Wandering Eyes

Elite front-running mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) triumphed in a captivating edition of the A$3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainer Ciaron Maher and regular rider Declan Bates. The dual Group One winner is known for being able to sustain a strong tempo for longer and once she found the lead within the first furlong for Bates, the pair set a building pace that had several of her rivals gasping a long way from home. The Trelawney Stud-bred Pride Of Jenni kicked off the turn and maintained a good gallop to the line to defeat a gallant Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), who came from a long way off the pace to get within two lengths at the line, while Cascadian (New Approach) finished third. Raced by Tony and Lynn Ottobre, Pride Of Jenni has now won over A$5 million for connections. The first three runners across the line could potentially clash again in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 30 at Flemington. “She is quite special because you don’t get horses that can do that,” Maher said. “Most horses have a 600m sprint but she seems like she can do it for half a mile or 1000m. “She’s unbelievable. “There are obviously options in Sydney (and) the Australian Cup. “Tony has always been very keen to get her to 2000m. We were half contemplating a Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m) last year, so she’ll be hard to beat in whatever she goes in.” Maher said there had been some conjecture as to how much speed there would be in Saturday’s race, but the trainer had full faith in Bates. “He understands her, and you’ve got to have the confidence to ride her like that,” Maher said. “I said, ‘don’t worry about that, you know the horse, trust yourself and the horse, just ride the race’ and he said, ‘I just want to be smooth.’ “He never rides her bad.” Pride Of Jenni won the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington last spring and Bates said the mare had improved this campaign. “We have so much faith in her,” Bates said. “This prep, every time I’ve sat on her back, she has certainly improved from last spring. Pride Of Jenni and Declan Bates score in the A$3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) Photo: Bruno Canatelli “I didn’t want to say that out loud because of what she did last spring and not say that she might have come back better, but I think that is the case. “She is doing it, sustaining a gallop, it’s so impressive.” A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre (NZ) (O’Reilly), who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the Stud. The star mare stems from a family fashioned over generations at the famed Kiwi nursery, which has been in the Taylor family’s ownership since 1993, having been established by Seton Otway in the 1930s. Group Two winner Real Success (Success Express), the taproot of star Trelawney Stud graduates Vouvray (NZ) (Zabeel), Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), A Touch Of Ruby (NZ) (Pins) and Pride Of Jenni and many others around them was one of the first families the Taylors bought into upon taking ownership of Trelawney. Pride Of Jenni was sold at the Sydney Classic Sale for A$100,000 through the Segenhoe Stud draft, where she was purchased by Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Stud. Sancerre has a yearling filly by Per Incanto which has been retained by the Taylors and is in foal to Cambridge Stud stallion Hello Youmzain. View the full article

Elite front-running mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) triumphed in a captivating edition of the A$3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainer Ciaron Maher and regular rider Declan Bates. The dual Group One winner is known for being able to sustain a strong tempo for longer and once she found the lead within the first furlong for Bates, the pair set a building pace that had several of her rivals gasping a long way from home. The Trelawney Stud-bred Pride Of Jenni kicked off the turn and maintained a good gallop to the line to defeat a gallant Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), who came from a long way off the pace to get within two lengths at the line, while Cascadian (New Approach) finished third. Raced by Tony and Lynn Ottobre, Pride Of Jenni has now won over A$5 million for connections. The first three runners across the line could potentially clash again in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 30 at Flemington. “She is quite special because you don’t get horses that can do that,” Maher said. “Most horses have a 600m sprint but she seems like she can do it for half a mile or 1000m. “She’s unbelievable. “There are obviously options in Sydney (and) the Australian Cup. “Tony has always been very keen to get her to 2000m. We were half contemplating a Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m) last year, so she’ll be hard to beat in whatever she goes in.” Maher said there had been some conjecture as to how much speed there would be in Saturday’s race, but the trainer had full faith in Bates. “He understands her, and you’ve got to have the confidence to ride her like that,” Maher said. “I said, ‘don’t worry about that, you know the horse, trust yourself and the horse, just ride the race’ and he said, ‘I just want to be smooth.’ “He never rides her bad.” Pride Of Jenni won the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington last spring and Bates said the mare had improved this campaign. “We have so much faith in her,” Bates said. “This prep, every time I’ve sat on her back, she has certainly improved from last spring. Pride Of Jenni and Declan Bates score in the A$3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) Photo: Bruno Canatelli “I didn’t want to say that out loud because of what she did last spring and not say that she might have come back better, but I think that is the case. “She is doing it, sustaining a gallop, it’s so impressive.” A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre (NZ) (O’Reilly), who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the Stud. The star mare stems from a family fashioned over generations at the famed Kiwi nursery, which has been in the Taylor family’s ownership since 1993, having been established by Seton Otway in the 1930s. Group Two winner Real Success (Success Express), the taproot of star Trelawney Stud graduates Vouvray (NZ) (Zabeel), Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), A Touch Of Ruby (NZ) (Pins) and Pride Of Jenni and many others around them was one of the first families the Taylors bought into upon taking ownership of Trelawney. Pride Of Jenni was sold at the Sydney Classic Sale for A$100,000 through the Segenhoe Stud draft, where she was purchased by Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Stud. Sancerre has a yearling filly by Per Incanto which has been retained by the Taylors and is in foal to Cambridge Stud stallion Hello Youmzain. View the full article

Elite front-running mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) triumphed in a captivating edition of the A$3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainer Ciaron Maher and regular rider Declan Bates. The dual Group One winner is known for being able to sustain a strong tempo for longer and once she found the lead within the first furlong for Bates, the pair set a building pace that had several of her rivals gasping a long way from home. The Trelawney Stud-bred Pride Of Jenni kicked off the turn and maintained a good gallop to the line to defeat a gallant Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), who came from a long way off the pace to get within two lengths at the line, while Cascadian (New Approach) finished third. Raced by Tony and Lynn Ottobre, Pride Of Jenni has now won over A$5 million for connections. The first three runners across the line could potentially clash again in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 30 at Flemington. “She is quite special because you don’t get horses that can do that,” Maher said. “Most horses have a 600m sprint but she seems like she can do it for half a mile or 1000m. “She’s unbelievable. “There are obviously options in Sydney (and) the Australian Cup. “Tony has always been very keen to get her to 2000m. We were half contemplating a Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m) last year, so she’ll be hard to beat in whatever she goes in.” Maher said there had been some conjecture as to how much speed there would be in Saturday’s race, but the trainer had full faith in Bates. “He understands her, and you’ve got to have the confidence to ride her like that,” Maher said. “I said, ‘don’t worry about that, you know the horse, trust yourself and the horse, just ride the race’ and he said, ‘I just want to be smooth.’ “He never rides her bad.” Pride Of Jenni won the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington last spring and Bates said the mare had improved this campaign. “We have so much faith in her,” Bates said. “This prep, every time I’ve sat on her back, she has certainly improved from last spring. Pride Of Jenni and Declan Bates score in the A$3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) Photo: Bruno Canatelli “I didn’t want to say that out loud because of what she did last spring and not say that she might have come back better, but I think that is the case. “She is doing it, sustaining a gallop, it’s so impressive.” A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre (NZ) (O’Reilly), who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the Stud. The star mare stems from a family fashioned over generations at the famed Kiwi nursery, which has been in the Taylor family’s ownership since 1993, having been established by Seton Otway in the 1930s. Group Two winner Real Success (Success Express), the taproot of star Trelawney Stud graduates Vouvray (NZ) (Zabeel), Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), A Touch Of Ruby (NZ) (Pins) and Pride Of Jenni and many others around them was one of the first families the Taylors bought into upon taking ownership of Trelawney. Pride Of Jenni was sold at the Sydney Classic Sale for A$100,000 through the Segenhoe Stud draft, where she was purchased by Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Stud. Sancerre has a yearling filly by Per Incanto which has been retained by the Taylors and is in foal to Cambridge Stud stallion Hello Youmzain. View the full article

