Wandering Eyes

Goodwood-bound Johnny Rocker. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Emerging sprinter Johnny Rocker is set to make another bid for top-tier glory this season, as the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) runner-up gears up to take on the $1 million Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 11. “He galloped this morning (Saturday) and was really good,” affirmed the colt’s trainer Nick Ryan to Racing.com following the triumph of his mare Belle Savoir in the $175,000 Vobis Gold Mile (1600m). “He’ll jump out on the course proper (at Flemington) on Friday and then run in The Goodwood. Very happy with how he’s come through (the TJ Smith).” Ryan also confirmed the booking of Rhys McLeod, who piloted Johnny Rocker in the William Reid, for the Goodwood ride, despite the four-year-old carrying just 54.5 kilograms. “He’s been working hard to get down (to the weight) and he’ll be right,” assured Ryan regarding McLeod’s preparation for the task. Horse racing news View the full article

Greg Hickman, trainer based at Warwick Farm, has disclosed that Private Legacy will bypass Saturday’s Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville, opting instead to aim for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) during the Queensland winter carnival. The progeny of The Autumn Sun narrowly missed out on victory against Vibrant Sun in Saturday’s Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), falling short by the slimmest of margins. “When you set them for those races and they run a great race like she did you have to be happy,” Hickman conveyed to Racing.com. “When you’ve been in the game as long as I have you know it’s all a part of it, I’ve been beaten closer than that before. “She’ll come home and go to Queensland. We’re going to have a go at the Queensland Oaks. “There isn’t a lot of time really between now and then so we will give her some TLC and she’ll head up for a lead-in run.” Horse racing news View the full article

Berkeley Square ridden by Craig Williams winning the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase in 2022. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Berkeley Square, victor of Saturday’s Vobis Gold Heath (2000m), may be eying a potential tilt at the $500,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington on May 16, contingent upon a strong performance in his forthcoming start. Trainer Dan O’Sullivan disclosed plans for the four-year-old progeny of Territories, indicating his participation in either a Benchmark 100 event covering 2000m at Caulfield next Saturday or the Group 3 Port Adelaide Cup (2500m) at Morphettville, also slated for the same day. “I will probably throw in a nomination for the Benchmark 100 over 2000 metres at Caulfield next Saturday and also in Adelaide in the 2500-metre race, which could open up an option (for the Ramsden) two weeks later,” O’Sullivan conveyed to Racing.com. “He’d have to come through the week really well but if he does, it’s (Adelaide) a chance and we’d have to see what happens from there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Australian jockey aims to continue top form with a solid book of six rides at the city circuitView the full article

A lack of entries has caused Golden Gate Fields to cancel racing for the second time in three weeksView the full article

Manny Franco earned a repeat of the riding title at the Aqueduct Racetrack spring meet and his third overall title at the meet. View the full article

Like most things, horse racing often becomes someone's passion after being introduced to it by a parent. That is no different for Lance Gasaway, co-owner and co-breeder of Mystik Dan, who is set to run in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. View the full article

9th-Santa Anita, $57,000, Msw, 4-28, 3, 4,/5yo, f/m, 6fT, 1:09.01, fm, 3/4 length. CHARM YOUR WORLD (f, 3, Candy Ride {Arg}–Charm the Maker {MSW & MGISP, $340,290}, by Empire Maker) debuted with Lasix as a 27-1 longshot here. From the bell, the 3-year-old settled mid-pack as Heart of the Night (City of Light) tried to steal the race up the backstretch. As the pacesetter began to run out of gas around the far turn, it was 3-2 favorite Not A Sinner (GB) (Land Force {Ire}) who took over. Seemingly in control down the lane, the new leader strode confidently towards the wire with less than half a furlong left. However, the homebred had not thrown in the towel and began to weave through traffic. With a dive to the rail, the filly motored right on past her rival to seal the deal and swipe the money. Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and his wife Deborah bred and raced Charm Your World's dam, as well as second dam Charm the Giant (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) and third dam Olympic Charmer (Olympio). Charm the Maker produced full-brother to the winner GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby hero Rock Your World, and another full-sibling in GSP She's Our Charm, who the McAnallys purchased for $600,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale. More recently, their mare is responsible for a yearling filly by Curlin. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $32,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Deborah McAnally Trust; B-Ron McAnally & Deborah McAnally (KY); T-Ronald L. McAnally. #10 CHARM YOUR WORLD ($56.60) puts a spell on her competitors to upset R9 at Santa Anita Park. The three-year-old filly by @LanesEndFarms' Candy Ride breaks her maiden for trainer Ronald McAnally with @JoseValdiviaJr aboard. pic.twitter.com/v1fM6SrF0k — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 29, 2024 The post Full-Sister To Rock Your World Takes The Santa Anita Finale For McAnallys appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Warrnambool May Racing Carnival Day 1 Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2-64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Tuesday, April 30, 2024 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is set to commence on Tuesday, with a stacked 10-race meeting headlined by the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) under handicap conditions. Big fields are the theme of the day, and despite the track being rated a Heavy 8 at the time of acceptances, a clear forecast suggests we should be racing on an improving track throughout the three-day carnival. The rail sticks in its true position, with the action commencing at 11:20am AEST. Brierly Steeplechase Tip: Britannicus Having claimed this race 12 months ago, the Symon Wilde-trained Britannicus returns second-up from 10 months off the racing scene. The nine-year-old gelding desperately needs an improving track, which he should get, and with a 4.5kg weight advantage on odds-on favourite Stern Idol, the defending champ offers great value with the top betting apps. He will be spotting Stern Idol a start, but Britannicus will take a power of beating in the Brierly. Brierly Steeplechase Race 6 – #2 Britannicus (7) 9yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Aaron Kuru (68.5kg) +800 with Picklebet Best Bet at Warrnambool: Divus Romulus Despite getting too far back to get the job done as favourite at Bendigo on April 13, Divus Romulus was enormous in defeat to Samuel Langhorne — a subsequent Flemington winner. With a genuinely run 2350m event expected, the race looks perfectly set up for this four-year-old gelding. Jumping from barrier eight under John Allen, Divus Romulus can absorb the pressure from the rear of the field before thundering down the heart of the track late to salute in the quaddie opener. Best Bet Race 7 – #9 Divus Romulus (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: John Allen (59kg) +180 with Picklebet Next Best at Warrnambool: Irish Butterfly Irish Butterfly was rolled as an odds-on favourite at Pakenham on March 25, but the son of O’reilly put 12 lengths on the third-placed horse. The eight-year-old gelding followed up that effort with a strong trial at this track on April 19. Will McCarthy should have him close to the speed throughout, and with a repeat of what he dished up at Pakenham, Irish Butterfly should reign supreme. Next Best Race 3 – #5 Irish Butterfly (8) 8yo Gelding | T: Henry Dwyer | J: Will McCarthy (69.5kg) +100 with Dabble Best Value at Warrnambool: Wichitall Wichitall rarely runs a poor race, and at a big price with online bookmakers, the Symon Wilde-trained gelding can finally break maiden ranks at start six. He ran on strongly first-up at Terang when defeated 2.8 lengths by the handy Sea Mist, while he already has a runner-up performance to his name when second-up. Jordan Childs will have the son of All To Hard settled in the second half of the field, but with a swift turn of foot, Wichitall can win it all. Best Value Race 4 – #2 Wichitall (15) 4yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Jordan Childs (59.5kg) +2200 with Neds Tuesday quaddie tips for Warrnambool races Warrnambool quadrella selections Tuesday, April 30, 2024 7-9 1-4-5-7-11-12 3-5-11-14-17 4-7-9-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The least surprising news surrounding the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) is that Mike Repole has contrarian thoughts about the conventional wisdom in horse racing.View the full article

