in front. Nearing the 800m, Kahu Rock (NZ) (Alamosa), who defeated Carpe Diem by the narrowest of margins in last year’s edition, took control and made his claim for back-to-back titles, but Kennedy directed the gelding to the outside rail in the home straight in search of better ground and he burst to the lead at the 400m. Phats (NZ) (Embellish) and So Call Me (NZ) (Sweynesse) fought hard to catch Carpe Diem, but the victory was all sewn up as he stormed home by 1 ¾ lengths. Kennedy had studied the track pattern prior to his first ride at Wanganui since entering New Zealand’s jockey ranks 18 months ago and was pleased to see his plan come to fruition. “I watched replays of it being wet here, and it seems that generally the outside is the better going,” he said. “It was a nice 2040m race, I could just bide my time and have a good look at the track. “He enjoys the wet track, and when they’re going well you just have to let them go. He started to track up really nicely at the 800, so I just said if you want to run, you go boy. “He had a look around at the 200 and had a little shift, but when they came at him he rallied again. It was a really courageous win.” A son of Jimmy Choux, Carpe Diem was bred by Lisa Dunbar of Timberlee Thoroughbreds, out of a Scenic mare in Fashion Society. McDermott co-races the eight-year-old, who has earned over $157,000 in stakes in 64 starts. View the full article

Apprentice Ciel Butler made good use of her 2kg claim when she guided Matamata visitor Caitlyns Wish (NZ) (Belardo) to victory in the Open 1200m Handicap at Wanganui on Saturday. The Stephen Autridge-prepared four-year-old daughter of Belardo had been thereabouts of late without securing top spot on the podium and was well backed in the TAB Fixed Odds market to start a $3.90 second favourite behind the heavily supported Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca) ($2.30). Wewillrock (59.5kgs), who carried a full 7.5kg more in weight than the eventual winner with senior rider Jonathan Riddell in the saddle, made a swift beginning and disputed the early pace with Caitlyns Wish (52kgs), before Bold Belle (NZ) (The Bold One) attacked the pair out wider as Butler eased her mount into a perfect trail. Rounding the home bend, Wewillrock took a direct path to the better going on the outside of the track however Butler had already angled into a similar space with Caitlyns Wish, and the pair set down to stage a length of the straight battle that went in favour of the Matamata mare by a long neck at the line. Butler was all smiles afterwards as she explained the instructions that Autridge had encouraged her to follow. “He (Autridge) said just be positive as she likes to be up there and although it didn’t go exactly as he thought she relaxed lovely behind the pace and it was just a matter of letting her go today,” Butler said. “Once Bold Belle went around us, she really started breathing well and relaxed so nicely. “They will all be coming down the outside today and I was always going to follow Riddell across (to the outside rail). Bred by Dame Wendy and Don Pye from their lightly raced St. Petersburg mare Sinalot (NZ), Caitlyns Wish is a half-sister to former top South Island sprinter Carnival (NZ) (Showcasing) who numbered the Gr.3 Stewards Stakes (1200m) amongst her four career wins. Autridge outlaid $38,000 to purchase her from the Haunui Farm draft during the Book 2 sale at Karaka in 2021 and she is raced by the estate of the late Stan Painton, who passed away in 2022 after many years as a loyal client of the Autridge stable. This was her fifth career win from just 14 starts and she has now earned over $101,000 mark in prizemoney. The victory took Butler to 24 wins for the season and inside the top 25 on the National Jockey’s Premiership ladder. View the full article

Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) has proven himself in far stronger company than Saturday’s Gr.3 Living Turf Premier’s Cup (2400m), and that big-race quality shone through with a comfortable victory at Eagle Farm. Although last month’s Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2200m) was his first win since 2022, Hezashocka has made his presence felt right up to the highest level. He has placed in the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m), Gr.3 JRA Plate (2000m) and Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), along with a fourth in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) and fifth in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m). He was a close last-start seventh in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 25. The son of Shocking stepped down in class and up in distance on Saturday, and