Wandering Eyes

This week's morning action at Churchill Downs only served to entice onlookers by the sheer breadth and quality of contenders set to line up for the 150th renewal of the GI Kentucky Oaks and its undercard Friday. A stacked field of 14 is set for the Oaks, led by the 7-2 morning line choice Tarifa (Bernardini), who drew post 8 but moves in to the seven slot following Thursday's scratch of Tapit Jenallie (Tapit). Flavien Prat has the mount on the GII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks winner. The homebred filly is trained by Brad Cox, who also saddles Busanda S. scorer Gin Gin (Hightail), runner-up over the track in last year's Rags to Riches S., for historic Calumet Farm. “She is doing great,” said Cox of the favorite. “She had a big work last weekend. It was very sharp. So, I feel like she's had a very good week in regard to how she has settled in her gallops. I am happy with the way she is moving and happy with the way she's schooled.” Asked about the post position, Cox said, “I'm happy with it. Flavien knows her. He rode her the last two starts. He's worked her a couple of times and has a good feel for her. Hopefully he can get away clean and not get into a tussle with her and get a smooth run into the first turn and get into a good rhythm.” Of her stablemate, he added, “She will have to take a pretty big step forward. She is very consistent, and she always tries. She broke her maiden here last year, so she knows this track. She is going to have to try hard, so we'll see how that goes.” The second choice on the morning line at 4-1, Whisper Hill Farm's Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief). A $1.15 million Keeneland September purchase, the winner of the Apr. 5 GI Ashland S. will be reunited with Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been aboard all four of her lifetime starts. Trainer Todd Pletcher is represented by the morning line favorite for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, Fierceness (City of Light). Finishing three-lengths behind Leslie's Rose in the Ashland, last year's champion juvenile filly Just F Y I (Justify) is poised for a rematch, breaking immediately to Leslie's Rose's inside. The winner of the GI Frizette S. and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filles drew post 13, but shifts in a slot. A homebred for George Krikorian, the filly will be ridden by her regular partner, Junior Alvarado. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, who also saddles Resilience in the Run For the Roses, was installed the 9-2 third choice on the morning line. A pair of fillies were weighted at 5-1 on the morning line-GII Fantasy S. scorer Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and Ways and Means (Practical Joke). The former is campaigned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing and trained by Ken McPeek. The latter, a Grade I-placed filly conditioned by Chad Brown, is a homebred for Klaravich Stables. Thorpedo Anna will be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. while the latter will be accompanied by Tyler Gaffalione. The remaining horses (with morning line odds) are: Where's the Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1); Fiona's Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1); Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centano, 12-1); Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1). Champions Idiomatic, Pretty Mischievous Face Off in La Troienne Defending champions Idiomatic (Curlin) and Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) are poised to square off on the Kentucky Oaks undercard in the GI La Troienne S. Juddmonte's Idiomatic, who was close to flawless with eight wins from nine starts in 2023, ended her championship season with a victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, earning her the Eclipse Award as the champion older mare of 2023. Riding a five-race winning streak, including three Grade Is for trainer Brad Cox, drew post 4. She will be accompanied by her regular pilot Florent Geroux. “She is every bit as good this year as she was last year in the mornings,” Cox told TDN. “If she shows up in the afternoon like she's been doing in the mornings, we should be in good shape.” Of her progress in her time off, she added, “I think she's bigger and stronger and every bit as good as she was [last year]. We schooled her a couple of times this week, and she did that very well. She is so big and so massive. I really believe she's ready.” Godolphin's Pretty Mischievous won a trio of Grade Is in 2023–the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn S. and Test S., thus earning her the title of champion 3-year-old. Pretty Mischievous capped off 2023 with a runner-up finish behind Ceiling Crusher in the GI Cotillion S. in September. The daughter of GISW Pretty City Dancer (Tapit), who is three for four at Churchill Downs, will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione from post 5. The remaining field for the La Troienne, with riders from the inside, is: Frosty O Toole (Frosted) (David Cohen), Taxed (Collected) (Cristian Torres), Free Like a Girl (El Deal) (Corey Lanerie), Xigera (Nyquist) (Julien Leparoux) and Dorth Vader (Girvin) (Irad Ortiz Jr.). Another Breeders' Cup winner marking her return to the races at Churchill Friday, GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Hard to Justify (Justify) heads a field of 14 in the GII Edgewood S. Trained by Chad Brown, Hard to Justify won all three of her 2023 starts that also included a victory in the GII Miss Grillo S. Breaking from post 9, the Wise Racing-campaigned filly will be partnered by Flavien Prat, who has been aboard in all three starts. She will face Rigney Racing's Buchu (Justify), who finished sixth behind Hard to Justify in the Breeders' Cup. Trained by Phil Bauer, Buchu, last season's GII Jessamine winner, took her 2024 debut in Keeneland's Appalachian S. Apr. 6. Martin Garcia has the mount from post 4. Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Stable's Tapit Trice (Tapit) kicks off the season in Friday's GII Alysheba S. Victorious in the GIII Tampa Derby and GI Blue Grass S., the $1.3 million Keeneland September yearling purchase finished seventh at Churchill in the Kentucky Derby before coming home third in the GI Belmont S. Fifth in Monmouth's GI Haskell, the grey concluded the season with a third in the GI Travers S. Red, White and Blue Racing's Denim and Pearls (Into Mischief) returns to Churchill Downs for the GII Eight Belles S. Trained by Brad Cox, she comes into the seven-furlong test off a runaway 9 1/4-length win at Keeneland in the GII Beaumont S. Apr. 7. Exiting post 7, she will be reunited with Flavien Prat. Also included in Friday's graded action is the GIII Unbridled Sidney S. and the GIII Modesty S. The post Tarifa, Leslie’s Rose, Just F Y I Headline Loaded Oaks Day Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, KY–Kicking off a steamy day in Louisville, Thursday's morning session began to distill several things that I had seen over the course of the past week at Churchill Downs. Each morning, I would line up trackside to watch the Kentucky Derby/Oaks work session, also giving me the opportunity to survey the overall landscape at Churchill Downs. The years of progress and development at the facility is staggering. As I pan across the property, the mass of seating, both existing and new, that will accommodate the throngs of people over the course of the next two days starts to really stand out. Churchill is certainly not want for seating. Also, I thought back to the very first time I came to Churchill for the Derby in 1991 (the year Strike the Gold won) and I can remember gazing up at the Twin Spires and thinking how majestic they seemed. Now, they don't appear quite so imposing to me given the rise of all the newer infrastructure surrounding them. So, while I was contemplating all the changes that have happened at Churchill over the last three decades, I happened to bump into one of my favorite people on the backside, trainer Wayne Catalano. After a few pleasantries, as if taking a peek into my mind, he points over in the direction of Churchill's main structure and says, 'This is the 50th anniversary of my first win in front of those Twinspires. I won my very first race as a jockey for Jack Van Berg May 20, 1974.' It not only gave me pause, but I continued to think about that long after we had parted ways. Because while I was considering the multitude of changes I was