Wandering Eyes

Mama Cocha looks for rare back-to-back wins in Japan's major sprint races when she lines up against a big field in the March 24 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1) at Chukyo Racecourse.View the full article

Group 3 winner Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road) has been purchased by Refai Alghuraban, a leading owner in Kuwait. The deal was brokered by Avenue Bloodstock's Mark McStay. Successful in the G3 Killavullan S. in 2022 for the Coolmore partners and trainer Aidan O'Brien, the bay was second in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas to Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) last May. He kick-started his 4-year-old campaign in his 10th lifetime start with a close runner-up effort in the $500,000 Listed Irish Marketing Cup in Doha, Qatar, in February. The son of listed winner Cuff (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and great grandson of blue hen producer Rafha (GB) (Kris {GB}) is pointing to the 1800-metre G1 Dubai Turf on Mar. 30. “Cairo ran very well on his first start of 2024 in Doha last month and it's intended that he represent his new owner Mr Refai Alghuraban and his family in the Dubai Turf at Meydan on World Cup night,” McStay said. “Cairo is an extremely well-bred horse who has some excellent form, particularly his run behind Paddington (GB) in the Irish 2000 Guineas last season. As always, it's a very strong renewal of the Dubai Turf, but we're very hopeful for a big run in his new owner's colours. Mr Alghuraban is a leading owner in the gulf region.” The post Cairo Purchased By Kuwait’s Refai Alghuraban Ahead Of Dubai Turf Bid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-FG, $75K, MSW, 3yo, 6f, 3:00 p.m. CORPORAL (Gun Runner) went the way of partners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, John Oxley and Breeze Easy on a final bid of $1.15-million at the 2022 Keeneland September Sale. His dam MSW/MGSP Kathballu (Bluegrass Cat) is a full-sister MGSW/GISP Kathmanblu, and this is also the family of $1.15-million Stonestreet broodmare GISW Friendly Michelle (Artax). Corporal has flashed speed in the morning, firing bullets in three of his last four works and Flavien Prat takes the reins Saturday afternoon for trainer Brad Cox.TJCIS PPS 4th-FG, $75K, MSW, 3yo, f, 1mT, 2:30 p.m. Mischief My Way (Into Mischief), the homebred half-sister to GISW Adare Manor (Uncle Mo), makes the races for Town and Country Racing and trainer Chris Block. In addition to her million-dollar earning half-sister, she is a daughter of GSW Brooklynsway, who herself RNA'd for $1.2-million at last fall's FTKNOV sale. TJCIS PPS 6th-SA, $65K, MSW, 3-5yo, f, 6f, 6:33 p.m. The second-highest price at last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale, In Theory (Mendelssohn) was an $800,000 buy for Speedway Stables after breezing in :10.1. Trainer Bob Baffert has lined up Juan Hernandez for a filly that fired a best-of-27 work two back, going five furlongs from the gate in :59 2/5 (1/27) Mar. 13. TJCIS PPS 2nd-TP, $70K, MSW, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:13 p.m. Kicking off Jeff Ruby Steaks Day at Turfway is LNJ Foxwoods and NK Racing's Sabatini (Uncle Mo), a $625,000 2-year-old purchase from the same Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale last year after also working in :10.1. The filly is out of a half-sister to champion 2-year-old and GI Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (Uncle Mo). TJCIS PPS 4th-TP, $70K, MSW, 3yo, 6f, 2:13 p.m. Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider homebred Term (Medaglia d'Oro) lines up inside for his debut. He is out of a full-sister to GISP Chide (Blame) and a half-sister to the dams of MGISW Elate (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSW Tax (Arch). This is also the family of Claiborne stallion Flatter (A.P. Indy). TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Million-Dollar Gun Runner Colt Kicks Off Louisiana Derby Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced March 19 that they have signed a three-year contract, which includes an agreement for year-round stabling and training. 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

Listed winner Darlinghurst (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) has been added as a wildcard to the Arqana Online Sale on Thursday, March 28. Trained by Jerome Reynier, the three-year-old Darlinghurst was completing a hat-trick when winning the Listed Prix Maurice Caillault by a length and a half at Chantilly earlier this month. A 230,000gns purchase at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, he was bred by Yeomanstown Stud and is the first foal out of the G3 Mercury S. winner Dr Simpson (Fr) (Dandy Man {Ire}). “We are now looking at Group races for him, notably the Prix La Force or Prix Fontainebleau,” Reynier said of future plans for Darlinghurst. “He has not stopped improving with every race and is very promising.” The full catalogue for the Arqana Online Sale can be viewed here. The post Listed Winner Darlinghurst Added to Arqana Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This column is highlighted by the victory of Royalty Interest in Central Florida. Le Havre Fave Gets The Job Done Klaravich Stables' Royalty Interest (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) scored the second win of her career at Tampa Bay this past weekend (video). Bred by China Horse Club International, the bay sold for €50,000 to Seth Klarman's operation during the 2021 Arqana October Yearling Sale. The fourth foal out of stakes winner Dusky Queen (Ire) (Shamardal), Royalty Interest is one of four winners from seven foals for her dam. She is a half-sister to the stakes-placed winning Nizaaka (Fr) (New Bay {GB}) and a full-sister to fellow stakes-placed winner Un Instant (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}). Dusky Queen, a half-sister to the multiple graded/group-placed Achnaha (Ire) (Haatef), has a 2-year-old gelding by Siyouni (Fr) and a yearling colt by New Bay (GB) still to race. The late Le Havre has been represented by 21 runners in America. Eleven (52%) have won, with GI Turf Mile S. winner Suedois (Fr), multiple graded winner Rymska (Fr) and GIII Red Carpet H. heroine Orglandes (Fr) his three stakes winners (14%) in that jurisdiction. The latter pair were also trained by Brown. No. 4 Royalty Interest, a French-bred 4-year-old filly, withstands a determined challenge from Damaso to win the fifth race. Antonio Gallardo rode the winner, who is owned by Klaravich Stables and trained by Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/LSSdsUbbtA — Tampa Bay Downs Official Account (@TampaBayDownsFL) March 16, 2024 Zoustar Colt Races To Santa Anita Win King Of Gosford (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) added an American win to his ledger at Santa Anita recently for trainer Phil D'Amato (video). The colt is owned by Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig and Jeremy Peskoff. Bred by The Miss Sugars Partnership, King Of Gosford was a 32,000gns Tattersalls October Book 3 yearling, and made six