Wandering Eyes

Multiple Group One winning mare Atishu has claimed a berth in the A$4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) with a strong victory in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained daughter of Savabeel was ridden more forward than usual under Blake Shinn, who was aboard the six-year-old for the first time, defeating Holymanz by three-quarters of a length, with Ayrton close-up in third after being held-up for a run. “We know she is a filly that has had her share of issues in the barriers and as a result we have always been riding her a little bit conservatively and she has been finishing off so well in that position,” Waller’s Assistant Trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “I was a little bit concerned when he was so assertive out of the gates. It is all well and good when you win, but if you don’t there are questions to be asked. “But she looked to get into a lovely rhythm and travelled tractably in that position. Blake was very soft on her up until the concluding stages when he had to ask an effort for her to lift. She is a genuine Group One performer and she absolutely loves it here at Flemington. “So looking back it is a fantastic ride from Blake and we are delighted to get the win. She is obviously a valuable horse and the main thing is she is racing in a rich vein of form which is great to see after what on face-value looked like a slightly disappointing first-up performance for her.” Duckworth believed it was the race pattern and the Caulfield circuit that brought about the undoing of Atishu when eighth behind Mr Brightside in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) fresh-up. “She was chasing a long way out that day, whereas today she was able to travel and that was the difference,” Duckworth said. “If you can get her to travel and switch off and do everything right, then she has got a wicked turn of foot and we have seen that time and time again at Flemington and hopefully it can continue for a good while more.” The A$3 million Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) back at Flemington on March 30 is the chief target for the campaign, with Duckworth unsure whether the mare would contest the All-Star Mile which is to be contested at Caulfield on March 16. “$4 million is a lot of money and I will leave it to Chris and the owners to work out whether we go there (to the All-Star Mile) or head straight to the Australian Cup,” Duckworth said. Atishu won the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington last spring, while she also won the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in Sydney last autumn. Atishu sports the colours of Albert Bosma’s Go Racing, with the Kiwi mare having transferred to Waller as a multiple stakes winner for trainer Stephen Marsh in New Zealand as a three-year-old. Bred by Waikato Stud, Atishu is by their champion sire Savabeel out of the No Excuse Needed mare Posy, who won two races and is a sister to the former Champion Three-Year-Old and multiple Group One winner Daffodil. Go Racing went to $260,000 to secure Atishu as a yearling from Waikato Stud’s 2019 Karaka Book 1 draft. Atishu is a sister to the Waikato Stud-raced Mazzolino, who won the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) for trainer Stephen Marsh last year and placed a further five times at stakes level before her recent retirement to the broodmare paddock, in-foal to Super Seth. View the full article

Drakaina’s commanding victory in Saturday’s Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui completed a remarkable rise to prominence for a filly that was bought for just $3,000. The daughter of Ace High caught the eye of her trainer and part-owner Ebony Turner on Gavelhouse last year. She was unplaced on debut at Ascot Park in November, then won at $50 odds at Gore on December 24 before finishing fourth in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) and second in last month’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1400m). Drakaina stepped out as a $5.50 second favourite for Saturday’s NZB Airfreight Stakes, and she continued her rapid rise with a runaway win. Jockey Jasmine Fawcett drove Drakaina forward from a wide gate and took an early lead, but then was happy to settle in second when The Real Treasure made a big mid-race move to take over in the back straight. Drakaina cruised back up on the outside of that rival coming towards the home turn, but she was being accompanied every step of the way by the riderless Amiinit, who had parted company with jockey Lee Callaway when the gates opened. The riderless horse drifted across towards the rail just in front of Drakaina at the top of the home straight, but she was unfazed and produced a brilliant turn of foot to dash clear of the rest of the field. Drakaina got further and further in front through the final 200m, dashing to victory by six and a half lengths over Sense Of Timing and Epee Beel. The NZB Airfreight Stakes was the first stakes success for the Riverton-based Turner, who is in only her second season of training. Fawcett, who had her first ride on Drakaina in Saturday’s $80,000 feature, was delighted to play her part. “I hadn’t ridden her before, but my agent (Jacob Edens) had a good opinion of her previous form and was keen for me to ride her,” she said. “I was really glad I ended up on the right horse. “This filly gave me a fantastic