Ultra-consistent mare Red Card (Ribcester) landed her biggest prize to date when running out a comfortable winner of the Gr.3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday for trainer James Cummings. Beginning brilliantly from an inside draw, Red Card comfortably found the lead under Adam Hyeronimus and controlled proceedings throughout. A daughter of Haunui Farm stallion Ribchester, Red Card’s Group Three victory enhances her CV further, having landed the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) and Listed Queensland Day Stakes (1200m) through the Winter of her three-year-old season. “It was a great job that Adam Hyeronimus was able to do on her,” Cummings said. “She jumped so fast and she gets control of these races and she has got great natural pace. “Great credit to the work riders who are continuing to get her to settle better and better when it matters. “That is the difference between last preparation and this preparation. It is great to see and that gives me the opportunity to step her up to six furlongs if I wish to in a month’s time.” The Gr.2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 13 shapes as the most likely option, although Cummings didn’t rule out a quick back up into next week’s Gr.1 Galaxy (1100m). “I think a month to the Sapphire looks good,” Cummings said. “She will be a nice runner for us during the carnival. She is out of a Street Cry mare and she is a daughter of Ribchester but she is fast. “She is able to handle these tracks and she is in such great form.” A winner of eight of her 16 starts, Red Card has prizemoney earnings of A$721,725. The Godolphin bred and raced mare won a trial at Hawkesbury earlier in the week. “I trialled her on Monday and it was obviously a plan to target this race,” Hyeronimus said. “She was nice and fresh on Monday and needed the blow, so it was very well executed by James and it is good to get a Group Three. “Going up in grade she is probably going to get more pressure than what she did today but she handled that mid-race pressure and it didn’t seem to bother her and she settled last start, so she is taking the right steps.” After two seasons at Darley Australia, Ribchester transferred to Haunui Farm in New Zealand as the replacement for his own successful sire Iffraaj. Ribchester stands for $12,000 plus GST and stood for his fourth season in New Zealand last spring. View the full article

Saturday’s Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham delivered multiple milestones for the connections of Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent). The underrated five-year-old became the first stakes winner for her New Plymouth trainer Kim Reid, who also co-bred and part-owns the daughter of Complacent. Hi Yo Sass Bomb was ridden to her Cuddle Stakes success by Irish jockey Joe Doyle, who notched up his 100th win in New Zealand. It was also a well-deserved turn at the top of the podium for Hi Yo Sass Bomb herself. Her previous appearances at black-type level had produced a sixth in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m), fourth in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), a close fifth behind class mare Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), and a last-start second to Contribute in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m). There was a six-week gap between the Taranaki Cup and Saturday’s Cuddle Stakes, but Reid kept Hi Yo Sass Bomb up to the mark with a trial win at Foxton on March 7. She was at fever pitch for Saturday’s $120,000 fillies and mares’ feature, and she swept to an emphatic victory under a well-timed Doyle ride. Hi Yo Sass Bomb jumped well from her inside gate and slid forward in the first 100m of the race, then Doyle was happy to take up a position in third as Kelly Coe led the field down the back straight at a strong tempo. Kelly Coe opened up a big lead and was still clearly in front rounding the home turn, but then Doyle pushed the button and Hi Yo Sass Bomb pounced. She charged to the lead with 300m remaining and kicked away, keeping enough petrol in the tank to hold out a strong late challenge from Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock) and win by a long neck. “It’s bloody amazing,” said Reid, who currently has just the one horse in work and has saddled a total of five winners from 35 runners. “I was hoping all the way down the straight, and I know she’s as tough as nails. For her to get the win is amazing. It’s awesome. “She’s a real family horse. We bred her and we’ve had her all the way through, and my parents have been involved all the way through too. It’s just amazing. It’s really cool.” Hi Yo Sass Bomb’s 15-start career has now produced four wins, four placings and $163,520 in stakes. “She’s been fitting to her name, she’s been quite sassy at times, but she’s really grown into it these days and is a real professional,” Reid said. “People keep saying she’s just a mudder, but I think she’ll run on anything. She’s such a neat horse. We’ll wait and see what we do with her next, but it’s great to get this win with her.” The TAB now rates Hi Yo Sass Bomb a $14 chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 30. That market is headed by La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) ($3.20), Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) ($4), Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) ($6) and Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) ($8). Doyle was delighted to complete his century of Kiwi winners, which includes 13 at Group or Listed level. “That’s 100 New Zealand winners, and I want to thank everyone that’s looked after me over the last 18 months or so that I’ve been riding here,” he said. “Hopefully the next 100 will be as quick! “This mare was really good today. Fair play to Kim – she had her in absolutely top nick for this race. We travelled comfortably all the way and we were going a good, strong gallop. She picked up well and hit the line strongly. “It’s a big day for Kim and the team, and I was very happy to do the steering for them. “I would have been happy enough to lead, but luckily enough we had a hare to chase down. It was just a comfortable, easy win in the end. I’m delighted.” View the full article

Australian hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor has made his first visit to New Zealand a memorable one by guiding promising filly Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) to a hollow victory in the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham. The Queensland-based rider struck up a friendship with trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott when he rode trackwork for the pair during the Queensland winter carnival last year, and was quick to take up an invitation to ride members of their team at Trentham including the daughter of Iffraaj along with El Roca filly Cupid’s Arrow (NZ) in the feature event, the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Wilson-Taylor has more than 320 winners to his name in a short career so far, including a maiden Group One victory aboard Palaisipan (So You Think) in last year’s Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm, but had never previously ridden outside Australia until Saturday. He showed an immediate affinity with the roomy Trentham track as he produced an exemplary effort aboard Grail Seeker, settling her quietly near the rear and biding his time until asking her for an effort in the final 200m of the contest. Grail Seeker burst through the pack to dash away from her rivals, winning easing down by three lengths from the late closing Witz End (NZ) (Savabeel), with outsider New Millennium (NZ) (Charm Spirit) battling on gamely for third. Co-trainer Andrew Scott heaped plenty of praise on Wilson-Taylor as well as the filly, who he believes has an exciting future ahead of her. “She was pretty dominant there and it is great for Kyle to come over and ride her and a huge thrill for Team Wexford,” Scott said. “She really deserved a win like this as it would have been a real shame if she had gone to the paddock without a win like that in her three-year-old campaign. “She has a good future as she is a big, raw filly who is only going to get better with age. “Kyle was in Queensland last winter and we got talking to him, we thought what a nice guy and he can really ride. “When he rang us out of the blue, we were happy to get him on and hopefully he is keen to come back again and ride her, as she relaxed the best she ever has for him.” For his part Wilson-Taylor was thrilled to repay the O’Sullivan Scott camp for the faith they showed in him after meeting up last winter. “That’s very satisfying and shows that helping people out when they need a hand can lead to good things,” he said. “Geez what a good filly as she got me out of a bit of trouble and she was just dominant. “I had planned to get back and ride for luck and I’m just pumped. “She has a very short, sharp turn of foot and we were able to ride her to execute that. “I’m just very thankful for the opportunity and it is great to ride a good winner here.” Raced by Trevor Clarke and Chris Jones, Grail Seeker was a $130,000 purchase by Rudy Liefting under his Kakapo Lodge banner from her breeder Jamieson Park’s draft during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka in 2022. Her dam Starwish is a Redoute’s Choice daughter of Gr.1 Australia Stakes (1200m) winner Stella Cadente (Centaine) and she comes from a family that includes stakes winners Deep Image (NZ) (Lord Ballina), Brilliant Bisc (Elvstroem) and outstanding Hong Kong sprinter Dashing Fellow (Duporth). View the full article

