Wandering Eyes

4th-KEE, $110K, OC, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 2:36 p.m. Unraced since her 'TDN Rising Star' debut at Churchill Downs last September, TWIRLING GOOD TIME (Twirling Candy) returns to the races Sunday for Rigney Racing and trainer Phillip Bauer. Stretching out from 5 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles, the $250,000 KEESEP grad will look to carry the speed that saw her go nearly gate-to-wire in her four-length win while posting an 86 Beyer Speed Figure. Out of Celebrategoodtimes, a Harlan's Holiday mare who has produced five foals and as many winners, Twirling Good Time counts both GISW and sire Street Boss (Street Cry {Ire}) and MGISW and sire Jack Christopher (Munnings) as extended family members. TJCIS PPS #11 TWIRLING GOOD TIME ($8.56) was impressive on debut as she was geared down at the end to win race 6 at Churchill Downs. @Rbejaranojockey was in the irons for Philip Bauer. Watch more on @FanDuelTV and wager using the @FDSportsbook. pic.twitter.com/VgWJZ2dcQ5 — TVG (@TVG) September 27, 2023 The post Sunday Insights: ‘TDN Rising Star’ Returns On Keeneland Sunday Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hades (Awesome Slew), upset winner of the GIII Holy Bull S. in January and a latest fifth to champion 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) in the GI Curlin Florida Derby Mar. 30, will back up on two weeks' rest for the GIII Stonestreet Lexington S. at Keeneland Apr. 13, co-owner Jon Green of D J Stable said in a text message Saturday morning. “We are entering Hades in the Lexington and have Jose Ortiz in the irons,” Green texted. “Hades is doing great, is sound and ready to ship to KEE on Tuesday.” Owned in partnership with Robert Cotran and trained by Joe Orseno, Hades won his first three trips to the post including a two-length defeat of Domestic Product (Practical Joke) in the Holy Bull, as Fierceness failed to fire at long odds-on. He was bumped at the start of the Florida Derby as a 17-5 chance and endured a wide trip before finishing 19 3/4 lengths adrift of the romping Fierceness. “He got sawed off and never leveled off until he pulled himself back to last,” Green explained via text. Hades has amassed 30 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, good for 18th in the standings prior to the running of Saturday's 100-point preps. The Lexington is the final Derby points race on a scale of 20-10-6-4-2. Also headed to the Lexington is Encino (Nyquist), who was scratched from Saturday's GI Toyota Blue Grass S. The Godolphin homebred, last-start winner of the John Battaglia Memorial S. Mar. 2, had drawn widest in the field of 11 in the Blue Grass. The post Hades To Run On Short Rest In the Lexington appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amerman Racing's Endlessly (Oscar Performance) breezed an easy four furlongs in :49.60 (78/111) over the Churchill Downs main track Saturday morning, his first move since taking the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park Mar. 23. The homebred could make his next appearance in the $5-million GI Kentucky Derby on May 4, which would mark his first start on the dirt. Working outside of his multiple stakes-placed stablemate Blue Eyed George (Flameaway) and with exercise rider Walter Davila in the irons, Endlessly remained on even terms for the majority of the breeze, easing clear on the gallop out. He pulled up five furlongs in 1:02.80, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols. In the immediate aftermath of the Jeff Ruby Steaks, a victory which took his record to five wins from six starts, connections announced their intentions to point for the GII American Turf S., but reversed course a few days later, with the Derby a possible target. “After the Jeff Ruby, Mr. Amerman and I talked and we're going to leave all of our options open,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “We still have a few weeks to train here and have some time to make a final decision as to what we do next.” In 2011, Animal Kingdom won the GIII Spiral S. before causing a 20-1 upset in the Derby in his first start on the main track. Earlier Saturday, GII Rebel S. runner-up Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}) went a half-mile in :47.80 (3/111) outside of his Grade II-placed stable companion Real Men Violin (Mendelssohn). Common Defense covered his opening two furlongs in :24.60 and was out five-eighths in 1:01.40. Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Endlessly returned to the work tab at @ChurchillDowns with a half-mile move in :49.60 outside Blue Eyed George. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/L8Mr2Z7Vck — Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) April 6, 2024 The post Endlessly Goes Easy Half-Mile at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The under-tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale begins Sunday morning and continues through Saturday. Sessions begin each day at 8 a.m. Hips one through 173 are scheduled to work Sunday, followed by: hips 174-345 on Monday; hips 346-518 on Tuesday, hips 519-690 on Wednesday; hips 691-863 on Thursday; hips 864-1035 on Friday; and hips 1036-1208 on Saturday. The Spring sale will be held Apr. 16-19 with bidding beginning each day at 10:30 a.m. The post OBS Spring Under-Tack Show Begins Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