feel and it was a great performance. It was a good-quality field today and she proved she was definitely up to stakes standard. I thought the loose horse made it an even more impressive performance – that didn’t make it easy for her at all, but she handled everything really well and then put them away very convincingly in the straight.” Drakaina has now had five starts for two wins, a placing and $79,235 in stakes – more than 26 times her purchase price. The NZB Airfreight Stakes was the second leg of the New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series, and Drakaina earned 7 points and now shares top spot on the table with the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) winner Viva Vienna. The two remaining legs of the series are the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on April 13 and the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at the same venue a week later. “I have no doubt that she’ll go a bit further than this,” Fawcett said. “I’m sure she’d be very competitive in those other three-year-old fillies’ races that are coming up at Riccarton, if that’s the way she goes. I’m not sure what her plans are from here. I’ll leave that up to Ebony, who’s done a great job with this horse so far. I’ll just do as I’m told, and I’ll definitely be keen to ride her again.” View the full article

Roger James is now the most successful trainer in the history of the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), but even that enormous achievement was overshadowed at Ellerslie on Saturday by the new superstar of his Cambridge stable. Orchestral became the sixth Derby winner for James, following on from Tidal Light (1986), Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997), Hades (1999) and Silent Achiever (2012). Saturday’s win took him one ahead of the great Colin Jillings, who had previously shared the record with five. But for James, Saturday’s $1 million classic was all about Orchestral. The super-talented Savabeel filly outclassed her 16 opponents by three and three-quarter lengths, having won the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) by three and a half lengths and the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) by four lengths in her two previous starts. “I’m relieved, elated, awestruck,” said James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood. “She just has an abundance of ability. She could be the next star, I think.” The Derby has been a difficult race for fillies to win, and Orchestral joined Tidal Light, Popsy, Silent Achiever and Habibi as only the fifth to do so in the last 40 years. Three of them have been trained by James. Orchestral’s breathtaking lead-up performances made her one of the hottest Derby favourites in recent memory at $1.30. Despite a slow start and settling all the way back in fourth-last in a strung-out field, James was never worried. “I’ve been lucky enough to have had a lot of runners in this race, and I said to Robert when they went out that I don’t think I’ve ever had one parade better out the back,” he said. “She just never missed a beat. She was cool, calm and collected. “I wasn’t worried when she got so far back in the running. There was a lot of pace on, and I thought she’d outstay them. Pace makes the race. The best horse usually wins when there’s a good pace in the race. “It was very, very special when she went to the lead the way she did in the straight.” Owners Colin and Helen Litt with Orchetral and strapper Michaela Sobieska. Photo: Trish Dunell Orchestral was ridden by Craig Grylls, who had previously won the Derby aboard Crown Prosecutor (2019) and Rocket Spade (2021). But his feeling as the filly moved through her gears coming up to the home turn was something unlike he had ever felt before in this famous race. “I wasn’t planning to be as far back as we were, but she didn’t get away that cleanly,” he said. “But there was plenty of speed on, which was good. At about the 1000m, I got on the three-wide train that was moving into the race. “Passing the 600m, I just brought her out into the open and I could see them all coming off the bridle in front of me, and I just had a handful of horse. She’s some animal. “It’s great for Roger and Robert and the owners, and a big thanks to them for keeping me on. She’s the best of those three Derby winners I’ve ridden, and I think she could be one of the best I’ve ever sat on.” Wellwood took special satisfaction from Saturday’s win, joining his mentor James as a New Zealand Derby-winning trainer. “It’s almost more of a relief,” he said. “When you have a $1.30 favourite, there’s so much pressure. The team at home have done a massive job. To get a result like this just makes it all worth it, and it’s unbelievable. “I was still eight years away from being born when Roger won his first Derby. He’s been doing this for a while now, and I’m so grateful to be in partnership with him. He’s taught me a lot. “Results like this are very special, and especially for owners who trust us to buy them a horse and spend the money that we did. It makes it pretty easy to wake up in the morning.” Orchestral became the 33rd individual Group One winner for champion Waikato Stud stallion Savabeel, and his first New Zealand Derby winner. The exceptional filly comes from a red-hot family – her dam is the stakes-placed O’Reilly mare Symphonic, whose full-sister Glee produced last