Wandering Eyes

Helios Express (purple and yellow silks) overtakes Chancheng Glory in a desperate finish to the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Hoping to guide Helios Express to complete dominance of the 2024 Four-Year-Old Classic Series with victory in the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, Hugh Bowman will adopt conservative tactics on John Size’s contender. Chasing a third Classic triumph in Hong Kong after victories on John Moore’s Werther (2016) and Frankie Lor’s Furore (2019), Bowman and Helios Express stand on the brink of series history after wins in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). BMW Hong Kong Derby victory would elevate Helios Express to parity in terms of four-year-old achievement with Rapper Dragon (2017) and Golden Sixty (2020) – the only two horses to clean sweep the series. But, in order to remain unbeaten in the series, Helios Express will have to become the first horse to win the BMW Hong Kong Derby from barrier 13 since Industrial Pioneer in 2001. “It’s important that he (Helios Express) relaxes. He needs to relax to run the distance so we’ll have to ride a conservative race. It’ll depend on other people’s decisions as to how far back we go, but we’ll just get him to settle whether he’s midfield or further back. There’s not that much I can do about it,” Bowman said. “He’s got the class but we don’t want to undo it in the first half, we’ve got to ensure we’ve got some energy left for the business end. If we can get the nice, smooth run like as I’ve said all along, he ought to make his presence felt.” Helios Express will be flanked by two of his main rivals on Sunday, when Galaxy Patch steps away from gate 14 under Blake Shinn and Size stablemate Ensued jumps from barrier 12 for Ryan Moore. Galaxy Patch and Ka Ying Generation will carry the hopes of young horseman Pierre Ng, who leads the 2023/24 trainers’ championship with 52 wins. “For our second year of training, to have two horses in the Derby is a privilege for the stable. To participate is just a very good feeling,” Ng said. “(They are) completely different horses – Ka Ying Generation has got the win at the distance and it’s just a matter of time before he makes a very good stayer. Galaxy Patch is the wild card. We just keep testing him. “The last run (when second to California Spangle in the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup) was sort of the impossible mission, first time at 1400m in a Group 1, but he managed to run well, so hopefully he can do it again this weekend. “Blake is a very good judge. Obviously, this type of horse gives a very good feeling in his trackwork, he has the strength and stride length to be a Group 1 horse and I’m pretty happy with him after his work the other day.” Six-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton will search for his second Hong Kong Derby score with Dennis Yip’s Massive Sovereign, who created a strong impression with his debut victory over 2000m at Sha Tin on 3 March. “It’s not easy to do what he did (win on debut) of course. It hadn’t been done for 25 years but he’s a horse that seems to take everything in his stride and showed he was possibly able to handle it and he did,” said Purton, who won the 2015 Classic on Luger. “He went past a lot of tired horses – horses that were hitting the wall after doing a bit of work – and if you sit out the back and do no work, it can be a bit deceiving but he let down nicely and he’s going to have to be a little bit better again this weekend.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gai Waterhouse cemented her legendary status in the Golden Slipper Stakes 2024 results, extending her record to eight wins with an upset victory by Lady Of Camelot. 2024 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Lady Of Camelot was excellent beating home the boys in a brave effort. Photo: Steve Hart. This triumph in the world’s richest two-year-old race came despite the pre-race hype surrounding the stable’s colt, Storm Boy. Storm Boy, the undefeated winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Skyline Stakes, was slow of the gates and was forced to work hard throughout the race. Despite a late surge, he finished third. Lady Of Camelot, on the other hand, enjoyed a well-judged ride by Blake Shinn. The Written Tycoon filly settled comfortably fourth in the run before launching a powerful finish down the outside. In a thrilling conclusion, she edged out the fast-finishing Victorian colt Coleman to claim victory. This win marks Lady Of Camelot as the latest filly to conquer the Golden Slipper, joining Fireburn (2022) in defying the colts. “It’s fantastic,” declared co-trainer Adrian Bott after the win. He acknowledged the race’s significance and praised his long-standing partnership with Gai Waterhouse. Lady Of Camelot’s next target could be the $1 million Inglis Sires’ (1400m) on April 6th, with her odds shortening to $5 at Ladbrokes. Storm Boy, although a favourite pre-race, remains on track for the Triple Crown. Trainer comments suggest he will target the Inglis Sires’ and the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) next, aiming to improve over the longer distances. 2024 Golden Slipper Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 14 LADY OF CAMELOT Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 5 54.5kg $6.50 2 10 COLEMAN Matt Laurie Kerrin McEvoy 0.14L 4 56.5kg $41 3 1 STORM BOY Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Ryan Moore 1.51L 2 56.5kg $2.60F 4 5 TRAFFIC WARDEN James Cummings Craig Williams 1.98L 6 56.5kg $26 5 15 MANAAL Michael Freedman Jason Collett 2.33L 16 54.5kg $41 6 6 STRAIGHT CHARGE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 2.41L 9 56.5kg $14 7 16 ENEEZA Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Damian Lane 2.71L 14 54.5kg $61 8 7 SWITZERLAND Chris Waller James McDonald 3.59L 7 56.5kg $5 9 11 HOLMES A COURT Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Marquand 4.15L 8 56.5kg $101 10 2 FULLY LIT Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Sam Clipperton 4.4L 1 56.5kg $51 11 9 DUBLIN DOWN Tony & Calvin McEvoy Hugh Bowman 4.41L 12 56.5kg $26 12 4 RUE DE ROYALE (NZ) Tony & Calvin McEvoy Chad Schofield 4.59L 13 56.5kg $151 13 12 PROST Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 5.09L 11 56.5kg $31 14 8 BODYGUARD Peter & Paul Snowden Mark Zahra 6.76L 10 56.5kg $20 15 3 SHANGRI LA EXPRESS Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 7.04L 3 56.5kg $61 16 13 HAYASUGI Clinton McDonald Ms Jamie Kah 18.58L 15 54.5kg $10 17e ESPIONAGE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tommy Berry 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Lady Of Camelot Upsets in Golden Slipper 2024, Extends Gai Waterhouse’s Record Reign appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Antrim Coast (closest to camera) prevails in a tight finish over Quintessa to win the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli New Zealand’s Group One three-year-old form was to the fore at Moonee Valley on Saturday, where Antrim Coast edged out Quintessa in a thrilling finish to the $500,000 Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m). Te Akau Racing’s Quintessa went into the race as a +300 favourite. She had previously shown her star quality on home soil, winning the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham in January, then finished an eye-catching fourth in this month’s Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) in her first appearance across the Tasman. In contrast, Antrim Coast was an overlooked outsider at +4000 for Saturday’s Alister Clark. The son of Roc De Cambes arrived in Melbourne as a last-start second placegetter in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), defying triple-digit odds to finish just under four lengths behind the freakish filly Orchestral. With Orchestral about to make her eagerly anticipated Australian debut in next week’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney, Antrim Coast put her form in even brighter lights with his outstanding Alister Clark performance. Quintessa was given a dream run by Opie Bosson, sitting in fourth before sailing through a gap along the rails at the turn. She quickened smartly and opened up what looked like a winning advantage, but then along came Antrim Coast. After settling in the back half of the field, Mick Dee got him up and rolling 800m from the finish. He came four-wide around the turn, balanced up and lengthened stride. He slowly but surely drew up alongside Quintessa, fighting a head-bobbing battle with her through the final 100m and snatching victory by a nose. 2024 Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes Replay – Antrim Coast “It was a very good run in the New Zealand Derby last start, and a great training effort by Stephen Marsh to drop back to 2000m around Moonee Valley today,” Dee said. “I dare say he didn’t get around Moonee Valley all that well. He didn’t corner that well and was tending to lay outwards around the turns. “I had to go quite early. To be honest, I thought we got beaten on the line, but it was a super effort.” Racing in the colours of owner-breeder Dick Karreman’s The Oaks Stud, Antrim Coast has now had 12 starts for three wins, four placings and more than $520,000 in stakes. “He couldn’t have come over any better,” said Dean Williams, whose father Rick is The Oaks Stud’s general manager. “I had a good chat to Stephen Marsh before he came over. They’d given him a week in the paddock after the Derby and he’d freshened up nicely. Stephen was very happy with his work on Tuesday morning, and then he travelled over on Wednesday and hasn’t turned a hair since he arrived. “We couldn’t have wished for a better ride today from a sticky gate (nine). He got him out early and let him roll into the race. It was a perfect ride and a tough effort from the horse. “Adelaide might be his best option from here. Sydney is looking pretty strong, and we want to avoid running into Orchestral again. I don’t think the Aussies will know what hit them when she turns up.” Horse racing news View the full article