seeing, it became increasingly clear that the history and tradition of the place wasn't kept alive by the structure itself but more by the men and women that frequent the track and that have made Churchill Downs their base and their home. Sometimes, we need to have progress to really appreciate how we got to where we are. Morning Action The Derby and Oaks horses made their usual appearance following the 7:00 a.m harrowing break, and it offered me a final opportunity to take a look at many of the horses that would be competing in the plethora of stakes action over the next two days. A horse that I had been observing over the last few days, and while not jumping out at me initially, has been giving me increasingly good vibes was the Albaugh Family's Catching Freedom (Constitution). Giving an air of simmering confidence on the track each day I have seen him, I was given a little extra nudge in that direction after speaking to trainer Brad Cox later in the morning. The winner of the GII Louisiana Derby Mar. 23, the bay was a respectable third to Sierra Leone–beaten 1 3/4 lengths–in a wet renewal of the GII Risen Star in February. His rider Flavien Prat has been absolutely en fuego of late (or maybe 'en feu' is more appropriate in this case). In any case, a very interesting option at a price. Catalytic getting some love from his rider | CBossinakis Having a final look at the Oaks fillies I could feel my excitement mounting. Just F Y I (Justify) was accompanied to the track by her Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and continued to fill the eye. She is an absolute queen. In truth, Mott's GII Wood Memorial winner Resilience (Into Mischief) looked ready to roll too. I keep thinking it would be nice to see him get a Derby win, outright this time, rather than getting put up by DQ like he did in 2021 when Country House inherited the win. Nobody deserves it more. Some news broke later Thursday morning when it was announced that Kentucky Oaks contender Tapit Jenallie (Tapit) would scratch, giving Courtlandt Farms Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro) a berth in the lineup. A $900,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, she finished on 3/4-of a length back of Tarifa (Bernardini)–one of the Oaks favorites–in the Mar. 23 GI Fair Grounds Oaks. Her trainer Steve Asmussen, who most recently won the Oaks with Untapable in 2014, also took the race in 2005 with Summerly. The Hall of Famer seems to be sitting on about a 10-year cycle and is due again this year. The post Classic Stage is Set at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f, 6 1/2f, 10:30 a.m. ET. The Oaks curtain lifts with the debut of a full-sister to champion 2-year-old colt and current sire Good Magic (by Curlin). PENNY ROYAL is a homebred trained by Steve Asmussen. Dam MSW Glinda the Good (Hard Spun), who also carried the Stonestreet banner, is a half-sister to GSW Take the Ribbon (Chester House) and SW Flash Forward (Curlin). TJCIS PPS 2nd-CD, $100K, OCN1X, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 11:00 a.m. ET. Owned by Woodford, West Point and Chris Larsen, Shug McGaughey trainee Sedona (Curlin) broke her maiden at first asking at Gulfstream Park Mar. 3. As the second highest grossing yearling at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale, the $2 million buy is out MGISP America (A.P. Indy). Responsible for Sedona's full-brother MGSW First Captain, America is a half-sister to the dam of GI CCA Oaks heroine Paris Lights (Curlin). TJCIS PPS 7th-BAQ, $90K, MSW, 3yo/up, 6FT, 4:13 p.m. ET. Westerberg homebred Final Edition (Ire) (Uncle Mo) makes his first start for trainer Wesley Ward at Aqueduct. The colt's dam Most Gifted (War Front), herself out of French multiple group stakes winner Gagnoa (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), counts as a full-brother GIII Mint Million S. invader Ancient Rome. She is also a full-sister to English group stakes winner Etoile, who produced MSW No Nay Mets (Ire) (No Nay Never). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: Good Magic’s Full-Sister Unveiled On Oaks Undercard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSP Tapit Jenallie (Tapit) was scratched Thursday morning from Friday's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks by trainer Eddie Milligan, Jr. according to Churchill Downs media. With the scratch, GII Fair Grounds Oaks runner up Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro) now draws into the race. Our Pretty Woman, racing for Courtlandt Farms from the Steve Asmussen barn, will break from the outside post and gets Joel Rosario in the irons. Trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. has confirmed that Tapit Jenallie will not run in the Kentucky Oaks. Also eligible Our Pretty Woman will draw in the race. pic.twitter.com/DJ5JknZE0Q — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2024 The post Tapit Jenallie Scratched From KY Oaks; Our Pretty Woman Draws In appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Willis Horton Racing's Tapit Jenallie will be scratched from the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1), trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. announced May 2. Courtland Farms' Our Pretty Woman draws in off the also-eligible list.View the full article

Zoustar (Aus), the “flagship sire” at Widden Stud in Australia, has had his 2024 fee increased to A$275,000 (around €168,000) from A$220,000 (€134,000) ahead of the Southern Hemisphere breeding season, it was announced on Wednesday. A dual Group 1-winning sprinter in 2013 when trained by Chris Waller, Zoustar is now well established as one of the leading sires in Australia and has enjoyed an outstanding season on the track in 2023/24, with Zougotcha (Aus), Joliestar (Aus), Climbing Star (Aus) and the recently retired Ozzmosis (Aus) all winning at the top level. In the sales ring, seven of his 2024 yearlings fetched at least A$1 million, including his A$2.2 million filly out of Prompt Response (Aus) (Beneteau {Aus}). A horse who has been on the rise since he debuted in 2014 at A$44,000, Zoustar (of the current announcements) now shares joint billing with I Am Invincible (Aus) and Extreme Choice (Aus) as Australia's most expensive stallions. “An increase in service fee in the financial climate we find ourselves in needs to be measured and warranted–and in the case of Zoustar he has truly earned it,” said Widden Stud's Antony Thompson. “We have always had complete belief in the potential of Zoustar to become an Australian champion sire and we are delighted for all of our clients who have shared in his constantly evolving story of success.” In November last year, David Redvers announced that Zoustar would not stand at Tweenhills in 2024, with the decision made to rest him for six months in Australia following 11 consecutive Northern and Southern covering seasons. He is reportedly booked to return to Tweenhills in 2025, having produced the likes of G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Lezoo (GB) during his time in Britain. The post Zoustar Earns Significant Fee Increase At Widden Stud In Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bloodstock agent and longtime racing veteran Timothy Vaughn Kegel passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the age of 74. The following is an obituary written by son Van Kegel and provided to the TDN by the Kegel family: “Born in Clifton Springs, N.Y. in 1950, he charted his own path from his years at SUNY Cortland to a long career in the racing industry as a vet's assistant, trainer, jockey agent and bloodstock agent. He loved horses and the racetrack, and the track loved him. He will forever be remembered for his trademark style–wearing two different-colored shoes–and more importantly, for his kindness, honesty, consistency in always doing what he said he would do and his ability to share a laugh with anyone, any time no matter the situation. Tim is survived by his three children, Casey [and husband Zack], Van [and wife Peyton] and Emily, his grandson Beau, his siblings Ted, Claudia, Kevin and Troy, and many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and his example forever. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ellen Kegel as well as his parents, Rita and Eugene Kegel. The family plans to hold a celebration of his life in the coming months, with details to be determined. In lieu of a memorial service, we only ask that you raise a drink, tell a story and have a laugh in his memory. He was truly one of a kind, and his presence will be missed more than words can express. As he once wrote to a friend who had lost his father, “'The true measure of any man is the memories, thoughts and feelings that live on in all those he touched during his life,'” and by this measure, Tim Kegel was the best of men.” The post Racing Veteran Tim Kegel Dies At 74 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After being beaten by 37 lengths in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase and having to rely on jockey Darryl Horner Jnr pleading with stewards to allow him to race, Count Zero (NZ) (Zed) amazingly won the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday afternoon. According to Horner Jnr, the run on Tuesday was not due to fatigue and he argued that Count Zero had travelled strongly late, which is why he allowed him to finish the race. Fast forward two days and the hard-fought victory over Bell Ex One (Excelebration) gave trainer Symon Wilde his third win in the race and Horner Jnr his first, with the result also giving the Jericho Cup winner a second feature triumph at a huge price. Darryl Horner Jnr celebrates his win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Bought by Darren Weir and John Foote in 2016 for just $22,000, the son of Zed took five starts to break his maiden and arrived at Wilde’s yard two starts later, rated 59. His first victory for the stable was in a 0-58 at Ararat, but he steadily began to improve over the next two years, picking off a few races before a landmark victory in the 2020 Jericho Cup under Luke ‘Stumpy’ Williams. In hindsight, perhaps the fact that he won Australia’s longest flat race by five lengths, albeit as a $26 shot, was an indication that the Grand Annaul’s marathon journey would suit. But at this point, Count Zero hadn’t so much as trialled over the jumps, apparently due to reluctance from a tiny portion of the ownership group. He eventually got jumping in 2022 and won his first two hurdle starts before collecting another pair of wins last season, one of them over steeples. However, a lacklustre start to his 2024 campaign, compounded by the disappointing Brierly effort, had him out of most people’s Grand Annual calculations coming into Thursday. Behind the scenes, though, Horner Jnr had concocted a plan to try and put Count Zero in a more-competitive mindset. “We had a bit to look though after the Brierly, he just didn’t jump well,” Wilde said post-race. “It was due to him being too far back and Darryl was terrific. He said, ‘Why don’t we put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates’. “He jumped beautifully today, with a better look at them. (Darryl) thought he just wasn’t interested in the Brierly, being too far back. “He’s a top-of-the-ground horse and we know he can stay, he’s won a Jericho and he just needed to get that jumping right and that happened today.” Get the jumping right he did – the nonchalant efforts of Tuesday were replaced by much better jumps throughout the 33-obstacle course – and Count Zero looked like a huge chance a long way from home. Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One looked to be going slightly better as they jumped the last, but Count Zero kicked back strongly, as the pair engaged in a genuine two-horse war. They hit the line almost in unison, but Wilde’s galloper would emerge the victor by half a head, securing another famous win in a remarkable career. It brings Count Zero’s record to 10 wins from 59 starts and his prizemoney to a remarkable A$705,000. Wilde ends his hometown carnival with four winners and seven placings, as well as Vanguard’s unlucky fourth in the Grand Annual behind his stablemate. “It’s a thrill – our whole team gets such a buzz, you’ve no idea,” Wilde said. “I love this race; the theatre of the Brierly, the Galleywood and then this today, it just makes these carnivals. “Look how many people are here, it’s wonderful.” View the full article

After being beaten by 37 lengths in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase and having to rely on jockey Darryl Horner Jnr pleading with stewards to allow him to race, Count Zero (NZ) (Zed) amazingly won the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday afternoon. According to Horner Jnr, the run on Tuesday was not due to fatigue and he argued that Count Zero had travelled strongly late, which is why he allowed him to finish the race. Fast forward two days and the hard-fought victory over Bell Ex One (Excelebration) gave trainer Symon Wilde his third win in the race and Horner Jnr his first, with the result also giving the Jericho Cup winner a second feature triumph at a huge price. Darryl Horner Jnr celebrates his win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Bought by Darren Weir and John Foote in 2016 for just $22,000, the son of Zed took five starts to break his maiden and arrived at Wilde’s yard two starts later, rated 59. His first victory for the stable was in a 0-58 at Ararat, but he steadily began to improve over the next two years, picking off a few races before a landmark victory in the 2020 Jericho Cup under Luke ‘Stumpy’ Williams. In hindsight, perhaps the fact that he won Australia’s longest flat race by five lengths, albeit as a $26 shot, was an indication that the Grand Annaul’s marathon journey would suit. But at this point, Count Zero hadn’t so much as trialled over the jumps, apparently due to reluctance from a tiny portion of the ownership group. He eventually got jumping in 2022 and won his first two hurdle starts before collecting another pair of wins last season, one of them over steeples. However, a lacklustre start to his 2024 campaign, compounded by the disappointing Brierly effort, had him out of most people’s Grand Annual calculations coming into Thursday. Behind the scenes, though, Horner Jnr had concocted a plan to try and put Count Zero in a more-competitive mindset. “We had a bit to look though after the Brierly, he just didn’t jump well,” Wilde said post-race. “It was due to him being too far back and Darryl was terrific. He said, ‘Why don’t we put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates’. “He jumped beautifully today, with a better look at them. (Darryl) thought he just wasn’t interested in the Brierly, being too far back. “He’s a top-of-the-ground horse and we know he can stay, he’s won a Jericho and he just needed to get that jumping right and that happened today.” Get the jumping right he did – the nonchalant efforts of Tuesday were replaced by much better jumps throughout the 33-obstacle course – and Count Zero looked like a huge chance a long way from home. Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One looked to be going slightly better as they jumped the last, but Count Zero kicked back strongly, as the pair engaged in a genuine two-horse war. They hit the line almost in unison, but Wilde’s galloper would emerge the victor by half a head, securing another famous win in a remarkable career. It brings Count Zero’s record to 10 wins from 59 starts and his prizemoney to a remarkable A$705,000. Wilde ends his hometown carnival with four winners and seven placings, as well as Vanguard’s unlucky fourth in the Grand Annual behind his stablemate. “It’s a thrill – our whole team gets such a buzz, you’ve no idea,” Wilde said. “I love this race; the theatre of the Brierly, the Galleywood and then this today, it just makes these carnivals. “Look how many people are here, it’s wonderful.” View the full article

