Wandering Eyes

A seven-horse Godolphin contingent trained by Charlie Appleby is at Keeneland and preparing for upcoming graded stakes races.View the full article

Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables' Mindframe (c, 3, Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense), sent off the even-money favorite in his debut, more than lived up to the hype, earning 'TDN Rising Star' status with a 10-length romping victory Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The dark bay colt, a $600,000 KEESEP purchase, settled off the pace behind fractions of :21.92 and :44.44. When Irad Ortiz said go, he made eye-catching progress to grab the lead out of the turn and stormed home an unchallenged winner. One Sharp Cookie (Sharp Azteca) was second and Valued Cajun (Cajun Breeze) was third. The time for the seven furlongs was 1:21.72. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stable. B-R Larry Johnson (Md). T-Todd Pletcher. The post Constitution’s Mindframe Romps in ‘TDN Rising Star’ Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Japanese star Forever Young ran his way into the Kentucky Derby (G1) field with a powerful victory in the UAE Derby (G2) March 30 at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.View the full article

Under jockey Edwin Maldonado, American Two Rivers Over defeats Walk of Stars by three-quarters of a length, with Isolate a nose back in third. View the full article

Tuz, a $7,000 purchase at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, won the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at Meydan Racecourse.View the full article

Laurel River pulled the robbery in one of the richest races on earth when he romped by 8 1/2 lengths in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) March 30 at Meydan Racecourse.View the full article

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What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Monday, April 1, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Public Holiday racing in Victoria travels to the Lakeside track at Sandown for Easter Monday action. The track has come out a Good 4 at the time of acceptances, and the rail comes out 8m the entire circuit. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s free Sandown racing tips, with action commencing at 1:10pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: Pivot City Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) have always had a big opinion of Pivot City and in the quaddie opener he gets his chance to bring up an overdue win. The three-year-old colt has been racing in much tougher company than what he faces on Monday and hasn’t been beaten far in each of his three starts this time in. This isn’t the toughest BM64 going around by any means, and if Pivot City can unleash the turn of foot that saw him finish fifth beaten two-lengths behind Legacies and Vivy Air, it will be more than good enough to be winning. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Pivot City (7) 3yo Colt | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (61kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Aztec State Aztec State looks to have a stack of ability, especially based on what he did during his initial campaign. The three-year-old got the better of the classy Roll On High on debut, and would go on to place in Listed company before heading to the paddock. He won a Flemington jumpout in fine style on March 22 in the lead-up to this, and if Aztec State is anywhere near his best, the son of Pierro should just be winning. Mark Zahra will hold a forward position from barrier four, and with a slick turn of foot, his rivals will not see which way he goes. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Aztec State (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Mark Zahra (58kg) +130 with Playup Next Best Again at Sandown: Farag Farag was a smart winner on the Hillside track on March 20 and repeat performance of what he put forward that day, should see him salute once more. The Aaron Purcell-trained stayer produced a stunning finish, despite being held up for a run at the top of the straight. Once he saw clear air, the six-year-old gelding picked off his rivals in style. Damian Lane sticks on board, and with a drop of 1.5kg at the weights, if Faraq can find clear air at the right time once again, he will prove too hard to hold out. Best Value Race 3 – #3 Farag (8) 6yo Gelding | T: Aaron Purcell | J: Damian Lane (56.5kg) +140 with Picklebet Sandown Lakeside Monday quaddie tips – 1/4/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Monday, April 1, 2024 2 Field 2-4-5-6-7-8 5-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

