Wandering Eyes

In this installment of the BloodHorse Daily series, Top Priority, Racing's Commitment to Equine Safety, the success and further potential of advanced imaging technology in preventing equine injuries is explored.View the full article

Trainer George Scott has his eye on more big-race riches in Bahrain with Isle Of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) a leading player for the $200,000 Listed King's Cup on Friday. Isle Of Jura has been a revelation in Bahrain over the winter. He has won three of his four starts there, including the prestigious Crown Prince's Cup, and was impressive when cruising to victory on his most recent run in the HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup. Regular rider Callum Shepherd has described Isle Of Jura as the best middle-distance horse he has ever ridden and says he's looking forward to getting back aboard the rapid improver. He said, “Isle Of Jura is the best middle-distance horse I've ridden and he's got the potential to improve further. The King's Cup will be his toughest task to date and the Godolphin horses will provide a different kind of opposition, they clearly mean business, but I think our horse remains the one to beat. “He has grown up noticeably while he has been in Bahrain. He's now so relaxed in a race, he really enjoys the quicker ground and he's got this high-level of raw ability that allows him to travel so well into his races and he finishes them off so well too. “Once his handicap rating ruled him out of the Bahrain Turf Series, the King's Cup became the target. And then after he won the Crown Prince's Cup, the possibility arose of winning the 'Triple Crown'. His Highness Shaikh Nasser was keen to have a go and it would be magic if he could complete the hat-trick in the King's Cup.” Shepherd has felt the benefits of success in Bahrain back home in the UK, adding, “I have been surprised by how much attention the wins in Bahrain have received. Isle of Jura has become a flag-bearer for George (Scott) and myself this winter and it has been a real positive for us and I think he can be highly competitive in Group races back in Europe this summer.” The opposition to Isle Of Jura includes the 2023 King's Cup winner Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, and two other Godolphin-owned runners trained by Charlie Appleby in Dhahabi (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and King Of Conquest (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). The fifth international horse in the field is the wonderfully consistent Lucander (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) for trainer George Baker, while the home team is led by Goemon (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and in-form Sovereign Spirit (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}). The post George Scott Eyes More Big-Race Riches In Bahrain With Isle Of Jura appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Melbourne’s pending heatwave hasn’t dented Te Akau’s confidence levels in their outstanding mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) ahead of her tilt at Saturday’s Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap. A final decision on the timings for Flemington’s races will be made on Friday, with temperatures forecast to hit 38 degrees at the track the following day. “There’s no concern really,” said Te Akau’s Melbourne-based assistant trainer Ben Gleeson. “They’ve all got to deal with the heat themselves, every one of them. It’s a pretty cool week, it’s not like they’re facing the whole week of warm weather. “I think if the race gets brought forward to 12:30 (or) one o’clock, we should be in and out of there in good time and it should just be a nice-enough day by that time to be running. “I don’t think it will be an issue for anyone, really.” Imperatriz is one of two runners for Te Akau in the Newmarket Handicap, as they’ll also be represented by another quality mare in Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel). Imperatriz is the $2.45 favourite for the famous sprint event with Sportsbet, while Skew Wiff is a $46 chance. View the full article

The purchase of two-time stakes winner Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) for $75,000 on gavelhouse.com this week means that breeder Warwick Jeffries is about to enhance his broodmare band with two of the South Island’s best-performed racemares from recent seasons. Jeffries won last season’s New Zealand Small Breeder of the Year Award, which is restricted to breeders with a broodmare band numbering five or fewer. From such small numbers, he produced multiple Group One-winning star Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) and fellow Group One winner Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir). Jeffries also bred Legarto’s half-sister Emanon (NZ) (Burgundy), who has won 11 races in the South Island while on lease to Orari-based trainer Lionel Dobbs and his wife Janine Young. Emanon will return north to Jeffries’ Tauranga property later this autumn, where she will take up residence alongside her former racecourse rival Live Drama. “Having purchased Live Drama, and with Emanon’s lease running out in May, it means that two of the best-performed South Island racemares from the last few years will be coming back to our place,” Jeffries said. “They competed against each other a number of times and won a total of 20 races between them, and now they’ll be sharing a paddock and starting their broodmare careers together.” Jeffries was impressed by the racetrack performances of Live Drama, who turned her $8,500 price tag at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale into more than $330,000 in prize-money. Live Drama’s high-class career spanned six seasons, winning on debut as a two-year-old in May of 2019 and placing at Group Three level as a seven-year-old in November. She had a total of 35 starts for nine wins, 12 placings and $332,340 in stakes for her big group of owners. Her best wins came in the Group Three South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and Listed Great Easter Handicap (1400m), while her eight black-type placings included the Group Three Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) and Stewards’ Stakes (1200m). “Having just retired with a 97 rating, she was a very good racehorse,” Jeffries said. “She won her only start as a two-year-old quite comfortably, so she showed a lot of natural speed. “She won nine races including two at stakes level, and she also had another eight stakes placings, and only a select few mares achieve a career like that. “She’s by Ghibellines, who is a very well-bred stallion and in my view will become a successful broodmare sire in time. “I’ve got a couple of stallions in mind that I think could be suitable matings for her, and one of those is obviously Proisir, who I’m a shareholder in. But there’s others that will be worth considering as well. I thought she was a good mare to buy, and I’m looking forward to breeding from her.” Entries for the next fortnightly gavelhouse.com mixed bloodstock auction are due online by 10pm on Monday 11th March. View the full article

