Wandering Eyes

The Whale reckons he’s found some winners at Wyndham today. View the full article

Harry Bentley scores with Show Respect. Harry Bentley posted his first treble of the season to dominate at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as Tony Cruz laid down a promising marker ahead of California Spangle’s tilt at the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai on Saturday night. Bentley, 31, continued a solid March campaign with wins for Cruz (Winning Heart), Chris So (Our Lucky Glory) and Mark Newnham (Show Respect), while also slotting a second and two thirds from eight rides to win the jockey challenge with his first treble since October 2022. Bentley opened his account by scoring for Cruz on Winning Heart. Formerly known as Charlemont in Ireland, where he won his only start in 2022, Winning Heart jumped cleanly from barrier one and sat just behind the speed before spearing clear to triumph at his 13th Hong Kong start. In Dubai overseeing California Spangle’s preparation for the Al Quoz Sprint, Cruz notched his 33rd win of the Hong Kong season with Winning Heart. Sealing a double, Bentley registered his 25th win of the season aboard Our Lucky Glory as So brought up a brace, having also scored with United Endeavors and Keith Yeung. “It’s good to get a double,” So said. “The first winner – Keith did a really good job. Class 4 is very competitive, it’s hard to tell who will win. Keith chose to come back to the three-wide line with cover with the slow pace and hit the line and I think that was the key. “(Our Lucky Glory) is a tiny horse, we cannot run him much and we have to stall. Harry knows him well. Last time he ran second, but I think the draw tonight helped a lot. I hope he can still improve.” Bentley made it three when Show Respect impressively won to earn a HK$1.5 million PP bonus. Fresh from Hong Kong Derby (2000m) success, Zac Purton produced a sublime ride on David Hayes-trained Snowalot to win. Purton found the fence from barrier 11 before the field reached the turn out of the straight, settling second last, before driving the Contributer gelding between runners to charge clear. Hayes continued a strong season with Harmony N Blessed’s triumph, taking the dual Hong Kong champion trainer’s tally of wins for the season to 34 – to equal his 2022/23 haul. The win also provided Andrea Atzeni a belated birthday present after the Italian turned 33 on Tuesday. Purton took his season’s return to 85 wins when he coaxed the best out of Beauty Waves. Having his first start for Pierre Ng, the Starspangledbanner gelding clocked in 56.88s. A recent trial winner by more than nine lengths, Beauty Waves collected a HK$1.5 million PP Bonus for his first Hong Kong victory after winning over 1000m in Ireland for Patrick J Flynn when known as Starspangledwaves. “He’s been knocking on the door before. He was pretty strong tonight, but I think he’s still got a lot to learn,” Ng said. “You can see him just running up over the last 200 or 300 (metres) and then he gets going. He’s still got a lot to develop. I’ll keep him at the same distance and hopefully during the summer time he can get more mature. “I’m just lucky enough to have him at this time and to get the win and bonus for the owners.” Can’t Go Wong broke through at his 18th Hong Kong start for Frankie Lor, finishing stoutly to land the Class 5 Wang Tau Hom Handicap (1650m) for Alexis Badel. The Per Incanto gelding started his Hong Kong career as a 76-rater, but his inability to score had seen the five-year-old drop to 40 in the handicap. Group 2-placed in Australia for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Can’t Go Wong won twice as a three-year-old at Sandown Racecourse, Melbourne in 2021. “We’ve waited for a long time. The horse came to Hong Kong last year and he was in Class 2. He was going to the Derby last season, but unfortunately his form in Hong Kong wasn’t very good,” Lor said. “He needed more time and his rating dropped, he’s now dropped to Class 5 and got the win. I hope he can go up to Class 4 and get more wins.” David Hall-trained Sharpen Bright proved too strong under Karis Teetan, who has 57 wins for the season. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Paul Gardner and jockey Casey Hunter combined for an upset win in the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m) with three-year-old gelding Better Not Fuss on Day 2 of the Alice Springs Turf Club’s Cup Carnival at Pioneer Park on Wednesday. Paul Gardner has had a highly successful 2023/24 season and currently leads the Alice Springs and Provincial trainers’ premiership. It only got better for Gardner on Wednesday when he won the two feature races at Pioneer Park on Day 2 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival. Better Not Fuss (Casey Hunter), starting at $91, led throughout to seal the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m), while $2.50 favourite Red Wraith (Sonja Logan) sped away in the home straight to secure the $30,000 The Soldier Lightning (1000m). Gardner has never won the trainers’ premiership, and the Guineas triumph was his biggest ever win. Better Not Fuss, a three-year-old, brought little to the Guineas table with his best result after four Alice Springs starts a second over 1100m against his own age group in early February. Purchased from Townsville trainer Sarah Acornley, wife of former Darwin jockey Carl Spry, where he had one win from 10 starts, the son of Better Than Ready was debuting over 1600m. A last start sixth over 1400m on March 9 in the final Guineas hit out, Better Not Fuss led by six lengths passing the 800m before holding a three-length advantage at the 200m. In the end, he held off the fast-finishing pair – Kevin Lamprecht’s Beyond Ready ($4.60) and Kym Healy’s He’s Maverick ($12) – by 0.7 lengths. Dan Morgan’s $1.50 favourite, Don’t Be Dramatic, who brought impeccable form to the table, threatened turning for home before fading to finish 10 lengths adrift in fifth place. For Hunter, it was her biggest win in the NT since relocating to Darwin from WA a few years ago. “The plan was to follow Don’t Be Dramatic, but I was happy when I landed in front and Better Not Fuss travelled so well – I was relieved to get over the line,” she said. Red Wraith, a four-year-old gelding, had had two previous runs in March for two seconds, and to start the Lightning as favourite with horse racing bookmakers was no surprise. Settling third, Red Wraith hit top gear at the 400m approaching the final bend, and when Logan found room along the fence, the son of Charm Spirit sped away to win by 5.8 lengths in a time of 56.91. Whittle’s nine-year-old gelding Liberty Blue ($21), returning for a fifth Alice Springs campaign after a six month spell, was second with Garry Lefoe’s Expert Witness ($3.90), second in last year’s Pioneer Sprint, finished third in the five-horse field. After a first-up seventh at Pioneer Park last September, Red Wraith won four straight and was placed in his next two starts before finishing sixth over 1050m at Morphettville on December 30. Meanwhile, the Kerry Petrick-trained Boom Boom Sweet ($2.40) enhanced his Alice Springs Cup prospects with an impressive two-length win over Carrol Hunter’s Desert Lass ($4.60) and Tayarn Halter’s Kippax ($6.50) in open company over 1900m. Boom Boom Sweet, a seven-year-old gelding by Jakkalberry, was due after three straight seconds, and after sharing the lead turning out of the straight, he was six lengths clear at the 800m, with veteran jockey Paul Denton’s daring tactics paying off. Darwin apprentice Emma Lines ended the day with a winning double aboard Healy’s stablemates Taipan Tommy ($1.50) and Noble Magnate ($2.40), who was making his NT debut over 1100m (0-64). Horse racing news View the full article