In a day filled with drama, LAUREL RIVER (h, 6, Into Mischief–Calm Water, by Empire Maker) left no mystery as to the winner of the biggest race of the day, the 28th running of the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup Saturday at Meydan Racecourse. The Juddmonte homebred took the lead early, turned back pressure from Defunded (Dialed In), and was not for catching, romping by 8 1/2 lengths. Last year's winner, Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), who trailed early, closed for second in a photo over last month's G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft). The winning rider Tadhg O'Shea and trainer Bhupat Seemar had also teamed up earlier in the day to win the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen S. with Tuz (Oxbow). Final time for the 2000 metres was 2:02.31. Laurel River, winner of the G3 Burj Nahaar at one mile over this surface Mar. 2, was previously trained in the U.S. by Bob Baffert and was last seen in America winning the GII Pat O'Brien S. at Del Mar in 2022. He did not race again until this January at Meydan. O/B-Juddmonte Farms (Ky); T-Bhupat Seemar. WOW! #7 LAUREL RIVER dominates the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) in front-running fashion! The @JuddmonteFarms homebred was perfectly ridden by @OsheaTadhg for trainer Satish Seemar. Congratulations to the connections! pic.twitter.com/NYZEeSYF7m — TVG (@TVG) March 30, 2024 The post Juddmonte Homebred Laurel River Romps in Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) ran out a shock 28-1 winner of the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. It was a race of contrasting emotions for two of the powerhouse stables in Europe as Aidan O'Brien's dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin, sent off a 5-4 favourite, trailed home in last. But the day belonged to Rebel's Romance, who was placed prominently by Buick throughout. Appleby revealed after the race that his big-race jockey set out to ride the Breeders' Cup Turf winner handily, knowing that there was a lack of pace in the contest, and the plan was pulled off to perfection. The trainer said, “Rebel's Romance is a Breeders' Cup winner and a four-time Group 1 winner coming into the race and we were a 28-1 shot so that shows you the strength and depth of this race. William said he had a plan and we were confident the right thing to do was go forward on him.” Appleby added, “I was very confident down the back that William was in the right spot because the fractions just weren't that quick and William knows this track so well. Most importantly I'm delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and to have a winner tonight is a great relief. It was a great ride by William.” Buick echoed the sentiments of his trainer in his post-race debrief and showered the winner with praise. “He showed in Qatar what a versatile horse he is,” Buick said. “His best form has usually been when he's held up but in Qatar I tried something new. I was keen today to adopt a similar tactic and I got a lovely slipstream from the leader. “He's a very good horse on his day and he showed that today. I'm absolutely delighted; he's a great horse and I'm so glad he's back to his best.” Reflecting on the importance of Godolphin registering a win on the biggest night day of the year in Dubai racing, Buick said, “You know His Highness wants to see the best horses come to Dubai and the best horses are here. These races are incredibly hard to win so of course I'm incredibly happy. “It's great for the team, great for everybody. It's great to be here and it's great to ride a winner. It's an amazing training performance and a great job by the whole team. I'm in the fortunate position to be able to ride these horses.” Meanwhile, O'Brien was left scratching his head as to why Auguste Rodin failed to fire. The multiple Group 1 winner never managed to land a blow with the master of Ballydoyle labelling the race as a “non-event”. O'Brien said, “It was a bit of a non-event really. The race just developed into halves so we just want to put a line through the race really. Ryan just said he felt he wasn't happy where he was or anything. They just never activated at all so it was a bit of a non-event. It was just one of them where it didn't happen.” The post Rebel’s Romance A Shock Sheema Winner As Auguste Rodin Disappoints appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Set, an impressive 5 3/4-length debut winner over the Gulfstream lawn Feb. 24, went two-for-two over this course and distance with a 1 1/4-length victory in the Cutler Bay S. at Gulfstream Park Saturday. Sent off the 3-5 favorite, the chestnut colt was taken in hand and tugged his way along in a stalking second behind pacesetting longshot King Julien (Kingman {GB}) through fractions of :24.14 and :47.83. He strode to the lead approaching the stretch and held sway late as Double Your Money and Salvattore Prince chased him home. Three AM Tour produced a colt by Galilean last year and was bred back to War Dancer. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. CUTLER BAY S., $125,000, Gulfstream, 3-30, 3yo, 7 1/2fT, 1:28.10, fm. 1–SET, 118, c, 3, by Oscar Performance 1st Dam: Three Am Tour (Ire), by Strategic Prince (GB) 2nd Dam: Murani (Ire), by Marju (Ire) 3rd Dam: Tafrah (Ire), by Sadler's Wells ($150,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Gary Barber & Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Blue Chip Bloodstock, Inc. (NY); T-Mark E. Casse; J-Emisael Jaramillo. $75,950. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $117,950. 2–Double Your Money, 118, c, 3, Demarchelier (GB)–Aesculus, by Horse Chestnut (SAf). ($10,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $90,000 RNA 2yo '23 OBSMAR; $42,000 2yo '23 OBSOPN). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Boardshorts Stables, LLC; B-BHMFR, LLC (KY); T-Brian Lynch. $24,500. 3–Salvattore Prince, 120, c, 3, Street Sense–Patricia's Ring, by Malibu Moon. ($50,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $130,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Zingales Racing Stable Corp and RM18 Stables LLC; B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo. $12,250. Margins: 1 1/4, NK, 2. Odds: 0.60, 5.80, 7.70. Also Ran: Tok Tok, Old Flag (Ire), King Julien, Ari's Magic. Scratched: Massif, Private Thoughts. The post Oscar Performance’s Set Doubles Up in Cutler Bay appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Japanese star Forever Young ran his way into the Kentucky Derby (G1) field with a powerful victory in the UAE Derby (G2) March 30 at Meydan in Dubai.View the full article