After being beaten by 37 lengths in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase and having to rely on jockey Darryl Horner Jnr pleading with stewards to allow him to race, Count Zero (NZ) (Zed) amazingly won the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday afternoon. According to Horner Jnr, the run on Tuesday was not due to fatigue and he argued that Count Zero had travelled strongly late, which is why he allowed him to finish the race. Fast forward two days and the hard-fought victory over Bell Ex One (Excelebration) gave trainer Symon Wilde his third win in the race and Horner Jnr his first, with the result also giving the Jericho Cup winner a second feature triumph at a huge price. Darryl Horner Jnr celebrates his win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Bought by Darren Weir and John Foote in 2016 for just $22,000, the son of Zed took five starts to break his maiden and arrived at Wilde’s yard two starts later, rated 59. His first victory for the stable was in a 0-58 at Ararat, but he steadily began to improve over the next two years, picking off a few races before a landmark victory in the 2020 Jericho Cup under Luke ‘Stumpy’ Williams. In hindsight, perhaps the fact that he won Australia’s longest flat race by five lengths, albeit as a $26 shot, was an indication that the Grand Annaul’s marathon journey would suit. But at this point, Count Zero hadn’t so much as trialled over the jumps, apparently due to reluctance from a tiny portion of the ownership group. He eventually got jumping in 2022 and won his first two hurdle starts before collecting another pair of wins last season, one of them over steeples. However, a lacklustre start to his 2024 campaign, compounded by the disappointing Brierly effort, had him out of most people’s Grand Annual calculations coming into Thursday. Behind the scenes, though, Horner Jnr had concocted a plan to try and put Count Zero in a more-competitive mindset. “We had a bit to look though after the Brierly, he just didn’t jump well,” Wilde said post-race. “It was due to him being too far back and Darryl was terrific. He said, ‘Why don’t we put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates’. “He jumped beautifully today, with a better look at them. (Darryl) thought he just wasn’t interested in the Brierly, being too far back. “He’s a top-of-the-ground horse and we know he can stay, he’s won a Jericho and he just needed to get that jumping right and that happened today.” Get the jumping right he did – the nonchalant efforts of Tuesday were replaced by much better jumps throughout the 33-obstacle course – and Count Zero looked like a huge chance a long way from home. Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One looked to be going slightly better as they jumped the last, but Count Zero kicked back strongly, as the pair engaged in a genuine two-horse war. They hit the line almost in unison, but Wilde’s galloper would emerge the victor by half a head, securing another famous win in a remarkable career. It brings Count Zero’s record to 10 wins from 59 starts and his prizemoney to a remarkable A$705,000. Wilde ends his hometown carnival with four winners and seven placings, as well as Vanguard’s unlucky fourth in the Grand Annual behind his stablemate. “It’s a thrill – our whole team gets such a buzz, you’ve no idea,” Wilde said. “I love this race; the theatre of the Brierly, the Galleywood and then this today, it just makes these carnivals. “Look how many people are here, it’s wonderful.” View the full article

After being beaten by 37 lengths in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase and having to rely on jockey Darryl Horner Jnr pleading with stewards to allow him to race, Count Zero (NZ) (Zed) amazingly won the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday afternoon. According to Horner Jnr, the run on Tuesday was not due to fatigue and he argued that Count Zero had travelled strongly late, which is why he allowed him to finish the race. Fast forward two days and the hard-fought victory over Bell Ex One (Excelebration) gave trainer Symon Wilde his third win in the race and Horner Jnr his first, with the result also giving the Jericho Cup winner a second feature triumph at a huge price. Darryl Horner Jnr celebrates his win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Bought by Darren Weir and John Foote in 2016 for just $22,000, the son of Zed took five starts to break his maiden and arrived at Wilde’s yard two starts later, rated 59. His first victory for the stable was in a 0-58 at Ararat, but he steadily began to improve over the next two years, picking off a few races before a landmark victory in the 2020 Jericho Cup under Luke ‘Stumpy’ Williams. In hindsight, perhaps the fact that he won Australia’s longest flat race by five lengths, albeit as a $26 shot, was an indication that the Grand Annaul’s marathon journey would suit. But at this point, Count Zero hadn’t so much as trialled over the jumps, apparently due to reluctance from a tiny portion of the ownership group. He eventually got jumping in 2022 and won his first two hurdle starts before collecting another pair of wins last season, one of them over steeples. However, a lacklustre start to his 2024 campaign, compounded by the disappointing Brierly effort, had him out of most people’s Grand Annual calculations coming into Thursday. Behind the scenes, though, Horner Jnr had concocted a plan to try and put Count Zero in a more-competitive mindset. “We had a bit to look though after the Brierly, he just didn’t jump well,” Wilde said post-race. “It was due to him being too far back and Darryl was terrific. He said, ‘Why don’t we put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates’. “He jumped beautifully today, with a better look at them. (Darryl) thought he just wasn’t interested in the Brierly, being too far back. “He’s a top-of-the-ground horse and we know he can stay, he’s won a Jericho and he just needed to get that jumping right and that happened today.” Get the jumping right he did – the nonchalant efforts of Tuesday were replaced by much better jumps throughout the 33-obstacle course – and Count Zero looked like a huge chance a long way from home. Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One looked to be going slightly better as they jumped the last, but Count Zero kicked back strongly, as the pair engaged in a genuine two-horse war. They hit the line almost in unison, but Wilde’s galloper would emerge the victor by half a head, securing another famous win in a remarkable career. It brings Count Zero’s record to 10 wins from 59 starts and his prizemoney to a remarkable A$705,000. Wilde ends his hometown carnival with four winners and seven placings, as well as Vanguard’s unlucky fourth in the Grand Annual behind his stablemate. “It’s a thrill – our whole team gets such a buzz, you’ve no idea,” Wilde said. “I love this race; the theatre of the Brierly, the Galleywood and then this today, it just makes these carnivals. “Look how many people are here, it’s wonderful.” View the full article

Public auction prices for the 21 horses entered and still under consideration for the Kentucky Derby (G1) range from a $11,000 bargain buy from the last book of the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale to a $2.3 million sale topper.View the full article

Count Zero (NZ) ridden by Darryl Horner (Jnr) clears a steeple on the way to winning the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Count Zero’s stunning turnaround in the 5500-metre Grand Annual Steeplechase was nothing short of remarkable at Warrnambool. Just two days after a dismal 37-length defeat in the Brierly Steeplechase, the resilient gelding surged to victory, securing trainer Symon Wilde his third triumph in the prestigious race and jockey Darryl Horner Jnr his first. 2024 Grand Annual Steeplechase Replay – Count Zero Reflecting on the unexpected victory, Horner Jnr dismissed notions of fatigue from Tuesday’s race, emphasising Count Zero’s late surge. “He traveled strongly late,” Horner Jnr asserted, justifying his decision to allow the horse to finish despite the setback. The journey to victory was not without its challenges. Count Zero, purchased for a modest $22,000 in 2016, struggled initially, taking five starts to break his maiden. However, under Wilde’s guidance, the son of Zed steadily improved, culminating in a memorable win at the 2020 Jericho Cup. Despite his success on the flat, Count Zero had yet to test his mettle over jumps due to reluctance from a fraction of the ownership group. It wasn’t until 2022 that he began his jumping career, gradually notching wins in hurdle and steeplechase events. Ahead of the Grand Annual, Horner Jnr devised a strategy to reignite Count Zero’s competitive spirit. “Put him up the front like usual, I’ll kick him hard out the gates,” he proposed. The plan paid off handsomely, with Count Zero delivering flawless jumps throughout the rigorous 33-obstacle course. In a thrilling finale, Count Zero engaged in a neck-and-neck battle with Andrew Bobbin’s Bell Ex One, ultimately crossing the line with a half-head advantage. The victory not only added to Count Zero’s impressive record of 10 wins from 59 starts but also boosted his prizemoney to a remarkable $705,000. For Wilde, the win marked the culmination of a successful hometown carnival, with four winners and seven placings. “I love this race,” Wilde expressed, revelling in the excitement of the carnival atmosphere. “It just makes these carnivals.” Horse racing news View the full article

