Wandering Eyes

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

Osmose fends off rivals to claim the Group 3 Epona Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn produced their first winner of Golden Slipper Day, with Osmose (+180) justifying the short quote to claim victory in the Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Zoffany was well-backed into favouritism after a terrific first-up effort in the Group 3 Aspiration Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago, and she never looked in doubt courtesy of a stellar steer by Tim Clark. He managed to find the back of stable companion Howgoodareyou (+500) throughout the duration of the 1900m trip, getting the economical run throughout. They went along at a steady tempo throughout, as Rebel Rama (+6000) moved up to sit outside the leader, allowing James McDonald to cross to the one-one position aboard Thalassophile (+600). When Clark asked for the ultimate effort, Osmose loomed up and put two lengths on Thaslassophile, who tried hard but was simply no match for the Waterhouse & Bott galloper, who was already off and gone with the prize. 2024 Group 3 Epona Stakes Replay – Osmose Adrian Bott was on course to discuss the win of his mare in the aftermath, crediting her consistency since arriving in Australia. “Full credit to the mare,” said Bott. “She is deserving of a stakes win like that. She has been very consistent since she arrived here in Australia, and it’s good to get a stakes win for all connections. “She had been around the mark, she just needs this sort of trip and she got it today. “I’ve always wanted to keep her in mares’ company, whether we can look to change that around now or whether she is sharp enough to come back to a Queen Of The Turf Stakes, a strong mile at Randwick. “There’s not a lot around for mares, whether we could be tempted by something like that or whether we’ve got to step into open company over a bit of ground, we’ll assess off today.” Tim Clark spoke post-race and spoke to the frustration that his mount has only now broken her Australian maiden. “She’s been a mare that’s been somewhat frustrating in the fact that she hasn’t won a race here but, to be fair, she hasn’t had a few things go her way,” said Clark. “There have probably been two races where she’s been most suited and that was the race at Flemington, she just narrowly got beaten, and today, where she was able to win. “It’s probably a long-range plan that’s paid off and now that she’s got a win on the board hopefully she can go on with it.” Osmose is currently listed as a +2500 chance with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m) on April 13. Horse racing news View the full article

Apprentice Molly Bourke guides Elettrica to victory at Rosehill. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au After a pair of luckless placings from wide barriers, New Zealand-bred mare Elettrica 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 $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 $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.” Horse racing news View the full article

Post Impressionist was too classy for his rivals in the Group 3 Manion Cup. Photo: RacingNSW Post Impressionist (+270) has shown an explosive turn of foot to round up her rivals in the matter of 100m to claim the Group 3 N E Manion Cup at Rosehill Gardens, giving his trainer William Haggas his third win in the race in five years. The son of Teofilo was first-up off a six-month break but you wouldn’t have known as Tom Marquand took his gelding to the back of the field and finished off stronger than any of his rivals in the final 300m. Canberra Legend (+650) made sure the gallop was strong, as he pushed forward after being caught wide early to lead the race from Redstone Well (+750), with Almania (+380) and So United (+700) settling in behind the speed. However, as the sprint went on before the home turn, the leaders began to paddle and the runs came from the back of the field as Torrens (+1000), Manzioce (+1300) and Post Impressionist swooped down the middle of the track. By the 200m mark, the race was over, as Post Impressionist flew home down the outside and careered away with an arrogant 3.3 length victory over Manzioce and Almania. 2024 N E Manion Cup Replay – Post Impressionist Part-owner Nick Williams spoke about the win of Post Impressionist and how they got involved in the European stayer. “I have to be honest, I had nothing to do with him at all. Dad (Lloyd) has been friendly with William Haggas for a long time,” Williams said of Post Impressionist. “The horse, he saw him win and he spoke to William about it and subsequently bought the horse after his last start in Europe, which he won in a pretty similar fashion. “They’ve done a terrific job with him getting him here and we’ll see how he pulls up and see if he can go on with it. “I guess so. You’d have to think about the Tancred (Stakes) , you’d have to think about the Sydney Cup. “We’ll let William decide. He’s had a lot of success out here and (travelling foreperson) Issy (Paul) and he do a terrific job with the horses they bring out here, we’ve seen that over a number of years so all credit to them.” After riding the horse at its last start at Haydock, Tom Marquand was very pleased that he could stay with the winner on debut in Australia. “We’ve seen it in England at Haydock, but that was over ‘a mile and six’ (2800m) and whilst it was a turn of foot, you probably wouldn’t have called it in Australian terms,” Marquand said. “He spelled great and in quarantine. “William knows how to get the right horses, he was well-acquired by the Williamses and Issy’s (Paul) has done a fantastic job just guiding another horse through. “I’d love to be on him at two miles, sadly I’m a little bit too heavy, but it’s exciting for the team. “There are so many things that go into it and I might not be aboard him (in the Sydney Cup) but I’ll be cheering him around, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do.” Post Impressionist is now a +220 favourite in Sydney Cup futures markets with online bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Champion jockey wary of task brilliant first-up winner faces in Sunday’s prestigious Sha Tin featureView the full article

