Wandering Eyes

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh believes Bourbon Proof (Justify) can make his presence felt in strong three-year-old company next season. Marsh has formed a good opinion of the Justify youngster, but his confidence about a winning debut at Taupo on Wednesday took a severe hit when he was handed a horror gate in the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m). It will now be up to premiership-leading jockey Warren Kennedy to work his magic with Bourbon Proof from the outside barrier. “We think he is very good and if it was a month ago we would have waited for a better draw, but we want to give him a run and then set him aside for the spring,” Marsh said. “He could be a pretty serious colt but that draw makes it an almost impossible task.” Bourbon Proof placed in two trials during the summer before a break and then won his 800m heat at Avondale earlier this month. “Warren knows the colt and rode him in his last trial and really liked him, but I was certainly deflated when I saw the barrier draw,” Marsh said. “We do think he could be in some pretty good races next campaign. He will definitely spell after this race.” Stablemate Ortega (NZ) (Reliable Man) has also trialled well and will hit the ground from a more favourable gate (six) for apprentice Triston Moodley. “She will be better next preparation over a bit further, but she is the sort of filly who will jump and put herself there,” Marsh said. The stable will also be represented in Saturday’s juvenile feature at Pukekohe by Magna Memory (NZ) (Magna Grecia) in the Listed Staphanos At Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m). The Magna Grecia gelding has been unplaced in three runs, but improvement is expected at the weekend. “He was very good first-up and was then a touch plain, but the mile should really suit him and any rain will be welcomed,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, promising three-year-old Takeshi (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) will resume at Taupo in the Ballymore Stables –Michael Moroney/Pam Gerard Handicap (1200m) but is another handed an outside gate. “He’s had a mixed-up preparation and was ready to go before he had a foot abscess and we trialled him on a heavy track at Te Aroha the other day,” Marsh said. To be ridden by Michael McNab, the son of Satono Aladdin impressed in a brief spring campaign with a runaway debut victory at Rotorua and then finished runner-up at Pukekohe. “He’s a real take on trust job, he’ll have this one and a freshen before the spring. I think he’s very good but hasn’t really had anything go his way this prep,” Marsh said. He does, however, fancy the chances of The Green Keeper (NZ) (Staphanos) in the opening event, the DJ O’Sullivan-Master Trainer @ Wexford Stables Highweight (2000m). “He looks well placed with Troy Harris on, his mother’s got a share in the horse, and he’s going well,” he said. “I also like the two in the fillies and mares’ race.” Lovaci (NZ) (Tivaci) will be ridden by Courtney Barnes in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1300m) while Sam Spratt will guide El Amor’s (NZ) (Ardrossan) fortunes. “Lovaci has gone really good races and is well drawn (gate one) and so is El Amor (five),” he said. View the full article

As the busy season looms for Ruakaka, local trainer Chris Gibbs is looking forward to competing for home track spoils in the coming months after attending meetings at Taupo and Pukekohe Park this week. While many trainers further down the country opt to spell horses in search of better tracks in the spring, Gibbs does the opposite with the reality of Ruakaka’s ‘winterless north’ suiting his well-performed pair of Cakebytheocean (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Chevron (NZ) (El Roca). “We keep more horses in during this time, going right back to when I trained with Donna and Dean (Logan) for years. They kept those horses in that didn’t handle the wet tracks specifically for the meetings up here,” Gibbs said. A son of Ocean Park, Cakebytheocean has delivered five victories and six minor placings from 23 attempts, and Gibbs hopes to see the gelding back to that form on Saturday at Pukekohe in the Open 1500m. “I don’t think he really goes that well left-handed so I’m just putting a line through the run he did at Te Rapa. Each time I’ve sent him that way he hasn’t seem to run very well, so I’ll just try to stick to the right-handed tracks,” he said. “With Ellerslie out of action and Avondale and Dargaville gone, there aren’t a huge amount of options for him, but hopefully we’ll get a better result at Pukekohe. “He’s done this before, taken a couple of runs before he gets going so Saturday will give us a better idea of where we are headed with him. “Hopefully he can show his older form, and he’ll be aimed towards the ITM Stayer’s Final in July over 2100m. As he’s gotten older, he’s been looking for a bit more distance so I’m looking forward to that.” Gibbs has adopted a similar path to last season with well-performed six-year-old Chevron, competing in the earlier part of the spring before targeting home track features in the winter, culminating in a narrow second-place finish in the ITM Stayer’s Final (2100m) last July. The son of El Roca has been off the scene since the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November and will commence a new campaign at the Ruakaka meeting on June 8. “Chevron is a horse I have a lot of time for, he’ll step out in the Open 1400 up here and he’ll be in good order once he hits the track, he’ll go into it fresh without a trial,” Gibbs said. Prior to the Pukekohe meeting, his trio of Pure Delight (NZ) (Darci Brahma), Vita Amorosa (NZ) (Belardo) and Kitskah (NZ) (Reliable Man) will represent the stable at Taupo on Wednesday, with the latter lining up in the Pike Racing – Tony Pike (1400m). “She’s been in lovely form, we tried her over the mile last time and she just was found a little bit wanting. She’s got a nice draw (7), I thought that was probably a bit dictator last time, so I’d like to see her ridden a fraction quieter,” Gibbs said. “I’d like to see her three-back and one-out with a bit of luck and hopefully we’ll see her running on a bit more this time, but I’m happy with her.” Darci Brahma mare Pure Delight has accumulated four second placings and three thirds in her venture to break maidens, which Gibbs hopes she can achieve in the Joe Yorke Bloodstock (2000m). “It’s been pretty frustrating trying to get that win out of her honestly, she’s one of the more consistent maideners in the country and I would’ve liked to get that out of the way a while ago but here we are,” he said. “I’d be a little bit wary of running if we got too much rain but it looks okay, she’s in good order and the trip away should do her good. “I chatted to Lynsey (Satherley, jockey) after Vita Amorosa’s run last time over a mile and she said to keep persisting, and since we’ve put her over ground in her work she’s grown another leg. “I’d like to think the 2000m would see a bit more out of her, because she’s been disappointing, there’s no denying that.” The extended closure of the Brynderwyn Hills highway has put further distance on the journey to Auckland and Waikato meetings, a factor Gibbs hopes won’t play a part on upcoming nominations at Ruakaka. “Once the races start in June, it’ll be good. It’s frustrating with the Brynderwyns still being closed, but I’d imagine it’s just as frustrating for those travelling up for us having to go down,” Gibbs said. “Going through the winding round and adding time on isn’t great for the horses, but that’s what we get every time we go away to anywhere. “It may well sway them away from coming which is unfortunate for our club, but that’s the way it is. “There’s lots of things happening with the club so I’d love to see plenty of people supporting it if they can, especially building towards the ITM Finals in July.” View the full article