starts for trainer Andy Oliver and owner N W T Dalzell. He won a Dundalk handicap in his first try over the all-weather in October, and ran third on his final Irish start there later that month before being acquired privately by these connections. His dam, Miss Sugars (GB) (Habour Watch {Ire}), won the Listed Blue Northern S. at Santa Anita. King Of Gosford, who is her second foal, is followed by a 2-year-old colt and a yearling filly, both by G1 2000 Guineas winner Kameko. Third dam Hoh Dear (Ire) (Sri Pekan) won the GIII Natalma S., and two of her grandchildren won Grade I stakes in North America–Wigmore Hall (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and Ocean Road (Ire) (Australia {GB}). Five of Zoustar's 10 Northern American runners have won (50%), with the best of these being GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint third Starlust (GB). Alimara Graduates At Tampa Bay Downs First Row Partners' Alimara (Fr) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}) closed to win over the Tampa Bay turf earlier this month for trainer Chad Brown (video). Bred by Appapays Racing Club, the grey was unsold at €55,000 as an Arqana October yearling in 2022. She was second in both of her French starts last year at two–at Lyon Parilly on the grass in October, and later that month switched to the Chantilly all-weather in the colours of Sandro Gianella for trainer Henri-Alex Pantall. The half-sister to the German stakes heroine Amellata (Fr) (Pomellato {Ger}) has a juvenile full-sister named Arizza (Fr) to come. Her unraced dam Arctica (Ger) (Iffraaj {GB}) is a daughter of Artica (Ger) (Pentire {GB}), who won at listed level in her native land, and also threw a trio of black-type horses, the best of which was G3 Silberne Peitsche winner Artistica (Ger) (Areion {Ger}). Haras du Petit Tellier's The Grey Gatsby sports a 75% strike rate in the U.S., with three of his four runners having saluted the judge. His Mylady (Ger) won the GIII The Very One S. at Gulfstream Park, and Atomic Blonde (Ger) was third in a brace of Grade IIIs. Dilger Puts His Name In Lights Mike Ryan's Dilger (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) won at Gulfstream Park for conditioner Saffie Joseph, Jr. in mid-March (video). A product of the Demers Bloodstock breeding programme, the son of Post Perfection (Majesticperfection) is the second foal and first winner for his dam, while he also has a yearling half-sister by Essential Quality. His dam was covered by Nyquist last year. He is from the family of GII Nassau County Breeders' Cup S. winner and GI Acorn S. runner-up Hello Liberty (Forest Camp), as well as multiple graded winner Cairo Memories (Cairo Prince), herself placed twice at the highest level, as well as GI Blue Grass S. hero and young sire Zandon (Upstart). Ballylinch Stud's Lope De Vega is the sire of 41 winners in the U.S. from 76 runners (54%). His three Grade I winners, Newspaperofrecord (Ire), Program Trading (GB), and Aunt Pearl (Ire), anchor his eight total stakes winners there (10.5%). #3 DILGER ($21.80) keeps his nose in front to break his maiden in the opener at Gulfstream Park. @Tyler_Gaff piloted this three-year-old colt for trainer @SaffieJosephJr. Nice pick, @bernier_matt! pic.twitter.com/SWb2qYoMHc — TVG (@TVG) March 16, 2024 Repeat Winner E Five Racing Thoroughbreds' I'maboutago (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) was back in the spotlight with a 3 1/4-length win at Fair Grounds (video). The Ennistown Stud-bred is now two-for-two after taking a Gulfstream maiden last December. The post Making Waves: Le Havre Filly The Queen Of Tampa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Social media followers of Qatar Racing will be able to enter a new naming competition for three of Kameko's first juveniles that was launched last Sunday. The competition runs until midnight on Sunday, Mar. 24 and winners will be announced the week beginning Apr. 1. Horses available for naming that will run in the claret and gold silks of Sheikh Fahad al Thani are: a filly out of Group 1 winner Con Te Partiro (GB) (Time Test {GB}) who is trained by John and Thady Gosden a filly out of listed heroine Ripples Maid (GB) (Dansili {GB}), who is trained by James Ferguson and a colt out of Quads (Ire) (Shamardal) in training with Archie Watson. The winners will be selected by Sheikh Fahad, chairman of Qatar Racing, and Qatar racing manager David Redvers of Tweenhills Stud, where the G1 2000 Guineas hero stands. The prize will include two tickets for the opening day of the QIPCO Guineas Festival, which begins on Friday, May 3. To enter, follow Qatar Racing on social media @Qatar_Racing (Twitter/X) or @qatarracingltd (Instagram), reply to any of the social media posts with your suggestions. Names must be clean and a max of 18 characters. The post Naming Competition For Trio Of Kameko Juveniles Launched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the Tattersalls March Sale was augmented with a pair of wildcards on Friday. Set for Wednesday, Mar. 27, the sale begins at 11 a.m. Tasmanian Legend (Ire) (Australia {GB}) (lot 50A) will be offered by Alice Haynes Racing and is rated 81 on Timeform. The 3-year-old gelding sports a pair of wins over 1 1/16 miles in February and March. Joining the three-time winner is Lodge Hill Stables' Emily's Star (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}) (lot 50B), who is a half-sister to the Grade 3-placed Ma Belle Amie (GB) (Oscar {Ire}), as well as the dam of graded winner Midnight River (GB) (Midnight Legend {GB}). The 7-year-old mare is out of a full-sister to graded-winning jumpers Irish Royal (Fr) and Ma Royale (Fr), both by Garde Royale (Ire). The post Pair Of Wildcards Join Tattersalls March Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Track Phantom was one of the last yearlings that the L and N Racing crew looked at ahead of the 2022 Keeneland September Sale. The Quality Road colt from the Taylor Made consignment stayed at the forefront of their minds and they took home the yearling, who was the second foal out of 2017 GII Raven Run S. winner Miss Sunset (Into Mischief), for $500,000. “We just fell in love with him,” recalled Michael Levinson, the racing manager and one of the four partners that make up L &N Racing. “He was probably an inch or two on the shorter side, but we thought if he grows up a little bit, he had the scope and he looked fast. Obviously all those things kind of worked out, but you didn't know at the time that the Quality Road out of an Into Mischief mare who had won as a sprinter was going to be able to go two turns and do it pretty easily.” Not only has he done it easily, but he's done it impressively enough to be the 3-1 morning-line favorite going into this weekend's GII Louisiana Derby. Trained by Steve Asmussen, two-time stakes winner Track Phantom is coming in off a narrow runner-up performance to Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the GII Risen Star. The speed-centric sophomore has drawn the widest post in Saturday's contest as 12 colts vie for points on the road to the GI Kentucky Derby. The L and N Racing partnership–which is comprised