he produced a performance befitting his $2.25 favouritism. Jockey Jamie Kah took up a perfect position in fifth, one off the rail, then began to move closer coming down the side of the Eagle Farm track. Kah pushed the button at the home turn and Hezashocka bounded past Goldman (NZ) (Verdi) to take the lead. Alegron (Teofilo) gave his all and chased bravely down the straight, but Hezashocka maintained a comfortable advantage and won by a length and a half. Goldman crossed the line in third, six lengths adrift of the first pair. “What a ride by Jamie,” said Michael Kent Jr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price. “She said before the race that she was going to be fifth and one off the rail – there you go. He was always travelling like the winner. “He won the Gosford Cup and we had a plan to come here as our next target. We thought we’d give him a spin around in the Doomben Cup for a run, and he went super in that race. “He loves soft ground and he’s going great. There’s a big group of owners here today, so I’m delighted for them.” The stable will now consider a tilt at the A$1.2 million Gr.2 The Q22 (2200m) at the same venue on June 15. “The Q22 might appeal as an obvious target,” Kent said. “When this horse finds form, he usually holds it. We lost him for a while this season on firm tracks, but he’s thriving at the moment. For $1.2 million, why wouldn’t you go there?” Hezashocka began his career with Shaun and Emma Clotworthy and won the Gr.2 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie before OTI Racing bought into the horse. Emma Clotworthy and Keith Haub have retained a share of the ownership along with the Australian syndicate. Originally purchased at Karaka for $18,000 out of the draft of Grangewilliam Stud, Hezashocka has now won five of his 32 starts with a further eight placings and A$1,376,203 in prize-money. View the full article

Carpe Diem (outside) powers through the heavy conditions at Wanganui to win The Foxton Cup 2040 on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Carpe Diem relished the heavy track and returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in over a year in The Foxton Cup 2040 at Wanganui on Saturday. The winter specialist had recorded four of his prior five career victories in heavy conditions, most recently last May at Trentham, and that factor was duly noted by punters who backed him into a $5 second-favourite behind King Of Hearts ($4.10). Waitarere Beach trainer Brendon McDermott secured the services of Warren Kennedy for the Cup and he allowed Carpe Diem to settle one off the fence in fourth while Rocktilyoudrop controlled proceedings boldly in front. Nearing the 800m, Kahu Rock, who defeated Carpe Diem by the narrowest of margins in last year’s edition, took control and made his claim for back-to-back titles, but Kennedy directed the gelding to the outside rail in the home straight in search of better ground and he burst to the lead at the 400m. Phats and So Call Me fought hard to catch Carpe Diem, but the victory was all sewn up as he stormed home by 1.75 lengths. Kennedy had studied the track pattern prior to his first ride at Wanganui since entering New Zealand’s jockey ranks 18 months ago and was pleased to see his plan come to fruition. “I watched replays of it being wet here, and it seems that generally the outside is the better going,” he said. “It was a nice 2040m race, I could just bide my time and have a good look at the track. “He enjoys the wet track, and when they’re going well you just have to let them go. He started to track up really nicely at the 800, so I just said if you want to run, you go boy. “He had a look around at the 200 and had a little shift, but when they came at him he rallied again. It was a really courageous win.” Horse racing news View the full article

I Wish I Win ridden by Luke Nolen takes out the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman have claimed back-to-back wins at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, with I Wish I Win (+280) securing victory in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m). He was able to turn the tables on Bella Nipotina (+750) from the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) last start after chasing on inferior ground, with Luke Nolen being legged aboard this time for the absent James McDonald. It had already proved to be a winning combination prior to Saturday, with Nolen boasting an outstanding record on the son of Savabeel, with eight rides for three wins and another four minor placings, now adding a fourth win to the tally for the old firm. It was a perfect ride by Nolen to get away from the inside running rail in the concluding