The allure of a weanling sale is the world of possibilities that are within reach over the next few seasons, both back in the sale ring and on the racetrack. The 150-lot catalogue for next month’s 2024 NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka is stacked with the right bloodlines and credentials for buyers to pursue those big dreams, similar to that on offer at Karaka but in smaller packaging. This year’s catalogue features 20 siblings to stakes performers, along with the progeny of 15 stakes-performing mares and countless other members of elite thoroughbred families. Below is just a small selection of some of the outstanding young horses that will be going through the Sir Patrick Hogan auditorium on Thursday 20 June. Brighthill Farm will offer one of the highest-profile weanlings of the sale as Lot 24. The Sweynesse colt is the first foal out of Hasstobemagic (NZ) (Scissor Kick), who is a half-sister to this season’s multiple Group-winning Melbourne three-year-old Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir). Hasstobemagic was herself a stakes performer as a two-year-old, placing in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). Lot 140 is another weanling that is sure to turn plenty of heads. Offered by Haunui Farm, the colt is by high-class Arrowfield Stud stallion Maurice, who had yearlings sell for up to $180,000 at Karaka earlier this year. This colt is the first foal out of the classy Savabeel mare Butter Chicken (NZ), best known as a placegetter in the Group Two Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield as a three-year-old. Butter Chicken is also a full-sister to the recent Listed winner and leading Group One Queensland Oaks (2200m) contender Waikato Girl (NZ) (Savabeel). Their dam Scintillula (Galileo) was a Group One placegetter and has produced four winners from four foals to race. Jamieson Park’s Xtravagant colt catalogued as Lot 71 is a half-brother to the classy four-year-old Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor). A four-time winner in Victoria for the Ciaron Maher stable, Holymanz has also finished second in this season’s Group Two Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, along with a fourth in the augural $1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in January. Another Jamieson Park offering is Lot 87, a colt by leading sire Almanzor. The dam of this colt is Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto), whose five wins included the Group Three Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), the Group Three Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and two Listed races. She also finished fourth in the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). This is her second foal. Lot 70 is a half-brother to the Listed winner (She’s A) Treasure (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) and is closely related to Group One winners Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) and Chenille (NZ) (Pentire), along with this season’s stakes-winning and undefeated two-year-old Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth). The colt is by Satono Aladdin and is being offered by Highline Thoroughbreds. Lot 27 comes from Grangewilliam Stud’s draft and is a filly by Derryn out of Hey Pretty Katie (Beautiful Crown). That makes her a full-sister to Mischief Managed (NZ) (Derryn), who placed in last year’s Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Hey Pretty Katie herself won two races and was a placegetter in the Group Three Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m). Lot 125 is a colt from the first crop of the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Noverre. The dam of this colt is Alagant Satin (NZ) (Al Akbar), who won the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Alagant Satin is the dam of three winners from four foals to race, including the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) placegetter Taroni (NZ) (Showcasing). This colt is consigned by Curraghmore. Curraghmore’s draft also features Lot 139, a colt from the first crop of the five-time Group One winner and 2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica. This colt is the only St Mark’s Basilica weanling in the catalogue. Lot 139 is out of Bronte Lass (NZ) (Stravinsky), who won five races and is the dam of two winners from two foals to race including the Group Three-placed Bronte Beach (NZ) (Reliable Man). Little Avondale Stud presents Lot 145, a filly by Time Test out of the unraced Redoute’s Choice mare Chanel’s Choice. This filly is a half-sister to Whimsical (NZ) (Savabeel), who won two of her four starts including the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Whimsical is the only foal to race so far out of Chanel’s Choice, who herself is a half-sister to the Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) winner Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer). The pedigree page also features fellow Group One winners Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat), Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie) and Espiona (Extreme Choice). Lot 146 is a Seaton Park filly by leading sire Proisir out of the Zabeel mare Christmas Day. Herself a winner in Australia, Christmas Day is the dam of two foals to race, who have won eight races each – including the Listed John Letts Cup (1800m) winner Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock). All weanlings offered in the National Weanling Sale are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand. Selling is set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on Thursday 20 June. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh. Photo: Trish Dunell Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh believes Bourbon Proof can make his presence felt in strong three-year-old company next season. Marsh has formed a good opinion of the Justify youngster, but his confidence about a winning debut at Taupo on Wednesday took a severe hit when he was handed a horror gate in the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m). It will now be up to premiership-leading jockey Warren Kennedy to work his magic with Bourbon Proof from the outside barrier. “We think he is very good and if it was a month ago we would have waited for a better draw, but we want to give him a run and then set him aside for the spring,” Marsh said. “He could be a pretty serious colt but that draw makes it an almost impossible task.” Bourbon Proof placed in two trials during the summer before a break and then won his 800m heat at Avondale earlier this month. “Warren knows the colt and rode him in his last trial and really liked him, but I was certainly deflated when I saw the barrier draw,” Marsh said. “We do think he could be in some pretty good races next campaign. He will definitely spell after this race.” Stablemate Ortega has also trialled well and will hit the ground from a more favourable gate (six) for apprentice Triston Moodley. “She will be better next preparation over a bit further, but she is the sort of filly who will jump and put herself there,” Marsh said. The stable will also be represented in Saturday’s juvenile feature at Pukekohe by Magna Memory in the Listed Staphanos At Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m). The Magna Grecia gelding has been unplaced in three runs, but improvement is expected at the weekend. “He was very good first-up and was then a touch plain, but the mile should really suit him and any rain will be welcomed,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, promising three-year-old Takeshi will resume at Taupo in the Michael Moroney/Pam Gerard Handicap (1200m) but is another handed an outside gate. “He’s had a mixed-up preparation and was ready to go before he had a foot abscess and we trialled him on a heavy track at Te Aroha the other day,” Marsh said. To be ridden by Michael McNab, the son of Satono Aladdin impressed in a brief spring campaign with a runaway debut victory at Rotorua and then finished runner-up at Pukekohe. “He’s a real take on trust job, he’ll have this one and a freshen before the spring. I think he’s very good but hasn’t really had anything go his way this prep,” Marsh said. He does, however, fancy the chances of The Greenkeeper in the opening event, the DJ O’Sullivan-Master Trainer @ Wexford Stables Highweight (2000m). “He looks well placed with Troy Harris on, his mother’s got a share in the horse, and he’s going well,” he said. “I also like the two in the fillies and mares’ race.” Lovaci will be ridden by Courtney Barnes in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1300m) while Sam Spratt will guide El Amor’s fortunes. “Lovaci has gone really good races and is well drawn (gate one) and so is El Amor (five),” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs. Photo: Trish Dunell As the busy season looms for Ruakaka, local trainer Chris Gibbs is looking forward to competing for home track spoils in the coming months after attending meetings at Taupo and Pukekohe Park this week. While many trainers further down the country opt to spell horses in search of better tracks in the spring, Gibbs does the opposite with the reality of Ruakaka’s ‘winterless north’ suiting his well-performed pair of Cakebytheocean and Chevron. “We keep more horses in during this time, going right back to when I trained with Donna and Dean (Logan) for years. They kept those horses in that didn’t handle the wet tracks specifically for the meetings up here,” Gibbs said. A son of Ocean Park, Cakebytheocean has delivered five victories and six minor placings from 23 attempts, and Gibbs hopes to see the gelding back to that form on Saturday at Pukekohe in the Open 1500m. “I don’t think he really goes that well left-handed so I’m just putting a line through the run he did