In his first victory at the highest level, T O Royal (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}) swept to the lead and never looked back, leaving the race for second in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring in Kyoto on Sunday. Coming into the contest with two Group victories from as many jumps in 2024, by name the G3 Diamond S. Feb. 17 and G2 Hanshin Daishoten S. Mar. 17, T O Royal had redemption to claim, having finished third in the 2022 edition of the G1 Tenno Sho Spring S. held at Hanshin. Jumping well, the field watched as Matenro Leo (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) hustled to the front to lead the marathon turf contest. T O Royal took up position sharing fourth with Savona (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) to that one's outside and found himself wide around the initial bend going by the grandstand for the first time. As they settled in for the trip, Matenro Leo had opened up a several length lead on the field heading into the second turn, and the runners largely kept position save for 198-1 longshot Hapi (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), who was pulled up out of the race on that bend. With 1100 metres left to run, Matenro Leo's advantage was shortening and Deep Bond (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) briefly took over by the time they swung into the homestretch as the longtime leader threw out the white flag. It was about then that T O Royal, too, launched his bid, and the eventual winner inhaled his rivals from three off the fence, his margin expanding as they passed the 200 metre mark. Deep Bond tried to break his three-year runner-up record in the contest, but could not catch the winner, and was eventually overtaken for second by Blow The Horn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), who marked the fastest last three furlongs in the process. With the two-length triumph here, T O Royal has now won three Group races in succession. “[T O Royal] raced in good rhythm and responded well going downhill after the third corner. So, we were able to turn the last corner comfortably, and slip out of the pack with ease,” commented Yuji Hishida, who claimed his first Group 1 victory as well. “I'm really happy to have won this race because I decided to become a jockey when I saw this race 20 years ago.” G1 3200m Tenno Sho Won by 6h 14. T O ROYAL (Leontes x Meisho Ohi (Manhattan Cafe)) x a brilliant Yuji Hishida ride 3.14.2 for 3200m Won 8 from 18, past 3 in a row. They finally have him right! Charging 2nd was 5h 5. BLOW THE HORN (Epiphaneia)#JRA pic.twitter.com/czbX592qtf — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) April 28, 2024 Pedigree Notes: Kicking off what could be a memorable week for owner Tomoya Ozasa, who will be represented by Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) in the GI Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, T O Royal is his dam's second multiple Group-winning offspring behind Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro), who also tallied placings in the G1 February S. and G1 Tokyo Daishoten to his credit. That pair also claims a winning eldest sibling. The last registered runner for dam Meisho Ohi (Jpn) (Manhattan Cafe {Jpn}) is the placed 3-year-old Meisho Sota (Jpn) (Drefong). The female family is notably busy through the second dam, with 12 winners in the first two generations including MGSP-Jpn Meisho Kadomatsu (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}). This is the dam line of Broodmare of the Year Courtly Dee, who most notably produced champion juvenile filly Althea–winner of the GI Arkansas Derby in a track record-equaling performance–and who herself would go on to produce Japanese champion juvenile filly Yamanin Paradise. Saturday, Kyoto, Japan TENNO SHO SPRING-G1, ¥423,400,000, Kyoto, 4-28, 4yo/up, 3200mT, 3:14.20, fm. 1–T O ROYAL (JPN), 128, h, 6, by Leontes (Jpn) 1st Dam: Meisho Ohi (Jpn), by Manhattan Cafe (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Alpine Rose, by Kris S. 3rd Dam: Amizette, by Forty Niner 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Mishima Bokujo; T-Inao Okada; J-Yuji Hishida; ¥223,780,000. Lifetime Record: 18-8-1-2, ¥518,266,000. *Half to Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro), MGSW & MG1SP-Jpn, ¥473,305,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Blow the Horn (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Epiphaneia (Jpn)–Halteclere (Jpn), by Durandal (Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Makio Okada; B-Okada Stud; ¥89,080,000. 