Wandering Eyes

The final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will run from April 4-6. Repole Stable's Florida Derby (G1) winner Fierceness was tabbed as the solid 7-2 favorite.View the full article

Owned by Abbondanza Racing, Medallion Racing, and Ike and Dawn Thrash, Turnerloose won the 2022 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2). She hasn't found the winner's circle since but has found herself hitting the board in four of her 11 subsequent starts.View the full article

All-sources handle rose 17.1% during Turfway Park's Winter/Spring meet which concluded Saturday. In total, more than $170 million was wagered at the meet, nearly $25 million more than 2023. A total of $18.8 million in prize money, including funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, was distributed across 438 races at the 50-day meet. With two additional racing days from the 2023 meet, Turfway Park saw an increase of 152 starters. “Our successful season at Turfway Park would not be possible without the support of all owners, trainers, jockeys and horseplayers,” said Chip Bach, general manager at Turfway Park. “The racing product at Turfway Park has continued to thrive, thanks to the continued investments from Churchill Downs Incorporated and our dedicated staff here at Turfway Park.” Jockey Luan Machado was a dominant force in the rider standings throughout the Winter/Spring Meet, tallying 62 wins from 289 starts. Machado's win total was 25 more than runner-up Gerardo Corrales and his mounts earned $2.3 million. This was Machado's fourth leading rider title at Turfway Park. Trainer Eric Foster notched his first title at Turfway Park, winning 15 races from 86 starts. Foster finished one win ahead of Brad Cox and three in front of Juan Cano and John Ennis. Foster's horses banked $837,777 in purse money while winning at 17%. Christina Estvanko and Margo Scott led all owners with eight wins. The partnership's horses made 37 starts while earning $176,177. The post All-Sources Handle up at Turfway Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fifty-eight entries for the Betfred Oaks on May 31 have been revealed, led by last season's champion juvenile filly Opera Singer (Justify). The G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner remains the market leader despite the recent announcement by her trainer Aidan O'Brien that she may miss the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket following a minor setback in training. Her stable-mate Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is also among the 13 fillies to have been entered from Ballydoyle. Irish trainers Noel Meade, Jim Bolger and Dermot Weld have one entry apiece while Paddy Twomey has entered Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) and One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Ralph Beckett has the strongest representation among the British-based trainers with nine fillies engaged at this stage. These include the maiden winner Treasure (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), owned by the King and Queen. Britain's champion training partnership of John and Thady Gosden, which won last year's Oaks with Lady Bamford's Soul Sister (Ire), has five entries, including Cheveley Park Stud's Regal Jubilee (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is currently third-favourite for the fillies' Classic. Making Dreams (GB) (Make Believe {GB}), the winner of Monday's G3 Prix Penelope at Saint-Cloud, is one of four entries for Karl Burke. She races in the colours of Nick Bradley Racing, the syndicate which fielded the 2021 Oaks runner-up Mystery Angel (Ire). The sole French entry for the race is the Group 3-placed Dare To Dream (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), who is trained by Chantilly-based Irishman Gavin Hernon. Friday's card for the Betfred Derby meeting includes the G1 Coronation Cup, which could see a rematch between the first two home in last year's Derby, Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The reigning Coronation Cup champion Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is also among the 23 entries, which include the St Leger winner Continuous (Ire) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and German Horse of the Year Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). The post Opera Singer Heads Oaks Entries; Stellar Selection for Coronation Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stable Recovery is a rehabilitation program in Lexington, Kentucky that provides a safe living environment and a peer-driven, therapeutic community for men in the early stages of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Along with going to 12-step meetings and support groups, residents attend the School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farm to learn a new vocation in the Thoroughbred industry. The School of Horsemanship is a project that was created by Taylor Made two years ago and has since seen over 100 men go through the program. Many of those graduates have gone on to pursue a career in an equine-related field. Spy Coast Farm, Brook Ledge, Hallway Feeds, Will Walden Racing, Rood & Riddle, WinStar Farm and Godolphin have recently partnered with Stable Recovery as the program looks to expand its reach throughout Lexington. In this month's installment of TDN's series, 'The Road Back,' we introduce you to graduate William Jackson, now the house manager for Stable Recovery. When crossing the threshold into Stable Recovery's house on Hummingbird Lane in Lexington, a true feeling of 'being home' washes over you. The sound of conversation and laughter fills the air as staff and residents make their way through the house while an assortment of dogs wag their way into the mix. And there in the front office on the right, seated at the desk across from me, is William Jackson. The 46-year-old man with the kind eye and constant smile shares his life story with a calm that speaks to his character, spoken with a reverent tone of voice that reflects where he's been and how far he's come in his lifetime. As he talks, the realization of how poignant this introduction and this conversation is settles in the room. Because less than two years ago, after decades of witnessing death and living on the brink of it, Jackson's heart stopped after an overdose. “In September of 2022, I lost the house, the nice truck I had, we had all of the utilities turned off, and I was damn near about to go to jail. Then, I ended up getting hit by that car and later, overdosing in the room in that trailer,” recalled Jackson. He had hit rock bottom. And it was the result of a life that revolved around one constant: drug use. Born in Springfield, Mo., Jackson spent his early years primarily in the company of his mom, since his stepdad had been sent to prison early on and his five older siblings were much further ahead in their lives, all off on their own. By the time he was in fifth grade, they had relocated to Corbin, Ky., to live near the rest of his extended family. “Most of my family, all my uncles and aunts and everyone, used a lot of drugs and drank. All the men drank beer all the time and most of my aunts were taking pills and smoked marijuana. I remember my cousins were doing it, too, they were a little older than me. And one of my cousins even grew some pot with his father. That was what they did,” said Jackson. “By the time I was 11, I was taking pills and smoking marijuana and drinking on the weekends. I started out just doing a little bit of everything.” Growing up, the tragedy that Jackson experienced only perpetuated his dependence on using drugs as an escape. “When I was 12, my sister committed suicide. That was pretty traumatic. And then, it was the next year I guess, I remember walking in the house and finding my grandmother dead. I was the one who found her.” The loss of a close friend in high school, and later the loss of his girlfriend, only darkened his outlook on life. “I had lots of little things that kept me angry, confused, and mad at the world. But I always felt like doing drugs was wrong. It was bad and I wanted to do the right thing. I always did good in school and I wanted to please people, but all this stuff kept