at Te Rapa. Each time I’ve sent him that way he hasn’t seem to run very well, so I’ll just try to stick to the right-handed tracks,” he said. “With Ellerslie out of action and Avondale and Dargaville gone, there aren’t a huge amount of options for him, but hopefully we’ll get a better result at Pukekohe. “He’s done this before, taken a couple of runs before he gets going so Saturday will give us a better idea of where we are headed with him. “Hopefully he can show his older form, and he’ll be aimed towards the ITM Stayer’s Final in July over 2100m. As he’s gotten older, he’s been looking for a bit more distance so I’m looking forward to that.” Gibbs has adopted a similar path to last season with well-performed six-year-old Chevron, competing in the earlier part of the spring before targeting home track features in the winter, culminating in a narrow second-place finish in the ITM Stayer’s Final (2100m) last July. The son of El Roca has been off the scene since the Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November and will commence a new campaign at the Ruakaka meeting on June 8. “Chevron is a horse I have a lot of time for, he’ll step out in the Open 1400 up here and he’ll be in good order once he hits the track, he’ll go into it fresh without a trial,” Gibbs said. Prior to the Pukekohe meeting, his trio of Pure Delight, Vita Amorosa and Kitzkah will represent the stable at Taupo on Wednesday, with the latter lining up in the Pike Racing – Tony Pike (1400m). “She’s been in lovely form, we tried her over the mile last time and she just was found a little bit wanting. She’s got a nice draw (7), I thought that was probably a bit dictator last time, so I’d like to see her ridden a fraction quieter,” Gibbs said. “I’d like to see her three-back and one-out with a bit of luck and hopefully we’ll see her running on a bit more this time, but I’m happy with her.” Darci Brahma mare Pure Delight has accumulated four second placings and three thirds in her venture to break maidens, which Gibbs hopes she can achieve in the Joe Yorke Bloodstock (2000m). “It’s been pretty frustrating trying to get that win out of her honestly, she’s one of the more consistent maideners in the country and I would’ve liked to get that out of the way a while ago but here we are,” he said. “I’d be a little bit wary of running if we got too much rain but it looks okay, she’s in good order and the trip away should do her good. “I chatted to Lynsey (Satherley, jockey) after Vita Amorosa’s run last time over a mile and she said to keep persisting, and since we’ve put her over ground in her work she’s grown another leg. “I’d like to think the 2000m would see a bit more out of her, because she’s been disappointing, there’s no denying that.” The extended closure of the Brynderwyn Hills highway has put further distance on the journey to Auckland and Waikato meetings, a factor Gibbs hopes won’t play a part on upcoming nominations at Ruakaka. “Once the races start in June, it’ll be good. It’s frustrating with the Brynderwyns still being closed, but I’d imagine it’s just as frustrating for those travelling up for us having to go down,” Gibbs said. “Going through the winding round and adding time on isn’t great for the horses, but that’s what we get every time we go away to anywhere. “It may well sway them away from coming which is unfortunate for our club, but that’s the way it is. “There’s lots of things happening with the club so I’d love to see plenty of people supporting it if they can, especially building towards the ITM Finals in July.” Horse racing news View the full article

Russian Emperor performs well in adverse conditions. Rain is at the top of trainer Chief Stipelas Whyte’s wish list and the Hong Kong Observatory has currently bestowed a favourable forecast upon him and stable star Russian Emperor. Seeking a third straight HK$13 million Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, Russian Emperor thrives on wet tracks and is set to receive his preferred conditions with daily rainfall expected until early next week. “It’s (rain) not going to inconvenience me or my horse. Let’s hope it sticks around until the weekend,” Whyte said. “I sat on him this morning (Tuesday, 21 May) for a turf gallop – he felt amazing, he strode out beautifully and he loved getting his toe in. It was a good piece of work and he’s on song.” The Irish-bred son of Galileo famously won the 2022 Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on yielding ground over Golden Sixty. The two-time Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23) Russian Emperor clocked 1m 21.8s (30.2, 28.8, 22.8) this morning. “He’s been primed for this race. It’s been well documented that this is the race that I have had in mind all year and he comes good this time of the year. If the rain sticks around it’s going to enhance his chances but Rebel’s Romance is a really good horse – the way he won in Dubai, he looks like a proper individual,” Whyte said. Rebel’s Romance arrives in Hong Kong as the third international to contest the Champions & Chater Cup after Chemical Charge (2018) and Happy Grin (2019). Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Straight Arron, Senor Toba, Moments In Time and Massive Sovereign also hold entries. Russian Emperor – a seven-year-old – finished seventh earlier this month in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) under jockey Hugh Bowman. “I think he rolled into the race beautifully on the bend, he knocked up over the 150 metres, but he was entitled to with the preparation that he has had. He has that distance into his legs now and he’s stripped fitter, it’s three weeks between runs so the timing has worked out well,” Whyte said. Russian Emperor has won three times in Hong Kong – each time at Group 1 level. “He’s been the star of my yard and the making of my young career (as a trainer). He’s going to be very sadly missed when the day comes that he has to retire. “He’s been like a kid to me, we’ve done a lot together. I’m pretty much the only one that’s ever galloped him – so we have a very tight bond,” Whyte said. Since 1975, River Verdon (1991-1994) has the most wins in the race, while the only three-time victors are Super Win (1975-1977), Silver Lining (1978, 1979 & 1981) and Viva Pataca (2006, 2007 & 2009). Whyte – Hong Kong’s legendary jockey-turned-trainer – has a team of five entered at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, including Majestic Knight in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Wiltshire Handicap (1200m). “He’s held his form well. I think he’s improved over the last six months and he’s developed into a lovely strong individual. He’s as honest as the day is long,” Whyte said. The five-year-old is a two-time winner in the grade. He will seek back-to-back wins under Bowman and has been assigned 135lb as he rises in trip from 1000m. “1200 (metres) is not a concern, I think the concern is the gate (nine). He’s got his work cut out but the trip is not a concern at all,” Whyte said. Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm HKT with the Class 5 Chester Handicap (2200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Star sprinter-miler cruises through trial ahead of potential Premier Cup run, while legendary trainer confirms La City Blanche and Five G Patch are ready for Champions & Chater CupView the full article

The Oaks Stud in Cambridge have announced their service fees for the forthcoming breeding season with the roster to be headed by leading second season sire U S Navy Flag at $15,000 + GST. The son of War Front was represented by Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) winner Pendragon, who also finished runner-up in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). Other highlight progeny include multiple stakes winner Chantilly Lace, Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes runner-up Aprilia and multiple Group One performer To Catch A Thief. The Symon Wilde-trained Navy King was a strong winner at Flemington last weekend, while impressive Ellerslie winner Fortunate Son was recently sold to Hong Kong. Savabeel’s Group One winning son The Chosen One will stand his third season at stud at a fee of $4,000 + GST. Timeform Rated 118, The Chosen One will be represented by two weanlings at the New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale on June 20 at Karaka. Venerable sire Roc de Cambes, who sired recent Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) winner Antrim Coast, completes the roster at $3,000 + GST. View the full article

