Wandering Eyes

Saturday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

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

Jockey Junior Alvarado has won the 2024 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, decided by a nationwide vote of his fellow riders. View the full article

All-Star Mile winner Pride Of Jenni was too good, too tough and too fast. View the full article

John Size’s star four-year-old returns to normal training after missing two days of work earlier this weekView the full article

Mauritian jockey heads to Sha Tin on Saturday with a book boasting a host of in-form gallopersView the full article

South Australian racing has received a timely boost ahead of the state’s major carnival for the year, with Adelaie’s four upcoming Group One races elevated to purses of A$1 million. On Friday morning, Racing SA, the SAJC and Sportsbet announced a seven-year partnership that immediately delivers a near 100 per cent increase in stakes for the four Group One races this autumn, starting with the Gr.1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on April 27. There will be a A$1 million stake for both the Gr.1 SA Derby (2500m) on May 4 and the Gr.1 Goodwood (1200m) on May 11. The state’s elite sprints the Sangster and Goodwood had been worth A$600,000 each, with the Derby and Oaks races formerly worth A$500,000. Racing SA chair Rob Rorrison said the premium prizemoney on offer will attract the best horses, trainers and jockeys while also ensuring that Racing SA can deliver on its recently released strategic plan. Racing SA is delighted with today’s announcement, which enhances our premium races,” Rorrison said. “Stakeholder feedback during the consultation phase of the recently released strategic plan was consistent in highlighting the need to address the prizemoney levels of the four Group One races conducted in South Australia. “The increase to the Group One prizemoney comes off the back of a 15 per cent increase in prizemoney across the remainder of the racing program. “We look forward to working with Sportsbet and the SAJC to deliver fantastic racing over the Adelaide racing carnival. Sportsbet chief executive Barni Evans said the prizemoney hike for the state’s best races is the start of big things for SA racing. “We are thrilled to partner with Racing SA and the SAJC in this way and the big prizemoney will really put South Australian racing back on the map,” Evans said. SAJC chair Judith Jones said it was pleasing to see an immediate impact of the new partnership. “This is a fantastic announcement for racing in South Australia and for Morphettville, the proud home of Group One racing in this state. “Our commitment towards creating these million-dollar races represents the single biggest prizemoney investment in more than a decade by the SAJC and demonstrates not only our belief in the future direction being set by Racing SA, but also the renewed financial strength of our club.” View the full article

A friendship formed during the Queensland winter carnival has paved the way for Brisbane jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor to make his New Zealand debut at Trentham on Saturday. Wilson-Taylor rode trackwork for Matamata trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott when they sent a team of horses across the Tasman last winter, and Wexford Stables have returned the favour with rides on Cupid’s Arrow in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Grail Seeker in the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m). Wilson-Taylor has more than 320 winners to his name in a short career so far, headed by a maiden Group One victory aboard Palaisipan in last year’s Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm, but has never previously ridden outside Australia. “We got to know Kyle when we were over there for the Queensland winter carnival,” Scott said. “He’s a hell of a nice young man and a talented, polished rider that does his form well. “He mentioned during the winter that he might like to come over and ride in New Zealand at some stage, and then he rang us out of the blue about a fortnight ago and asked if we had anything coming up. We had quite a nice team shaping up for Oaks Day at Trentham, so we jumped at the chance to bring him over. He’s really looking forward to having his first rides in New Zealand.” Cupid’s Arrow began her career with two unplaced finishes in December, then ran third and second in a pair of 1600m races during January. The El Roca filly cleared maiden ranks with a strong late burst over 1800m at Taupo on February 14, then capped her Oaks build-up with a close fourth against older Rating 65 rivals at Matamata on February 29. “She’s an improving filly that’s racing very well over a bit of ground,” Scott said. “She lacked a little bit of luck against those older horses last time, but worked to the line nicely. “We think she’ll stay the 2400m trip well, and any give in the ground will be no bother for her.” Grail Seeker has already been a multiple black-type placegetter this season, starting with a runner-up finish behind Just As Sharp in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m). She went on to run third to her stablemate Molly Bloom in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), then second behind Sudbina in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). The Iffraaj filly is stepping down in trip after her last-start sixth in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). “She just didn’t quite settle over the 2000m last start, and her bloodlines don’t really suggest that the 2400m of the Oaks would suit her,” Scott said. “We gave her a couple of weeks on the farm after that last race and she’s freshened up well. “Going back down to one turn and having a bit more speed in the race should help her to settle a bit better. She’s got a good load of ability there, and we think she’ll be finding the line strongly.” Wilson-Taylor’s other rides at Trentham on Saturday are the Tony Pike-trained Arundel Castle in the Jennian Homes Sires’ Prelude (1200m), the David Haworth-trained Orlov in the The Bold One & Agraforum New Zealand St Leger (2600m), Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard’s Reputation in the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m), and the John Wheeler-trained Black Betty in the Natural Lighting and Ventilation Wellington Premier (2200m). O’Sullivan and Scott, meanwhile, have Saxs ‘n’ Silks as first emergency for the Oaks and also accepted for the Natural Lighting and Ventilation Wellington Premier, while last-start winner Geriatrix will join Grail Seeker in the Wellington Guineas line-up. “Saxs ‘n’ Silks hasn’t won a race yet, but she’s been very competitive in some good company,” Scott said. “She’s another one that didn’t have all favours in her most recent run. She’s fit and is bred to stay, so she wouldn’t be without a chance if she happened to get a run in the Oaks. “It was good to see Geriatrix back in winning form last start. It looks like 1400m is his best trip at this stage, and a big roomy track will help him. He’s a fit, focused colt and has plenty of talent. We think he can be right in the finish in the Guineas.” Saturday’s Trentham meeting marks the conclusion of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, which has the Oaks as its 11th and final leg. Standout Wexford Stables filly Molly Bloom will not run in that race, but she holds an unassailable lead in the Filly of the Year standings with 28 points. Molly Bloom finished second in a trial at Taupo on Thursday, and the high-class daughter of Ace High is a potential candidate for the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 30. The TAB currently rates her a $4.50 second favourite for that race behind La Crique ($3.20). “For her to win Filly of the Year is a wonderful result,” Scott said. “She certainly deserves it. She’s been classy, consistent and so honest all the way through the season. The Filly of the Year title is great recognition of that, and it’s something that all of us at Wexford can be very proud of. “Her trial at Taupo was what we were hoping for. We were really pleased with how she paraded, and then she found some good rhythm in the trial. She appears to have pulled up very well from it, but we’ll just monitor her for the next couple of days before firming up our plans.” View the full article