Inner-city surface comes under fire as Jockey Club cancels next week’s turf trials at Sha TinView the full article

Team Ballydoyle's crack colt City Of Troy (Justify) has 10 peers to overcome in Saturday's G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in his quest to follow the hoofprints of the wonderhorse with which he has drawn early comparison. With the stable removing all of his understudies including the similarly-unbeaten Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) on Thursday morning, the assembled cast will be the smallest for the time-honoured Rowley Mile Classic since 2017 when Ryan Moore enjoyed his last winning ride on Churchill (Ire). Three of the colts dispatched by Coolmore's TDN Rising Star in testing conditions in the track's signature juvenile contest, the G1 Dewhurst S., are set to re-oppose and they are Shadwell's Alyanaabi (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah's subsequent G3 Craven S. winner Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) and Teme Valley and Ballylinch Stud's Iberian (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Key opponents to City Of Troy include Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), fellow unbeaten but unproven fellow TDN Rising Stars Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Jeff Smith's G2 Royal Lodge S. scorer Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). Juddmonte's G1 Middle Park S. runner-up Task Force (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is the fourth TDN Rising Star in the select and classy line-up. With such a small field, the draw is rendered less relevant than in the years of bumper runners such as 2002, 2007 and 2019. It was in the latter year that Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) provided Aidan O'Brien with his 10th success before a relative drought for the operation, but as the year of Churchill proved facing only nine rivals with the cutaway rail experiment this is always tactical. To that end, it is in all likelihood a relief to connections that City Of Troy is in stall two next to the similarly forward-going and generous Night Raider, who is on the wing. Both are expected to be ridden forward, while the stables of Ghostwriter and Rosallion will be buoyed by being in three and four respectively for that essential early cover and tow. The Charlie Hills-trained G2 Champagne S. winner Iberian is on the other flank, one out from the Ed Walker-trained seven-furlong course conditions scorer Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) who bids to become the latest of many outsiders to fill the frame in this under Guineas debutante Saffie Osborne. The post City Of Troy Faces Ten In The 2000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Gold Cup Day Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Saturday, May 4, 2024 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble Hawkesbury Race Club gets set for its annual Gold Cup Day meeting on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program lined up. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and although the surface is rated Good 4 at the time of acceptances, significant rainfall in the lead-up means a likely downgrade into the Soft range. The action is scheduled to get underway at 11:20am AEST. Hawkesbury Gold Cup: Nugget After being beaten by less than a length in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 6, Nugget appears primed to peak in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup. The son of Siyouni was crowded for room when mounting a late challenge in Australia’s greatest handicap, only to get swallowed up in the shadows of the post by a fast-finishing Celestial Legend. With wet conditions unlikely to hinder his blistering turn of foot, Nugget gets the nod in the $250,000 feature. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race 8 – #4 Nugget (13) 7yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Tyler Schiller (58kg) +400 with Bet365 Hawkesbury Guineas: General Salute General Salute powered through the wire first-up at Rosehill in the Listed Darby Munro Stakes (1200m) on March 23 and impressed with an eye-catching barrier trial heading into the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m). The step up to 1400m should be ideal for this Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou-trained gelding who likes to get back and run on. The tempo should be genuine, and although he may be the last one mounting a challenge, General Salute will be flying home at a massive each-way price with the top betting sites. Hawkesbury Guineas Race 7 – #8 General Salute (13) 3yo Gelding | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Joshua Parr (56kg) +1400 with Dabble Hawkesbury Crown: Shadows Of Love In the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) for the fillies and mares, Shadows Of Love will be trying to bounce back after a luckless performance in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) at Randwick on April 13. She was cast three wide throughout but showed plenty of tenacity to cling onto a spot in the minor money. Tim Clark will search for the one-one from gate five, and with her best form coming with sting out of the ground, Shadows Of Love can justify the short quote with online bookmakers. Hawkesbury Crown Race 6 – #5 Shadows Of Love (5) 4yo Mare | T: Kim Waugh | J: Tim Clark (56kg) +220 with Picklebet Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Gentileschi Gentileschi is on the brink of a hat-trick heading to metropolitan company for the first time and looks perfectly placed in this Class 2 Highway. She’s been sensational in her back-to-back victories at Scone to kick off the campaign, going on to score by a combined five lengths with relative ease. This is clearly her toughest task to date, but with her ceiling yet to be reached, Gentileschi may just prove too classy for this lot. Best Bet Race 3 – #9 Gentileschi (8) 3yo Filly | T: Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | J: James McDonald (56kg) +130 with PlayUp Next Best at Hawkesbury: Parisal Parisal returns after a 126-day spell and comes through some strong form-lines last preparation. The daughter of Astern peaked on her run late when chasing home Lady Laguna at Doomben on December 30, so the James Cummings barn elected to send her to the paddock. A soft piece of work at Canterbury on April 19 suggests she is ready to go first-up, and with Zac Lloyd set to be positive from stall three, watch for Parisal to make every post a winner. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Parisal (3) 4yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (55.5kg) +320 with Unibet Best Value at Hawkesbury: Waltham Waltham makes his Australian debut for the Matthew Smith barn having won two of his three starts before being sent down under. The Irish import is a pure stayer, with both his victories coming over 2615m at Leopardstown before failing to make an impression when stepping up to Listed company. His trials have only been fair, but with the wet conditions likely to suit the son of Roaring Lion, this guy is worth a speck at the each-way price available with the best racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #6 Waltham (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Zac Lloyd (58kg) +1400 with Neds Saturday Hawkesbury quaddie tips – 4/5/2024 Hawkesbury quadrella selections Saturday, May 4, 2024 1-2-5-7-8-11-16 1-4-6-14 1-2-4-5-12-19 3-8-11-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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David Greene leading Goldiluxe, who went on to record the Hamilton horseman’s 100th training victory at Ruakaka on Wednesday. Photo: Race Images A pair of Group winners take pride of place so far in the training career of David Greene who this week hit a notable milestone. The Te Rapa-based horseman sent out his 100th winner on Wednesday when Goldiluxe scored at Ruakaka in the style to befit the occasion and, for good measure, stablemate Flamboyance finished runner-up. Ghibellines mare Goldiluxe was sent out at less than even money in her 1400m maiden contest and won accordingly, romping home in the hands of Sam Spratt to bring up Greene’s century. “To be honest, I haven’t really given it too much thought, but it is nice and a reflection of an awful lot of work that a lot of different people have put into the stable over the years,” he said. Greene was involved in the industry on a smaller scale