What Ipswich Races Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Wednesday, May 22, 2024 First Race 11:59am AEST Visit Dabble The Ipswich Turf Club will host a very competitive nine-race card this Wednesday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, there is no rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, so it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +6m position for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 11:59am AEST. Best Bet at Ipswich: Taltarni Fields The Kelly Schweida-trained Taltarni Fields broke his maiden at the fourth time of asking last start, leading every step of the way to record a dominant 2.8-length victory at this track and trip. Although this son of Deep Field will race out of maiden grade for the first time, he has shown enough ability to suggest he can handle the class rise. From barrier nine, Cejay Graham will push forward to take up the lead, and if Taltarni Fields isn’t pestered mid-race, he can win again. Best Bet Race 7 – #3 Taltarni Fields (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Cejay Graham (a1.5) (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ipswich: Barassi Tony Gollan and James Orman will combine with Barassi as he entire rises to 1100m second-up after struggling to run out a strong 1000m fresh at Eagle Farm on April 20. Since that run, the lightly raced son of I Am Invincible has been to the trials to record a 4.8-length victory. If Orman can push forward and settle outside the leader, Barassi will give a good kick at the top of the home straight and run away with the victory. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Barassi (9) 5yo Horse | T: Tony Gollan | J: James Orman (56.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Ipswich: Almairac After recording back-to-back wins in Victoria, Almairac from the Cliff Brown yard will have his first start in Queensland fresh off a two-month break. This son of Golden Horn was last seen claiming a narrow victory over Kentucky Nick at Yarra Glen, where he carried 59kg in his third career start. With only 54kg on his back and Craig Williams taking the reins, Almairac will get the run of the race from barrier two, and with even luck, he will prove hard to beat. Best Value Race 5 – #4 Almairac (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Cliff Brown | J: Craig Williams (54kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5-6-7-8 3-7-14 1-2-3-7-9-13 4-5-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

TIMONIUM, MD – The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale opened with a steady session which gained steam throughout the day Monday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. “It was a very good start to the May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. “The results were basically identical to last year, from a statistical standpoint. We were very encouraged.” A total of 142 horses sold Monday for a gross of $13,162,000. The average of $92,690 dipped 12% from last year's opening session and the median of $48,500 fell 19%. From a catalogue of 275, 191 horses went through the ring with 49 failing to meet their reserve for a buy-back rate of 25.7%. Bloodstock agent Pedro Lanz, bidding on behalf of the Saudi-based KAS Stables, acquired the day's highest-priced offering when going to $650,000 for a filly by Bernardini late in the session. The KAS Stables purchase punctuated a deep buying bench from the Middle East, which also featured Dubai-based trainers Michael Costa, who purchased a colt by Vekoma for $400,000, and Bhupat Seemar, whose two purchases were led by a $325,000 son of Medaglia d'Oro. Bloodstock agent Case Clay, bidding on behalf of Qatar's Wathnan Racing, paid $500,000 for a filly by Justify. “There was strong international participation today, which I think really helped bolster the results,” Browning said. “We've seen a little weakness in the earlier 2-year-old sales compared to last year and I thought the international participation really helped reinforce [the market] and get us consistent to prior year levels.” Expectations are high for Tuesday's second and final session of the auction. “From the conversations on the sales grounds, the quality of the horses tomorrow might be a little more consistent overall than it was today,” Browning said. “So that bodes well for another strong day tomorrow.” The Midlantic May sale concludes with a session Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m. Bernardini Filly Provides Late Sparkle With just a few hips left to go through the ring in Timonium Monday, bloodstock agent Pedro Lanz, acting on behalf of KAS Stables, made the day's highest bid when going to $650,000 to acquire a filly by Bernardini (hip 276) from the Crane Thoroughbreds consignment. The filly is out of the unraced Rubies Are Red (Medaglia d'Oro), a half-sister to Tapit. She worked a furlong in :10 flat during last week's under-tack show and continued on with a head-turning gallop-out. Lanz called the work, “Maybe the fastest workout of the sale,” before adding, “And when you see the pedigree, the second dam Tap Your Heels. She's a million-dollar filly. We are happy to get her. There is no better filly in the sale.” While Lanz has been active buying horses to send to KAS Stable's Saudi base, he said this filly might be staying in the U.S. “We are starting some operations here in the U.S.,” Lanz said. “We have two colts here. I don't know yet, but it's possible the filly will stay here. I have to talk to them. We are still in shock.” The filly, who was bred by Walmac Farm, is one of a group of 2-year-olds Crane Thoroughbreds is offering on behalf of Robert Garrett and his agent Rusty Roberts. She was purchased privately after RNA'ing for $200,000 at Keeneland last September. “I am thankful that Rusty Roberts and Robert Garrett gave me a chance to bring a group here and it was great,” Clovis Crane said. “I am just thankful for the opportunity. The filly just did what we thought she would do and it's very exciting.” Of the juvenile's appeal, Crane added, “She's just outstanding. What a crackerjack. She just allowed us to do everything that we wanted to do with her and it turned out great. I am just so thankful for the opportunity.” Another Bernardini Score for Garrett Robert Garrett is in just his second season of pinhooking, but the Oklahoman who began buying horses after selling his power line company in 2021 admitted he is hooked after watching his filly by Bernardini (hip 276) bring a session-topping $650,000 late in Monday's first session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale. Garrett, through agent Rusty Roberts, acquired the filly privately after she RNA'd for $200,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. Hip 276, a filly by Bernardini | Fasig-Tipton “Rusty Roberts is my agent–he's been doing it since he was 18 years old and he's really good at it,” Garrett said. “That's how we came to find her. They RNA'd her and we bought her off the farm at Walmac Farm. She RNA'd for $200,000 and we gave a little less than that.” The yearling was sent to Bobby Capps, a professional bull rider in northern Oklahoma, to be broken and from there was sent to Clovis Crane for sales prep in Pennsylvania. “Bobby does a great job with breaking the horses,” Garrett said. “And Clovis gets them ready–he swims them and everything. He and his family do a lot of hard work. And that's the result.” Asked about his exceptions coming into the sale, Garrett said, “We didn't know she was going to go that fast and we darn sure didn't know she was going to gallop out that fast.” While the filly was in the ring Monday, Garrett admitted, “It was nerve wracking. We were expecting north of $500,000. It will pay the bills for the rest of them we got selling tomorrow. We have three selling tomorrow.” Garrett's first pinhooking results last year included a colt by Bernardini, who had been purchased for $110,000 as a yearling and sold for $300,000 at the OBS March sale. “The Bernardinis have been pretty good to me, even though it's the tale end of them,” Garrett said. “I think he's smiling down on my family right now.” With Monday's profit in his pocket, Garrett is looking forward to a productive season at the yearling sales this fall. Good Magic Colt to Shah Kaleem Shah, flanked by trainer Steve Asmussen and bloodstock agent Ben McElroy, signed the ticket at $525,000 to acquire a colt by Good Magic (hip 168) for $525,000 during Monday's first session of the Midlantic May sale. The chestnut was consigned by Wavertree Stables. Steve Asmussen, Kaleem Shah, Ben McElroy | Fasig-Tipton The colt, who worked a furlong last week in :10 2/5, is out of Mellonbrook (Discreet Cat). The mare is a half to stakes winners Trooper John (Colonel John) and Sky Haven (Sky Mesa). Among the horses Asmussen currently trains for Shah is Bellamore (Empire Maker), who won the GIII Houston Ladies Classic S. in January and was second in the GII Azeri S. “This is the first 2-year-old purchase of his that I've received,” Asmussen said. Asked what Shah was looking for in his 2-year-old purchases, Asmussen smiled and said, “It's as simple as fast. Sometimes we try to make it difficult, but it is a race.” Ron