week’s Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) winner Savaglee. Orchestral was bred by Barneswood Farm and was offered by Haunui Farm at Karaka in 2022, where James and Wellwood bought her for $625,000 on behalf of owners Colin and Helen Litt. She has now had eight starts for five wins and two placings, banking more than $1.57 million. “This is a huge thrill,” Colin Litt said. “This race is the best test of a three-year-old in New Zealand, and we feel very lucky to have won it with a horse like this. She’s just an absolutely class filly, and I think we’re only just scratching the surface with her.” James is now setting his sights across the Tasman, where Orchestral could contest the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m). James and Wellwood won last year’s Vinery with another high-class performer, Prowess. View the full article

Te Akau Racing’s former trainer Jamie Richards had a stranglehold on the Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) on New Zealand Derby Day, and his successors Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson continued that tradition at Ellerslie on Saturday. The runaway premiership leaders won the Mainstream Plumbing-sponsored Group Three feature with classy Waikato Stud homebred Certainly, who became the fourth Mufhasa Stakes winner in the last five years to come from Te Akau’s Matamata stable. Richards had previously won the race with Star Of Bombay in 2020, Need I Say More in 2021 and On The Bubbles in 2022, with Waikato Stud’s I Wish I Win finishing second for a stable quinella two years ago. Last year’s race was staged at Te Rapa while Ellerslie was closed for renovations, and it was won by the Andrew Forsman-trained The Intimidator. Walker and Bergerson have always rated Certainly as one of the potential standouts of their three-year-old crop this season, eyeing the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before a spring setback held up her preparation. The Savabeel filly eventually kicked off her career at Te Aroha in late November, where she was a $1.80 favourite but had to settle for second behind upset winner Pendragon. That rival later boosted that form with three consecutive wins including the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), and he was runner-up behind Orchestral in last month’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) before venturing to Melbourne. Certainly cleared maidens impressively at Matamata in her second career start, then flashed home from last for an eye-catching sixth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham. She was again a beaten favourite when third at Te Rapa in early February, but stepped back up into stakes class on Saturday and showed her true colours. Delivering a first winner on Ellerslie’s new StrathAyr track for Walker, Bergerson and jockey Opie Bosson, Certainly settled in midfield but drifted back approaching the turn. At the top of the home straight, she was in tight quarters and had only a handful of horses behind her. But Bosson weaved her through the traffic and into the clear, and Certainly stretched out stylishly to reel in Moet Down and score by a neck. “I’ve had a few goes, so it’s good to get my first win on this new track,” Bosson said. “She really showed some class today. She travelled beautifully throughout. We had to find a bit of a passage up the straight, but she kept coming up underneath me. She was really willing, and I think going up to a mile will be even better for her too.” A half-sister to the multiple Listed-winning Ocean Park gelding Ocean Beyond, Certainly has now had five starts for two wins, two placings and $118,600 in stakes. Walker and Bergerson will now consider adding her to Te Akau’s high-flying Victorian stable for a shot at the Gr.3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 23. “That was a really good effort,” Bergerson said. “Obviously it wasn’t fun getting beaten as a $1.20 shot last start, but she got back that day behind a very slow tempo. She would have had to run home in 32 or 33 seconds, which it’s not easy to do at Te Rapa. “But Opie gave her a lovely ride today. I thought we might be getting into a bit of trouble, but he was patient and the splits came in the straight. Fair play to the filly too – she was very good to the line. “She’s shown us plenty at home and we’ve always thought a lot of her. Hopefully she can go on with it now. “We could potentially head to Melbourne, where there’s a race for three-year-old fillies over a mile at Moonee Valley. But we’ll have a team talk with Mark, David Ellis, Mark Chittick and the rest of the team and make up a plan. “It’s good to get this win, and it’s a pleasure to train lovely Savabeel fillies like her for Waikato Stud.” Moet Down was a gallant second while the blue-blooded Irish Legacy was an eye-catching third in only the second start of her career. Bred and part-owned by Christopher Grace, the daughter of I Am Invincible and multiple Group One winner Shillelagh had won by two and a half lengths at Taupo in her only previous appearance. View the full article

