Wandering Eyes

After rearing up before the Dubai Gold Cup, Eldar Eldarov struck his head and was withdrawn by the starter. Racecourse vets diagnosed head trauma and sent him to the local equine clinic for further evaluation. View the full article

The plot thickens as the cadence quickens. Entries will be drawn Tuesday for this Saturday's GI Toyota Blue Grass S., and on Wednesday for the GI Santa Anita Derby and GII Wood Memorial S. 1) MUTH (c, Good Magic–Hoppa, by Uncle Mo) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Zedan Racing Stables Inc; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $190,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $2,000,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 6-4-2-0, $1,504,100. Last start: WON Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby. Muth's two-length score in the GI Arkansas Derby cemented his status as the divisional kingpin. Yes, there are colts who are faster based on speed figures. And yes, there are contenders who are more visually arresting in their stretch runs. But in terms of consistency, reliability, and the potential for even more improvement, there are no better bets at this stage of the season. The gaming corporation that runs Churchill Downs has disinvited trainer Bob Baffert from the track's 150th GI Kentucky Derby bash, so it's unclear where this 'TDN Rising Star' might start next. A commitment to the GI Preakness S. would still be weeks away, but the connections of whoever ends up winning the May 4 Derby probably won't be going wild with visions of sweeping the Triple Crown knowing that a fresh, fit and dangerous Muth is waiting in the wings. Muth adapted to two disruptive attempts in the early stages of the Arkansas Derby. Off as the 2.3-1 second choice, he was initially forwardly placed under Juan Hernandez, then got edged back off the action when a keyed-up 26-1 shot slipped through at the rail. Taking up a sweet stalking spot cornering onto the backstretch, Hernandez then had to decide what to do when 11-10 favorite Timberlake (Into Mischief) unexpectedly accelerated between rivals at the 6 1/2-furlong pole to seize the lead. Muth was asked to shadow fellow 'Rising Star' Timberlake before Hernandez sensed that he could let that rival keep a half-length lead for most of the back straight. Seven-sixteenths out, Hernandez coaxed Muth to unwind, and once he hit his best stride at the quarter pole, Muth began opening up under a hand ride while Timberlake was being roused and not responding. Through the lane, Muth kept the pesky 32-1 shot Just Steel (Justify) two lengths in arrears, and under the wire it was another 4 1/2 lengths back to the remaining stragglers. 2) SIERRA LEONE (c, Gun Runner–Heavenly Love, by Malibu Moon) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael B Tabor, Derrick Smith Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing LLC & Peter M Brant; B-Debby M Oxley (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $2,300,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $336,750. Last start: WON Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S. 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone, who celebrated his third birthday Mar. 31, is the horse to beat in Saturday's Blue Grass S. at Keeneland. That doesn't necessarily mean he needs to drain the tank to win his final prep race before the Derby. But considering this Chad Brown trainee has been unraced since winning the Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S., it is imperative for Sierra Leone to demonstrate numerical progression off a three-race Beyer Speed Figure arc of 71-91-90. This $2.3-million FTSAUG sale-topper takes a long while to uncoil with his off-the-pace runs. But the scary thing is we haven't seen him come close to scraping the bottom of his stamina reserves just yet. In the Risen Star, he accomplished quite a bit considering it was just his third career start: Sierra Leone handled shipping away from his home base, winning off an 11-week layoff, rating from midpack while equipped with blinkers for the first time, and racing under the lights on a sloppy, sealed, and eerily shadowy track. The last six times Brown has started a horse in the Blue Grass, the results have been two wins, three close seconds, and a third. 3) FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (c, Reel Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats). O-Susumu Fujita; B-Northern Racing; T-Yoshito Yahagi. Sales History: ¥98,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL. Lifetime Record: 5-5-0-0, $2,049,451. Last start: WON Mar. 30 G2 UAE Derby. The 5-for-5 Forever Young is a very plausible threat for the Kentucky Derby coming off a convincing win in Saturday's G2 UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse over 1900 meters. This Yoshito Yahagi trainee who sold for the equivalent of $720,603 at the JRHA Select Yearling and Foal sale was prompted for speed from an outer draw. Then, after opting for a four-wide go through the first turn, jockey Ryusei Sakai deftly eased him back to fifth on the straightaway, doing the best he could to keep the colt out of kickback (Forever Young was equipped a protective mask that was supposed to soften the blow of the dirt spray). Forever Young again took the overland route around the final bend while smoothly shifting into consecutively higher gears, then drilled past the pacemaker with an outside bid before drawing away confidently. The four dirt races on the G1 Dubai World Cup card at Meydan provided only a limited sample, but two of them were blowout wins by speed horses who rode the rail, suggesting that the ground-conceding run by Forever Young could have been against the grain of an inside-favoring track. 4) FIERCENESS (c, City of Light–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty) 'TDN Rising Star'. O/B-Repole Stable (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo, MGISW, 5-3-0-1, $1,703,850. Last start: WON Mar. 30 GI Curlin Florida Derby. Fierceness needed a sharp effort in the GI Florida Derby to give him forward momentum heading to Louisville, and a gaudy, 13 1/4-length blowout that earned a 110 Beyer supplied the latest exclamation point in a five-race, Jekyll-and-Hyde career that has alternated scintillating wins with inexplicably flat performances. We still don't have a good measuring stick for how Fierceness might respond when faced with the multiple in-race challenges that a race like the 20-horse Derby will present. This Repole Stable homebred by City of Light had everything his own way Saturday when establishing a measured tempo without having to fight hard for the lead or repulse any serious bids. It's not Fierceness's fault the Florida Derby came up soft on paper. But it does mean that the Kentucky Derby will be this colt's first immersion into the deeper end of the divisional pool since he pasted the field in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile by 6 1/4 lengths. At age two, Fierceness aired in his sloppy-track Saratoga debut by 11 1/4 lengths. He then looked lost when seventh as the odds-on fave in the similarly sloppy GI Champagne S. His Breeders' Cup victory was delivered with authority, yet his coming-out party at age three was an underwhelming third at 1-5 odds in the slow-paced GIII Holy Bull S. If anything, Fierceness's cakewalk in the Florida Derby should erase any doubts about whether he had too taxing a final prep five weeks before the Run for the Roses. On Sunday morning, trainer Todd Pletcher reported the colt came out of the race “super.” 5) DETERMINISTIC (c, Liam's Map–Giulio's Jewel, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-St. Elias Stable, Langone, Ken, Duncker, C. Steven and Vicarage Stable; B-Hinkle Farms (KY); T-Christophe Clement. Sales history: $625,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0, $222,750. Last start: WON Mar. 2 GIII Gotham S. The athletic but lightly seasoned Deterministic remains on target for Saturday's GII Wood Memorial S. This 2-for-2 Christophe Clement trainee bulleted five-eighths Friday in 1:01.60 (1/5) at Payson Park while reeling in a workmate after starting two lengths back with his usual jockey, Joel Rosario, aboard. “I thought it was nice for him to be in behind a horse,” Clement told Daily Racing Form's David Grening. “If he goes two turns, a mile and an eighth, most probably he will be behind horses. I kind of like in the morning to try and reproduce what you're going to do in the race.” This colt scored at first asking over seven furlongs in an Aug. 12 MSW sprint at Saratoga (81 Beyer). He was subsequently sidelined with an ankle chip, but stamped himself as a Derby contender with an eye-catching, stalk-and-split win in the Mar. 2 GIII Gotham S. at Aqueduct, a one-turn mile over a sloppy and sealed track (93 Beyer). Deterministic is drawing more than the usual share of “wiseguy” attention considering he's only started twice and we're into April. But a big showing in New York vaults him into the mix for favoritism in Louisville. 6) DORNOCH (c, Good Magic–Puca, by Big Brown) O-West Paces Racing LLC, R A Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Two Eight Racing LLC & Pine Racing Stables; B-Grandview Equine (KY); T-Danny Gargan. Sales history: $325,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 5-3-2-0, $505,400. Last start: WON Mar. 2 GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. Dornoch, a $325,000 KEESEP son of Good Magic who is a full-brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage, will still be in schooling mode for his final prep stakes Saturday at Keeneland. Trainer Danny Gargan has been wanting to see if Dornoch is more effective in a race when targeting horses instead of setting the pace. But he didn't get to execute that strategy as planned in the GII Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream, because all the main speed horses scratched out of that race, and Dornoch once again got sent to the front. He wired the field that day, but Gargan wants to try again from a bit farther back in the Blue Grass. The guess here is that Dornoch won't drop back quite as far as rival Sierra Leone. But with deadline for this column coming before entries are drawn, we don't know for sure which and how many early speed types will be setting the table ahead of both of them. Dornoch bested Sierra Leone by a nose in the Dec. 2 GII Remsen S. at Aqueduct. But that was five months ago over a muddy track that was heavily biased toward early speed. Dornoch forced the issue up front and Sierra Leone closed wide from well off the tailgate. Dornoch brushed the rail in upper stretch, but regained his best stride late to steal back the lead from Sierra Leone, who was also a touch unfocused through the lane. 7) TRACK PHANTOM (c, Quality Road–Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief) O-L and N Racing LLC, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom & Breeze Easy LLC; B-Breeze Easy (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales history: $500,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-3-2-1, $405,000. Last start: 4th in Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby. Track Phantom's fourth in the GII Louisiana Derby was subpar considering he was allowed to establish an unpressured pace before regressing late. But when you consider that he looked certain to be swallowed up by no fewer than five rivals off the turn yet didn't concede the lead until the sixteenth pole, that has to count for something. This $500,000 KEESEP son of Quality Road wouldn't be the first speed-centric horse to win the Kentucky Derby off a so-so final prep race. Keep in mind that in a year where top prospects are light on racing experience, trainer Steve Asmussen has already given Track Phantom seven starts at a mile or longer, and he's been right up near the lead in every try. In doing so, he's dealt with outermost posts in three of his last four starts, plus gate 11 of 12 on one other occasion. Track Phantom has been unfazed by having hyper horses to his inside, and he's also engaged in a couple of decent stretch fights. He's run well in the slop (twice second, beaten half a length each time), and he's won around two turns at Churchill, which is always encouraging to see. Track Phantom was among the first Derby candidates to ship into Churchill last Thursday, and his stock is likely to quietly rise over the course of the next month. 8) MAYMUN (c, Frosted–Handwoven, by Indian Charlie) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Vision Racing & Sales LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $50,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $900,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $79,200. Last start: WON Feb. 11 Santa Anita AOC. This son of Frosted out of an Indian Charlie mare earned 'TDN Rising Star' honors in his Jan. 20 debut over 6 1/2 furlongs by splitting horses early, pegging straight for the lead, and setting a brisk tempo before brushing off three spent rivals at the quarter pole. His winning margin was 7 1/2 easy lengths (93 Beyer). Six horses have now run back out of that Santa Anita MSW, and they are a collective 1-for-8 in all subsequent starts, with the lone winner running a 79 Beyer. The better measuring stick might be Maymun's Feb. 11 allowance try over a mile in which he brushed a rival at the break, then sideswiped stablemate and second-favorite Imagination (Into Mischief) while bearing out into the first turn. After a slower second-quarter split, Imagination engaged Maymun from the outside and they ratcheted up the cadence from the three-eighths pole to the wire before Maymun wrested Imagination into submission through a final eighth in :12.83 (89 Beyer). The top two were 10 1/2 lengths clear of the three also-rans. Imagination showed he was no slouch be rebounding to capture the Mar. 3 GII San Felipe S. The two could hook up again in Saturday's Santa Anita Derby, where trainer Bob Baffert is expected to enter at least two stablemates. 9) CATCHING FREEDOM (c, Constitution–Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile) O-Albaugh Family Stables LLC; B-WinStar Farm (KY); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $575,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-3-0-1, $877,350. Last start: WON Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby. The 97-Beyer winner of the Louisiana Derby is scheduled for four workouts prior to the Kentucky Derby, trainer Brad Cox told the 'TDN Writers' Room' podcast last week. Cox mentioned that this Constitution colt brushed the gate and thus didn't jump all that well in the Louisiana Derby. Even though Catching Freedom is an established closer, it was not the game plan for him to be so far back, Cox added. Flavien Prat made the most of an improvised trip, waiting patiently behind a moderate pace at the rear of the field until 2 1/2 furlongs out before circling with a 12-wide bid in upper stretch that Catching Freedom sustained over the length of the long Fair Grounds home straight. “He's not a big horse. He's medium-sized. He's a good mover,” Cox said. “He puts a good bit into his gallops. His works have just been average. His first work back will be a pretty basic work. We may even take him by himself. We're not looking to do much with him. But then the three [works] leading up [to the Derby] we'll ask him for a little bit more.” 10) IMAGINATION (c, Into Mischief–Magical Feeling, by Empire Maker) O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Robert Masterson, Waves Edge Capital LLC, Catherine Donovan & Tom Ryan; B-Peter Blum Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $1,050,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-2-3-0, $256,800. Last start: WON Mar. 3 San Felipe S. This $1.05-million KEESEP colt has never been worse than second from five starts. He appears to be in the mix for Saturday's Santa Anita Derby for trainer Bob Baffert. In the San Felipe S., Imagination got clipped from behind, then rushed to engage stablemate Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso). The two locked into a prolonged battle around the far turn and through the home straight, with Imagination gamely prevailing by a head (96 Beyer). As mentioned above in Maymun's write-up, Imagination was also impeded around the first turn two starts ago in a Santa Anita allowance, yet he didn't back down in that race either. He finished second, beaten a neck, after briefly snatching the lead on three distinct occasions in the stretch. 