7th-GP, $89K, MSW, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 4:15 p.m. DERBY STREET (Street Sense) sold to Pin Oak Stud for $700,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Sale from breeder Bonne Chance Farm. Out of a winning Medaglia d'Oro mare who has already produced two winners from two to race, the Bill Mott trainee traces back to third dam Quiet Dance, the dam of Horse of the Year Saint Liam (Saint Ballado) along with GISW Funtastic (More Than Ready) and GSW Quiet Giant, herself the mother of Horse of the Year and successful sire Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}). Veteran John Velazquez gets aboard for this colt's Easter debut. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: $700k Street Sense Colt Makes Easter Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Legendary handler teams up with jockey Brenton Avdulla to claim the Meydan dash in record time: ‘You’ve got to achieve something great in your life’View the full article

After knocking on the door so many times–finishing second or third in four Group 1 events in his most recent four starts–Team Valor and Gary Barber's FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE) (g, 5, Ribchester {Ire}–Jawlaat {Ire}, by Shamardal) got one of his own in an ultra-competitive renewal of the $5-million G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan Racecourse Saturday. Under Maxime Guyon, who won this race in 2015 with Solow (Singspiel {Ire}), the winner bided his time far back but in the clear, tipped out into the lane, and hooked up with Namur (Jpn) (Habringer {GB}), who commenced an even-wider run than Facteur Cheval. The two finished so close a photo was required to determine the winner. Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) finished third. The final time for the 1800 metres was 1:45.91. Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), winner of the Dubai Turf the last three years and seeking an historic four-peat, finished off the board. The U.S. hope Catnip (Kitten's Joy) went wrong in late stretch, with rider Christophe Lemaire thrown hard to the ground and removed from his final mounts on the card. O-Team Valor International LLC and Gary Barber; B-McCracken Farms (Ire); T-Jerome Reynier. Facteur Cheval just denies Namur in the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World. A French winner for Jerome Reynier and Maxime Guyon. pic.twitter.com/dC3Nw7VZSt — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 30, 2024 The post Facteur Cheval Upends Dubai Turf, Lord North Off the Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, will host its 19th annual Homecoming event May 5 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The day will include a barbecue buffet lunch provided by Proud Mary, farm tours, live Bluegrass music, book signings, and live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, artwork, jewelry, books, and much more. Homecoming tickets are $50 for the general public and $25 for Old Friends 2024 Clubhouse members (children 12 and under are free). Click here for more ticket information. The post Old Friends Homecoming Event May 5 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a deep renewal of the $2-million G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, perhaps the most wide-open race of the night at Meydan Racecourse, TUZ (g, 7, Oxbow-Suede Shoe, by Pulpit) flew up the rail late to win one for the locals. The Bhupat Seemar trainee, bred in the U.S. by Calumet Farm and sold at Keeneland September in 2018 for $7,000, passed the always-prominent Don Frankie (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the lane and continued strongly down the stretch to cut a clear five-length victory under Tadhg O'Shea. Owned by Dakki Stable, Tuz was last seen finishing well back in the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, but opened his 2024 campaign with a G3 Dubawi S. win at Meydan. GI Breeders' Cup Sprint third-place finisher Nakatomi (Firing Line) finished third, while last year's Golden Shaheen winner, Sibelius (Not This Time), finished off the board. Final time for the 1200 metres was 1:10.19. O-Dakki Stable; B-Calumet Farm (Ky); T-Bhupat Seemar. A daylight victory for #14 TUZ, who romps home in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). @OsheaTadhg in the irons for trainer Satish Seemar. pic.twitter.com/4QJgHjX0aO — TVG (@TVG) March 30, 2024 The post Oxbow’s Tuz Springs the Upset in Dubai Golden Shaheen, Sibelius Off the Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After four races, four different countries have been represented by winners on Dubai World Cup night and the G2 UAE Derby went to Japan, once again. Already an international sensation after taking the G3 Saudi Derby over 1600 metres last month, FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (c, 3, Real Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats) overcame a wide break from stall 11 and a wide trip for most of the race to prevail over pacesetter Auto Bahn (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg}) and run up his record to a perfect five-for-five. The $1-million contest over 1900 metres is a qualifier for the GI Kentucky Derby in May and worth 200 points (100-50-25-15-10) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The final time was 1:57.89. O-Susumu Fujita. B-Northern Racing (Jpn). T-Yoshito Yahagi. FOREVER YOUNG フォーエバーヤング!! The Japanese raider books his ticket for the @KentuckyDerby with a win in the the UAE equivalent. #DWC24 pic.twitter.com/7aVESHaoHr — World Horse Racing (@WHR) March 30, 2024 The post Japan’s Forever Young Remains Undefeated In G2 UAE Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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