D J Stable and Robert Cotran's GIII Holy Bull S. winner Hades (Awesome Slew) worked a half-mile in an easy :50.21 over the Gulfstream Park main track Friday morning, his final serious gallop ahead of next Saturday's $1-million GI Curlin Florida Derby. A perfect three-for-three in his career, Hades was scheduled to breeze Saturday, but forecast heavy rains led trainer Joe Orseno to call an audible and work the gelding 24 hours earlier. “He has exceeded my expectations,” Orseno said, “even with today's last breeze going into the Florida Derby. He did everything perfect. He just handles himself very professional. He gets things easily where other horses struggle.” Eclipse Award-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) will try to atone for his third-place effort in the Holy Bull when he lines up next weekend, and the Todd Pletcher trainee went four furlongs in :47.43 at Palm Beach Downs Friday morning. He galloped out an extra eighth of a mile in 1:00.63. Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez was in the irons for the move. “It went very well, he looked great,” Pletcher commented. Trainer Gustavo Delgado took to X Friday afternoon to report that Victory Avenue (Arrogate), a big-figure runner-up on his lone racetrack appearance Jan. 27, would be passing the Florida Derby. “For clarity, we have decided not to pursue a Florida Derby entry with Victory Avenue,” Delgado posted. “Being a very talented son of Arrogate, at this moment we feel that time and patience to let him grow up physically + mentally is the best plan. Plenty of goals for him to achieve down the line.” The post Hades, Fierceness Tune Up For Curlin Florida Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a tough way to end the day for leading Darwin jockey Jarrod Todd after contending with monsoonal conditions before getting Gary Clarke’s Global Wonder home at Fannie Bay on Friday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) With four months remaining in the Top End and Country premiership, Gary Clarke appears to have a mortgage on the trainers’ premiership. Clarke made it 34 wins for the season with a double at Fannie Bay on Friday to extend his lead over Phil Cole (20). The Darwin meeting accommodated four races and although it was overcast early, it was wet and muddy by stumps due to persistent rain. Despite the weather, there was a common theme with every winner coming from well back in the home straight. Clarke’s Zourisky (+750), ridden by Aaron Sweeney, gobbled up the opposition in the first race over 1300m (0-64) to win by two lengths. Settling fifth in the six-horse field, Zourisky pounced turning for home at the 350m when forced four deep before rolling Cole’s Merseyside (+1200) and Patrick Johnston’s Ankle Rolex (+260). For Zourisky, a five-year-old mare by Zoustar, it was her first win since October. Cole, celebrating his birthday, had success when five-year-old mare Proklisi (+160), the daughter of Scissor Kick, finally prevailed at the 11th attempt after downing Chris Pollard’s Meant For Mars (+700) and Clarke’s Nassau County (+200) in bright sunshine over 1200m (Class 2) by 1.3 lengths. With Wayne Davis aboard, Proklisi trailed the field in eighth place at the 800m before making ground at the 500m and hitting top gear at the 300m. Bat Pad (+900), recently acquired by Pollard from Mark Nyhan’s stable, ended a 12-month drought when she came from fifth place at the turn to down Tayarn Halter’s Pocket Pistol (+2000) and Cole’s Soul Spirit (+650) by 2.2 lengths over 1100m (0-70). Garry Lefoe’s Forms Of Fear (-285.71), victorious by 12.3 lengths over 1100m (Class 2) on its Darwin debut three weeks ago, and Clarke’s Patriotic King (+600) shared the early lead in the five-horse field and although the latter led at the 200m both eventually hit the wall. For six-year-old mare Bat Pad, it was her first win since March last year when Sonja Logan, the pilot on Friday, guided Brazen Beau’s daughter home in Alice Springs. It was a quagmire before Clarke’s Global Wonder (+145) – 10 lengths adrift in fifth place passing the 1000m – left it late before nailing Peter Stennett’s New Enterprise (+240) by half a length over 1600m (BM54). Global Wonder, a six-year-old gelding, was stepping up to 1600m for the first time and gradually made ground on runaway leader New Enterprise passing the 500m, but it still seemed unlikely that the son of Hinchinbrook would bridge the gap. The desperately unlucky New Enterprise – two lengths clear at the 100m – couldn’t thwart Global Wonder, a last start winner in April, with Pollard’s Bart’s Bullet (+1000), way back in seventh place in the eight-horse field along the back straight, finishing strongly for third. Jarrod Todd produced a super winning ride and to make it 30 wins for the season from apprentice Emma Lines (20). Clarke has been the premier trainer for the past 11 years, while Todd has been the leading jockey for the past four years. Horse racing news View the full article