A ground saving ride by Thomas Stockdale paved the way for the Paul Preusker-trained Captain Envious (NZ) (Savabeel) to upset the applecart when he prevailed in a thrilling finish top the Gr.3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield. The son of Savabeel went into the race after two less than impressive efforts to open his autumn campaign with punters sending last year’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) winner out at odds of better than $32 on the tote. He looked to be travelling easily in midfield against the fence for Stockdale midway through the contest but started to get cluttered up in traffic approaching the home bend. Stockdale angled him between eventual runner-up Jennilala (Shalaa) and race favourite First Immortal (Churchill) at the 200m and he burst through the narrow gap to take the lead in the shadows of the post and record his sixth career victory. Stable representative Sonya Brockenbauer indicated her heart was in her mouth as Captain Envious tried to force his way between runners. “It was a fairly small gap and when it started to close up, I thought we have lost it here but he managed to tough it out and push through and get the job done,” she said. “He is a little bit of a tricky horse as he has been here since 11:30am so he has had six hours of walking before the race but he makes it all worthwhile. “He is very quirky and even trying to put the rug on him sets him off. “Paul thinks so much of this horse and I’m sure he had a bob or two on him.” Stockdale was also full of praise for the horse who showed plenty of courage to charge his way through between horses. “It was tight and I had both horses coming in on me but credit to the horse as he had to punch through and still get the job done,” Stockdale said. “He took a long time to pull up after the post so I think he will be looking for further now. “He really liked the fast tempo throughout as he could camp off it and then present late. “He is gutsy and tough and has had a little bit of a blow after the line so he will come on with this one.” Captain Envious races in the colours of his breeders, Ultra Thoroughbred Racing. He is by Savabeel out of the Italian-bred mare My Central (Central Park), who won seven races including the Gr.3 Balanchine Stakes (1800m) in Dubai. All of the Central Park mare’s four foals to race have been winners, with Captain Envious the first to win at stakes level. My Central is also the granddam of Umgawa (Shamus Award), who has won four races and finished second in the Gr.3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) in Melbourne. He has now won six of his 19 starts and just over $648,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Racing on or near the pace has been a hallmark through most of Here To Shock’s (NZ) (Shocking) career, but the talented New Zealand-bred changed things up at Caulfield on Saturday and powered home from off the pace to win the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m). The accomplished six-year-old drew the outside gate in a field of 11 for Saturday’s A$200,000 feature, and rider Daniel Stackhouse elected to ease back and settle in the back half of the field as Edison (Fastnet Rock) set a solid pace in front. Here To Shock had only four behind him coming down the side of the track, but Stackhouse swooped widest of all around the home turn and went for gold. Here To Shock quickened powerfully down the middle of the track, hitting the lead with 100m remaining and striding clear to beat Seonee (Winning Rupert) by half a length. The Victoria Handicap was a new career high for the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Here To Shock, who had previously won the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo and had also placed in the Gr.3 Sandown Stakes (1500m). “He deserved that win,” Stackhouse said. “He’s been ultra-consistent and he tries his best every time he goes out there. “We just had to take our medicine today from that gate. The pace was on, and he travelled lovely and gave me a sweet ride. He really accelerated off the corner and put them away nicely. It might be a new way to ride him. “He’s a good galloper and he can really let go. He’s maturing and learning to switch off and settle a bit better. Early on in his career, he was very keen and you couldn’t really slow him down. Now he’s a lot more versatile.” Sporting the colours of syndicator Slade Bloodstock, Here To Shock has now won eight of his 27 starts, earning more than A$680,000 in stakes. Rob Slade went to $70,000 to purchase the then colt out of the Lonhro mare Frescoes from the 2019 Cambridge Stud yearling draft at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka. Bred by The Sunlight Trust, Here To Shock is a half-brother to Listed winner Turn The Ace (NZ) (Turn Me Loose). View the full article

Promising three-year-old staying prospect Gold Wolf (NZ) (Tivaci) showed he could be a contender for the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) next month when he produced a strong finish to tip out fellow kiwi-bred galloper Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) in a thrilling conclusion to the Listed Elvis Thurgood Galilee Series Final (2400m) at Caulfield. The David and Coral Feek-prepared son of Tivaci has come along in leaps and bounds of late after breaking his maiden status over 1600m at Moe in December. His continued development was evident with a strong display when finishing second in the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) in February. On this occasion rider Neil Farley had Gold Wolf settled and lobbing along nicely towards the rear of the field before commencing a move forward nearing the 600m. Bustled along by Farley, Gold Wolf cut the corner before weaving between runners as he chased down Antrim Coast who had looked the winner when he took over at the 200m. David Feek was quick to mention the heady ride by Farley as the large group of owners in the horse roared the house down as placings were confirmed. “We took the blinkers off today and we got a huge result for his connections and our team at home who put so much work into this one and the other horses we have in our small team,” Feek said. “Neil Farley gave him a peach of a ride and when he won his maiden at Moe, I told people we need a jockey like Neil as this is a very laid-back horse. “We put the blinkers on at Sandown last time and he ran erratically so we took them off and got a huge result today.” Feek is keen to lift his sights again with the horse, indicating a tilt at the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) in early May is a strong possibility, a race won in 2023 by another kiwi-bred in Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel). “He went fantastic in the Tasmanian Derby and he just continues to learn and is thriving,” Feek said. “The South Australian Derby is definitely an option but we will wait to see how he pulls up before making any decisions.” Farley was also excited with the win, his first at stakes level. “It’s my first black-type winner and I can’t believe it,” he said. “This horse is a big work in progress but he is starting to get the hang of it now. “It was a good strong win and it helped he had something to run down as he showed plenty of fight in doing that.” Bred by Mary Chittick out of stakes placed Rock ‘N’ Pop mare Gold Spice (NZ), Gold Wolf was purchased for $80,000 by Emerald Bloodstock from Waikato Stud’s Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2022 before being passed in later in the year at the Ready To Run Sale. Gold Wolf is from the third crop of Stud-based stallion Tivaci and becomes his fourth individual stakes winner. View the full article

Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray continued an outstanding season with their stayers when up-and-coming star Nereus (NZ) (Savabeel) powered home to win the Gr.2 City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Cambridge-based training partnership completed a rare double in March with two-mile specialist Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) victorious in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m), and look to have another staying star on their hands with four-year-old Nereus. The son of Savabeel had established a formidable record over his brief seven-start career, never featuring outside of the top three, including four victories alongside a narrow second in the $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) in January. His impeccable record has included two previous successes at the champagne turf, and the four-year-old journeyed south on black-type debut in the Awapuni Gold Cup, closing the $4.80 equal second-favourite behind the well-performed Arby (NZ) (Proisir). Carrying the silks of breeder Waikato Stud, Nereus was positioned ideally in the one-one by Joe Doyle, enjoying an economical trip in behind the leaders in Skyman (Mukhadram) and Langkawi (NZ) (Helmet). Skyman gained a break at the top of the straight leaving much of the field flat-footed, but Nereus wore down the pacemaker and showed a strong turn-of-foot late to hold off He’s A Doozy (NZ) (Zacinto), a Group One winner returning to top form. The victory was Doyle’s 82nd of the season and an 11th at stakes level, as he sits 3rd on the Jockey’s Premiership behind Warren Kennedy and Michael McNab. “He’s a lovely little horse, he’s not very imposing to look at, but he’s got a big heart and he tries very hard,” Doyle said. Ritchie was swift in praising the ride of Doyle, who was having his first ride aboard the gelding. “It was a gun ride, just as Michael McNab has on him in the past. When you’re in the one-one you get your chance, these good jockeys always do that,” Ritchie said. “He’s a very good horse, maybe the best in the stable. He’s definitely better on top of the ground, he lets down much quicker and we’ve got some exciting times ahead.” Ritchie admitted the more suitable option for his charge may have been the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) next Saturday at Otaki, but the two-week turnaround to the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) offered an opportunity for a golden ticket into the A$5 million Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October. If he takes his place, Nereus will attempt to become the second New Zealand-trained horse to qualify for an iconic Australian feature, after the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) earned a place in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November. “It wasn’t the ideal race for him today with the set weights and penalties, but the Mornington Cup is in two weeks, and taking a leaf out of Roger James’ book, that’s a golden ticket to the Caulfield Cup,” Ritchie said. “He’s a nifty little horse, who I think will get around Mornington and Caulfield well, if he keeps lifting the bar and getting over it. “He’s got the pedigree, the temperament, and the will to win.” Out of an unraced Pins mare Eudora (NZ), Nereus has earned $258,000 in stakes earnings for Waikato Stud. View the full article