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have enjoyed a spectacular summer with their three-year-olds, and they are hoping Saturday’s Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham brings more of the same. Three-year-olds from Kingsclere Stables have recorded five stakes wins since November 30, kicking off with a four-length romp by Zabmanzor in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. That talented Almanzor colt later went on to finish second in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham, where he was beaten by a long head by Quintessa, then ran fourth in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (1600m). Sudbina stormed home from last to take out the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on January 20, while the eight weeks since then have seen Orchestral make Ellerslie her own with extraordinary performances in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). The headline act for the in-form stable this Saturday is the Wellington Guineas favourite Irish Legacy, who was arguably unlucky not to add to the stable’s three-year-old roll of honour in her last-start third placing in the Gr.3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. She found herself near the tail of the Mufhasa Stakes field and hopelessly blocked with 300m remaining, but rider Ryan Elliot weaved a way through and she dashed into an eye-catching third behind Certainly and Moet Down. She clocked the fastest last 800m (46.48 seconds), 600m (34.25) and 200m (11.52) in the race. The Mufhasa was only the second career start for the blue-blooded filly, who had outclassed her maiden opposition by almost three lengths on debut at Taupo on February 14. The daughter of champion Australian sire I Am Invincible races in the colours of her breeder and part-owner Christopher Grace. She is the first foal out of Grace’s superb mare Shillelagh, who won the Gr.1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) and Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. “She’s obviously a beautifully bred filly and has made a really good impression in both of her races so far,” Wellwood said. “She won very easily on debut, and then we threw her straight in at the deep end for a Group Three race in her second start and she certainly didn’t disappoint. She had a bit of a luckless run, but the way she finished the race off was quite outstanding. “She’s done everything really well since that race. She’s a very athletic filly and doesn’t take a lot of work, but she’s continuing to progress very well and we’re really happy with her.” Irish Legacy will be accompanied on the trip to Trentham by Apostrophe, who will contest the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m). The six-year-old daughter of Tavistock has had only two previous starts at the Wellington track, storming home to win a Rating 75 over 1600m in December of 2022 and launching a similarly powerful finish for a close second in the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January of this year. Apostrophe’s only start since then was in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau, where she dropped well back in the running and was never able to move through her gears. “Wellington is a track that really suits her,” Wellwood said. “She can be a bit slow out of the barriers, but a big, fair track like Trentham gives her a better opportunity to overcome that. “She’s going into this race in good shape. She had a very nice gallop between races at Taupo last Friday. She’s probably going to be retired to stud at the end of this preparation, so we’d love to see her pick up a bit more black type before that happens.” View the full article