Dick Leech, who has stables in Darwin and Alice Springs, has received a hefty 12-month suspension from Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory stewards Highly-successful Northern Territory trainer Dick Leech has received a 12-month suspension. Thoroughbred Racing NT stewards imposed the ban on Monday following an incident with Leech’s Envenomate during the February 3 meeting at Darwin. Following a routine examination after arriving at Fannie Bay, stewards noticed Envenomate had a swollen haematoma on the near side jugular vein. After a veterinarian’s inspection, it was determined that an alleged injection had been administered within the previous 24 hours. Stewards withdrew the six-year-old gelding before collecting blood and urine samples. An inquiry was opened, and evidence and statements were recorded. Blood and urine samples were analysed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, and no prohibited substances were detected. The inquiry continued on March 7 and 15, and after considering further evidence from various parties, Leech was found guilty of injecting the gelding without the permission of stewards. The high-profile trainer was disqualified for 12 months. He applied for a stay with the NT Racing Appeals Tribunal, but that was refused on Wednesday. It is believed that Leech will appeal the suspension after Easter. Stewards fined Leech $6000 last October after Century Fox, who won last April’s NT Guineas (1600m) in Alice Springs, returned an abnormal blood sample during the Darwin Cup Carnival. Century Fox, a narrow second in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) on July 8, was tested before and after the three-year-old feature. The presence of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine was detected before the race, while the post-race blood sample detected the presence of cotinine. Leech, who breached the same rule in 2008 and 2019, was stripped of second place in the Darwin Guineas as Century Fox was disqualified. After racing horses last Sunday on Day 1 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, including Envenomate, those from the Leech yard are missing on Saturday. Whether Write Your Name, who won the 2023 Alice Springs and Darwin Cups, and last year’s Palmerston Sprint winner Early Crow, who saluted in the Red Centre last weekend, will start in the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) and Pioneer Sprint (1200m) in early April is questionable. They would have to be picked up by a rival trainer, along with stablemates capable of making an impact during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, such as Century Fox, Kerioth and Madam Mischief. With stables in Alice Springs and Darwin, Leech has been training in the NT for years and has won a plethora of big races. In 2008, Club Liquid won the Darwin Cup for Leech by 13 lengths. He had never won a NT trainers’ premiership before taking out the Alice Springs and Provincial title last season. In a rare achievement, Leech won the Horse of the Year and the Middle Distance/Stayer of the Year for the 2022/23 season in Darwin and Alice Springs with Write Your Name. Early Crow was Sprinter of the Year and Century Fox was Three-Year-Old of the Year at both venues. Leech was the leading trainer during last year’s Alice Springs Cup Carnival with 10 wins over the five days, which included five wins on NT Guineas Day. Horse racing news View the full article