Te Akau Racing produced the goods once again in a major two-year-old event when the highly touted Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) came with a powerful late burst to capture the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham. The son of I Am Invincible, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for A$525,000 at the Gold Coast in 2023, had been unbeaten in three trials before winning on race day debut at Te Rapa back in December last year. A narrow defeat by stablemate Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) on New Year’s Day at Pukekohe followed, before a puzzling run for fifth in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) on his home track in February was explained when tests revealed he was found to be suffering from a mild heart arrythmia. Given a break by trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Move To Strike stripped a fit horse for the last Group One event of the current local racing season on Saturday, and lived up to those looks with a comprehensive performance. Rider Wiremu (Billy) Pinn had him back a clear last in the early stages as Red Sea (NZ) (Pierata) set up a solid pace in front, before Pinn began to circle the field on the home turn. Stablemate Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) hit the front at the 250m but Move To Strike was just cantering at this point as he quickly extended to full stride and raced past his rivals to win by a neat length from Red Sea, who fought back bravely to fight off Captured By Love for the runner-up position. Sam Bergerson was beaming as he greeted the horse after the race. “We’ve always thought the world of him as he has always been a very lovely horse,” Bergerson said. “He paraded lovely today, and Bill (Pinn) was very patient on him as we thought we would have to be neutral in midfield early on with his wider barrier draw. “He was very good late and although he did have that blip with his heart at Matamata, we were really happy with him since as he is a top-quality colt. “We had run an ECG test and given him a slow build up before trialling him after that issue. Opie (Bosson) rode him and gave him the tick of approval and his trackwork on Tuesday was top notch. “We were going in quietly confident although respectful of the other runners, but he is a very good colt and he showed that today.” Pinn was also rapt with the winning performance. “He travelled really well, but he doesn’t breathe that well, so I just wanted to keep him relaxed,” he said. “He has a great turn of foot and is a superstar I think, and next time in I think he can win Group One after Group One as he has such a good attitude and an electric turn of foot. “I would like to thank Te Akau Racing for the opportunities they are giving me and after missing most of the major racing through being suspended I’m just relieved to get it done today.” Move To Strike is raced by the Te Akau 2023 Stallion Breeding Syndicate and has now won over $340,000 for his connections from just four starts. View the full article

Brenton Avdulla has 24 Hong Kong wins this season. Brenton Avdulla hopes Howdeepisyourlove can add further lustre to a flourishing season when he partners John Size’s sprinter in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Riding in peak form after a pair of elite victories last month aboard California Spangle – the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on March 10 and the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai last Saturday – Avdulla has posted 24 wins in Hong Kong this season. The Australian hopes Howdeepisyourlove can prevail this weekend against a field topped by Lucky Sweynesse as well as Lucky With You, Duke Wai, Flying Ace, Adios, Whizz Kid, Invincible Sage, Packing Treadmill, Nervous Witness and Tomodachi Kokoroe. “He (Howdeepisyourlove) is racing really well. Obviously, he didn’t miss by far the other day (when beaten a nose when second to Flying Ace),” Avdulla said. “He’s drawn a bit awkwardly (barrier 10), but I think he deserves his chance at this level and I’m sure he’ll measure up. He’s honest and now he’s back to the sprint trips, he’s racing really well. “I’ve got no doubt he can put his best foot forward and run really well. “I don’t think there’s much between (the horses) when you get to Class 1 or a bit better level here. Class 1 horses – they’re good horses anywhere. I expect he will continue to improve. He’s still only lightly raced and I think he’s got plenty of upside still available.” Avdulla believes barrier 10 is largely irrelevant because of Howdeepisyourlove’s racing pattern. “He’s not quick early any way. It (the barrier) won’t play a factor. He’ll probably be back a little bit. He’ll settle and relax and I hope there’ll be a good speed.,” he said. Entrenched in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship top five with 34 wins behind Zac Purton (87), Karis Teetan (60), Hugh Bowman (42) and Angus Chung (36), Andrea Atzeni will partner Frankie Lor-trained Lucky With You in the Sprint Cup. “He’s obviously a good ride. Hopefully we don’t get any rain. I think if the track is fast, we’ve got a nice draw (barrier three) – he’s been very consistent – if he turns up, he’ll be there or thereabouts,” the Italian said. Lucky With You has twice finished second at Group 1 level at Sha Tin this season behind Lucky Sweynesse in the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on December 10 before chasing home Victor The Winner in the Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on January 28. Atzeni will partner Super Sunny Sing in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) on Sunday when Chris So’s galloper searches for his fourth course and distance victory from six attempts despite drawing barrier 13. “The draw is a challenge, it’s not ideal,” Atzeni said. Russian Emperor heads the field with 128lb, while Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Sword Point, Nimble Nimbus, Red Lion, Encountered, Healthy Happy, Money Catcher, Taj Dragon, Happy Together, Super Sunny Sing and The Best Peach will all carry 123lb. Horse racing news View the full article