After an up-and-down campaign ranging from 1200m all the way up to 2100m, Te Akau Racing is hoping to see Tokyo Tycoon back at his brilliant best in the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Te Akau team is shooting for a third Wellington Guineas victory in the last four years, having won it with Need I Say More in 2021 and Cognito in 2023. Tokyo Tycoon was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old last season, with four sparkling wins including the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and a dominant performance in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). His two-year-old campaign alone netted almost $650,000 in stakes, far surpassing the $125,000 that David Ellis paid to buy him from Karaka 2022. The son of Satono Aladdin kicked off his three-year-old season on a winning note in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings in September, then finished fifth in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), third behind Pendragon and Quintessa in a 1200m race at Te Rapa, and last in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) with rider Opie Bosson reporting that he felt indifferent in his action. Tokyo Tycoon ran a big race for fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) in late January, then tested his Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) credentials in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), where he finished seventh. “We had a crack at getting him to the Derby, but it just didn’t work out and the 2100m in the Avondale Guineas didn’t really suit him,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “We freshened him up after that and he’s come back really well. We’re very happy with how he’s looking. “This is more than likely going to be his final run for this preparation. If he brings his A-game, we have no doubt that he’d be right in it. But it’s just a matter of whether or not he can recapture the very best form that we know he’s capable of.” Tokyo Tycoon is joined in the Wellington Guineas field by My Lips Are Sealed, who burst on the scene with a dominant maiden victory at Avondale in the spring. Her best performance since then came in her only start at Trentham – a close second in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), where she was beaten by a nose by leading Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Still Bangon. The Ace High filly was freshened after finishing sixth in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth on February 3. “She’s a little bit like Tokyo Tycoon, where the step up over a longer trip just didn’t quite work out,” Bergerson said. “She had an exhibition gallop between races at Matamata a couple of weeks ago, where her work was really good. “Her only previous run at Trentham was a top run in the Eulogy, so we’re hoping for more of the same. We’re not quite sure what the weather is going to do, but if there is a bit of rain around, it might bring her into it and disadvantage a few of the others.” Te Akau also has a proud recent record in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m), having won it with Amarelinha in 2021 and homebred filly Belle En Rouge a year later. This year’s hopes rest with the promising Almanzor filly Qali Al Farrasha, who was also co-bred by Te Akau Stud. She was a four-length maiden winner at Matamata before being beaten by a neck by Positivity when second in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m). “That was a really good effort,” Bergerson said. “Stepping up in trip was a little bit of a query, and it was her first time in stakes company as well, but she really handled it well. She relaxed beautifully, which we weren’t sure she was going to do. “She loomed up to win in the straight, but Opie (Bosson, jockey) thought she just had a bit of a look around in the last 100m or so. Hopefully she’ll take some good improvement from that experience. “She’s trained on nicely since then. She worked with her talented stablemate Mehzebeen on the course proper on Tuesday morning and it was a very solid piece of work. Opie gave her the tick of approval after that. “Going up to 2400m is a query, but that’s something they’ve all got to do. We think she’s had the right sort of build-up to put her best foot forward.” Petrucci looms as a major lightweight threat in the Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m). Her last three appearances have produced a stylish win at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, a second to the exciting Master Fay in the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m), and a close last-start fourth in the Gr.3 King’s Plate (1200m). “She’s been performing well in strong company,” Bergerson said. “We think this is a nice race for her, getting in on the minimum. Michael McNab knows her well and is going to ride her again. “Our feeling is that she’s a bit better left-handed, so we’re looking forward to getting her to Trentham. Her work has been super leading into it.” Two-year-old colt Altari will audition for next month’s Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) with a run in Saturday’s Jennian Homes Sires’ Prelude (1200m). The Savabeel colt’s only previous start produced a smart win over 1200m at Matamata on February 29. “That was a good, tough effort on debut,” Bergerson said. “He was three wide and had every reason to chuck it in, but he kept sticking his neck out and really wanted the win. He’s definitely going to benefit from that too. “It’s not easy taking a two-year-old all the way down to Wellington, but we think he’ll take the travel in his stride. “He’s a really nice horse. We’re hoping to see him run well again on Saturday, and then we can push on to the Sires’ in a few weeks.” View the full article

Graham Eade is excited about the prospects of his promising three-year-old Riviera Rebel, who he is hoping can take the next step in his career at Wingatui on Sunday. The son of Pure Champion has surprised his Riverton trainer with his precocity, having won one and placed in three of his seven starts to date, including a pleasing third placing behind Aberlour and Quintabelle in the Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) at Ascot Park last month. “He went better than what I thought he would last start,” Eade said. “I didn’t think he was quite up to that at this stage, so it was pleasing to see him get that stakes placing.” Eade races the gelding in partnership with his breeder Phil Jeffreys, who sent the Southland trainer a video of Riviera Rebel when he was a juvenile asking if he was interested in taking the youngster on, and Eade didn’t hesitate in accepting the offer. “I have got quite a lot of my horses off him (Jeffreys),” Eade said. “We keep in pretty close contact and he rang me about the horse and asked if I would be interested. They sent me a video of him and he was a real nice mover in the paddock. “He has come a long way in a short time and I never thought he would. He has been a bit of a handful and if it wasn’t for a good farrier and the fella who broke him in, we probably wouldn’t be at this stage, they have done a great job with him as he has been an awkward fella. “He is getting quieter all the time, he is starting to grow up. I think he is only going to get better, he is a stayer in the making.” Riviera Rebel was given a freshen-up following his Southland Guineas run and Eade has been pleased with his progress ahead of the Icon Interior Construction (1600m) on Sunday. “He has had a little break since the Guineas, he is looking great and his work has been good. I am looking forward to it.” Eade doesn’t have any set plans for his gelding post Sunday and said he wants to take things quietly with his charge. “We are taking him one step at a time because I don’t want to push him over the edge,” he said. Eade will also give stablemate Gintys Girl the biggest test in her career to date when she tackles the RMG Publicans Cup (1500m). The daughter of Ghibellines takes a runner-up performance into Sunday where she will jump from barrier five with 54kg on her back, a far less intimidating prospect for Eade than her alternative option. “I thought it was a good, tough run last start,” he said. “She had an awful draw and she toughed it out really well and I think her work has improved. “They gave her two points (for her placing), which put her (rating) up to 65. We nominated her for the 65 mile, but she was going to be carrying 60 kilos whereas she would only carry 54kg in the Cup. It is quite a big drop in weight for her. “We think she will get to 2000m in time. We will just see how she goes on Sunday and that will dictate what we do with her at Riverton.” Meanwhile, Eade said his stakes performer Riviera Rock is enjoying retirement after his racing career was cut short in January following a tendon injury. The nine-year-old gelding was a consistent performer for Eade, winning seven and placing in 19 of his 66 starts, including placing in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) on three occasions. “He is in the paddock now and he is gleaming. We are just trying to find a good home for him,” Eade said. “He has earned $250,000 so he has done pretty well.” View the full article