What Randwick Guineas Day 2024 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, March 9, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Royal Randwick this Saturday afternoon, where a bumper 10-race program is set for decision. The card is headlined by the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) for the three-year-olds and the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m). The rail moves out +3m after racing in the true last weekend, and with only a minor shower predicted to hit the track, it shouldn’t affect the current Good 4 rating. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm AEDT. Race 1: Midway Handicap BM72 (1600m) A capacity field of 20 are set to kick off proceedings at Randwick in this wide-open BM72 contest, where the David Payne-trained Mahagoni presents at a good each-way price with online bookmakers. The five-year-old gelding held his own against tougher opposition than what he faces this weekend, with his latest effort encouraging in BM88 company when beaten by 1.3 lengths on the wire. He maps well from stall one this time, and although he may need some luck when getting clear in the straight, Mahagoni is worth a throw at the stumps in a field littered with chances. Selections: 3 MAHAGONI 9 CUT ON A DIME 2 INVINCIBLE LEGEND 4 MOUNTAIN GUEST Race 2: Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) The first two-year-old contest is for the girls in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes, where Too Darn Lizzie returns for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn. The daughter of Too Darn Hot was able to rack them and stack them on the Gold Coast in her only start of the campaign, kicking clear to score by 1.5 lengths on the wire. She appears to be the only leader engaged in this field on the speed map, with most of her rivals known to be get-back and run-on types, giving jockey Tim Clark every opportunity to dictate terms up on speed. She appears wound up for this effort based on her two barrier trials in the lead-up, and provided she can check off a cheap sectional or two, Too Darn Lizzie will take plenty of catching. Selections: 1 TOO DARN LIZZIE 6 EXTREME DIVA 3 CASTANYA 8 SILMARILLION Next Best Race 2 – #1 Too Darn Lizzie (3) 2yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (55.5kg) +150 with Dabble Race 3: Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) Almania continues to race ultra-consistently and looks set to peak third-up into the campaign. He looked all over a winner in his most recent start in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m) at Rosehill on February 24 and was only claimed in the shadows of the post by the impressive returning More Felons. He maps to gain an economical run throughout the 2000m journey on Saturday, and with the Kris Lees campaign having taken their time with this now eight-year-old gelding, the patience could well be rewarded with victory. Selections: 11 ALMANIA 10 CANBERRA LEGEND 12 REDSTONE WELL 3 BOIS D’ARGENT Race 4: Listed Fireball Stakes (1100m) Blanc De Blanc was too bad to be true first-up at Caulfield in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100m). The daughter of I Am Invincible tailed off a long last 13 lengths away and never travelled throughout the journey. It was a bizarre result considering her two barrier trials leading into that event were outstanding, giving the impression the now three-year-old was going to resume in outstanding order despite being first-up after a 329-day spell. She heads back to her favoured clockwise way of going on Saturday, and as she looks to recapture her best two-year-old form, punters should be happy to take that chance at the price with online bookmakers. Selections: 6 BLANC DE BLANC 1 CORNICHE 2 RED RESISTANCE 4 KEENAN Best Value Race 4 – #6 Blanc De Blanc (2) 3yo Filly | T: Michael Freedman | J: Jason Collett (54kg) +900 with Bet365 Race 5: Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) The boys get their chance to step out next in the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m), where undefeated colt Switzerland will be searching for a hat-trick of wins. The Chris Waller-trained galloper continues to improve throughout the campaign, with his latest winning performance a tough effort when sitting outside the leader at this track on February 17. The 1200m should hold no issues for this son of Snitzel based on his two starts to date, and with a favourable speed map to find the one-one from stall four along with leading hoop James McDonald sticking aboard, Switzerland could be on his way to staking claims for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) later in the autumn. Selections: 6 SWITZERLAND 5 ESPIONAGE 3 STRAIGHT CHARGE 4 BODYGUARD Todman Stakes Race 5 – #6 Switzerland (4) 2yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (55.5kg) +270 with Neds Race 6: Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) Aft Cabin makes his return for Godolphin after a lengthy 273-day spell and looks to be resuming in terrific order. He has had two jump-outs to get prepared for this event and the James Cummings barns seem to have the son of Astern ready for a first-up assault after a luckless three-year-old campaign. You only need to look at his fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) to see the class he can possess on his best day, where he was only beaten 1.5 lengths by some of the sprinting stars like Giga Kick and Overpass. Private Eye is undoubtedly a fair favourite in this event, but at the price, it’s worth the gamble Aft Cabin can take down the older horses over 1000m in the Challenge Stakes. Selections: 4 AFT CABIN 1 PRIVATE EYE 3 REMARQUE 6 PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Aft Cabin (2) 4yo Horse | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) +380 with Betfair Race 7: Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) The Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) has attracted a small but quality field, with Think About It making his return the track, however, it is worth making the case for Espiona. She was enormous on resumption in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) behind Imperatriz and was only getting warm in the last 200m of the Flemington straight on February 17. The Chris Waller barn had her dual accepted for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) in Melbourne as well, but with the team confirming she is on the float back to Sydney shows strong intent from the stable to take on the short-priced commodity. She has a glowing second-up record, and with a soft run from barrier two under James McDonald, Espiona should get every chance for an upset. Selections: 6 ESPIONA 1 THINK ABOUT IT 2 PERICLES 7 LADY LAGUNA Canterbury Stakes Race 7 – #6 Espiona (2) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) +280 with Playup Race 8: Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) The three-year-olds take centre stage in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and has drawn a quality 11-horse field to fight it out for the $1 million prize. The Chris Waller-trained Militarize holds the call currently at $2.30 after an impressive first-up display in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) against the older horses, while the Les Bridge-trained Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) winner Celestial Legend is right behind him on the second line of betting at $4. Nine of the 11 runners engaged come through the Hobartville, so can his rivals turn the tables? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Randwick Guineas Race 9: Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) Osmose gets set to kick-off her autumn charge in the Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) and looks perfectly placed by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn. The daughter of Zoffany was just outmatched at the end of last preparation behind Deny Knowledge in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) during the spring and was subsequently sent to the paddock. Her latest piece of work at Randwick on February 22 caught the eye when coasting through the wire under her own steam, and with an element of class on her side, watch for Tim Clark to ping the lids and attempt making every post a winner in this one. Selections: 3 OSMOSE 1 THALASSOPHILE 4 LEKVARTE 15 BLACKCOMB Aspiration Quality Race 9 – #3 Osmose (4) 5yo Mare | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (57.5kg) +550 with Unibet Race 10: Group 3 Weona Girl Quality (1200m) The program finishes with the Group 3 Weona Girl Quaity (1200m), where the Grahame Begg-trained C’est Magique gets her chance to repay the faith. She has been a costly commodity for backers with only one win across 10 career starts, however, she does bring some quality form to this event. Her first-up effort behind the likes of Semana and Olentia in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) reads well for a race like this, and with a lovely run expected form gate two, C’est Magique can make her way into the winners’ enclosure for the second time in her career. Selections: 3 C’EST MAGIQUE 5 CALL DI 15 RAINBIEL 1 QUEEN OF THE BALL Weona Girl Quality Race 10 – #3 C’est Magique (2) 4yo Mare | T: Grahame Begg | J: Tim Clark (56.5kg) +400 with Picklebet Randwick free Saturday quaddie tips Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, March 9, 2024 1-6 1-2-3-6-10 1-3-4-6-7-15-18 1-3-5-6-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Championship leader launches two-pronged attack on HK$13 million feature and is ‘looking for a very good run’ from his Group Three winnerView the full article

Captured By Love will contest the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Te Akau Racing’s unbeaten filly Captured By Love is set to face her sternest test to date when she heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to contest the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Written Tycoon got her career off to the perfect start when winning on debut over 1000m at Tauherenikau last November before scoring her first stakes victory at just her second start in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham a month later. Purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $525,000, Captured By Love was ineligible for the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in January, taken out by hype filly Velocious, and was instead freshened to have a crack at further stakes assignment. She duly added last month’s Group 3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) to her burgeoning record before winning the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at her home track three weeks later. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have been rapt with her unbeaten record to date but are wary about the step-up to elite-level and meeting the Stephen Marsh-trained Velocious for the first time. “She is unbeaten and she is a big, strong girl. She keeps lifting the bar and she will have to do that again on Saturday,” Walker told Trackside NZ. “She is a ready-made racehorse – she has got a will to win and it doesn’t matter what track surface it is either. She came on with that run at Taranaki, but she will need to, stepping into unknown territory right-handed and the Karaka Millions winner (Velocious) is there.” Meanwhile, it will be a sentimental day for Te Akau Racing on Saturday, with the stable set to farewell their warhorse Prise De Fer following his final career start in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m). The eight-year-old gelding has been a stable favourite at the Matamata operation, posting 11 victories and 18 placings from 52 starts. The son of Savabeel had posted five Group One placings before his popular elite-level triumph in the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in 2022, and has added further runner-up results in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2040m), Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m), and Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) to his record. His connections are hoping he can belie his age and topweight of 57kg to end his career on a fairytale note on Saturday. “He is an eight-year-old and it is just hard finding races that are really suitable,” Walker said. “He has been a great servant and he will have a loving showing home at the end of it. It will be his last run on Saturday.” Stablemate Fierce Flight will be looking to spoil the party, and Walker is expecting a bold performance with the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) runner-up dropping down to 53kg for the two-mile test. “I think Fierce Flight dropping to 53 kilos is a dangerous light weight compared to what he carried in the Wellington Cup (58kg),” Walker said. Horse racing news View the full article