always pushing me towards all of that other stuff,” said Jackson. By the time he was 27, he'd already married and divorced his first wife, who sadly overdosed and passed away a year after their marriage ended. From there, Jackson went back home to live with his mom and eventually picked up drinking. “I was an alcoholic for about 13 years. Pretty heavy. I could drink at least 3/5 of a bottle of hundred-proof a day by myself. That all led to me being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. They gave me a year to live,” said Jackson. “It scared me, so I decided to quit drinking. By this time, I had already met my second wife, I was married again, and she went with me to Alcoholics Anonymous for a while. But I only went for about three months.” William Jackson becomes a Legacy of Stable Recovery. Pictured: Tyler Harris, Josh Franks, Christian Countzler, Ashton Becker, Carrol McCromick, William Jackson, and Dan Pride | Stable Recovery Though he'd saved his liver, Jackson continued to pursue other avenues in his drug use, turning to buying and using Suboxone before eventually caving to the enticement of heroin by the time he was 41. There seemed to be no end to the lows in his life, the many holes that he couldn't pull himself out of, until he dug the deepest of all that fateful night in September of 2022. A deadly mix of a Xanax bar laced with Fentanyl and a small dose of heroin in the early hours of the morning led to him collapsing on the floor, the sound waking his wife in the other room. She called 911 and held Jackson as he laid there, foaming at the mouth, his body eerily still. And after minutes that felt like hours, first responders arrived on the scene and revived him. From there, Jackson decided to redirect his breaking point into a turning point, as he went to the hospital for treatment and later went to a Stepworks Recovery Center. “I had so much guilt, shame and remorse. I just wanted it to be over, I wanted it to be done. This was the first time I'd ever been in treatment or anything like this. It was the worst. There was just so much stuff happening. It was so bad and I was just crying, at wit's end, and I was just done. I was ready to die,” said Jackson. But it was there in the recovery center that he found a pamphlet for Stable Recovery. In one of those moments where one might question how heavy the hand of God truly is, Jackson felt a dream had been fulfilled with the opportunity to get back out on a farm. “My dream was to work on a farm again. It just so happens that when you're in Stable Recovery, you're on the farm taking care of horses, driving tractors and doing all this stuff. It's like God sent me this perfect place and completely changed my life,” said Jackson. Despite his addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout most of his life, and the health issues that arose because of that, he never missed a day of work. He was a carpenter by trade and had spent over 20 years building houses. And though he'd been hesitant to enter the program due to his strong need to return home to his family, he knew that Stable Recovery was the best thing for him, for all of them. “One of the best things my wife ever did for me was call and say, 'You're not coming home.' Once I got here, it just changed my life. It saved my life. I spent a year on the farm, taking care of the horses, taking care of babies. I helped foal out 80 babies last year. I found peace on the farm, just out in the fields, in the quiet with the horses,” said Jackson. “Then slowly, as I was making better decisions and doing the right thing, people [in my life] started talking to me again. My wife would talk to me a little bit and then she'd started coming to see me. And my daughter would always visit.” Now 17 months sober, Jackson serves as the House Manager for Stable Recovery, a role he took on a few months ago. The job entails overseeing the houses that the men in the program live in, which can involve anything from handling paperwork to driving the men to the farm for work or staying up late with a program participant who just needs someone to listen. Though the horses and the tranquility on the farm soothed his soul, Jackson has realized that being a mentor and friend to those in the program is his true purpose. “My wife and kids would call it an 'astronaut job,' because we were coming in here and you can't even imagine a place like this. Especially when we think of the shape that we're in as despicable addicts. We have the worst opinion of ourselves when we're out there, but to be able to come in here and have somebody trust you and to be a part of the farm, it's hard to believe. It gives you such an unfair advantage almost compared to other treatment centers because you come here and it's just like a dream, and then all you have to do is do things right,” said Jackson. Though the drug use was detrimental from a health standpoint, the biggest burden to Jackson was the regret and guilt he lived with as a result of his addiction. It wasn't until he arrived at Taylor Made that he finally had the chance to process, reflect and heal. “I just wanted do what was right and I was always doing something wrong. I always felt guilty for using and drinking. When you first come in, even though the guys are like you, you're so uncomfortable with yourself at first that you can't open up. You don't even trust them or yourself at first,” he said. “But when you can go out there in that field and be with the mommas and the babies, and all you have to be is genuine and care about them, it's amazing how they open up and love you. “It's a growing experience between you and the horses. At first you go in there and it's just like it is with anybody else, you're uncomfortable, scared, and awkward for a while. But you spend time with them and before you know it, it's crazy how much you can fall in love with them and how much they depend on and trust you. It's unbelievable what it does for you. It brought me a peace that I hadn't had in years, a feeling that I remembered when I was a child, but barely. I never thought I'd see it for many years.” William Jackson and family | Stable Recovery Since taking on this position with Stable Recovery, Jackson has received certifications as a peer support specialist and a supported employment specialist, while continuing to take classes and participate in webinars on topics such as peer support. Though it comes with plenty of responsibility, Jackson truly believes that the job has fulfilled him in a way that he never thought possible. It is the reason he chose a job in the house over one he'd been offered on the farm. “It just seemed like it would have been selfish of me to go [that route]. If I took that [job] for a house and a truck, I would have been sick again in my heart and soul. Not because of anything anybody said or thought, but in my heart, it would have made me sick because I want to give back and help the guys,” said Jackson. “It's a mutual respect [with the guys] where they love me and we love each other. It's a great house. The guys, even the hard ones that come in, they end up opening up and fall right into it, too. If you can last and you don't leave pretty quick, you end up being a part of the family and it's amazing. I get that same kind of love here as I did on the farm with the horses. “This is my best medicine, to be right here helping the guys and interacting with them every day. It's the best thing that I can do. It's going to keep me alive and keep me sober.” As Jackson speaks, you can feel the aura of selflessness that shimmers around him. He traveled the road not many make it back from and not only paved a new one for himself, but now does that for others every day. Stable Recovery gave him the tools and the time, but Jackson dug the foundation and built his own house of healing. “I'm truly blessed to be able to come in here and use the pain that I've felt to be able to help a man move on with his life and start over. I wake up thankful every day. It's crazy how wonderful that feels, right?” To learn more, or to donate to Stable Recovery, visit stablerecovery.net/. The post The Road Back: After 46 Years, William Jackson Finds Solace in Stable Recovery appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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