11) TIMBERLAKE (c, Into Mischief–Pin Up (Ire), by Lookin At Lucky) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC; B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Sales history: $350,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GISW, 7-3-1-0, $1,173,100. Last start: 4th Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby. Timberlake's fourth-place try in the Arkansas Derby knocked him down a few pegs on the sophomore totem pole, but it didn't get him voted off the Top 12 island just yet, because the effort might have been an aberration. In last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Timberlake never settled in the early stages and it cost him the race. This $350,000 KEESEP son of Into Mischief seemed to have rectified that issue when he rated much more willingly in the Feb. 24 GII Rebel S. But on Saturday at Oaklawn, he was back to his old tricks, and Flavien Prat believed it was best to just let him go rather than waste energy fighting the colt's headstrong ways. “He was getting very aggressive, so I kind of let him run,” Prat told FanDuel TV. “He settled down nicely on the backside, but he didn't have much run at the end.” Considering he has the qualifying points and a pedigree that fuses speed with stamina, the Derby is still a realistic goal if trainer Brad Cox can figure out how to get a more efficient effort out of Timberlake. Prat also rides No. 9-ranked Catching Freedom for Cox, meaning a Derby choice looms likely in the near future. 12) JUST STEEL (c, Justify–Irish Lights {Aus}, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}). O-BC Stables, LLC; B-Summerhill Farm (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. Sales History: $500,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GISP, 11-2-4-1, $724,545. Last start: 2nd Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby. How's this for a story line? At age 88, trainer D. Wayne Lukas will be saddling his 50th Derby horse overall and his first starter in the race since 2018 after Just Steel's 32-1 second-place try in the Arkansas Derby garnered enough qualifying points to get in. Lukas has won the Derby four times, with Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996) and Charismatic (1999). Based solely on race records, the 2-for-11 Just Steel compares aptly to Charismatic, who was 2-for-12 entering his Derby 25 years ago and went off at a largely ignored 31-1 in the betting. While Just Steel isn't as purely fast as some of the higher-ranked Derby aspirants on this list, he's a hard-trying type who can be envisioned as being in the thick of things late at a big price if he gets the right trip. Just Steel's effort at Oaklawn was commendable. He was always near the pace despite going four wide on the first turn, and he maintained his run through the lane in persistent enough fashion to prove he knows how to finish. The post TDN Sophomore Top 12: Final Wave of 9-Furlong Preps About to Crest appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After declaring that Endlessly (Oscar Performance) would bypass the GI Kentucky Derby in favor of the GII American Turf, also run at Churchill Downs, the connections have reconsidered their options and are now “leaning” toward running in the Derby. “We're going to go ahead and see what happens here over the next few weeks,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “[Owner] Mr. [John] Amerman would like to keep all his options open.” Endlessly earned enough points to qualify for the Derby when winning the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park in his last start, but that race was run over a synthetic surface, as was his prior race, a win in the El Camino Real Derby. His four prior starts were all over the turf, the reason why McCarthy was initially pointing for the American Turf. Endlessly has never run on the dirt. “He doesn't need to show me much, at least from a resume standpoint,” McCarthy said. “He has to train and we'll need everything to go our way. You know how things are when you get close to Derby time, things happen. We'll be looking for a bit of luck and will hope he gets over the racetrack well. Mr. Amerman wants to be very open minded about it and feels there is an opportunity out there. Are we leaning towards the Derby? The answer is yes.” McCarthy admitted that Endlesssly has not necessarily been working that well on the dirt surface at Santa Anita, where he is based. “His works on the dirt have been very workmanlike,” the trainer said. “They've been decent. Decent without being eye-catching. But sometimes, you just have to take a chance and Mr. Amerman feels the same way.” In six career starts, Endlessly has lost just once and has also recorded stakes wins in the GIII Zuma Beach S. and the GIII Del Mar Juvenile Turf S. The post Endlessly Back on Derby Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Big 3 Pick 3, a new wager encompassing the GII Wood Memorial, GI Toyota Blue Grass S, and GI Santa Anita Derby, will be available to bettors this Saturday, the New York Racing Association, Keeneland, and 1/ST announced jointly Monday. The Big 3 Pick 3, which will be hosted by Aqueduct, will be offered with a $3 minimum and mandatory payout. The Big 3 Pick 3 will appear as a separate wager/track on wagering machines or online account: Big 3 Pick 3. All three races are contested at nine furlongs and offer 100-50-25-15-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers. The post Pick 3 to Include Wood Memorial, Blue Grass, and Santa Anita Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 3rd April in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Ipswich racing preview, best bets & quaddie tips | April 5, 2023 The Ipswich Turf Club will host a very competitive nine-race program on Wednesday. HorseBetting’s Ciaran Jackman shares his best bets … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Hawkesbury racing tips, quaddie & odds | Wednesday, April 5 Metropolitan racing will be held at Hawkesbury Race Club on Wednesday afternoon. See our best bets and quaddie selections for … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Rogerson already excited by spring prospects A stellar season for Sharp ‘N’ Smart has drawn to a close with Graeme Rogerson confident his charge will return … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Mustang Valley returns home to Group One target The Andrew Forsman-trained Mustang Valley was on a plane back to New Zealand on Sunday after an excellent run for … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Benno Yung trains 300th Hong Kong winner In a season of landmarks, Benno Yung became the latest Hong Kong racing participant to reach a significant milestone by … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 3, 2023 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Kembla Grange racing betting preview & best bets | Tuesday, 4/4 Racing heads to the Illawarra region of NSW as Kembla Grange will play host to a seven-race program. All the … Read More Horse Racing News 2 years ago Bendigo celebrates Arthur Pace & Colsridge emotional win It may not have been the feature race of the day, but Colsridge certainly proved to be the most popular … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Ballarat tips, odds & quaddie picks | Tuesday, April 5 Ballarat Turf Club is scheduled to host an eight-race card on Tuesday afternoon and Horsebetting’s James Herbert presents his best … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Hawkesbury best bets, odds and quaddie numbers | April 5, 2022 HorseBetting’s New South Wales form analyst presents you with his best bets, value bet and quaddie numbers for Tuesday’s seven-race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Doomben best bets, top odds and quaddie | 04/04/2022 Doomben is hosting a rare eight-race metropolitan meeting on Monday afternoon, and that is due to Wednesday’s meeting being washed … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Mornington betting tips & quaddie picks | Monday, April 4 HorseBetting’s Victorian racing analyst brings you his best bets and quaddie numbers for the eight-race meeting at Mornington on Monday … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Karrakatta Plate winner Amelia’s Jewel set to become another WA star Amelia’s Jewel might just turn out to be the next West Australian superstar if Saturdays run in the Group 2 … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 3, 2022 Six horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Pinjarra Cup Day best bets, odds & quaddie numbers It is Pinjarra Cup Day in Western Australia on Sunday, with 12 horses set to go around in the Listed … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Cherry Tortoni wins Bendigo Golden Mile for Dee and Payne Jockey-trainer combination Michael Dee and Patrick Payne continued their fine Victorian season when Dee steered Cherry Tortoni to victory in … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Gundec takes out 2022 Bendigo Guineas Symon Wilde’s Gundec has fired late to take out the $200,000 Mitchelton Wines Bendigo Guineas (1400m). The $5 starter with … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Zola Express provides Millar with biggest win Trainer Janelle Millar was trying hard to keep her emotions in check as she waited for her gallant mare Zola … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Maven Belle in dramatic Group One triumph Drama surrounded the finish to Saturday’s Group One feature at Awapuni when the final result was settled by the judicial … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago Chief Stipelas Whyte out to enhance season with more black type success In the midst of his best season, with a pair of Group 1 triumphs as pinnacles, Chief Stipelas Whyte is hopeful … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Germanicus upsets in Flying Stakes Enigmatic galloper Germanicus was back to his best when he produced an irresistible finish to take out the Listed Bramco … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Walker back in town with stakes success Mark Walker kicked off his return to the New Zealand training ranks in the best possible way when Amalfi Prince … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago The Championships kick off in style on day one at Royal Randwick Saturday afternoon’s opening day of The Championships delivered some outstanding racing action with the weather finally clearing before a sizeable … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Mornington racing tips, best bets & quaddie selections | 4/4 What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington, VIC, 3931 When Sunday, April 4, 2021 First Race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sunshine Coast tips, top odds & quaddie picks | Sunday, 04/04/21 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the betting preview for the Sunshine Coast races held on Sunday , April 04. See all the … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Hugh vs Craig in the Tancred Stakes | Punt Drunk Punt Drunk Daily brings you all the latest horse racing news and controversies in Horse Racing Australia. Including the big … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago McDonald’s initiative helps Ambition to victory The Chris Waller-trained Shared Ambition has upset favourite Master Of Wine to win the Neville Sellwood Stakes … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Late burst carries Joy Alone to Classic victory A thrilling four-way finish to Saturday’s Group 3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni was settled in favour of … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Saif puts Rosehill rivals to the sword Hawkes Racing has taken out the opening race on Tancred Stakes day at Rosehill, claiming the Schweppervescence with Saif … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Back-to-back bid for Voyage Warrior in Easter Monday’s Group 2 Sprint Cup Ricky Yiu has a strong reputation when it comes to nurturing sprint talents, his four wins in the Group 2 … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Catalyst progressing well for spring campaign Star galloper Catalyst may not have a trainer, but he is in great order as his team looks ahead to … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 3, 2021 The Group 1 Tancred Stakes highlights a massive Saturday afternoon of horse racing around the country today. Our racing analysts … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago 2021 Tancred Stakes runner-by-runner betting guide | Rosehill Horsebetting.com.au brings you the runner-by-runner betting preview for the 2021 Tancred Stakes held at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, April 3 … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago RQ to give clubs short-term funding Racing Queensland has announced it will give short-term funding to TAB clubs during the coronavirus crisis … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Fast facts about the TJ Smith Stakes Everything you need to know about Saturday’s $1.25 million weight-for-age race at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Redzel ready for TJ Smith Stakes showdown One of nine Group One winners in the star-studded field, seven-year-old, Redzel will be striving for his first TJ Smith … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Fast facts about the ATC Australian Derby A look at the Australian Derby – the blue riband for three-year-olds … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Santa ready to deliver another Group 1 win Top sprinter Santa Ana Lane will have to defeat eight Group One winners if he is to defend his TJ … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Alex Patis rides first metropolitan winner Qld apprentice Alex Patis has ridden her first metropolitan winner after jockeys were split into two groups because of coronavirus … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Sires’ Produce Stakes facts and figures What you need to know about the $500,000 Group One Sires’ Produce Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Freedman fires Sydney Cup Warning Trainer Anthony Freedman is looking for a superior staying performance from Warning in the ATC Australian Derby before confirming Sydney … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cultural edge to Ryan’s Group One trio Cultural Amnesia is the least seasoned of trainer Gerald Ryan’s three-strong Sires’ Produce Stakes team but he is open to … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rain the key to Moroney’s Randwick hopes Mike Moroney will not be at The Championships at Randwick because of the COVID-19 protocols but will keep an eye … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Grand Piano set for first stakes test Trainer John Thompson believes Grand Piano is ready for his introduction to stakes racing in the Carbine Club Stakes and … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Josh Parr confident he is on Derby Hero Jockey Josh Parr has developed a close partnership with Shadow Hero and he has absolute belief the horse can stay … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Vegas Knight to bounce back at Caulfield Trainer Colin Little is not put