Mark Walker‘s champion mare Imperatriz cemented her legendary status by claiming a historic victory in the 2024 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley. William Reid Stakes 2024 winner Imperatriz was good again bouncing back to successfully defend her title. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. This win marks her 10th Group 1 victory and a successful defence of her 2023 title. The New Zealand star bounced back from a runner-up finish in the Newmarket Handicap under a hefty weight. Returning to her beloved Moonee Valley track, where she remains undefeated, Imperatriz entered the 1200m William Reid as the clear favourite at an odds-on quote of $1.70. Ridden expertly by Opie Bosson, Imperatriz settled comfortably midfield before launching a powerful move in the straight. Despite a late surge by 70/1 roughie Johnny Rocker, Imperatriz’s class shone through as she crossed the finish line first. “It’s a relief,” Walker admitted after the race, highlighting Imperatriz’s perfect Moonee Valley record (5-for-5). This victory makes Imperatriz the seventh horse to win the William Reid Stakes twice and the fifth to achieve the Black Caviar Lightning – William Reid double in a single year. “I’m glad she showed her true ability,” Bosson said, confident in Imperatriz’s future prospects. With this dominant win, Imperatriz joins Apache Cat (2008-09) as the only back-to-back William Reid champions. Black Caviar is the other latest two-time winner having saluted on non-consecutive years (2011, 2013). Bosson also celebrated his 98th Group 1 victory, likely adding more to his tally with Imperatriz by his side. 2024 William Reid Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 5 IMPERATRIZ Mark Walker Opie Bosson 9 56.5kg $1.70F 2 4 JOHNNY ROCKER Nick Ryan Rhys McLeod 0.2L 10 58.5kg $71 3 7 I AM ME Ciaron Maher Ben Melham 2.2L 2 56.5kg $6.50 4 6 BELLA NIPOTINA Ciaron Maher John Allen 2.3L 3 56.5kg $5 5 2 THE INFERNO Cliff Brown Jake Noonan 3.3L 7 58.5kg $101 6 9 HYPOTHETICAL Anthony & Sam Freedman Michael Dee 3.7L 5 56.5kg $21 7 3 QUEMAN Shane & Cassie Oxlade Harry Coffey 4.2L 4 58.5kg $31 8 8 QUEEN OF THE BALL Michael Freedman Billy Egan 6.2L 6 56.5kg $101 9 1 THE ASTROLOGIST Leon & Troy Corstens Declan Bates 6.5L 8 58.5kg $51 10 10 CYLINDER James Cummings Beau Mertens 6.6L 1 56kg $9 11 KING’S GAMBIT Peter & Paul Snowden Jamie Mott 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Imperatriz Salutes in William Reid Stakes Again appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

NT female jockeys featuring during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival include – back: Jessie Philpot, Casey Hunter and Sonja Logan; front: Emma Lines, Dakota Gillett and Jade Hampson. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography For the second year in a row, the Alice Springs Turf Club was forced to postpone it’s NT Guineas meeting scheduled for Saturday at Pioneer Park because of rain. Heavy rains associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan drenched the Northern Territory during the week, with up to 40mm falling in the Red Centre on Friday night and early Saturday morning. Subsequently, Alice Springs based Thoroughbred Racing NT stewards, headed by David Westover, called the meeting off following an inspection of Pioneer Park’s dirt surface on Saturday at 7.30am. NT Guineas Day, which is traditionally Day 2 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, was scheduled for Saturday, April 15, last year, before the rains from ex-Tropical Cyclone Ilsa arrived in Central Australia. Upwards of 50mm of rain fell early Saturday morning, saturating the track and thus forcing stewards to call off the meeting. The program was rescheduled for the Monday, with ASTC general manager Tony McGovern confirming on Saturday that this year’s NT Guineas Day meeting will now go ahead on Wednesday. Apart from the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m) for the three-year-olds, the other feature races on the seven-event program include the $30,000 The Soldier Lightning (1000m) and the $27,500 NT Cattleman’s Association Handicap (1900m). Two key races for the sprinters and the stayers leading up to the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on April 6 and the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7. It’s once again an unfortunate situation for the ASTC, considering they revamped their Cup Carnival program this year by bringing it forward by a month. In previous years, Cup Carnival started in April, with Cup Day scheduled for the first Sunday in May, although the 2023 Alice Springs Cup took place on April 30. Long before the ASTC tweaked their Cup Carnival schedule at the turn of the decade, Cup Day was traditionally the first Monday in May. “We’re going to race on Wednesday, that’s the plan, then we race again on Saturday,” McGovern said. “It’s been raining here for a couple of days, it’s just been constant. “Got a bit heavy overnight, we got about 40mm. “The track was wet on Friday, but track work went ahead and the track was certainly fit for racing. “At this stage, the Day 2 meeting will be re-scheduled for Wednesday, with the same fields. “It’s just a matter of when Sky Racing confirm the times. “It will be hard for horses to back up three days later, but unfortunately that’s what trainers have to bear in mind. “They know what’s going on, so all good there, it’s just one of those things.” The feature races on Day 3 of the ASTC Cup Carnival are the $40,000 Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) at weight-for-age and the $27,500 weight-for-age for the sprinters over 1200m. Horse racing news View the full article