Top-tier bookmakers have rolled out an enticing lineup of racing specials slated for Thursday, March 28. Standouts on the list include a slew of lucrative bonus-back incentives, elevating the thrill of the trackside action. Dive into these offers from top horse racing betting sites to maximise your wagering prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for March 28, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Pakenham – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. T&Cs Apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has conducted a thorough evaluation of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored specifically for Thursday, March 28, 2024. These horse racing promotions stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker is not currently offering a promotion, you can be confident that another is capitalising on promotional offers. Your go-to destination for the most rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses each day is HorseBetting.com.au. Take advantage of bookie bonuses and the best horse racing odds available for every race to increase the value of your betting endeavours. It’s important to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively crafted for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Klaravich Stables' Ways and Means returns from a near seven-month layoff as the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) March 30. The filly has not run since finishing a troubled second in the Sept. 3 Spinaway Stakes (G1).View the full article

The Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) will be his 2024 debut after a reported fever cost him a shot at the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T) in Saudi Arabia last month. The 8-year-old most recently finished third in the 2023 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

A routine session of trading saw 389,000 guineas (US$516,125, 1 guinea = US$1.33) change hands at the Tattersalls March Sale as a diverse cast of buyers got stuck into the mixed catalog March 27.View the full article

Trainer Jose A. Martinez, a mainstay on the old New England circuit and at Pennsylvania tracks for more than 40 years, died Feb. 8 after a long illness. He was 82.View the full article

Klaravich Stables' Ways and Means returns from a near seven-month layoff as the 8-5 morning line favorite in the$250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) March 30. The filly has not run since finishing a troubled second in the Sept. 3 Spinaway Stakes (G1).View the full article