Almost two decades after riding Creil to victory in the Gr.1 Avondale Cup (2200m) as an apprentice jockey, multi-talented horseman Chad Ormsby climbed the same mountain in a different way when Pulchritudinous- (NZ) (Wrote) won the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Ormsby now trains a small team at Cambridge, saddling eight winners so far this season including Pulchritudinous in the Oaks and Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2000m), along with Master Fay (Deep Field) in the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m). “Things like a Group One win are what we strive for,” Ormsby said. “I really can’t thank my team enough. The people on the ground make it all possible. “We’re only a small team, around five racehorses, but we bat above our weight and I’m so grateful to the people around us. My mother-in-law has a share in this filly, along with her partner, and they do so much for us with all the days and nights that they look after our kids. It’s a great thrill.” Training is just one of a number of pursuits for Ormsby, who remarkably won a bull-riding competition at a rodeo on Saturday morning – mere hours before his Oaks triumph. Ormsby also prepares Ready to Run Sale drafts under his Riverrock Farm banner, and Oaks heroine Pulchritudinous was originally intended to be a pinhook for that two-year-old sale at Karaka. Ormsby bought the Wrote filly for $32,500 as a yearling at Karaka 2022, but she was passed in when he offered her with a $50,000 reserve at the Ready to Run Sale later that year. “A lot of pride and joy goes into a filly like this, who we bought cheaply and ended up not being able to sell,” Ormsby said. “She’s managed to go on and prove herself.” Pulchritudinous showed promise with a 1400m maiden win in her second career start back in October, but it has only been in the last eight days that she has really made her mark. She stepped up beyond 1600m for the first time and scored an impressive win in the rescheduled Lowland Stakes at Taupo on March 8, then stepped into the Group One spotlight for the Oaks barely a week later. Ridden by Warren Kennedy, Pulchritudinous settled in ninth place alongside the rail as Harlow Rocks (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) set a solid pace out in front and turned the fillies’ classic into a true staying test. Kennedy got her off the fence at the 700m mark and began to creep closer, moving up behind the leading pack and poised to pounce. Pulchritudinous swooped around the home turn and quickly loomed large on the outside of Harlow Rocks, Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor), Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor) and Race Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace). Kennedy sent Pulchritudinous into full flight at the 300m mark and she surged to the lead, pulling away from Positivity and Qali Al Farrasha to win by a length and three-quarters in an impressive display of stamina and class. Pulchritudinous has now had seven starts for three wins and a placing, earning $389,205 in stakes. “We nominated her for the Oaks very early and always had hope,” Ormsby said. We thought there might be some concerns around whether we might get there or if it might come up a bit too soon for her, but the ability was always there. I’m really, really rapt.” Last year’s Oaks was the first leg of a classic double for Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), who added the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in her next start. Ormsby is unsure whether he will attempt to follow the same path. “I don’t know about that, and I think maybe the paddock might be beckoning,” he said. “But having said that, she hasn’t batted an eyelid with anything that we’ve chucked at her so far, and that’s a great attribute to have.” Kennedy took special satisfaction from Saturday’s Oaks victory, having previously been cruelly denied a win in the South African equivalent. “I’ve always wanted to win an Oaks,” he said. “Covid hit when I had a really good chance in South Africa, so I couldn’t travel to ride her. I missed out on what turned out to be a winning ride. So to win one here in my new home is fantastic. “We found a dream spot in the running and she travelled sweetly all the way. She really worked away at them down the straight and won with a bit in hand in the end. “She’s very progressive. She’s only tried this sort of trip twice now and won both times. She’s done the job today and done it really well.” Pulchritudinous was bred by Tony Rider, who offered her under his Milan Park banner as a yearling at Karaka. She is the first Group One winner for Highview Stud stallion Wrote. Victories in the Lowland Stakes and Oaks have rapidly lifted Pulchritudinous to 20 points in the NZB Filly of the Year Series, finishing in second place on the table. The runaway winner was Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) with 28 points. View the full article

John Size’s rising star the headline act as Mauritian jockey puts a frustrating run of near misses behind himView the full article

Exciting Savabeel three-year-old Wymark runs out a strong winner at Rosehill. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Talented three-year-old Wymark will be put on a Classic path after a strong win against older horses at Rosehill on Saturday. The Michael Freedman-trained son of Savabeel made it three wins in succession with Saturday’s metropolitan victory following a pair of soft victories at Newcastle. Wymark set a new track record for the Newcastle 1850m when winning his start prior by a whopping 9.25 lengths and produced another impressive performance when scoring by just under three lengths on Saturday under a perfect Tommy Berry ride. Having put in some good performances at two, including a luckless third behind subsequent multiple Group One winner Militarize on debut, Freedman believes gelding the well-related youngster has helped make the horse. “He has probably surprised me a little bit with how much he has kept improving as I have stretched his races out, as early doors I thought he was a 1400m-miler type,” Freedman said. “But since we gelded him and brought him back this preparation he has just kept getting better and better. “It’s exciting. We will have a look at the Tulloch Stakes (Group 2, 2000m) in two weeks’ time and then see what happens after that.” Freedman is keen to follow a preparation similar to Major Beel, who finished runner-up in last year’s Tulloch Stakes before landing the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m), which shapes as a natural target. “It has been an interesting form race this over the past couple of years,” Freedman said. “Major Beel finished fourth in it last year and then went on and won the Derby and Benaud of John O’Shea’s did something similar (fifth) and ran second in the Derby. “I think he is an exciting young horse for sure.” With 54.5kgs on his back, Wymark carried a half-kilo over his carded weight, but it mattered little. Winning jockey Tommy Berry was not surprised by the ease of the win after an impressive piece of work mid-week. “I galloped him on Tuesday morning and he just put in one of those staying pieces of work that said ‘you’re ready to go to the next step and put your hand up’,” Berry said. “He has done it against the older horses today at a half (kilogram over) and he did it so well and was very strong through the line. “If you can find a stayer with a turn of foot, it’s gold. “Michael has done a great job taking him through his grades. He gave him a couple of confidence-boosting wins at Newcastle and he is a horse full of confidence and so are we now.” Horse racing news View the full article

Jamie Mott drives Wolfy to a narrow victory at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Smart three-year-old colt Wolfy scored the narrowest of victories when coming deepest of all at Caulfield on Saturday under a driving ride by Jamie Mott. The son of Tivaci is prepared by Nick Ryan and looked set to get the better of his rivals but runner-up Furious kicked back late to make the connections of Wolfy second-guess themselves. “I went the (early) crow, so there were a few anxious moments there,” Ryan said. “It’s good to get him back on track. Things didn’t go right for him first-up in stakes company but we gave him three weeks’ between runs, got him right and got the job done.” Wolfy finished ninth in the Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) last month won by Raikoke. “He is still very immature. He was on the wrong leg for half the race and didn’t corner too well but I think he is going to get better with racing,” Ryan said. “We have had a high opinion of him. He ran in a Caulfield Guineas (Group 1, 1600m) and we are still figuring out what his go is. “I think 1400m might be the stretch of him, but we will figure it out as we go. “He has got those two things between his legs and I know we have only won a BenchMark 70 but he is going to improve a lot from today. “I think he will get through the wet. We will see how he pulls up. There are some options in Sydney and we will have a board meeting on Monday.” Horse racing news View the full article