Wexford Stables have fond memories at Ellerslie with Asterix, and they are hoping to add another when they head to the Auckland track this Saturday to contest the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m). Asterix is unbeaten on the course in two starts, recording the stable’s second consecutive win in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie two years ago, and returned to the venue last month to take out the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) under jockey Lynsey Satherley. The Waikato hoop retains the ride for the Auckland Cup, for which the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Asterix is currently a $4.20 favourite with TAB bookmakers, ahead of the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained pair of Mark Twain ($6) and Dionysus ($6.50). “Andrew and I are pleased with the way he is going. He is certainly going to strip fit and we are confident he is going to run the two-miles,” Lance O’Sullivan told Trackside NZ. “He is bred to do that on his dam side, I think she won over 3000m. We thought running distance was never going to be a problem with him going forward. We are going to find out, but we think it is going to be right up his alley. We just couldn’t be happier with the horse.” O’Sullivan took plenty of satisfaction in seeing Asterix return to winning form at Ellerslie last start. “The blinkers went back on him and we were hoping he was going to do what he did, and he certainly delivered. He has just got to back it up again this week,” he said. “He has come back to the Asterix of old.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing’s unbeaten filly Captured By Love is set to face her sternest test to date when she heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). The daughter of Written Tycoon got her career off to the perfect start when winning on debut over 1000m at Tauherenikau last November before scoring her first stakes victory at just her second start in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham a month later. Purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $525,000, Captured By Love was ineligible for the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in January, taken out by hype filly Velocious, and was instead freshened to have a crack at further stakes assignment. She duly added last month’s Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) to her burgeoning record before winning the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at her home track three weeks later. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have been rapt with her unbeaten record to date but are wary about the step-up to elite-level and meeting the Stephen Marsh-trained Velocious for the first time. “She is unbeaten and she is a big, strong girl. She keeps lifting the bar and she will have to do that again on Saturday,” Walker told Trackside NZ. “She is a ready-made racehorse – she has got a will to win and it doesn’t matter what track surface it is either. She came on with that run at Taranaki, but she will need to, stepping into unknown territory right-handed and the Karaka Millions winner (Velocious) is there.” Meanwhile, it will be a sentimental day for Te Akau Racing on Saturday, with the stable set to farewell their warhorse Prise De Fer following his final career start in the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m). The eight-year-old gelding has been a stable favourite at the Matamata operation, posting 11 victories and 18 placings from 52 starts. The son of Savabeel had posted five Group One placings before his popular elite-level triumph in the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in 2022, and has added further runner-up results in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2040m), Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m), and Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) to his record. His connections are hoping he can belie his age and topweight of 57kg to end his career on a fairytale note on Saturday. “He is an eight-year-old and it is just hard finding races that are really suitable,” Walker said. “He has been a great servant and he will have a loving showing home at the end of it. It will be his last run on Saturday.” Stablemate Fierce Flight will be looking to spoil the party, and Walker is expecting a bold performance with the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) runner-up dropping down to 53kg for the two-mile test. “I think Fierce Flight dropping to 53 kilos is a dangerous light weight compared to what he carried in the Wellington Cup (58kg),” Walker said. View the full article

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today regrettably announced the resignation of its Chair, Cameron George, effective 31 July 2024. Under his leadership, George, who has served as Chair since 2020, has played a pivotal role in steering NZTR and the racing industry through various challenges and sizeable achievements over recent years. “My decision to step down from my role on the Board hasn’t been an easy one,” George said. “My journey at NZTR started with navigating a path forward for the business through COVID-19. Over time, we have managed to rebuild the industry into the strong position it now holds, demonstrating the resilient team environment I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in over the last four years. “I’ve enjoyed all the challenges this role has presented me with. Going into it I knew I needed to both question and support initiatives brought to the table. “I now feel we have moved into a model of braver thinking and strategic planning, with innovation at the forefront of our activities. Globally, sports have undergone a significant shift from traditional approaches to embracing innovation and with that, we must not sit on our hands and continue to pursue becoming a vibrant sport within the entertainment sector,” he said. While reflecting on his tenure as Chair, George expresses his gratitude towards those who guided the industry towards a successful future. “I would firstly like to thank previous Chairs of NZTR, the likes of Guy Sargent, Matt Goodson, Alan Jackson and their Boards, who worked tirelessly to underpin the industry into the condition it is today.” “I thank NZTR’s Board and management team around me, both past and present, for their dedication to the cause of rebuilding this industry since the dark days of COVID, it truly has been a massive effort. “To the stakeholders and people of the industry, thank you for your strong support, being receptive to change, as well as being prepared to just give things a go. “Finally, so many parts of this industry’s administration deserve credit for helping us reshape and rebuild our future. On a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of TAB NZ, Entain Australia and New Zealand, our racing Clubs, New Zealand Bloodstock and the New Zealand Government for encouraging the movement of change towards a better future,” he said. George will remain in his role as Chair until 31 July of this year and is committed to maintaining a high standard for New Zealand’s racing landscape. “I look forward to finishing off my tenure with commitment and drive to complete several exciting initiatives we have in the pipeline. It’s all hands on deck as we get ready for the biggest summer of racing this country has ever seen next year,” George said. NZTR Members’ Council Chair, Jeff McCall, thanked George for his service to the industry. “Cameron’s passion and dedication to the New Zealand racing industry has been illustrated by the numerous positive actions he has undertaken since he has held the position as Chair.” “On behalf of the Members’ Council and the industry, we thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future,” McCall said. View the full article

The connections of short-priced favourite Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) are in for a massive payday following Saturday’s $450,000 Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie, irrespective of the result. The daughter of Proisir is almost assured of taking home the lion’s share of the $650,000 summer series bonus that was introduced this year by Entain Australia and New Zealand in association with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The series is running across four races between January and March, rewarding $500,000 to the series winner, $100,000 to the runner-up and $50,000 for the third placegetter, with the associated trainers taking home 10 percent of the bonus payments. To become eligible for the bonus, a horse needed to have contested either of the first two legs of the series – the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 20 or $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. Having finished runner-up in the Aotearoa Classic before taking out the third leg of the series, the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa last month, Legarto is a clear series leader with 20.5 points. With 13.5 points given to the winner of the fourth and final leg of the series, the New Zealand Stakes, and Legarto assured of three points for just starting in the race, Robbie Patterson’s One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One) is the only other horse in contention for the series’ top prize, with the Taranaki gelding having to win and Legarto to finish outside the top four in order to take home $500,000. While it will be a tough ask to roll the $1.45 favourite, One Bold Cat (10.5 points) still has the minor bonuses to chase, alongside stablemate Puntura (NZ) (Vespa) (9 points), El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) (7 points), and Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood) and Skyman (Mukhadram) (5 points). While chasing a Group One prize is always the primary objective, Legarto’s trainers Ken and Bev Kelso are excited by the added incentive of the summer series bonus. “It is going to be a great day on Saturday because we have got that bonus to go for as well, which is going to be a huge payday,” Ken Kelso told Trackside NZ. “She doesn’t have to win it to get the bonus, it is quite exciting.” Legarto had a trial last week to keep her up to the mark post her Herbie Dyke win, and Kelso has been pleased with her progress. “She had a quiet trial here at Matamata last Thursday over 1100m. She was only getting warmed-up at the line,” he said. “I go down every night at about 7:30pm and check her, and she licks the bowl clean by then and is looking for more. She is really thriving.” While there is some pressure that comes with lining up a short-priced favourite every time you go to the races, Kelso said it is great to give the sport a heroine to help promote the industry. “She goes out pretty short every time, which puts a little bit of pressure on you,” he said. “She is as well as we can get her, it is just up to Ryan (Elliot, jockey) now. “It is great for racing (to have a horse like Legarto). We need these horses to profile the sport and hopefully they get a bit of a following, like Roger’s (James) filly (Orchestral) last week (when winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, 2400m).” View the full article