Veight, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Grunt colt, etched his name into history by becoming the first three-year-old since Pierro (2013) to win the prestigious George Ryder Stakes (1500m). 2024 George Ryder Stakes winner Veight was excellent defeating his older rivals over 1500m at Rosehill Gardens. Photo: Steve Hart. This victory marked Veight’s first Group 1 triumph, surpassing his second-place finish in the Australian Guineas. A strategic move by the McEvoy stable to shorten his distance proved successful. Jockey Damian Lane delivered a masterful ride, positioning Veight comfortably before launching a final push in the straight. “What a star,” co-trainer Tony McEvoy expressed his joy after the win. He praised Veight’s racing style and Lane’s skilful handling. The George Ryder result reinforces the strong form showcased in the Australian Guineas, which also saw Chris Waller’s Rosehill Guineas winner, Riff Rocket, compete. Lane kept Veight strategically positioned in fourth throughout the race, following the leader Cepheus. Joe Pride’s The Everest hero, Think About It, made a strong move in the straight, but Lane and Veight had the final say. Veight surged past Think About It with 100m remaining, displaying grit to hold off the fast-finishing Lady Laguna, trained by Annabel Neasham, who ran second on the back of her Group 1 Canterbury Stakes victory. Completing the podium was Waller’s three-time Group 1 winning three-year-old Militarize, who might have preferred the longer distance of the Rosehill Guineas after scratching out of that in favour of the George Ryder. This victory marks a significant achievement for the McEvoy stable. Tony & Calvin McEvoy now have four Group 1 wins together, while Tony adds this victory to his personal collection of 15. Following the race, McEvoy confirmed plans to give Veight a well-deserved break before targeting the lucrative $10 million Golden Eagle race (1500m) in November. 2024 George Ryder Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 17 VEIGHT Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damian Lane 8 56kg $7 2 15 LADY LAGUNA Annabel Neasham Tyler Schiller 0.11L 12 57kg $8.50 3 16 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller James McDonald 1.05L 7 56kg $5 4 5 GOLDEN MILE James Cummings Tommy Berry 1.94L 5 59kg $51 5 1 THINK ABOUT IT Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 2.11L 16 59kg $4.80F 6 18 ENCAP Gary Portelli Blake Shinn 2.83L 2 56kg $9 7 3 PERICLES James Cummings Hugh Bowman 3.52L 14 59kg $13 8 19 TIZ INVINCIBLE Ciaron Maher Zac Lloyd (a) 4.32L 6 54kg $41 9 12 AMENABLE Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Mark Zahra 4.63L 4 59kg $11 10 8 BANDERSNATCH Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jordan Childs 5.49L 11 59kg $151 11 4 KOVALICA (NZ) Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 5.63L 18 59kg $17 12 2 CEPHEUS (GB) Matthew Dunn Adam Hyeronimus 5.74L 13 59kg $101 13 6 NAVAJO PEAK David Payne Kerrin McEvoy 6.11L 10 59kg $101 14 11 NEW ENERGY (IRE) Ciaron Maher Jason Collett 6.25L 15 59kg $16 15 9 LOCH EAGLE Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons (a) 6.27L 9 59kg $101 16 7 UNSPOKEN (IRE) Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Sherry 6.41L 1 59kg $81 17 14 COSMIC VEGA (IRE) Ciaron Maher Ms Jamie Kah 7.23L 17 59kg $61 18 10 MIGHTY ULYSSES (GB) Annabel Neasham Tom Marquand 9.95L 3 59kg $61 13 WILLIAMSBURG Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Joshua Parr 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Veight Makes History in 2024 George Ryder Stakes Upset appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained Chain Of Lightning (+1500) has stormed away in the Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) in the final event at Rosehill on Saturday. It comes after the five-year-old mare was unable to make up the ground from the rear of the field in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 24, with the training duo making the decision to head north for the contest against the fillies & mares. She produced a withering burst to score, while the likes of Tashi (+550) and Wee Nessy (+1500) were left playing for the minor money a long way out. Back to racing against her own sex has seemingly done the trick for the daughter of Fighting Sun, picking up her first win since October of 2022. 2024 Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes Replay – Chain Of Lightning Peter Moody was on course to credit his mare for the victory and alluded to the conditions being a major factor in the decision to head to Rosehill on Saturday. “She’s raced without luck for probably 18 months, two years and it’s the first time she’s run on a track where she can get her toe in,” said Moody. “She’s been racing on rock-hard tracks, which just don’t suit her, so we came here with a good deal of confidence even though it’s been a long time between drinks. “Blake kept her happy and balanced and got the job done nicely.” Blake Shinn brought up win number three for Golden Slupper Day in the Rosehill finale and described the feeling before praising his mount. “It’s a hard day to ride a winner, so (to ride) three winners, it’s very special,” said Shinn. “She’s got a lot of class, she’s been running quite well in, I thought, stronger races than this today. “Her run in the Oakleigh Plate was good. It was not ideal from the draw getting three wide no cover but she travelled sweet and her class shone through.” Sadly, throughout the running of the Birthday Card Stakes, Kerrin McEvoy become dislodged from the Brad Widdup-trained Tintookie who broke down on course with 400m to travel. Kerrin McEvoy was conscious while being assessed by ambulance staff and being treated for apparent back and hip injuries. McEvoy has been taken to hospital for precautionary scans. Unfortunately, Tintookie was humanely euthanased on course. Horse racing news View the full article