Fein's Superfine Farm purchased the colt for $220,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Wathnan Makes American Strike Bloodstock agent Case Clay signed the ticket at $500,000 to acquire a filly by Triple Crown winner Justify (hip 171) on behalf of Wathnan Racing, the operation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. “She's a beautiful filly by Justify who worked well,” Clay said of the filly. “She will stay in the U.S. and run here.” Wathnan Racing scored a pair of high-profile victories at last year's Royal Ascot meeting with Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) winning the G2 Queen's Vase and Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}) taking the G1 Ascot Gold Cup. From a limited number of U.S. starts, the Wathnan colors were most recently carried stateside by Immensitude (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}). A group winner in France, the 4-year-old filly was third in a Keeneland allowance for Bill Mott Apr. 21 in her first start in the country. Clay purchased Edgartown (Quality Road) for Wathnan for $350,000 at last year's Keeneland November sale. The 3-year-old, fifth in the GIII Kitten's Joy S. at Gulfstream in February, is trained by Graham Motion. As for a trainer for Wathnan's newest acquisition, Clay said, “Not yet. We will just get with the team and make a decision from there.” Consigned by Steve Venosa's SGV Thoroughbreds, hip 171 is out of Puerto Rican champion Mia Karina (Jazil). She worked a furlong last week in :10 2/5. The filly was purchased by a pinhooking partnership for $230,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton July sale. “She was originally in the March sale and we just felt she wasn't ready,” Venosa said. “We decided to give her the extra time and we were rewarded for our efforts. It was a team effort with everybody back at the barn and we are blessed by what she brought her.” MyRacehorse Strikes for Bolt d'Oro Filly The MyRacehorse team, fresh off a win with Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in Saturday's GI Preakness S., kicked off the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale with the purchase of a filly by Bolt d'Oro (hip 26) for $450,000 from the De Meric Sales consignment Monday in Timonium. Hip 26, a colt by Bolt d'Oro | Fasig-Tipton “She was very athletic,” MyRacehorse California racing manager Joe Moran said of the filly's appeal. “She had a great presence to her. And she came to the sale and performed. She kind of checked all of the boxes for us. She was one early on that we were hoping to strike and get on the board early. And everything went to plan.” Shortly after going through the ring, the team added a new partner on the filly when Ramiro Restrepo's Marquee Bloodstock joined the ticket. “He was actually the direct underbidder on her and he loved her,” Moran said of Restrepo. “We decided it was a great story to team up with them. We have never partnered up with Ramiro. He's a great guy and we've always talked about it. So it was great to get that done.” Restrepo has had success buying out of the Midlantic where he and trainer Gustavo Delgado and assistant Gustavo Delgado, Jr. purchased future GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) for $290,000 in 2022. “She is going to go to Gustavo Delgado,” Moran said. “She is one that we think will be early and be a Saratoga type. We will give her a little freshening and get her to Gustavo and get his opinion on her. This will be the first horse we have with Gustavo. We thought it would be a great story with them winning the Derby last year and us coming off the Preakness win.” Hip 26 is out of Final Reward (Arch), dam of graded-placed Yatta (Yoshida {Jpn}). Her third dam produced champion Kitten's Joy. Asked if the excitement of the Preakness win carried into the sales ring Monday, Moran said, “Oh absolutely. It gets you excited, but you have to stay disciplined and stay focused. She was just one that was high on our list.” Of the filly's final price, Moran said, “We thought she would sell well. It maybe took a tick or two more than we wanted, but she was just one that we felt if we brought her home, she would be a good one. So we were willing to stretch a little bit.” The juvenile, who RNA'd for $170,000 at the Keeneland September sale last fall, sold to De Meric Sales for $135,000 at the OBS October sale the following month. She worked a furlong at last week's under-tack show in :10 2/5. “She was a beautiful filly,” Tristan de Meric said of the filly. “She trained great all year. We actually brought her up here because she had a turfy pedigree and she always trained so well at home on the dirt that I thought people would appreciate her a little bit more up here. And it all came together.” My Racehorse came back later in the session to purchase a colt by Practical Joke (hip 234), in partnership with Peter Leidel, from the Wavertree Stables consignment for $300,000. Vekoma Colt Heads to Dubai Trainer Michael Costa secured a colt from the first crop of Grade I winner Vekoma (hip 137) for $400,000 Monday in Timonium. The dark bay, consigned by De Meric Sales, is out of Lightning Twice (Malibu Moon), a full-sister to graded winners Winding Way and Kauai Katie. “He's a very athletic horse,” Costa, who is based at Jebel Ali Racecourse in Dubai, said. “We looked at a few by the stallion at earlier breeze-up sales, but it just wasn't there. This is one that stood out. He breezed really well (:10 2/5). He looks like one that will do well to follow a Derby campaign in Dubai.” Costa was busy buying yearlings at Keeneland last September, where he purchased 12 head for $3,505,000, and was looking to fill out the roster with some juveniles this spring. “We purchased a good bunch of yearlings from Keeneland earlier in the year and this colt was just one that we thought fit in the mode of what was left of what we needed,” he explained. “We had to pay a little bit for him, but a bit of competition shows you might be on the right one.” The De Merics purchased the colt for $17,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. “He was an unbelievable horse when we bought him,” Tristan De Meric said. “I was surprised when we were able to get him for what we did. He had stifle surgery and it cleaned up beautifully. He was a miniature horse at the sale–he's a May 31 foal–but the angles were all there and he moved like a really good horse. And it all came together for him.” The post $650K Bernardini Filly Leads ‘Encouraging Start’ to F-T Midlantic May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are four meetings set for Australia on Tuesday, May 21. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Ballarat. Tuesday’s Racing Tips – May 21, 2024 Ballarat Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on May 21, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, May 21. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 21, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10%. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for May 21, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

The Irv Naylor Stable, a powerhouse on the National Steeplechase Association circuit since 2010, became the sport's leading purse earner with a pair of victories at the May 18 Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern, Pa.View the full article

A vote on restructuring some of the time frames related to Thoroughbred claiming rules in New York got put off for at least a month on Monday when New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) member John Crotty questioned whether it was in the best interest of equine safety to reduce by 10 the number of days that a claimed horse is restricted from running back for a claiming tag less than 25% greater than the price at which it was claimed. The change from 30 to 20 days under the above scenario was only part of a larger revamp of the “Who May Make Claim” rules in New York that had been in the planning stages since last summer. Ironically, it was Crotty himself who originally made the motion to support the entire package of proposed claiming rules at the Aug. 3, 2023, NYSGC meeting. Neither Crotty nor any other commissioner had voiced concerns over the proposal nine months ago, and the measure to publish the proposed changes in the New York State Register and to invite public commentary on them passed by a 6-0 vote last Aug. 3 with zero public discussion among commissioners. According to NYSGC meeting materials that accompanied the May 20 agenda, the overall claiming rules proposal had been “developed after meetings with the New York Thoroughbred racetracks and horsemen's organizations.” The materials also noted that the New York Racing Association had expressed written support for the changes, and that the NYSGC staff recommended the commission's approval. But after NYSGC executive director