of Levinson, his father Lee, his brother Andy and their family friend Don Nelson–has made the trip for Track Phantom's last two races at Fair Grounds and the Tulsa-based group will be on hand once again for Saturday's contest. “Everybody is really excited,” Levinson said. “We think we have a legit Derby contender. Obviously that could change Saturday, but we're confident he's going to run. Steve just sent me a video of him [Thursday] morning and he looks fantastic.” Track Phantom battles Sierra Leone in the GII Risen Star | Hodges Photography Levinson said that what has impressed him most about the flashy bay's career thus far is how he seems to improve in each of his starts. Track Phantom was third in his debut last October at Churchill Downs and then a close second to fellow Louisiana Derby entrant Real Men Violin (Mendelssohn) a few weeks later. He took control early and won going away in his first try going two turns on Nov 25. From there it was on to the Fair Grounds, where he reeled off front-running wins in the Gun Runner S. and GIII Lecomte S. His biggest competition came over a sloppy track in the GII Risen Star, where he again took the lead early but was nailed in the final strides by Sierra Leone, the $2.3 million Chad Brown trainee owned by the partnership of Coolmore, Brook Smith and Peter Brant. Levinson didn't mind running second. He knew the track conditions were working against his colt. “I was at the races all day and was noticing just how sticky the track had gotten,” he recalled. “From even two races before ours until the time of our race, the sun had gone down, it was cold, and I think the track was just really heavy. Everybody is saying the pace was slow, but I just think that track had gotten really, really slow there at the end. I think in the last six races, they all came from the back. But Track Phantom got out in front and he almost held on to win and got run down by the Derby favorite. That's nothing to be upset about. You want to win, but I thought his run was brilliant.” Levinson added that he believes Track Phantom's front-running style sets him apart from many of the top colts pointing for the first Saturday in May. “I think he's a special horse this year with the fact that if you look at a lot of the contenders, they all want to run from off the pace,” he explained. “He's really one of the only speed horses. Steve has always really liked this colt and he just seems to get better each race. The plan is to win the Louisiana Derby and then take a shot at the Kentucky Derby.” L and N Racing has been to the Derby once before. In an instance of what some would call beginner's luck, Lookin at Lee (Lookin at Lucky) was the first horse their operation bought at public auction and he not only got to the Kentucky Derby in 2017, but overcame the dreaded one hole and put in a strong runner-up performance to Always Dreaming. Seven years later, the partners in L and N Racing are far from amateur owners and they've had their share of bad luck as they now hope to get to their second Kentucky Derby. They understand not only how difficult it can be to find that Grade I-level horse, but also how quickly those dreams can come crashing down. It was only a month ago that they lost their stable star Echo Zulu (Gun Runner). Campaigned in partnership with Winchell Thoroughbreds, the 2021 champion 2-year-old filly and four-time Grade I winner was training up for the Breeders' Cup last fall at Santa Anita when she suffered two broken left front sesamoids. Three months later, the talented 5-year-old sustained an injury in her stall and was euthanized. Levinson leads future champion Echo Zulu into the winner's circle after her 2021 GI Spinaway S. victory | Sarah Andrew “She is everything to us,” Levinson reflected. “I mean, she was a brilliant filly. I have a wall in my office of all of her graded stakes wins and those will be left up for as long as I'm alive. She deserved a better ending. It's just so tough and it's hard to put into words.” Echo Zulu has left a lasting impact on every aspect of L and N Racing's operation, even when it comes to their buying strategies at the sale. “We're up to about 50-50 between colts and fillies now,” Levinson reported. “God rest her soul, Echo Zulu made us more comfortable with the fillies and honestly she's probably the reason that we have Track Phantom right now. She was one of those horses that gives you the confidence to go out and make a financial risk on a horse like Track Phantom and some of the other ones we've bought.” A growing number of partnerships is another aspect of L and N's strategy that has changed in recent years so that they can increase their budget at the sales. “We'd rather buy quality over quantity at this point, so we're trying to limit what we're buying,” Levinson explained. “We really like to focus on pedigrees at the sale, buying graded stakes-type horses and if we happen to ever get lucky with one of them, hopefully they can make a stallion.” At last year's Keeneland September Sale, L and N Racing came home with four yearlings, including a $500,000 Into Mischief half-brother to MSW Mr. Buff (Friend Or Foe). The Authentic filly who was the least expensive purchase among the quartet–bought for $300,000–recently received a big pedigree update when her brother Newgate (Into Mischief) won the GI Santa Anita H. Hot Springs native and successful Oaklawn-based owner Jerry Caroom is a partner on that Authentic filly and is also in on Track Phantom. Track Phantom's ownership group also includes Clark Brewster, another Levinson family friend from Tulsa, and the colt's breeder, Breeze Easy LLC. “The ownership group is a lot of fun,” said Levinson. “We're very close to all these people and we'd just love to see everybody at the Derby for the first Saturday in May and get to take a shot and see if we could win it.” Levinson knows a lot can happen in the next six weeks, so for now he plans on enjoying every moment of the weekend and soaking in the highs of the sport as they come. “We love the animals and we love everything about this sport, but it's a game where if you're not prepared for disappointment, you shouldn't be in it,” he said. “If you win one out of every ten times, you're doing okay. It's that 10 or 15% of the time when you do win that keeps you coming back.” The post “We’re confident he’s going to run,” L & N Racing’s Track Phantom Headlines Louisiana Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Royal Ascot and Dubai Carnival winners feature among 48 lots set to be offered by Godolphin at the 2024 Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Racing in Dubai Sale, which will be staged at Meydan Racecourse on Tuesday, March 26, four days before the Dubai World Cup meeting. Godolphin have sold over 450 horses at the ERA Racing in Dubai Sale since it was introduced in December 2015. They include the former Charlie Appleby trainee North America (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who later won at the top level for Satish Seemar having been bought for AED140,000 (approximately €35,000) in 2016. Drafted (Field Commission) was another high-profile graduate after being