Brad Cox won four stakes races over the weekend, including the GII Louisiana Derby and the GII Fair Grounds Oaks. But such a run of success has almost come to be expected from a trainer who never seems to have a bad week. Cox will arrive at Churchill Downs with an army of stakes-caliber horses, including threats for the GI Kentucky Derby and the GI Kentucky Oaks. The multiple Eclipse Award winning conditioner was our special guest on this week's TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. He was this week's Green Group Guest of the Week. Officially, Cox has won the GI Kentucky Derby. His Mandaloun (Into Mischief) was placed first in 2021 after the disqualification of Medina Spirit (Protonico) for a medication violation. But Cox says that was never the way he wanted to win a Derby. “It doesn't feel like we won the Derby,” he said. “It's the thrill of victory and that's what you're after with the Derby. We weren't allowed to have that thrill. It's a very hard race to get into and it's like no other race in America. It's the only race where you have 20 horses. It's tough to just get in, let alone win. So, no, I don't feel like we've won a Derby. And I'm looking forward to this Derby for sure.” He won the Louisiana Derby with Catching Freedom (Constitution), who was last early and had to overcome a slow pace up front on his way to a one-length win. “I guess the difference is maturity,” Cox said of Catching Freedom. “His last two works before the Louisiana Derby were by far the best works he's ever had. He was kind of touting himself that he could be moving forward. He ran well. Before the Risen Star, his works were pretty average. Given the set up of the race and everything, I thought it was a huge effort.” On Saturday, Cox will look to add to his Derby arsenal with Timberlake (Into Mischief) in the GI Arkansas Derby. “He's an unbelievable physical,” Cox said. “He is a very, very good-looking horse. He always shows up. Maybe the Breeders Cup was a little rough because was a little keyed up. But he's learning. He's mellowed out and his works have gotten better in regards to settling the first part of them. I think he's definitely tighter and ready to go Saturday as opposed to the condition we had him in leading up to the Rebel. In our breeding spotlight section, we looked at the Coolmore stallion American Pharoah and the WinStar stallion Constitution. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, Coolmore,https://pabred.com/https://www.kentuckybred.org/https://www.nyrabets.com/ 1/ST Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and XBTV.com, the team of Randy Moss, Bill Finley and T.D. Thornton discussed the news coming out of California, where Santa Anita is trying to find a formula that improves its bottom line and the Northern California circuit is striving to staying alive. We also previewed the stakes coming up this weekend and reviewed last weekend's action. The post Brad Cox Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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. Thursday's Observations features a full-brother to Group 1 winner Quadrilateral (GB) (Frankel {GB}). 17.30 Southwell, Novice, £8,000, 3yo, 11f 23y (AWT) CADOGAN PLACE (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is an intriguing contender in an intriguing affair as a full-brother to the G1 Fillies' Mile winner Quadrilateral (GB). Andrew Balding unleashes Juddmonte's homebred against two other fascinating newcomers in Godolphin's Hidden Law (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a Charlie Appleby-trained son of the Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), and Middleham Park Racing's Grebastarky (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), a half-brother to the G1 Coronation S. and G1 Prix Rothschild heroine Watch Me (Fr) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) from the John and Thady Gosden stable. 16.15 Chantilly, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, f, 8fT SAHARA GOLD (GB) (Shamardal) is a significant Godolphin representative, being a full-sister to the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagerdere hero Victor Ludorum (GB). Trained by Henri-Alex Pantall, she is joined by another Godolphin runner in Galaxie Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), an -Andre Fabre trainee who at 650,000gns was the top-priced filly at Tatts Book 2. The post Quadrilateral’s Brother Debuts At Southwell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Japanese star Do Deuce races for the first time in Dubai in the $5 million Dubai Turf (G1T) March 30 at Meydan Racecourse. The Dubai Turf is one of numerous supporting stakes on Dubai World Cup Night.View the full article

Senor Buscador and Ushba Tesoro get a rematch in the March 30 Dubai World Cup (G1) after their 1-2 finish in the Saudi Cup (G1) a month earlier, and the race also could feature a pace battle from both ends of the starting gate.View the full article

Saffie Joseph Jr. enjoyed a career highlight two years ago when he saddled White Abarrio for a victory in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1). This year, he makes a bid for his second triumph March 30 with Catalytic.View the full article

The March 30 UAE Derby (G2) is a key entry point into the Kentucky Derby (G1) for international runners and this year's renewal features Japan's undefeated Forever Young as a solid favorite to get a shot in the Run for the Roses.View the full article