3–Deep Bond (Jpn), 128, h, 7, Kizuna (Jpn)–Zephyranthes (Jpn), by King Halo (Jpn). (¥17,820,000 Ylg '18 JBBJUL). O-Shinji Maeda; B-Murata Farm; ¥55,540,000. Margins: 2, HF, HF; Odds: 1.80, 7.80, 26.50. Also ran: Smart Phantom (Jpn), Warp Speed (Jpn), Savona (Jpn), Tastiera (Jpn), Meisho Breguet (Jpn), Gold Princess (Jpn), Plume d'Or (Jpn), Scar Face (Jpn), Saliera (Jpn), Matenro Leo (Jpn), Chuck Nate (Jpn), Durezza (Jpn), Silver Sonic (Jpn). DNF: Hapi (Jpn). Scratched: Hindu Times (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post T O Royal Shows Them His Heels In the Tenno Sho Spring appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior is a two-time Hong Kong Cup winner. Prize money for three of Hong Kong’s premier Group 1 races – the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) – will be increased for the 2024/25 racing season by a total of HK$10 million next season. The 2025 FWD Champions Mile will rise from HK$22 million to HK$24 million, up 9.1%, while the Hong Kong Cup remains Hong Kong’s most lucrative race with record prize money of HK$40 million – an 11.1% increase of HK$4 million. The Hong Kong Mile has been boosted by HK$4 million to HK$36 million, a rise of 12.5%. The increases add HK$8 million to 2024 Hong Kong International Races for a total Group 1 prize money purse of HK$126 million, while the three Group 1 races at 2025 FWD Champions Day will offer HK$74 million. The growth in prize money means Hong Kong’s 12 Group 1 races – all of which featured in the 2023 World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races – will offer a record HK$265 million for the 2024/25 racing season. The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Racing, Mr Andrew Harding, said: “Hong Kong’s two international race days – the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day – are among the elite meetings on the global stage. “As such, The Club believes it is appropriate to provide strategic and targeted prize money increases to flagship races at our international race days. “The FWD Champions Mile, LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and LONGINES Hong Kong Cup were all ranked in the top 20 of the LONGINES World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races last year, providing incredible competition and entertainment with the victories of Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior against world-class opposition. “The prize money increases demonstrate the Club’s commitment to adequately rewarding both the Hong Kong and international owners vying for success in three of our top races.” Horse racing news View the full article

Horse racing on Monday, April 29, will feature four meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Goulburn. Monday Racing Tips – April 29, 2024 Goulburn Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on April 29, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

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Haya Zark (FR) struck a blow for his unheralded connections April 28 and boosted his profile as much more than a mudlover by landing a Prix Ganay (G1) in which the first five home were covered by just three-quarters of a length.View the full article

Horse racing, like most things, becomes someone's passion after being introduced to it by a parent. That is no different for Lance Gasaway, co-owner and co-breeder of Mystik Dan, who is set to run in the Kentucky Derby May 4 at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Manny Franco rode the winners of 28 races to claim the leading jockey title during the 16-day spring meet at Aqueduct which concluded Sunday. The 29-year-old native of Carolina, Puerto Rico earned a repeat win and his third overall title at the meet after capturing last year's Big A spring title with 37 wins and the 2019 title with 18 wins. “It feels great to be back on top,” said Franco, who is represented by agent John Panagot. “I'm just grateful and happy to be in this position. I want to say thanks to all the trainers and owners and all the people who make this possible.” Linda Rice saddled the winners of 18 races to notch her 15th training title at a NYRA meeting and her seventh at the circuit's last eight meets. It was her fifth Big A spring meet title, adding to wins in 2011-12, 2017 and 2023. Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables claimed its 26th owners' title at a NYRA meeting and fifth Big A spring title, posting a record of 18-7-5-1 and $480,960 in earnings to be the leading Big A spring owner for the third consecutive year. The post Franco, Rice Lead Aqueduct Standings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup winners White Abarrio and Nobals record recent workouts toward starts in June or later in the year.View the full article