Following his dominant victory in Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby, Fierceness (City of Light) has been installed the 7-2 morning-line favorite for the sixth pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Catching Freedom (Constitution), winner of the GII Louisiana Derby, is 8-1 on the morning line, while Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}), winner of the G2 UAE Derby, is 10-1. The pool, which opens Thursday, closes Saturday at 4 p.m.–prior to the day's three major Derby prep races. Pool 6 will feature $2 Win and Exacta wagering. Fans can wager via www.TwinSpires.com, along with simulcast and ADW outlets from around the country. The post Fierceness Favored in Derby Future Pool 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Backside Learning Center will host its third annual Derby Handicapping Social at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Apr. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event features a Kentucky Derby 150 handicapping seminar with a panel of the industry's top experts: FanDuelTV's Caton Bredar, Churchill Downs' Joe Kristufek, and FanDuelTV's Gabby Gaudet, with NBC's Donna Barton Brothers moderating. In addition to handicapping, the event serves as a social hour to mingle with owners, trainers and connected leaders in the Thoroughbred industry and also includes a bourbon raffle with complimentary hors d'oeurves and drinks. The event is free with a suggested donation at the door. Learn more at: bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping24. The Louisville-based Backside Learning Center is a nonprofit organization providing support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment to the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families. The post Backside Learning Center Hosts Handicapping Social appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Newmarket training ranks will be boosted by the addition of leading Qatari trainer Hamad Al-Jehani, who is to set up with a “small number” of horses owned by Wathnan Racing, the operation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Al-Jehani, who will continue to train in Qatar over the winter, will be based in the lower yard at Tom Clover's Kremlin House Stables. The deal has been negotiated by Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock, who has been responsible for buying a number of horses for Wathnan Racing in recent seasons, including the Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who was one of two Royal Ascot winners for the operation last season. Now 35, Al-Jehani is a former international show jumper who was a member of the Qatari national team. He has been training since 2013 and notched his first winner in Qatar the following year. Having started out with three racehorses, he now has a string of 80 in Doha and is leading the Qatari trainers' championship on 53 winners, including the Qatar Guineas winner Lil' Frank (GB) (Frankel {GB}), whom he bought from the Tattersalls July Sale last year for 52,000gns. He also saddled the former John and Thady Gosden-trained Jeff Koons (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) to win the Qatar Derby in December for Wathnan Racing. “I am excited to have the chance to train in Newmarket,” said Al-Jehani. “It's an amazing opportunity for me to work in this historic training centre. I have been attending the sales in Newmarket for many years and have long been an admirer of the world-class facilities. I'm really looking forward to getting started.” Olly Tait, adviser to Wathnan Racing, added, 'Hamad's had a brilliant first season training Wathnan horses in Qatar and we are delighted to be giving him this experience. Alban de Mieulle, who also trains for Wathnan in Qatar, takes a number of horses to France in the summer and had great success with [dual Listed winner] Bolthole last year. It would be wonderful if Hamad can do something similar in Newmarket.” Al-Jehani will be assisted at Kremlin House by Tommy Allen, who has spent the past three years assisting Classic-winning trainer George Boughey. Boughey said, “I am obviously very sorry to lose Tommy after what has been a hugely successful three years together. But he is leaving very much with our blessing. It's a great chance for him and I've no doubt he will be an enormous asset to Hamad Al-Jehani. Henry Morshead has worked with me and Tommy for the past season and will take over his place.” During 2023, Wathnan Racing had horses with a variety of trainers in Europe, including John and Thady Gosden, Ralph Beckett and Eve Johnson Houghton in Britain and Carlos and Yann Lerner and Christophe Ferland in France. The post Top Qatari Trainer Al-Jehani to Set Up in Newmarket for Wathnan Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro) took a crucial step towards his planned return in the HK$22 million Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) with a routine barrier trial on Tuesday this morning. Vincent Ho is also planning a return to competition following injuries and was in the plate at Sha Tin as Hong Kong’s champion readies for his second appearance this season in a race he has already won three times (2021, 2022 & 2023) on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 28 April). “He felt good. He’s a little bit heavy still but we still have some time. I’m happy with how he is after a long break. He always feels good, he gave me a good response. I eased off over the last 100 (metres) or so because it was his first trial back – we’ll pick up after this and see,” Ho said. Golden Sixty, purchased out of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale, is Hong Kong’s only 10-time Group One winner, highest earner in Hong Kong racing history (HK$165.85 million) and only 26-time winner. His sole start this term returned victory in December’s HK$32 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m). Settled at the tail of the field early, Golden Sixty lengthened in the home straight as the widest runner in this morning’s trial. He finished in third position. “He will definitely improve from that. He’s always a bit laidback, especially across recent years and in his trials he shows laziness, even in turf gallops – that’s him,” Ho said. The eight-year-old Medaglia d’Oro gelding clocked 1m 10.49s for his hit-out on the dirt over 1200m. He suffered a left fore leg injury which resulted in his absence across the past four months. Ho is a four-time winner of the FWD Champions Mile, taking victory the previous three times aboard Golden Sixty and once atop Southern Legend (2020). Trained by Francis Lui, Golden Sixty is a winner over distances ranging from 1200m-2000m. He swept the 2020 Four-Year-Old Classic Series with victories in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). “We’ll have some gallops next week and then one more trial, turf gallops and then ready for the race,” Ho said. “He never feels like an eight-year-old. He feels even better, like he’s improving every year with age as he gets older.” Ho is eyeing a return to race riding at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 10 April. He was sidelined following a fall on 24 January at Sha Tin. View the full article

Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson will head south to Ashburton with a dozen runners on Thursday, including last start winner Adannaya (NZ) (Niagara), who is readying for a stakes assignment. The stakes performer has been freshened since her last start victory over 1200m at Wingatui in February and will kick-off her autumn preparation in the Greg Jones Memorial (1300m). The daughter of Niagara, who was runner-up in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing, will be hoping to go one better when she lines-up in the Listed Daphne Bannam Memorial Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton later this month, and Robinson believes Thursday’s test will be the perfect lead-in race. “She has had a nice break since her last win and she is well-weighted (54kg) on Thursday. She will run well but the race will clean her up nicely for the 1400m Easter Stakes,” Robinson said. Robinson is also upbeat about the chances of stablemate Forever Babe (NZ) (Per Incanto), who takes three consecutive placings into the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m). “Forever Babe has been running really well,” he said. “She is a very fast horse, but I just think 1400m around a corner will really suit her. She has a good draw (5) and should be hard to beat.” Three-year-old filly Written Off (NZ) (Ghibellines) will be out to make the perfect start to her racing career when she makes her debut in the Supporting Kai For Kids (1200m). “Written Off is a first starter and has trialled up really nice,” Robinson said. “She had a couple of seconds at the trials. She will benefit with the experience, but she will run alright. She is a nice filly, I like her quite a bit.” Robinson is also looking forward to lining up Devil In Disguise (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) in the Gilbert Butterick Memorial (2200m), Delphillius (NZ) (Rageese) in the Wide Span Sheds (1200m), and In Awe (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (1600m). “Devil In Disguise has come through his last start really well,” he said. “He should have won his last start, he was a bit stiff, was held up at the wrong time and was late getting clear. He has done really well since then and I expect him to be pretty hard to beat. “Delphillius has done well since her last run and I think she has improved since then. Jasmine (Fawcett, jockey) takes the ride again and knows her well. She liked the run last start so hopefully she should run well. “In Awe ran fifth the other day fresh-up. He has a good draw (2) and will run well.” View the full article

Trainer Terry Gillett (right) and jockey Stan Tsaikos with Alice Springs Turf Club chairman Andrew Maloney following the win by Supreme Attraction in the 2023 $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m). Picture: Nikki Westover Photography The 2024 Alice Springs Turf Club’s Cup Carnival reaches a climax this weekend at Pioneer Park with the running of the two feature races. It’s the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on Saturday followed by the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on Sunday. The Terry Gillett trained Supreme Attraction, last year’s winner of the Pioneer Sprint, tops the weights with 61.5kg in the Red Centre’s biggest race for the speedsters from stablemate Great Buy (61kg) and Gary Clarke’s Early Crow (58.5kg). Early Crow, formerly trained by Dick Leech, currently serving a 12-month suspension, won last year’s $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) during the Darwin Cup Carnival. Meanwhile, last year’s Alice Springs and Darwin Cup winner Write Your Name, also trained by Clarke, tops the weights with 61kg in Central Australia’s biggest race of the year. Write Your Name, named Horse of the Year for 2023 in Alice Springs and Darwin, was also formerly trained by Leech. Shiny Rock from the Murray Bridge stable of Garret Lynch, who has yet to race at Pioneer Park, is next with 59kg, followed by Lake’s Folly (56.5kg), fourth in last year’s Cup, from the Michael Hickmott’s South Australian stable. Apart from Lake’s Folly, Hickmott – now based at Wellington, 36km south of Murray Bridge, is set to start Exalted Fire (56kg) and Oath Of Omerta (54kg), the winner of the Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) at Oakbank on March 30, feature at Pioneer Park Sunday. The Carol Hunter-trained seven-year-old mare Desert Lass (55.5kg), second in the 2023 Alice Springs Cup behind Write Your Name, currently sits third on the ballot for this year’s Cup. Acceptances for the Pioneer Sprint and Alice Springs Cup will be declared on Wednesday and Thursday morning, respectively, with both races accommodating a field of 12. Horse racing news View the full article

Tancred Stakes Day at Rosehill Gardens took centre stage last Saturday, as the program was headlined by the final lead-up races for The Championships. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners from Rosehill that we think are worth following at their next start. You can add these runners to your blackbook with your chosen online bookmaker and get alerts before they run. Rosehill Gardens Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +6m 900m to winning post, +5m remainder Race 5: Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) | Time: 1:28.79 Horse to follow: Makarena (4th) One of the toughest watches of any runner last weekend was that of Makarena in the Emancipation Stakes. The Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained filly was heavily backed into favouritism and after settling behind the leaders, she was held up from the home turn until the 150m mark before finishing off strongly to run fourth. With a fair run, the daughter of Snitzel would have been extremely hard to beat. When to bet: Although Makarena is nominated for the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, it is expected that Team Hawkes will accept for something in slightly lower grade over 1500m or 1600m. If they do accept for a Group 2 or Group 3 race next, she should be winning. Race 6: Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.04 Horse to follow: Roots (3rd) Chris Waller and Jason Collett combined with Roots first-up as the five-year-old mare flew home from the back of the field to finish third behind Bandi’s Boy in the Star Kingdom Stakes over 1200m. After settling in the last two pairs before turning into the home straight, Collett took the daughter of Press Statement back to the inside rail, and she took significant ground off the leading duo late. Due to Malkovich assuring a solid tempo, Roots enjoyed the pressure and showed that she would appreciate a step up in trip next start. When to bet: If Chris Waller can find a race over 1400m at Group 2 or Group 3 level for Roots, she should prove very hard to beat second-up after such a strong showing fresh. Race 8: Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) | Time: 2:28.91 Horse to follow: More Felons (2nd) More Felons was beaten by Kalapour in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes and went within a head of recording back-to-back wins to start this preparation after claiming the Listed Parramatta Cup first-up. After settling mid-field in the 2400m race, the Chris Waller-trained gelding took a few strides to warm up in the final 300m, but once he did, he finished as strong as any of his rivals. It appears as though the son of Churchill’s Sydney Cup campaign is going very well, and he should be ready to go third-up at 3200m. When to bet: As mentioned above, More Felons is on a Sydney Cup campaign, and of the runners that we have seen in the lead-up to the Group 1 contest on April 13, he looks to be the one to beat. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Latest horse racing tips View the full article

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai has extended its support for Salisbury Racecourse by putting its name to the City Bowl, which is to be run on Thursday, May 16 for £24,000. The same meeting features the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap, the first in a five-race series, and two further contests for three-year-old novices on the seven-race programme will carry the sponsor's branding on what will be known as Al Basti Equiworld Dubai City Bowl Stakes Day. The company's founder Malih Al Basti said, “We were pleased to support Salisbury in their efforts to promote opportunities for young riders, and we have been delighted with the success of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Racing Excellence Apprentice Series. When the opportunity arose to extend our partnership we did not hesitate.” Prizes of £1,500, £1,000 and £500 will be awarded to the three riders amassing the most points in the series, which was won last year by 21-year-old Olivia Tubb, who is apprenticed to Jonathan Portman. On the same day, Al Basti Equiworld Dubai will also be sponsoring the G2 Dante S. at York. The post Al Basti Equiworld Increases Salisbury Sponsorship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The fields are out for this Friday’s Racing Rewards Easter Showcase at Addington. There are three races for the pacers and two for the trotters, each worth $30,000. The top 42 ranked pacers and top 32 ranked trotters nominated have been split into fields, based on ratings. The pacers will contest three races with 14 acceptors each, while in the trotting races there will be two races, with 16 acceptors each. Now in its third year, the very popular Showcase is all about rewarding intermediate grade trotters and pacers. To be eligible horses had to be aged four-year-old and older, and rated 57 or below, as of January 1 2024. Each start a horse had within the qualification period (January 1 – April 1 2024) is multiplied by the number of wins, the number of seconds, the number of thirds and the number of fourths. The four figures are then aggregated to give a “Racing Rewards Score”, which will then place the horse within the racing Rewards rankings. To be eligible a horse must have had a minimum of three starts within the qualification period. To see Friday’s fields at Addington click here View the full article