off by a wet track at Caulfield which he sees as a plus for … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Group One Doncaster Mile facts and figures Facts, figures and history of the Group One $3 million Doncaster Mile, the feature race at Randwick on the first … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Mr Quickie in Sydney for Doncaster tilt Trainer Phillip Stokes hopes Mr Quickie can finish strongly in the Doncaster Mile at Randwick in which he will jump … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Hulberts finally have luck with barriers The Peter and Will Hulbert training partnership has finally had some luck with barriers for its horses Oh Five Glory … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Doomben switch helps Femme Fireball The switch of the Brisbane meeting from Eagle Farm to Doomben can help Femme Fireball win her first race over … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Super Seth on song for Doncaster The Anthony Freedman-trained Super Seth has pleased his connections since his unplaced run in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Stamina to play into Tofane’s favour Valuable mare Tofane is set to tackle Saturday’s Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) for trainer Michael Moroney, with the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago New Zealand working towards racing return New Zealand racing is working towards a return in the second half of the year after a complete shutdown … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Virtual Grand National for charity All profits from the running of a virtual Grand National will go to Britain’s National Health Service … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Aethero’s ready to fly again with Champions Day in sight Hong Kong’s brilliant three-year-old sprinter Aethero will make an eagerly-awaited return to the fray in Sunday’s Group 2 Sprint Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Winx heads to Randwick for special gallop Winx will figure in an exhibition gallop at Randwick on the opening day of The Championships before she contests the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Maher says Loving Gaby is still improving Loving Gaby’s co-trainer Ciaron Maher believes the Sires’ Produce Stakes favourite has come on again since her fourth placing in … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Currie given further stay, keeps training Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie will be able to continue training after another adjournment on a stay application … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Future Score set to target free Cup entry Trainer Matt Cumani is looking towards the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington and free entry into the Melbourne Cup with … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Kelly Schweida in emotional win at Doomben Trainer Kelly Schweida has had a emotional win with Flower Of Love after earlier training her ill-fated half-brother … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Winx talk of the town ahead of retirement Champion racehorse Winx was the talk of the town as the Australian Turf Club showcased autumn fashions, two weeks out … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Cummings breaks down Godolphin’s Championship day one competitors After claiming almost every major race across the last 12 months Godolphin head trainer James Cummings is again set to … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jason Maskiell confident in Hellova Street Jason Maskiell is confident of claiming another stakes race win on Tasmanian gelding Hellova Street, believing he has the right … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago History beckons for Lees filly in Derby Frankely Awesome gets a genuine chance to become the first Australian Group One winner for her sire Frankel … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Tough Mission for Lor’s four-year-old in Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy Mission Tycoon will carry the four-year-old banner against the imperious Beauty Generation in the Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago South Australia claims apprentices series The 11th National Apprentice Race Series has gone the way of South Australia for the sixth time after the win … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Trans-Tasman weekend path for Riddell Jockey Jonathan Riddell will cover plenty of territory this weekend in search of a Trans-Tasman Group race double. The now … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago G1 redemption on the cards for in-form Supera Group 3 winning mare Supera will have her second tilt at Group 1 glory at Te Aroha on Saturday when … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Hickman looking forward to TJ Smith bid Greg Hickman has already moved on from Pierata’s desperately close Group One second in the Galaxy and he has the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Waller sets sights on G1 Doncaster record Chris Waller will equal the Doncaster Mile training record if one of his four runners can win the $3 million … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Princess Jenni on target for Adrian Knox Lightly raced filly Princess Jenni is set to race in Sydney for the first time when she steps up to … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago New fee for Qld stallion Better Than Ready Outstanding first-season sire Better Than Ready will stand at a new service fee of $33,000 next season … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Chris Waller eyes Weetwood Handicap win Trainer Chris Waller hopes to win his first Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba with Sexy Eyes who carries a famous set … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jockey Jim Byrne hopeful on return date Top Brisbane jockey Jim Byrne is hopeful he will be soon ready to resume riding after shoulder surgery … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Tsui aiming for double delight on dirt with Winner Supreme Me Tsui will aim Winner Supreme (117lb) at back-to-back wins on the all-weather track in the Class 3 Hin Yiu … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Mr Stunning and Beat The Clock clash in Sunday’s G2 Sprint Cup Mr Stunning and Beat The Clock will go head-to-head in the Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Nash Rawiller to miss Derby at Randwick Nash Rawiller has had to relinquish mounts at the Doncaster/Derby meeting because of the unavailability of a return flight to … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Redzel in great shape ahead of TJ Smith Redzel has continued to give connections confidence with a strong gallop ahead of the Group One TJ Smith Stakes … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Sale betting tips & form for Wednesday, April 4 SALE is back on Wednesday and the punters have a great day of racing to look forward to. We’ve pored … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Beauty Generation in top shape ahead of Chairman’s Trophy Beauty Generation is among the star draws for a top-class Group 2 double-header at Sha Tin on Sunday, 8 April, … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Few changes to Doncaster market after draw There have been few changes to the market for the $3 million Doncaster Mile with Kementari maintaining favouritism after drawn … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Young laments barrier draw for Derby trio Natalie Young and Trent Busuttin’s Australian Derby trio need luck after Belfast, Salsamor and Main Stage drew tough barriers for … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Fifty Fifty ready to fire in Chairman’s Trophy Jockey Karis Teetan believes that talented grey Fifty Fifty is in the right frame of mind to produce his best … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Why Humidor will be your Doncaster Mile winner CHAMPION gelding Humidor heads into Saturday’s Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) as our best betting play of the race. the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tom Melbourne cops tough Doncaster draw Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy must rely on his wealth of experience to snap popular gelding Tom Melbourne’s losing streak in … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Corstens’ juveniles on target for Bendigo Co-trainer Troy Corstens says he will be disappointed if stablemates Really Swish and Thrillster do not run well in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Kementari draws barrier two in Doncaster Godolphin colt Kementari maintains favouritism for the $3-million Doncaster Mile after drawing barrier two … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Bob Milligan out of induced coma Veteran Taree trainer Bob Milligan is out of an induced coma and responding well after suffering facial fractures in an … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Parish to start suspension after Doncaster Cory Parish will chase victory in the Doncaster Mile aboard the Lindsay Park-trained Cool Chap before beginning a suspension … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Wyong tips & full form for Wednesday, April 4 WYONG returns this Wednesday and a quality mid-week meet awaits punters. There’s a number of short-priced favourites running around this … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago One week until final entries for Hong Kong Group 1 races Champions Day at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 29 April features three lucrative Group 1 contests and the final supplementary … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Rising Red prepares for late Sydney charge The performance of former New Zealand Derby placegetter Rising Red at Bendigo will determine whether he makes a late bid … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Marbellouz will struggle to make Weetwood Rising star Mr Marbellouz will struggle to make the field for the Listed Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba as No. 17 … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Corey Brown to ride D’Argento 1kg over Stewards have given permission for Corey Brown to ride Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento 1kg over his 49kg handicap in the … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Ballarat market movers for Tuesday, April 3 BALLARAT is racing this Tuesday and the punters have not missed the Victorian meet. After a big Easter weekend there’s … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tuesday NZ Briefs – Thief robbed of juvenile season Stakes-performed filly She’s A Thief won’t be seen again this season after she was forced out of Saturday’s Group 1 … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Trainer bullish about Khorabella’s prospects Andrew Carston isn’t short of runners at the Phar Lap Raceway on Wednesday and he has tipped Khorabella as one … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago The Precious One ready for stakes test Aptly-named filly The Precious One will head to Riccarton on Saturday for her first opportunity to add black type to … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Hiyaam’s Vinery result a golden outcome Hiyaam’s impact at the highest level has delivered a massive windfall to a pair of New Zealand breeders. The Mick … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Big Duke leads Sydney Cup odds ahead Championships Day 2 draw THE feature events of day two of The Championships are set to be shaped significantly tomorrow after Racing NSW holds … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Silent Sedition after back-to-back G1 wins William Reid Stakes winner Silent Sedition will chase her second-straight Group One win when she heads to Sydney for the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Baker and Forsman eye another Classic win ATC Oaks favourite Bonneval can give co-trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman another Classic race success after Jon Snow’s Australian … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Precautionary scans for Yendall after fall Jockey Dean Yendall will head to hospital for precautionary X-rays after a race fall at Mildura … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Noel Callow wins reckless riding appeal Noel Callow has successfully appealed a reckless riding charge and the severity of a careless riding penalty for his Vinery … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Options remain open for Wheal Leisure Trainer Archie Alexander is still undecided whether Tasmanian Oaks placegetter Wheal Leisure will run in the ATC Australian Oaks or … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Chautauqua firms to favouritism for The Everest AFTER scoring an incredible win in Saturday’s T.J. Smith Stakes, champion sprinter Chautauqua has firmed into favouritism for The Everest … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Steel Zip ready to pass $1 million Veteran Steel Zip won a trial so impressively last week, trainer Pat Duff is confident he can pass the $1million … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Midweek racing at Warwick Farm with form and free tips, April 5 PUNTERS have warmed down after a frantic day one of The Championships, but it’s time to warm up again with … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Chautauqua could race again this autumn Options remain open for star sprinter Chautauqua to press on to another feature race this season after his breathtaking third … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Free Standing gives Rode a happy holiday with Championships win CATHLEEN Rode says she will be heading on a vacation to celebrate Free Standing’s stunning win in Saturday’s Country Championships … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago A Twitter review of The Championships day one DAY one of The Championships was moving along nicely last Saturday, but punters weren’t quite hitting the jackpot in the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Fell Swoop takes a big step at w-f-a Canberra sprinter Fell Swoop’s Group One second to Chautauqua at his first weight-for-age test could prompt a re-think of his … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago David Vandyke still has Qld on his mind Trainer David Vandyke is not about to change his mind about moving his stable to Queensland despite Yankee Rose’s Sires’ … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago David Vandyke still has Qld on his mind Trainer David Vandyke is not about to change his mind about moving his stable to Queensland despite Yankee Rose’s Sires’ … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Happy Clapper a possible QEII starter Trainer Pat Webster says it’s not out of the question for Doncaster Mile runner-up Happy Clapper to back up in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Buffering, Chautauqua in Hong Kong clash The trainers of Australian sprinters Buffering and Chautauqua are holding back on Royal Ascot until after the two run in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Buffering, Chautauqua in Hong Kong clash The trainers of Australian sprinters Buffering and Chautauqua are holding back on Royal Ascot until after the two run in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Griante heads back to Sydney for Sapphire David Brideoake will have black-type runners in two states with Griante Sydney bound and Thames Court off to Adelaide … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Tuesday meetings return to Queensland A return to Tuesday racing in Queensland is one of the initiatives introduced by the state’s governing body to drive … Read More View the full article