stages, allowing I Wish I Win to settle into a lovely rhythm in the back-half of the field. Uncommon James (+3300) strode to the front to gain a relatively uncontested lead, while Freedom Rally (+3000) loomed up to sit just in behind the speed, giving Bella Nipoitina and Think About It (+300) the perfect stalking positions. I Wish I Win and In Secret (+750) both made inroads down the middle of the course turning for home, but it was the former letting down best, while Bella Nipotina was attempting to cause back-to-back upsets in the final furlong. I Wish I Win was able to knuckle down to the task in the end though, claiming his first win since the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in 2023. 2024 Kingsford Smith Cup replay – I Wish I Win Katherine Coleman spoke for the second time at Eagle Farm and praised the ride by Nolen before thanking everyone involved in the horse. “We had a fair bit of confidence, but barrier one, he was going to need a good ride from Luke Nolen and I’m so thrilled for Luke to win this on him as well,” said Coleman. “He’s worked hard to get back on him and that adds another layer to it. “I was so happy when I saw him today, he looks incredible and that’s a huge credit to the team that have had him up here in Brisbane. Gio has been up here the last few months looking after the horses and travelling. They stayed at Desleigh Forster’s stable and she’s done an amazing job as well. “I’ve got to say a huge thanks to our team back home, Will Holmes, our foreman, all the staff, they do an incredible job and we wouldn’t be doing this without them. “We’ll just see how he pulls up, but I’d say he’ll go and have a little break now and will prep him for the Spring/Everest.” It was an emotional Luke Nolen in the aftermath as he thanked the Moody & Coleman camp for the opportunity. “I’ve done a lot on this horse,” said Nolen. “Obviously I was a bit disappointed being off but we made amends today. “Some days you’re at the top and other days you’re at the bottom so you take each day as it comes. I was pretty down but these experiences are character building. I’ve got plenty of bloody character now, don’t worry. “Obviously I’ve got a lot to do with the Moody/Coleman yard and 40 group ones. One ride in the day and I didn’t know where I was going on Sunday so I’m very grateful.” Horse racing news View the full article

Belardi (outside) pulls away to win the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Three and a half hours before Moonlight Magic took her place in Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm, her half-brother Belardi kicked off a huge day for the family with victory in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui. Both Belardi and Moonlight Magic are trained by Andrew Forsman for owner-breeders the Sunlight Trust, and they are among the five winners from just five foals out of the Encosta De Lago mare Japonica. Belardi became the second stakes winner in that group, with Moonlight Magic having previously captured the Group 3 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie in April. Saturday’s Castletown Stakes was the third career start for Belardi, who was well supported for his debut appearance at New Plymouth on May 11 after a stylish trial win. He finished only sixth that day, but bounced back strongly to lead all the way for a maiden success at Taupo on May 22. The two-year-old Belardo gelding faced a steep class rise on a sharp 10-day turnaround on Saturday, but he showed that he was up to the task. Jockey Joe Doyle adopted similar front-running tactics, driving him forward from his inside gate to take up a leading position after the first 100m. The previous two races on Saturday’s Wanganui card had established that the outside part of the track was clearly the place to be down the home straight, and Doyle was able to bring Belardi across the front of the field at the turn and into that better ground. Raziah and He’s Lucid finished strongly out of the pack and tried their hardest to pull Belardi back in down the straight, but the Cambridge gelding kicked away from them again in the last 50m to win by a length and a half. “He didn’t break particularly well, but he was quick into gear and then just travelled so smoothly from there,” said Doyle, who has now ridden 14 Group and Listed winners this season. “He’s a Belardo, and these kinds of tracks often seem to suit them. When we got on to the better ground in the straight and I gave him a squeeze, he picked up very nicely. He might have idled a touch when he was in front in the straight, so I’d say there’s still more in the tank. “He’s not overly big, but he’s a very willing horse. That tendency to idle won’t be there for