The 2024 Australian Derby, a highlight of “The Championships,” promises an exciting clash of three-year-olds this Saturday at Royal Randwick. Rosehill Guineas winner Riff Rocket chases Group 1 win number three in Saturday’s 2024 Australian Derby field. Photo: Steve Hart. The $3 million Group 1 race (2400m) features a talented field vying for classic glory. Chris Waller‘s star gelding Riff Rocket sits atop the Australian Derby betting boards at $3.60 through Ladbrokes. Fresh off his victory in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m), he looks to become the first horse since Criterion in 2014 to complete the coveted Rosehill Guineas – Australian Derby double. The only filly in the race, James Cummings‘ Zardozi, presents a unique challenge at $4.20. The talented Kingman filly boasts a win in the VRC Oaks (2500m) and a recent victory over the boys in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) this prep. With Jamie Kah aboard, she seeks to become the first Australian Derby-winning filly since Shamrocker in 2011. Several other horses have the potential to cause an upset. Godolphin‘s Tom Kitten ($5.50), last year’s Spring Champion Stakes winner, is a threat after a close sixth in the Rosehill Guineas. Local hope Wymark ($7) is riding a four-race winning streak, having captured the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) last weekend. Witness the next generation of champions battle it out! The 2024 Australian Derby takes place at Royal Randwick on Saturday. 2024 Australian Derby Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 x12121x131 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller James McDonald 10 56.5kg 107 2 13321×6546 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Adam Hyeronimus 3 56.5kg 100 3 312x6x662 CEOLWULF (NZ) Joseph Pride Blake Shinn 5 56.5kg 92 4 5x9732x673 CAP FERRAT Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 7 56.5kg 88 5 x41183x794 GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1 56.5kg 88 6 1115 IMMEDIACY (NZ) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Luke Currie 13 56.5kg 88 7 34×2421111 WYMARK (NZ) Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 14 56.5kg 88 8 24100×652 NOISY BOY Todd Howlett Jay Ford 8 56.5kg 80 9 31150×3067 GLAD YOU THINK SO John Sargent Ms Rachel King 4 56.5kg 69 10 21241 ADAGIO Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 11 56.5kg 60 11 x01x598462 ZENMASTER Craig Carmody Chad Schofield 9 56.5kg 60 12 5x865x233 HOOLIGAN TOMMY (NZ) John Sargent Jason Collett 12 56.5kg 56 13 x32524x231 SAXON BRAVE Daiki Chujo 6 56.5kg 55 14 007121×013 ZARDOZI James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 2 54.5kg 102 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 Riff Rocket Aims for 2024 Australian Derby Glory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Lady Of Camelot, the Golden Slipper winner trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, aims for a Group 1 juvenile double this weekend. Golden Slipper Stakes winner Lady Of Camelot chases another Group 1 Sydney win in Saturday’s 2024 Inglis Sires’ field. Photo: Steve Hart. She’s among the favourites in the 2024 Inglis Sires’ (1400m) for two-year-olds, one of four elite races kicking off “The Championships” at Royal Randwick on Saturday. The Inglis Sires’ field features 10 youngsters, with Lady Of Camelot aiming to join Fireburn (2022) as the latest fillies to win both the Golden Slipper and Inglis Sires’. The consistent Written Tycoon daughter narrowly upset the field in the $5 million Slipper at Rosehill after a close second in Melbourne’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). This will be her second Randwick start and first since a fourth-place finish on debut last year. Facing a slightly longer distance (1400m) this time, Lady Of Camelot has drawn barrier six with Blake Shinn in the saddle. Current Inglis Sires’ betting at Ladbrokes places her second at $4.50 behind stablemate Storm Boy. Storm Boy leads the Inglis Sires’ odds at $2.80. The Justify colt seeks redemption after a disappointing third-place finish as the favourite in the Golden Slipper. He was undefeated before that, including a victory in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). Ace hoop James McDonald takes the reins as Storm Boy looks to return to top form. Waterhouse and Bott dominate the Inglis Sires’ field with four runners. Prost, a Snitzel colt who won the Canonbury Stakes, and Anode, an I Am Invincible colt making his Group 1 debut, join the fray. The race remains open with several other contenders. Michael Freedman‘s filly Manaal, undefeated at Randwick including a recent win in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace, is a $6 hope. Godolphin‘s Traffic Warden, coming off a big Group 2 Flemington win in the VRC Sires’ over the same distance, is also at $6. Rounding out the single-figure fancies is Matt Laurie‘s Golden Slipper runner-up Coleman at $9. 2024 Inglis Sires’ Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 11113 STORM BOY Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott James McDonald 8 56.5kg 2 1×1032 COLEMAN Matt Laurie Damian Lane 9 56.5kg 3 213814 TRAFFIC WARDEN James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 3 56.5kg 4 3×120 PROST Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 5 56.5kg 5 1322 ANODE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1 56.5kg 6 4×261 FEARLESS Peter & Paul Snowden Tommy Berry 4 56.5kg 7 743206 VIANARRA Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Ms Rachel King 2 56.5kg 8 538 DUVANA Chris Waller Zac Purton 7 56.5kg 9 4×121 LADY OF CAMELOT Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 6 54.5kg 10 1×215 MANAAL Michael Freedman Jason Collett 10 54.5kg Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post 2024 Inglis Sires’ Field Features Slipper Champ Lady Of Camelot appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The 2024 TJ Smith Stakes, a highlight of “The Championships,” promises a thrilling clash of sprinters this Saturday at Royal Randwick. Imperatriz is narrow favourite to extend her Group 1 tally to 11 this weekend in Sydney’s 2024 TJ Smith Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. The $3 million Group 1 race (1200m) features a field of fifteen elite short-distance horses. Mark Walker‘s exceptional mare Imperatriz headlines the field as the narrow $3 favourite at Ladbrokes. The I Am Invincible five-year-old boasts a remarkable record, having won ten Group 1 races to date. While Moonee Valley might be her happy hunting ground, her sheer class makes her a force to be reckoned with. Opie Bosson stays aboard Imperatriz, who has drawn well in barrier six. Last year’s winner, I Wish I Win, is the main danger at $3.60. Trained by Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman and partnered by big race specialist James McDonald, this Savabeel gelding has a strong fresh record and looks poised for a successful title defence. Drawn barrier four, I Wish I Win aims to become the latest horse to achieve multiple wins in the TJ Smith Stakes since three-time champions Chautauqua (2015-17) and Nature Strip (2020-22). Several other horses have the potential to cause an upset. Annabel Neasham‘s consistent mare Sunshine In Paris ($8) is a reliable contender with a good record at Randwick and a step-up in distance to suit. Chris Waller‘s Espiona ($11) is another to watch. Drawn a wide barrier (13), she is seeking her first win in the race but comes in fit after a string of placings. Trainer Joe Pride has three runners, including last year’s third-place finisher Mazu. Witness top-flight sprinting at its finest! The 2024 TJ Smith Stakes takes place at Royal Randwick on Saturday. 