I love Paris in the springtime, sang Ella Fitzgerald, and I'm pretty sure it was a thinly-veiled reference to her secret passion for heavy ground three-year-old maidens at Saint-Cloud. What Classic clues may we glean there? Well, maybe none. But I liked the look of Narkez (Fr), who gave his rivals a six-length walloping in the Prix Comrade last Tuesday, picking up where he left off after winning at Clairefontaine last October. Bred by Nurlan Bizakov under his Sumbe banner, the colt represents that magic Siyouni (Fr)-Galileo (Ire) cross, though let's face it, Galileo mares work well all over the place. Narkez, trained by Andre Fabre, has helped to give his owner a great start to the season following the Listed win of Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the Doncaster Mile. One person who is entitled to love Siyouni more than most is Peter Brant, who celebrated his first European Classic victory when Sottsass (Fr) won the Prix du Jockey Club before going on to deliver the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for Brant as well. We're looking forward to seeing his first runners emerge this season, but in the meantime Brant looks to have another decent prospect by Siyouni on his hands in the form of Louise Procter (Fr). Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, she became the second TDN Rising Star of the week for her sire when remaining unbeaten in her third start in the Prix du Belvedere at Chantilly on Thursday. She looks smart and has the entries to match. Making Dreams (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) kept up her trainer Karl Burke's great strike-rate in French stakes races by winning the G3 Prix Penelope by six lengths on her seasonal debut at Saint-Cloud. She is another who should enter considerations for the Classics, as should the Prix Caracalla winner Mister Gatz (Fr), who was born in the spring in which his sire Adlerflug (Ger) died. The flashy chestnut colt was somewhat reminiscent of his father as he bowled around the lush Parisian turf looking like he was having a mighty time before putting his head down to stride clear of the field by five lengths. Trained in Deauville by Stephanie Nigge for a collection of owners which includes his breeder Mathieu Boutin and Gerard Augustin-Normand, Mister Gatz holds an entry for the Deutsches Derby. O'Shea Shines on Dubai's Big Day Of course last week, or more specifically Saturday, was really all about the Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan which could certainly be considered a triumph for internationalism. The trophies for the eight Group races were shared between horses trained in America, Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Britain and Dubai (x2). It was also a great advertisement for keeping classy horses in training beyond the age of three. The winners of the five Group 1 contests were aged between five and seven, with Jerome Reynier's Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) being the youngest of those, and the wide-margin Golden Shaheen winner, the former Russian-trained Tuz (Oxbow), enjoying his finest hour as a seven-year-old on his fourth appearance on Dubai World Cup night. Tuz and the Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (Into Mischief) won their races in a manner which must still have their trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O'Shea blinking in disbelief. By six and a half and eight and a half lengths respectively, they each set a new record for the winning distance, with Laurel River, who broke from the outside gate, overturning that held by Dubai Millennium (GB) for 24 years. O'Shea, now 42, has been champion jockey in the UAE 11 times and he is in pole position to claim his 12th title this season. But despite that consistent success, the Irishman had a sole Group 1 victory to his name until Saturday. A modest and loyal grafter, O'Shea praised Laurel River's owner Juddmonte for keeping him on the horse, saying, “They could have any jockey in the world on him and they kept the faith with me. I'll be forever indebted to them.” Juddmonte didn't need any other jockey to claim a second Dubai World Cup after Arrogate's victory in 2017. O'Shea, bold from the outset from the number 12 stall, simply rode his rivals ragged and very much deserved his night in the spotlight. The Auguste Enigma The last three winners of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) were all in action over the weekend, with Shahryar (Jpn) a good second in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, which also featured the last two Japanese Oaks winners Liberty Island (Jpn) and Stars On Earth (Jpn), while Do Deuce (Jpn) was not beaten far when fifth in the G1 Dubai Turf. Lest we think that Japan is completely depleted of its best runners during the big meetings in the Middle East, then look no further than Sunday's G1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin. It featured last year's Japanese Derby and 2,000 Guineas winners, Tastiera (Jpn) and Sol Oriens (Jpn), along with Geoglyph (Jpn), who beat Equinox (Jpn) to win the Guineas in 2022, and the G1 Shuka Sho winner of that same year, Stunning Rose (Jpn). So much of the Sheema Classic build-up had centred on the clash between Liberty Island and Auguste Rodin (Ire), but the latter, who won last year's Derby and Irish Derby before going on to land the Irish Champion and Breeders' Cup Turf, added to his enigmatic status by finishing last of the 12 runners. Don't despair. When 12th in the Guineas on debut last season, Auguste Rodin bounced back to win at Epsom, and he put his last-place finish in the King George behind him to triumph next time out on Irish Champions Weekend. This column, at least, still holds the faith that when he's good, he's very, very good. Epsom's honour was however upheld in Sydney over the weekend, where the 2020 Derby winner Serpentine (Ire) claimed his second consecutive stakes win for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in the G3 Neville Selwood S. It's Whitsbury's World It is important not to get too carried away with the early two-year-old races. Despite the annual hullabaloo over Royal Ascot, nothing really matters until the autumn, right? But it's impossible not to watch the early skirmishes with interest and Whitsbury Manor Stud's Sergei Prokofiev was represented by his second winner from just two runners when Flicka's Girl triumphed at Wolverhampton on Easter Monday. The David Loughnane-trained filly was also bred by Whitsbury Manor and sold, as is the stud's usual practice, at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 22,000gns. Britain's other juvenile race on Monday over at Kempton went the way of Pont Neuf (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), a winner on debut for Eve Johnston Houghton, who also struck with the two-year-old Tanager (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) at Chelmsford on Good Friday. The trainer has a well established partnership with bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock when it comes to working the sales and the pair has once again unearthed a couple of useful looking prospects for 24,000gns (Tattersalls Somerville) and €22,000 (Tattersalls Ireland) respectively. Johnson Houghton has made a flying start to the new season with four winners and three placed horses from nine runners since the official 'start of the Flat'. Jack Came Back It was announced last week that Ben Curtis, who was been riding at Fair Grounds in New Orleans over the winter, would remain in America for “the foreseeable future” after riding 43 winners and netting more than $1.5 million in prize-money. Last September, Curtis had ridden his 1,000th winner aboard Merrijig (GB) (Schiaparelli {Ger}) and as that horse resumed on Good Friday, the absent Curtis was replaced in the saddle by Jack Gilligan, who has recently returned after a decade in the US and now has Curtis's former agent Simon Dodds representing him. Merrijig was the first of two winners for Gilligan from three rides on Good Friday, and the jockey struck again 24 hours later on his sole ride at Wolverhampton. Not to be confused with the Irish conditional of the same name, Gilligan was born in Newmarket but left Britain at the age of 17 with his parents Pat, a racing writer and trainer, and Vicky, a barn foreman at WinStar Farm. With more than 400 wins in America, including two Grade III victories aboard Silver Dust (Tapit), he has been making the most of the opportunities handed to him since returning to his home town. There are not many names in the jockeys' table with a better strike-rate than Gilligan so far this year. He is currently operating at 20% winners to rides. Backing all of his 45 mounts would have yielded a profit of almost £43 to a £1 stake. Pecheur Swaps Roles for Rottgen German Classic-winning jockey Maxim Pecheur retired at the end of last season to succeed Markus Klug as the trainer at Gestut Rottgen near Cologne. He had previously ridden Windstoss (Ger) (Shirocco {Ger}) in the famous Rottgen colours to win the 2017 G1 Deutsches Derby. The colt was trained by Klug, as was Pecheur's G1 Preis der Diana winner, Diamanta (Ger) (Maxios {GB}), for Gestut Brummerhof. Pecheur is clearly adjusting well to his new role at the historic training centre and he could well have a Derby contender of his own this year after his first runner, Anspruch (Ger) (New Bay {GB}), won on debut at Cologne on Monday. The Rottgen-bred colt is out of the Group 3 winner Anna Katharina (Ger) (Kallisto {Ger}). The post Seven Days: Bring on the Classic Trials appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ken Ramsey finished the Gulfstream Championship meet atop the owner standings with 27 winners. A perennial leading owner, Ramsey previously led the standings at Gulfstream in 2021-2022, 2019-2020 and from 2012-2013 to 2017-2018. His wins during the meet included Be My Sunshine (Frosted) in the Tropical Park Oaks and Abrumar (Divisidero) in the Colonel Liam S., both from the barn of leading trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. The post Ramsey Tops Owner Standings At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this monthly BH interview, Karen M. Johnson profiles young racing personalities.View the full article