much longer and I’m sure we’ll see more improvement from him.” Belardi’s three-start career has now produced two wins and $57,725 in stakes. With Forsman in Brisbane to saddle Moonlight Magic and First Innings in Saturday’s Queensland Derby, he was represented at Wanganui on Saturday by assistant trainer Trina Riddell. “That was a really good win, and with his half-sister racing in the Queensland Derby today, it’s a big day for the Sunlight Trust,” Riddell said. “Belardi is a really nice horse, and I thought Joe did a great job to lead and get him to that outside ground in the straight.” Belardi became the second stakes-winning two-year-old in the space of a week for former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo, who also sired last Saturday’s Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) winner Southern Warrior. Horse racing news View the full article

Hezashocka ridden by Jamie Kah takes out the Group 3 Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham After being heavily backed and jumping as a clear favourite in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup, Hezashocka (+125) from the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr stable has taken out the 2400m contest, thanks primarily to a peach of a ride from Jamie Kah. The son of Shocking jumped nicely from barrier three, and Kah was able to settle one horse off the fence and just behind the leaders, which allowed her mount to settle and get into a nice rhythm. Knights Order (+2000) and Goldman (+550) led the field up and assured a strong gallop around the Eagle Farm circuit, while Double Cherry (+3000) and King Frankel (+1700) settled on their backs. As the field hit the 600m mark, the tempo lifted considerably, but with most of his rivals already off the bit, it was the eventual winner who travelled up to the leader and took over by the 300m mark. By the time they hit the 150m mark, it was Hezashocka in front of the fast-finishing Alegron (+1800) on his outside, and those two cleared out from the rest of the field, going over the line in that order. 2024 Premier’s Cup Replay – Hezashocka Michael Kent Jnr was on course to speak about the win of Hezashocka and what could be next for the in-form six-year-old gelding. “What a ride by Jamie. She said pre-race ‘I’ll be fifth, one-off’. There you go,” Kent Jnr said. “He won the Gosford Cup. we had a plan to come here, three weeks and give him a spin around in the Doomben Cup. He ran super. “He loves soft tracks, he’s going great and a big group of owners here. “The Q22 might appeal. That is the obvious one. “When this horse finds form he normally holds it. We lost him for a bit on firmer track but back on softer tracks he is just thriving. “I’d say for $1.2 million, why wouldn’t we go there?” Jamie Kah was very happy with the win post-race. “I just said to the owners that I probably shouldn’t get paid, that was too easy,” Kah said. “He’s just a gentleman to ride and he’s been running so well. “He ran well last start, just in the wrong part of the track and if he jumps and puts himself there, he is really competitive and today everything worked out. “He’s been in the zone his last few starts. He’s been running so well and needed the right run in the race.” Horse racing news View the full article

Frankie Dettori had never ridden at Penn National Race Course before May 31. He made an incredible first impression, sweeping the $400,000 Penn Mile (G3T) and the $150,000 Penn Oaks, winning both races with impeccably timed rides via photo finish.View the full article

Veteran trainer aiming to add to his outstanding overseas record in Sunday’s Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m)View the full article

Making his first trip to Penn National, Frankie Dettori completed a stakes double with a last-jump success aboard Qatar Racing and Hunter Valley Farm's FIRST WORLD WAR (c, 3, War Front–Sundaysatthebeach, by Medaglia d'Oro) in Friday's GIII Penn Mile. Sent off as the 33-10 third betting favorite behind last-out GII American Turf S. upsetter Trikari (Oscar Performance) and the twice-raced Good Lord Lorrie (Hard Spun), the $285,000 Fasig-Tipton November weanling took up a position just behind midfield as 6-1 Set (Oscar Performance) galloped his rivals along through enervating fractions of :23.09 and :46.31. Slipstreaming Trikari down the backstretch and into the turn, First World War was given a dig leaving the three-furlong peg and was steered out four wide into the lane. When Set rolled away from the inside turning for home, Cristian Torres atop the rail-skimming 17-1 shot Aspenite (Constitution) took full advantage, sending his mount through to challenge Trikari, who raced prominently