before concentrating on training. “I’ve been full time at Te Rapa for 12 years and we played around with a couple of horses before that,” he said. “We were out on the farm at Tahuna (about 15 minutes out of Morrinsville) and Heidi (wife) and I were mainly pre-training and spelling horses back then. Heidi has been key to everything.” In the ensuing years, the stable’s flagship performers have been top-class mare Stolen Dance and the well-performed stayer Justamaiz. A daughter of Alamosa, Stolen Dance was successful on nine occasions and placed a further six times from 21 appearances for Greene. She claimed top honours in the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) and the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and consecutively finished runner-up at Group One level in the Zabeel Classic (2000m), Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). “She’s been my favourite horse so far, she was very special to me and the stable,” Greene said. Following a change in the ownership group, Stolen Dance joined the now retired Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman and the mare signed off her career with a deserved success by going one better in the Thorndon. Justamaiz was a tough staying son of Guillotine who won eight races with his most notable successes on his home track at Te Rapa. “He won the Waikato Cup (Group 3, 2400m) and also won the Counties Cup (Group 3, 2100m) when it was held here so it was two local Cups for us,” Greene said. “You’d love to have a stable full of geldings like him that can have long careers and he was another real favourite.” Justamaiz also finished third in an edition of the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m). Greene’s most recent winner Goldiluxe broke through at Ruakaka at her fifth appearance. “She had been knocking on the door of late, she was pretty close to breaking her maiden at Pukekohe and then got tripped up by a track that was wetter than we expected at Rotorua,” he said. “It was a well-earned win for her, and the other horse (Flamboyance) is progressing well and keeps getting better with every start. “He has been a bit of a slow learner, but it looks like he’ll make the grade.” Horse racing news View the full article

Talented steeplechaser Raucous has continued to improve with age, and Paul Nelson and Corrina McChief Stipeal are hoping to have another successful season with the 10-year-old, kicking off on Saturday at Te Rapa. The son of Nom De Jeu lived up to his name in his early years over the fences, but a more professional version arrived at the races last year and the results followed with two victories and four minor placings, including third in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m). “He’s a lot saner than he used to be in previous years, so hopefully that’s a good sign,” Nelson said. “He’s had a couple of jump-outs and had a good school this morning with Hamish McNeill (jockey), Hamish came down and did about 12 others as well.” Te Rapa has been a happy hunting ground for Raucous, and he will travel from Nelson and McChief Stipeal’s Hastings base to carry the 70.5kg topweight in the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial (3900m). “He’ll probably need this run, there’s a couple in there that have had a run already and he could be found wanting a bit at the end,” Nelson said. “We’ll be looking to possibly head back up to the Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) or something similar.” Six-year-old mare Foxalot will also make the journey north to contest the Modern Transport Group Hurdle (2800m), her second start over the fences and will carry the bottom-weight of 63kg under Portia Matthews. “I don’t like starting a maiden in with open horses, but she needs a run, and she’ll be running with experienced horses in a small field which will be good for her,” Nelson said. “Some of them are only one-win horses, so that makes it slightly easier.” Meanwhile, back in Hastings, Nelson’s star jumpers The Cossack and Nedwin are also in work, but will appear on the scene slightly later with the more lucrative features in mind. A son of Mastercraftsman, The Cossack is one of the highest-earning jumpers in recent years to come out of New Zealand, recording 17 victories, nine of those at prestige level, and north of $610,000 in stakes. “The Cossack won’t start jumping for a little while, we might give him a couple of runs on the flat if we can find a wet track for him and then he’ll start a bit later on in the season,” Nelson said. “Hopefully he’ll be there at the end of the season when all the money comes in.” The nine-year-old’s stablemate Nedwin made a strong case in his own right last season, adding the Waikato Hurdles (3200m) and Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) to his burgeoning resume, which also includes six successes on the flat. View the full article

Promising mare Pour The Wine is set to bring the curtain down on a successful season when she heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Prezzy Card Sprint (1400m). The daughter of Telperion has been a standout for owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle this term, having won three and placed in two of her five starts this season, including a third placing in the inaugural $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m). She was runner-up behind dual Group Three winner Sacred Satono at Ellerslie last start and trainers Peter and Dawn Williams are hoping she can go one better in her final start this preparation. “She is going in with great form,” Peter Williams said. “The horse is well, she is in at the right weight and we have got a good rider on. This will be her last start, she will be going out for a spell after Saturday.” While confident in his mare’s ability, Williams said competing left-handed for the first time this season was his only concern. “She hasn’t done much left-handed racing, I think she only had one as a three-year-old,” he said. “She is older now and a bit more streetwise, so hopefully she can handle the left-handed way alright, that is my only query.” Pour The Wine has only been tested at stakes level on one occasion, and Williams is eyeing a return to that level next season in the hope of snaring some valuable black-type. “The Westbury Classic (Gr.2, 1400m) would be a nice race for her,” he said. While Pour The Wine will have to wait until next season for her stakes assignments, stablemate Out Of Exile will have her first tilt at that level this weekend when she contests the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m). The daughter of Brazen Beau, who also runs in part-owner Daniel Nakhle’s colours, was runner-up on debut behind race-rival Renovations at Te Rapa last month, and Williams is hoping she can sneak some black-type this weekend. “We are going to run her,” he said. “She is probably out of her league a little bit but there was nothing wrong with her first start, she was running home nice over 1100. “I know it’s going to 1400m and she is not very big, but she is in the race and there are a couple of nice ones in it, but if she is good enough to run third we would be rapt.” View the full article

Pour The Wine will contest the Prezzy Card Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising mare Pour The Wine is set to bring the curtain down on a successful season when she heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Prezzy Card Sprint (1400m). The daughter of Telperion has been a standout for owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle this term, having won three and placed in two of her five starts this season, including a third placing in the inaugural $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m). She was runner-up behind dual Group 3 winner Sacred Satono at Ellerslie last start and trainers Peter and Dawn Williams are hoping she can go one better in her final start this preparation. “She is going in with great form,” Peter Williams said. “The horse is well, she is in at the right weight and we have got a good rider on. This will be her last start, she will be going out for a spell after Saturday.” While confident in his mare’s ability, Williams said competing left-handed for the first time this season was his only concern. “She hasn’t done much left-handed racing, I think she only had one as a three-year-old,” he said. “She is older now and a bit more streetwise, so hopefully she can handle the left-handed way alright, that is my only query.” Pour The Wine has only been tested at stakes level on one occasion, and Williams is eyeing a return to that level next season in the hope of snaring some valuable black-type. “The Westbury Classic (Group 2, 1400m) would be a nice race for her,” he said. While Pour The Wine will have to wait until next season for her stakes assignments, stablemate Out Of Exile will have her first tilt at that level this weekend when she contests the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m). The daughter of Brazen Beau, who also runs in part-owner Daniel Nakhle’s colours, was runner-up on debut behind race-rival Renovations at Te Rapa last month, and Williams is hoping she can sneak some black-type this weekend. “We are going to run her,” he said. “She is probably out of her league a little bit but there was nothing wrong with her first start, she was running home nice over 1100. “I know it’s going to 1400m and she is not very big, but she is in the race and there are a couple of nice ones in it, but if she is good enough to run third we would be rapt.” Horse racing news View the full article