Trainer Nicky Henderson took to social media late Sunday night to announce the passing of stable star Shishkin (Ire) (Sholokhov {Ire}) after getting cast in his stable and fracturing a hind leg. The multiple Grade 1-winner had been scheduled to leave for Punchestown Monday morning for a tilt at the G1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. Shishkin had launched his 2024 season victoriously with a trip to the winner's enclosure Feb. 10 in the G2Betfair Denman Chase and had last been seen running fourth Apr. 11 in the G1 William Hill Bowl Chase. “Tragically, we have lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg,” the statement on X from Henderson began. “Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon, Nico and George are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend, and warrior is gone.” “He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning, but sadly this now not to be. He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that–except the King George is not in it even though we believe it should have been…” Henderson ended with, “This is a very sad night. He was our star, and we will never forget him. Thank you, Shishkin, for the wonderful memories.” The post Shishkin Euthanised After Stable Accident appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior reigns supreme in Hong Kong as the only winner among three local superstars on Champions Day April 28 at Sha Tin Racecourse.View the full article

T O Royal swept to victory in the two-mile Tenno Sho (Spring) April 28 at Kyoto Racecourse, taking his first Grade 1 win in his third try at the top level.View the full article

With the assignment of GI Kentucky Derby post positions over the weekend, speculation takes a (slight) shift toward logical assessment. Here are some random takeaways on, well, randomness now that fate has left its gentle impression on the field… Dornoch getting buried in post one didn't exactly help the chances of two full-brothers winning the Derby in back-to-back years. This son of Good Magic will have a tough enough task getting out ahead of the field from the rail–which has an 8.5% Derby win rate since the use of a starting gate began in 1930–without being additionally saddled by trying to live up to the family legacy of big brother Mage's 15-1 upset in 2023. The last Derby winner to break from post one was Ferdinand in 1986. You have to go all the way back to Chateaugay in 1963 to find the previous Derby winner to start from the fence. The coincidence of two full-brothers making it into the Derby in consecutive seasons isn't the only bloodstock oddity in this year's starting gate: The dams of the undefeated Japan-bred contender Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) are half-sisters. Both broodmares were bred by Debby Oxley, out of the Oxley-campaigned Darling My Darling. Forever Young's dam, the 2013 foal Forever Darling (Congrats), sold for just $8,000 as a Keeneland yearling. Yet she ended up winning the GII Santa Ynez S. at age three. Sierra Leone's dam, the 2015 foal Heavenly Love (Malibu Moon), was not offered at auction and raced for Oxley. She won the GI Alcibiades S. in 2017. After dropping their own foals on opposite sides of the globe in 2021, the two colts out of those two sisters are now pegged as the second and fourth choices on the Derby morning line, drawn nine gates apart from one another. That's a longshot accomplishment in and of itself, regardless of where Forever Young and Sierra Leone end up finishing. Another odd historical quirk is that when Darling My Darling broke her maiden at first asking at Saratoga in 1999, the filly who ran third behind her was named Endlessly (End Sweep). Now it's 25 years later, and Darling My Darling's two grandsons are running in the Derby against a colt who is also named Endlessly (Oscar Performance). The longest active drought for any single Derby post position is gate 14, which has not yielded a winner since Carry Back in 1961 and is 2-for-67 overall. Endlessly has that assignment in 2024. Among posts one through 20, the only gate assignment never to have produced a Derby winner is post 17, which has been assigned to 'TDN Rising Star' and 2-year-old champ Fierceness (City of Light). Post 17 is 0-for-44 in the Derby since the advent of the gate. The last in-the-money