2024 TJ Smith Stakes Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 51x231x32x I WISH I WIN (NZ) Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman James McDonald 4 58.5kg 117 2 05x132x260 PRIVATE EYE Joseph Pride Blake Shinn 14 58.5kg 112 3 363x9054x5 MAZU Joseph Pride Tim Clark 12 58.5kg 109 4 x3441x2545 COAL CRUSHER Joseph Pride Tyler Schiller 10 58.5kg 108 5 x154149x30 AFT CABIN James Cummings Zac Purton 8 58.5kg 106 6 7x1382x490 BUENOS NOCHES Matthew Smith Ben Melham 15 58.5kg 106 7 7x244x2712 JOHNNY ROCKER Nick Ryan Mark Zahra 3 58.5kg 106 8 1x1111x121 IMPERATRIZ Mark Walker Opie Bosson 6 56.5kg 119 9 x33315x454 BELLA NIPOTINA Ciaron Maher Craig Williams 11 56.5kg 113 10 7x21714x33 ESPIONA Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 13 56.5kg 113 11 13121x1x2 SUNSHINE IN PARIS Annabel Neasham Jason Collett 9 56.5kg 111 12 x11350x610 CYLINDER James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 7 56.5kg 109 13 x13x5131x6 MAGIC TIME Grahame Begg Michael Dee 1 56.5kg 109 14 464x370x01 CHAIN OF LIGHTNING Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Damian Lane 2 56.5kg 106 15 x5x46555x2 WILLINGA BEAST Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons (a) 5 56.5kg 83 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 Imperatriz Leads Star-Studded Field in TJ Smith Stakes 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

When Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) wrapped up his two-year-old season with a win in the G1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud, it was both a confirmation that his sire's early success was no fluke, and that his breeder has an uncanny knack at stallion-making. In 2007, Guy Pariente took a gamble on a horse no one else wanted to stand at stud and built an entire farm around him. Within a few years, Kendargent was one of the most popular stallions in France. So when he came up with another unheralded horse a few years later in Galiway, people said lightning couldn't strike twice. But after producing Sealiway (Fr)-a Group 1 winner at two and three, and now a popular stallion at stud–Galiway is back with a Classic prospect in his full-brother Sunway (Fr). The siblings are out of the Kendargent mare Kensea (Fr). Pariente, it would appear, is not only a stallion maker, but a stallion breeder as well. The backstories of both Kendargent and Galiway are similar; Kendargent won two races, was second in the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac, and fourth in the G1 Prix Jean Prat. Galiway also won two races, was twice Group-placed, was fifth in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, and won a Listed race in his final start at three. There were undoubtedly more than a few eyes rolling when Pariente proclaimed his faith in each of them. Now they're not only working, they're working together. Galiway was raced by Wertheimer & Frere, and was sidelined by a tendon problem at three. He was within 48 hours of being castrated in order to be brought back to the races as a four-year-old when Pariente stepped in with an offer to buy him and stand him at stud. “He has the type of profile that Mr. Pariente really likes,” said Sally Ann Grassick, who serves as an international representative for Haras de Colleville. “He doesn't necessarily look for Group winners. He likes a horse with a good pedigree, and his being by Galileo was a real attraction. But he likes horses that have had consistent racing careers, and they don't always have had to have performed at the highest level, but just to have had those positive, promising performances at a certain level. It's the profile that Kendargent had as well. He's not going after those Group 1 horses that every other stallion man might be looking for. But Galiway was on Mr. Pariente's radar from pretty early on in his career.” Guy Pariente has become a stallion kingmaker | Courtesy Haras de Colleville Galiway retired to stud in 2016 for an initial fee of €3,000, but after siring eight black-type winners-four at the graded level-his star has risen steadily since. Not that there weren't early doubters. Grassick said that they did hear the `lightning doesn't strike twice' line early on. “Everybody said that Kendargent was a fluke, was lucky. He was a horse that probably should never have been a stallion. Ninety-nine percent of the farms wouldn't have stood him as a stallion. And only through Mr. Pariente's support of him did he end up being as successful as he has been. He kept buying and sending him mares. And Galiway has been similar. In the early days, Mr. Pariente had these Kendargent mares. He needed a cross that would work with them. And that's why Galiway worked so well. But you can say that he's lucky and you can say that he has the Midas touch and all of those things, but Galiway is the proof. He's come out with another good stallion. He's been so popular and has surpassed what we achieved with Kendargent, which was already unbelievable. But now to have a stallion like Galiway standing here, and the breeders that are supporting him, the mares that are coming to him, it's just gone from strength to strength.” Kendargent | Zuzanna Lupa From Galiway's first crop, he not only had a Group 1 winner on the Flat in Sealiway, but one over hurdles as well in Vauban. He's the rare higher-echelon stallion who is equally popular with Flat and National Hunt breeders. “Sealiway really put Galiway on the map, but the fact that he's backing it up with other horses is now making people sit up and pay attention and take note and want to send him mares,” said Grassick. His 2024 book is shaping up to be his biggest yet, and is expected to top the 169 mares he covered in 2021 and the 170 he serviced in 2022. Those 2022 foals will hit the track this year, and are from his strongest groups of mares to date. “We've got some really, really nice mares, but also the support from the breeders,” said Grassick. “You know, we've got the Aga Khan, we've also got the Wertheimers sending mares, and we've outside mares coming from international breeders that have never used our stallions before-top-level breeders. Mr. Pariente is very keen on making him a success internationally. So he feels very strongly about encouraging more foreign breeders to come to France and use Galiway. And so now we have people coming and asking, `how many can I have?' And that's that's a nice problem to have.” But a horse for the Classics could bring a whole other level of success. G1 Criterium International Winner Sunway | Scoop-Dyga “Sunway is a horse that we were always massively excited about,” said Grassick. “But I'll be honest, I never thought he was going to be a true two-year-old. Having seen him as a yearling, I always thought his best was to come as a three-year-old. I was in Doncaster when he was second in the Champagne Stakes last year and I actually messaged Mr. Pariente and said whatever this horse does here is just a bonus, because looking at him next to the other two-year-olds walking around the parade ring, he didn't look the finished article yet. Yet he came out and put up a really good performance that day and then went on and won the Criterium International, so I think this will really be his year.” Now two-for-four, with that second in the Champagne S., Sunway is being pointed to either the April 7 G3 Prix la Force or the April 14 G3 Prix Fontainebleau at Longchamp. “David Menusier has never hidden what he thinks of this horse. He's called him his Classic hope since halfway through last year. He's just he's a really nice horse and he's just developing and getting stronger and stronger. Mr. Pariente always wanted this to be an international farm. So to then have them performing and racing on the track and having people pay attention and want to come and talk to us about our stallions