Robert Williams read the measure into the record in preparation for a vote on Monday, Crotty asked if the commission wasn't about to change a run-back time restriction it had codified a number of years ago in the interest of equine safety. Williams replied that he believed “there was an element to that” in 2014. “And now we're getting away from that?” Crotty asked. “So why are we walking that back now?” Williams replied that, “There has been no indication or incidents of breakdowns of the horses [under that run-back time frame]. We're the only ones in the Northeast that [have] that time restriction, so I would suggest that's not accurate.” Williams then tried via phone to link in NYSGC equine medical director Scott Palmer, VMD, to get his opinion. But Palmer wasn't on the line. Brian O'Dwyer, the NYSGC's chairperson, then suggested the rulemaking could be tabled until the next meeting. “We can do it. It's fine,” said a clearly frustrated Crotty. “If you have a question, John, I'd rather put it over and get our medical director's opinion,” O'Dwyer said. After the other commissioners agreed to the tabling of the agenda item, Crotty tried again to articulate his concerns about the run-back time restriction. “It seemed like we undertook those steps for purposes of safety, and now we're sort of rolling it back,” Crotty said. Replied Williams: “Honestly, in the 24 recommendations that came out of the 2011 task force report, I wouldn't suggest that [the run-back period after claiming races] was the primary recommendation.” Last Aug. 3, a brief written by NYSGC general counsel Edmund Burns outlined the following rationale for the run-back time portion of the rule change: “A review of recent data…indicates that horses generally run on a 28-day schedule and condition books generally schedule a value class every 28 days. Under current regulations, a claimant who wants to start a horse again in the same class may be effectively forced to wait 56 days from the date of the claim. The position has been advanced that such period is unnecessarily long and causes issues for owners, trainers and the racetrack, which seeks to fill competitive races… “By reducing the requisite waiting period, owners will have a greater opportunity to start a horse for the price at which the horse had been claimed, given that the owners would be able to gain access to races that had already been written in the track's condition book 28 days in advance,” Burns wrote. According to the NYSGC's May 20 meeting materials, other aspects of the rules package included: Allowing claimants who have raced on a circuit within 120 days, which would increase the number of owners qualified to make claims. Allowing 30 additional days for holders of a certificate of eligibility who have lost a “shake” for a claimed horse, providing an owner with an opportunity to claim when the owner has not been successful in claiming a horse within the first 30 days of a race meeting. Beyond the 20-day restriction against running a claimed horse again for a claiming price less than 25% greater than the claiming price, the establishment of a further 10-day period in which a claimed horse may start for a price equal to the claiming price. Extending from 30 to 60 days the prohibition against running a claimed horse outside of New York State, with an exception for horses claimed at Finger Lakes, in which case the horse may run elsewhere after 30 days from the end of a Finger Lakes racing season. The post NY Claim Rule Change Delayed by Commissioner Who Made Motion to Propose It Last August appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After last-minute questions were raised about whether the proposal could be harmful to equine safety, New York regulators punted May 20 on a plan to finalize rule changes backers said would expand the number of owners eligible to claim Thoroughbreds.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Tuesday's Observations features a full-sibling to a pair of high-class Group 1 winners. 15.10 Nottingham, Mdn, £7,000, 3yo/up, 8f 75yT MUTAAWID (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is the seventh foal out of Shadwell's broodmare supreme Handassa (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who has gifted the operation both this newcomer's G1 Prince of Wales' S. and G1 Juddmonte International-winning full-brother Mostahdaf (Ire) and Invincible Spirit's G1 Falmouth S. and G1 Sun Chariot S. heroine Nazeef (GB). Like that high-class pair, he is in the care of John and Thady Gosden. The post Observations: Mostahdaf’s Brother Debuts at Nottingham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The ballot for the 2024 election of 19 Breeders' Cup Members, the Breeders' Cup Limited announced Monday. The Breeders' Cup election website will open May 27 for 2023 Breeders' Cup foal and stallion nominators to begin the voting process. Voting will close June 3. Of the 20 candidates on the ballot, 17 are incumbent Members standing for re-election. The 19 individuals receiving the most votes will each serve a term of four years. Members are elected every other year by Breeders' Cup foal and stallion nominators through a proportional voting system based on the level of nominations paid to the organization. There are a total of 39 elected Breeders' Cup Members. The Members meet each July and elect individuals to the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors, which oversees the activities of the organization. The 20 candidates for the Members' election are: Conrad Bandoroff* Maria Niarchos-Gouazé* Barbara Banke* David O'Farrell* Boyd Browning * Bill Oppenheim* Chief Stipe Cauthen* Bernie Sams* Matt Dorman Alex Solis II* Craig Fravel* Edward (Ned) Toffey Eric Gustavson* Elliott Walden* Bret Jones* Barry Weisbord* Gray Lyster* Aron Wellman* Clem Murphy* Jacob West *Indicates current, incumbent Members For more information, click here. The post Breeders’ Cup Releases Ballot for 2024 Members’ Election appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Joseph O'Brien has laid out an adventure in America for juvenile Group 1-winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the target being the GI Manhattan S. in New York on June 8, in a path eventually routing to the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. After having his sophomore season disrupted by injury, Al Riffa resurfaced in the G1 Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp and was only beaten by three-quarters of a length in a wild scramble on the wire. O'Brien admits his charge's size is something of a concern, and that the Saratoga track might not suit him, but the prize money makes it a shot worth taking. “He ran really well in France, his first run back. He was coming there but got a bit tired and the race didn't set up nicely for him,” O'Brien said. “He actually gets a 7lb allowance in America for not winning a Group race last year, so the conditions of the race suit him very well and it's a lot of money. The worry is he's a big horse and the track might not suit, but it's a $2-million race. His other options were the Tattersalls Gold Cup against Auguste Rodin or Royal Ascot and meet whatever there.” He added, “I think [Al Riffa]'s going to stay well and we are kind of dreaming he may be an Arc horse, but the aim is to win a Group One first.” The post America On the Books for Al Riffa, Targets Grade One Glory in New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-Tokyo, ¥14,880,000 ($95,336), Allowance, 5-18, 3yo, 1600m, 1:36.2, ft. ASSURBANIPAL (c, 3, Arrogate–Georgie's Angel {GSW, $129,564}, by Bellamy Road), the year-younger full-brother to Cave Rock, MGISW, $748,000, opened his account impressively at first asking over this course and distance last November and was just beaten by Authentic (Into Mischief)'s brother Bushin when last seen under these conditions at this venue Apr. 20. Sent off as the $1.10 (1-10) mortal, the dark bay was away fairly, and found himself in a forward position for the run down the back straight. Racing with his mouth open as they hit the 600-meter marker, Assurbanipal gained four wide under his own courage into the homestretch, struck the front in hand at the quarter pole and ran out a seven-length winner under hands-and-heels steering from Christophe Lemaire. “He traveled comfortably and picked up nicely in the stretch,” said the Frenchman, who added Sunday's G1 Yushun Himba aboard Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}). “I look forward to his future runs.” Georgie's Angel, winner of the 2011 GIII Schuylerville S., produced a colt from the second crop of Arrogate in 2020 and was purchased by Kathleen Schweizer's Longford Farm for $75,000 back in foal to the late Juddmonte stallion at that year's Keeneland November Sale. The foal of 2020 made $210,000 as a weanling at the same auction and was subsequently hammered down to Three Amigos for $550,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale. Under the care of Bob Baffert, Cave Rock would proceed to win the GI Del Mar Futurity and GI American Pharoah S. ahead of a runner-up effort in the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Two days after Cave Rock was named a 'TDN Rising Star' on his career debut, Assurbanipal was purchased by Michael Sucher's Champion Equine for a sales-topping $700,000 at the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Sale in Saratoga and a handful of months later, fetched $1.05 million from Katsumi Yoshida at the OBS March Sale. Georgie's Angel is also responsible for the newly named 2-year-old filly Lakeside (Improbable), a $135,000 purchase by Solis/Litt at FTNAUG last summer, a yearling filly by Connect and a filly from the initial crop of Flightline foaled Apr. 25. Schweizer reports that Georgie's Angel will visit Good Magic this season. Sales history: $700,000 Ylg '22 FTNAUG; $1,050,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $118,352. O-Kazumi Yoshida; B-Kathleen Schweizer (NY); T-Hiroyasu Tanaka. 