Andrew Forsman will attempt to recreate the performance of a former stable star with his trio of fillies in this Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Forsman, formerly training in partnership with Murray Baker, prepared sensational dual-Horse Of The Year Bonneval to win the iconic fillies’ classic in 2017, and his three-pronged attack in this year’s edition is headed by last-start Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) victor Positivity. The Almanzor filly overcame the extreme outside barrier under Masa Hashizume in the Ellerslie feature to score gamely, over race-rival and current Oaks favourite Qali Al Farrasha, giving Forsman confidence to journey south a fortnight later. “Going into the Sunline Vase, we were happy with her, but we didn’t know whether it may be the end of the road for her there,” Forsman said. “It was great to see how well she went through the line, and also how well she’s come through the run.” An in-form Hashizume will take the ride on Saturday from a more preferred draw (3), where Forsman hopes to see Positivity gain an economical trip over the 2400m. “She’s drawn poorly her last couple of starts and had a fair bit to do, so it will be nice to see her jump and put herself into the race from a good draw,” he said. “She won’t have to do the work early that she’s had to do, and I think that will suit over 2400m.” Lightly-tried maiden filly Moonlight Magic earned her place in Saturday’s 16-horse field with a strong third-placed effort in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) on February 3, which preceded a fifth placing in the Vase. “She was really good in the Prelude on a rain-affected track, which she obviously enjoys,” Forsman said. “In a muddling-run race, she got in a tricky spot in the Vase and made her run possibly a bit too early and peaked late. But I think she’ll be a horse that’s right on song for the Oaks now. “I think from that draw (13) we’ll have to ride her patiently, but 2400m is a long way to go, and if Joe (Doyle, jockey) can be as patient as possible, she’ll be hitting the line well.” Forsman has engaged leading Central Districts apprentice Lily Sutherland with the ride aboard Vespa filly Wren, who will have her fifth raceday appearance when jumping from barrier two. “She’s a horse on the way up, she’s improving but it’ll be whether she’s up to this level just yet,” Forsman said. “I think she’ll be a filly that gets better with racing over time, but her run was encouraging (fifth) in the Lowland (Gr.2, 2100m), and she’s drawn to get a soft run in the race. She’s a horse that has every chance of running out the 2400m.” View the full article

Group One-winning thoroughbred trainer Ben Foote kicked off what he hopes to be a big weekend in perfect fashion at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night when his greyhound He’s All Go took out the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby Final (457m). Foote is a member of the White Horse Toaster Syndicate, which was put together by his good mate Paul Claridge, and includes a number of high-profile thoroughbred and harness racing identities. “Paul Claridge, a mate of ours, asked me when I was down in Wellington at the races whether I wanted to go in on this greyhound (He’s All Go), he reckoned he was a good one, so I gave him the money and it has worked out well,” Foote said. “There are a few of us in the syndicate – Brent Wall, Gary Vile, Shaun Phelan, Steven Ramsay, Dexter Dunn, Blair Orange, Andrew Stuart, and a few others.” The Lisa Cole-trained son of Aston Dee Bee has taken the group on a great ride, winning nine of his 10 starts to date, including two at elite-level, and accrued more than $60,000 in prizemoney. “He has won two Group Ones now and he has only had 10 starts. The trainer told us he was going to be a freak and they have been true to their word. Even his first start at the races they said he ran a Group One time.” Further Group One assignments now await He’s All Go before a potential trip across the Tasman to try and plunder some Australian riches later this year. “I think there is another Group One down at Wanganui but the boys are talking about heading over to Melbourne at the end of the year,” Foote said. “From what I understand there are three A$1 million races. It’s never been about the money for us though, it’s about catching up and having some fun.” It’s been a case of beginners luck in greyhound racing for Foote who had no previous involvement in the sport. “I had no interest in them whatsoever until now. The good thing about the dogs is that you don’t get a big bill at the end of the month,” he quipped. While pleased to take out the New Zealand Derby on Thursday, Foote wasn’t oncourse to celebrate the victory as he has been competing in the Kubota Billfish Classic in Whitianga where he is competing for $1 million in prizes. The fishing competition, hosted by the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, has attracted 420 entries who set off at 7am on Thursday after a shotgun start and while yet to catch a prized fish, Foote is loving every moment of being out on the water. “I am out fishing in the Kubota Classic at the moment, so unfortunately I wasn’t there for the win last night,” Foote said. “It is my first time. I pulled out last year because I had a bit on, but I didn’t want to let the team down this year, and I was pretty keen to do it. There are 420 boats, it is the biggest billfishing competition in the world, it is pretty cool. “We haven’t caught anything yet, but we have got a day-and-a-half to go, it has been one hell of an experience.” While out competing on the waters of the Coromandel, Foote’s son and training partner Ryan is trekking down to Trentham with a pair of gallopers to compete on Saturday. Last start winner New Millenium will contest the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) and attempt to gain black-type for breeders Windsor Park Stud, who race the filly in partnership with Ben Kwok. “She is a really nice filly. The owners want a bit of black-type and if there is any sting out of the ground it will definitely bring her into it,” Foote said. “She came from last at Taupo (last week), so it was a good effort. She is a very good doing horse, so the week back-up won’t bother her at all.” Further stakes assignments await the daughter of Charm Spirit, but Foote said he will wait and see how she comes through the race before making any concrete plans. “There might be a black-type race down south for her, we will just see how she copes in this field and go from there,” he said. “She is a really good type who loves her racing.” Foote will also line-up Nancy She Wrote in the Harrison’s Flooring Premier (1600m). “She is a very talented horse, she just needs things to go her way,” he said. “She is another one that if she gets her toe in the ground and gets things her way, she will be right in it. We aren’t going all that way for just a run anyway.” View the full article