Tony Pike has tipped Harlow Rocks (NZ) (Roc de Cambes) as the stable’s best chance of stakes success at Taupo on Friday. The Cambridge trainer will be represented by the in-form Roc de Cambes filly and the promising Sign Of Peace (NZ) (Preferment) in take two of the Gr.2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2000m) following the abandonment of last week’s Hastings meeting. “That was very disappointing the other day, but they both need a lead-up to the New Zealand Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) so we’ll head to Taupo and see how we go,” Pike said. To be ridden again by Ryan Elliot, Harlow Rocks produced a strong front-running performance last time out to finish runner-up to Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa. “She’s got the runs on the board and she puts herself up on speed and the Taupo track should suit her,” Pike said. “She is clearly the favoured one and Sign Of Peace stepping up to 2000m will help her, but she is jumping up in class so we’ll find out where she fits in.” Preferment’s daughter Sign Of Peace broke her maiden two runs back at Te Rapa under Michael McNab, who rides her again, and with placings from her other three appearances has made an encouraging start to her career. Harlow Rocks is currently an $8 equal third favourite in the market for the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks at Trentham on Saturday-week with Sign Of Peace at $41. “Ideally, it would be nice to get them both there as long as they race well and pull up well,” Pike said. He also has another promising three-year-old in action at Taupo with Witz End to step out in the NZB Insurance (1300m) and Sam Weatherley will continue his association with the unbeaten son of Savabeel. “He is a really nice horse and is still a bit new and green, but he has been impressive in his first two starts,” Pike said. “He has taken good improvement out of both runs and we’re hoping to get to the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) with him. Should he win again or run well, that will be the next option.” Pike also has in-form contenders in Archaic Smile (Saxon Warrior) and Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth) chasing top honours in Saturday’s Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Archaic Smile boxed on well to run fifth in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) after racing three deep without cover and Poetic Champion overcame a wide gate, albeit in a small field, to finish runner-up in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). McNab partners Archaic Smile while Per-Anders Graberg guides Poetic Champion’s fortunes. “I’m really happy with both of them and their work on Tuesday was very impressive,” Pike said. “They are both drawn to get much softer runs than they got at Matamata where they had tough trips and ran well considering. “The two favourites (Velocious and Captured By Love) look hard to beat, but I’m sure my two will run extremely well and there’s not a lot between them.” Pike is also upbeat about the chances of last-start Pukekohe winer Hat Trick (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) in the Thank You To The NZB Kiwi Slot Holders (1400m). “He’s a promising horse going forward and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win again,” Pike said. “We’ve got nice each way chances at Taupo and Ellerslie and with an ounce of luck we can hopefully get a few winners.” View the full article

A genuinely run Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) will bring out the best in proven stayer Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) on Saturday when he bids to add to his silverware. His depths of stamina were emphasised when he won the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) under 55kg in the spring and looks well placed with 1kg less in the Barfoot & Thompson-sponsored feature at Ellerslie. “He needs, and is going to get, a strong pace with My Maebelline Girl’s best form off the front, Good Oil and Khan Hunter both go forward as well,” said co-trainer Shaune Ritchie, who sees last-start Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) winner Asterix as a major threat. “Asterix is a New Zealand Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) winner as well and we need to nullify his speed, if we can beat him at all, and the only way to do that is if we can outstay him.” Mahrajaan has also been blessed by an ideal gate (three) and he will be reunited with Sam Weatherley, who rode him to victory in the Riccarton feature. “It’s a beautiful barrier for him because he will race handy, as he did in the New Zealand Cup, and if it’s a true two miles then he’s obviously going to run the trip out,” said Ritchie, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray. “The draw is a godsend and he can be ridden out of the gates and then relax very quickly, which is a good asset to have.” They have also tried to replicate Mahrajaan’s lead-up to the New Zealand Cup. “We sent him up to Ruakaka last Sunday for the week to work him on the beach, he did so well at Riccarton on the beach,” Ritchie said. “We thought it was the right way to go to try and get some freshness into his legs.” Stablemate Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) also looms as a strong chance in the hands of Michael McNab in the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m) off a break. “We nominated her for the open 1400m and this and she’s obviously much better off under the set weights and penalties,” Ritchie said. “Her first-up record is pretty good and she’s well-prepared. She’s had a barrier trial and we took her up to Ellerslie for a look around. “We’ve kept the foot on the pedal a bit with her so she’s ready. “She’s unbeaten second-up and the Group One (New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, 1600m) in three weeks is her target, so there will be a bit of improvement to come.” Ritchie also likes the chances of Brave Spirit (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in Saturday’s Tempur Classic (1200m). “He’s drawn down low and will get an economical trip and has got McNab on as well,” he said. “It’s an $80,000 Rating 65 so it’s a very good race for him and I think he’ll be hard to beat.” The Swiss Ace gelding has opened his current campaign with three consecutive placings to go with a debut victory and a runner-up finish from his first preparation. View the full article