purchased for just AED40,000 (€10,000) in 2017 as he went on to become a five-time winner at Meydan, notably landing a pair of Group 3 races at the track. He was trained by Doug Watson, who has since enjoyed more success with a similar recruit in Golden Goal (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a Group 2 winner following his sale for AED210,000 (€53,000) in 2018. Of the 48 lots consigned by Godolphin this year, 22 of them are by Dubawi, including the five-year-old Secret State (Ire) (lot 41), who gained his biggest success when winning the 2022 King George V H. at Royal Ascot. His sire is also represented by the likes of Goldspur (Ire) (lot 32), who won the G3 Zetland S. at Newmarket as a juvenile and still has relatively few miles on the clock for one of his age, and First Ruler (GB) (lot 36), a full-brother to Ghaiyyath (Ire) who was successful at last year's Dubai Carnival. Venetian Style (GB) (lot 40), who topped the 2021 Tattersalls December Foal Sale at 1.8 million gns, is also catalogued after being placed recently at Chelmsford. As for proven performers at the 2024 Carnival, Ruling Dynasty (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) (lot 46) is set to go under the hammer having been among the winners at Meydan as recently as last month, while Highbank (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 47) should also attract plenty of interest having been beaten just a length when filling the runner-up spot on his most recent outing at the track. “Marie Sullivan [Godolphin's bloodstock sales manager] said that these are the best of the horses that Godolphin are selling,” summed up Sam Shinsky, the ERA's head of integrity and regulation. “They sell a lot of horses, but the best ones that they're going to sell are kept for this sale. “I think there are 22 sons of Dubawi and they're obviously well sought-after, versatile horses who go on both surfaces. A lot of the time with these horses–as we've seen with North America–they're untried on dirt, so some of them really take to it and end up having a second lease of life out here. Every year a decent horse or two comes out of it. This year we've got 48 lots and I'm sure something from it will go on to be a success.” The ERA Racing in Dubai Sale was first introduced with the main objective being to increase racehorse ownership within the UAE. As such, there is a condition in place which prevents horses purchased at the sale from being exported until the completion of the 2024/25 racing season [April 2025]. Explaining why the restriction is in place, Shinsky added, “These horses could be sold back in the UK and probably make more money there. But the idea is to try and increase or maintain our thoroughbred population and give people who are living over here–or anybody who wants to race a horse over here–an opportunity to buy a well-bred horse at a discounted rate compared to what you'd have to pay elsewhere.” Mike Kaye, the founder and principal of Touch Gold Racing, is a big advocate of what the ERA is trying to do with a sale which has been the source of two of the syndicate's most successful horses, Raven's Corner (Ire) (Raven's Pass) and Leading Spirit (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). G3 Dubawi S. winner Raven's Corner was bought for AED135,000 (€34,000) by trainer Satish Seemar in 2016, while Leading Spirit was secured for AED400,000 (€101,000) in 2018 and now has his sights set on the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on World Cup night having guaranteed his place in the field with victory in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal on Super Saturday. “It's a great opportunity for a syndicate like us,” Kaye said of the sale. “The horses are very well-bred and every sale produces a few horses that go on to be competitive at Group level and even run on World Cup night. “The sale has definitely become more popular, and the prices seem to rise year on year, but hopefully we'll still be able to find some value. More importantly, the sale helps boost the quality of the local horse population, so it's definitely important that they continue to enforce that the horses can't be immediately exported to race elsewhere.” Looking ahead to this year's sale, Kaye added, “We'll do the work as usual and then see how the prices are. There are plenty of nice types on paper, but you never really know until you see them in the flesh whether they look like they will take to training and racing on dirt. It would certainly be nice to find another Raven's Corner or Leading Spirit, though!” The post Classy Godolphin Runners to be Sold at ERA Racing in Dubai Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On Mar. 19, Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (DTHA) signed a three-year contract, which includes an agreement for year-round stabling and training, the track said in a release Friday morning. The year-round stall application, and related fee schedule, will be released later this summer. Opening day for the upcoming 87th live racing season is May 15 with racing on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The 75-day meet is scheduled to conclude Oct. 12. “I am pleased to announce this multi-year contract,” said Delaware Park Chief Financial Officer Kevin DeLucia. “We have worked hard to provide safe and exciting racing in the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic region and this contract ensures we will continue to attract quality horses and stables to Delaware.” “Delaware Park's commitment to provide year-round stabling and training again has been very well received by our horsemen,” said DTHA President Tim Ritchey. The post Delaware Park And Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Sign Three-Year Contract appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veterinary regulatory and analytical experts gathered this week in Dublin for the biennial European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee (EHSLC) conference. Hosted by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, the conference began on Tuesday and concluded on Thursday and consisted of various working parties who held lengthy discussions relating to their expertise within the regulatory framework. Delegates of racing regulators in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Norway and Sweden were present, while members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the Japanese Racing Association (JRA), the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) were also in attendance in an observatory capacity. Speaking at the conference, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer/Head of Anti-Doping, Lynn Hillyer said, “The IHRB is delighted to welcome and host this expert group in Dublin for important scientific veterinary and regulatory discussions. It is a critical part of our work to maintain close engagement with international horseracing bodies, exercising leadership where appropriate, to ensure consistency of regulatory standards as per our commitment to Integrity in our 2024-2027 Statement of Strategy. As Chair of the International Group of Specialist Regulatory