throughout after departing from the widest gate. First World War wanted to hang on his incorrect lead into the final eighth of a mile, but once he switched over, he gobbled up the ground three off the inside and won the tightest of photos over Aspenite, with Trikari right there between them in third. Winner two back of the GIII Kitten's Joy S. at Gulfstream Feb. 3, First World War found some trouble and could do no better than ninth, but not beaten far, in Keeneland's GIII Transylvania S. Apr. 5. Dettori won the co-featured Penn Oaks one race earlier with favored Poolside With Slim (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Sales history: $285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0. O-Qatar Racing LLC & Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan Walsh. What a finish in the $400,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G3)! #4 FIRST WORLD WAR ($8.80) got a nose down on the wire ahead of Aspenite and Trikari to give @FrankieDettori a double at Penn National! pic.twitter.com/8qcUX8O4Ax — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) June 1, 2024 Friday, Penn National PENN MILE S.-GIII, $400,000, Penn National, 5-31, 3yo, 1mT, 1:33.50, fm. 1–FIRST WORLD WAR, 122, c, 3, by War Front 1st Dam: Sundaysatthebeach (GSP, $129,280), by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Ask the Moon, by Malibu Moon 3rd Dam: Always Asking, by Valid Appeal ($285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Qatar Racing LLC and Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $230,400. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0, $501,713. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Aspenite, 122, c, 3, Constitution–Aspening, by Candy Ride (Arg). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Glen Hill Farm (KY); T-Steven Asmussen. $76,800. 3–Trikari, 122, c, 3, Oscar Performance–Dynamic Holiday, by Harlan's Holiday. ($9,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $27,500 Ylg '22 OBSOCT). O-Amerman Racing LLC; B-Michael A Slezak & Amy Boll (KY); T-H. Graham Motion. $42,240. Margins: NO, NK, 1HF. Odds: 3.40, 17.40, 2.00. Also Ran: Good Lord Lorrie, Set, Please Advise, Freedom Principle, I Know Map, Tropandhagen. Scratched: Dancing Groom. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post War Front’s First World War Gives Dettori Back-To-Back Stakes in Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After reading Dan Ross's Aftercare gaps article in the May 31 edition of the TDN, I have some suggestions. Jeff Bloom (TAA president) hit the problem on the head: “One way or another we need a mandatory sustainable fundraising solution. So who's going to pay for that?” As TAA's Founder and first President in 2012, I was a complete failure in attaining mandatory funding through our Industry. It continues to baffle me on how we could not raise $15-$20 million to help solve this problem. Maybe that's not enough either, but let's make that our goal. Sales companies: Mandatory 1% fee for top 70% of horses purchased, 0.5 % for bottom 30% purchased. Consignors/Sales companies 0.5% on purchase price. If this had been implemented last year, that would have amounted to $3,280,000. If Mike Repole buys $15 million worth of stock, do you think he would care about designating 150,000 to Aftercare of choice? Starlight would be happy to commit 1% of our $4-5 million spend at the sales. Tracks: Australia commits a decent percentage of purses to aftercare. I don't see why U.S. tracks can't do the same thing. In 2012, Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and The Jockey Club committed $300,000 in seed money to get TAA off the ground. I had hoped that the industry would have continued to grow funds for aftercare. This has not happened to the level I had hoped. Registration fees need to have a mandatory level that makes a difference. I think Keeneland and Breeders Cup and The Jockey Club need to be the leaders in mandatory increase of significant amounts. I really thank the three organizations that helped to get us get started, but it's time for mandatory requirement from every level of the industry. We should make the $3-$5 million look like $15-$20 million and let the TAA worry about operations, which they are great at, and let the fundraising be the responsibility of the three organizations. Looking at the Board of the TAA, they should have the ability to execute mandatory significant fees to get this up to the $15-$20 million level. If they choose not to do it, how can HISA help? If you are going to play this game, you have to find a way to take care of our retired horses even if you are taking care of your own after retirement. Jack Wolf Starlight Racing The post Letter to the Editor: Jack Wolf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two defendants charged in the indictment that landed former trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis in federal prison for multiple years were sentenced in May, more than four years after they were originally charged.View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has issued trainer Patricia Farro a four-year suspension after two of her runners tested positive for cobalt salts. View the full article