Imperatriz brings up an incredible 10th Group One win in the William Reid Stakes at The Valley. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Mighty mare Imperatriz added a 10th Group One victory to her collection with another supreme performance in Saturday’s $1 million William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. Imperatriz became Te Akau Racing’s second mare to reach 10 Group One wins. She has followed in the famous footsteps of Melody Belle, who won 14 times at the elite level in the colours of affiliate syndicators Fortuna Racing. Imperatriz has now moved one ahead of another outstanding Te Akau mare in Avantage, who won nine Group Ones before fetching a record price of $4.1 million on Gavelhouse Plus in 2021. Fittingly, the 10th Group One win for Imperatriz came with a successful defence of her William Reid Stakes title. She recorded her first Australian victory in the same race 12 months ago, kicking off an extraordinary sequence that saw her add the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m), Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m), Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) and Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m). That winning streak was broken with a gallant second under 58kg in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 9, but Imperatriz returned to her favourite track on Saturday and resumed her unstoppable weight-for-age form. Drawn awkwardly in gate nine, Imperatriz jumped well before settling in midfield for her regular jockey Opie Bosson. She began to move forward coming down the side of the track, creeping into fourth at the 300m before pouncing at the home turn. Bosson went for gold and drove Imperatriz clear, taking command with less than 200m remaining. Longshot Johnny Rocker produced a career-best performance to provide a late scare, but Imperatriz had enough up her sleeve to hold him out by a head. 2024 Group 1 William Reid Stakes Replay – Imperatriz “This is a great thrill, especially after the Newmarket,” trainer Mark Walker said. “She really dug deep that day. For her to come back here and do it again at her favourite track, it’s a bit of a relief.” Bosson has now ridden Imperatriz to 12 victories, nine of them at Group One level. “I got off her after the Newmarket and told Mark that it would be hard to beat her in any weight-for-age race from now on,” Bosson said. “I’m glad she came out and won the way she did today. “I got in behind Bella Nipotina, who I thought would take me into the race, but she didn’t really cart me into it. I had to make quite a long run down the side. “But once she gets on that right leg in the straight here, she’s just amazing. You can feel her picking up underneath you, and once she balances up, she’s just class.” Imperatriz is now unbeaten in five starts at Moonee Valley, and she has had a total of 26 starts for 19 wins, four placings and more than A$6.8 million in stakes. She was bought by David Ellis for A$360,000 as a yearling on the Gold Coast in 2020. “She’s just a joy,” Te Akau’s Karyn Fenton-Ellis said. “I know it’s easy to find superlatives about top horses that perform at the highest level, but she has heart, courage and tenacity, and she’s just a sweetheart. We’ve loved her since the day we met her, and now she’s been so embraced here in Australia. She may be Aussie-bred, but she’s definitely a Kiwi. “It’s a wonderful syndicate that races her. David Ellis bought her at the Magic Millions Sale and she was our very last yearling to sell that year. She sat on the website and sat on the website. People often say to me that they’d love to have a share in a horse like her – well, they could have, and we’ve still got some of this year’s purchases available now to have a look at.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zapateo held out all challengers to claim Group 1 success in The Galaxy. Photo: RacingNSW Zapateo (+2500) has launched late to secure victory in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, giving the James Cummings-trained mare her first Group 1 success. She was friendless in the market despite a solid runner-up effort in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) a fortnight ago and was able to continue her hot run of form on Saturday. She had to fend off the late challenge of the returning Annabel Neasham-trained Sunshine In Paris (+450) in the concluding stages, with the returning four-year-old crunched prior to the jump, being backed in from as much as +1000 on Wednesday. The speed was only moderate throughout the 1100m journey, as the Matthew Dale-trained Front Page (+1200) pinged the lids to cross to the lead with relative ease, while Victorian-raider Asfoora (+1700) was able to sit on his outside. Zapateo was peeled out on the three-wide line a long way out by Kerrin McEvoy, however, the Godolphin mare showed plenty of fight to find an extra gear when the whips were cracking, staving off a gallant Sunshine in Paris looming to her inside. 2024 Group 1 The Galaxy Replay – Zapateo James Cummings spoke on behalf of the stable in the aftermath and discussed what it means to the progeny. “It’s so important for Zapateo,” said Cummings. “She’s a phenomenal racehorse by Brazen Beau and she just needed that Group 1 on her CV. “She was very good first up, I know she was beaten by Kallos but we had great faith that there was improvement in her and a month into the weight-for-age run in the Challenge last start, she was good. “She beat home the stablemate (Aft Cabin) who was the tip horse out of the stable. “Kerrin gave her the run of the race and it makes all the difference in a handicap.” Kerrin McEvoy gave all the credit to the James Cummings stable for the win before speaking to the toughness of his mount. “Good training effort from James (Cummings),” said McEvoy. “He picked this race out, she ran a brilliant race in the Challenge and got in with a nice weight today. She’s just a tough, genuine and talented filly. “Good job for them to get some Black Type and win the Group 1 and it was a good win by her. “She jumped out into a beautiful spot, I travelled like the winner the whole way – I thought ‘wow I’m in a dream position here’ – but they left me a bit at the top of the lane and I was a tiny bit worried and then 100 yards later when I got after her she hit into overdrive and away she went. “I changed hands, pulled the stick through and she said, ‘righto, game on’ and she powered to the line.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gumdrops ridden by Thomas Stockdale wins the PKF Don Casboult Classic at Moonee Valley Racecourse on March 23, 2024 in Moonee Ponds, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have combined with Thomas Stockdale for the second time in four races to take out their second Group 3 contest of the day at Moonee Valley, with Gumdrops (+600) joining Vibrant Sun with a win in the Group 3 Don Casboult Classic. The daughter of Written Tycoon won the Listed Crockett Stakes at the same track and trip last year and she has returned to the scene of the crime to record her first win in Group company. The race favourite Isthmus (+280) ran along at her own pace at the front of the field, with Brazen Style (+2200) and Diamond Decorator (+1800) outside of her, while Gumdrops settled behind the leading trio on the fence. Stockdale chose to follow the leader through along the rail, but as Isthmus started to tire, the eventual winner took over and careered away to claim a stylish win. Gumdrops recorded a 1.25-length victory over Moesha (+1500) and Inhibitions (+300) who ran home strongly to finish in second and third, respectively. 2024 Don Casboult Classic Replay – Gumdrops “Gumdrops is a better filly than she was last time in. I’m very happy for Thomas,” Price said. “He didn’t panic and I suppose now we have to work out what is next. “1200-metres is good for this filly. It is ideal. “He’s (Stockdale) riding confidently, isn’t he. “I saw him go for a run on the inside and I thought ‘cocky’ but I’m happy for him. “I know she is going well but down the straight and drawn the inside, all the inside horse ever wants to find the fence. “It was just one of those awkward runs. She was on one rein the whole way down the straight. “She is going super and she is a better filly than last prep so now I’ve just got to see what we’ll do.” “Mick gave me the confidence. He left the ball in my court although he gave me a couple of guidelines but it was up to me where I was going to be,” Stockdale said. “I landed on the back of the horse that I wanted to be and he took me everywhere I needed to go and I was able to peel off into that better going and she was going strong late, though I do think she’ll improve off this run. “There weren’t many options to go out wide and Isthmus was always go to take me well into the straight and when I did get there I was able to get the bigger ground.” “Big thanks to Sheamus Mills, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, and all their team. “They have probably provided me with my best day in the sport in my career.” Horse racing news View the full article

Blake Shinn guides Lady Of Camelot to Golden Slipper success. Photo: RacingNSW Lady Of Camelot (+600) has got the head down where it matters most to claim the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), earning Gai Waterhouse her eighth win in Australia’s richest two-year-old feature. It was an outstanding edition of the Slipper, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn lining up six acceptances for the event, including the long-standing favourite Storm Boy (+130). Shangri La Express (+6000) and Straight Charge (+1300) were sent to the front and ensured a break-neck tempo throughout the 1200m journey; however, favourite backers would’ve been left to wonder where Storm Boy was. He stood in the stalls as the starter let them go, missing the start by two lengths before being ridden up by Ryan Moore to hold a position. Blake Shinn got into a lovely rhythm just in behind the speed, while the Chris Waller-trained Switzerland (+400) was off the bit for most of the race, unable to muster in the back-half of the field. With 400m left to travel, Straight Charge gave a mighty kick, but was left as a sitting duck as the late challenge of Coleman (+4000) emerged, along with the recovering Storm Boy putting in the big strides towards the inside for a grandstand finish. The big filly Lady Of Camelot was only just getting clear with 250m to go, and when asked for the ultimate effort by Blake Shinn, was able to power over the top in the shadows of the post. 2024 Group 1 Golden Slipper Replay – Lady Of Camelot It was a sensational victory by the daughter of Written Tycoon as Adrian Bott spoke on behalf of the team and spoke to the emotion of how the race unfolded. “Fantastic,” said Bott. “We’ve spoken on numerous occasions throughout this week about what this race means to the stable, the industry, the public. It’s a great race to win. “I’m delighted to be able to do that once again and alongside a special person in Gai Waterhouse, who I have to thank so much for the career. The partnership we’ve been able to do together. “It’s a great achievement. She has gone to another level again, eight Slippers for her now. “That’s where the emotions (take over). It’s hard to know where to look. The race changed complexion there pretty quickly with him (Storm Boy) missing the start. “I had to watch him try to pick up and I lost track of the others at that point and the way the track has been playing, it has been difficult for them to come up the inside. “She has been very brave to do that as well and a great ride by Blake Shinn.” Blake Shinn was elated with the win and compared her to the likes of Capitalist earlier in his career. “It was very exciting,” said Shinn. “I was getting held up there for a bit, but I just had to bide our time and wait for the opportunity to present and when it did she really let down well. “I had the horse to quicken and we just needed the gap and she was great. I’m so happy. “She broke really well and when I was able to get that position, everything was just going to plan nicely, I just needed the gap to happen. “A little bit like Capitalist, when I won on him in 2016, we got it and she did the rest. It was really special. “It means a lot. This is one of the majors and I think more so it means a lot this time because I’ve done it for Adrian and particularly Gai.” Horse racing news View the full article