Uncover an array of captivating racing promotions from horse racing bookmakers on Saturday, March 23. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions provided by top horse racing bookmakers to enrich your betting prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for March 23, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Rosehill – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Up To $50 If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Rosehill this Saturday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds Terms and Conditions apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Riccarton Park (NZ) – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Up To $50 If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Riccarton Park (NZ) this Saturday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Market available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Rosehill & Moonee Valley Races 1-6 Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back Up To $25 First fixed odds win bet per race with a minimum of 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, multi & bonus bets. Playup T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Moonee Valley Hotbet Race 7 – Either Quintessa, Basilinna or Verdad to win @ $2.00 Max Bet $50. No multi’s, bonus bets or boosts. Playup T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 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 Rosehill – 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 Moonee Valley – 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 Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at 5 Metro Meetings Rosehill, Moonee Valley, Eagle Farm, Morphettville & Ascot. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Storm Boy to win Golden Slipper Rosehill R8 (was $2.25) Saturday Racing Price Push. Price subject to change. Limits apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously evaluates premier Australian horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 23, 2024. These consistent offers highlight the commitment of top horse racing bookmakers. In the world of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t running a promotion, another is. HorseBetting.com.au is your ultimate resource for daily lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Gain value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions for existing customers. Access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For race and horse insights to optimise your bonus bets, rely on HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

On Saturday, March 23, horse racing enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling day with 14 meetings set to unfold across various locations in Australia. Our team of committed racing analysts at horsebetting.com.au has meticulously selected the top bets and crafted quaddie numbers tailored for the upcoming events at Rosehill, Moonee Valley, Eagle Farm, Ascot and Alice Springs. Saturday Racing Tips – March 23, 2024 Rosehill Racing Tips Moonee Valley Racing Tips Eagle Farm Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For March 23, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $104.94 odds return: Saturday, March 23, 2024 Rosehill – Race 5 #6 Via Sistina Moonee Valley – Race 2 #1 Spywire Eagle Farm – Race 5 #1 Outweighed Ascot – Race 6 #7 Wild Belle Alice Springs – Race 7 #6 Don’t Be Dramatic | Copy this bet straight to your betslip For avid Australian racing fans, numerous promotions await your exploration. Be sure to peruse the offerings from top online bookmakers, as daily promotions can enhance your horse racing experience. If you’re in search of a new bookmaker to elevate your horse racing ventures on March 23, 2024, consult our comprehensive guide to the finest online racing betting sites. We’re committed to keeping you informed and enhancing your horse racing betting journey. More horse racing tips View the full article