Kyle Wilson-Taylor guides Grail Seeker to a comfortable victory in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Australian hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor has made his first visit to New Zealand a memorable one by guiding promising filly Grail Seeker to a hollow victory in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham. The Queensland-based rider struck up a friendship with trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott when he rode trackwork for the pair during the Queensland winter carnival last year, and was quick to take up an invitation to ride members of their team at Trentham including the daughter of Iffraaj along with El Roca filly Cupid’s Arrow in the feature event, the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Wilson-Taylor has more than 320 winners to his name in a short career so far, including a maiden Group One victory aboard Palaisipan in last year’s Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm, but had never previously ridden outside Australia until Saturday. He showed an immediate affinity with the roomy Trentham track as he produced an exemplary effort aboard Grail Seeker, settling her quietly near the rear and biding his time until asking her for an effort in the final 200m of the contest. Grail Seeker burst through the pack to dash away from her rivals, winning easing down by three lengths from the late closing Witz End, with outsider New Millenium battling on gamely for third. 2024 Group 2 Wellington Guineas Replay – Grail Seeker Co-trainer Andrew Scott heaped plenty of praise on Wilson-Taylor as well as the filly, who he believes has an exciting future ahead of her. “She was pretty dominant there and it is great for Kyle to come over and ride her and a huge thrill for Team Wexford,” Scott said. “She really deserved a win like this as it would have been a real shame if she had gone to the paddock without a win like that in her three-year-old campaign. “She has a good future as she is a big, raw filly who is only going to get better with age. “Kyle was in Queensland last winter and we got talking to him, we thought what a nice guy and he can really ride. “When he rang us out of the blue, we were happy to get him on and hopefully he is keen to come back again and ride her, as she relaxed the best she ever has for him.” For his part Wilson-Taylor was thrilled to repay the O’Sullivan Scott camp for the faith they showed in him after meeting up last winter. “That’s very satisfying and shows that helping people out when they need a hand can lead to good things,” he said. “Geez what a good filly as she got me out of a bit of trouble and she was just dominant. “I had planned to get back and ride for luck and I’m just pumped. “She has a very short, sharp turn of foot and we were able to ride her to execute that. “I’m just very thankful for the opportunity and it is great to ride a good winner here.” Horse racing news View the full article