1600m 1W Allowance at Tokyo: Very impressive by 3c 6. ASSURBANIPAL (Arrogate Georgie's Angel (Bellamy Road)) under Lemaire 1.36.2 Now won 2 from 3#DirtMonster#JRA pic.twitter.com/od8KTr9TBu — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) May 18, 2024 The post Arrogate Colt Assurbanipal, Full To Cave Rock, Impresses at Tokyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following in the footsteps of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Her Majesty Queen Camilla has accepted an invitation to become the royal patron of the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, the organization announced via presser on Monday. The announcement was made to mark the first anniversary of the coronation and a new Royal Yard tour has been launched by Discover Newmarket. It includes visits to Clarehaven Stables, where the King and Queen have horses in training. “Queen Elizabeth II opened the National Horseracing Museum in November 2016 and was a wonderful supporter during her reign, visiting Newmarket on multiple occasions,” said Frances Stanley, the chairman of the Museum's board of trustees. “It is with absolute delight that the National Horseracing Museum received this latest news from Buckingham Palace.” The post HM The Queen Becomes Patron of National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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The storylines of “Thurby” can oftentimes get lost in the hubbub of the ensuing weekend of racing at Churchill Downs, but for trainer John Hancock, the Thursday before this year's Kentucky Derby was a day he won't soon forget. Not feeling the greatest that afternoon, the veteran conditioner decided to stay back at the barn and let his family head to the paddock to saddle West Memorial (Caracaro) and Strummin (Flameaway) for the Kentucky Juvenile S. Meanwhile Hancock drove over to a spot on the backside where he had a good view of the starting gate. After the break, he began watching the five-furling race on his phone, but realized his video was delayed so he switched to simply listening to the roar of the distant crowd and Travis Stone's race call. “Here comes West Memorial!” he heard Stone exclaim. “Down the center of the track, kicking away by two. And Strummin is on the scene late as well.” As a boisterous crowd surged toward the winner's circle, Hancock sat back in the stillness of the backside and smiled. In a race that had eluded him for years, his horses had just taken the top two spots. Last year Youalmosthadme (Oxbow), a filly that Hancock sold after training her to a winning debut a month earlier, had coasted to an 8 3/4-length victory in the Kentucky Juvenile. In the same race in 2019, Hancock's horses had finished second and third and back in 2017, his filly Amberspatriot (Awesome Patriot) was runner-up by a neck. “This particular stake means a lot to me because it's a 2-year-old stake and that's what my family does,” the Henderson County, Kentucky native explained. “We put ourselves in a spot where we like fooling around with 2-year-olds, having them ready early and seeing what we can do. This particular stake I've had two or three seconds, three thirds and a couple of fourths. So it meant a lot to win it; it meant a real lot.” In an interesting twist of fate, it was actually last year's Kentucky Juvenile victress Youalmosthadme that helped land this year's winner West Memorial in Hancock's barn. After Youalmosthadme broke her maiden at Keeneland, Hancock sold her to the partnership of Qatar Racing, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson and Black Type Thoroughbreds and she moved to the Brad Cox barn. Swinbank Stables' Reagan Swinbank was in Lexington shortly after they purchased the filly last April. One morning Swinbank's bloodstock agent and lifelong friend Jake Ballis of Black Type Thoroughbreds suggested that Swinbank should stop in and meet the trainer who had gotten Youalmosthadme started. “I like talking to people and John likes talking to people and before we knew it, we had sat there in his office talking for 30 minutes,” Swinbank recalled. “Jake was there with me and afterward I told him that next yearling season, he could pick two horses out for me to buy and I would send them to John to do the same game that he did with Youalmosthadme.” Flash forward a few months and Hancock was out with his daughter Ashley looking at yearlings that might be a good fit for their stable's model of buying yearlings, breaking them at their base at Ellis Park, and then pointing them to the early 2-year-old races with the goal of selling them after they break their maidens. West Memorial caught their eye as soon as they saw her. They tried to get a deal done several times last summer, but the breeder wanted to send her to public auction. Trainer John Hancock | Katie Petrunyak “We just couldn't get her off our minds,” Hancock said. “The way she looked, the way she handled herself, the way she was balanced.” By the time West Memorial was set to go through the ring at the Keeneland September Sale, Hancock had already spent his budget for the sale, but he had told Ballis about how much he liked the daughter of first-crop sire Caracaro (featured here). Ballis worked with Maddie Mattmiller, his partner in Black Type Thoroughbreds, to purchase the Legacy Bloodstock-consigned yearling for $45,000 on behalf of Swinbank Stables. Swinbank sent the filly on to Hancock and named her West Memorial after the part of Houston that he is from. “From day one, she was very focused and she knew what her job was,” said Hancock. “She was well-mannered and had a great head on her. From what I hear, the Caracaros are all that way. There was something about the charisma about this filly from the first day and by March, we figured out that she could really run.” Expectations were sky high when West Memorial debuted during opening weekend of the Keeneland meet, but she wound up settling for second by a head. Even so, she had displayed tons of heart in the stretch battle and plenty of potential during the gallop out, and the offers began pouring in. Even though selling her had been the goal from the start, Swinbank did not feel right about parting with her just yet. “I was only in for $45,000 plus training bills,” he explained. “We turned down an amount of money that everyone said was insane to turn down, but I wanted to let her run in John Hancock's name in the Kentucky Juvenile. Normally most of his good horse get sold prior to that race, including Youalmosthadme. She didn't even breeze under Brad. It was all John's doing. John told me, 'Let me have her for one more race and we will win it.' And I believed him. I said that if we were going to win it, let's win it together.” Hancock knew there were some classy juveniles in the race to contend with, including 'TDN Rising Star' Shoot It True (Munnings) and Resolute Racing's $740,000 Fasig-Tipton Digital purchase Mensa (Complexity). Hancock instructed jockey Reylu Gutierrez before the race, “Let her get away and lay right there to look at whatever is up in front of you. At the quarter pole, let's see where we're at.” The game plan was a success. Off at 17-1 odds, West Memorial chased the two favorites and then blew past them in the stretch. Hancock was thrilled about his stable's accomplishments, but the main thing he remembers as he looks back on the day is how proud he was of the filly. “Nothing fazed her,” he recalled. “We shipped her in from Keeneland. She'd never been to Churchill Downs in her life. With the crowd and the tunnel, she never turned a hair.” As has been the plan from the get-go, West Memorial departed from Hancock's stable after her maiden-breaking victory. But the juvenile has not been sold, as was the original idea. Instead Swinbank has decided to send her to