Feroce remains unbeaten following his win at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli An outstanding few weeks for Waikato Stud’s freshman sire Super Seth continued at Caulfield on Saturday with the unbeaten Feroce winning. Feroce now boasts a two-from-two record and is one of two first-crop winners in Australia so far this season for Super Seth. His other Australian winner is the exciting Linebacker, who has also been successful in both of his starts including last Saturday’s Group 3 Baillieu Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. Linebacker is being pointed towards the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick later this month. All eyes on Saturday were on Feroce, who delivered a first metropolitan winner for his trainer Dominic Sutton. Stepping up in class after winning on debut at Pakenham on March 21, Feroce settled on the outside of the front-running Invincible Beau until the home turn. Jockey Billy Egan pushed the button in the straight and Feroce dashed past Invincible Beau and opened up a clear lead. Perspiration produced a strong late finish to reduce the margin to half a length, but Feroce was never in any danger of defeat. “It’s hard to put into words,” said Sutton, who is in the early stages of his training career after a long tenure as foreman for Leon and Troy Corstens. “It’s pretty surreal and even more special that I have my father (Nick) over here from the UK. “It was an impressive win. It took him a little longer to get across than I expected – Invincible Beau kicked up on the inside there and just made us take our time to come across. But I loved the way that he dropped his head and settled once Billy asked him to come back. “He is still quite a raw horse and has a tendency to switch off in his gallops, so I think there is a lot of improvement still to come once he really learns to hit the line strong.” Bred by Pencarrow Stud, Feroce was purchased out of Kilgravin Lodge’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft for $160,000 by Sutton in partnership with McKeever Bloodstock. Feroce is a son of the unraced O’Reilly mare Corinthia and is a half-brother to the Listed Karaka Classic winner Siracusa and a member of the famed Eight Carat family. “He’s obviously a big strapping horse by a sire on the rise,” Sutton said. “You’ve got to take the gamble when you like a nice horse. We wanted to get some quality into the stable straight away and he’s that type of horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gold Wolf (red cap) heads Antrim Coast to win the Listed Galilee Series Final at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Promising three-year-old staying prospect Gold Wolf showed he could be a contender for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) next month when he produced a strong finish to tip out fellow kiwi-bred galloper Antrim Coast in a thrilling conclusion to the Listed Elvis Thurgood Galilee Series Final (2400m) at Caulfield. The David and Coral Feek-prepared son of Tivaci has come along in leaps and bounds of late after breaking his maiden status over 1600m at Moe in December. His continued development was evident with a strong display when finishing second in the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) in February. On this occasion, rider Neil Farley had Gold Wolf settled and lobbing along nicely towards the rear of the field before commencing a move forward nearing the 600m. Bustled along by Farley, Gold Wolf cut the corner before weaving between runners as he chased down Antrim Coast, who had looked the winner when he took over at the 200m. David Feek was quick to mention the heady ride by Farley as the large group of owners in the horse roared the house down as placings were confirmed. “We took the blinkers off today and we got a huge result for his connections and our team at home who put so much work into this one and the other horses we have in our small team,” Feek said. “Neil Farley gave him a peach of a ride and when he won his maiden at Moe, I told people we need a jockey like Neil as this is a very laid-back horse. “We put the blinkers on at Sandown last time and he ran erratically so we took them off and got a huge result today.” Feek is keen to lift his sights again with the horse, indicating a tilt at the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) in early May is a strong possibility, a race won in 2023 by another kiwi-bred in Dunkel. “He went fantastic in the Tasmanian Derby and he just continues to learn and is thriving,” Feek said. “The South Australian Derby is definitely an option but we will wait to see how he pulls up before making any decisions.” Farley was also excited with the win, his first at stakes level. “It’s my first black-type winner and I can’t believe it,” he said. “This horse is a big work in progress but he is starting to get the hang of it now. “It was a good strong win and it helped he had something to run down as he showed plenty of fight in doing that.” Horse racing news View the full article

Here to Shock on his way to winning the Group 3 Victoria Handicap at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Racing on or near the pace has been a hallmark through most of Here To Shock’s career, but the talented New Zealand-bred changed things up at Caulfield on Saturday and powered home from off the pace to win the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m). The accomplished six-year-old drew the outside gate in a field of 11 for Saturday’s $200,000 feature, and rider Daniel Stackhouse elected to ease back and settle in the back half of the field as Edison set a solid pace in front. Here To Shock had only four behind him coming down the side of the track, but Stackhouse swooped widest of all around the home turn and went for gold. Here To Shock quickened powerfully down the middle of the track, hitting the lead with 100m remaining and striding clear to beat Seonee by half a length. 2024 Group 3 Victoria Handicap Replay – Here To Shock The Victoria Handicap was a new career high for the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Here To Shock, who had previously won the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo and had also placed in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m). “He deserved that win,” Stackhouse said. “He’s been ultra-consistent and he tries his best every time he goes out there. “We just had to take our medicine today from that gate. The pace was on, and he travelled lovely and gave me a sweet ride. He really accelerated off the corner and put them away nicely. It might be a new way to ride him. “He’s a good galloper and he can really let go. He’s maturing and learning to switch off and settle a bit better. Early on in his career, he was very keen and you couldn’t really slow him down. Now he’s a lot more versatile.” Horse racing news View the full article

Australian rider is ready to adapt to ‘sluggish’ start when he hops aboard the world’s highest-rated sprinter in Sunday’s Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m)View the full article