Tokyo Tycoon will contest the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) After an up-and-down campaign ranging from 1200m all the way up to 2100m, Te Akau Racing is hoping to see Tokyo Tycoon back at his brilliant best in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Te Akau team is shooting for a third Wellington Guineas victory in the last four years, having won it with Need I Say More in 2021 and Cognito in 2023. Tokyo Tycoon was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old last season, with four sparkling wins including the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and a dominant performance in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). His two-year-old campaign alone netted almost $650,000 in stakes, far surpassing the $125,000 that David Ellis paid to buy him from Karaka 2022. The son of Satono Aladdin kicked off his three-year-old season on a winning note in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings in September, then finished fifth in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), third behind Pendragon and Quintessa in a 1200m race at Te Rapa, and last in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) with rider Opie Bosson reporting that he felt indifferent in his action. Tokyo Tycoon ran a big race for fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) in late January, then tested his Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) credentials in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), where he finished seventh. “We had a crack at getting him to the Derby, but it just didn’t work out and the 2100m in the Avondale Guineas didn’t really suit him,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “We freshened him up after that and he’s come back really well. We’re very happy with how he’s looking. “This is more than likely going to be his final run for this preparation. If he brings his A-game, we have no doubt that he’d be right in it. But it’s just a matter of whether or not he can recapture the very best form that we know he’s capable of.” Tokyo Tycoon is joined in the Wellington Guineas field by My Lips Are Sealed, who burst on the scene with a dominant maiden victory at Avondale in the spring. Her best performance since then came in her only start at Trentham – a close second in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), where she was beaten by a nose by leading Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Still Bangon. The Ace High filly was freshened after finishing sixth in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth on February 3. “She’s a little bit like Tokyo Tycoon, where the step up over a longer trip just didn’t quite work out,” Bergerson said. “She had an exhibition gallop between races at Matamata a couple of weeks ago, where her work was really good. “Her only previous run at Trentham was a top run in the Eulogy, so we’re hoping for more of the same. We’re not quite sure what the weather is going to do, but if there is a bit of rain around, it might bring her into it and disadvantage a few of the others.” Te Akau also has a proud recent record in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), having won it with Amarelinha in 2021 and homebred filly Belle En Rouge a year later. This year’s hopes rest with the promising Almanzor filly Qali Al Farrasha, who was also co-bred by Te Akau Stud. She was a four-length maiden winner at Matamata before being beaten by a neck by Positivity when second in the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m). “That was a really good effort,” Bergerson said. “Stepping up in trip was a little bit of a query, and it was her first time in stakes company as well, but she really handled it well. She relaxed beautifully, which we weren’t sure she was going to do. “She loomed up to win in the straight, but Opie (Bosson, jockey) thought she just had a bit of a look around in the last 100m or so. Hopefully she’ll take some good improvement from that experience. “She’s trained on nicely since then. She worked with her talented stablemate Mehzebeen on the course proper on Tuesday morning and it was a very solid piece of work. Opie gave her the tick of approval after that. “Going up to 2400m is a query, but that’s something they’ve all got to do. We think she’s had the right sort of build-up to put her best foot forward.” Petrucci looms as a major lightweight threat in the Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m). Her last three appearances have produced a stylish win at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, a second to the exciting Master Fay in the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m), and a close last-start fourth in the Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m). “She’s been performing well in strong company,” Bergerson said. “We think this is a nice race for her, getting in on the minimum. Michael McNab knows her well and is going to ride her again. “Our feeling is that she’s a bit better left-handed, so we’re looking forward to getting her to Trentham. Her work has been super leading into it.” Two-year-old colt Altari will audition for next month’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) with a run in Saturday’s Jennian Homes Sires’ Prelude (1200m). The Savabeel colt’s only previous start produced a smart win over 1200m at Matamata on February 29. “That was a good, tough effort on debut,” Bergerson said. “He was three wide and had every reason to chuck it in, but he kept sticking his neck out and really wanted the win. He’s definitely going to benefit from that too. “It’s not easy taking a two-year-old all the way down to Wellington, but we think he’ll take the travel in his stride. “He’s a really nice horse. We’re hoping to see him run well again on Saturday, and then we can push on to the Sires’ in a few weeks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Irish Legacy will contest the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have enjoyed a spectacular summer with their three-year-olds, and they are hoping Saturday’s Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham brings more of the same. Three-year-olds from Kingsclere Stables have recorded five stakes wins since November 30, kicking off with a four-length romp by Zabmanzor in the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. That talented Almanzor colt later went on to finish second in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham, where he was beaten by a long head by Quintessa, then ran fourth in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (1600m). Sudbina stormed home from last to take out the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on January 20, while the eight weeks since then have seen Orchestral make Ellerslie her own with extraordinary performances in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). The headline act for the in-form stable this Saturday is the Wellington Guineas favourite Irish Legacy, who was arguably unlucky not to add to the stable’s three-year-old roll of honour in her last-start third placing in the Group 3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. She found herself near the tail of the Mufhasa Stakes field and hopelessly blocked with 300m remaining, but rider Ryan Elliot weaved a way through and she dashed into an eye-catching third behind Certainly and Moet Down. She clocked the fastest last 800m (46.48 seconds), 600m (34.25) and 200m (11.52) in the race. The Mufhasa was only the second career start for the blue-blooded filly, who had outclassed her maiden opposition by almost three lengths on debut at Taupo on February 14. The daughter of champion Australian sire I Am Invincible races in the colours of her breeder and part-owner Christopher Grace. She is the first foal out of Grace’s superb mare Shillelagh, who won the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. “She’s obviously a beautifully bred filly and has made a really good impression in both of her races so far,” Wellwood said. “She won very easily on debut, and then we threw her straight in at the deep end for a Group Three race in her second start and she certainly didn’t disappoint. She had a bit of a luckless run, but the way she finished the race off was quite outstanding. “She’s done everything really well since that race. She’s a very athletic filly and doesn’t take a lot of work, but she’s continuing to progress very well and we’re really happy with her.” Irish Legacy will be accompanied on the trip to Trentham by Apostrophe, who will contest the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). The six-year-old daughter of Tavistock has had only two previous starts at the Wellington track, storming home to win a Rating 75 over 1600m in December of 2022 and launching a similarly powerful finish for a close second in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January of this year. Apostrophe’s only start since then was in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau, where she dropped well back in the running and was never able to move through her gears. “Wellington is a track that really suits her,” Wellwood said. “She can be a bit slow out of the barriers, but a big, fair track like Trentham gives her a better opportunity to overcome that. “She’s going into this race in good shape. She had a very nice gallop between races at Taupo last Friday. She’s probably going to be retired to stud at the end of this preparation, so we’d love to see her pick up a bit more black type before that happens.” Horse racing news View the full article