While the Dubai World Cup (G1) and UAE Derby (G2) get the lion's share of attention in America, for most of the rest of the world, the two big turf races on World Cup night are the main attraction.View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Tonight’s meeting at Manawatu will be Mike Berger’s final race meeting as a trainer with the well-respected Cambridge horseman acknowledging the time has come to hang up the boots. “To be honest, I’m looking forward to retiring,” says Berger, “I’ve been doing it for 50 years and it’s most definitely a game of passion with a lot of work involved.” Over the years Berger has had 552 training successes on his own account as well as 11 in partnership with Matthew White, 109 with Warren Rich, and 35 with Simon Pavlovich, giving him 707 in total. Berger’s first training winner was Trade Direct in 1979 but some of his most notable performers over the years have been Gracious Knight, Facta Non Verba, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Coburg and V For. His biggest moment came in 2002 , when training with Rich, they quinellaed the New Zealand Cup with Gracious Knight and Facta Non Verba. In December he also won the Happy 70th Birthday Mike Berger Pace at Manawatu with one his own horses, Lady La Salle. “I don’t have any immediate plans for the future, but I’ll be starting off with a break over winter and enjoying not having to work horses in the rain!” “I’m also looking forward to getting away and spending a bit more time with the grandkids.” Berger has four runners engaged at the meeting starting with Barbarossa in Race two, the Outback Trading Mobile Pace over 2500 metres, to be driven by Benjamin Butcher. The gelding placed second to Molly Belwin on Tuesday, securing a good trip in the one out one back position in running and digging in well up the straight to finish the best of the rest from the runaway winner. “Barbarossa went well enough on Tuesday and if the pace is on he should go alright again,” says Berger. “He has done a good job over the past couple of years.” Invisible, also driven by Butcher, starts in Race 5, the ITM Palmerston North Mobile Pace. The Always B Miki gelding finished fifth in his race on Tuesday, finishing strongly after being well back in running. Tonight the gelding starts from barrier two. “I was initially a little disappointed with Invisible’s run on Tuesday, but he did get back and had to come wide in the run home,” says Berger, “he’s drawn two today which should help him stay a bit closer to the pace.” Berger’s final starters for the evening are Oceanic Art and Rockafilly, driven by David Butcher and Benjamin Butcher respectively. The pair compete in Race seven, the C A Penny – Pick It Up And Win Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace over 2000 metres. “It was nice to get a win with Oceanic Art on Tuesday although they didn’t run too much time,” says Berger, “Rockafilly had a bit of an out of the blue mare moment when she galloped in the score up the other night.” “Hopefully that was a one off because I think she should go well in that field tonight.” Berger has been a regular supporter of racing in the Manawatu and there is seldom a meeting where he hasn’t brought runners south from his Cambridge stable. It would be a fitting finale to the trainer’s career to send him off on a winning note. Race one gets underway at 4:52pm. Manawatu Review – 26.03.2024 Benjamin Butcher scored a winning treble at Tuesday’s Manawatu meeting and was runner up in another two races. “It really makes the trip worthwhile when you have a day like that and helps pay for nappies too!” says Butcher, who alongside wife Kelsey, welcomed their first baby, Maeve Jane, in February this year. Butcher’s first winner came with Exhilarate in Race three, the Barry’s Tacky Tours Mobile Pace. Trained by David and Clare McGowan, it was the four-year-old gelding by Vincent’s first win. Butcher opted to drop the gelding back from his starting position of five and sat one off four back in running. With 400 metres to travel, Butcher made his run three and four wide with Exhilarate making easy work to cover the field and win by just over a length. “He’s a bit green and I had to keep on top of him, especially as the cord for the plugs broke and I couldn’t activate them,” says Butcher “But he won well, and it was a good win having to come from last.” “He has a good draw (Thursday) and I think he’s one who should go near enough again.” Dom Toretto, trained by Brian and Gareth Hughes, was Butcher’s next success taking out Race five, the ITM Mobile Pace. The gelding was strong off the mobile from his wide barrier draw and raced three wide early before finding the front where he remained. Butcher rated the gelding well to do just enough to hold off the second placed Cote D’Azur by half a head, with the pair four and a half lengths from the third placed Sweet Spirit. “It was a good effort as he had to do a bit of work early to lead,” says Butcher, “he can be a bit relaxed without horses up with him and just does what he has to, but he stuck on and was good in the finish.” The four-year-old son of Sweet Lou has now had two wins at this track and distance in his past three starts. Butcher’s final winner of the night was Oceanic Art who took out Race nine, the Hilltop Bar & Restaurant Mobile Pace. Trained by Mike Berger, the filly brought up her second win with a start to finish front running drive by Butcher. “She had a good draw and led comfortably,” says Butcher, “I was fairly confident I had them covered and she has been racing ok down there and was deserving of the win.” The feature races were taken out by visiting trainers with Nicky Chilcott of Cambridge winning the Cartown Country Cup Handicap Trot with Del Shannon, Chilcott also drove the gelding who won by 1.25 lengths. Tony Thomas, based at Waterlea Raceway in Blenheim, took out the T Market Fresh Country Cup Handicap Pace with Boudica, driven by Andre Poutama. It was the six-year-old Sportswriter mare’s seventh win bringing her earnings to just over $103,000 in stakes. View the full article