Facile grips on to claims the PJ Bell Stakes at Randwick. Photo: RacingNSW The Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou-trained Facile (+1000) has cruised to victory in the Randwick finale on Saturday, proving too good for the girls in the P J Bell Stakes (1200m). It topped off a career day by Tyler Schiller, giving him a stakes double for the afternoon, saluting aboard Celestial Legend in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) earlier in the program. It was a perfectly rated front-running ride aboard the daughter of Trapeze Artist, as Schiller was able to tick-over some soft midrace sectionals to give a final kick with a furlong left to travel. Commemorative (+290) was well-backed prior to the jump and didn’t get a lot of luck when the whips were cracking, while Infancy (+1600) launched a late challenge down the centre of the course under Dylan Gibbons, with the young guns left to fight out the finish. It was all about the winner in the end, as Facile held off all challengers to claim her second career win. 2024 Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes Replay – Facile Co-trainer Gerald Ryan was on course to discuss the victory and spoke to what the win means. “A lot of satisfaction,” said Ryan. “I trained the mum, I trained the father. She has always promised a lot, a couple of good fillies beat her in races as a two-year-old.” “She had a setback with a (bone) chip then I probably trained her too hard in the spring, trying to make her run 1400. “After her second run here when she missed the start and she wasn’t one hundred per cent happy, I said to the crew, ‘we’ll freshen her up and aim her at this race, whack the blinkers on and see how we go’. “Tyler was confident. He came out on Tuesday week ago and rode her in a jump out and rode another two fillies, we had three in work. I gave him the pick and he picked her ten days ago.” Tyler Schiller was delighted with the win as well. “It makes a good day even better,” said Schiller. “It’s good to win on her. Last start she was a little bit tardy away, she’s a bit of a temperamental mare. “To get a Group win on the board for her, it’s a big credit for her. The team has done well. “She had a really good kick up the rise. I was surprised that one actually got that close to her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Chris Waller finally conquered one of the few remaining Group 1 races missing from his trophy cabinet. Riff Rocket, ridden masterfully by James McDonald, stormed to victory in the 2024 Australian Derby results, solidifying Waller’s place as a racing legend. Riff Rocket completed the 2024 Rosehill Guineas – Australian Derby double with a narrow win for the punters in the latter at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart. The victory marked a historic moment, with Riff Rocket becoming only the fourth horse to achieve the coveted interstate Derby double (Victoria Derby & Australian Derby). He joins an elite company alongside Dulcify, Mahogany, and the other most recent Hitotsu (2021/22). The American Pharoah gelding had been enjoying a phenomenal lead-up to the Derby. Fresh off wins in two of his three autumn starts, including the Rosehill Guineas, he was primed for a strong showing. This time around, with McDonald back in the saddle after their successful partnership in the VRC Derby last November, Riff Rocket thrived over the 2400m distance. McDonald executed a brilliant ride, holding his position close to the inside and saving crucial ground throughout the race. This strategy proved decisive in the thrilling final stretch. Riff Rocket found the perfect opening, surging past the brave frontrunner, Glad You Think So (a surprise $91 outsider trained by John Sargent), and holding off the late charge by Ceolwulf. Despite starting as the favourite ($2.20), the victory wasn’t without its challenges. Ceolwulf, trained by Joe Pride, forced Riff Rocket to work hard, mirroring their previous encounter in the Rosehill Guineas where Ceolwulf finished runner-up. Again, Riff Rocket wouldn’t be denied. Glad You Think So, with a commendable on-pace performance, held on for a distant third place, completing the Australian Derby trifecta. This victory adds another feather to Waller’s already impressive cap, etching his name even deeper in racing history as a 160-time Group 1 winning trainer. 2024 Australian Derby Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller James McDonald 8 56.5kg $2.20F 2 3 CEOLWULF (NZ) Joseph Pride Blake Shinn 0.34L 4 56.5kg $7 3 9 GLAD YOU THINK SO John Sargent Ms Rachel King 4.47L 3 56.5kg $91 4 2 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Adam Hyeronimus 5.13L 2 56.5kg $7 5 6 IMMEDIACY (NZ) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Luke Currie 6.01L 11 56.5kg $10 6 4 CAP FERRAT Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 6.03L 5 56.5kg $14 7 7 WYMARK (NZ) Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 6.13L 12 56.5kg $6.50 8 8 NOISY BOY Todd Howlett Jay Ford 9.12L 6 56.5kg $31 9 5 GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 9.59L 1 56.5kg $21 10 10 ADAGIO Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 12.4L 9 56.5kg $81 11 11 ZENMASTER Craig Carmody Chad Schofield 24.66L 7 56.5kg $201 12 12 HOOLIGAN TOMMY (NZ) John Sargent Jason Collett 29.84L 10 56.5kg $61 14 ZARDOZI James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 0 13 SAXON BRAVE Daiki Chujo Joshua Parr 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Waller Completes Double as Riff Rocket Rockets to Victory in Australian Derby 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Les Bridge etched his name deeper into Doncaster Mile history, training Celestial Legend to a thrilling victory in the 2024 edition of the prestigious race. This marked Bridge’s second Doncaster Mile win, an incredible feat achieved 39 years after his first triumph with Row Of Waves in 1985. Doncaster Mile 2024 winner Celestial Legend was enormous late down the outside to post his third straight win. Photo: Steve Hart. The Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Day 1 of The Championships boasted a stellar line-up, but it was the classy three-year-old Celestial Legend who soared to the top. “This is some horse, believe me,” Bridge declared after the emotional win. “I’ve had a lot of good horses, but this horse is unbelievable.” Celestial Legend cemented his dominance with this victory, completing a Sydney triple after his prior wins in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes and the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (over 1400m and 1600m respectively). Following his demanding performance in the Randwick Guineas, Bridge strategically eased him back into training before the Doncaster at the same distance. This proved to be a masterstroke, as Celestial Legend thrived with the weight reduction from 56.5kg to a mere 49kg. “I knew he hadn’t gone backwards,” Bridge explained. “I just gave him a nice easy trial. I just love the horse.” A crucial jockey change saw Tyler Schiller take the reins in place of Kerrin McEvoy on the light weight. Schiller executed a masterful ride, coming from an unlikely position to steal the show in a dramatic finish. The early stages saw Phearson take the lead from a wide barrier, while the top-weighted Think About It made a strong push around the home turn. Another Wil, the Prelude winner, also loomed as a threat entering the straight. The James Cummings-trained Pericles ($41) emerged as a surprise contender, while Chris Waller‘s three-time Group 1 winner Militarize ($11) displayed his customary fighting spirit, launching a late charge up the inside. However, all eyes were drawn to the far outside as Celestial Legend ($6.50) unleashed a powerful surge, overtaking Pericles in a heart-stopping photo finish. Militarize continued his consistent run this season by securing third place, adding another top-level placing to his record. “I didn’t think he could win,” Bridge admitted, still in disbelief. “I thought ‘he won’t get out.’ They just don’t do that, do they? He’s terrific. He’s a superstar.” 2024 Doncaster Mile Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 19 CELESTIAL LEGEND Les Bridge Tyler Schiller 4 49kg $6.50 2 3 PERICLES James Cummings Blake Shinn 0.67L 14 54.5kg $41 3 4 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller Zac Purton 0.71L 3 54kg $11 4 21e NUGGET (GB) Ciaron Maher Declan Bates 0.75L 7 51.5kg $26 5 22e HINGED Chris Waller Craig Williams 1.91L 12 50kg (cd 51kg) $21 6 8 DETONATOR JACK (NZ) Ciaron Maher Tim Clark 2.1L 1 52.5kg $12 7 18 ANOTHER WIL Ciaron Maher Ms Jamie Kah 2.38L 16 50kg $3.60F 8 13 DEMOCRACY MANIFEST Chris Waller Jay Ford 2.73L 9 51kg $18 9 7 KOVALICA (NZ) Chris Waller Tommy Berry 2.75L 10 53.5kg $20 10 10 RUSTIC STEEL Kris Lees Regan Bayliss 2.88L 5 52kg (cd 52.5kg) 1.0kg $51 11 1 THINK ABOUT IT Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 3.22L 13 57kg $21 12 15 LOCH EAGLE Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons (a) 3.27L 18 51kg (cd 52kg) $101 13 2 OBAMBURUMAI (JPN) Keiji Yoshimura Damian Lane 3.42L 6 55kg $8 14 9 BERKSHIRE SHADOW (GB) Ciaron Maher Andrew Adkins 3.8L 11 52.5kg $101 15 16 LINDERMANN Chris Waller Zac Lloyd (a) 3.88L 17 50.5kg $16 16 24e PALMETTO (NZ) John Sargent Ms Molly Bourke (a) 3.94L 2 51kg $151 17 23e NAVAJO PEAK David Payne Ms Rachel King 8.82L 15 52.5kg $101 18 12 LADY LAGUNA Annabel Neasham Michael Dee 11.27L 8 51kg $11 19 14 PHEARSON Brad Widdup Ron Stewart 15.45L 19 51kg 1.0kg $151 17 SEMANA Ciaron Maher Andrew Adkins 0 20 SOUTHPORT TYCOON Ciaron Maher Ms Rachel King 0 5 ZOUGOTCHA Chris Waller Craig Williams 0 2.0kg 11 ATTRACTABLE Sara Ryan Reece Jones 0 6 GOLDEN MILE James Cummings Jason Collett 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Bridge Back in the Winner’s Circle: Celestial Legend Claims 2024 Doncaster Mile Glory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