Mahrajaan winning the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South A genuinely run Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) will bring out the best in proven stayer Mahrajaan on Saturday when he bids to add to his silverware. His depths of stamina were emphasised when he won the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) under 55kg in the spring and looks well placed with 1kg less in the Barfoot & Thompson-sponsored feature at Ellerslie. “He needs, and is going to get, a strong pace with My Maebelline Girl’s best form off the front, Good Oil and Khan Hunter both go forward as well,” said co-trainer Shaune Ritchie, who sees last-start Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) winner Asterix as a major threat. “Asterix is a New Zealand Derby (Group 1, 2400m) winner as well and we need to nullify his speed, if we can beat him at all, and the only way to do that is if we can outstay him.” Mahrajaan has also been blessed by an ideal gate (three) and he will be reunited with Sam Weatherley, who rode him to victory in the Riccarton feature. “It’s a beautiful barrier for him because he will race handy, as he did in the New Zealand Cup, and if it’s a true two miles then he’s obviously going to run the trip out,” said Ritchie, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray. “The draw is a godsend and he can be ridden out of the gates and then relax very quickly, which is a good asset to have.” They have also tried to replicate Mahrajaan’s lead-up to the New Zealand Cup. “We sent him up to Ruakaka last Sunday for the week to work him on the beach, he did so well at Riccarton on the beach,” Ritchie said. “We thought it was the right way to go to try and get some freshness into his legs.” Stablemate Pearl Of Alsace also looms as a strong chance in the hands of Michael McNab in the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m) off a break. “We nominated her for the open 1400m and this and she’s obviously much better off under the set weights and penalties,” Ritchie said. “Her first-up record is pretty good and she’s well-prepared. She’s had a barrier trial and we took her up to Ellerslie for a look around. “We’ve kept the foot on the pedal a bit with her so she’s ready. “She’s unbeaten second-up and the Group 1 (New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, 1600m) in three weeks is her target, so there will be a bit of improvement to come.” Ritchie also likes the chances of Brave Spirit in Saturday’s Tempur Classic (1200m). “He’s drawn down low and will get an economical trip and has got McNab on as well,” he said. “It’s an $80,000 Rating 65 so it’s a very good race for him and I think he’ll be hard to beat.” The Swiss Ace gelding has opened his current campaign with three consecutive placings to go with a debut victory and a runner-up finish from his first preparation. Horse racing news View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Highway, Connellan NT 0870 When Saturday, March 9, 2024 First Race 1:15pm ACST Visit Dabble A total of 61 runners have accepted for the seven-event program on Saturday at Alice Springs, which is the fifth meeting in as many weeks in Central Australia. Come Saturday, the forecast is for partly cloudy conditions with light north-easterly winds and a top temperature of 35C. The rail will be in the true position and Pioneer Park will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: ZOUTELLUS The former Victorian Zoutellus seems to be finding his feet in the NT after failing to make an impression late last year. The son of Zoustar finished unplaced in two starts in the Red Centre before heading to Darwin. A fourth over 1300m (0-58) on December 16 was followed by a second over 1600m (0-64) two weeks later when he pushed the in-form Wilsons Prom to a length. Zoutellus had one more start at Fannie Bay for a fourth over 1300m (0-64) on January 13 before returning to Alice Springs where he carried 57kg en route to a 3.5 lengths win over 1400m (0-64) two weeks ago. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Zoutellus (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Kerry Petrick | J: Phillip Crich (59kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: BEYOND READY In Beyond Ready’s first three starts over 1200m, Beyond Ready won a Wodonga maiden in September and finished third at Pakenham (BM58) in October. He then had two starts over 1400m for a fourth at Benalla (BM58) and a seventh at Pakenham (BM64). In his NT debut two weeks ago against his own age group over 1200m (BM56), the gelding powered home to topple the in-form Don’t Be Dramatic by a half a length. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Beyond Ready (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Kevin Lamprecht | J: Ianish Luximon (a2) (59kg) Bet with Neds BEST VALUE: ARROGANT MISS Arrogant Miss has not saluted since prevailing over 1400m (0-64) in October 2022, but recent form suggests that an eighth win from 41 starts is possible. The daughter of Puissance De Lune has had success from 1000-1400m, so the 1100m shouldn’t be a problem after racing over the longer distances in recent times. A third over 1600m (0-64) in late November was followed by a fourth over 1600m (BM54) in early December. Since then it has been two seconds in January over 1200m (BM54) and in February over 1400m (0-70). With a 3kg claim, the early +800 quote with horse racing betting sites is hard to ignore. Best Value Race 2 – #3 Arrogant Miss (1) 7yo Mare | T: Dan Morgan | J: Dylan Stanley (59kg) Bet with Unibet Saturday NT quaddie tips – 9/3/2024 Alice Springs quadrella selections Saturday, March 9, 2024 1-3-5 1-2-4-8 1-2-5 1-2-3-4 Horse racing tips View the full article

Harlow Rocks will contest the Group 2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2000m) at Taupo on Friday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Tony Pike has tipped Harlow Rocks as the stable’s best chance of stakes success at Taupo on Friday. The Cambridge trainer will be represented by the in-form Roc de Cambes filly and the promising Sign Of Peace in take two of the Group 2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2000m) following the abandonment of last week’s Hastings meeting. “That was very disappointing the other day, but they both need a lead-up to the New Zealand Oaks (Group 1, 2400m) so we’ll head to Taupo and see how we go,” Pike said. To be ridden again by Ryan Elliot, Harlow Rocks produced a strong front-running performance last time out to finish runner-up to Molly Bloom in the Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa. “She’s got the runs on the board and she puts herself up on speed and the Taupo track should suit her,” Pike said. “She is clearly the favoured one and Sign Of Peace stepping up to 2000m will help her, but she is jumping up in class so we’ll find out where she fits in.” Preferment’s daughter Sign Of Peace broke her maiden two runs back at Te Rapa under Michael McNab, who rides her again, and with placings from her other three appearances has made an encouraging start to her career. Harlow Rocks is currently an $8 equal third favourite in the market for the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham on Saturday-week with Sign Of Peace at $41. “Ideally, it would be nice to get them both there as long as they race well and pull up well,” Pike said. He also has another promising three-year-old in action at Taupo with Witz End to step out in the NZB Insurance (1300m) and Sam Weatherley will continue his association with the unbeaten son of Savabeel. “He is a really nice horse and is still a bit new and green, but he has been impressive in his first two starts,” Pike said. “He has taken good improvement out of both runs and we’re hoping to get to the Wellington Guineas (Group 2, 1400m) with him. Should he win again or run well, that will be the next option.” Pike also has in-form contenders in Archaic Smile and Poetic Champion chasing top honours in Saturday’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Archaic Smile boxed on well to run fifth in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) after racing three deep without cover and Poetic Champion overcame a wide gate, albeit in a small field, to finish runner-up in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). McNab partners Archaic Smile while Per-Anders Graberg guides Poetic Champion’s fortunes. “I’m really happy with both of them and their work on Tuesday was very impressive,” Pike said. “They are both drawn to get much softer runs than they got at Matamata where they had tough trips and ran well considering. “The two favourites (Velocious and Captured By Love) look hard to beat, but I’m sure my two will run extremely well and there’s not a lot between them.” Pike is also upbeat about the chances of last-start Pukekohe winer Hat Trick in the Thank You To The NZB Kiwi Slot Holders (1400m). “He’s a promising horse going forward and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win again,” Pike said. “We’ve got nice each way chances at Taupo and Ellerslie and with an ounce of luck we can hopefully get a few winners.” Horse racing news View the full article

Outgoing NZTR chairman Cameron George. Photo: Supplied The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today regrettably announced the resignation of its chairman, Cameron George, effective 31 July 2024. Under his leadership, George, who has served as chairman since 2020, has played a pivotal role in steering NZTR and the racing industry through various challenges and sizeable achievements over recent years. “My decision to step down from my role on the Board hasn’t been an easy one,” George said. “My journey at NZTR started with navigating a path forward for the business through COVID-19. Over time, we have managed to rebuild the industry into the strong position it now holds, demonstrating the resilient team environment I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in over the last four years. “I’ve enjoyed all the challenges this role has presented me with. Going into it I knew I needed to both question and support initiatives brought to the table. “I now feel we have moved into a model of braver thinking and strategic planning, with innovation at the forefront of our activities. Globally, sports have undergone a significant shift from traditional approaches to embracing innovation and with that, we must not sit on our hands, and continue to pursue becoming a vibrant sport within the entertainment sector,” he said. While reflecting on his tenure as chairman, George expressed his gratitude towards those who guided the industry towards a successful future. “I would firstly like to thank previous chairs of NZTR, the likes of Guy Sargent, Matt Goodson, Alan Jackson and their Boards, who worked tirelessly to underpin the industry into the condition it is today. “I thank NZTR’s Board and management team around me, both past and present, for their dedication to the cause of rebuilding this industry since the dark days of COVID, it truly has been a massive effort. “To the stakeholders and people of the industry, thank you for your strong support, being receptive to change, as well as being prepared to just give things a go. “Finally, so many parts of this industry’s administration deserve credit for helping us reshape and rebuild our future. On a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of TAB NZ, Entain Australia and New Zealand, our racing Clubs, New Zealand Bloodstock and the New Zealand Government for encouraging the movement of change towards a better future.” George will remain in his role as chairman until 31 July of this year and is committed to maintaining a high standard for New Zealand’s racing landscape. “I look forward to finishing off my tenure with commitment and drive to complete several exciting initiatives we have in the pipeline. It’s all hands-on deck as we get ready for the biggest summer of racing this country has ever seen next year,” George said. NZTR Members’ Council chairman, Jeff McCall, thanked George for his service to the industry. “Cameron’s passion and dedication to the New Zealand racing industry has been illustrated by the numerous positive actions he has undertaken since he has held the position as chair,” McCall said. “On behalf of the Members’ Council and the industry, we thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.” Horse racing news View the full article