An Illinois businessman with a background in both real estate development and racehorses is actively putting together an investment team to build a new $180-million Thoroughbred racino about 35 miles south of Chicago. But even a year before the first shovels might break ground, controversy is swirling because of different interpretations of the enabling gaming law that is a linchpin for the project to proceed. Ronald Aswumb, 68, who has owned and bred Thoroughbreds and also worked as a bloodstock consultant alongside his family's chief business of building malls and condominiums, told TDN in a Mar. 22 phone interview that he is 18 months into the planning process for bringing to life a track that he envisions as Lincoln Land Downs in a village called Richton Park. “With the closing of Arlington we felt there was quite a void in the Chicago market for horse racing, and actually in the whole state,” Aswumb said. “We've looked at different potential properties all throughout the state. It is an ambitious project, and it's important that we keep it to scale.” The project does not yet have the public support of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA) because of the varying interpretations of the law. “Let's not forget that this is Illinois. And anything relative to horse racing in Illinois is complicated and cumbersome,” David McCaffrey, the executive director of the ITHA, told TDN. “A new racino in Richton Park is living up to those past performances,” McCaffrey added. A spokesperson for Hawthorne Race Course, the Chicago area's only remaining Thoroughbred track, responded to a request for comment with an email that stated, “This idea is so speculative that anyone actually involved in the ongoing operations of Illinois horseracing, or who is truly interested in its future, should not take it seriously.” McCaffrey explained the ITHA's understanding of the law this way: “The statute, as it stands now, only allows for a Standardbred track. So on the part of building a new racetrack and racino, he's within the law to do so. But two things need to happen: one, they need to have permission from Hawthorne, because it's within 35 miles of Hawthorne. And two, it has to be a Standardbred track. There's been some very cursory talk about another Thoroughbred outlet somewhere, but relative to that being at Lincoln Land any time soon I think is putting the cart way before the horse.” Aswumb chalked up the views of the ITHA and Hawthorne as being based on “misinformation.” He added that his legal team has confirmed for him that Hawthorne's 35-mile veto power applies only to a Standardbred–and not a Thoroughbred–racino, and that he believes his racino application will be lawful based on Section 56 of the Illinois Horse Racing Act and Section 7.7 of the Illinois Gambling Act passed in 2019. “The law is actually very clear. It states that anyone that has operating control of a racetrack anywhere in the state of Illinois may apply for a casino license,” Aswumb said. “We've spent the last six months confirming that with the Illinois Gaming Board [IGB], and they're the only ones whose opinion really matters,” Aswumb said. “We met with the executive director and the general counsel two weeks ago, and they said if we had operating control of a racetrack and had received a racing license for dates, that we would meet the standard to apply for a casino license. I've been telling the horsemen that for six months, but you can't convince anybody, I guess.” The location Aswumb has settled on would fit a 7- to 7.5-furlong main dirt track with a turf course inside of it. A temporary casino would go up first, to be eventually replaced by a larger, more permanent version, with the eventual possibility of building out a 100-room hotel and entertainment space. “Our location is right off Interstate 57, which is a very highly trafficked area, and even though it's suburban, it's kind of a rural setting,” Aswumb said. “It's real pastoral. We have 140 acres that we're planning on building on. It's beautiful. It overlooks about a thousand acres of farmland. We have an option [to buy] it, and actually have the ability to get more land. There's a lot there.” Aswumb said he is not yet ready to divulge full details about his investment partners because the deal is still a work in progress. “We're in the financing process. It's still a little proprietary,” Aswumb said. “I can't tell you exactly the names behind it, but there are several large gaming companies that really want to diversify in the Chicago market. And we've also been working with a company in Kentucky that is involved in racing. I'm hoping in the next 60 days we'll fully list who our partners are. “The timeline is we're putting the financing process together and finalizing the group,” Aswumb said. “We have to apply by July 31 with the Illinois Racing Board (IRB) to receive any dates in 2025. There's no plan to have any extensive racing in 2025. It would more likely be to get the track ready to have a couple of days of racing toward the end of the year just to establish the racing license, because we have to establish the racing license to go before the gaming board to get the casino license. Hopefully, we'd start construction on the track early next year when the weather breaks.” Originally, Aswumb said, his intent was to build a harness racino, and he was aware that Hawthorne had veto power over that plan. “They declined to give us written consent, which is their legal right to do. So we started looking at other ways to get this going, and there's nothing stopping us from doing a Thoroughbred track. The statute only applies to a Standardbred track, and obviously, we've confirmed that with [the IRB and IGB],” Aswumb said. “There's kind of been disinformation the last few years that only the existing racetracks could get a casino license,” Aswumb continued. “The project is, of course, dependent on that. You need that alternative source of revenue to make the business model work. There's no guarantee you're going to get the license–you still have to go through all the [state vetting process]. But we have been told that we would be able to apply for that, and that was the big hurdle that we needed to clear to make the project go.” Obtaining the temporary casino license is crucial, Aswumb said. “We would like to do a temporary casino, which you are allowed to have for three years. The plan would be maybe to have 400-500 gaming positions in a temporary facility to get revenue coming in. It's very attractive to investors if you can get revenue coming in early like that. And then the process would be to have the permanent casino in approximately 2028 to 2029,” Aswumb said. Aswumb said he wants to buck the industry trend of existing racinos that focus on gaming first and horses second. He wants it the other way around. “We don't have quite enough room to do a mile dirt track, but we do have a lot of room for a really nice backstretch. We're going to have state-of-the-art barns, and an equine aquatics center and backstretch housing. I personally feel that horses are in their stalls too much, and we want trainers to be able to get them out an exercised at all times of the day.” Aswumb said he's even talked to the Chicago Bears football team, which owns the defunct Arlington International Racecourse, about relocating the sod from the old grass course to Lincoln Land Downs. “They still have been maintaining the turf course there beautifully, and they've been very open to that idea, but we're still in the testing phase to see if it would transfer properly,” Aswumb said. Aswumb admitted that he has had zero talks with Hawthorne about forming a Thoroughbred circuit. Nor is he even close to negotiating a contract with the ITHA. “I wouldn't say [Hawthorne would be] very supportive of us, really,” Aswumb said. “I have talked to the horsemen. They've been supportive but weary, like 'We've heard this before' kind of thing.” Asked what type of racing season and purse structure he envisioned, Aswumb put it this way: “Obviously we would like some summer dates if we have a turf course. We'd like to be able to get to like $250,000 at least in daily purses. So you could do maybe 75 to 80 dates a year, maybe race three days a week six months out of the year. “The projections are we can do $100 million a year in adjusted gross revenue when we have the full casino, and approximately 13% of that goes toward purses,” Aswumb said. “When you combine that with off-track-betting parlors [and their] projected handle, we think we could get to $15 to $20 million in purses a year. And if we could do that, I think the horsemen would be happy.” The post Plan For New Chicago Track Forging Ahead Despite Big Differences In Gaming Law Interpretations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The FTHA is supervised and managed by a board of no fewer than 11 and no more than 15 directors. For 2024, Chester Bishop, Jonathan Green, Teresa Palmer, and Ron Spatz were re-elected, and new to the board is Robert Cotran. View the full article