James McDonald lifts Riff Rocket to victory in the Group 1 ATC Derby. Photo: RacingNSW Riff Rocket (+125) proved too classy in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, picking up his third Group 1 victory for the Chris Waller barn. The son of American Pharoah was impressive in the spring, getting the head down in the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m), and appears to be an even better horse this autumn, winning the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before making it back-to-back Derby successes. With the early withdrawal of James Cummings-trained filly Zardozi, all the market support was in favour of the Chris Waller-trained gelding, and the steer from James McDonald was a confident one. He elected to race towards the rear of the field throughout, allowing the likes of Glad You Think So (+8000) and Wymark (+550) to set a genuine tempo throughout the 2400m journey. Tom Kitten ($6.50) appeared to have the run of the race in behind the speed, while the eventual runner-up, Ceolwulf (+600), was asked to make a long-sustained run down the centre of the course. McDonald eventually got the split back towards the inside when the race went on, powering to the front, getting the better of a very game Ceolwulf, who would have to settle for the minor money along with Glad You Think so whacking away on speed. 2024 Group 1 ATC Derby Replay – Riff Rocket It’s only the fourth time a three-year-old has done the VRC/Australian Derby double and Chris Waller spoke to the achievement in the aftermath. “It’s pretty special,” said Waller. “Simple as that, and these guys (owner Debbie Kepitis and the Ingham family) were here before I had the first Group 1 winner, so it’s fitting. “I don’t cry as much as I used to but this one’s pretty special. “He’s done a great job, he’s an amazing horse, he puts himself into the race at the right time. “Amazing ride from James. He didn’t panic being back there, it was a truly-run Derby and we had that question mark over his staying ability, but how dare we? “He’d won a Victorian Derby, he’s by American Pharoah, who’s a Derby winner and went beyond that in the Preakness and the Belmont for the Triple Crown. I guess that’s where he gets his stamina.” James McDonald apparently took notes out the Tyler Schiller playbook when referencing his victory aboard Riff Rocket. “I got inspired by Tyler’s ride (On Celestial Legend),” said McDonald. “What he can do I can do better. “I was (worried) at the 300, because he didn’t spend a penny getting there but I could feel he was out on his feet because the distance range is as far as he wants but his will to win, tenacity and finding the line is incredible. “It’s definitely not his trip, that’s for sure, he was out on his feet but he’s tough. He doesn’t know how to run a bad race, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s solid as a rock this horse and you’d love him at war with you.” Horse racing news View the full article