Japanese runner Do Deuce makes his first visit to Dubai in the $5 million Dubai Turf (G1T) March 30 at Meydan Racecourse. The Dubai Turf is one of numerous supporting stakes on Dubai World Cup Night.View the full article

Senor Buscador and Ushba Tesoro get a rematch in the March 30 Dubai World Cup (G1) after their 1-2 finish in the Saudi Cup (G1) a month earlier, and the race also could feature a pace battle from both ends of the starting gate.View the full article

A bill introduced by Senate Republican Floor Leader Damon Thayer to create a new government corporation to oversee horse racing in the state has passed through the Kentucky Senate and will move on to the Kentucky General Assembly, according to the Kentucky Lantern. Senate Bill 299 was heard in a joint meeting of the Senate and House economic development committees Tuesday morning and won Senate approval in a 26-11 floor vote in the afternoon. The bill would create the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation to replace the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Department of Charitable Gaming. The racing commission would be abolished in July 2024 and its employees and responsibilities would be transferred to the corporation, which would oversee live horse racing and sports wagering, as well as charitable gaming, after July 2025. Board members of the corporation would be appointed by the governor and subject to Senate confirmation. “I think this would bring increased scrutiny, integrity and transparency to all legal forms of gaming in Kentucky,” Kentucky Lantern quoted Thayer as saying in a committee meeting to discuss the bill. Democratic Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas of Lexington led his party's opposition to the bill, which was introduced as a shell bill. “The lack of transparency, the lack of sunshine, is something that should not be applauded,” he said. Shell bills typically contain no substantive provisions and are introduced to ultimately be amended to include the actually intended legislative proposals. In addition to the Democratic opposition, five Republicans also voted against the bill. The post Bill Overhauling Kentucky Racing Commission Passes State Senate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-GP, $91K, Opt. Clm, 3yo, 1m, 3:40p.m. Godolphin's TDN Rising Star KNIGHTSBRIDGE (Nyquist), not seen since his TDN Rising Star-earning performance last fall, marks his return for trainer Bill Mott. The homebred is a half to GISW Speaker's Corner is out of Tyburn Brook (Bernardini), a daughter of dual Grade I winner Round Pound, who brought $5.75 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Sale in 2017. Knightbridge's unraced dam is a half-sister to GISW Long River (A.P. Indy) and SW & GSP Lake Lucerne (Dubawi {Ire}). Junior Alvarado gets the call. Trainer Todd Pletcher has two entered here, including Turn Up the Trees (Liam's Map). A $500,000 KEESEP purchase, the St Elias Stable runner won on debut going six panels in Hallandale Jan. 13 before fading to be a forgivable seventh while stretching to 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass Feb. 10. Getting blinkers on for this return to the main, the colt will be reunited with Johnny Velazquez, also in tow for the colt's winning debut. TJCIS PPS The post Thursday’s Racing Insights: Rising Star Knightsbridge Returns at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner A bigger and stronger Ukraine returns to Southland following his scintillating debut with the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes in his sights. The two-year-old turned heads when unleashing a scorching 26.0sec final 400m to win his first start at Winton in February. Ukraine travelled to Southland on Tuesday ahead of his Kindergarten tilt at Wyndham today and he is stationed with Brent Barclay and Lauren Pearson at Winton. After arriving, Butt got a second opinion on just how well his horse has progressed since his debut. “I probably don’t notice looking at him but Brent said when he came off the truck he has really strengthened up since he was last down here,” Butt said. Though Ukraine showed outstanding speed in his debut, his trainer-driver doesn’t think that is where his game ends. And if the possibility of rough weather turns the Kindergarten Stakes into a staying test, Ukraine has stamina on his side, too. “I would say he will end up being quite a strong horse,” Butt said. “On his work at home, he feels like more of a dour type of horse.” “But obviously in his trials and his race, he has shown plenty of speed.” Ukraine (2) has clinched a crucial draw advantage over two of his main rivals in Always Dreaming (4) and Rubira (7). He is at $2.40 on the fixed fields, with Rubira at $3.30, and Always Dreaming at $3.50. Butt asked the pacer to leave the mobile with some purpose in his latest trial and he showed he has the speed to make the most of his Kindergarten Stakes draw. “I asked him to come out of the gate in his last trial and he came out really good.” “I was happy when the draws came out and hopefully he can make the most of it.” Like Ukraine, Always Dreaming and Rubira come into the Kindergarten Stakes unbeaten at the races. Always Dreaming dead-heated in the Kindergarten Stakes Prelude at Wyndham earlier this month, with race-rival Franco Ezra. Rubira only beat one other rival in his debut at Addington recently, but the pacer impressed in the process when running excellent closing sectionals. Racing Journalist Jonny Turner’s five horses to follow : Miraculous : Miraculous gets the chance to show his true worth after a disappointing last-start effort at Winton. The pacer hasn’t been sighted since, but punters should have plenty of confidence in trainer Nathan Williamson having his horse forward and ready to run a nice race. Miraculous was outstanding in his first two career starts and if he can produce a similar effort he should be right in the fight in Wyndham’s Southern Supremacy Stakes heat. The three-year-old is forced to start from the outside of the front line under the race’s preferential barrier draw, but with just four horses inside him, it looks workable. Haley Robyn : Strong recent performances show Haley Robyn is ready to shine on Kindergarten Stakes Day. The mare comes into race 2 after a solid fourth at Oamaru after making a rare mistake behind the mobile. That set her back and made for a tough run after, but she fought on creditably. Haley Robyn’s previous fourth at Wyndham was even better. The five-year-old was three-wide in the open from the 800m and stuck on bravely in a slightly harder grade than she faces this week. Slotting into barrier 5 looks ideal for Haley Robyn who can race on the speed and give her rivals something to chase. Jonjondagoosehasgone : Several talented horses will make their debut in race 3 at Wyndham but one has clinched a significantly stronger draw than the rest. Barrier 5, with mostly outside hopes drawn inside him, looks very workable for undoubtedly the most curiously named horse starting on Kindergarten Stakes Day. It should effectively give Jonjondagoosehasgone a handy head-start on his main rivals who have drawn much trickier barriers. The pacer just needs to run up to his recent workout win at the same track, where he powered away from his rivals to win, to be a serious winning threat. Xerion : Xerion has burst out of the starting blocks in just two starts, impressing in his maiden win before producing a strong second placing. In that second, the trotter ran a very creditable race behind the highly promising Fiery Bandito, who also steps out at Wyndham. Xerion kept hitting the line strongly behind the winner in what looks outstanding form to bring to the field he faces this week. Expect the four-year-old to bring excellent manners as he has done in his races and trials to date, put himself in a sweet spot, and run another strong race. Da Vinci : There is a key ingredient to the Hunter Handicap that looks a massive plus for Da Vinci. The speedster ran on strongly from the back in the recent Wyndham Cup after starting from a 30m handicap. Da Vinci faces the same mark again on Thursday, but the key difference is that he faces just eight other rivals this week. The usually swift beginner was a stride slow away in his last start, but another key difference is he that is one of just two horses who are behind the front markers. This recipe looks enough for Da Vinci to make a better beginning and settle much handier than he did in his last start fourth. If that scenario plays out, expect the four-year-old to take plenty of holding out. View the full article