is is really the end goal for him.” Kendargent is a sire of sires himself, of course, with Goken (Fr) standing alongside him at Haras de Colleville. In 2023, he was the leading French-based sire of two-year-olds in France by earnings and by percentage of winners to runners (67%). He is the sire of 12 black type horses including Zorken (Fr), a dual Listed-winning two-year-old in 2023, as well as Go Athletico (Fr) and Fang (Fr), both Group 3 winners this year. And of course, he was also owned and bred by Pariente, and stands at Colleville for €15,000. The fact that pinhookers are coming to France and buying Galiway's foals and then bringing them home to sell at the Irish and English sales is rewarding for the Colleville team, who found primarily French success with Kendargent. “That's huge for a farm that was started only in 2007,” said Grassick, “and was started by a man who had a horse that he believed in. He bought him to be a racehorse, and he believed in him to be a stallion, and decided to stand him himself when no one else wanted to stand him. So now it's massive for us to have that demand and have people coming, especially to try and buy progeny of Galiway. It really cements what we've done, not just with Kendargent, but now continuing it on with Galiway. It wasn't just potluck. It wasn't a one-trick pony.” From an initial fee of €3,000 in his first year at stud in 2016, Galiway now commands 10 times that amount. “I think that the world is his oyster at the moment,” said Grassick. “He's had such success with the crops he's had to date, and it can only get better as he's got bigger crops, but also better quality crops to come. He's got more support than ever before from from really top breeders. For Mr. Pariente, the objective of being a top breeder is huge for him in its own right. But then to be so popular and in demand with all these top breeders, when you've only started your farm in the last 17 years or so, it's a big compliment that all of these breeders going back generations now want to come in and use your stallion. It's a really exciting time to be part of the team with Galiway.” The post With a Classic Hopeful, Galiway Continues Hot Streak appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Haggas’ dual Group One winner is bound for Sha Tin again after a first-up win at KemptonView the full article

Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson. Photo: Race Images South Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson will head south to Ashburton with a dozen runners on Thursday, including last start winner Adannaya, who is readying for a stakes assignment. The stakes performer has been freshened since her last start victory over 1200m at Wingatui in February and will kick-off her autumn preparation in the Greg Jones Memorial (1300m). The daughter of Niagara, who was runner-up in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing, will be hoping to go one better when she lines-up in the Listed Daphne Bannam Memorial Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton later this month, and Robinson believes Thursday’s test will be the perfect lead-in race. “She has had a nice break since her last win and she is well-weighted (54kg) on Thursday. She will run well but the race will clean her up nicely for the 1400m Easter Stakes,” Robinson said. Robinson is also upbeat about the chances of stablemate Forever Babe, who takes three consecutive placings into the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m). “Forever Babe has been running really well,” he said. “She is a very fast horse, but I just think 1400m around a corner will really suit her. She has a good draw (5) and should be hard to beat.” Three-year-old filly Written Off will be out to make the perfect start to her racing career when she makes her debut in the Supporting Kai For Kids (1200m). “Written Off is a first starter and has trialled up really nice,” Robinson said. “She had a couple of seconds at the trials. She will benefit with the experience, but she will run alright. She is a nice filly, I like her quite a bit.” Robinson is also looking forward to lining up Devil In Disguise in the Gilbert Butterick Memorial (2200m), Delphillius in the Wide Span Sheds (1200m), and In Awe in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (1600m). “Devil In Disguise has come through his last start really well,” he said. “He should have won his last start, he was a bit stiff, was held up at the wrong time and was late getting clear. He has done really well since then and I expect him to be pretty hard to beat. “Delphillius has done well since her last run and I think she has improved since then. Jasmine (Fawcett, jockey) takes the ride again and knows her well. She liked the run last start so hopefully she should run well. “In Awe ran fifth the other day fresh-up. He has a good draw (2) and will run well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Town Cryer (inside) could be in for a lucrative spring campaign. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Town Cryer has enjoyed a standout season for trainer Roydon Bergerson and is now enjoying some well-deserved time in the paddock ahead of what could be a lucrative spring campaign. The six-year-old daughter kicked off the season in emphatic style when downing Group 1 winner Prowess to win the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and in February added the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) to her stakes haul. She followed that victory up with two runner-up results at Ellerslie, including last month’s inaugural $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m) and last Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), bringing her season earnings to $277,850. Bergerson was rapt to get the Group 1 placing with his mare and is hoping to go one better in some elite-level targets in the spring. “I am very happy with her, she just got beaten by a better horse (Belclare) on the day,” he said. “It is great for the owners, I am really happy for them. She is a lovely mare to get to train for them. “She has gone to the paddock today. We could have gone to the Travis (Group 2, 2000m) or the Easter Handicap (Group 3, 1600m), but I thought it was better to get her out now while the weather is still good and bring her in before it gets too cold, and hopefully aim her at the (Hawke’s Bay) Spring Carnival, she has proven that she can race at weight-for-age. “The beauty with her is that it doesn’t matter if it is hard-and-fast or heavy. She has won on them all. She is a tough, versatile mare. Hopefully there is a bit of rain to slow some of the others down.” While he is looking forward to the spring with Town Cryer, Bergerson’s immediate focus is racing at Wanganui and Trentham later this week. The Awapuni conditioner will take two horses to Wanganui’s Friday meeting, with Nadheema lining up in the Maiden 1200m, while Asahi will contest the Rating 65 1600m. “Nadheema trialled up really well the other day,” Bergerson said. “I see the horse (Chester Boy) that beat her won the other day, and the horse (Good Craic) that ran third behind her ran second the other day. She has worked on nicely and I am happy with the way she looks. It is not an overly big field so she will get her chance. “Asahi was very good at Wellington. I think he is a very good top-two chance. His work this morning was fantastic, so I am looking forward to getting him to the races.” Looking ahead to Trentham on Saturday, six-win gelding Bradman will contest the Listed Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m), while Charlotte’s Way will line-up in the Rating 75 1200m. “I just hope they run along for him (Bradman),” Bergerson said. “He is better if the pace is on, he always seems to find the line better when the race is run genuinely quick. If it is run slowly then he gets into trouble and starts to over-race. His racing manners have been better this year than they have any other year. I am really happy with him, he has trained on really well and he likes Wellington, so he should be hitting the line strongly. “Charlotte’s Way has been a hard horse to place. She likes to run around the bend but there have been no 1200m races for about five or six weeks and