It's a case of all eyes on Doncaster on Saturday with the wheel set to turn once again as the Town Moor track stages the opening act of the British Flat Turf season. Alongside the traditional curtain-raiser of the Lincoln H. for the hardened older milers is the Brocklesby S. for juveniles, the annual show of precocity where the focus will inevitably be on Royal Ascot. First-season sires represented include Mohaather (GB) and Without Parole (GB), with the former's son Dukes Of Haather (GB) from the Adrian Keatley stable looking primed for a big debut effort. Perhaps the classiest runner on display is in the Listed Doncaster Mile, where Nurlan Bizakov's G1 St James's Palace S. and Sussex S. third Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) looks to provide the Roger Varian stable with a strong start to the campaign. “He had a good year last year and it was a shame he drew a blank in terms of wins, but he put up some fine performances,” Varian said. “We're looking forward to him this year and he's training nicely. He looks like he's matured a bit more and we're going to get his season started on Saturday.” The post Lincoln Kicks Off Turf Action appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After retiring from the saddle last fall, Gary Boulanger has accepted a position as farm manager at CamHaven Farms in Ontario.View the full article

Six weeks before the Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4 at Churchill Downs, there are already those with "Derby Fever," caught up in the desire to run any eligible horse in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Just not Michael McCarthy, trainer of Endlessly.View the full article