Pulchritudinous and Warren Kennedy soar to Group One Glory in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Almost two decades after riding Creil to victory in the Group 1 Avondale Cup (2200m) as an apprentice jockey, multi-talented horseman Chad Ormsby climbed the same mountain in a different way when Pulchritudinous won the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Ormsby now trains a small team at Cambridge, saddling eight winners so far this season including Pulchritudinous in the Oaks and Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2000m), along with Master Fay in the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m). “Things like a Group One win are what we strive for,” Ormsby said. “I really can’t thank my team enough. The people on the ground make it all possible. “We’re only a small team, around five racehorses, but we bat above our weight and I’m so grateful to the people around us. My mother-in-law has a share in this filly, along with her partner, and they do so much for us with all the days and nights that they look after our kids. It’s a great thrill.” Training is just one of a number of pursuits for Ormsby, who remarkably won a bull-riding competition at a rodeo on Saturday morning – mere hours before his Oaks triumph. Ormsby also prepares Ready to Run Sale drafts under his Riverrock Farm banner, and Oaks heroine Pulchritudinous was originally intended to be a pinhook for that two-year-old sale at Karaka. Ormsby bought the Wrote filly for $32,500 as a yearling at Karaka 2022, but she was passed in when he offered her with a $50,000 reserve at the Ready to Run Sale later that year. “A lot of pride and joy goes into a filly like this, who we bought cheaply and ended up not being able to sell,” Ormsby said. “She’s managed to go on and prove herself.” Pulchritudinous showed promise with a 1400m maiden win in her second career start back in October, but it has only been in the last eight days that she has really made her mark. She stepped up beyond 1600m for the first time and scored an impressive win in the rescheduled Lowland Stakes at Taupo on March 8, then stepped into the Group One spotlight for the Oaks barely a week later. Ridden by Warren Kennedy, Pulchritudinous settled in ninth place alongside the rail as Harlow Rocks set a solid pace out in front and turned the fillies’ classic into a true staying test. Kennedy got her off the fence at the 700m mark and began to creep closer, moving up behind the leading pack and poised to pounce. Pulchritudinous swooped around the home turn and quickly loomed large on the outside of Harlow Rocks, Positivity, Qali Al Farrasha and Race Ace. Kennedy sent Pulchritudinous into full flight at the 300m mark and she surged to the lead, pulling away from Positivity and Qali Al Farrasha to win by a length and three-quarters in an impressive display of stamina and class. 2024 Group 1 New Zealand Oaks Replay – Pulchritudinous Pulchritudinous has now had seven starts for three wins and a placing, earning $389,205 in stakes. “We nominated her for the Oaks very early and always had hope,” Ormsby said. We thought there might be some concerns around whether we might get there or if it might come up a bit too soon for her, but the ability was always there. I’m really, really rapt.” Last year’s Oaks was the first leg of a classic double for Pennyweka, who added the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in her next start. Ormsby is unsure whether he will attempt to follow the same path. “I don’t know about that, and I think maybe the paddock might be beckoning,” he said. “But having said that, she hasn’t batted an eyelid with anything that we’ve chucked at her so far, and that’s a great attribute to have.” Kennedy took special satisfaction from Saturday’s Oaks victory, having previously been cruelly denied a win in the South African equivalent. “I’ve always wanted to win an Oaks,” he said. “Covid hit when I had a really good chance in South Africa, so I couldn’t travel to ride her. I missed out on what turned out to be a winning ride. So to win one here in my new home is fantastic. “We found a dream spot in the running and she travelled sweetly all the way. She really worked away at them down the straight and won with a bit in hand in the end. “She’s very progressive. She’s only tried this sort of trip twice now and won both times. She’s done the job today and done it really well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zougotcha delivered a captivating performance to claim victory in the 2024 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens. Zougotcha dove late to get there right on the line as favourite in the 2024 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill. Photo: Steve Hart. The Chris Waller-trained mare displayed immense heart and determination, surging past rivals in the final stretch to secure a narrow but impressive Group 1 win. This victory marks a significant milestone for both horse and trainer. It’s Zougotcha’s second Group 1 triumph, adding to her Flight Stakes win as a three-year-old filly in 2022. For Waller, it’s his 157th Group 1 victory, further solidifying his position as a racing powerhouse. Jockey James McDonald also achieved a personal milestone, reaching 90 elite-level wins with his perfectly timed ride aboard Zougotcha. Heavily favoured at her home track of Rosehill, Zougotcha came off a strong showing in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes last month. Living up to expectations, she dominated the feature race, replicating her success in last year’s Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes victory over the colts at the same meeting. Carrying the top weight of the race (57kg), Zougotcha showcased her class by relentlessly chasing down the frontrunning filly, Tropical Squall. Waller commended her performance, stating, “She was brilliant first-up and she carried the top weight in a good field today and beat them.” While Tropical Squall, fresh off her Surround Stakes win, led the race initially, Zougotcha, ridden by McDonald, patiently waited for her moment. Once in the clear, she unleashed a powerful finishing kick, surging past Tropical Squall (4th in the finish) in the final 100 meters to claim victory by a neck. Ciaron Maher‘s Semana presented a late challenge from the outside, nearly handing Maher a second interstate feature win for the day after Pride Of Jenni’s All-Star Mile victory earlier in Caulfield. Ultimately, however, Zougotcha proved too strong saluting by a neck. The Gary Portelli-trained Kimochi finished a close third, completing the Coolmore Classic trifecta. Looking forward, Waller contemplates either the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 6 or the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) the following Saturday as Zougotcha’s next challenge. The final decision will depend on the weight she receives in the Doncaster handicap. Currently, Zougotcha sits at $11 in pre-field Doncaster Mile betting at Ladbrokes. 2024 Coolmore Classic Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 ZOUGOTCHA Chris Waller James McDonald 2 57kg $3.30F 2 3 SEMANA Ciaron Maher Dylan Gibbons (a) 0.31L 11 55.5kg $12 3 17 KIMOCHI Gary Portelli Zac Lloyd (a) 0.38L 14 50.5kg $11 4 6 TROPICAL SQUALL Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 0.57L 17 54.5kg $8.50 5 5 HINGED Chris Waller Tommy Berry 0.65L 15 55kg $14 6 16 JENNILALA Ciaron Maher Craig Newitt 1.97L 4 51kg $10 7 10 RENAISSANCE WOMAN (NZ) Bjorn Baker Ms Rachel King 2.06L 5 54.5kg $31 8 8 FOXY FRIDA Andrew Noblet Billy Egan 3.16L 12 54.5kg $31 9 4 VIENNA PRINCESS Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 3.65L 8 55.5kg $12 10 11 YONCE (NZ) Ciaron Maher John Allen 3.89L 1 54kg $16 11 2 REVOLUTIONARY MISS Peter & Paul Snowden Michael Dee 4.22L 13 55.5kg $16 12 13 HELL HATH NO FURY Annabel Neasham Tyler Schiller 4.42L 3 52kg $41 13 18 BARBY’S DOLL Jerome Hunter Reece Jones 4.91L 7 50kg (cd 51kg) $151 14 7 DENY KNOWLEDGE (IRE) Michael Kent Tom Sherry 5.14L 9 54.5kg $41 15 14 MORE SECRETS Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jay Ford 5.44L 6 51.5kg $26 16 12 BARBIE’S FOX Ben, Will & JD Hayes Matthew Cartwright 5.46L 10 53kg $51 17 9 MADAME POMMERY Chris Waller Jason Collett 6.25L 16 54.5kg $26 15 AUSBRED FLIRT Brad Widdup Ms Alysha Collett 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 Zougotcha Reigns Supreme in Thrilling 2024 Coolmore Classic Finish appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Pride Of Jenni delivered a masterful performance to claim victory in the 2024 All-Star Mile at Caulfield, leaving her rivals in her wake. All-Star Mile 2024 winner Pride Of Jenni ran her rivals ragged with a two length victory at Caulfield Racecourse. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare displayed blistering speed throughout, leading from soon after the outset and powering home to a two-length win over the pre-race favourite, Mr Brightside. “She’s thrilling to watch, isn’t she?” Maher told the Seven network after the race. “Unbelievable…I was very, very confident coming into the race, but going into a race like that (and) Brightside’s coming off a couple of Group 1 wins, (just) super. “I think the team has done a fantastic job.” This win adds another jewel to Pride Of Jenni’s crown, further solidifying her dominance over the 1600m distance. Her victory follows triumphs in the prestigious Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes and Group 1 Champions Mile races last spring. Maher’s strategic approach proved crucial. He granted Pride Of Jenni a five-week break following her narrow defeat to Mr Brightside in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes. While Mr Brightside returned to winning form in the Futurity Stakes, Pride Of Jenni arrived at the All-Star Mile refreshed and primed for success. Jockey Declan Bates executed the plan flawlessly, guiding Pride Of Jenni to the lead early on. Meanwhile, Mr Brightside, ridden by Craig Williams, started wide and settled towards the back of the pack. Pride Of Jenni dictated a punishing pace throughout the race, forcing Mr Brightside to play catch-up. Despite a valiant effort from Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni refused to yield, maintaining her advantage and crossing the finish line first in a display of pure dominance. “I can believe it. We have so much faith in her,” Bates said after hopping off the winner’s back. “This prep, every time I’ve sat on her back, she has certainly improved from last spring. “I didn’t want to say that out loud because of what she did last spring and not say that she might have come back better, but I think that is the case. “She is doing it, sustain a gallop, is so impressive. “She’s special.” Cascadian, last year’s All-Star Mile runner-up, finished a respectable third, seemingly on track for a strong showing in the upcoming Australian Cup. That $3 million race could see a rematch between Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside, with Mr Brightside currently favoured at $2.90 at Ladbrokes. Pride Of Jenni, however, sits at a tempting $9 to extend her winning streak over the longer distance. 2024 The All-Star Mile Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 12 PRIDE OF JENNI Ciaron Maher Declan Bates 6 57kg $3.80 2 1 MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) Ben, Will & JD Hayes Craig Williams 2L 11 59kg $2F 3 2 CASCADIAN (GB) James Cummings Ben Melham 3L 7 59kg $9.50 4 6 BUFFALO RIVER (USA) Michael Moroney Ms Celine Gaudray (a) 5L 9 59kg $51 5 4 MUNHAMEK (GB) Nick Ryan Mark Zahra 7.25L 10 59kg $41 6 5 DOM TO SHOOT Sean & Jake Casey Damian Lane 7.45L 12 59kg $41 7 9 AYRTON (NZ) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ms Jamie Kah 7.55L 5 59kg $13 8 11 HOLYMANZ (NZ) Ciaron Maher Blake Shinn 7.65L 3 59kg $41 9 8 DESERT LIGHTNING (NZ) Peter & Dawn Williams Vinnie Colgan 8.05L 8 59kg $18 10 7 PINSTRIPED Enver Jusufovic Ben Allen 9.05L 1 59kg $21 11 3 ATTRACTABLE Sara Ryan Ms Linda Meech 17.05L 2 59kg $31 12 10 PUNTURA (NZ) Robbie Patterson Craig Grylls 21.55L 4 59kg $101 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 Pride Of Jenni Reigns Supreme in Dominant 2024 All-Star Mile Victory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Democracy Manifest winning the Ajax Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Democracy Manifest (+550) has shown a blistering turn-of-foot to secure victory in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. He was unsuited to the shorter trip in the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) first-up into the campaign at Randwick a fortnight ago, but has bounced back to his brilliant best, thundering down the outside to claim a gallant Territory Express (+2000) in the shadows of the post. The race was run at a break-neck tempo courtesy of race favourite Amor Victorious (+400) striding across to sit on the outside of Phearson (+900) throughout, as the leading pair looked to clear out on their rivals early. It was to their detriment as they both faded when the whips were cracking, while the Ciaron Maher-trained Detonator Jack (+500) burst between horses getting to the front, leaving him as a sitting duck for Territory Express and Democracy Manifest. The latter getting the better in the concluding stages, and with a free ticket to the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), Chris Waller has plenty of thinking to do in regards where he sends the son of Flying Artie next. 2024 Group 2 Ajax Stakes Replay – Democracy Manifest “It was deserved (the win),” said Waller. “He’s just been chipping away without a lot of luck. In the Group One Epsom he didn’t get a lot of luck to go his way. But to win a Group Two today, I think it’s pretty rewarding. He’s got a good group of owners and it’s a good reward. “It’s a big step (the Doncaster) but he’s hit the line a lot to give, a bit of purpose. So you don’t dare take away the chances of the dream of winning a Doncaster. It’s a great race.” James McDonald was impressed with the win of his gelding and gave a good appraise of Democracy Manifest as he heads towards some Group 1 targets in the autumn. “At the 600 (metre mark) I didn’t think he was much hope at all because you just haven’t been able to make group up in the sticky conditions,” said McDonald. “But he just accelerated beautifully. He was really strong. “To be fair to him, he got a little bit tired but he was entitled to because I set him a bit of a task. He enjoyed the room and he’s got a brilliant acceleration. He’s just a good horse in good form. “He’s come back in great order and he’s big and strong. Depending on weight, he’ll give them a shake.” With his ballot exemption confirmed after his win on Saturday, Democracy Manifest is currently listed as a +2500 chance with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 6. Horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald guides Zougotcha to victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic. Photo: Racing NSW The Chris Waller-trained Zougotcha (+220) has claimed her first Group 1 success, proving too strong for the fillies & mares in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. It comes after a dominant return in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on February 24, with the form being franked last Saturday as Lady Laguna went on to secure the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m). She was a consistently firming favourite prior to the jump, opening as much as +350 with top horse racing bookmakers, and punters would’ve been confident given the way the race panned out. Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) winner Tropical Squall (1400m) was quick to launch across from the wide draw to take up the running, while the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Revolutionary Miss (+1300) kept her honest to the outside. Jennilala (+900) got into a perfect stalking position behind the leading pair, while James McDonald was able to hold a one-off position three pairs back aboard Zougotcha prior to the turn. Semana (+1100) was luckless and had to make a long-sustained run three-wide with 600m to travel, meanwhile the Gary Portelli-trained three-year-old Kimochi (+900) showed a strong turn-of-foot when urged along by Zac Lloyd. It was a three-way go to the wire, though, as Zougotcha got the head down where it mattered most, with Semana and Kimochi filling out the minor money. 2024 Group 1 Coolmore Classic Replay – Zougotcha The win makes it back-to-back Coolmore Classic wins for the Chris Waller barn after Espiona was victorious in last year’s edition, and he was on course to praise the resurgence of his mare. “It was good. Very rewarding, simple as that,” said Waller. “We tried to make her sprint and she just wasn’t quite that type of model. But put her in a few extra hundred metres and that’s the difference. “She was brilliant first-up and she carried the top weight in a good field today and beat them. “She would probably progress to a Doncaster. If she gets too much weight via a re-handicap we’d go to the fillies and mares race (Queen Of The Turf Stakes) on the last day (of The Championships) which would be easier than a Doncaster.” James McDonald notched up Group 1 win number 90 aboard Zougotcha and was quick to joke about his luck at the barriers before crediting his mare. “Lucky for those good barriers I keep drawing, hey,” joked McDonald. “Fantastic. It’s well documented last preparation didn’t go to plan but trained a little bit differently, he (Waller) is a genius, he stretched her work out and kept her a happy horse and she’s done the rest. “That was a good horse’s weight. We’re talking like Sunlines and those types of horses that have carried obviously a little bit more than her but still a proper horse’s weight and she had to lug it out a fair way on testing ground. I couldn’t be more proud of her.” Zougotcha is now listed as a +1000 chance in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 6. Horse racing news View the full article