Unheralded Almanzor filly Positivity sprang an upset at Ellerslie on Saturday when she fought doggedly in the run home to take out the Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m) and claim her first stakes victory. The Andrew Forsman-prepared three-year-old was having just her fifth start and had looked a likely staying prospect when breaking her maiden status over 1600m a Tauranga at just her second start. She was spotted running on nicely in two subsequent efforts in black-type company without much luck, however punters overlooked those performances as she drifted to $18 in the Fixed Odds market which was headed up by Qali Al Farrasha ($3.30). Rider Masa Hashizume made a mid-race move on a moderate tempo to sit outside the leader from the 1400m before tackling pacemaker Nepheti shortly after turning for home. Qali Al Farrasha joined issue quickly and hit the front however Positivity refused to give in and fought back strongly to take the win by just on half a length as Still Bangon made up good ground from well back to finish third. Forsman stable representative Gemma Hewetson was delighted with the filly who holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubal New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham later this month. “That’s just so good as she has just got better every time she has gone to the races,” she said. “She hasn’t had a lot of luck her last two starts and this was a good tough run. “Andrew has always held a big opinion of her as she is a beautiful filly. “She had done everything right and we didn’t go Hastings with her (for the Gr.3, Lowland Stakes) which was a blessing and she has done it here today.” Hashizume, who was completing a double for the day after taking out race one aboard Gentian Blue, was full of praise for the filly after they were trapped wide early in the race. “We got caught three wide early so may initial thought was to go and lead,” he said. “I wanted to take a sit early but had to roll forward and when they came up her in the straight she switched on and it was a very tough win. “After the line she was about to pull up, but when another horse went past her she grabbed the bit and tried to keep going though I think she can go further.” Raced by Ben Kwok who purchased her for $160,000 out of the Woburn Farm draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka, Positivity was bred by the late Sir Patrick Hogan and Lady Justine Hogan along with Peter Walker. She is out of Walker’s Group One placegetter Pussy O’Reilly and from an extended family that includes stakes winners Pussy Willow, Dopff and Valpolicella. TAB Bookmakers have installed her as the equal $8 favourite alongside Still Bangon for the New Zealand Oaks on 16 March. View the full article

Underrated mare Maria Farina outsprinted several of the country’s top gallopers to secure Saturday’s Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie. The daughter of Contributer has flown relatively under the radar this season, despite having accumulated six career victories, including the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m), and Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week in November. Maria Farina lined up in both the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) and Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) over the summer months with regular pilot Sam Weatherley aboard, and despite finishing sixth and fifth respectively, her sizzling sectionals in the latter indicated the best was yet to come. Prepared by Weatherley’s father and sister Darryn and Briar, the mare contested a quality six-horse line-up in the King’s Plate, which included Telegraph winner Mercurial, as well as Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) victor Bonny Lass, who started a warm $2.50 TAB favourite. Jumping from barrier three, Weatherley settled Maria Farina near the tail of the field, avoiding early carnage up-front as Mercurial was badly checked when trying to slot inside of pace-maker Not Guilty. Weatherley sat ice-cold in behind Bonny Lass as the field descended down the straight, and when the gap came at the 150m, Maria Farina showed a devastating turn-of-foot to the post, though not without a few nervous moments for connections as Dragon Leap scorched down the outside to force a photo-finish. The unorthodox mare pulled herself up shortly after the line, delight soon appearing on Weatherley’s face as the judge confirmed Maria Farina had triumphed in the $150,000 event by the narrowest of margins. The 24-year-old hoop had won the previous race aboard Dame Lilibic, and indicated quiet confidence in Maria Farina, that was duly rewarded. “I have no doubt in saying it, she should’ve won the Telegraph, and on her day, I think she’s nearly the fastest horse in the country,” Sam Weatherley said. “She’s just so difficult to ride, you’ve got to hold and hold her up. It didn’t go to plan early, but it was probably the right way to ride her, just sit back and bide my time. When we burst through, on any other horse you’d think you’re home and hosed, but she has a bit of a tendency to pull up. “I’m just so thrilled for the family, she really deserves a big one and if we can keep going, there’s a chance she might.” Darryn was full of compliments for his son post-race. “I think Sam’s been watching the tapes, that was a 10 out of 10 ride,” he said. “She’s been consistent all year round and really deserves it, we own half of her which is really good, just a beautiful result. “My feed merchant will sleep well tonight I’m picking.” The Weatherley’s bred the mare alongside part-owner Barry Wright, the combination also breeding her half-brother, last-season’s Gr.1 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Pier, both