George Weaver and perhaps follow a path that led the owner to the top of the sport last year. In a partnership that included Swinbank Stables and Black Type Thoroughbreds, the Weaver-trained Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) claimed last year's G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot. Swinbank is hopeful that West Memorial may take to the turf and target the same race. West Memorial's dam Vita Bella (Super Saver) is a half-sister to GI Hollywood Derby winner Mo Town (Uncle Mo) as well as SW Justique (Justify), who was second in her last start in the GIII Royal Heroine S. over the Santa Anita turf on April 27. “I'm not saying for sure that we're going to Ascot, but I think the plan is to get her to Weaver's barn and try her over the turf,” Swinbank said. “She has a lot of turf in her pedigree. It was very hard to tell John that we were going to move the horse. He got emotional. I got emotional. He and his family are all great horsemen, but we thought that with a chance to go to Ascot we need to move her to Weaver, who has success at winning at Ascot literally last year for us. If she doesn't take to the turf, she's already in Saratoga and we can run her in the dirt stakes up there.” West Memorial wins the 2024 Kentucky Juvenile S. | Coady Media West Memorial arrived in Saratoga only a few days before it was announced that Weaver faces a suspension of up to two years because a horse in his care tested positive for a metformin, a banned substance used to treat Type II diabetes in humans that Weaver's attorney Drew Mollica has said was being taken by the horse's groom during the time of the positive test. Although many factors are up in the air for Weaver's stable going into the summer season, Swinbank is continuing to send horses to the veteran trainer. “With George's uncertainty now, it added some thought to our plan but we're going to support George and his team,” he said. “I believe his assistants can manage the shop while the uncertainty is in play and we're loyal to the Weaver team.” Swinbank has expanded his stable in big ways in recent years. He started out in 2019 as a shareholder in Black Type Thoroughbreds to support his friends managing the syndicate, but last year he decided to get more involved with his own stable. Swinbank Stables began partnering with many of Black Type's horses as well as going out on its own for a few more. Swinbank said that he currently owns 15 to 20 racehorses, including those owned in partnership with Black Type Thoroughbreds, and he is also getting involved in the breeding business with a handful of his own broodmares. As for Hancock, while he may no longer have West Memorial in his stable, he is just as excited about another promising 2-year-old in his care. Kentucky Juvenile runner-up Strummin (Flameaway) has placed in all three of his career starts by flying home late in the stretch. “He just needs a little bit more ground, but he's a really nice colt,” Hancock said. Owned by Hancock's longtime client Randle Glosson, Strummin will make his fourth lifetime start on Sunday at Churchill Downs and Hancock has high hopes for his future. “Don't fall asleep on that man because he's the real deal,” he said. “The owners had an opportunity to sell him and they kept him. When he taps his wires together, you'll be back doing a story on him.” The post West Memorial a Star for Hancock, Now Points to Potential Ascot Bid with Weaver appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Relishing front-running tactics, the Wertheimers' TDN Rising Star Pensee Du Jour (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) returned to winning ways in Monday's G2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud. Never in any serious danger once Maxime Guyon had committed, the Andre Fabre-trained 7-5 favourite who was runner-up in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix Allez France last month gave generously to score by 1 1/2 lengths from Quantanamera (Ger) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). It was at this track that Prix Rose de Mai started to look like a genuine Classic prospect last Spring when winning the Listed Prix Rose de Mai by seven lengths and she confirmed that with a clear-cut success in the G3 Prix Penelope, but came up short in the G1 Prix de Diane and beat only two home. Below-par again when fourth in Deauville's G2 Prix Alec Head, she failed to see out the 12 furlongs of the G1 Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp in September and was put away for a 4-year-old campaign which got off to the right start with a useful effort in the Allez France. “She can win a group 1 this year,” Guyon said. “She had run very well on her comeback and we wanted to let her go in her own rhythm today. She never gives up and is only ever moving forward.” The favourite gets the job done as Pensee Du Jour is victorious in the Group 2 Prix Corrida Stakes at Saint-Cloud! pic.twitter.com/FkSo4iWYt1 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 20, 2024 Pedigree Notes Pensee Du Jour is the last known foal out of the unraced Painter's Pride (Fr) (Dansili {GB}), whose son Canvassed (Ire) (Shamardal) captured the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal and was placed in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. The second dam is the GII Long Island H. winner Peinture Bleue (Alydar), whose progeny list is headed by Nureyev's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and G1 Prix du Jockey Cub hero and leading sire Peintre Celebre. Ironically, this is also the family of the useful Sea Of Roses (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), who Pensee Du Jour beat in last year's G3 Prix Penelope. Monday, Saint-Cloud, France PRIX CORRIDA-G2, €130,000, Saint-Cloud, 5-20, 4yo/up, f/m, 10 1/2fT, 2:12.74, g/s. 1–PENSEE DU JOUR (IRE), 126, f, 4, by Camelot (GB) 1st Dam: Painter's Pride (Fr), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Peinture Bleue, by Alydar 3rd Dam: Petroleuse (Ire), by Habitat TDN Rising Star. O-Wertheimer & Frere; B-Dayton Investments Ltd (IRE); T-Andre Fabre; J-Maxime Guyon. €74,100. Lifetime Record: 8-4-1-0, €180,200. *1/2 to Canvassed (Ire) (Shamardal), GSW & G1SP-UAE, $424,594. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Quantanamera (Ger), 126, f, 4, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Quaduna (GB), by Duke Of Marmalade (Ire). (€200,000 Ylg '21 BBAGS). O-Jurgen Sartori; B-Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof (GER); T-Andreas Suborics. €28,600. 3–Melo Melo (GB), 126, m, 5, Gleneagles (Ire)–You Look So Good (GB), by Excellent Art (GB). (110,000gns Wlg '19 TATFOA). O-Wathnan Racing; B-The Pocock Family (GB); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €13,650. Margins: 1HF, 2, NO. Odds: 1.40, 26.00, 2.90. Also Ran: Ardent, Yorokobi (Fr), Village Voice (GB), Left Sea (GB). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Camelot’s Pensee Du Jour Wins The Corrida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading Ascot Gold Cup (G1) contender and reigning champion Courage Mon Ami (GB) has suffered a setback according to owners Wathnan Racing. The 5-year-old has not been seen since chasing home Coltrane in the Lonsdale Cup (G2) at York in August.View the full article

Making all under an enterprising ride from Silvestre De Sousa, Clive Washbourn's Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}–Hairy Rocket {GB}, by Pivotal {GB}) took Cologne's G2 Coolmore St Mark's Basilica German 2000 Guineas back to Britain on Monday. Last year's G1 Futurity Trophy runner-up, who had enjoyed a confidence-boosting win in a Goodwood conditions event earlier this month, was needing the line as Penalty (Ger) (Frankel {GB}) closed in down the centre of the track and it came in time for the David Menuisier-trained colt to prevail by a neck, with Ghorgan (Ger) (Study Of Man {Ire}) another neck away in third. The 3-1 favourite Maigret (Ger) (Counterattack {Aus}) was only fifth. De Sousa, widely considered one of the best of his trade from the front, was doubling his 2024 Classic tally having conquered the 1000 Guineas. “He wasn't really handling the track and was babyish and lonely in front, but he delivered,” he said of the 100-30 second favourite. “I rode him like the best horse in the race, but that's maybe not the best way to ride him generally.” Menuisier added, “The draw in ten wasn't favourable and we didn't want to suffer, so we decided to let him stride on. From the earlier races, we could see that nothing was coming from behind and he's pretty straightforward. He was tired at the end, but the fractions were fast and we always had the plan to come here and then drop in trip for the [G1] Prix Jean Prat and [G1] Prix Maurice de Gheest.” The post New Bay’s Devil’s Point Takes The German 2000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article