Thomas Stockdale returns to the mounting yard aboard Captain Envious after winning the Group 3 Easter Cup at Caulfield. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Captain Envious (+3300) has shown a strong turn of foot to burst through a small gap in the final stages of the Caulfield straight to take out the Group 3 Easter Cup, giving Paul Preusker and Thomas Stockdale their first success in the race. With Deny Knowledge (+1500) engaged it was always going to be a stiff 2000m contest, as the leader put a good gap on the rest of the field by the 600m mark, allowing the winner to absorb the pressure just worse than midfield. As the leading pack hit the 200m mark, Deny Knowledge still had the lead but Jennilala (+600), Future History (+1500) and Captain Envious were making their runs, but it was Stockdale on the eventual winner who had to get his elbows out to push through a small gap as the other two rolled in on him. The son of Savabeel pushed through the gap and let down with a burst of acceleration to finish over the top of the tiring leader, while Aberfeldie Boy (+5000) was an eye-catcher down the outside as he flew home for fourth place. The race favourite First Immortal (+190) didn’t get a lot of room on the inside of runners at the top of the straight, but he just whacked away late and was a bit disappointing for favourite backers. 2024 Easter Cup Replay – Captain Envious Sonya Brockenbauer was on course to represent the Paul Preusker stable and she spoke post-race. “It was a fairly small gap and when it started to close up I thought ‘oh, we have lost it here’, but he managed to tough it out, push through and got the job done,” Brockenbauer said. “He’s a little bit of a tricky horse. “He’s been here since half-past 11 this morning, so there has been a fair bit of walking up until now, but he makes it all worthwhile. “Very happy with him, great job by Paul (Preusker) and all of the team back home, excellent stuff. “He thinks so much of this horse, so I reckon he would have had a few bob on him.” Thomas Stockdale picked up a riding double at Caulfield on Saturday and he spoke about the win post-race. “Look, it was tight, and I had both horses coming in on me, so more credit to his win; he had to punch through that hole and still get the job done,” Stockdale said. “He took a while to pull up, so he will be looking for further now, and I think he can go on with it now. “He really enjoyed the fast tempo throughout and being able to camp off them and present late; I think there is more in store for him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Celestial Legend produced a stunning finish to claim the Group 1 Doncaster Mile. Photo: RacingNSW Celestial Legend (+550) produced a stunning turn-of-foot to claim victory in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, earning the Les Bridge-trained colt back-to-back Group 1 victories. Les Bridge suggested Celestial Legend was the “best horse” he’s ever trained in the aftermath of the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 9, and the son of Dundeel has gone on with the job thanks to a perfectly timed ride by Tyler Schiller. He was patient throughout aboard the three-year-old, and with only 49kg on his back, he was always going to get by some tiring horses in the concluding stages; however, it wasn’t until the final 150m Celestial Legend even got clear in the home straight. Another Wil (+260) had been well-supported throughout betting and charged to the lead with 400m to travel, however, when Jamie Kah asked for the ultimate effort, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding seemingly peaked on the run. It left the Chris Waller-trained Militarize topping the rise and booting clear under Zac Purton, giving himself visions of last year’s edition of the Doncaster as he clung to victory aboard Mr Brightside. It wasn’t to be this time as Pericles (+4000) arrived on the scene for Godolphin, mounting his challenge under a Blake Shinn masterclass from stall barrier 14. Meanwhile, Schiller was only now winding up aboard Celestial Legend, bolting down the outside to claim victory in one of Australia’s greatest handicaps. 2024 Group 1 Doncaster Mile Replay – Celestial Legend Les Bridge was on course to describe the feeling and made the glowing comparison to his other stable flagbearer, Classique Legend. “He’s some horse,” said Bridge. “I’ve had a lot of good horses, but this horse is unbelievable. “I just love the horse. I felt the same as I did on Everest day (when Classique Legend won). “You get horses like this, I thought I’d get one in my lifetime, I keep getting them. I can’t work it out. “What more can he do? For three-year-olds in this era, to win a Doncaster, when they’ve got the compressed weights and all these good horses are so close to him in the weights, that was the only thing that made me worry a bit. “I’m old-fashioned. You get these good, tough horses with the compressed weights, but this horse is just terrific.” Tyler Schiller was elated with the win and talked about getting down to 49kg to take the reins on Saturday. “It’s so worth it,” said Schiller. “I’m absolutely knackered after it, but I can’t thank Les and Mr Ho, the owners and connections, everyone that’s had something to do with the horse (enough), they’ve got him here perfect, I’ve got the light weight and, God, he was so brave. “He went through a gap that I wouldn’t usually take but a Doncaster means a lot and to do it for Les and his team is terrific. “Early I was a bit worried, he couldn’t get into a spot, I would have liked to be a little bit further forward but once the 800 came he tracked into the race so well and then it was just trying to find a gap. “I probably took a gap that I wouldn’t take usually but once he found that clear air, he knows where the line is, he’s very competitive and he wasn’t going to let them beat him today.” Horse racing news View the full article

Chain Of Lightning sprinted the best to claim the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) had been touted by many as a match race between Imperatriz (+240) and I Wish I Win (+320), however, it was Chain Of Lightning (+2200) getting the better of both to claim her first Group 1 victory. She had put the writing on the wall second-up into the preparation, making a mess of her rivals in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 23, suggesting the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained mare has gone to another level this time in. She was given every conceivable chance thanks to a terrific rail hugging ride by Damien Lane, making the worthwhile trip north of Victoria as the five-year-old avoided many of the traffic issues some of her key rivals faced. It was a blanket go in the concluding stages as Imperatriz, I Wish I Win, Bella Nipotina (+1000), Magic Time (+1000) and Espiona (+1700) jostled for positions and were all chomping at the heels of the leader, however, Chain Of Lightning never shirked the task, holding off some classy sprinters to the claim the T J Smith Stakes. 2024 Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes Replay – Chain Of Lightning Peter Moody was on course to speak on behalf of his team, and although all eyes were on I Wish I Win trying to score back-to-back wins in the race, the stable were still able to claim victory as Katherine Coleman chalked up her first Group 1 win as a co-trainer. “It wasn’t quite the one I thought (would win),” joked Moody. “I was looking at Wish (I Wish I Win) steaming down the outside. “This is a beautiful moment. Stuey and Trish Ramsey, they’ve been my foundation clients, we go back 30-odd years, so to win that for him that’s unbelievably special. “Fourth time now winning the race named after ‘The Little Master’, my first boss TJ Smith, which makes me very proud. “Thanks to Kat Coleman, my training partner, her first Group 1. Well done Katherine, well deserved.” Damien Lane gave his post-race assessment as well, benefiting from the soft draw throughout the running. “She was super,” said Lane. “I was able to hold a handy spot from a good draw and just travelled into the race so well. “Moods said to me before the race, ‘if you’re going well on straightening, try and pinch a break up the rise’. “I did and then I went, ‘I might have gone too early’. (That’ll teach me for) listening to trainers again, but in the end it came off and she was so tough. “She’s a race day horse, she just steps up to the mark every time she’s asked to and she just fights on.” Horse racing news View the full article