Damian Lane lifts Veight to victory in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained three-year-old Veight (+700) has made the worthwhile trip to Sydney, claiming his maiden Group 1 success in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The son of Grunt put the writing on the wall in his most recent performance, only finding one better in the form of Southport Tycoon in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 2. Third-up into the campaign the colt appeared set to peak, and thanks to a perfectly timed steer by Victorian hoop Damien Lane, Veight was able to fend off a wall of challengers late in the piece. Lane was able to sit in the ideal stalking position from stall eight on Saturday, and courtesy of a solid tempo from Cepheus (+15000), it was always going to set up for a couple of back markers to make a late challenge. Think About It (+380) was a drifting favourite with online bookmakers prior to the jump and was unable to gain any cover when ridden forward to find a position. Unfortunately, it left the Everest winner out on a limb for the duration, with the Joe Pride-trained galloper knocking up in the concluding stages. Veight hit the front a long way out, while Lady Laguna (+700), Militarize (+300) and Golden Mile (+4000) mounted a late challenge, but it was to no avail, as Veight picked up a much-deserved Group 1 success. 2024 Group 1 George Ryder Stakes Replay – Veight Co-trainer Tony McEvoy was on course to represent the stable and was elated for the team to gain Group 1 success with Veight. “What a star,” said McEvoy. “His racing style helps a lot. He begins well and Damian (Lane) has got so much confidence in him. “He put him into the race and then he comes back and relaxes. He counted to 10, and it was so deserved. “I’m so proud of the horse. And all my team, fabulous. “For Wayne Mitchell, who’s been my biggest supporter, he owns most of this horse and I’m so pleased to win one of these for him. “I think there’s a $10 million one (1500m race) here in the spring.” (Golden Eagle). Veight made history along with the likes of Pierro & Weekend Hustler on Saturday to salute as a three-year-old, and Damien Lane praised his mount for an incredible performance against the older horses. “He’s never put in a poor performance in his career,” said Lane. “He’s just a tough, honest horse. He jumps well, he gives himself the best chance and he’s just so genuine. When you really ask him to dig deep he does. “I was a little bit apprehensive taking on this race, so credit must go to Toy and Calvin for having the kahunas to have a go. “That’s why they’ve trained the amount of winners they have. “He gets the all-important Group 1, he’s a colt, so he secures his future as a stallion and he’s just a great horse to be involved with.” Horse racing news View the full article

Second-season handler blocks out the noise ahead of starting Galaxy Patch and Ka Ying Generation in coveted featureView the full article

Riff Rocket blouses his rivals to claim Group 1 Rosehill Guineas success. Photo: RacingNSW Riff Rocket (+180) has produced a scintillating turn-of-foot to claim the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Saturday, adding his second Group 1 victory to the resume after taking out the VRC Derby (2500m) in the spring. The Chris Waller barn had initially held dual acceptances for the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) as well, but the decision to keep the son of American Pharoah against his own age group has paid dividends. It was built as a match-race when final fields were announced on Wednesday, with he and the James Cummings-trained Tom Kitten (+210) unable to be split by online bookmakers after the withdrawal of Militarize. The race didn’t eventuate that way however, as Tom Kitten was given every conceivable chance by Hugh Bowman, finding the perfect position two pairs back along the inside running rail. Riff Rocket was sent three-wide rather early by Nash Rawiller, but knew the motor he had underneath him, as the potential staying star of the future let-down with a blistering turn-of-foot in the concluding stages. Ceolwulf (+1400) and Cap Ferrat (+1700) attempted to fight off the canvas to mount a challenge, but it was Riff Rocket’s day going on to score an impressive 0.8-length victory. 2024 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas Replay – Riff Rocket After speaking for Via Sistina in the previous race, Chris Waller returned to the winners’ enclosure to speak on his impressive three-year-old and what might be next for his gelding. “He’s a Derby winner and he’s a Rosehill Guineas winner,” said Waller. “He’s showed touches of brilliance in between as well, so that was a pretty satisfying win today for the team. “The draw was tricky, he had to come from a long way back, but Nash knew what he had under him and he backed him for a solid finish and that’s what he produced. “I always thought about the Australian Cup but I didn’t realise it was next week. “I’m not sure. He only just won the Victoria Derby (over) 2500 metres, our Derby is 2400, so I guess it’s going to be hard not to (run) but we’ll just see what Nash says.” Nash Rawiller was thrilled with the victory and was more than happy to be legged aboard with the confidence of the Chris Waller team. “To be honest, I feel like it was a bit of a present from the great man Chris Waller because I knew he was a pretty special horse but I didn’t realise how good he was until before the race when he told me,” said Rawiller. “He’s done a wonderful job here today, the horse. He probably stole one last year and he’s repaid me this year. “I was probably three lengths further back than I wanted to be, which is probably where I’ve been the last two weeks, but the horse was able to keep balanced and he built into the race. “I just used the horse to come into the race a little bit and to be fair he’s done the rest himself. It was just a great effort.” On the back of Saturday’s success, Riff Rocket is now a clear +180 favourite for the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 6. Horse racing news View the full article