Officials at the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association have announced the results of the Board of Directors election, which were finalized Mar. 14. Elections are held annually, and the term of all Directors is three years. The Board is elected by the Association members via secret ballot. A Board of no fewer than 11 and no more than 15 Directors supervises the FTHA and each year, five positions are filled on a rotating basis. For 2024, Incumbent Owner/Directors Chester Bishop, Jonathan Green, and Teresa Palmer were re-elected. Incumbent Trainer/Director Ron Spatz was re-elected, and new to the Board is Owner/Director Robert Cotran. “I was honored to be elected to the Board. I am aware of some of the obstacles that racing is facing in the future,” said new member Robert Cotran. “My goal is to work with our horsemen's group in dealing with these obstacles–all for the betterment of racing–which is everyone's goal.” Joe Orseno was elected unanimously for his third term as FTHA President. Jon Green was appointed as First Vice President and David Rousso as Second Vice President. The new board will take office effective immediately. Owner/Directors include: Gerardo Amado, Chester Bishop, Thomas Cannell, Robert Cotran, Jonathan Green, Adam Lazarus, Teresa Palmer, David Rousso and Jeffrey Siskin. Trainer/Directors are: Patrick Biancone, Kathy Davey, David Fawkes, Joe Orseno, Terri Pompay and Ron Spatz. The post FTHA Announces Board Election Results appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Helios Express aims to sweep Hong Kong's 4-Year-Old Classic Series in the March 24 Hong Kong Derby but faces some new and dangerous rivals.View the full article

Oaklawn Park has adjusted its stakes schedule after losing four cards earlier this year to winter weather. The track has added the $175,000 Eclipse Stakes for older horses at six furlongs April 7.View the full article

The road to the GI Kentucky Derby kicks into high gear with Saturday's GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. Over the next three weekends, there will be eight “Championship Series” races that will award Derby points to the top five finishers on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale. Drawn widest of all in post 12, GIII Lecomte S. Jan. 20 winner and GII Risen Star S. Feb. 17 runner-up Track Phantom (Quality Road) looks like the one to catch in the Louisiana Derby. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen will also saddle $1.4-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate and 'TDN Rising Star' Hall of Fame (Gun Runner), who disappointed in seventh over the sloppy going in the Risen Star. “I generally believe for 3-year-olds, your last race is not good enough for your next one to be,” Asmussen said. “That's the way it ought to be. (Track Phantom) is a wonderful horse. I'm very fortunate to have him here at Fair Grounds for the 3-year-old series. He has run extremely well in the three prior races here at Fair Grounds. Hopefully, we can get him in the winner's circle again Saturday.” 'TDN Rising Star' Agate Road (Quality Road), winner of last term's grassy GII Pilgrim S. and a rallying second in the GIII Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Feb. 10, opts for this spot over the Jeff Ruby Steaks. Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher will also be represented by Antiquarian (Preservationist), a local maiden winner at second asking over promising next-out winner Cornishman (Curlin) Feb. 17. The field for the Louisiana Derby also includes: the Brad Cox-trained Smarty Jones S. Jan. 1 winner and Risen Star third Catching Freedom (Constitution); longshot GII Rebel S. Feb. 24 runner-up Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}); and 'TDN Rising Star' Tuscan Gold (Medaglia d'Oro), a runaway maiden winner for Chad Brown at second asking at Gulfstream Jan. 31. Endlessly (Oscar Performance), the 5-2 morning-line favorite and horse to beat in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, was a good-looking winner of the El Camino Real Derby over the Golden Gate all-weather Feb. 10. A two-time graded winner on grass in Southern California last year, Endlessly was eighth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita Nov. 3. “We tried to give him a short break after the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, but he's a feel-good type of horse,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “He likes to train and we were able to get him back slowly after that race to the El Camino Real Derby.” The loaded 12-race Louisiana Derby card also includes: the GII Fair Grounds Oaks, headed by GII Rachel Alexandra S. Feb. 17 one-two 'TDN Rising Star' Tarifa (Bernardini) and Intricate (Gun Runner) and the two-for-two Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro); and the GII New Orleans Classic S. and GII Muniz Memorial Classic S. Saturday's graded action is rounded out by the GIII Essex H. at Oaklawn Park, the GIII TwinSpires Kentucky Cup Classic S. at Turfway and the GIII San Luis Rey S. at Santa Anita. The post Road to the Kentucky Derby Heats Up with Saturday’s Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article