Alexis Badel believes the last-start winner is well placed to notch his sixth victory of the season in Sunday’s Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m)View the full article

The 2024 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick witnessed a stunning upset as Chain Of Lightning, trained by Peter Moody and ridden by Katherine Coleman, stormed to victory in the prestigious Group 1 race. Chain Of Lightning winning the 2024 TJ Smith Stakes in an upset at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart. This marked a momentous occasion for both trainer and jockey. Moody secured his 58th Group 1 win, further solidifying his legacy as a champion trainer, while Coleman celebrated her maiden victory at the highest level. Despite her recent win in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes and a strong showing, Chain Of Lightning entered the race as an underdog amidst a field brimming with star power. However, she silenced the doubters with a dominant performance. Ridden impeccably by Damian Lane, Chain Of Lightning ($21) settled comfortably in fourth position early on. Maintaining a perfect rhythm, she capitalised on her advantageous position and battled valiantly in the final stretch to secure the coveted win. The victory was far from a one-horse race. The ever-reliable mare Bella Nipotina, trained by Ciaron Maher, pushed Chain Of Lightning to the limit, finishing a close second despite encountering a pre-race shoeing issue. Moody’s other contender, last year’s TJ Smith Stakes champion I Wish I Win, finished a respectable third after enduring an uncomfortable wide run throughout the race. Meanwhile, the heavily-favoured Imperatriz, a 10-time Group 1 winner trained by Mark Walker, finished fourth in a tightly contested finish, failing to live up to expectations after showing signs of nervousness before the race. The 2024 TJ Smith Stakes will be remembered for the emergence of a new champion and the emotional significance of a first-time Group 1 victory for a talented jockey. 2024 TJ Smith Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 14 CHAIN OF LIGHTNING Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Damian Lane 2 56.5kg $21 2 9 BELLA NIPOTINA Ciaron Maher Craig Williams 0.31L 10 56.5kg $11 3 1 I WISH I WIN (NZ) Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman James McDonald 0.34L 4 58.5kg $4.20 4 8 IMPERATRIZ Mark Walker Opie Bosson 0.56L 6 56.5kg $3.50F 5 11 SUNSHINE IN PARIS Annabel Neasham Jason Collett 0.7L 8 56.5kg $6.50 6 10 ESPIONA Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 0.8L 12 56.5kg $17 7 13 MAGIC TIME Grahame Begg Michael Dee 1.11L 1 56.5kg $10 8 7 JOHNNY ROCKER Nick Ryan Mark Zahra 2.01L 3 58.5kg $31 9 6 BUENOS NOCHES Matthew Smith Ben Melham 2.23L 13 58.5kg $31 10 15 WILLINGA BEAST Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons (a) 2.55L 5 56.5kg $201 11 3 MAZU Joseph Pride Tim Clark 6.96L 11 58.5kg $21 12 5 AFT CABIN James Cummings Zac Purton 8.05L 7 58.5kg $16 13 4 COAL CRUSHER Joseph Pride Tyler Schiller 9.29L 9 58.5kg $31 12 CYLINDER James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 0 2 PRIVATE EYE Joseph Pride Blake Shinn 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Chain Of Lightning Shocks Field in TJ Smith Stakes 2024 Results appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Jason Collett lifts Manaal to Group 1 success in the ATC Sires Produce Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Michael Freedman & Jason Collett combined with Manaal (+450) claiming victory in the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, circling their rivals to score an impressive victory over Godolphin’s Traffic Warden (+650) in the shadows of the post. The daughter of Tassort ended up going around as the only filly in the race due to the late withdrawal of Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) winner Lady Of Camelot and was well-backed prior to the jump after producing an eye-catching performance in the first leg of the two-year-old triple crown. It may have been a nervy watch in the early stages as she was sent to the rear of the field under Collett, allowing her to stride causally under her own steam before being let loose down the centre of the course. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained pair of Anode (+900) and Prost (+2200) were sent to the front at a moderate clip, seemingly trying to set the race up for stablemate, and heavily backed favourite, Storm Boy (+100). However, things didn’t go to plan for James McDonald on the short-priced commodity, sitting four wide without cover throughout the journey, never truly firing a shot in the concluding stages. Traffic Warden raced to the lead under Jamie Kah and looked to be travelling best, before Manaal produced a scintillating turn-of-speed to round him up and claim her first Group 1 success. 2024 Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes Replay – Manaal Michael Freedman was on course to discuss the victory of his filly and there was no suggestion she will head to the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m). “She’s such a good filly,” said Freedman. “We went home a little bit dejected after the Slipper, circumstances as they were, but after her work on Tuesday said to Hussain (owner), ‘I really think it will take a good one to beat her’. “No disrespect to any of the opposition, for sure, but she’s a really good filly and I’m really excited by what she might be able to do coming back as a three-year-old as well. “She’s a real sweetheart around the stables. She’s just got the most beautiful temperament and that’s the Tassorts, I’ve got three or four of these and they’ve just got the most brilliant temperaments, which make our job so much easier. “Hopefully Hussain can find a few more for me.” Jason Collett credited the toughness of his mount and particularly how strong she performed in the Slipper. “She’s tough,” said Collett. “I travelled well when the tempo come off but just came under pressure there when they went and just had to give her the time to find it. “She’s just got a real attitude and toughness about her, which showed late. “I was fortunate enough to pick her up in the Slipper and although she didn’t win it, it felt like a win. “I came back in and I could see the excitement in Michael’s eyes and the team. “She had an awful gate (in the Slipper), so we went into today with confidence. Her work on Tuesday was the same as before going into the Slipper. Again she drew wide, but she was able to overcome it.” Horse racing news View the full article