finish from that draw was in 1988, when Forty Niner ran second. Can you guess which Derby post (again just from the starting-gate era onward) actually has the highest win percentage? The answer is extremely unintuitive: Surprisingly, post 20 has produced an 11.1% strike rate. The sample size is small, however, with just 18 starters yielding two winners. The price on this year's outermost-drawn Society Man (Good Magic) is likely to be closer to that of the 80-1 Rich Strike, who won from post 20 in 2022, than it will be to the favored mutuel of Big Brown, who was the 2.4-1 choice when he won from way out wide in 2008. The only other Derby posts to have a win percentage in double-digits are posts five (10-for-94 = 10.6%) and 10 (9-for-87 = 10.3%). The year 2020, when the pandemic necessitated that the Derby be run in September, was the last time that the number of starters in the Derby dipped to 15. Prior to that, the Derby field size hadn't been that low since 1998 and 1997, when 15 and 13 horses, respectively, started. There were 13 starters in 1985 and 1980, but the Derby hasn't edged below that number since 1979, when only 10 started. In general, the Derby's larger fields during the 21st Century have yielded favorable results for higher-drawn horses. Since 2000, there have been 10 winners from post 15 outward (counting horses awarded wins via disqualification in 2019 and 2021). During that same time frame, there have been no winners from the first three inside posts, and only one winner from post four (Super Saver in 2010). Trainer Bill Mott might not have had the above-referenced stats handy when Resilience (Into Mischief) landed in post 19, but the Hall-of-Fame trainer's post-draw comment essentially backed up those numbers. “I'm fine with it. For me, I would have preferred to be in the outside half than the inside half,” Mott said. “We have a certain amount of speed, but not the speed that you would need to get away from the one hole or even the two hole. So you know, I think I'm happy enough being out there. Part of it is the trip and you have a chance from there to have a clean trip at least through the stretch. And hopefully, by the time you get to the turn, something works out in your favor, and you can track in a little bit.” Trainer Brad Cox had no complaints after his trio of colts drew these Derby assignments: Catching Freedom (Constitution) post four; Just a Touch (Justify) post eight; Encino (Nyquist) post nine. “Post positions are pretty overrated in my opinion,” Cox said. “They all drew fine. If you're a good enough horse, you can overcome any post position. We can't control posts, so I like to keep things in perspective of what I can control, which is their training.” The post The Week in Review: Random Thoughts on Fate’s Gentle Nudge at the Derby Post Draw appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sweet Rebecca, dubbed a 'TDN Rising Star' off her Gulfstream debut March 10, made her first start for John Stewart's Resolute Racing Sunday in the Memories of Silver S. at Aqueduct. Moved from Brendan Walsh to Chad Brown following her private sale, the full-sister to Sweet Melania stepped into stakes company and was well-backed, jumping at odds of 1-2 with Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle as he was on her debut. Kept in mid-pack fourth while clearly eager to be closer to the front, Sweet Rebecca stayed covered up behind horses into the far turn, tipped out for a run past the quarter pole and easily darted past pacesetter Faith Understood to win going away. Dam Sweet N Discreet, a $1.6m FTKNOV broodmare purchase by Mt. Brilliant Farm (who owned and raced Sweet Rebecca in partnership for her debut), is herself a full-sister to GSW/GISP Discreet Dancer and a half to GSW Travelin Man (Trippi). Her 2-year-old Tapit colt failed to meet his reserve on a final bid of $435,000 at OBS April earlier this month and she reported a Constitution filly last year but was barren to Flightline for 2024. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. MEMORIES OF SILVER S., $150,000, Aqueduct, 4-28, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.79, fm. 1–SWEET REBECCA, 118, f, 3, by American Pharoah 1st Dam: Sweet N Discreet (SW & GSP, $366,447), by Discreet Cat 2nd Dam: West Side Dancer, by Gone West 3rd Dam: Bering Cruise, by Danzig 'TDN Rising Star' ($250,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Resolute Racing; B-Mt. Brilliant Farm & Ranch, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $82,500. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $124,500. *Full to Sweet Melania, MGSW & GISP, $576,210. 