being out of La Vitesse. Darryn indicated Wright was hoping to test Maria Farina over 1600m, with the ultimate goal being the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on March 30. “We were looking at going to a 1400m at Tauranga in a few weeks’ time, and just hoping to throw the anchor out to get her to a mile in the fillies’ and mares’ weight-for-age,” he said. “My partner (owner, Barry Wright) has always wanted to try her at a mile, whether he’s right I’m not sure but we’ll have a crack.” Daughter Briar also painted an emotional picture in the birdcage. “This mare means everything to me, sometimes you just need that one horse that gets you out of bed in the morning, and for me, that’s her,” she said. “She’s been unlucky all preparation, and she so deserved this win. I’m absolutely thrilled.” Maria Farina has now earned over $386,000 in stakes, a pedigree the Weatherley’s hope can continue to perform after purchasing a closely-related Hello Youmzain colt out of Jamieson’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2024. View the full article

Tulloch Lodge celebrated another landmark achievement with Tropical Squall‘s victory in the 2024 Surround Stakes, marking their fifth win in the prestigious race. Tropical Squall wins 2024 Surround Stakes first-up for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. Photo: Steve Hart. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Tropical Squall returned to Group 1 form in impressive fashion at Randwick. Despite her previous Flight Stakes at elite level at the track in the spring, Tropical Squall went largely overlooked as a fresh runner in the race. However, she displayed her fighting spirit, holding off a strong challenge from Stefi Magnetica to claim victory under jockey Adam Hyeronimus, earning his fourth career Group 1 win. Hyeronimus, channelling Nash Rawiller’s winning ride on Think It Over in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant earlier in the day by utilising the inside line advantage, took the lead from the start and maintained a strong pace throughout. Tropical Squall ($8.50) displayed remarkable resilience, edging out Stefi Magnetica ($17) in a thrilling finish. The trifecta was completed by Chris Waller‘s triple-figure roughie Tutta La Vita ($100), with the favourite Learning To Fly ($3.60) narrowly missing out on a podium position. This victory served as a sweet redemption for Hyeronimus, who had lost the ride on Golden Slipper favourite Storm Boy earlier in the day with the colt successful in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes under James McDonald. It also bolstered the impressive record of both trainers. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott secured their 25th Group 1 victory as a partnership, while Waterhouse reached her individual milestone of 134. Co-trainer Adrian Bott acknowledged Tropical Squall’s improved physical condition and expressed confidence in her future potential, despite initial concerns about her fitness for the first-up race. He highlighted the Coolmore Classic as the next potential target, followed by options like the Vinery Stud Stakes and the Doncaster Mile, depending on her performance. “The 1400 meters seems to be her sweet spot,” Bott concluded, “and allowing her to strengthen up has made all the difference. She has tactical speed and is a versatile filly with a promising future.” Tropical Squall’s performance in the Surround Stakes not only showcased her talent and fighting spirit but also served as a testament to the successful training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. With exciting options ahead, Tropical Squall has the potential to further solidify her position as a rising star in Australian racing. 2024 Surround Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 TROPICAL SQUALL Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 2 56kg $8.50 2 12 STEFI MAGNETICA Bjorn Baker Tommy Berry 0.12L 1 56kg $17 3 7 TUTTA LA VITA Chris Waller Tyler Schiller 1.8L 3 56kg $101 4 4 LEARNING TO FLY Annabel Neasham Chad Schofield 1.83L 6 56kg $3.60F 5 8 MAKARENA Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tim Clark 2.25L 12 56kg $7.50 6 10 ROLL ON HIGH Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 3.46L 11 56kg $9 7 3 KIMOCHI Gary Portelli Jason Collett 3.72L 7 56kg $6 8 5 TIZ INVINCIBLE Ciaron Maher James McDonald 4.04L 5 56kg $7 9 6 KRISTILLI Annabel Neasham Zac Lloyd (a) 4.63L 8 56kg $18 10 11 ARCTIC GLAMOUR Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Kerrin McEvoy 5.41L 9 56kg $20 11 2 ZARDOZI James Cummings Tom Marquand 6.21L 10 56kg $26 12 9 AUTUMN BALLET Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 7.59L 4 56kg $101 13 KIND WORDS Kris Lees Sam Clipperton 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Tropical Squall Secures Second Group 1 Victory in Dramatic Surround Stakes 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Jamie Kah continued her remarkable rise to stardom, claiming her second Group 1 victory in just a week and 11th overall with a masterful ride on Southport Tycoon in the 2024 Australian Guineas at Flemington. Southport Tycoon wins 2024 Australian Guineas on way to potential All-Star Mile run. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. Only last weekend, Kah secured her 10th Group 1 win aboard Hayasugi in the Blue Diamond Stakes. Today, she emulated Michael Dee’s achievement from last year by winning the Australian Guineas with Southport Tycoon, just seven days after her Blue Diamond triumph. Ciaron Maher‘s Written Tycoon colt, largely overlooked in the pre-race hype, defied expectations and his place-getter status in lead-up races to claim his own top-level victory. He becomes the first horse since Heart of Dreams (2009) to win the Australian Guineas after a lead-up run in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes having placed second in his lead-up. “He was almost forgotten,” admitted Maher after the race. However, he expressed full confidence in Kah’s strategy and the horse’s potential. Kah perfectly executed the plan, positioning Southport Tycoon strategically and seizing the lead 100 meters from the finish line after following Veight into the race. Southport Tycoon ($19) dug deep, holding off the challenge of Veight ($4.80) to secure a surprising 1.25-length victory. “Everything just worked out a dream out there today,” said a delighted Kah. While acknowledging the colt’s rawness, she commended his fighting spirit and potential for further improvement. The pre-race favourite, Riff Rocket ($2.50), faced an unfortunate turn of events, getting caught behind the pack and ultimately settling for third place for the Waller stable. This victory opens up exciting possibilities for Southport Tycoon. He has earned a spot in the upcoming $3.65 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield, and Maher said he and connections will carefully consider his future options in the coming days. This race marks a significant moment in Southport Tycoon’s career and further cements Jamie Kah’s position as one of the leading jockeys in Australia. 2024 Australian Guineas Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 12 SOUTHPORT TYCOON Ciaron Maher Ms Jamie Kah 4 57kg $19 2 2 VEIGHT Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damian Lane 1.25L 6 57kg $4.80 3 1 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller Craig Williams 2.25L 9 57kg $2.50F 4 15 QUINTESSA (NZ) Mark Walker Michael Dee 2.65L 8 55kg $21 5 10 VERDAD Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Jye McNeil 3.65L 3 57kg $18 6 14 HEY FAT CAT Robbie Laing Ethan Brown 3.75L 1 57kg $26 7 6 CAP FERRAT Chris Waller Joshua Parr 3.95L 2 57kg $26 8 13 OTAGO (NZ) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ben Melham 4.25L 5 57kg $26 9 11 SNOW PATROL (NZ) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Blake Shinn 5L 7 57kg $13 10 3 KING COLORADO Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 5.4L 11 57kg $9 11 4 APULIA Ben, Will & JD Hayes Luke Currie 5.5L 14 57kg $61 12 5 ZIPAWAY Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 7.5L 10 57kg $21 13 8 RUN HARRY RUN Michael Moroney Daniel Stackhouse 7.6L 15 57kg $101 14 9 SUNSETS Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young John Allen 8.35L 12 57kg $61 15 7 THE PENDRAGON (NZ) Michael Moroney Jordan Childs 10.1L 13 57kg $31 16 16 VIESTE Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 15.6L 16 55kg $201 17e MAH ALI Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Southport Tycoon Upsets in Australian Guineas 2024, Kah Doubles Up on Group 1 Wins appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Sam Weatherley drives Maria Farina to victory in the Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Underrated mare Maria Farina outsprinted several of the country’s top gallopers to secure Saturday’s Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie. The daughter of Contributer has flown relatively under the radar this season, despite having accumulated six career victories, including the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m), and Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week in November. Maria Farina lined up in both the Group 1 Railway (1200m) and Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) over the summer months with regular pilot Sam Weatherley aboard, and despite finishing sixth and fifth respectively, her sizzling sectionals in the latter indicated the best was yet to come. Prepared by Weatherley’s father Darryn and sister Briar, the mare contested a quality six-horse line-up in the King’s Plate, which included Telegraph winner Mercurial, as well as Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) victor Bonny Lass, who started a warm $2.50 favourite. Jumping from barrier three, Weatherley settled Maria Farina near the tail of the field, avoiding early carnage up-front as Mercurial was badly checked when trying to slot inside of pacemaker Not Guilty. Weatherley sat ice-cold in behind Bonny Lass as the field descended down the straight, and when the gap came at the 150m, Maria Farina showed a devastating turn-of-foot to the post, though not without a few nervous moments for connections as Dragon Leap scorched down the outside to force a photo-finish. The unorthodox mare pulled herself up shortly after the line, delight soon appearing on Weatherley’s face as the judge confirmed Maria Farina had triumphed in the $150,000 event by the narrowest of margins. The 24-year-old hoop had won the previous race aboard Dame Lilibic, and indicated quiet confidence in Maria Farina, that was duly rewarded. 