Pride Of Jenni ridden by Declan Bates wins the All-Star Mile at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Pride Of Jenni showcased her brilliance by clinching the $3.75 million All-Star Mile (1600m) in a captivating display, setting a blistering pace from the outset and maintaining a comfortable lead down the Caulfield straight, guided flawlessly by Declan Bates. Executing her trademark front-running style, the two-time Group 1 winner surged ahead, leading Buffalo River into the corner and widening the gap to secure victory, leaving Mr Brightside trailing from a distant position despite a respectable second-place finish, with Cascadian coming in a length further back in third. Owned by Tony and Lynn Ottobre, Pride Of Jenni has now amassed over $5 million in winnings for her connections. 2024 All-Star Mile Replay – Pride Of Jenni Ciaron Maher hinted at a potential continuation of Pride Of Jenni’s campaign as soon as next week, considering options such as the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m). “There are obviously options in Sydney (and) the Australian Cup,” said Maher. “Tony has always been very keen to get her to 2000. Maher commended Pride Of Jenni’s exceptional abilities, describing her as “very, very special” and emphasising her remarkable stamina. He expressed gratitude towards Bates for his exceptional ride, acknowledging his understanding of the horse and his confidence in executing the race plan. “Dec Bates, unbelievable. “My team, super… Tony and Lyn, fantastic, they put a lot into racing.” Pride Of Jenni is priced at +400 for the Australian Cup, with Mr Brightside favoured at +180 and Gold Trip following closely at +500. Horse racing news View the full article

Zardozi winning the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill. Photo: RacingNSW Zardozi has shown dramatic improvement second-up to secure victory in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner has bounced back from a luckless first-up performance in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago, recapturing her elite best to return to the winners’ circle in dominant fashion. Tom Marquand headed straight to the rear of the field aboard the daughter of Kingman, allowing his filly to stride freely with cover throughout the journey, while the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained pair of Les Vampires (+240) and Raf Attack (+1100) ensured a genuinely run affair. They ran along at a solid clip throughout, allowing Makarena (+300) to slot into the one-one throughout under Tim Clark, while the Chris Waller-trained Saltcoats disappointed with the run of the race mid-field with cover. The leading pair faded quickly when the whips were cracking, leaving the James Cummings-trained filly to swallow up her rivals along the inside to score a visually impressive victory. Makarena was gallant in defeat, applying herself well as always, while Kintyre (+600) was able to fill out the trifecta spot. It was all honours to the winner in the end, however, as Zardozi looks back on track for more Group 1 success later in the season. 2024 Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes Replay – Zardozi James Cummings spoke to media personal for back-to-back races after Red Card saluted in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) and was glowing about his filly. “She is a class act,” said Cummings. “You’ve got to be prepared to forgive her for her first-up effort, there was a lot that went against her. “And yet she pulled up from the run well, she has trained on sweetly since then so we stuck to our guns. “The Phar Lap is a perfect race for her as a stepping stone to the Vinery (Stud Stakes) and now she gets back to 2000 in a couple of weeks, she is going to look spot-on.” Cummings was then asked about the potential clash with star New Zealand filly Orchestral. “That will be interesting,” said Cummings. “She is a good filly Orchestral. “You can’t have a short memory, you’ve only got to open up the replays from October and see what she was doing in the spring. “It was a big effort in the Wakeful to run second, a sweet effort in the Manifold before that but the win in the Group One VRC Oaks was pretty special. That was the win of a filly that had top-class Group One ability and that’s the way this filly is headed.” Tom Marquand has returned to riding feature winners in Australia and credited team Godolphon on his pre-race instructions paying dividends. “She was (good),” said Marquand. “I won’t take any credit for that one. That was James (Cummings) and Darren’s (Beadman) masterplan and all I did was jump out of the stalls and execute what they were saying they thought would work. “She’s proven she’s a very good filly before. She didn’t need to step up on what she’s been doing in the past to do that. “She had her return run the other week and things didn’t go to plan. We got knocked wide and she obviously needed that reappearance run and things to go her way and that masterplan was the difference today, with her being able to get down the inside and then explode through.” Zardozi is now clear on the second line of betting at +400 for the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on March 30. Horse racing news View the full article

Smart three-year-old colt Wolfy scored the narrowest of victories when coming deepest of all to land the Sharp EIT Solutions Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday under a driving ride by Jamie Mott. The son of Tivaci is prepared by Nick Ryan and looked set to get the better of his rivals but runner-up Furious kicked back late to make the connections of Wolfy second-guess themselves. “I went the (early) crow, so there were a few anxious moments there,” Ryan said. “It’s good to get him back on track. Things didn’t go right for him first-up in stakes company but we gave him three weeks’ between runs, got him right and got the job done.” Wolfy finished ninth in the Gr.3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) last month won by Raikoke. “He is still very immature. He was on the wrong leg for half the race and didn’t corner too well but I think he is going to get better with racing,” Ryan said. “We have had a high opinion of him. He ran in a Caulfield Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) and we are still figuring out what his go is. “I think 1400m might be the stretch of him, but we will figure it out as we go. “He has got those two things between his legs and I know we have only won a BenchMark 70 but he is going to improve a lot from today. “I think he will get through the wet. We will see how he pulls up. There are some options in Sydney and we will have a board meeting on Monday.” Ryan purchased Wolfy for A$280,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where he was offered on behalf of breeder Waikato Stud by Sledmere Stud. He is now a three-time winner from eight starts, with a further two placings. Wolfy is out of the Savabeel mare Popular, who has produced two more colts by Tivaci since Wolfy, and her dam It Girl is a sister to the late multiple Group One winner and successful sire Sacred Falls. View the full article