Veterinarians (IGSRV), I believe that this meeting of European colleagues provides an invaluable opportunity to share best practice.” The EHSLC was formed in 1992 following a discussion between the Stewards of France, Great Britain and Ireland on the need for greater co-operation in technical areas and their wish to encourage co-operation in research to successfully counter future challenges concerning the control of prohibited substances in racing. The post IHRB Hosts European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Juddmonte International, rated the Longines World's Best Race in 2020, will be run for a record £1.25 million in 2024, York Racecourse and Juddmonte announced on Friday. In 2023, the Juddmonte International was worth £1 million and produced another high-class winner in Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who ended the year as the joint highest-rated horse in the world outside Japan. The feature event on the opening day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival also retained its position as one of the top ten races in the world. The 25 percent increase in prize-money for 2024 cements the Juddmonte International as the richest race ever run on the Knavesmire, as well as being the joint most valuable all-aged contest staged at a racecourse-owned fixture in Britain. The support of Juddmonte for this flagship contest dates back to 1989. Over those 35 years, it has regularly featured the famous green and pink silks of the late Prince Khalid Abdullah, with them crossing the line in front on two occasions, courtesy of Twice Over (2011) and, most famously, Frankel (2012). William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course at York Racecourse, said, “We are delighted to announce this boost to the prize fund of our flagship race, the Juddmonte International, to £1.25m, confirming it as the richest race ever run at York. Juddmonte Day on Wednesday, August 21 is a tremendous way to open the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, on the first of three World Pool racedays. “The significant increase in prize-money forms part of a wider strategy to ensure the race continues to attract the best horses in the world for racing followers at York and beyond, to enjoy. From Roberto to Sea The Stars, Frankel, to one of his progeny, Mostahdaf, just last year, it is a race that consistently attracts the best in equine talent. Juddmonte have been fantastic partners and curators of this race with York since 1989 and we remain deeply appreciative of their wonderful support of York and wider British racing.” On behalf of Juddmonte, chief executive offficer, Douglas Erskine Crum, said, “In our 35th year of sponsorship, this 25 percent increase in value demonstrates both York and Juddmonte's commitment to increasing prize-money and further enhancing the Juddmonte International's status as one of the world's very best races. We congratulate York on consistently making prize-money a top priority across all their meetings, thereby taking the lead amongst UK racecourses.” The post Record Prize-Money Announced for the 2024 Juddmonte International appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

The consistent Lugal (Jpn), by the much lamented reigning Japanese Champion Sire Duramente (Jpn), has never contested a Group 1 race, but that is all about to change in Sunday's G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen at Chukyo over 1200 metres. Bearing the burden of favouritism in this fully subscribed 18-strong affair, the 4-year-old will leave from stall six. Never worse than fourth in his past 10 trips to the post, Lugal ran second in the G3 Keihan Hai to Toshin Macau (Jpn) (Big Arthur {Jpn}) in his sophomore finale in November, with that rival returning to add the G3 Ocean S. to his ledger at Nakayama, defeating Big Caesar (Jpn) (Big Arthur {Jpn}) on Mar. 2. The favourite, too, made a winning 2024 bow, taking the G3 Silk Road S. going this trip at Kyoto on Jan. 28. Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said of Lugal, “He was in great shape for the Silk Road S. and he started well. Two weeks ago, his fast work up the hill was very impressive. Last week, even with the bad ground, his footwork was almost too good. He's still a bit heavy, but I think with one more workout he'll be ready.” Mama Cocha (Jpn) (Kurofune), winner of the G1 Sprinters S. in October defeating Mad Cool (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the process, finished her year with a fifth-place effort to Win Marvel (Jpn) (I'll Have Another) in the 1400-metre G2 Hanshin Cup in December. That rival, meanwhile, made a winning 2024 start in the G3 Hankyu Hai over the 1400-metre trip and will be cutting back to that distance for the first time since finishing sixth to Mama Cocha in the Sprinters. Yasutoshi Ikee, trainer of the Mama Cocha, said, “She's heading into the race without a prep mainly due to the fact that I didn't see a race that suited her regarding such things as the weight she'd have to carry or the distance. However, she is a horse that does well with a sharpener, so I brought her back to Ritto early and the work she has been getting should be enough to cover for the lack. I think she's in the same condition as she was for the Sprinters S. As for the race strategy, I'm leaving all the details up to Yuga Kawada. I think she can handle the distance. I'm just hoping the weather will hold.” The Takamatsunomiya Kinen also features Hong Kong raider Victor The Winner (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}), who leaves from stall 10 under Derek Leung for trainer Danny Shum. Hong Kong's Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) first scooped the prize in 2015. The 5-year-old, who will be racing left-handed for the first time, claimed the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin going this trip on Jan. 28. “He arrived late on Monday after quarantine,” Leung told the Hong Kong Jockey Club notes team. “There was a traffic jam, so he was spent a lot of time on the truck. At first, he was a little bit tired but after that, he was fine. The first time he galloped, he had a look around–same as at Sha Tin, he always looks around. It was a bit exciting for him because it was quite new. “In the gallop, when I asked him for a little effort, he did it for me. The last 200 [metres], he gave me a good finish–not too tough for him. It was good.” The G3 Kyoto Himba S. one-two of So Dazzling (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Namura Clair (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}), who ran second in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen and third in Mama Cocha's Sprinters S. both in 2023, will leave from gates eight and three, respectively. Last year's G1 NHK Mile Cup heroine Champagne Color (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) will be trying the shortest trip of her career on Sunday, and is to the immediate outside of So Dazzling. The post Duramente’s Lugal Aiming For Takamatsunomiya Kinen Glory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fantastic Moon (Ger) has emulated his sire Sea The Moon (Ger) not just by winning the G1 Deutsches Derby but now also in being crowned German Horse of Year for 2023. The colt, owned by Liberty Racing, won the oldest public vote in the history of German sport, which took place on his fourth birthday, March 21. “We are very proud of this title. Fantastic Moon absolutely deserves it,” said Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten, the co-founder of the colt's ownership syndicate Liberty Racing. “His magnificent victory in the 2023 German Derby and his superior victory as the first German horse in the Prix Niel in Paris have clearly shown that he is currently Germany's best horse, and the fans have now confirmed this with their vote for the Sea The Moon colt.” Sea The Moon was himself made Horse of the Year following his 11-length Derby win in 2014. The Lanwades Stud resident had an emphatic influence on the German Classics last season and was also responsible for the first three home in the G1 Preis der Diana, led by Muskoka (Ger), who was bred by Baumgarten. Fantastic Moon remains in training with Sarah Steinberg in Munich with the aim being for him to make his seasonal debut at Hoppegarten in the Listed Preis von Dahlwitz on Easter Sunday. His runner-up in the Derby, Mr Hollywood (Ire) (Iquitos {Ger}), is also entered for the race. After Berlin, the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp at the end of April is also under consideration for Fantastic Moon. Baumgarten added, “He is only the second Derby winner in the past 23 years to win this award, likely because he has built up a large fanbase. We thank everyone who voted for him and of course his team around trainer Sarah Steinberg and jockey Rene Piechulek for the outstanding work with our hero.” His co-founder in Liberty Racing, Nadine Siepmann, said, “As a child, I was impressed every year watching the Horse of the Year vote on TV, and now our horse has won the vote, which is so great.” There are 22 members in the ownership group for Fantastic Moon, and this represents the first time that the German Horse of the Year has been owned by a syndicate. Liberty Racing was set up in 2020 and now has seven active syndicates with 16 horses in training for more than 100 shareholders. Siepmann added, “Owner syndicates are enormously important for horse racing in order to introduce the great thoroughbred horses to new people. That's why it's all the more wonderful that these communities also win big races and own great horses, that's the best advertising.” Fantastic Moon was bred by Philipp and Marion Stauffenberg from the Jukebox Jury (Ire) mare Frangipani (Ger). Now 10, the mare is due to foal to Sea The Stars (Ire) and she will return to Sea The Moon (Ger) this season. The post Horse of the Year Honours for Fantastic Moon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four years ago, Elle Sole hadn’t even watched a horse race let alone have an inkling of pursuing a career in the sport, but now she can call herself a winning jockey. Growing up riding her pony in the bush, racing was never in the picture for Sole until she started doing work experience with local New Plymouth trainer John Wheeler while at school, so it was only fitting that she recorded her first win aboard one of his horses at New Plymouth on Friday. The 20-year-old apprentice jockey was riding at her first meeting and Wheeler had given her three rides, with the best left until last – Herbert in the Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Maiden (1600m). Sole started off the day with a sixth place aboard Keen On Bubbles in the Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration Maiden (1200m), but her confidence took a hit when she finished last aboard Zivjeli in the Grangewilliam Stud 1400m. However, her confidence was quickly restored knowing she had her best winning chance to come, and she didn’t disappoint, steering Herbert to a 1-3/4 length victory, rewarding both Wheeler and punters alike, who had backed him into $1.70 favouritism. Sole was rapt to get the result, particularly aboard a horse she rides every day for her employer, Wheeler. “He is one of the best horses in the stable at the moment, he is a very nice horse,” Sole said. “He is quiet as and he doesn’t put a foot wrong. He just wonders around and does his own thing. I have been riding him every day since he came back from the breakers. “It was pretty cool to get that win. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me.” Sole was particularly grateful to Wheeler, who took her under his wing as a school student with no racing knowledge or background and nurtured her talent and enthusiasm for riding that she had honed in the bush as a kid. “My Mum and Dad are logging contractors. They never rode horses and one day I asked for a pony, and they bought me a 12 hand pony,” Sole said. “Dad used to take me to work with him and I would ride around the bush. I didn’t do any competing, I just rode around on my pony until I was 16. “I was doing work experience in the logging industry with my Dad and Mum, and they asked me what else I was interested in because they wanted me to have two days out of school. I said I was interested in horses, so they rang up a few trainers and I got into John Wheelers. “I didn’t know anything about racing, I hadn’t even watched a race before I worked at John’s. He took me to a jumpout one day and I asked him how do I become a jockey? “I was grateful and happy to get the win for John because he has done a lot for me over the last four years.” Wheeler got just as much satisfaction out of the win and said it was great he was able to reward Sole for all her hard work at his stable over the last few years. “She has been working for me for nearly four years. She has got a great work ethic, is very loyal, so I had to be loyal to her, that is why I gave her a winning ride,” Wheeler said. “It is good if you can get them (apprentice jockeys) going and once they win a race they settle down as riders and think about things a bit more when they get the monkey off their back.” Coming from a non-racing background, Wheeler said Sole has had her work cut out for her over the last few years, but she has been more than up to the task. “She is a really good rider in her own right, the issue that people like her have is that she comes from a non-racing family, so it takes a long time to learn the lingo and the idiosyncrasies of the industry,” he said. Wheeler was also pleased to see Herbert, who he owns with good mates Carey Hobbs and Dennis “Herbert” Dunn, breakthrough for his maiden win after five previous runner-up results. “He drew the outside, did a fair bit of work in the running and he was too strong in the straight, but to be fair he is a class above those horses,” Wheeler said. “It was great to get the win with a couple of good mates. Dennis’ nickname is Herbert Hunt, that is why we named him (horse) Herbert. He had a roofing company in Melbourne for a long time. He is a Kiwi and he retired and came back to New Zealand, and he is now a salesman for Signature Homes. He is enjoying it back here and he has got a good horse. Carey and I have been mates for 50 years and we still have a beer together most Friday nights. It is great to have a friend like him.” Sole is looking forward to continuing her career as a jockey, with her immediate focus on improving as a rider. “I am not too worried about the winners because they will come, I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing, thinking smart, and riding well,” she said. View the full article