Legarto is set for a lucrative payday at Ellerslie on Saturday following the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The connections of short-priced favourite Legarto are in for a massive payday following Saturday’s $450,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie, irrespective of the result. The daughter of Proisir is almost assured of taking home the lion’s share of the $650,000 summer series bonus that was introduced this year by Entain Australia and New Zealand in association with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The series is running across four races between January and March, rewarding $500,000 to the series winner, $100,000 to the runner-up and $50,000 for the third placegetter, with the associated trainers taking home 10 percent of the bonus payments. To become eligible for the bonus, a horse needed to have contested either of the first two legs of the series – the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 20 or $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. Having finished runner-up in the Aotearoa Classic before taking out the third leg of the series, the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa last month, Legarto is a clear series leader with 20.5 points. With 13.5 points given to the winner of the fourth and final leg of the series, the New Zealand Stakes, and Legarto assured of three points for just starting in the race, Robbie Patterson’s One Bold Cat is the only other horse in contention for the series’ top prize, with the Taranaki gelding having to win and Legarto to finish outside the top four in order to take home $500,000. While it will be a tough ask to roll the $1.45 favourite, One Bold Cat (10.5 points) still has the minor bonuses to chase, alongside stablemate Puntura (9 points), El Vencedor (7 points), and Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Skyman (5 points). While chasing a Group 1 prize is always the primary objective, Legarto’s trainers Ken and Bev Kelso are excited by the added incentive of the summer series bonus. “It is going to be a great day on Saturday because we have got that bonus to go for as well, which is going to be a huge payday,” Ken Kelso told Trackside NZ. “She doesn’t have to win it to get the bonus, it is quite exciting.” Legarto had a trial last week to keep her up to the mark post her Herbie Dyke win, and Kelso has been pleased with her progress. “She had a quiet trial here at Matamata last Thursday over 1100m. She was only getting warmed-up at the line,” he said. “I go down every night at about 7:30pm and check her, and she licks the bowl clean by then and is looking for more. She is really thriving.” While there is some pressure that comes with lining up a short-priced favourite every time you go to the races, Kelso said it is great to give the sport a heroine to help promote the industry. “She goes out pretty short every time, which puts a little bit of pressure on you,” he said. “She is as well as we can get her, it is just up to Ryan (Elliot, jockey) now. “It is great for racing (to have a horse like Legarto). We need these horses to profile the sport and hopefully they get a bit of a following, like Roger’s (James) filly (Orchestral) last week (when winning the Group 1 New Zealand Derby, 2400m).” Horse racing news View the full article