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Twelve of the world's top middle-distance dirt horses representing a half-dozen racing nations will clash in Saturday's $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at sprawling Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The fields and post positions for the evening's four non-Group 1 races–including the Dubai Kahayla Classic for the Purebred Arabians–were announced Monday, while stalls for the five elite-level contests were allotted during a ceremony Wednesday evening emceed by Rishi Persad and Laura King at the Armani Hotel at the iconic Burj Khalifa in Central Dubai. Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) will look to join Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) as the only two-time winners of the World Cup, and his trainer Noboru Takagi was first to the stage, where he selected barrier five. The 7-year-old had gate eight a year ago and was off to an awkward start before steaming home to peg back Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) close to home. The commonly owned Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), second to Ushba Tesoro in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten over the World Cup distance in December, drew 11. Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) ran down Ushba Tesoro in the final jump of the G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh five weeks ago, and the two square off for the third time at the weekend. The likeable 6-year-old was represented on stage by trainer Todd Fincher and co-owner Joe Peacock Jnr looked on as Senor Buscador was assigned barrier 10. Last year's G2 UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) was at a fitness disadvantage when a sound fifth in Riyadh first-up for better than four months and figures to have come on for that reappearance. He will begin from stall eight. Kazakh-owned Kabirkhan (California Chrome) will look to complete a fairy-tale season while trying to emulate his World Cup-winning stallion Saturday evening. Purchased for the bargain price of $12,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, the chestnut will break from post position two for jockey Pat Dobbs and trainer Chief Stipe Watson. Trainer Bob Baffert and Frankie Dettori teamed to take out the 2022 World Cup with Country Grammer (Tonalist) and will look for history to repeat itself with Newgate (Into Mischief) from the six hole. He exits a victory in the GI Santa Anita H. Mar. 2. Juddmonte Farms' Laurel River (Into Mischief) ran up the score in the G3 Burj Nahaar over 1600 metres on Super Saturday Mar. 2, but sensing that it could be a paceless renewal of the World Cup, connections have rolled the dice. He will have to be on his best behaviour, as any misstep from the widest stall in 12 could prove his undoing. In the other Group 1 tests: Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has drawn seven and Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) nine for the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, where 10 Group 1 winners from eight nations vie for a $6-million pot. Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) will go for a fourth straight $5-million G1 Dubai Turf from gate 11, with Japan's Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in five, Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) drawn three and stablemate Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) out in 16. Defending champion Sibelius (Not This Time) has gate six for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen where he faces G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint hero Remake (Jpn) (Lani), Bold Journey (Hard Spun), a late-on-the-scene third in the same race, and the capable locals Mouheeb (Flatter) and Tuz (Oxbow). Hong Kong's California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) will start from gate five in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint against the smart 3-year-old filly Frost At Dawn (Frosted), the veteran Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal) and defending champion Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}. The full field for the 2024 Dubai World Cup: 1 (7) Clapton (Brethren) 2 (1) Crupi (Curlin) 3 (9) Defunded (Dialed In) 4 (8) Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) 5 (3) Dura Erede (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) 6 (2) Kabirkhan (California Chrome) 7 (12) Laurel River (Into Mischief) 8 (4) Military Law (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) 9 (6) Newgate (Into Mischief) 10 (10) Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) 11 (5) Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) 12 (11) Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) It's all set! The final post position for the 28th running of the #DubaiWorldCup!#DWC24 pic.twitter.com/gYdTv4BGu9 — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 27, 2024 The post Dozen To Do Battle 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