Towards the end of December, the Sergio Morfin-trained Grazen mare Wishtheyallcouldbe was loaded onto a van from her stable at Los Alamitos to be shipped to Santa Anita for a $12,500 claimer. She would ultimately finish second. Isidro Paez was the freelance groom hired to care for the horse that day. In February, Paez had his license suspended for 90 days by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) for disorderly conduct “under the influence of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine” on Jan. 27, at Santa Anita. According to the stewards' minutes of the hearing, Paez voluntarily provided a urine sample that day which resulted in a positive finding for both methamphetamine and amphetamine. In explanation, “Paez stated he snorted methamphetamine while attending a New Year's party on January 1, 2024,” the minutes state. On March 3, Morfin was issued an interim suspension by the Horse Racing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) as a result of Wishtheyallcouldbe's positive post-race test for methamphetamine, a banned substance under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). Since then, Morfin has remained provisionally suspended while his case is being processed. According to John Tyre, Morfin's attorney, because of Paez's chronicled history of methamphetamine use, he has reached an agreement with HIWU that on April 6, Morfin's suspension will be lifted after some 30 days. Crucially for this more lenient sanction, Morfin did not pursue a formal hearing, said Tyre. The length of Morfin's suspension also reflects a recent shift by HIWU in applying lesser sanctions than in the past for violations stemming from common drugs of human abuse like cocaine and methamphetamine, in accordance with proposed rule changes pending approval by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Rather than confront a possible two-year ban and $25,000 fine for a methamphetamine positive, say, trainers will face a maximum 60-day suspension and $5,000 fine under the proposed rules, if they are indeed approved. In a note on HIWU's website, it states that the organization “has elected to stay all pending Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program cases whose potential periods of Ineligibility would be affected by these rule updates, including due to either the reduction of the applicable periods of Ineligibility or the removal of the automatic application of penalty points for certain violations.” “[Morfin] will be back to training the first week of April. And then, that'll be the end of it,” said Tyre, who was quick to add that rampant substance abuse problems among backstretch employees–and its overlap with positive tests in racehorses–is an issue that's far from over, despite the proposed lessened sanctions. “I've been doing criminal defense work for many, many years, and if it wasn't for methamphetamine, alcohol and marriage, I'd be broke,” said Tyre. As such, the ultimate insurer rule that places the burden of responsibility solely on the trainer's shoulders is leading to decisions that don't always reflect the complicated nature of the problem, Tyre said. “HIWU and HISA need to conduct some kind of investigation to determine how widespread [substance abuse] is around the backside of the racetracks.” Coady Photography THE PROBLEM AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Tyre's suggestion hardly comes as a bolt from the blue. The long hours, early mornings, sometimes poor pay and living conditions, coupled with the dangerous nature of backstretch work make drink and drugs something of an all-too convenient crutch–especially while blind eyes are turned in an industry where hard-drinking and hard-partying have long been worn as a badge of honor as much as a release from the grind. Indeed, there's a reason so many exercise riders say they ride better after a drink, why so many shed-row ice machines have bottles of beer nestled in them, and why so many see the antidote to the dreaded four-a.m. alarm clock as an inhalable stimulant. Just look at the numbers. Since HISA's ADMC program went into effect last year, there have already been 13 either pending or resolved cases for methamphetamine positives, and another two involving cocaine. Darin Scharer is executive director of the Winners Foundation, a presence at every California track to provide information, support and referral services for backstretch employees and their families going though addiction issues. Scharer said he was unable to estimate just how many backstretch workers have substance abuse problems. But he doesn't argue with the contention it's significant. “We're not having the fentanyl problem or the heroin issues that other places have,” said Scharer, about California's backstretches. “But we definitely have a marijuana issue. And we definitely have a methamphetamine issue.” Indeed, veteran California trainer Hector Palma was suspended for 81 days for a methamphetamine positive, a portion of that time after multiple grooms in his care tested positive for the drug. The positive occurred near the start of the ADMC program going into effect, before the new rules were proposed. What Scharer bemoans is the lack of any unified approach to providing support to racing's phalanx of essential workers. “Unfortunately it's only us, Kentucky and New York. That's the only three that I know of,” said Scharer, about the number of jurisdictions armed with substance abuse support programs like the Winners Foundation. “I would love to be involved in a program where we make this more uniform across the country.” One key obstacle to meaningful movement in this arena is an ongoing cult of shame that surrounds the issue. “There's still a lot of stigma associated with people that have drug problems and mental health problems,” said Scharer. “For people accessing services, it's still a scary thing.” Another reason appears to be more mercenary. At a time when the industry grapples with a profound dearth of good, reliable help, there's a fear among some in the industry, said Scharer, that tackling the problem head-on could lead to an even more attenuated workforce. “Sometimes people don't want to know the truth of how bad it really is,” he said. Though not everyone is as averse to such truth-telling. “I know that Richard Mandella tests everybody in his barn before they go work for him,” said Scharer. “He doesn't want anybody who works with his horses to be working under the influence.” At the same time, some substance abuse rehabilitation programs offer a tantalizing answer to the industry's staffing woes. “It could turn the backside upside down,” said Frank Taylor, director of new business development at Taylor Made Farms, about a joint venture he's helped build between Stable Recovery and the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship for men and women suffering substance abuse problems. The partnership includes two halfway houses and a 12-step program, along with vocational rehab to teach those going through the 90-day course the basics of horsemanship. The idea is to provide them with an avenue towards meaningful employment–in the process, providing a new workforce source for the Thoroughbred industry. Graduates of this program, said Taylor, have found work at a variety of key farms in the area including Coolmore, Darley and WinStar. “We've got about 10 farms that are currently working with us,” he said. “If trainers started hiring these people, they would absolutely love it,” Taylor added. “It's just the right thing to do to help these people, give them an opportunity in life. Plus, we're putting them with the most therapeutic animal on earth.” Taylor estimates upwards of 50 percent of backstretch employees have a potential substance abuse problem. And it's a topic Taylor knows well. A recovering alcoholic, Taylor quit drinking a few years ago, which is when he visited the DV8 Kitchen, a Kentucky restaurant that provides employment to those in the early stages of substance abuse recovery. DV8, said Taylor, proved the inspiration for the second chance venture he's built at Taylor Made. What's more, their program works. “Generally, somebody goes into a 90-day program only about 15% of them stay sober to the end of the 90-days,” said Taylor. “We're running more like 85%. The reason is, they get completely out of their old environment and come out and work immediately.” While the program is primarily geared towards those with little to no prior horse experience, they've taken on individuals from the racetrack–jockeys, trainers, even farm managers–who act as tutors, said Taylor. “We'll have them helping the green guys coming in,” said Taylor, who explained how they adapt their program to the skill sets of the individual. “Folks from the track, they're going to see some guys in there, picking feet and whatnot, and they're going to say, 'do this, do that,'” said Taylor. “The thing about addiction, to get and stay sober, you've got to help another addict.” Ultimately, Taylor envisages a recovery program with a racetrack backstretch-located dormitory. “The idea would be to put them through our program, get them sober 90-days, then move them into that dormitory with a house manager and keep the drug testing going,” said Taylor. “I don't know how it's going to go or how it's going to grow,” Taylor added. “But I know there's a huge need for it. And I know it's a win-win for the industry, for the horses and the horsemen.” Lisa Lazarus | Carley Storm HISA'S ROLE? Substance abuse on the backstretch is on HISA's radar, said the organization's CEO, Lisa Lazarus. “If we have a significant amount of our population that we depend on to run racing that is struggling with addiction or abusing drugs, I think we have a moral obligation to help those people and to do something for them,” Lazarus said, adding that she's already discussed the need for providing a stronger network of industry treatment programs with those already working on the problem. For the sake of improving safety and integrity in racing, “it's just not acceptable to say that meth in the workplace is okay. And I think it's everyone's job to fix it,” Lazarus said. “The trainers deserve to have a whole lot of help from racetracks and other organizations to help prevent employees from using meth on the backside. It's not only their responsibility.” That said, “I would like to encourage more trainers to think to themselves, 'you know what? For $25 more, I don't need the cheaper groom. I could find a groom that I actually know and feel more comfortable with and use them instead,'” Lazarus said. But given how ubiquitous drug use is on the backstretch, what about those trainers unable to find reliable drug-free help because of the industry's chronic staffing shortage? Or those struggling trainers unable to fork out premium prices? “I recognize that sometimes it's not achievable,” said Lazarus. “But obviously, the anti-doping system is based on a system of fault. So, when trainers have come forward and have evidence of workers in their stable that are on the drug, they obviously get a much more relaxed penalty because they have an explanation. And that's only fair.” The “complicated question,” said Lazarus, is how to find the correct balance between “being fair to horsemen and what they can control while also requiring some level of responsibility.” At the launch of HISA's anti-doping and medication control (ADMC) program, the screening limit for meth was the same as for the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), said Lazarus. “We've ended up quadrupling it,” she added, of the screening limit. Though many cases have been dismissed as contamination, has HISA's approach been a fair one for the horsemen and women so far? “It may be that the science shows that in time the screening limit needs to be raised,” said Lazarus. “The one thing I would say is there is no racing jurisdiction in the world or horse sport in the world that doesn't test for and sanction for meth. And actually, our rules are amongst the most lenient with regards to meth because we do take into consideration the risks on the backside,” Lazarus said, pointing to the recent case of Harness racing trainer Clarence Foulk suspended for one year stemming from a 2023 methamphetamine positive. When asked if the way Morfin has been treated has been reasonable, his attorney, Tyre, responded that the constraints of the system guided their approach. “If we were to fight the case forward it would take months,” said Tyre, adding how his client could have remained suspended for that period. “This was the best way to get him back to work,” he said. The post Morfin Meth Case Highlights Backstretch Substance Abuse Problems appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He was dominant down the Meydan straight in the Al Quoz Sprint and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes looks ideal for the geldingView the full article