What Newmarket Handicap Day 2024 Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, March 9, 2024 First Race 12:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) headlines the stacked eight-race meeting at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. With a top of 38 degrees forecast for Melbourne, a revised start of around 10:45am AEDT looks likely. An upgrade from a Good 4 to a Good 3 is expected at some stage, with the rail out 4m for the entire circuit. Crucially, a strong northerly breeze is also forecast, meaning it could be disadvantageous to be leading in the circle races. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview and tips for Flemington races. Race 1: 3YO Quality (1100m) Akicita is first-up from a six-month spell but brings genuine Group-level form to the Flemington opener. He finished a neck off Australian Guineas victor Southport Tycoon, and 3.3 lengths ahead of subsequent Group 2-winner Snow Patrol. Drawn on the outside of the track, Jye McNeil can have the Grunt colt settled in the second half of the field, and from there, Akicita can overpower his rivals late. Selections: 8 AKICITA 3 GUMDROPS 4 HEDGED 2 HANCHI Next Best Race 1 – #8 Akicita (8) 3yo Colt | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Jye McNeil (574kg) +230 with Bet365 Race 2: Australian Cup Prelude (1800m) Young Werther is the best horse in the Australian Cup Prelude, and he should exert his class on the small field on Saturday. The Danny O’Brien-trained veteran returned with a narrow defeat in Group 3 company at Caulfield on February 10 and was hitting the line nicely over 1600m in a leader-dominated affair. In a field where there looks to be little to no speed influences, look for Damian Lane to use barrier one to his advantage and have Young Werther lead from barrier to box. Selections: 2 YOUNG WERTHER 7 FAWKNER PARK 5 BERKELEY SQUARE 4 BERMADEZ Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Young Werther (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Damian Lane (56kg) +110 with Neds Race 3: 3YO Quality (1400m) Ersa showed plenty of promise during her initial campaign, and despite drawing barrier 14 for her return, the filly looks set to gain a perfect cart across the field and land the one-one. She is armed with a strong turn of foot, and if the race can be run to suit those on speed, Ersa can overpower her rivals late and salute at a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. Selections: 10 ERSA 2 SCULLY 3 LEGACIES 5 VIVY AIR Best Value Race 3 – #10 Ersa (14) 3yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Michael Dee (54kg) +2000 with Playup Race 4: Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) Aardvark returned with a breathtaking victory in Listed grade at the Flemington 1100m, and the 1400m looks to be right up his alley. Despite being strung up in traffic at a crucial point, the Capitalist colt produced a strong finish and won it running away from his rivals. He looks set to gain the perfect run in transit from barrier four under Damian Lane, and with a similar turn of foot, Aardvark can win again. Selections: 4 AARDVARK 1 RUE DE ROYALE 2 STAY FOCUSED 3 TRAFFIC WARDEN VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes Race 4 – #4 Aardvark (4) 2yo Colt | T: Leon & Troy Corstens | J: Damian Lane (57kg) +700 with Picklebet Race 5: Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) The 151st running of the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap takes centre stage on Saturday. Imperatriz will be looking to rewrite history, while the likes of Buenos Noches, Magic Time and Benedetta are aiming to continue their rise through the grades. Can anyone upset the superstar Kiwi? Click here for HorseBetting’s in-depth preview of the 2024 Newmarket Handicap Race 6: Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) Serasana produced a big run on return when forced to travel three wide with no cover up on speed. The three-year-old filly tired late to be beaten by 1.8 lengths in Group 2 company, so with an easier run in transit, and the jump to the mile second-up she looks a great play. John Allen will need a touch of luck early to find cover from barrier seven, but with a swift turn of foot, Serasana can cause a minor upset in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes. Selections: 1 SERASANA 6 MOLLYNICKERS 5 AUTUMN ANGEL 9 FRENCH ENDEAVOUR Kewney Stakes Race 6 – #1 Serasana (7) 3yo Filly | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: John Allen (56kg) +1000 with Dabble Race 7: Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) Plenty of early money came for Amenable and Berkshire Shadow in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, but with both runners needing a genuinely run 1400m, the race sets up perfectly for Pinstriped to camp on the leaders’ heels and then put them away. With two wins and two runner-up efforts from five fresh runs, Pinstriped is clearly a first-up specialist, and he looks to get conditions to suit. He will need a touch of luck in the home straight, but if the breaks come, Pinstriped looks a great play. Selections: 2 PINSTRIPED 3 AMENABLE 1 BERKSHIRE SHADOW 4 SAVANNAH CLOUD Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Race 7 – #2 Pinstriped (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Ben Allen (59kg) +600 with Unibet Race 8: Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) Foxy Cleopatra loomed as a winning hope at Caulfield last time out, but the likes of Campionessa, Vow And Declare and Gold Trip proved too strong for her over the 1800m. She steps back from Group 2 company to a 1600m Group 3 race on Saturday, and from barrier nine, the four-year-old mare can go back to the rear of the field and absorb the pressure. With a strong finish burst, Foxy Cleopatra will prove too hard to hold out this time around. Selections: 6 FOXY CLEOPATRA 1 FOXY FRIDA 3 UNUSUAL CULTURE 10 ETERNAL FLAME Matron Stakes Race 8 – #6 Foxy Cleopatra (9) 4yo Mare | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Blake Shinn (55kg) +500 with Picklebet Flemington free Saturday quaddie tips Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, March 9, 2024 1-3 1-2-4-5-6-9 1-2-3 1-3-5-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Asterix winning the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Wexford Stables have fond memories at Ellerslie with Asterix, and they are hoping to add another when they head to the Auckland track this Saturday to contest the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m). Asterix is unbeaten on the course in two starts, recording the stable’s second consecutive win in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie two years ago, and returned to the venue last month to take out the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) under jockey Lynsey Satherley. The Waikato hoop retains the ride for the Auckland Cup, for which the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Asterix is currently a $4.20 favourite with bookmakers, ahead of the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained pair of Mark Twain ($6) and Dionysus ($6.50). “Andrew and I are pleased with the way he is going. He is certainly going to strip fit and we are confident he is going to run the two-miles,” Lance O’Sullivan told Trackside NZ. “He is bred to do that on his dam side, I think she won over 3000m. We thought running distance was never going to be a problem with him going forward. We are going to find out, but we think it is going to be right up his alley. We just couldn’t be happier with the horse.” O’Sullivan took plenty of satisfaction in seeing Asterix return to winning form at Ellerslie last start. “The blinkers went back on him and we were hoping he was going to do what he did, and he certainly delivered. He has just got to back it up again this week,” he said. “He has come back to the Asterix of old.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Bunbury Cup Day Where Bunbury Racecourse – Brittain Rd, Bunbury WA 6230 When Saturday, March 9, 2024 First Race 12:29pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Bunbury Cup and Bunbury Stakes will headline the nine-race meeting at Bunbury on Saturday afternoon. With warm weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, the track is expected to stay in the Good range for the whole program. The rail will be in the True position for the club’s marquee meeting. The opening race on Bunbury Cup Day will jump at 12:29pm AWST. Bunbury Cup Tip: Black Fantasy After beating all bar Marocchino in the Listed Detonator Stakes last start, Black Fantasy will take on a similar field in the Bunbury Cup, where he gets in much better at the weights. The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained galloper settled outside the leader and eventual winner previously but couldn’t go with him late. With Clint Johnston-Porter retaining the ride and expected to push forward from barrier eight, this son of Blackfriars will get every chance to turn the tables on Marocchino and record a deserving victory. Bunbury Cup Race 8 – #3 Black Fantasy (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (58kg) +270 with Playup Bunbury Stakes Tip: Searchin’ Rocs Searchin’ Rocs was very good first-up when the Jim Taylor-trained mare travelled three-wide for the entire trip in the Listed Pinjarra Classic and was only beaten by a nose on the line by River Rubicon. Although this daughter of Awesome Rock has drawn a wide barrier (15), there appears to be less speed, and she should be able to get across the field and settle outside the leader. With the benefit of one start under her belt and a more economical run in transit, Searchin’ Rocs will prove very hard to run down late. Bunbury Stakes Race 7 – #4 Searchin’ Rocs (15) 5yo Mare | T: Jim Taylor | J: Kyra Yuill (57.5kg) +800 with Picklebet Best Bet at Bunbury: Blue Rocket Blue Rocket couldn’t have been more impressive when winning over 1000m at Ascot on debut, as the Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained filly jumped well, led the field up, and kicked clear to win by two lengths on the line. The daughter of Blue Point showed her superior speed early before settling mid-race and sprinting away for her rivals late. Considering that Natasha Faithfull retains the ride and she meets a field stacked with debutants, it is hard to go past this girl here. Barring any bad luck or a slow jump from the barriers, Blue Rocket should be winning again. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Blue Rocket (8) 2yo Filly | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Natasha Faithfull (57kg) +170 with Neds Next Best at Bunbury: Defending After missing the jump by two lengths and then running home strongly to finish third last start, Defending looks to be a great bet at Bunbury as he steps up from 1200m to 1400m fourth-up in this preparation. The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained gelding has been finished in the placings at two of his last three runs and appears to be crying out for further, which is what he will get on Saturday. If Chris Parnham can get this son of Oratorio to jump with the rest of the field and hold a midfield position off the fence, Defending will play a prominent role in the finish. Next Best Race 9 – #8 Defending (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Chris Parnham (54kg) +550 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Bunbury races Bunbury quadrella selections Saturday, March 9, 2024 1-3-5-7 4-5-6-9-13 1-2-3 3-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

While James McDonald, Zac Purton and Alexis Badel have all ridden the reigning Hong Kong Derby champion this season, the veteran trainer is confident the Godolphin jockey is the man for the jobView the full article

What SA Magic Millions Day Where Murray Bridge Racing Club – 342 Brinkley Rd, Murray Bridge South SA 5253 When Saturday, March 9, 2024 First Race 10:25am ACDT Visit Dabble Metropolitan racing in South Australia heads to Murray Bridge on Saturday for the club’s annual Magic Millions Day. The 2YO Classic and the 3YO & 4YO Classic take top billing on the nine-race program. With extreme weather forecast, the first race is set to jump at 10:25am ACDT, with the track a Good 4 and the rail set true. Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic Tip: Dancing Storm First-up from a 10-week spell, Dancing Storm from the Richard & Chantelle Jolly barn looks the one to beat in the feature for juveniles. The Sir Prancealot progeny racked up a couple of minor placings in his first campaign, but his trial win at Gawler on February 29 suggests he has come back in top order. From barrier seven, if Todd Pannell can land the one-one spot, Dancing Storm should prove too hard to hold out in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic. Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic Race 2 – #2 Dancing Storm (7) 2yo Gelding | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Todd Pannell (57kg) +450 with Picklebet Magic Millions SA 3YO & 4YO Classic Tip: Dubenenko She had a lacklustre spring, but Chris Bieg’s Dubenenko has always threatened to win a big race. As a juvenile, she started at $5.50 at Flemington in a race that included the likes of Veight and Apulia, both genuine Group 1 products. Murray Bridge will suit Dubenenko perfectly as she looks to build through her gears from the rear of the field, and as long as she does not get too far back, she can salute at a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. Magic Millions SA 3YO & 4YO Classic Race 6 – #12 Dubenenko (8) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Bieg | J: Caitlin Jones (54kg) +1100 with Playup Best Bet at Murray Bridge: Jacks On Ice Coming off a dominant three-length victory at Morphettville, Jacks On Ice gets the perfect recipe for success as he looks to run his rivals off their feet again. Drawn on the pole under Alana Livesey, the pair look destined to gain an uncontested lead over the 1200m. Considering he is an 80-rater going around in BM74 company, Jacks On Ice should prove too hard to run down despite needing to lug 61kg. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Jacks On Ice (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Alana Livesey (a2) (63kg) +125 with Neds Best Value at Murray Bridge: Toast The Deel Toast The Deel has shown consistent form this preparation and gets her chance to bring up a third win from her last five starts. The key to her chances on Saturday is a genuinely run 1400m event, as she will be one of the last few swinging for home on the turn. With a few of her rivals wanting to take up a forward spot, it should leave them vulnerable late on and allow Toast The Deel to finish over the top. Best Value Race 5 – #8 Toast The Deel (9) 5yo Mare | T: Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea | J: Todd Pannell (56.5kg) +1100 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Murray Bridge Murray Bridge quadrella selections Saturday, March 9, 2024 1-3-6-7-12 1-3-5-7-9 1-2-3-4-7 10-12-13-15-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