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux rode for the first time in a decade at Gulfstream Park on Friday, and made the trip worth his while when piloting Lady Cha Cha (Vino Rosso) to a victory for trainer Laura Cazares in the afternoon's featured seventh race. “All credit to the horse. What a nice filly,” the three-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey told the Gulfstream notes team. “Thank you to Laura. I've never met her, but she put me on her horses today. I appreciate the opportunity.” The 54-year-old rode two horses on the program as he awaits a June 7 meeting with California Horse Racing Board stewards. “I'll make up my mind after that,” said Desormeaux. “I have a protocol that I have to go through that prevents me from competing with my peers. I'll leave it at that.” The Louisiana native told the Gulfstream media office that should the 'situation with the CHRB go unresolved' that he would consider relocating to either Gulfstream or Colonial Downs. Desormeaux, winner of the 2008 GI Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park aboard future dual Classic winner Big Brown (Boundary), is named on one horse on Saturday's program and another on Sunday before he returns to Southern California. Friday's victory was the 6,171st of his career. Kent Desormeaux takes the 7th @GulfstreamPark aboard Lady Cha Cha! Thank you to Laura Cazares and her team for the win pic.twitter.com/IcNol9kcc7 — Jose Santos Jr. (@joesantos_33) May 31, 2024 The post Desormeaux Rides Gulfstream Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frank Mirahmadi's announcing career has been on the rise over the past five years, named Santa Anita Park's permanent race caller beginning with the 2019 winter/spring meet and then as Saratoga Race Course's announcer in 2023.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features an expensive juvenile. 17.08 Doncaster, Mdn, £6,800, 2yo, f, 6f 111yT ARABIAN DUSK (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) represents the Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa and Simon and Ed Crisford connection successful in the G2 Norfolk S. in 2019 with A'Ali (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}). This filly, who cost 525,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up, will have the Royal meeting on the agenda if she lives up to her billing on debut. The post Craven Breeze-Up Sensation Hits The Track At Doncaster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) has penalized a second Parx-based trainer this week for multiple violations of the banned substance cobalt salts. Two separate May 30 “final decision” summaries were posted on the HIWU website for trainer Patricia Farro, suspending her for a total of four years and fining her $50,000 after cobalt salts were detected in two Parx winners she trained earlier this year: Deplane (He's Had Enough) on Feb. 6 and Knockout Win (Winchill) on Feb. 28. The cumulative penalties were the result of the pair of two-year suspensions/$25,000 fines being combined. The case summary was listed as “resolved,” but it was unclear at deadline for this story if Farro intends to appeal HIWU's final decision. Farro's penalties followed those imposed one day earlier upon trainer Monte Gelrod, who was suspended for 18 months and fined $12,500 after his trainee, Ratified (Constitution), tested positive for cobalt salts after winning her fourth race in a row at Parx on Feb. 19 and again after running sixth there on Mar. 4. Gelrod's lesser penalties for the same banned substance were the result of his having agreed to an “admission of rule violation and acceptance of consequences” settlement with HIWU. As TDN's Dan Ross reported on Wednesday, cobalt has been proven to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Its use as a performance-enhancer has to do with greater blood cell production helping endurance and decreasing muscle fatigue. The horses involved have all been disqualified and are in the process of sitting out a six-month ineligibility period. The post Second Parx Trainer This Week Penalized For Cobalt Salts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article