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Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was withdrawn at the start of the Dubai Gold Cup on Saturday following an incident in the stalls, is continuing to undergo exploratory tests in the veterinary hospital in Dubai. The five-year-old, who is owned by Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa's KHK Racing and trained by Roger Varian, won the G1 St Leger and G2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot at three, and closed out last season with victory over Kyprios (Ire) in the G1 Irish St Leger. Chris Wall, racing manager to KHK Racing, issued an update to TDN on Monday. He said, “The horse in the stall next door kicked out and made quite a bang, causing 'Eldar' to anticipate the start. He must have put a lot of effort into it but the gate didn't open, which is not a criticism, sometimes they do, but on this occasion it didn't. “But he'd given it a fair old whack and he was obviously concussed, and initially we thought that was all that was the problem. It's looking like it might be more than just a concussion. Shaikh Khalid has been insistent that we leave no stone unturned to find out what the problem is and what can be done about it, and with that in mind, they have found and flown in two vets from America, who should be in Dubai today.” Wall added that after further assessment a clearer picture of the issue should emerge in 24 to 36 hours. He continued, “After the race and that evening in the clinic he was looking a bit sorry for himself but I was sent a video this morning and he was looking a lot happier. He's been eating and drinking and that's always an encouraging sign. He's comfortable and receiving the best care. We'll just have to wait and see what is found and what can be done to improve the situation.” The post Eldar Eldarov ‘Comfortable and Receiving the Best Care’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kiwi handler sets Magniac and Seasons Wit for strongest race on Wednesday’s all-weather programme at Sha TinView the full article