Queensland hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor will partner Cupid’s Arrow in Saturday’s Group 1 Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A friendship formed during the Queensland winter carnival has paved the way for Brisbane jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor to make his New Zealand debut at Trentham on Saturday. Wilson-Taylor rode trackwork for Matamata trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott when they sent a team of horses across the Tasman last winter, and Wexford Stables have returned the favour with rides on Cupid’s Arrow in Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Grail Seeker in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Wilson-Taylor has more than 320 winners to his name in a short career so far, headed by a maiden Group 1 victory aboard Palaisipan in last year’s Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm, but has never previously ridden outside Australia. “We got to know Kyle when we were over there for the Queensland winter carnival,” Scott said. “He’s a hell of a nice young man and a talented, polished rider that does his form well. “He mentioned during the winter that he might like to come over and ride in New Zealand at some stage, and then he rang us out of the blue about a fortnight ago and asked if we had anything coming up. We had quite a nice team shaping up for Oaks Day at Trentham, so we jumped at the chance to bring him over. He’s really looking forward to having his first rides in New Zealand.” Cupid’s Arrow began her career with two unplaced finishes in December, then ran third and second in a pair of 1600m races during January. The El Roca filly cleared maiden ranks with a strong late burst over 1800m at Taupo on February 14, then capped her Oaks build-up with a close fourth against older Rating 65 rivals at Matamata on February 29. “She’s an improving filly that’s racing very well over a bit of ground,” Scott said. “She lacked a little bit of luck against those older horses last time, but worked to the line nicely. “We think she’ll stay the 2400m trip well, and any give in the ground will be no bother for her.” Grail Seeker has already been a multiple black-type placegetter this season, starting with a runner-up finish behind Just As Sharp in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m). She went on to run third to her stablemate Molly Bloom in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), then second behind Sudbina in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). The Iffraaj filly is stepping down in trip after her last-start sixth in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). “She just didn’t quite settle over the 2000m last start, and her bloodlines don’t really suggest that the 2400m of the Oaks would suit her,” Scott said. “We gave her a couple of weeks on the farm after that last race and she’s freshened up well. “Going back down to one turn and having a bit more speed in the race should help her to settle a bit better. She’s got a good load of ability there, and we think she’ll be finding the line strongly.” Wilson-Taylor’s other rides at Trentham on Saturday are the Tony Pike-trained Arundel Castle in the Jennian Homes Sires’ Prelude (1200m), the David Haworth-trained Orlov in the The Bold One & Agraforum New Zealand St Leger (2600m), Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard’s Reputation in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m), and the John Wheeler-trained Black Betty in the Natural Lighting and Ventilation Wellington Premier (2200m). O’Sullivan and Scott, meanwhile, have Saxs ‘n’ Silks as first emergency for the Oaks and also accepted for the Natural Lighting and Ventilation Wellington Premier, while last-start winner Geriatrix will join Grail Seeker in the Wellington Guineas line-up. “Saxs ‘n’ Silks hasn’t won a race yet, but she’s been very competitive in some good company,” Scott said. “She’s another one that didn’t have all favours in her most recent run. She’s fit and is bred to stay, so she wouldn’t be without a chance if she happened to get a run in the Oaks. “It was good to see Geriatrix back in winning form last start. It looks like 1400m is his best trip at this stage, and a big roomy track will help him. He’s a fit, focused colt and has plenty of talent. We think he can be right in the finish in the Guineas.” Saturday’s Trentham meeting marks the conclusion of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, which has the Oaks as its 11th and final leg. Standout Wexford Stables filly Molly Bloom will not run in that race, but she holds an unassailable lead in the Filly of the Year standings with 28 points. Molly Bloom finished second in a trial at Taupo on Thursday, and the high-class daughter of Ace High is a potential candidate for the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 30. Bookmakers currently rates her a $4.50 second favourite for that race behind La Crique ($3.20). “For her to win Filly of the Year is a wonderful result,” Scott said. “She certainly deserves it. She’s been classy, consistent and so honest all the way through the season. The Filly of the Year title is great recognition of that, and it’s something that all of us at Wexford can be very proud of. “Her trial at Taupo was what we were hoping for. We were really pleased with how she paraded, and then she found some good rhythm in the trial. She appears to have pulled up very well from it, but we’ll just monitor her for the next couple of days before firming up our plans.” Horse racing news View the full article