This weekend at Flemington, Mark Walker‘s champion mare Imperatriz will attempt to etch her name further into racing history by winning the 2024 Newmarket Handicap. Imperatriz is out to become a 10-time Group 1 winning mare in the Newmarket Handicap 2024 this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. The nine-time Group 1 winner, a daughter of I Am Invincible, will carry the top weight of 58kg in the prestigious $1.5 million sprint race over 1200m. Imperatriz kicked off her campaign in impressive fashion, narrowly defeating Private Eye in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at the track. Now, she returns to her preferred distance of 1200m, boasting a formidable record of 7 wins, 1 second-place finish, and 1 third-place finish from 9 starts at this distance. Additionally, her second-up record is equally impressive, with 5 wins and 1 third-place finish from 6 attempts. Unsurprisingly, Imperatriz sits comfortably atop the Newmarket Handicap odds at $2.60 through Ladbrokes, but faces a unique challenge. She aims to become the first horse since Hay List (58.5kg in 2012) to win the race carrying more than 57.5kg. The last mare to carry the 58kg to victory was the legendary Black Caviar in 2011, highlighting the elite company Imperatriz is striving to join. Despite the weight disadvantage, Imperatriz draws favourably in barrier three with jockey Opie Bosson onboard, making her a strong contender. Her main challenger is expected to be Buenos Noches ($4.60). The field has been reduced to thirteen runners following the early scratching of Espiona, leaving only one other horse besides Imperatriz and Buenos Noches in single-figure odds – the resuming Magic Time ($7). Chris Waller‘s Espiona, originally slated to run in the Newmarket, will instead compete in the smaller field of the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on the same day. Other hopefuls in the Newmarket Handicap include the well-performed Bella Nipotina ($10) and the three-year-old contender Cylinder ($16). The 2024 Newmarket Handicap will be run as Race 5 on Saturday’s eight-race card at Flemington, with the starting time set for 3:05 pm (AEDT). 2024 Newmarket Handicap Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 121x1111x1 IMPERATRIZ Mark Walker Opie Bosson 3 58kg 119 2 36x33315x4 BELLA NIPOTINA Ciaron Maher Craig Williams 4 55.5kg 114 3 x57x1382x4 BUENOS NOCHES Matthew Smith Blake Shinn 9 55.5kg 110 4 17x21714x3 ESPIONA Chris Waller Jye McNeil 8 54.5kg 112 5 0150x7527x RUTHLESS DAME (NZ) Ciaron Maher Damian Lane 2 53.5kg 110 6 1x13x5131x MAGIC TIME Grahame Begg Michael Dee 12 53kg 109 7 062725×957 THE ASTROLOGIST Leon & Troy Corstens Declan Bates 14 52.5kg 104 8 113x1134x4 BENEDETTA Jason Warren Harry Coffey 11 52kg 102 9 423134043x IT’SOURTIME Danny O’Brien Ms Linda Meech 1 52kg 98 10 1×11 MASTER FAY Chad Ormsby Dean Yendall 10 52kg 90 11 1134111219 REY MAGNERIO Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Daniel Moor 7 52kg 88 12 145×113117 SGHIRRIPA Shane & Cassie Oxlade Craig Newitt 6 52kg 102 13 22x21615x0 SKEW WIFF (NZ) Mark Walker Ms Celine Gaudray (a) 5 52kg 107 14 27x11350x6 CYLINDER James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 13 51.5kg 107 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Imperatriz Aims for Double-Digit Group 1 Wins in 2024 Newmarket Handicap appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What QTIS Jewel Raceday Where Gold Coast Turf Club – Racecourse Dr, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, March 9, 2024 First Race 11:38am AEST Visit Dabble The QTIS 2YO Jewel and QTIS 3YO Jewel will headline the massive 10-race card at the Gold Coast Turf Club this Saturday afternoon. At the time of acceptances, the track was rated a Soft 7; however, with rain forecast for Friday and Saturday, there is a possibility of a downgrade in the lead-up or during the program. The rail will go back into the true position, with racing set to kick off at 11:38am AEST. QTIS 2YO Jewel Tip: Estrondo After recording an impressive win on his debut at the Sunshine Coast over 1200m, Estrondo will seek to keep his unbeaten record intact in the first of the two feature races. This son of Spirit Of Boom will drop in weight and should be able to push forward and settle close to the speed off the fence. Kyle Wilson-Taylor will look to find clear air around the home corner and let Estrondo go through his gears late. QTIS 2YO Jewel Race 8 – #6 Estrondo (11) 2yo Colt | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Kyle Wilson-Taylor (57kg) +900 with Unibet QTIS 3YO Jewel Tip: Defiant Spirit Defiant Spirit let down with a blistering turn of foot to claim victory in his most recent start, running home from the back of the field to glide past his rivals and win by 1.8 lengths. After giving most of his rivals a weight advantage last start, this son of Spirit Of Boom will drop 2kg and race against a similar field at set weights. If Robbie Dolan can find some cover in the three-wide running line and settle a little worse than midfield, Defiant Spirit can bring up back-to-back wins. QTIS 3YO Jewel Race 9 – #1 Defiant Spirit (20) 3yo Gelding | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Robbie Dolan (57kg) +360 with Picklebet Best Bet at Gold Coast: Daytona Bay Daytona Bay was beaten by Sea Raider at massive odds after he couldn’t reel in the leader in the final 200m. However, this son of American Pharoah will meet Sea Raider better off at the weights, and he should appreciate the rise in distance to 1800m fourth-up. From barrier five, James Orman can push forward and take up the lead or take a sit behind the leader if another runner wants to go too quick. With even luck in the final 300m, Daytona Bay should prove extremely hard to hold out late. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Daytona Bay (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: James Orman (60kg) +150 with Neds Next Best at Gold Coast: Heleva Deel Mark Currie and James Orman will combine with Heleva Deel when she steps up to 1800m for the first time this campaign, coming off two very encouraging runs over shorter distances. Last start, this daughter of Dundeel was left a little flatfooted at the top of the straight over 1615m at Doomben, but she still ran home well to finish fourth, only beaten 1.4 lengths. After drawing barrier two, Orman can let Heleva Deel settle where she is comfortable before getting her into clear air to run home strongly. Next Best Race 3 – #4 Heleva Deel (2) 6yo Mare | T: Mark Currie | J: James Orman (57.5kg) +320 with Playup Best Value at Gold Coast: Immoral Immoral was a little unlucky in his previous start, as he was held up on the home turn and had trouble getting into clear air before running home strongly into third place. With a lot of speed expected in this contest, Angela Jones will allow this son of Deep Field to settle towards the rear of the field and build his momentum around the home turn. If Immoral is within striking range with 300m to go, his big finish should help him run over the top of his rivals late. Best Value Race 10 – #7 Immoral (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (59kg) +1100 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Gold Coast races Gold Coast quadrella selections Saturday, March 9, 2024 3-6-9 3-6-7-8 1-4-5-10-11 7-8-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article