2024 King’s Plate Replay – Maria Farina “I have no doubt in saying it, she should’ve won the Telegraph, and on her day, I think she’s nearly the fastest horse in the country,” Sam Weatherley said. “She’s just so difficult to ride, you’ve got to hold and hold her up. It didn’t go to plan early, but it was probably the right way to ride her, just sit back and bide my time. When we burst through, on any other horse you’d think you’re home and hosed, but she has a bit of a tendency to pull up. “I’m just so thrilled for the family, she really deserves a big one and if we can keep going, there’s a chance she might.” Darryn was full of compliments for his son post-race. “I think Sam’s been watching the tapes, that was a 10 out of 10 ride,” he said. “She’s been consistent all year round and really deserves it, we own half of her which is really good, just a beautiful result. “My feed merchant will sleep well tonight I’m picking.” The Weatherley’s bred the mare alongside part-owner Barry Wright, the combination also breeding her half-brother, last-season’s Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Pier, both being out of La Vitesse. Darryn indicated Wright was hoping to test Maria Farina over 1600m, with the ultimate goal being the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on March 30. “We were looking at going to a 1400m at Tauranga in a few weeks’ time, and just hoping to throw the anchor out to get her to a mile in the fillies’ and mares’ weight-for-age,” he said. “My partner (owner, Barry Wright) has always wanted to try her at a mile, whether he’s right I’m not sure but we’ll have a crack.” Daughter Briar also painted an emotional picture in the birdcage. “This mare means everything to me, sometimes you just need that one horse that gets you out of bed in the morning, and for me, that’s her,” she said. “She’s been unlucky all preparation, and she so deserved this win. I’m absolutely thrilled.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tom Sherry and Brad Widdup have combined with a winner to end the day at Randwick on Saturday, with Phearson ($12.00) proving far too strong in the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) . The improving son of Exosphere put the writing on the wall at the end of his last campaign, securing victory in the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill before being sent to the paddock after a lacklustre performance in the Group 2 Ingham (1600m). Some punters may have thought a race like that would be a bridge too far for the six-year-old gelding, but his win on Saturday is proof there may be more wins in store for the Brad Widdup-trained galloper. The pace was on early as Phearson pinged the lids under Tom Sherry, however, he didn’t get it his own way on speed, with Coal Crusher ($3.60) and Whinchat ($4.00) both looking to cross from the wider draws. They couldn’t respond the way Phearson did when the whips were cracking, leaving a few eye-catching performances in behind left to play for the minor money. The Ciaron Maher-trained European import New Energy ($9.00) cruised through the wire from the back-half of the field to suggest he’s worth following in the future, while the Chris Waller-trained Kovalica ($9.50) will only improve as he gets deeper into the campaign. It was all about Phearson in the end, however, as the six-year-old continued his winning ways on Soft tracks posing a formidable record of eight starts for four wins and four more minor placings to his name. 2024 Group 3 Liverpool City Cup Replay – Phearson Brad Widdup was on course to discuss the win of his gelding and credited the team for his improvement to kick-off the preparation. “Very tough,” said Widdup. “I thought they were going to be too quick but he likes to roll – probably not that quick – but full credit to the staff at home. He’s not an easy horse but to get the win they’ve done a great job. “He’ll improve, loves racing.” Tom Sherry suggested that Saturday may have been the best Phearson has ever left the barriers, contributing to a gallant performance up on speed. “He’s not the easiest horse but he had a good today and that is probably the best he’s left the barrier,” said Sherry. “He’s sort of the more you leave him alone and leave him to his own devices the more he responds. “He gave a good kick up the straight and I was hoping he’d have got third but he was tough and too strong. “I thought Coal Crusher would have led but the way he jumped he was right there on the bridle and I didn’t want to disappoint him. He did everything right, was well behaved and hopefully he’s in for a good prep.” Horse racing news View the full article

Certainly drives over the top of Moet Down to claim the Group 3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Te Akau Racing’s former trainer Jamie Richards had a stranglehold on the Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) on New Zealand Derby Day, and his successors Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson continued that tradition at Ellerslie on Saturday. The runaway premiership leaders won the Group Three feature with classy Waikato Stud homebred Certainly, who became the fourth Mufhasa Stakes winner in the last five years to come from Te Akau’s Matamata stable. Richards had previously won the race with Star Of Bombay in 2020, Need I Say More in 2021 and On The Bubbles in 2022, with Waikato Stud’s I Wish I Win finishing second for a stable quinella two years ago. Last year’s race was staged at Te Rapa while Ellerslie was closed for renovations, and it was won by the Andrew Forsman-trained The