After wins for America and Ireland in the first two races on Dubai World Cup night, it was Hong Kong's time to shine, as CALIFORNIA SPANGLE (IRE) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}–Pearlitas Passion {Ire}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) set a new track record when running out a dominant winner of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1200 metres. The time of 1:07.50 bettered the stakes mark set by Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal) of 1:08.39 set in 2019. The 6-year-old gelding was always prominently placed on the far side several paths off the fence with most of the field, and gradually edged to the front before withstanding the closing rush of Star Of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), receiving a 13-pound break in the weights, running second by three-quarters of a length. Diligent Harry (GB) (Due Diligence) was third by the same margin. O-The Executors of the Estate of the Late Howard Liang Yum Shing. B-Mr M. Enright (Ire). T-Tony Cruz. CALIFORNIA SPANGLE flies the flag!! The Hong Kong raider smashes the track record with a dominant performance in the Al Quoz sprint. #dwc2024 Will we see him at @Ascot in June? @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/dTWmKhUc6J — World Horse Racing (@WHR) March 30, 2024 The post Starspangledbanner’s California Spangle Shatters Record In Al Quoz Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Class came to the fore in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup as Tower Of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) ran out an authoritative winner for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore. A brother to St Leger hero Capri (Ire), Tower Of London came into the Group 2 contest at Meydan off the back of a cheeky victory in the G3 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi Arabia. Tower Of London built on that victory to post a career best at odds of 2-1, storming home from the rear to run out two lengths too strong for 80-1 shot Al Nayyir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), with Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) just over a length further behind in third. Moore said, “He was better again again. The pace slackened up down the back [straight] and I had to move him forward but he quickened up very well. He was impressive.” Tower Of London's victory represented the perfect start at Meydan for O'Brien and Moore, who have Auguste Rodin to look forward to in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. Ballydoyle strike! TOWER OF LONDON secures the Middle Eastern double with a win in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan. #DWC24 @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/jDjURctGjz — World Horse Racing (@WHR) March 30, 2024 The post “He Was Impressive” – Tower Of London All Class In Dubai Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TWO RIVERS OVER (g, 4, Tamarkuz–American Cowgirl, by Cowboy Cal) closed like a freight train to pip dueling leaders Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Isolate (Mark Valeski) and win the G2 Godolphin Mile on Saturday. Walk Of Stars was 3/4 of a length back in second, only a nostril in front of a very game Isolate, who boxed back after appearing beaten close home. The final time for the 1600 metres over a fast strip was 1:37.49. It was the first group win for the 2023 Listed Zia Park Derby winner. O-Todd Cady & Ty Leatherman. B-Allied Racing Stable, LLC (KY). T-Chief Stipe O'Neill. Two Rivers Over, trained by @Chief StipeONeill1, dazzles in the @Godolphin Mile sponsored by @emaardubai Take a bow, @MaldonadoJockey! #DWC24 pic.twitter.com/JpbDKOOJrB — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 30, 2024 The post Tamarkuz’s ‘Rivers’ Runs Through Godolphin Mile, Defending Champ Isolate Third appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple graded stakes-winning trainer Robertino Diodoro was allegedly found in possession of the banned substance levothyroxine and faces up to a two-year suspension. View the full article