What WA Sires’ Produce Stakes Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, May 4, 2024 First Race 11:44am AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes for the two-year-olds will headline the nine-race program at Ascot this Saturday from 11:44am AWST. Although the track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, it is expected to improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +7m position for the entire circuit, which should play favourably to on-speed runners over the shorter distances. WA Sires’ Produce Stakes Tip: Bustling Bustling demolished most of his WA Sires’ Produce Stakes rivals when they last met in the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate on April 20. The son of Frosted has only faced defeat once in his four career starts, and he has earned his odds-on favouritism with the top online bookmakers. If Bustling can cross the field and lead, he will bring up his hat-trick with a win in the feature. WA Sires’ Produce Stakes Race 7 – #1 Bustling (9) 2yo Gelding | T: Daniel Morton | J: Brad Parnham (56.5kg) -285.71 with Bet365 Best Bet at Ascot: Generosity Generosity went down as an odds-on favourite first-up over 1000m, as he was forced to make a searching run around the field before letting down with a good turn of foot to run third. Stepping up to 1200m, he should get some favours with more speed expected in this race. Chris Parnham has yet to win on this daughter of Divine Prophet from two starts, but with an economical run from barrier two, Generosity can find the winners’ circle. Best Bet Race 9 – #5 Generosity (2) 3yo Filly | T: Simon Miller | J: Chris Parnham (56kg) +130 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Oly’s Choice Oly’s Choice claimed his fifth career win last time out over the Ascot 1400m, thanks to a peach of a ride from William Pike. The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained gelding will step up to 1600m for the first time, but after such a strong win last start, he should relish the extra distance. From barrier two, Pike will settle just worse than midfield before making his run around the outside and attempt to replicate his most recent victory. Next Best Race 3 – #5 Oly’s Choice (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: William Pike (57kg) +180 with PlayUp Best Value at Ascot: Plato Or Plomo Plato Or Plomo claimed victory first-up by a narrow margin over Born And Bread at Pinjarra after running home strongly from the back of the field. Last preparation, this son of Smart Missile broke his maiden when second-up over 1011m at Bunbury, so he should improve off his fresh win. Jarrad Noske will have to push forward from barrier nine, and if he gets in with cover, Plato Or Plomo can go back-to-back to kick off this campaign. Best Value Race 7 – #3 Plato Or Plomo (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris & Michael Gangemi | J: Jarrad Noske (58.5kg) +800 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, May 4, 2024 1-3-9 1 1-2-3 2-4-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Hacksaw Ridge will contest the David & Ellen Oliver (1400m) at Woodville on Friday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Wanganui trainer JJ Rayner will head to Woodville on Friday where she will kick off the campaigns of two of her stable stars, with the pair having ambitions of heading to Riccarton’s Grand National Festival of Racing in August. Hacksaw Ridge was a consistent performer for Rayner last year, placing in five of his nine outings, including a runner-up performance in the Listed AGC Training Stakes WFA (1600m). The Wanganui feature is once again in the crosshairs, however, with his improved travelling manners, a trip across the Cook Strait to tackle the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton is also in the offing. “He has matured a lot and we are looking for a nice season with him,” Rayner said. “He does a few funny things and isn’t the easiest horse to ride or travel. “He seems a lot better in the truck, so I think the main aim for us is to try and get him to the Winter Cup. “We will also head to the AGC Training Stakes with him, he was second in it last year, and probably the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m).” The six-year-old son of Power will be ridden by Lisa Allpress on Friday from barrier 11 in the David & Ellen Oliver (1400m), and Rayner is hoping he can get a soft trip from that draw. “Lisa has ridden him before and gotten on well with him,” she said. “We are expecting a nice run from him first-up, without expecting too much. “He is not the easiest horse to settle, but if he can get a bit of cover he can relax a little bit, so that is what we are hoping.” Stablemate Lord Spencer was another who was in great form of Rayner last year, and she is hopeful he can add some prestige jumps titles to his record this season. The six-year-old son of Zed had five starts over hurdles last year for a win and four placings, and will prepare to head back to that discipline following his second-up run in the Roly and Phillipa Ellis (2200m) on Friday. “He has come up well, but he will need the run,” Rayner said. “He has been going to Waverley and has been doing a couple of jumping days there. “Lemmy Chief Stipelas will ride him in his first few jumping races. “His main aim this year are the big hurdle races. We would like to think we can head down to the Grand National at Riccarton with him too. “He is a lovely horse and hopefully we will have a nice season with him.” Rayner is also excited about the prospects of Tutin Cans this winter. “Tutin Cans, a half-brother to Hacksaw Ridge, is coming up nicely again,” she said. “On his day he is a very good horse, so I would like to have a bit of fun with him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Shamus will contest the Prezzy Card Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Life at the beach is agreeing with talented performer Shamus who will make his first appearance on Saturday from his new quarters. The lightly raced five-year-old has been sent north by former trainer Allan Sharrock to Moira and Kieran Murdoch’s Pukekohe stable and is set to begin the next phase of his career when he resumes in the Prezzy Card Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa. The Noel and Ron Stanley-raced son of Shamexpress was runner-up in an open sprint at New Plymouth at his last appearance in February after finishing sixth in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) following an interrupted passage. “Allan sent him up to us just for a change of scenery, we’ve done it before with a couple for him and using the beach and changing things up for the older horses,” Moira Murdoch said. “He’s lovely and you couldn’t get a nicer horse, he’s taken to the beach from the first day and we’ll see how he goes. He’s been with us for a wee while now and I’ve been happy with his work. “We trialled him at Pukekohe and he ran a nice second, that was just over 800m and he did that really easily. “We thought we’d go to Te Rapa where he has run well before, he hasn’t had any right-handed races so it’s a good one to kick him off.” The stable will take a race-by-race approach with Shamus and no firm goals in mind as yet. “He’s obviously a very talented horse so we’ll just see how he goes, he’s an absolute pleasure to do anything with,” Murdoch said. The model professional has also showed a particular liking for one dietary