Talented three-year-old Wymark will be put on a Classic path after a strong win against older horses in the Quayclean Benchmark 78 Handicap (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The Michael Freedman-trained son of Savabeel made it three wins in succession with Saturday’s metropolitan victory following a pair of soft victories at Newcastle. Wymark set a new track record for the Newcastle 1850m when winning his start prior by a whopping 9-1/4 lengths and produced another impressive performance when scoring by just under three lengths on Saturday under a perfect Tommy Berry ride. Having put in some good performances at two, including a luckless third behind subsequent multiple Group One winner Militarize on debut, Freedman believes gelding the well-related youngster has helped make the horse. “He has probably surprised me a little bit with how much he has kept improving as I have stretched his races out, as early doors I thought he was a 1400m-miler type,” Freedman said. “But since we gelded him and brought him back this preparation he has just kept getting better and better. “It’s exciting. We will have a look at the Tulloch Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) in two weeks’ time and then see what happens after that.” Freedman is keen to follow a preparation similar to Major Beel, who finished runner-up in last year’s Tulloch Stakes before landing the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m), which shapes as a natural target. “It has been an interesting form race this over the past couple of years,” Freedman said. “Major Beel finished fourth in it last year and then went on and won the Derby and Benaud of John O’Shea’s did something similar (fifth) and ran second in the Derby. “I think he is an exciting young horse for sure.” With 54.5kgs on his back, Wymark carried a half-kilo over his carded weight, but it mattered little. Winning jockey Tommy Berry was not surprised by the ease of the win after an impressive piece of work mid-week. “I galloped him on Tuesday morning and he just put in one of those staying pieces of work that said ‘you’re ready to go to the next step and put your hand up’,” Berry said. “He has done it against the older horses today at a half (kilogram over) and he did it so well and was very strong through the line. “If you can find a stayer with a turn of foot, it’s gold. “Michael has done a great job taking him through his grades. He gave him a couple of confidence-boosting wins at Newcastle and he is a horse full of confidence and so are we now.” By super-sire Savabeel, Wymark was bred by Waikato Stud and is out of Pasadena, an unraced O’Reilly full-sister to multiple Group One winner Alamosa. The Savabeel – O’Reilly cross has produced 32 stakes winners, including Major Beel. Wymark was purchased at the Gold Coast yearling sales by bloodstock agent Mick Wallace for A$200,000. View the full article

Southern sprinter Our Echo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven) showed his northern rivals just how good he can be when he sat wide throughout before holding off a host of challenges to win Saturday’s Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham. Prepared by Danny Frye at Balcairn, the seven-year-old came into the race off a last start victory at Wingatui which gave him a vital confidence boost leading into the contest. Rider Tegan Newman followed instructions to the letter by allowing the son of Echoes Of Heaven to travel on his own terms, not afraid to sit four-wide for most of the race before joining issue at the 400m. Left a sitting duck in front he fought like a tiger to defy his challengers, holding off Is That So (NZ) (Sufficient) and Imwonderfultonight (I Am Invincible) to secure his sixth career victory, with that tally including a win at the same venue back in January 2022. Frye was all smiles as he spoke about a change in tactics that had helped his charge turn his form around. “He hasn’t had the rub of the green this time around as we brought him here earlier thinking we might get a 1400m or mile with him, but he didn’t have a lot of luck,” Frye said. “We switched him back to 1200m and he has been on fire. “He’s a good horse, who can run good times but he needs a decent track. “When the barrier draw came out for today we were pretty keen (on his chances).” Newman admitted the ride didn’t look very pretty but was the way the horse liked to be handled. “He jumped away quite well but Danny said to me you can’t pull him back if he jumps, just let him roll,” she said. “You have to let him do it on his terms and when I saw Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) on my inside I knew I had him covered and he (Our Echo) has kicked really well. “I think his last start win was a real confidence booster and he is quite an underrated galloper. “When I presented him he wanted to go and he won really well.” Our Echo is a son of the Yamanin Vital mare Sakura Cluden (NZ), a full sister to Gr.1 Wellington Cup (3200m) winner Cluden Creek (NZ) and from an extended family that includes former top quality southern gallopers Simon Snorkel (NZ) (Famous Star) and The Blonde Bimbo (NZ) (Omnicorp). The win took his career record to six wins and 14 placings from 37 starts with just over $210,000 in prizemoney for his connections. View the full article

Red Card winning the Maurice McCarten Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The ‘Blue Army’ of Godolphin have struck in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, with the James Cummings-trained Red Card (+220) making every post a winner. The daughter of Ribchester has made it back-to-back wins at this course and distance to start the campaign, extending the unbeaten run at Rosehill to three on the trot. The four-year-old mare was taken straight to the lead by Adam Hyeronimus from the inside draw, and was relatively uncontested throughout the 1100m journey, with only Hard To Say (+850) coming across to sit on her outside. Airman (+400) got a lovely run in transit just in behind the speed under James McDonald, while the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Omni Man (+550) could only muster speed to sit in the one-one for the duration. Once they turned for home, Red Card was the only horse punters would’ve wanted to be on as she extended the lead under Hyeronimus, with Libertad (+2200) the only late challenger, producing an incredible runner-up effort after suffering Cardiac Arrythmia first-up. It was all about Red Card, though, who continues to be a model of consistency for the James Cummings barn, with a fifty percent winning strike rate throughout her short career. 2024 Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes Replay – Red Card James Cummings was on course and admitted he almost scratched her for this event to run in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) next Saturday but elected to listen to his expert team. “She has been able to do that this preparation (settle) because the staff have put a lot of work into her,” said Cummings. “I was very close to scratching the horse and I had a pretty strong preference to run this horse next week (in The Galaxy). “But you listen to your team and my assistant trainer at the farm was bullish about running today, (form expert) Dominic (Beirne) was quick to remind me that she wouldn’t be that well handicapped next week. “She still had to go up five pounds for the win three weeks ago, but nevertheless, she keeps picking up and doing well and relaxing at the right time. “She has got to be a mare, not only in form, but on the rise. She is elevating. “I love the fact I’ve got four weeks to the Sapphire (Stakes). “It’s set weights and penalties and she will be beautifully weighted there and should be a legitimate contender for us during the carnival, provided we don’t have a last-minute thought to throw her into the ‘noms’ for The Galaxy.” Adam Hyeronimus was elated with the victory in his post-race assessment, crediting his mounts ability to show early speed in her races. “She’s got brilliant gate speed so I jumped a length in front and then it was just up to me to control the race,” said Hyeronimus. “And I dead-set controlled it after two strides. “Obviously we had that pressure come around but that was to be expected, I wasn’t going very quickly for an 1100-metre race, but the way she handled it was very good. She travelled into the straight and gave a good kick. “James (Cummings) obviously needs no pumping up but I trialled her during the week and she needed the trial. So it’s been a well-executed plan and she’s got a Group Three. So, perfect.” Red Card is currently at +1000 with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) next Saturday at Rosehill. Horse racing news View the full article