Promising up-and-comer Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) added a fifth win to his record with a stylish come-from-behind performance in Saturday’s HKJC World Pool Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill. The four-year-old gelding has now had 11 starts for five wins and five placings, with his only unplaced finish being a fifth – and only 1.1 lengths from the winner – at Randwick in September. Gringotts was sent out as a $3.50 favourite for Saturday’s A$160,000 Benchmark 88 handicap, which was his first raceday appearance since November. He settled in the back half of the field and was caught three wide, but jockey James McDonald managed to get on the back of another runner coming up to the home turn. McDonald brought Gringotts into clear air in the straight and turned him loose, and he wore down the runaway leader Iknowastar (Star Witness) to win by a length. “He was comfortable in the running and the pace was nice,” McDonald said. “We were able to get a little breather when we got on the back of one from the 700m to the 500m and they gave us a little cart up, but apart from that he did it the tough way and did it really well.” Gringotts is trained by Ciaron Maher, who was represented at Rosehill on Saturday by Johann Gerard-Dubord. “That was a very good win,” he said. “He’s a horse who showed us plenty in his work last preparation. He’s always worked like a very good horse, but he just wasn’t quite there mentally. He’s come back a lot more mature this time in. “Obviously he had to cover a bit of ground today, but James just kept him comfortable. It was good to see him finish the race off the way he did. “I think the owners have got a lovely horse going forward and there should be a lot more to come. With his position at the ratings at the moment, there’s plenty of options coming up. We’ll just take him through the grades for now, but I’m sure we’ll see him in better races in the future.” Gringotts was bred by Totara Park Stud and is by Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding sire Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Miss Bluebell (NZ). Herself unraced, Miss Bluebell is a daughter of Operavega (NZ) (Stravinsky), whose half-sister Vegas Showgirl (NZ) (Al Akbar) was the dam of the legendary Winx (Street Cry). Gringotts was offered by Archer Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2021, where Kasa Bloodstock bought him for $100,000. He was re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale later that year, but failed to meet his $450,000 reserve. He has so far earned A$387,300 for his syndicate of owners. View the full article

Emerging stayer Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) capped a dream day for Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood when he won Saturday’s Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington and secured himself a ballot-free entry into the Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m). Mark Twain’s heroics in the A$500,000 staying feature came less than an hour after his superstar stablemate Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) won the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney. That Savabeel filly will deservedly dominate headlines for her blockbuster performance at Rosehill, but Mark Twain’s supporting act was also something well out of the ordinary. The four-year-old son of Shocking came into the race with only 11 career starts to his name. He had won three of those and placed in another three, headed by a last-start third in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on March 9. He was also a fourth placegetter in last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) before finishing well outside the placings on heavy ground in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m). Mark Twain was thrown in at the deep end against some seasoned staying opposition for Saturday’s Roy Higgins, and that difficult task looked close to impossible as he was a clear last and almost detached from the rest of the field coming down the side of the track. But jockey Mick Dee brought him to the outside in the straight and let him rip, and Mark Twain produced an astonishing finish to bound past all of his 11 rivals and win by half a length. “I can hardly believe what this horse did today,” James said. “At the 600m, I had all but given up hope. He was flat catching the second-last horse. The big expanses at Flemington helped him, but it was a mighty staying effort. “You didn’t see him at his best on a bottomless track when he came over for the Derby in Sydney last year. Otherwise, he’s not blotted his copybook. No doubt that staying is the name of his game, and big tracks. The fact that we’ve got the golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup now makes it so much easier to plan his spring campaign. It was such a dominant staying effort today.” Mark Twain made a big impression on Dee, who was having his first ride on the horse. “To be honest, I was just trying to get him around the track,” Dee said. “We’re here at Flemington and he wanted to hang out on me the whole way and I didn’t have a lot of steering in the straight. “Once he finally changed legs and balanced up in the straight, that was when you saw that turn of foot. It was a super effort, but he didn’t give me the easiest of rides. He can pull and reef and tear, but I was able to manage that. He was wanting to get on one rein, but he’s certainly got great staying ability and we definitely saw it then.” Mark Twain was bred by Taikorea Thoroughbreds Ltd. He became the 24th individual stakes winner for Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking, joining a list that features Group One stars I’m Thunderstruck (NZ), Defibrillate (NZ), Fanatic (NZ) and El Vencedor (NZ). The dam of Mark Twain is the Prized mare Pinders Prize (NZ), who has produced three winners from seven foals to race including the Moonee Valley Cup (Gr.2, 2500m) Wellington Cup (Gr.2, 3200m), New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) and Lexus Stakes (Gr.3, 2500m) placegetter Pentathlon (NZ) (Pentire). View the full article