2–Faith Understood, 118, f, 3, Catholic Boy–Zia, by Munnings. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Robert V. LaPenta; B-Whitehorse Stable (KY); T-Jonathan Thomas. $30,000. 3–Curlin's Girl, 118, f, 3, Curlin–Quality Rocks, by Rock Hard Ten. ($360,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Team Spoor; B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY); T-Anthony W. Dutrow. $18,000. Margins: 1HF, 1 1/4, NO. Odds: 0.50, 18.30, 9.10. Also Ran: Living Magic, Munny Grab, Youknownothing, Miss Mottley. Scratched: Camera, Most of All, Thirteen Red Flags. SWEET REBECCA ($3.00) looked much the best under @Tyler_Gaff in the $150,000 Memories Of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct. Chad Brown trained the undefeated 3-year-old daughter of @CoolmoreAmerica's American Pharoah for owner @rresoluteracing. Late Pick 3 now: https://t.co/M85Kx40soc pic.twitter.com/jeGmJuK2ac — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 28, 2024 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Sweet Rebecca Ultra Smooth In Memories of Silver At Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations feature the first foal out of G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream as well as the debuting daughter of Fiesolana and a half-sister to G1 Irish Derby runner-up Piz Badile. 15.40 Chantilly, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, c/g, 10 1/2fT POLYSPEED (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is a significant runner for the Wertheimers, being the first foal out of their G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}). In the hands of Christophe Ferland, he faces a notable Juddmonte purchase in Pergamon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), an Andre Fabre-trained son of the G2 Rockfel S. winner Spain Burg (Fr) (Sageburg {Ire}) who cost €450,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale. 16.50 Chantilly, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT EARENDEL (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}) is another Andre Fabre newcomer with serious upside, being a daughter of the Niarchos Family's G1 Matron S. heroine Fiesolana (Ire) (Aussie Rules). Responsible for Galileo's multiple group-placed Up Helly Aa (Ire), her latest progeny faces 12 peers tackling the Prix de Diane course and distance. 18.50 Naas, Mdn, €12,500, 3yo, f, 10f 84yT TRANQUILLITATIS (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is another Niarchos blueblood to make her first start on the day, being a half-sister to the G3 Ballysax S. winner and G1 Irish Derby runner-up Piz Badile (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}). Also trained by Donnacha O'Brien, the granddaughter of Shiva (Jpn) (Hector Protector) encounters Frank and Luke Barry's Realt Na Ri (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a Jessica Harrington-trained half-sister to the G1 Phoenix S. and G1 Matron S. heroine La Collina (Ire) (Strategic Prince {GB}) whose 3-year-old colt Sardinian Warrior (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) was a winner on Sunday. The post Frankel Son of Polydream Debuts at Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Antonio Fresu watched the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby on television. Though from Italy, he understood the importance of the race and knew that everybody, be it a jockey, trainer, owner, aspires to win it. But he had no reason to believe that he'd ever win the Derby, let alone ride in it. In late April of last year, just eight days before the Derby, he had started riding in the U.S. at Santa Anita. He was unknown and unproven to the trainers in the U.S. “I came here to find out if I would like it,” the 32-year-old rider said. He won a race at Santa Anita on Derby Day, guiding Baladi (Pioneerof the Nile) to a win. The victory came in a modest starter/optional claimer, but it was a good sign. He rode five horses on the day and had already caught the attention of top trainers like Chief Stipe O'Neill and Phil D'Amato. One year later, Fresu is not only still here, but he has wildly exceeded his expectations. Established as one of the top riders on the Southern California circuit, he will ride GI Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in Saturday's Derby for D'Amato. “I'm over the moon,” he said. “I know how prestigious the Santa Anita Derby is and that it gets you to the Kentucky Derby. Winning the Santa Anita Derby was an amazing achievement. I was more than happy. He proved that he belonged in the Kentucky Derby and to ride in that race is a dream come true. Everybody wants to be in the Derby.” Fresu had been splitting his time between riding in Italy and in Dubai, where he won the 2021 GI Golden Shaheen aboard Zenden (Fed Biz) for U.S.