What Cranbourne Races Where Cranbourne Turf Club – 50 Grant St, Cranbourne VIC 3977 When Friday, March 29, 2024 First Race 5:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Public Holiday in racing in Victoria on Good Friday heads to Cranbourne for an eight-race card in the evening timeslot. Perfect conditions are to greet punters and runners alike, with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail coming out 6m the entire circuit. Good Friday racing at Cranbourne will commence at 5:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Cranbourne: In Her Eyes Stepping back from the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), it is hard to go past In Her Eyes in the Cranbourne opener. The two-year-old filly was beaten five-lengths in the Group 1, but even her effort two back in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) will be more than good enough to be winning here. Jamie Mott will have the Star Witness filly towards the rear of the small six-horse field, but with a swift turn of foot, In Her Eyes should prove too good for maiden grade. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 In Her Eyes (4) 2yo Filly | T: Leon & Troy Corstens | J: Jamie Mott (56kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Cranbourne: Nokbah Nokbah will not get a better chance to bring up a third career win when she lines up in the Cranbourne finale. The five-year-old mare simply did not want to go past Epic Centre in a tight tussle down the Moonee Valley straight on March 1 when beaten by the barest of margins. The five-year-old mare has two wins and two seconds to her name over 1000m, including a win at this track and trip three runs back on September 7. Rose Hammond will use her 3kg claim to her advantage and have the I Am Invincible progeny bounding along up on speed. With a high-cruising speed, Nokhbah will prove too slick for her rivals in BM64 grade. Next Best Race 8 – #6 Nokhbah (11) 5yo Mare | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Rose Hammond (a3) (62kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best Again at Cranbourne: The Doll The Doll has run into minor money at both of her career starts, and looks poised to break maiden ranks at Cranbourne. The Michael Huglin-trained filly produced a strong third on debut at Yarra Valley on February 24 when forced to travel four wide with no cover throughout before being edged out late at the Pakenham 1000m on March 15. With plenty of speed drawn underneath, Daniel Stackhouse will look to take a sit just off the speed, and with a strong finishing burst, The Doll should prove too hard to hold out on recent form. Next Best Again Race 2 – #11 The Doll (8) 3yo Filly | T: Michael Huglin | J: Daniel Stackhouse (57kg) Bet with Dabble Friday quaddie tips for Cranbourne races Cranbourne quadrella selections Friday, March 29, 2024 1-3-4-6 3-4-11-12 4-5-6-9-10 2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2024 Australian Cup Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, March 30, 2024 Prizemoney $3,000,000 Distance 2000m Conditions Group 1 2023 Winner Cascadian (11) | T: James Cummings | J: Ben Melham (59kg) Visit Dabble First run in 1863, the Australian Cup (2000m) headlines the action on the stacked 10-race card at Flemington on Saturday. Eight of the nine runners engaged are previous Group 1 winners, with the field headlined by the All-Star Mile trifecta Pride Of Jenni, Mr Brightside and Cascadian. Will it be an action repeat of the All-Star Mile, or can proven 2000m horses like Cascadian or Atishu get the better of Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside? 2024 Australian Cup odds There is little surprise that the two best milers in Victoria, Mr Brightside (+140) and Pride Of Jenni (+190) dominate the market with horse racing bookies. Despite neither of the two winning at 2000m in the past, punters are confident they are the pair to beat. Champions Stakes (2000m) winner Atishu (+500) holds the third line of betting, whilst Godolphin’s Cascadian (+750) will be looking to become the first horse since Harlem (2018-19) to go back-to-back in the Australian Cup. Legarto (+1300) is the best of the rest at a double figure quote. 