Underrated mare Diss Is Dramatic (NZ) (Dissident) found her winning groove again when she stormed home to claim the feature event at Tauranga, the Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m). Steady rain during the day saw the track downgraded to a Heavy8 and played into the hands of those horses who could find a path to the better going out wide in the home straight. Rider Matt Cameron executed that plan to perfection as he allowed the Lisa Latta-prepared four-year-old to settle mid-pack in the early running, but crucially four horse widths off the inside rail before angling to the outer reaches rounding the home bend. Once she balanced up, the daughter of Dissident found an extra gear as she raced to the leaders at the 100m and then held out a late charge by Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca), who tracked her all the way, to score by a head at the line. Latta was quick to praise Cameron for a heady ride on a mare who never knows how to run a bad race. “That was a great effort and a perfect ride by Matt,” she said. “He had her nicely placed throughout and got her to the outside just when he needed to. “She is a very gutsy mare and she has performed on wetter tracks before. Being able to get to the place in the track where it wasn’t as bad as on the inner helped and so did carrying such a light weight (54kgs). “We also added the tongue tie today as she had been blowing a bit after her work and in her races, so it may have also aided her.” Latta has numerous options available for her charge and will take some time to work out a programme for her. “We will take her home and sit down and have a think about things as there are a lot of races we could target,” she said. “The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) is an obvious one but races like the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) or the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) also hold a lot of appeal. “Wherever we go we think she can be competitive.” Carrying the colours of prominent syndicators Go Racing, Diss Is Dramatic was purchased by Go Racing boss Albert Bosma out of Cambridge Stud’s Book 1 draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2021 National Yearling Sale for $60,000. She is out of the Darci Brahma mare Our Drahma Queen (NZ), who is a half-sister to the dual Group One winner Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park) and the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint winner Sultan Of Swing- (NZ) (Bachelor Duke) and has now won six of her 21 starts, including four at stakes level and over $349,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.2 BMD Group Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley provided a special reward for a part-owner who has spent the last few years wondering what might have been. The fillies and mares’ feature was won in impressive style by the New Zealand-bred Eternal Flame (NZ) (Sacred Falls). The talented four-year-old is co-owned by Trevor Eastwood, who had previously raced the mare’s injury-plagued close relative Kinane (NZ) (Reliable Man). Out of a half-sister to the dam of Eternal Flame, Kinane won twice in a short career headed by the Gr.3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m). Eternal Flame has already eclipsed those achievements, winning five of her 12 starts including two Group victories this autumn, and banking more than A$450,000. “I’m a bit emotional,” Eastwood said. “It’s fantastic. She’s closely related to Kinane, who we had a lot of bad luck with. We were so disappointed about what we lost with him because of injuries and that. Eternal Flame is related to that family, and when Mick Kent (trainer) went to the Ready to Run Sale in New Zealand, I told him I didn’t care how much he had to pay – we just had to get her. It might be the first time I’ve got something right! “She’s had a lot of bad luck herself, but now a bit of luck has come her way. I want to thank Mick and also Nikki Burke, who never leaves her side.” Previously a top-five finisher in the Gr.2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m), Gr.2 Kewney Stakes (1600m), Listed Black Pearl Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) with plenty of hard-luck stories along the way, Eternal Flame broke through for a richly deserved first stakes win in the Gr.3 Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 9. Saturday brought more of the same, this time at Group Two level. Eternal Flame settled in sixth among an eight-horse field before jockey Ethan Brown began to press forward coming down the side of the track. Eternal Flame swooped four-wide around the home turn and thrust her head in front with 150m remaining. Rumbled Again (Night of Thunder) gave chase, with unlucky Kiwi-bred Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) launching a late charge into third, but Eternal Flame kept herself out of their reach and won by three-quarters of a length. “I’ve been a bit unlucky on this horse a few times, so it feels great to repay the connections for sticking with me,” Brown said. “They really backed off down the side. She had race fitness on her side, and I just had to balance her up around the corner, and off she went.” Kent has been pleased with Eternal Flame’s progress through her breakthrough campaign. “She’s done a great job,” he said. “One thing I’ve noticed about her is that she’s got so much better with her manners on raceday. “We’ve been a bit tough on her. She had a one-week back-up at Caulfield last month and then the Matron couple of weeks ago, so she’s had a busy few weeks, but she’s coped with everything really well. “We’ll put her out now until the spring, and hopefully she can physically improve a little bit more.” Eternal Flame was bred by Hoofbeat Ltd and is one of five winners from seven named foals out of the Savabeel mare Suriyan (NZ). Herself a winner over 1200m, Suriyan is a three-quarter-sister to the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner and Waikato Stud stallion Noverre. Offered by Kilmore Farm at the 2021 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, Eternal Flame was bought by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock for $260,000. View the full article

Well-travelled sprinter Macthief (Time Thief) displayed his affinity for winning early in a campaign when he came from last at Tauranga on Saturday to claim victory in the Triton Pacific Owens Plate (1200m). The John Bell-trained seven-year-old began his career in South Africa where he had seven starts, winning two of his first three and also finishing third in the Gr.1 Cape Guineas (1600m) before heading to Hong Kong where he was unplaced in his only two runs. Sent to New Zealand and into the care of Bell, he signalled his worth with a first up victory at Taupo over 1200m on a Firm 2 surface. Sent for a lengthy spell after three subsequent unplaced finishes, Bell set the son of Time Thief for his first race in nearly twelve months with a quiet trial at Matamata in late February, and was happy with his progress until steady rain at Tauranga saw the track downgraded to a Slow 6 before the contest, which Bell believed would curtail any winning prospects for his charge. Apprentice Triston Moodley used his 3kg claim to good effect as he hugged the rail throughout and had his mount travelling well approaching the home turn, albeit last of the six runners. Trainer John Bell. Photo: Trish Dunell With the field fanned across the track at the 200m, Macthief poked up on the outside of pacemaker One More Time (NZ) (Per Incanto) and thrust his head in front to snatch victory by half-a-length from race favourite Aris Aris (NZ) (Contributer) and Beebeep (NZ) (Vespa) who filled the minor placings. “I’m flabbergasted as he can’t handle even a spit on the track,” Bell said after the race. “I told our rider (Moodley) I wanted white paint on his boots as I wanted him that close to the rail and he did that very well. “He rode him nicely and even though I thought he was a fair way back early on, he came on really nicely.” Bell was undecided about the immediate future for the horse with the tracks likely to deteriorate as racing enters the autumn and winter months. “We’ve always thought he was a summer horse and his first two runs were on rock hard tracks,” he said. “He has ability as he was placed in a Group One in South Africa but didn’t handle it up in Hong Kong. “He is a big strong boy and it’s quite exciting for his owners (which includes Bell) as they are all family and friends.” Macthief has now won four of his 14 career starts. View the full article

After a pair of luckless placings from wide barriers, New Zealand-bred mare Elettrica (NZ) (Vespa) turned things around at Rosehill on Saturday and set herself up for a potential black-type winter campaign in Queensland. The five-year-old daughter of Vespa went into Saturday’s A$120,000 Midway Handicap (1500m) as a three-time winner from 27 starts. She had placed on another 13 occasions, including unlucky Midway Handicap second placings at Rosehill and Randwick in her previous two appearances. Elettrica finally landed a single-digit draw for Saturday’s race, jumping from gate four, and apprentice jockey Molly Bourke gave her a handy run in sixth along the rail. There were a few anxious moments when Elettrica was held up for a run at the 300m mark, but Bourke picked a path through. Elettrica quickly eased those nerves with a slick turn of foot, bursting to the lead and opening up an emphatic margin of three and a half lengths. Trainers Richard and Will Freedman will now look to raise the bar with the Tricolours Racing-owned mare, who has banked more than A$300,000 in stakes. “I’m now starting to think that the more bad barriers a horse has, maybe the more seasoned they get to overcoming them,” Will Freedman said. “I’ve got to take that approach now. “She deserved to have a nice run in transit today, and she got that. It got a little sticky at the 300m, and it looked like Molly wasn’t quite sure which way she was going to go. But she was patient, and then the horse was good enough to break through. “I think she’s earned about $200,000 just from Midway Handicaps now, but I’d say that might be her last one for a while. I think she’s ready for a step up. I had a brief chat with the owners before this race and said that if she won today, she might go for a freshen up and then we can think about chasing a bit of black-type during the Brisbane carnival.” Elettrica commenced her career in New Zealand and initially raced for breeder Kevin Hickman, winning two of her eight starts for Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer. Out of the More Than Ready mare On The Move, Elettrica is a half-sister to the multiple black-type winner Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag). Elettrica was purchased for $51,000 by James Moss from the Valachi Downs Dispersal Sale on Gavelhouse Plus in 2022. View the full article

Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo) has competed among the best of the country’s three-year-olds this season, and the talented filly proved too strong when stepping out of stakes company at Tauranga on Saturday. The daughter of Belardo broke maiden status stylishly at the Bay Of Plenty course in November, earning a trip south for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), where glamour stablemate Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) triumphed. Grande Gallo returned to the winner’s circle in MAAT company on New Year’s Day, taking a clear shining to the right-handed direction, though met classy fields and luckless runs when contesting the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and Gr.3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. Co-trainer Andrew Scott was confident the filly would be competitive prior to Saturday’s Bayleys Tauranga & Mount Maunganui 3YO (1400m), and punters followed suit backing Grande Gallo into $4.20 second-favouritism, behind the promising You Say D’Orsay (Under The Louvre) at $3.30. The two favourites bounded from the 1400m start, with You Say D’Orsay sliding into the pacemaking role, while jockey Masa Hashizume settled Grande Gallo in close quarters on the rail. A gap appeared for the filly at the top of the straight, and once in clear air, Grande Gallo had the upper hand on You Say D’Orsay, and was a comfortable two-length victor at the post. “Going this way around, she quickens well and she’s continuing to learn,” Scott said, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “She’s held up to a long preparation well, we were going well before November with her. She’s a good, sound, robust filly who’s going to make a really nice New Zealand racehorse. “We may pull up stumps now (for the season), I’m not sure, we’ll have to look at the programme. She’s done a really good job for the team.” Northern-based Mashizume is enjoying his best season to date in the saddle, adding a 42nd winner to his season’s tally, far exceeding his previous total of 33 in 2021/22. “She felt amazing going down to the start and jumped well, she’s a big horse so I didn’t want to lose her rhythm,” he said. “The leader wasn’t going hard, but she relaxed well and had plenty left on the corner. She kicked very strongly. “It worked out well, she’s a very promising filly.” Purchased by Wexford Stables for $85,000 at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales out of Haunui Farm’s draft, Grande Gallo has earned $106,000 for connections with three career victories. View the full article

It’s a bumper day of racing in Sydney, with Rosehill Gardens hosting five Group 1 races including the biggest 2YO contest on the calendar, the $5m Golden Slipper. View the full article