-based trainer Carlos David. He was doing well in Dubai, but was looking for new challenges because racing was on decline in Italy. But going to America didn't seem practical. He didn't know anyone there, nobody knew him, and he didn't have an agent. That all changed when he met O'Neill, who, in 2022, sent a string to Dubai. “I got to meet Chief Stipe O'Neill through my agent, Michael Adolphson, who is an American who was working in Dubai,” Fresu said. “He was pushing me hard to go to America. He always said that I would do great over here. He put me in touch with Chief Stipe O'Neill. I knew I could ride some for Chief Stipe and he lined me up with my new agent, Tom Knust, who has been doing a fabulous job. I figured it was time to take a chance.” “I'm so impressed with Antonio on how good he is at getting horses in good positions, and always seeming to have run for the stretch,” O'Neill said. “He's a real smart rider who can really help a trainer make tweaks to help bring the best out of each horse. He's a great addition to American racing. At Del Mar, Fresu's career took off. At the 2023 summer meet, he rode 31 winners, second best behind Southern California kingpin Juan Hernandez. “Coming into Del Mar, I still wasn't sure if I would stay or not,” he said. “My wife Veronika [who is an assistant trainer in Dubai] still isn't here with me. I had to take a lot of things into consideration. In the beginning, I didn't know what I was going to do. But after the meet I had at Del Mar, it would have been stupid not to stay. I wasn't expecting that things would go so well and would go so well so quickly.” Fresu also finished second in the standings behind Hernandez in the recently concluded winter meet at Santa Anita, and much of his success had to do with his association with D'Amato. He's had nine wins this year for the trainer, including four stakes victories, two of them coming with Stronghold. Joe Talamo rode the colt in his first two starts before Fresu took over in the GIII Bob Hope S. at Del Mar, where he finished second behind the talented colt Nysos (Nyquist). “Phil always thought he was a very good horse,” Fresu said. “I started breezing him back at Del Mar. We ran him against Nysos at Del Mar and he did well, finishing second. But he was still immature. After that, Phil brought him to Los Alamitos for the Futurity in December and the horse showed a lot of improvement even though he was second again. Since that race we were thinking we may have a Derby horse.” Next up, Stronghold won the GIII Sunland Derby and then the Santa Anita Derby, overcoming trouble to beat the Bob Baffert-trained Imagination (Into Mischief). “Phil sent him to Sunland and he won the Sunland Derby, which gave him more confidence,” Fresu said. “After the Sunland Derby and before the Santa Anita Derby, I breezed him a couple of times and he was working super. He was showing that he was more mature and more grown up. He was showing a lot of talent. When we went into the Santa Anita Derby, I was pretty confident. He fought pretty hard to win that race.” Fresu will be one of two Italian-born riders to have mounts in this year's Derby. Frankie Dettori will be aboard longshot Society Man (Good Magic). “Frankie has always been my idol,” Fresu said. “Ever since I was a kid, he was the jockey that I looked up to. Now that I get to ride with him in California, it's like a dream that came true. First of all, he's an amazing person. To me, he is the best jockey in the world, and he is still my idol.” For Fresu and Stronghold, winning the Derby will not be easy. The Santa Anita Derby was not a particularly tough race and, on the Beyer figures, Stronghold isn't fast enough to beat horses like Fierceness (City of Light) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). He is 20-1 on the morning line. “Before this year, I have only watched the Derby on television and I never expected to be there,” Fresu said. “It is the most prestigious race in the country. I don't know how it's going to end up, but getting there is really important for everyone who is involved with this horse. It is a very tough race. You need to have a good trip because there are so many runners. But the horse is doing great and is in good shape. We'll take our chances. I am really honored to have this opportunity.” The post With a Derby Mount, Fresu’s Star Continues to Rise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article