treat. “He’s no bother, but he has got a penchant for Gala apples and can sniff them out anywhere,” Murdoch said. Shamus has an impressive first-up record with four wins and two placings from eight appearances off a spell and will be partnered in his return at Te Rapa by Jasmine Fawcett. “Jasmine rode him at the trials and the Stanley boys were happy to keep her on,” Murdoch said. Shamus has been successful in six of his 13 appearances, including the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) and finished third in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m). As an older horse, he has also been successful in a brace of open handicap sprints and finished runner-up in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Raucous will contest the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial (3900m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Talented steeplechaser Raucous has continued to improve with age, and Paul Nelson and Corrina McChief Stipeal are hoping to have another successful season with the 10-year-old, kicking off on Saturday at Te Rapa. The son of Nom De Jeu lived up to his name in his early years over the fences, but a more professional version arrived at the races last year and the results followed with two victories and four minor placings, including third in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m). “He’s a lot saner than he used to be in previous years, so hopefully that’s a good sign,” Nelson said. “He’s had a couple of jump-outs and had a good school this morning with Hamish McNeill (jockey), Hamish came down and did about 12 others as well.” Te Rapa has been a happy hunting ground for Raucous, and he will travel from Nelson and McChief Stipeal’s Hastings base to carry the 70.5kg topweight in the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial (3900m). “He’ll probably need this run, there’s a couple in there that have had a run already and he could be found wanting a bit at the end,” Nelson said. “We’ll be looking to possibly head back up to the Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) or something similar.” Six-year-old mare Foxalot will also make the journey north to contest the Modern Transport Group Hurdle (2800m), her second start over the fences and will carry the bottom-weight of 63kg under Portia Matthews. “I don’t like starting a maiden in with open horses, but she needs a run, and she’ll be running with experienced horses in a small field which will be good for her,” Nelson said. “Some of them are only one-win horses, so that makes it slightly easier.” Meanwhile, back in Hastings, Nelson’s star jumpers The Cossack and Nedwin are also in work, but will appear on the scene slightly later with the more lucrative features in mind. A son of Mastercraftsman, The Cossack is one of the highest-earning jumpers in recent years to come out of New Zealand, recording 17 victories, nine of those at prestige level, and north of $610,000 in stakes. “The Cossack won’t start jumping for a little while, we might give him a couple of runs on the flat if we can find a wet track for him and then he’ll start a bit later on in the season,” Nelson said. “Hopefully he’ll be there at the end of the season when all the money comes in.” The nine-year-old’s stablemate Nedwin made a strong case in his own right last season, adding the Waikato Hurdles (3200m) and Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) to his burgeoning resume, which also includes six successes on the flat. “He’s getting in the same position as The Cossack in being up in the weights, and we may just have to look after him a bit,” Nelson said. “He’ll be aiming for some of those later jump races, he may have two or three runs on the flat as well.” A newcomer to the stable this season is The Bambino, continuing a long association between Nelson and Ben Foote, a part-owner and former co-trainer of the Rock ’N’ Pop gelding. A half-brother to Australian Group 2 winner Wymark, The Bambino broke maiden status over the fences at Te Rapa in his first attempt at the tail end of last season. “He’ll get a flat run then be ready to go. We’re just waiting for a bit of easing in the tracks for a lot of our horses, we don’t want it too firm and it hasn’t eased up too much around here yet,” Nelson said. “We’ve had a good association with Ben for a number of years now, and his flat stable is getting bigger and bigger, so he asked us to take the horse. Training a jumper at the track is not that easy as well.” Foote, who now trains in partnership with son Ryan, prepared talented jumper Amanood Lad to win the 2014 Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m), before transferring him to Nelson’s care in 2017 where he added the Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) and Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4900m) to his record. “He (Foote) has been great,” Nelson said. “Amanood Lad came to us in his later years and won a couple of good races, and before that we trained a horse called He’s So Vain, which we got to the Wellington Cup (then at Group 1 level), but he broke down after that unfortunately.” Horse racing news View the full article

What SA Derby Day 2024 Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville SA 5043 When Saturday, May 4, 2024 First Race 11:52am ACST Visit Dabble Another Group 1 day of racing awaits punters at Morphettville on Saturday, with the Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) headlining a competitive nine-race meeting. With several black-type events throughout the day, it sets up perfectly for a strong day of racing on a Good 4 track with the rail out 2m from the 1200m to the winning post. Racing is set to commence at 11:52am local time. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the 2024 Group 1 South Australian Derby Queen Elizabeth II Cup Top Tip: The Map Last time out, The Map comfortably disposed of all bar Excelleration in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) on March 11. The five-year-old mare retains the services of Jamie Kah, and from barrier one, she will gain every conceivable chance in running. She will need even luck on the home turn, but as long as she avoids any potential speed bumps, The Map should prove to be the superior stayer in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2500m). Queen Elizabeth II Cup Race 7 – #2 The Map (1) 5yo Mare | T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray | J: Jamie Kah (57kg) +150 with PlayUp Best Bet at Morphettville: Losesomewinmore Losesomewinmore looks to have a stack of ability and showcased that on the Parks track on April 6 when storming home from last place to put 1.8 lengths on his rivals over 1000m. The four-year-old gelding steps up sharply in grade, but he looks the horse with the most upside in this race. He will be giving his rivals a start again, but if he can replicate the finishing burst he showed last time, Losesomewinmore should be sending backers home happy. Best Bet Race 9 – #11 Losesomewinmore (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Jakoe Toeroek (56.5kg) +180 with Picklebet Next Best at Morphettville: Jazz Affair Jazz Affair is hunting a third straight win having disposed of her rivals in easier company on the Morphettville Parks track in recent times. She is tactically versatile, having won close to the speed two back before charging home from the rear of the field last time out. Jake Toeroek will likely have her in the second half of the field, and with a well-timed sprint, Jazz Affair should be dancing her way to victory. Next Best Race 4 – #8 Jazz Affair (8) 4yo Mare | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Jake Toeroek (55kg) +300 with Dabble Best Value at Morphettville: Badonkidonk Badonkidonk was a dominant winner at Oakbank two runs back, but he then stunk it up on the Parks track at Morphettville in tougher company. Kayla Crowther hops back on board and is the only jockey to have ridden the son of Widden Valley to victory in his career. He will gain every opportunity in running from barrier four, and with even luck, Badonkidonk can salute at a nice price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 1 – #1 Badonkidonk (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Darryl Dodson | J: Kayla Crowther (60kg) +1100 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Morphettville Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, May 4, 2023 6-7-10 1-2-3 1-4-6-7-8-15-16 2-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article