2024 Australian Cup speed map The speed map for the 2024 Australian Cup is a simple one. Pride Of Jenni will be doing as she pleases out in front, with only Young Werther and Esti Feny likely to be close to the speed. Mr Brightside will be a lot closer to Pride Of Jenni than what he was in All-Star Mile having drawn barrier one, with Vow and Declare, Legarto and Dom To Shoot to be around midfield. Cascadian and Atishu will be bringing up the rear when they turn for home, but will be the two hitting the line the best. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Australian Cup. Australian Cup 2024 preview & form The Cummings family has dominated the Australian Cup over the years, and Cascadian profiles perfectly to defend his crown from 12 months ago. The nine-year-old gelding reaches his pet distance fourth-up from a spell, and comes to Flemington on the back of an eye-catching run in the All-Star Mile. Having given Pride Of Jenni too big of a start to be a winning chance on that day, he was arguably the best horse through the line on the back of a strongly run 1600m. He produced the fastest last 1200m, 1000m, 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m splits of the race to suggest he will be ready to go on Saturday. He is proven at the trip, has a strong turn of foot, and as long as he is within striking distance when turning, Cascadian should prove too tough to hold out. There is no knocking Mr Brightside, perhaps more so the price on offer. Despite being nosed out by Romantic Warrior in the 2023 Cox Plate, the champ is yet to win a 2000m race at three attempts. He was only holding his spot late on the back of a brutally run mile last time out, but with perhaps a softer run in transit from barrier one, and the unknown as to whether Pride Of Jenni can see out the 2000m, he simply cannot be dismissed. Look for Craig Williams to have Mr Brightside three back the fence upon settling, and if Mr Brightside is anywhere near his best, he is the one to beat on Saturday with even luck. Much like Cascadian, Atishu has shown she can absorb a strong tempo and sprint home strongly at the trip. The six-year-old mare has two wins from two starts at the track and trip, and a repeat of her effort that saw her claim the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, will have her fighting out the finish when the whips are cracking. She won with plenty in hand last time out over the mile, and with a strong finishing sprint under her bonnet, Atishu cannot be discounted. Pride Of Jenni will no doubt enter the conversation in regards to being Australia’s best horse at the moment if she can knock the 2000m challenge out of the park. However, with just one start (for an 8th) at the trip, the +190 on offer is simply too tight. The top four in the market should be in the finish, with perhaps only Legarto or Young Werther being trifecta/first four players. Australian Cup 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 2 CASCADIAN 1 MR BRIGHTSIDE 8 ATISHU 7 PRIDE OF JENNI $100 betting strategy $100 win Cascadian (#2) @ +750 with Picklebet 2024 Australian Cup Final Field 1.Mr Brightside (1) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 59kg F: 211×2 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Bullbars Dam: Lilahjay (NZ) +130 -500 2. Cascadian (8) T: James Cummings J: Ben Melham W: 59kg F: 349×7 Age: 9YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: New Approach (IRE) Dam: Falls of Lora (IRE) +800 +110 3. Vow And Declare (9) T: Danny O’Brien J: Billy Egan W: 59kg F: 2×592 Age: 8YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Declaration Of War (USA) Dam: Geblizt +2500 +320 4. Dom To Shoot (6) T: Sean & Jake Casey J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg F: 64×91 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Shooting to Win Dam: Princess Rouge (NZ) +5000 +600 5. Young Werther (3) T: Danny O’Brien J: Damian Lane W: 59kg F: 13×23 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Romantic Time (NZ) +2000 +270 6. Esti Feny (4) T: Matthew Smith J: Jamie Mott W: 59kg F: 30×90 Age: 9YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pigeon Catcher (IRE) Dam: Ejtihaad (IRE) +10000 +1200 7. Pride Of Jenni (7) T: Ciaron Maher J: Declan Bates W: 57kg F: 12×11 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Sancerre (NZ) +170 -384.62 8. Atishu (5) T: Chris Waller J: Blake Shinn W: 57kg F: 18×12 Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +700 +100 9. Legarto (2) T: Ken & Bev Kelso J: Michael Dee W: 57kg F: 2121x Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Proisir Dam: Geordie Girl (NZ) +1400 +190 Horse racing tips View the full article