An extra seven days between racing and the hope of a better weather forecast has led co-trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood to look to the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) on the second day of The Championships with Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel), rather than backing up in the ATC Australian Derby this Saturday. The three-year-old filly by Cox Plate-winning sire Savabeel scored her second win at the highest level with her victory in the Gr.1 Vinery Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday as a $1.57 favourite. “The extra week will help her,” Wellwood told RSN927. “With the forecast this week, hopefully the conditions won’t be as rain affected next week.” James Mcdonald’s post-race comments after the Vinery win are likely to have played a part in the stable’s thinking. “She had to have all the quality (to win),” McDonald said. “She was out on her feet, like good ones do, she’s just very good. “It’s a weird feeling riding her because the first time I ever sat on her, I was, ‘right, good filly’ ride the winner and forget about the next one but when I hopped off her I thought, there’s something damned, damned good about this thing.” Orchestral is now the $1.70 favourite for the Gr.1 Australian Oaks at Randwick on April 13 with the James Cummings-trained Zardozi (Kingman) on the second line of betting at $4. Up to 70 millimetres of rain is forecast for Sydney from Wednesday through to Saturday. View the full article

Domain Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) may find himself back on a truck to the Central Districts chasing Group One glory this weekend, after an impressive debut win at Otaki. The Swiss Ace juvenile generated interest prior to his first race-day appearance at the Easter Monday meeting, holding a nomination for Saturday’s Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham. With one creditable trial to prepare at Taupo last month, Domain Ace entered the Farmlands Otaki 2YO Maiden (1200m) at a quote of $14, in a market dominated by the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Truth Or Dare (NZ) (Vanbrugh) at $1.60. Jumping positively away from barrier five, Domain Ace sat off pacemaker First Gear (NZ) (Derryn) down the back straight and the pair were set to fight it out at the 250m, the Team Rogerson representative proving too strong to score by 1 & ¼ lengths under Craig Grylls. Originally set to be sold by Rogerson Bloodstock in the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, co-trainer Graeme Rogerson elected to keep Domain Ace after he was passed in when failing to meet his $50,000 reserve. “I think he’s something very special, this is a good horse,” Rogerson said. “I had him in the Ready To Run Sales, but he went that well that I decided to keep him. “He couldn’t have done any more today, he jumped, he sat, and did everything right. You can’t ask for much more than that in his first start to the races. I thought it was a pretty good field as well.” Rogerson indicated the two-year-old would return to his Tuhikaramea base on Monday night, before any decision would be made regarding the $450,000 juvenile feature. “He’s a beautiful quiet horse. He’s coming home tonight so we’ll see how he travels, and then he’ll go down to the farm in the day time,” he said. “It’s a big ask, especially to travel back down to Trentham. The four owners will make up our minds on Wednesday.” Among the ownership group is Merv and Meg Butterworth, loyal clients of Rogerson and owners of champion pacer Copy That. “Merv has about 20 gallopers with me, including Sharp’N’Smart and Just As Sharp. He’s had a lot of nice horses,” Rogerson said. Another progeny of Swiss Ace, Just As Sharp (NZ) will contest the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m) at the Trentham meeting, after placing 3rd, 2nd, and 4th behind star filly Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “It shows how good this horse is with Orchestral winning on Saturday, we followed her in the Derby but she was just too strong in the end. He went super there, as in the Avondale Guineas and the Karaka Million 3YO,” Rogerson said. “I think he’s got the makings of a very good horse, although we are getting offers left, right and centre from Hong Kong for him. We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. “I love Swiss Ace’s, I own Makabar and race him on lease to the Pitman’s, and he won nicely down at Riverton as well today.” Rogerson will also be represented by Group Two performer Solidify (NZ) (Redwood) in the three-year-old 1600m event at Pukekohe Park on Saturday, the gelding dropping back in distance after a 13th placed finish in the New Zealand Derby. View the full article

A rails-hugging ride by Kavish Chowdhoory paved the way for the visiting Michael and Matthew Pitman stable to quinella the opening event on the second day of the annual Riverton Easter Carnival. The Pitman team picked up two wins on the opening day on Saturday with Tomyturbo (NZ) (Sacred Falls) and Charbano (NZ) (Vespa), and enjoyed immediate success again as Makabar (NZ) (Swiss Ace) improved markedly on his first day fourth by bolting away with the Speights/Ewan Allan Honda Thornbury Handicap (1400m). Chowdhoory had the son of Swiss Ace poised behind the solid speed set up by race favourite Emanon (NZ) (Burgundy) and when that runner lugged off the fence rounding the home bend, Chowdhoory kicked his mount through in a flash. Makabar relished the Heavy 10 conditions as he raced clear to win by more than six lengths at the post, with stablemate Seikrid (NZ) (Sacred Falls) nabbing Emanon on the line to claim the runner-up position. Makabar has proven a real money spinner for the stable, winning six times since moving south from the Team Rogerson stable in 2021. “He went a good race on the first day and I did tell people before the first day I thought he was our best chance across the carnival,” Michael Pitman said “He has a terrific record on wet ground and has been a great horse for the stable since he joined us. “He pulled up well on day one and that showed in the way he went today.” Pitman believes Makabar could join three other stable runners the team have aimed at the rich $350,000 TAB Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) on 13 April at Riccarton. “We intend to run him along with Mystic Park, Charbano and Proserve in the Southern Alps Challenge in a fortnight if he can make the field,” he said. “It is a fantastic concept and if we could get four horses into the inaugural running of the race, we would be pretty chuffed. “You don’t often get to run for money like that so if we could get a share of it then that would be great.” TAB Bookmakers have Mystic Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) as the warm $2.50 Fixed Odds favourite for the race which is for horses that have their trainers operating a premises in the South Island from 1 August last year, have been stabled at that premises since 31 December and have run at least twice in the South Island since that date. Bred by Gerry Harvey at Westbury Stud, Makabar was purchased by Graeme Rogerson at Karaka in 2017 for $55,000 and has now won nine of his 75 starts and over $162,000 for his large group of owners. Included in his extended pedigree is the 1998-99 champion Australian sprinter Isca (Rory’s Jester) who won six races including twice at Group One level. View the full article