It has been confirmed that Sands Of Mali (Fr) will remain at Ballyhane Stud, where he has stood since his retirement in 2021. This is contrary to a statement released on Tuesday by Steve Parkin's Dullingham Park. The Group 1-winning sprinter has his first runners this season. His former stud-mates at Ballyhane, Asymmetric (Ire) and Space Traveller (GB), have moved to Micheal Orlandi's Starfield Stud in Co Westmeath. A statement released by Ballyhane Stud on Friday morning cited “a breakdown in the business relationship between Clipper principal Steve Parkin and Ballyhane stud owner Joe Foley.” It read, “It was agreed that stallions wholly owned by the Clipper operation would not stand at the Carlow farm in the future and, as a consequence, Asymmetric and Space Traveller moved to Starfield stud near Mullingar on Wednesday.” The G2 Richmond S. winner Asymmetric recently commenced covering his first book of mares, while Space Traveller (GB), who won the Clipper-sponsored G2 Boomerang S. at Leopardstown, is in his second season at stud. “We both thought this was the best way forward and I wish the team at Starfield all the best with the two horses,” said Joe Foley. “As Sands of Mali is a partnership horse, he will remain at Ballyhane where his book has been increasing significantly due to highly encouraging reports of his first crop of two-year-olds.” He added, “It has been a great adventure helping Steve and his family build his racing and breeding operation into what it has become today and I'm proud of the top horses that I've sourced for them over the years. I wish them all the best into the future, especially on the racetrack this year where the Clipper and Bronte teams have an exciting string of horses preparing for the season ahead.” Parkin's homebred Group 1 winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) is currently second-favourite in the betting for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, while her stable-mate at Karl Burke's Spigot Lodge, Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {GB}), shortened significantly in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas market following his wide-margin win at Southwell on Wednesday. Bred by Linden Bloodstock, he was bought for Parkin by Foley as a foal. The post Sands Of Mali to Remain at Ballyhane Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Danny Shum’s relentless front runner must overcome barrier 10 if he is to snare Sunday’s Group One Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1,200m) at ChukyoView the full article

British jockey backs regally bred import to produce best local run in city’s most coveted raceView the full article

After giving up his job as a stock trader to pursue his passion for racing, Andy Lo hopes Massive Sovereign can prove himself every bit a champion this weekendView the full article

What Hong Kong Derby Day Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, March 24, 2024 First Race 12:45pm HKT (3:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The four-year-olds take centre stage at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) headlining a bumper 10-race program. The rail moves back into the A position for the entire circuit, and although there are some scattered showers anticipated in the lead-up, it shouldn’t affect the current Good 4 rating. The action is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Hong Kong Derby Tip: Star Mac Star Mac stamped himself as a leading contender in Sunday’s feature after powering through the wire in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 3. He was near-last turning for home and made a long run down the centre of the course, suggesting the 2000m would be ideal for the son of Heroic Valour. The David Hayes-trained gelding should get the softest possible run in transit from stall one, and provided he can get clear when the whips are cracking, Star Mac will look the winner at some stage. Hong Kong Derby Race 7 – #14 Star Mac (1) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Karis Teetan (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Bet at Sha Tin: Geneva Geneva has produced consecutive runner-up performances since debuting at this course and distance on January 1 and looks prepared to strike third-up. The three-year-old was luckless in his most recent start, as he was held up for a run at a crucial stage before reeling off some eye-catching late sectionals. Hugh Bowman takes the reins once again, and with barrier five giving him every possible chance, Geneva can finally chalk up a much-deserved maiden victory. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Geneva (5) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Hugh Bowman (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Sky Trust Sky Trust has been crying out for a step up in trip to 1400m. The son of So You Think has produced flashing-light performances in his last two outings, giving the impression that his rivals have simply proved too sharp over the sprinting journey. Blake Shinn makes his way back to Hong Kong for Derby Day, and with the Australian hoop already afforded race-day experience aboard Sky Trust, watch for the pair to be doing their best work late. Next Best Race 6 – #10 Sky Trust (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Blake Shinn (58kg) Bet with Unibet Best Value at Sha Tin: Full Credit Full Credit was cast three wide without cover on his debut at this course and distance on March 3, and despite the torrid run, the three-year-old fought to the wire and only went down by 2.5 lengths. Lyle Hewitson may have his work cut out for him from the sticky draw in gate nine, but at the big odds with HK racing bookmakers, Full Credit has strong each-way claims. Best Value Race 3 – #5 Full Credit (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark Newnham | J: Lyle Hewitson (57.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Hong Kong Derby Day 2024 quaddie tips Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, March 24, 2024 1-2-4-14 2-6-7-8-9 1-2-4-11 1-2-4-5-8-14 Horse racing tips View the full article