Five-year-old leads home a field of nine in his final trial before leaving for Meydan on TuesdayView the full article

In-form British jockey confident Douglas Whyte’s consistent galloper can handle the step up in class at Sha TinView the full article

What Coonamble Races Where Coonamble Jockey Club – Dubbo Rd, Coonamble, 2829 When Sunday, March 17, 2024 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Coonamble on Sunday afternoon, where the $150,000 Country Championship (1400m) qualifier headlines a competitive eight-race program. The rail moves back to the true position the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall expected to hit the course, the track should sit somewhere in the Good range prior to the opening race at 12:55pm AEDT. Country Championship Qualifier Tip: Gallant Star Gallant Star brings strong metro company form to this Coonamble Country Championship Qualifier (1400m) and must be considered the one to beat. He was a Highway Handicap winner three starts back at Randwick on December 30 before going on to finish in the minor money in his next two starts behind the likes of High Blue Sea and Hanau. That form reads exceptionally heading back to country grade, and with Sam Clipperton willing to make the trip to Coonamble for the ride, take that as a strong guide for Gallant Star’s chances in this event. Country Championship Qualifier Race 7 – #7 Gallant Star (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Brett Robb | J: Sam Clipperton (56kg) -125 with PlayUp Best Bet at Coonamble: Hammoon Summer Hammon Summer looks close to cracking her maiden on Sunday after a terrific return from a 182-day spell at Dubbo on February 18. She showed a good turn-of-speed to find a third-place finish on that occasion and suggested the 1000m may have been too sharp for the daughter of Stratum Star. The 1100m looks ideal, and although she must overcome barrier eight under Sam Clipperton, Hammoon Summer appears to have class on this lot. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Hammoon Summer (8) 3yo Filly | T: Brett Robb | J: Sam Clipperton (56.5kg) -125 with Neds Next Best at Coonamble: Canamble Canamble gets set to make her debut for the Damien Lane barn on the back of one winning jump-out and looks wound up for this two-year-old feature. She strode away to score by 0.8 lengths at Newcastle on February 28, barely being asked for an effort throughout the 800m journey. Punters should expect something similar under race-day conditions with Tommy Berry likely to take up a front-running role, and provided she can replicate her stylish trial performance on Sunday, Canamble will take some beating. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Canamble (3) 2yo Filly | T: Damien Lane | J: Tommy Berry (55kg) +320 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Coonamble Coonamble quadrella selections Sunday, March 17, 2024 1-3-8-9-13 2-3-7 7 4-5-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Grand Impact (NZ) ridden by Ben Melham wins the Catanach’s Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on October 12, 2022 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Grand Impact is poised to make a long-awaited return to the track after a 16-month hiatus, with his comeback slated for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday. Trained by Mick Price in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, the four-year-old entire boasts an impressive record, having secured victory in his first three starts, including a notable win in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) over Saturday’s course and distance back in October 2022. However, his last appearance saw him finish 12th behind In Secret in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in the same month. Price shed light on the challenges Grand Impact faced during his absence. “He’s had 16 months off. We discovered a condition called OCD in a shoulder – osteochondritis dissecans,” Price said. “It’s where you get a lesion of cartilage flake off and it’s in the weight-bearing joint surface.” Despite the setback, Price expressed optimism about the horse’s current condition. “He’s had plenty of time off, but he’s had plenty of time down at Lauriston Park on the beach and he’s in good condition now. “He seems sound, but I’d be surprised if after all that time off he’d come out and win. Hopefully, he runs well and then trains on.” Horse racing news View the full article