The visiting Cambridge stable of Ben and son Ryan Foote were to the fore in the opening events at Otaki on Monday where they took out the first two races on the programme. Three-year-old maiden filly Alation (NZ) (Swiss Ace) proved too tough for her rivals in race one, dashing away in the home straight for rider Courtney Barnes despite having done plenty of work outside pacemaker Am I Blue (NZ) (Niagara) in the 1600m contest. Just thirty minutes later her stablemate Enthusiastic (NZ) (War Decree) claimed his maiden victory after setting all the pace in the Harcourts Otaki 3YO (1200m) before holding out the late charge by Tiny Diamond (NZ) (Time Test) to win by just on a length for apprentice rider Triston Moodley. A change in tactics to make use of a good draw made all the difference for Alation who Ben Foote believes has plenty in store for her. “She (Alation) had been getting back and running on late so we put the side winkers on today and asked Courtney to make use of a better draw if she could,” Foote said. “It was a brave effort as she had to do the work outside the pace and the way she closed things off suggests she isn’t going to have trouble with going a little further in the future. “We have always thought she was a potential stayer but as this is just her first prep we will play it on the cautious side and she will tell us how much further she wants to go.” Foote also believes that Enthusiastic has a future over a staying trip once he matures further. “He (Enthusiastic) went good races in strong company in his first campaign, but he needed time to mature. “I think he has a future as a stayer and that’s where we will aim him. “It was a good effort as he hadn’t even had a jumpout before today but Triston said he won with a lot up his sleeve despite being a little green over the last 200m. “We initially thought he might be a Derby horse but that came up too soon so we will take him along quietly and just see how he develops.” Raced by her breeder Gerry Harvey, Alation is by Westbury Stud resident stallion Swiss Ace and comes from an extended family that includes dual Group One winner Atomic Force (Danehill Dancer) who was successful in the 2012 Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie. Purchased by Brewers Bloodstock for $60,000 out of his breeders’ Berkely Stud draft at Karaka in 2022, Enthusiastic is a son of War Decree and Savabeel mare Enthusabelle and is the half-brother to Pipiana (NZ) (Highly Recommended) who was twice stakes placed as a three-year-old. The Foote team were at it again in the fourth race on the card with No Nay Never mare Carrington (NZ) storming home out wide to break her maiden status at her ninth start. View the full article

Rank outsider Lovelock (NZ) (Sacred Falls) turned the formbook upside down when he bolted away with the Riverton Rural Transport Highway Stakes (2147m), the feature flat event at Riverton on Easter Monday. The five-year-old son of Sacred Falls had finished an inglorious last over 1600m on Saturday and punters were prepared to discard his chances two days later, sending him out at odds of $39.20 on the tote in the nine-horse field. A change of tactics from rider Lee Callaway saw the Jim Curran-trained galloper sent straight to the front where he maintained a strong gallop throughout. Challenged by Humbucker (NZ) (Iffraaj) at the 600m, Lovelock shook off that runner rounding the home bend and with Callaway riding confidently he powered away to win by a healthy six-length margin from the well favoured The Tui Toiler (NZ) (Highly Recommended) ($2.30) and Humbucker ($7.80) who battled on gamely for third. Curran admitted he was left scratching his head after the first day effort but was prepared to give his charge another chance if he could get his own way in front. “He is a moody bugger who sulks when things don’t go his way,” Curran said. “We had planned to go to the front with him on Saturday but over the mile there was just too much pressure on to get there. “I thought the extra distance would help and Lee said he was really confident once they had gone past the post the first time as he was just loving it out in front. “He’s never been tested on a wet track and after Saturday I still didn’t know much but he handled it very well and there could be more in store for him if he can keep going like that.” Despite the $39 dividend Curran stuck to his normal pattern with just a $10 each way bet on the horse. “I never spend much and just had my usual $10 each way,” he said. “You’d probably go broke backing him and after Saturday it was two-minute noodles for dinner although I might lift my sights now. “If he can hold his form then we might take a look at the Wairio Cup on his home track (Ascot Park) in early May.” Out of the Zabeel mare La Zeel (NZ), who won nine races in Australia and was placed in stakes company, Lovelock has now won three of his 17 starts for Curran and his wife Gay. View the full article

Ortiz won twice March 31 on Invigorated in Race 7 and Miss Speedy in Race 9 to finish with 119 winners and top the rider standings for the fifth time in the past six seasons.View the full article

What Geelong Races Where Geelong Racecourse – 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219 When Tuesday, April 2, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Victorian horse racing on Tuesday afternoon heads to Geelong Racecourse, where a competitive eight-race meeting awaits punters. With plenty of rain forecast for Monday, and showers forecast for most of Tuesday, punters can expect the meeting to be run on at least a Soft 6-7, with a further downgrade likely. The rail comes out 7m from the 1800m-800m, with it out 10m the remainder of the circuit. Action from Geelong is set to commence at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Geelong – Pure Power Pure Power has been banging down the doors of a maiden win and at the seventh time of asking, he should be clearing maiden ranks. Ciaron Maher’s three-year-old gelding got nosed out at Yarra Valley on March 17, but with seven lengths back to third, it suggests a repeat performance should see him prove too tough at Geelong. Theodore Ladd will look to hold a prominent position from a wide draw, and outside of any bad luck in transit, the 2260m looks right up Pure Power’s alley, and he should have no issue outstaying his rivals. Best Bet Race 4 – #8 Pure Power (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Theodore Ladd (59kg) +160 with Dabble Next Best at Geelong – Riproar Returning from a near six-month spell, Andrew Forsman’s Riproar looks to have found the right race to return a winner in. The three-year-old gelding was chasing home the likes of Riff Rocket and Sunsource last campaign in Listed company, so he should appreciate the step back to a BM64 at Geelong. He has a win and minor placing on Soft going in his career, and despite no doubt wanting further than the 1340m he returns at, Riproar’s class should prove the difference against this field. Next Best Race 6 – #2 Riproar (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Damian Lane (60kg) +200 with Playup Best Value at Geelong – Dysart Clinton McDonald’s newly-acquired Dysart was hitting the line nicely over 1112m at Geelong on stable debut on March 16, and with the step up to 1240m, he looks a great each-way play with horse racing bookies. The three-year-old gelding is a genuine backmarker, so needs his races run at a genuine clip, which he should get on Tuesday. Unlike most tracks, when the rail comes out as far as it does for this meeting, backmarkers play a key role. Craig Newitt will have the son of Smart Missile in clear air on the home turn, and with a strong turn of foot, Dysart can break maiden ranks at start four. Best Value Race 3 – #3 Dysart (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Craig Newitt (59kg) +1000 with Neds Tuesday quaddie tips for Geelong races Geelong quadrella selections Tuesday, April 2, 2024 1-2-4-5-10 1-2-4 1-3-5-9 2-4-5-6-9-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Repole Stable's Fierceness was looking good to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher the morning following his record-breaking 13 1/2-length triumph in $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park March 30.View the full article

The Gulfstream Park Championship Meet ended Sunday with jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. defending their respective titles. Ortiz finished the meet with 119 winners, a mark that saw him top the rider's standings for the fifth time in the last six seasons. “It went very good for us,” said Ortiz. “It means a lot to win another title here. They make me feel at home here. The owners, everybody training here, the whole organization– security and the people who work here–they make me feel good. I have great support from the trainers and owners of Florida, and I appreciate it. I'm so happy to win another title here.” Saffie Joseph, Jr. trained 66 winners through the meet, good enough to lead Todd Pletcher in the standings and pick up his third-straight training title. “We're thankful for the opportunities from the owners, the team we have–how hard they work and all the effort they put in–and most importantly to have the horses we have,” said Joseph. “The horses are the biggest piece of the puzzle. The horses make everyone look good.” The post Irad Ortiz, Jr. And Saffie Joseph, Jr. Defend Gulfstream Titles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Flaming Rabbit and Lyle Hewitson are not for catching. Lyle Hewitson has always been a superb judge of pace and the South African produced a brilliant front-running ride aboard Flaming Rabbit (126lb) to win at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon. Outwitting six rivals aboard the Time Test galloper in a time of 1:35.15s (25.61, 23.88, 22.78, 22.88), Hewitson netted his 27th victory in Hong Kong this term after finding an untroubled lead to prevail over The Golden Scenery (135lb) and 1.5 favourite Mugen (131lb). “In his first season he used to just win a length or two at the start and be able to take control of the race a little bit more, whereas more recently he’s been coming out on terms with them and there’s a little bit more pressure. “Getting to the mile and him jumping like he used to allowed me to control the first two furlongs and then I was gradually able to keep picking up,” Hewitson said. Victory came by a runaway 1.25 lengths. It is Hewitson’s first in tandem with trainer Chief Stipelas Whyte this season, snapping a lengthy run of outs before Sunday. “It’s been a long time between drinks. He’s been one of my main go-to jockeys (20 wins together in 2021/22) and I’ve been a great supporter of his – we have no issues, he’s a friend of mine. It’s just circumstances and Hong Kong being Hong Kong. We just haven’t had the luck. I’m glad the monkey is off both of our backs,” Whyte said. Whyte had hoped Flaming Rabbit, who previously won last July, was able to feature in last month’s Group 2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (1600m) at Al Rayyan. “I had this horse penned in to go to Qatar and his form just wasn’t where it was today. He’s always had it but he’s a colt and he’s just been a little bit awkward to deal with. Suppose we take today’s run, if he had run that race in Qatar, he would have been in the first three,” Whyte said. Whyte labelled the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on June 23 as a potential long-range target for Flaming Rabbit, who won Group 3 races in Germany and Great Britain prior to import. Horse racing news View the full article

Orchestral was given a major scare by another bold move from Nash Rawiller on board Tutta La Vita, but she still stretched her winning streak to the past five of her nine starts, taking the Vinery Stud Stakes.View the full article

Grade 1 winner Gold Phoenix (IRE) returns to the Santa Anita Park turf for his 6-year-old debut against nine competitors in the $100,000 American Stakes (G3T) going one mile April 4.View the full article