Eleven months after claiming her first black-type win in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton, talented mare Miss Layla will shoot for another major prize over the same course and distance this weekend. The locally trained daughter of Burgundy will line up in Saturday’s Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. It will be the third start in stakes company this season for the four-year-old, who finished third in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in November and second in the Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m) in January. In her only appearance since those two black-type placings, Miss Layla finished ninth after a luckless run in a 1600m Rating 65 at Riccarton on February 23. “She ran a fantastic race in the Timaru Stakes, and then last time she was slow out of the gates and just ended up in a position where we didn’t really want to be,” said Anna Furlong, who trains in partnership with Shane Kennedy. “She took a while to get into the clear, but once she did, she still let down pretty well. We were happy with the run, considering the circumstances. “We’ve been really pleased with her in between times and we think she’s ready to go on Saturday. She won a stakes race over a mile at around this time last season, so we don’t have any worries about her at that trip. It should suit her well.” Miss Layla headlines a five-strong team at Riccarton for Kennedy and Furlong, who will also have dual representation in the Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO (1000m). First-starter Lil Zena is a particularly interesting runner, having won a trial at Riccarton earlier this month. The second placegetter in that 800m heat was Quintefeuille, who was a six-length winner of a two-year-old race at Riccarton in February. “It was nice to get a line on her against a proven race winner, and she won that trial nicely,” Furlong said. “It’s a relatively short turnaround into this race, which isn’t really ideal, but we didn’t have any other option. She seems to have taken good improvement from the trial and we’ve been happy with her build-up to this race.” Stablemate Rose Of Dublin has had one start, finishing fifth behind Nucleozor at Wingatui on March 2. “She was just a little bit green and new,” Furlong said. “She was the first to load and it was a reasonably big field, and she got a bit upset while she was waiting in the gates. Then she was quite crowded down on the rail and didn’t really enjoy it. She’s drawn nine this time and will hopefully be able to find a more comfortable position.” Kennedy and Furlong’s other two runners are Iffididit in the Cochranes Farm Machinery & Pat Reardon Family Rating 75 (2000m) and Kikimora in the Go Racing Karaka Millions Winners 2024 Rating 65 (1200m). “We expect the 2000m to really suit Iffididit,” Furlong said. “He had his first go at the trip last time and things didn’t really go his way. He got a long way back and there wasn’t really enough speed in the race to drag him into it. The rail being quite far out didn’t help him either. We’ll see if we can put him into the race a little bit more this time. “Kikimora’s having her first run since early January and we’re claiming 3kg. We wouldn’t be surprised to see her run a bold race.” View the full article

Saturday’s Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga marks the black-type debut for Rudyard, and the in-form four-year-old benefits from a 5kg drop in weights from his previous appearance. The son of Charm Spirit and Group One-performed mare Lady Kipling began the season with two wins to his name from 12 starts. He had earned just over $36,000 in stakes at that stage, and his rating was 65. Rudyard has added another three wins and three placings to his record from eight starts since then, lifting his earnings to $263,225 and his rating to 85. Rudyard won a Rating 65 at Pukekohe in November and a Rating 75 at Ellerslie in the middle of January. He was then thrown in at the deep end in the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27, where he was a gallant third behind Group One stars Desert Lightning and Legarto. Trainer Tony Pike stepped Rudyard up to open class for another victory at Ellerslie on February 17, and then he finished fourth behind Adam I Am under a tough 60kg topweight at the same venue on March 9. “He was really a victim of the lack of depth in our open ranks at the moment, going all the way from 55.5kg to 60kg after just one win in an open handicap,” Pike said. “He goes back down to 55kg again this weekend. The spread in the weights means he’s still not all that well off under the set weights and penalties conditions of the race, but we’ll definitely take the five-kilo swing. “He’s racing in really good form this season, the best of his career so far. His best performances to date seem to have come at Ellerslie, but we’re very happy with him and we think he can be highly competitive on Saturday against what looks like quite an even field.” Rudyard will be ridden by Michael McNab and is rated a $6 equal favourite alongside Jaarffi in the TAB’s Japan Trophy market. Pike has indicated that a return to Ellerslie for the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) on April 20 could be on Rudyard’s agenda later in the autumn. Pike has two other favourites for Saturday’s Tauranga meeting, with Hat Trick rated a $2.80 chance for the Peter Clarke Bayleys Residential (1400m) and Overdrawn at $3.50 for the J Swap Contractors (1200m). Hat Trick finished fifth in his only start last season, but has made a bold return as a four-year-old this summer with impressive victories at Pukekohe on February 21 and Ellerslie on March 9. “He’s obviously a smart horse in the making and has won his last couple in very good style,” Pike said. “Going up in grade is never easy, but if he’s able to go forward from his wide gate and get into a good position close to the speed, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right in the finish again.” Overdrawn cleared maiden ranks at New Plymouth in early December and has placed in all of his three starts since. “He’s been running in some strong Rating 65 races on Group One racedays and has performed very well,” Pike said. “Dropping back from 1400m to 1200m is a bit of a query, and from a wide gate as well, but I can’t fault him at the moment and he deserves another winning turn.” Pike warmed up for the weekend with a bold maiden win by Investigate over 2000m at New Plymouth on Friday. That three-length victory came at the fifth time of asking for the Dundeel gelding, who had placed in all of his last three starts. That included a third at Matamata behind subsequent Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) placegetter Qali Al Farrasha. “It may not have been an overly strong field today, but he’d been knocking on the door,” Pike said. “It was good to see him go out and score quite a comprehensive win. “He still has some maturing to do, so he’ll go to the paddock now and should come back as a nice staying prospect as a four-year-old.” Meanwhile, Pike reported that promising three-year-old Witz End has earned himself a shot at black-type level during the Sydney autumn carnival. The Savabeel gelding has had four starts for two wins and two seconds. He won both of his first two races, then finished second at Taupo and was runner-up behind Grail Seeker in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) on March 16. “We’ve been really happy with him since Trentham, and if that continues to be the case, we’ll look at taking him to Sydney for the Carbine Club Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) during The Championships at Randwick (on April 6),” Pike said. “He’s still got a bit to learn, and I think a trip away like that could be the making of him.” View the full article