Dublin Down punched his ticket to the Golden Slipper Stakes in upset fashion, conquering the final ballot exemption race – the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill. Pago Pago Stakes 2024 winner Dublin Down has booked a spot in Saturday week’s Golden Slipper field. Photo: Steve Hart. The Exceedance colt, trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, arrived in Sydney after a decent showing in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, where he finished 12th. Fitter for his second run, he thrived in this drop in class and his first race outside of Melbourne. Ridden by Tim Clark, Dublin Down displayed impressive determination, leading the charge for most of the race. Starting strong, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott‘s widely-drawn contender Anode challenged for the lead early, but Clark guided Dublin Down into first place before the first turn. Maintaining a solid pace, Dublin Down dominated the race, crossing the finish line with authority as a 20/1 outsider in betting. “That was very impressive,” co-trainer Calvin McEvoy told Sky Thoroughbred Central. “We know he’s a really good colt, he’s a Group-winning colt. “But the way Tim (Clark) rode him, he rode him positive, blinkers on first time. “We didn’t really think he’d have the speed to do that but he took control of the race.” Anode held on for a respectable second, while Coleman edged out the pre-race favourite Gatsby’s for third place. This victory earns Dublin Down a guaranteed spot in the Golden Slipper field, pending his connections’ decision. His all-in odds at Ladbrokes have undergone a dramatic shift, plummeting from 100/1 to $51 following his impressive Pago Pago win. The Pago Pago Stakes victory opens up the possibility of a repeat of last year’s feat, where Shinzo achieved the prestigious Pago Pago Stakes – Golden Slipper double. The last colt to achieve this accomplishment before Shinzo was Stratum in 2005. The McEvoy stable might boast two contenders in the Golden Slipper, with stablemate Rue De Royale still in the mix at 100/1 odds. If not the Golden Slipper for Dublin Down, the Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires’ (1400m) at Randwick on April 6 remains an option. “We will see,” McEvoy said. “We weren’t sure whether he was more of a Sires’ (Produce Stakes) horse, so we will keep all of the options open. “But he’s up here, he’s earned his way into the Slipper so we will give it great consideration.” 2024 Pago Pago Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 3 DUBLIN DOWN Tony & Calvin McEvoy Tim Clark 6 55.5kg $20 2 4 ANODE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 0.44L 11 55.5kg $8.50 3 1 COLEMAN Matt Laurie Tyler Schiller 2.14L 5 55.5kg $5.50 4 7 GATSBY’S Chris Waller James McDonald 2.55L 3 55.5kg $2.05F 5 5 KING OF ROSEAU Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Sherry 4.92L 4 55.5kg $21 6 9 JOHNNY THE KID Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 5.35L 9 55.5kg $26 7 2 PARKOUR James Cummings Kerrin McEvoy 6.46L 2 55.5kg $10 8 6 DUVANA Chris Waller Jason Collett 7.46L 10 55.5kg $9.50 9 12 THE THREE HUNDRED Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Sam Clipperton 8.19L 1 55.5kg $31 10 10 AGENDA SETTER Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Joshua Parr 9.54L 7 55.5kg $26 11 11 GLORIOUS MOMENTS Jim & Greg Lee Reece Jones 28.63L 8 55.5kg $201 8 GROWING EMPIRE Ciaron Maher Tommy Berry 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Dublin Down Books 2024 Golden Slipper Berth with Pago Pago Victory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Drifting put on a dominant display in Saturday’s Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill, solidifying her place as a contender for the upcoming Golden Slipper Stakes. 2024 Magic Night Stakes winner Drifting is exempt from Golden Slipper ballot. Photo: Steve Hart. The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained filly had impressed with a close second in the Listed Festival Stakes at Flemington, and she thrived upon her return to Sydney. The step up to 1200m proved to be no obstacle as she powered to a convincing victory in the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes. While the event may not appear exceptionally strong on paper ahead of the 2024 Golden Slipper field, Drifting’s impressive performance earmarks her as a legitimate threat. Furthermore, her victory grants her a guaranteed spot in the field for the world’s richest two-year-old race. Tom Sherry orchestrated a well-timed ride for Drifting, settling her comfortably in second position behind the early leader Valabing. With 250m remaining, Drifting surged into the lead, challenged by the favourite Fly Fly. However, Drifting displayed remarkable grit, holding off Fly Fly’s late charge to secure a 1.18-length victory. Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott‘s Chateau Miraval completed the podium positions. This win evokes memories of Kiamichi, who in 2019 became the first filly since Bint Marscay (1993) to achieve the coveted Magic Night Stakes – Golden Slipper Stakes double. Co-trainer Peter Snowden acknowledges the quick turnaround but remains optimistic about Drifting’s chances. “We’ll see how she goes. We never make a decision on game day. Obviously, you only get a chance once and she’s a very tough filly so it wouldn’t be beyond her. We’ll give her every opportunity,” he said. “It was good to see her do what she did. She was strong late.” Following her win, Drifting’s pre-field Golden Slipper odds at Ladbrokes have tightened significantly, moving from triple figures to $51. 2024 Magic Night Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 4 DRIFTING Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Sherry 9 55.5kg $4.20 2 3 FLY FLY Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jason Collett 1.18L 5 55.5kg $3F 3 5 CHATEAU MIRAVAL Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1.29L 3 55.5kg $7.50 4 2 CASTANYA Annabel Neasham Zac Lloyd (a) 1.58L 2 55.5kg $3.90 5 10 SHE SMASHES Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman James McDonald 3.38L 6 55.5kg $10 6 7 SOUTHERN CHARM Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 6.79L 7 55.5kg $21 7 6 TOTOKA Paul Perry Dylan Gibbons (a) 8.02L 8 55.5kg $15 8 11 VALABING David Payne Ms Rachel King 9.74L 1 55.5kg $61 9 12 ITSZARBABY Gary Portelli Tom Marquand 10.71L 4 55.5kg $91 1 ENEEZA Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman James McDonald 0 9 CANARA Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 0 8 GAI’S ARTIST Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou 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 Drifting Cruises to Magic Night Victory, 2024 Golden Slipper Bid Looms appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Lindermann proved a class above in the Sky High Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW James McDonald and Chris Waller have combined with Lindermann (-105.26) trouncing his rivals in the Group 3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. The son of Lonhro put the writing on the wall last start, chalking up a much-improved minor placing in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick a fortnight ago, and a return to his favourite circuit has seemingly done the trick. His last win came at this course and distance, almost a year to the day in the 2023 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), with the now four-year-old finally recapturing his best to return to the winners’ enclosure. It was an easy watch for favourite backers with James McDonald sliding across to sit on the back of the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Just Fine (+450) throughout the journey, before coasting up the inside to put them away stylishly in the end. There was some late money for Kalapour (+1600) and Stockman (+750) prior to the jump, with both running on nicely to suggest they’re both right on track for a Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) later in the autumn. It was all about the winner in the end though, as Lindermann cruised away from his rivals by 4.2 lengths on the wire. 2024 Group 3 Sky High Stakes Replay – Lindermann Chris Waller was on course to discuss the win of his gelding and perhaps even the possibility of backing him up into next Saturday’s Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m). “The writing has been on the wall, as we say,” said Waller. “His two lead-up runs have been in the best company and no disrespect to the horses today but it was a step down and he’s beaten them convincingly. So that was good. “If he had just won by a neck I would have thought, ‘well it’s not quite what we wanted’ but I think he’s come back really well. “It could be (the Ranvet), in seven days. Or else the Doncaster in three weeks. We’re pretty well represented in the Ranvet and I’ve got to give respect to what the owners want, of course, the Kepitis family, so I’ll have a chat to them and see what they want to do.” James McDonald was delighted with the win of his mount before giving some insight on how the track has played early in the day. “He just cruised through his paces beautifully, it was like a trackwork gallop,” said McDonald. “That was easy. He would have done more on Tuesday morning.” “It seemed that way (on-pace) after the first few but the first race was run at a pedestrian pace, second race was probably similar, third race they were a little bit quicker and quickened off the front. “But the ground is very puggy, like very sticky. When I went out for the second race, there was three loose shoes out on the track, so that just tells it all.” Lindermann is currently sitting on the third line of betting at $4.50 with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) next Saturday. Horse racing news View the full article