First Immortal from the Mark & Levi Kavanagh barn. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) First Immortal, trained by the father-son duo Mark and Levi Kavanagh, is gearing up for an exciting campaign aimed at securing a berth in both the prestigious Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the illustrious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). After his last outing, where he finished seventh in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) last October, First Immortal is set to make his comeback at Caulfield this Saturday in the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m). Levi Kavanagh outlined the stable’s strategy, indicating that they are eyeing the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) next month and the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington in May. Both races offer ballot exemptions for the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup, respectively. “We haven’t locked in anything, but at this stage we’re heading to the Mornington Cup and the Andrew Ramsden,” Kavanagh stated. “That’s the sort of path we like and keep him at home, but there are plenty of options there. “We’ll see how he comes through his first run and where he heads to next will be based on that. “We had a bit of pressure on last year but didn’t quite get into the races we wanted to as we didn’t have the ratings for it. “We’ve got a higher rating now, but it certainly can take the pressure off if we can win one of them.” Horse racing news View the full article

Race 3 BARFOOT & THOMPSON 2100 INFER (R Elliot) – Co-trainer Mr. G Rogerson advised Stewards, upon return to the stable INFER underwent a veterinary examination which included x-rays with results confirming the gelding to have a tendon injury to the left foreleg. G Rogerson further advised the gelding has been sent for a spell. Race 7 BONECRUSHER NEW ZEALAND STAKES 2000 (G1) SHARP ‘N’ SMART (V Colgan) – Co-trainer Mr. G Rogerson confirmed with Stewards, that SHARP ‘N’ SMART has now been sent for a spell. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie, Saturday, 9 March 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 6 ENTAIN – NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES MAIDEN 1200 SWEETPEA (C Barnes) – Marsh Racing Trainer Assistant Mr. R Mildon advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, and it is their intention to carry on with her current preparation. Race 7 LITTLE AVONDALE LOWLAND STAKES 2000 (G2) INSPIRED BY ART (W Kennedy) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, however, has now been sent for a spell. The post Racing Taupo, Friday, 8 March 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Sprinting sensation Highfield Princess has been retired after suffering an injury at John and Sean Quinn's stable in Malton.View the full article

Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney celebrating with Top End trainer Ella Clarke following the win by Gunshot Glitter at Fannie Bay on Australia Day. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) Northern Territory jockey Aaron Sweeney, an Irish native, will feature at Darwin on Saturday and Alice Springs on Sunday. “A little bit of luck on St Paddy’s Day would be good this weekend,” so said Sweeney. The former Canberra jockey has a ride in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at both venues – Gary Clarke’s Influential Jack at Fannie Bay and Neil Dyer’s Hettinger at Pioneer Park. It’s Day 1 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, and Sweeney, 39, who calls Darwin home, is currently based in the Red Centre. “I’m kind of getting used to flying to and from Darwin to Alice Springs,” he said. “I’m getting plenty of rides, I’m enjoying it.” Invited by Victorian trainer Dyer to ride in Darwin last year, Sweeney relocated to the NT after posting seven wins during Cup Carnival. That included success on Dick Leech’s Early Crow in the Palmerston Sprint (1200m) and Dyer’s Munster in the Jaytex Construction Cup (1300m). “No regrets leaving Canberra at all, things have been pretty good,” Sweeney said. “I was freelancing when I got to Darwin, but I’m now doing a lot of track work for Gary Clarke. “I’ve ridden some nice horses for Gary – just poking along, doing my best. “I’m waiting for the Dyers to relocate permanently from Kyneton to Darwin. “Neil and his son James arrived in Alice with their six horses on Monday, but Neil had to fly back home on Wednesday.” Sweeney agreed that Influential Jack, a seven-year-old gelding, who has yet to win for Clarke after 10 starts, faces a tough assignment. The son of Epaulette, second in last year’s race as a $2.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, confronts Wilsons Prom, Son Of Bielski, Bon’s Pride, Tubthumper and Vallabar. “It’s not the easiest field, so I’ll give him the best ride I possibly can and try and knock them off if I can,” Sweeney laughed. “He was a last start fifth over 1200m, but I think the mile will suit him.” Come Sunday, Sweeney partners Hettinger where That’s Justified, Century Fox, Venting, Zelring and Equal Balance provide stiff opposition. Hettinger certainly impressed first up in the NT last year after saluting in Alice Springs and Darwin before winning the Katherine Cup (1700m). The five-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible has been set for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7 and the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5. Sweeney will also partner Dyer’s Munster in an open 1100m handicap on Sunday. “Compared to last year, I think Hettinger is stronger and a much better horse,” he said. “Obviously being a bit more seasoned now, he’ll only improve. “He’s had a couple of runs in Victoria, he’ll be the one to beat on Sunday. “I’m really happy with him and so are the Dyers, so looking forward to the Cups he’s going to be a contender. “Based on his Darwin win last year, I think Munster can be very competitive against Great Buy and Early Crow. “With the small field, a decent weight and barrier one, I’m not worried too much.” Horse racing news View the full article