there isn’t another one for another couple. We thought we would attack the money, see if she can get up on the speed and stay out of trouble. She is not a very big mare, and she panics in her races, so we will press forward. “Wiremu (Pinn) is riding them both and he is a good jockey, I am happy to have him on.” Meanwhile, Bergerson was pleased with La Bella Grande’s trial over 1200m at Foxton on Tuesday and is eyeing some stakes targets over autumn for the Little Avondale Stud-bred and raced mare. “La Bella Grande is a really nice mare going forward,” he said. “She is 17 hands and has just taken a while to grow into herself. “She was very disappointing in her last start at Te Rapa. We threw the ball at the stumps and we missed. She jarred up really bad, so we put her straight in the paddock and she went and did a bit of pre-training down at (Chris) Rutten’s and she has come back in magnificent order. “I am really happy with the way she trialled today. She is coming up nicely for the autumn. “We will have to chase a bit of black-type with her, I think she is up to it. She is a beautiful mare and she is just starting to learn the game. She used to be really quirky and was hard to control, but now she is taking it all in her stride.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ruakaka trainer Michelle Bradley. Photo: Trish Dunell No Plan Be will bid to continue a proud family record at Ruakaka when she resumes on her home course on Wednesday. The four-year-old has been patiently handled by trainer Michelle Bradley and will run in the Croft Poles Maiden (1600m) with Kelly Myers booked to guide her fortunes from a handy barrier (six). By Tarzino, No Plan Be is a daughter of the Darci Brahma mare Candle In The Wind who was a seven-time winner, with five of her victories posted at Ruakaka where she was prepared by Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs. She also showed her quality when successful in the Karaka Stayers’ Cup (2200m) and finished runner-up in her farewell performance in the Group 3 City of Auckland Cup (2400m). No Plan Be is her first foal to race and she has produced encouraging runs for fifth in both of her appearances. “She has improved and it took us a little while to work her out,” Bradley said. “She flew home in her first start at Pukekohe and then we raced her here and she hit a flat spot. She’s not a big filly and I turned her out after that and she had a month off. “She’s straight into a mile again and she looks great, I’ve been pretty happy with her work.” No Plan Be will be one of a quartet of runners for Bradley with Haller and Mondavi to make their debuts while Shockatillatap returns from a break. Haller will kick off his career in the Ruakaka Races – NZ’s Best Bet In Winter Maiden (1600m) with Matthew Cameron to partner the son of Satono Aladdin, whose family is also well known to Bradley. “He is a half-brother to Bosch (two wins) and Top Brass (six wins) and early on he looked like he might be a sprinting type, but he’s changed in shape and body style and showing me signs he’ll be more of a staying type like Bosch,” she said. “I’ve put him in at the deep end a little bit. I did have him in the 1400m but will start him over a mile fresh-up and he’s done well.” Mondavi is a newcomer to the stable and will make her first appearance in the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m) with Vinie Colgan in the saddle. “She came to me this preparation and I haven’t trialled her, but she did have two trials previously,” Bradley said. “I’m still learning about her so it will be interesting to see how she goes. She’s a work in progress and you have to start somewhere.” Shockatillatap will benefit from his outing in the Whangarei ITM Handicap (1200m), in which he’ll be ridden by Cameron, and may be seen in a new role this preparation. “He’s going to need the run and we have talked about jumping him and we may still do that,” Bradley said. Meanwhile, promising four-year-old Dame Lilibic was spelled following her impressive premier victory at Ellerslie last month and her third success from 12 starts. “I was absolutely thrilled with that win she got a virus so she’s in the paddock,” Bradley said. “She’ll have a decent break now and will come back when the weather really starts to turn nasty. “She’ll probably have her first run back here in September and she’s an exciting mare.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Lindsay Park team of Ben Will and JD Hayes will press ahead with plans to head to Sydney with Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) for The Championships. After winning the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile in 2022 and again last year, Mr Brightside is being aimed at the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday week. Mr Bightside pulled up a little sore in the right foreleg and needs a veterinary clearance after finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington last Saturday before starting. J D Hayes said Mr Brightside had ‘pulled up within normal limits’, doing some work on Monday. “He pulled up a little stiff and sore, as you do after a football game, or in this case a hard 2000-metre run like that,” Hayes told RSN. “He was under saddle this morning and looked great, so it all system go to the Queen Elizabeth.” Hayes said Mr Brightside would be ridden differently in the Queen Elizabeth with Pride Of Jenni again being in the race. He said Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) was an amazing horse, a modern-day Vo Rogue (Ivor Prince). “It was a proper run 2000 metres and what we have taken out of it is that we can absorb those hard run tempos at 1400 and the mile,” Hayes said. “But at 2000 metres we probably need to ride him a bit more conservatively and hit the line and we’ll be going to the Queen Elizabeth with that approach. “The heavy ground, that it looks like it will be on the weekend, hopefully stays around next week. “He loves the sting out, so hopefully that will be another tick in his corner. “In the last two years our trips to Sydney have been successful and hopefully it will be this time.” Mr Brightside has been entered for two races in Hong Kong later in the month, but Hayes has all but ruled out the gelding making the trip. “We’ll get through the Queen Elizabeth first, but it is looking unlikely,” he said. View the full article

NZB’s 2024 National Online Yearling Sale is now live, with the quality 100-lot catalogue available to view on Gavelhouse Plus. For the fourth year, the digital edition to NZB’s National Yearling Sales Series is set to be conducted on the premium online platform Gavelhouse Plus with bidding closing on Wednesday 17 April from 6pm (NZT). All unbroken yearlings purchased from the National Online Yearling Sale are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Just nine short months after they make their virtual sale-ring debut, graduates of the online sale can compete for a share of the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) plus a $200,000 bonus for New Owners. “This is the last chance to enter horses in the $2.9m Karaka Millions Series,” commented NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook. “And with the two-year-old race only nine months later, the Online Sale presents buyers with a distinct advantage.” Renowned vendors from across New Zealand are supporting the Sale, with a contingent of 46 proven, emerging, and first-season sires offered. The quality line-up includes progeny by heavyweights Almanzor, Contributer, Ocean Park,Shocking and Written Tycoon. The best of New Zealand’s emerging sire talent is also represented, with yearlings by Ace High, U S Navy Flag, Satono Aladdin, Super Seth and War Decree, to name a few. Buyers will also get the opportunity to secure lots from the first crops of Hello Youmzain, Ancient Spirit, Circus Maximus, Tagaloa and King’s Legacy. Bidding will run for a five-day period, commencing Friday 12 April with the first lot closing on Wednesday 17 April at 6pm (NZT). Buyers must register on Gavelhouse Plus in advance in order to gain bidding approval. Buyers are also welcome to join the on-farm parades prior to the Sale, with the schedule available to view online HERE. View the full article