Chris Waller‘s VRC Derby champion, Riff Rocket, has set his sights on the Australian Derby after a dominant victory in the 2024 Rosehill Guineas results. 2024 Rosehill Guineas winner Riff Rocket posted his second Group 1 success with a big run down the outside. Photo: Steve Hart. This win ties Waller with Gai Waterhouse for the most career Group 1 victories (159). The talented American Pharoah gelding spearheaded a successful Golden Slipper Day for Waller, following Via Sistina’s win in the Ranvet Stakes. Riff Rocket, a surprise winner in the CS Hayes (1400m), came off a third-place finish in the Australian Guineas (1600m) before returning to winning form here. Nash Rawiller delivered a perfectly judged ride, settling Riff Rocket near the back of the pack before making his move with 800m remaining. The colt surged around the field down the outside, showcasing his powerful closing speed. Riff Rocket crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the Joe Pride-trained Ceolwulf and another Waller runner, Cap Ferrat, to secure his second Group 1 win. This victory positions him as the clear favourite for the $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 6th, aiming to emulate Criterion’s feat of completing the Rosehill Guineas-Australian Derby double in 2014. Ladbrokes has installed Riff Rocket as the short favourite at $2.50 to win the 2024 ATC Derby. 2024 Rosehill Guineas Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 2 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 8 56.5kg $2.70F 2 9 CEOLWULF (NZ) Joseph Pride Blake Shinn 0.76L 11 56.5kg $15 3 8 CAP FERRAT Chris Waller Ryan Moore 1.08L 9 56.5kg $18 4 6 GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1.34L 4 56.5kg $14 5 7 IMMEDIACY (NZ) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Luke Currie 1.41L 12 56.5kg $7.50 6 4 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Hugh Bowman 1.59L 2 56.5kg $3.30 7 10 DUCASSE Michael Freedman Tyler Schiller 3.42L 1 56.5kg $61 8 5 KING COLORADO Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 5.59L 3 56.5kg $10 9 12 STEEL BLAZE Brett Lazzarini Reece Jones 5.89L 5 56.5kg $201 10 3 CAFE MILLENIUM John O’Shea Tom Marquand 9.32L 6 56.5kg $21 11 11 COSMIC LAD Edward Cummings Chad Schofield 14.27L 10 56.5kg $101 1 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller James McDonald 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Riff Rocket Roars Back in Rosehill Guineas Victory, 2024 Australian Derby Next Target appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Yu Long Investments‘ mare Via Sistina, now trained by Chris Waller, lived up to the hype with a resounding victory in her Australian debut at the 2024 Ranvet Stakes. 2024 Ranvet Stakes winner Via Sistina impressed winning her Australian debut at Rosehill for trainer Chris Waller. Photo: Steve Hart. The Fastnet Rock mare demonstrated her world-class ability, overcoming a slow pace to outclass a select field and claim the prestigious Group 1 $1 million Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day. Jockey James McDonald continued his stellar form, securing his 91st Group 1 win with a patient ride on the well-backed import. He settled Via Sistina at the rear of the field as Think It Over, the recent Verry Elleegant Stakes winner, set a leisurely pace. Despite controlling the race, Think It Over faded rapidly in the home straight, ultimately finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Via Sistina stalked the other Yu Long import, Place Du Carrousel, before launching a powerful outside surge. Displaying impressive talent, she overcame the slow tempo and powered to victory by one and a half lengths. The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Place Du Carrousel finished runner-up, with Waller’s Buckaroo securing third place. With this win, Via Sistina, now a two-time Group 1 champion at the age of six, has a wealth of options for the remainder of the autumn carnival. The $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 13th appears as a likely target and McDonald is confident she’ll be hard to beat off what she did first-up in the Ranvet. “She’s got a big motor and, dare I say it, I think she’ll improve off that,” the hoop told Sky Thoroughbred Central. “Slow speed, fast speed, wet or dry, it doesn’t matter. “(Off a) fast pace she is going to really let rip. A big field will help her too over the Randwick 2000, so we’re looking forward to that in two or three weeks. “Her work has been good, but I thought she’d improve off her work so that’s something to go there with huge confidence. “She actually let out a little whinny out of the gates and I thought, ‘what’s going on here’ because it doesn’t mean good signs when they do that. “But she’s come here in good order and she’s obviously going to be prepped up beautifully (for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes).” Following William Haggas’ Dubai Honour, who completed the Ranvet Stakes-Queen Elizabeth Stakes double last year, Via Sistina is now the clear favourite in the all-in Queen Elizabeth Stakes market at Ladbrokes with odds shortening to $3. 2024 Ranvet Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 6 VIA SISTINA (IRE) Chris Waller James McDonald 6 57kg $2.30F 2 7 PLACE DU CARROUSEL (IRE) Anthony & Sam Freedman Tommy Berry 1.2L 4 57kg $6 3 3 BUCKAROO (GB) Chris Waller Ryan Moore 1.27L 2 59kg $9 4 1 THINK IT OVER Kerry Parker Nash Rawiller 1.6L 1 59kg $3.20 5 2 MILITARY MISSION (IRE) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 2.34L 5 59kg $18 6 4 ZEYREK (FR) Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Hugh Bowman 2.63L 3 59kg $14 8 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 0 5 BOIS D’ARGENT (GB) Annabel Neasham Chad Schofield 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Via Sistina Dominates Ranvet Stakes 2024 Results on Debut Down Under appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Vibrant Sun ridden by Thomas Stockdale winning the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have taken out the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes with their progressive filly Vibrant Sun (+900) claiming the tearaway leader Grinzinger Belle (+550) in the final strides of the 1600m contest. As the leader ran the field along at a very quick tempo, Thomas Stockdale allowed his mount to settle behind the speed and pick off runners down the side of the Moonee Valley track. With the rest of the field struggling to keep up with Grinzinger Belle, it was left to the daughter of The Autumn Sun to chase down the tiring front-runner in the home straight. The two race favourites Mollynickers (+100) and Vivy Air (+450) were off the bit well before the home turn and the latter was the only runner to take serious ground off the top two, as she ran into third place. 2024 Alexandra Stakes Replay – Vibrant Sun Mick Price was on course to speak about the win of Vibrant Sun, and he spoke post-race. “What is good about it is that she didn’t have black type and now she is a Group 3 winner,” Price said of the winner. “It is very good for Thomas Stockdale, too. Tom comes in and rides work. He’s a very promising kid who has had a lot of injuries. I’m very pleased for him. “It was great to see him one-out and one-back. “We joked that it would be nice to be one-out and one-back but when he actually got there I thought that was good and she was just good enough to pick up the win. “She’ll go to Adelaide now, I imagine. We put a circle around the South Australian Oaks. “She’s got a turn-of-foot, she’s cleanwinded, she’s sound. “I think that is the race we should have a crack at but it is just a matter of how we get there.” Thomas Stockdale gave the winner a peach of a ride and he was very happy when speaking post-race. “I’ve probably never been so confident coming into a Group 3 on a filly that is on her way up,” Stockdale said. “I worked her during the week and she has gone from strength-to-strength. “She’s still not quite there yet and I think she’ll be better over further. “I was really confident coming here today that she’ll be going really close. “When the leader started to kick away I was left slightly flatfooted without a drag without a drag up so more credit on her win. She had to do it on her own. “The further they went, strong she goes. “I’ve been fighting like hell to keep my bum on her back. I knew she had ability and I don’t think that is the end of her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Via Sistina was a dominant winner of the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Via Sistina (+130) has given rivals a galloping lesson in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, producing a blistering debut for the Chris Waller stable. The newly acquired European import was first-up after being purchased by the Yulong ownership for a staggering $5.5 million. She repaid the faith immediately, bringing her quality European form to the fore, careering away from her rivals in a slowly run Ranvet Stakes, stamping herself as the one to beat in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13. There was no early speed on paper, which eventuated on Saturday, as Think It Over (+210) was forced to lead them up throughout the 2000m journey. Military Misson (+1600) lobbed to his outside, while Via Sistina and Place Du Carrousel (+500) dropped in for cover. James McDonald was happy to sit quietly aboard the firming favourite with online bookmakers, allowing Via Sistina to go through her gears at the rear of the field turning for home. There was only one horse you wanted to be on, however, as the six-year-old cruised up to her opposition before putting them away in stylish fashion. Place Du Carrousel made it a one-two for Yulong connections, while Buckeroo (+800) and Think It Over were left to fight out the minors. 2024 Group 1 Ranvet Stakes Replay – Via Sistina All eyes were on the ultra-talented import delivering on Saturday, and Chris Waller couldn’t have been happier with the performance, speaking with media post-race. “She is a privilege to train,” said Waller. “(Her former UK trainer) George Boughey has done a fantastic job with her career. She is very lightly raced. “James Ferguson prepared her for us from Newmarket and we’ve put the finishing touches on her the last three weeks. “In fact, we haven’t really, we’ve just backed off, she came across very fit so we haven’t panicked, we’ve just kept her safe and in good shape. “It didn’t look like much (speed) on paper and that was a concern, but to amble up and for James (McDonald) to be sitting motionless at the 200, it was pretty good to watch.” James McDonald was delighted by the performance of his mare and noted her versatility in his post-race assessment. “She’s got a big motor and, dare I say it, I think she’ll improve off that,” said McDonald. “Slow speed, fast speed, wet or dry, it doesn’t matter. “(Off a) fast pace she is going to really let rip. A big field will help her too over the Randwick 2000, so we’re looking forward to that in two or three weeks. “Her work has been good, but I thought she’d improve off her work so that’s something to go there with huge confidence.” Via Sistina has been backed into a clear +130 favourite for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13. Horse racing news View the full article

Eternal Flame ridden by Ethan Brown wins the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) After claiming her first Group victory in the Group 3 Matron Stakes last start, Eternal Flame (+750) has recorded back-to-back victories by taking out the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. Although Ethan Brown didn’t ride the Mick Kent-trained mare at her last start, he re-connected with her on Saturday as they claimed a valuable and memorable win for the pair, as Brown continues his comeback from that nasty fall. Wishlor Lass (+240) and Running By (+1000) set a solid tempo at the front of the field, but as they struck the 400m mark, the runs started to come from Foxy Cleopatra (+1300), Eternal Flame and Rumbled Again (+7000). The unlucky runner in the race was Campionessa (+360), who never saw daylight in the final 400m, and was made to wait until the 200m mark before finding clear air to run home strongly into third place. However, all honours went to the winner as she pulled away from Rumbled Again in the final 100m to win by just under a length on the line. 2024 Sunline Vase Replay – Eternal Flame Mick Kent was very pleased to get the win with Eternal Flame, and he spoke post-race. “He’s (Brown) been on this horse all along but through circumstances he’s missed the ride twice and Damian (Lane) has filled his shoes,” Kent said of Brown’s connection with the winner. “It is good to see him back on her. He actually a lot of money with that Power Play when he won on her at Pakenham so she has been good to him. “He understands her well and I thought it was a real heady ride because we were very keen to be in the first four. “She has got so much better on race day. “We’ve been a bit tough on her. I’ve liked her a bit fresh and we backed her up at Caulfield and won at Flemington. “We thought it wouldn’t be the right track for her but she drew a nice barrier so there was no point going to the paddock when she was in such good form.” Ethan Brown was very thankful to Kent and his team in his post-race interview. “It feels great especially to repay Mick,” Brown said. “He stuck by me and I’ve been unlucky on this horse a few times and people get frustrated but it was good to repay them again today. “She had the race fitness on her side, the mile wasn’t a problem, and I had to balance her up around the corner and away she went. “She’s been bouncing really well in her races. We thought she’d do that again today and hold her spot in a first four position one-out one-back but she bounced ok but lacked that early speed. “She switched off lovely through the run but I was able to dictate and use her fitness when I wanted to. “First look at The Valley, it was important that I had her balanced around the corner.” Horse racing news View the full article