Intimidator. Walker and Bergerson have always rated Certainly as one of the potential standouts of their three-year-old crop this season, eyeing the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before a spring setback held up her preparation. The Savabeel filly eventually kicked off her career at Te Aroha in late November, where she was a $1.80 favourite but had to settle for second behind upset winner Pendragon. That rival later boosted that form with three consecutive wins including the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), and he was runner-up behind Orchestral in last month’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) before venturing to Melbourne. Certainly cleared maidens impressively at Matamata in her second career start, then flashed home from last for an eye-catching sixth in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham. She was again a beaten favourite when third at Te Rapa in early February, but stepped back up into stakes class on Saturday and showed her true colours. Delivering a first winner on Ellerslie’s new StrathAyr track for Walker, Bergerson and jockey Opie Bosson, Certainly settled in midfield but drifted back approaching the turn. At the top of the home straight, she was in tight quarters and had only a handful of horses behind her. But Bosson weaved her through the traffic and into the clear, and Certainly stretched out stylishly to reel in Moet Down and score by a neck. 2024 Group 3 Mufhasa Stakes Replay – Certainly “I’ve had a few goes, so it’s good to get my first win on this new track,” Bosson said. “She really showed some class today. She travelled beautifully throughout. We had to find a bit of a passage up the straight, but she kept coming up underneath me. She was really willing, and I think going up to a mile will be even better for her too.” A half-sister to the multiple Listed-winning Ocean Park gelding Ocean Beyond, Certainly has now had five starts for two wins, two placings and $118,600 in stakes. Walker and Bergerson will now consider adding her to Te Akau’s high-flying Victorian stable for a shot at the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 23. “That was a really good effort,” Bergerson said. “Obviously it wasn’t fun getting beaten as a $1.20 shot last start, but she got back that day behind a very slow tempo. She would have had to run home in 32 or 33 seconds, which it’s not easy to do at Te Rapa. “But Opie gave her a lovely ride today. I thought we might be getting into a bit of trouble, but he was patient and the splits came in the straight. Fair play to the filly too – she was very good to the line. “She’s shown us plenty at home and we’ve always thought a lot of her. Hopefully she can go on with it now. “We could potentially head to Melbourne, where there’s a race for three-year-old fillies over a mile at Moonee Valley. But we’ll have a team talk with Mark, David Ellis, Mark Chittick and the rest of the team and make up a plan. “It’s good to get this win, and it’s a pleasure to train lovely Savabeel fillies like her for Waikato Stud.” Horse racing news View the full article

Orchestral and Craig Grylls stride to a phenomenal victory in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Roger James is now the most successful trainer in the history of the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), but even that enormous achievement was overshadowed at Ellerslie on Saturday by the new superstar of his Cambridge stable. Orchestral became the sixth Derby winner for James, following on from Tidal Light (1986), Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997), Hades (1999) and Silent Achiever (2012). Saturday’s win took him one ahead of the great Colin Jillings, who had previously shared the record with five. But for James, Saturday’s $1 million classic was all about Orchestral. The super-talented Savabeel filly outclassed her 16 opponents by three and three-quarter lengths, having won the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) by three and a half lengths and the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) by four lengths in her two previous starts. 2024 New Zealand Derby Replay – Orchestral “I’m relieved, elated, awestruck,” said James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood. “She just has an abundance of ability. She could be the next star, I think.” The Derby has been a difficult race for fillies to win, and Orchestral joined Tidal Light, Popsy, Silent Achiever and Habibi as only the fifth to do so in the last 40 years. Three of them have been trained by James. Orchestral’s breathtaking lead-up performances made her one of the hottest Derby favourites in recent memory at $1.30. Despite a slow start and settling all the way back in fourth-last in a strung-out field, James was never worried. “I’ve been lucky enough to have had a lot of runners in this race, and I said to Robert when they went out that I don’t think I’ve ever had one parade better out the back,” he said. “She just never missed a beat. She was cool, calm and collected. “I wasn’t worried when she got so far back in the running. There was a lot of pace on, and I thought she’d outstay them. Pace makes the race. The best horse usually wins when there’s a good pace in the race. “It was very, very special when she went to the lead the way she did in the straight.” Orchestral was ridden by Craig Grylls, who had previously won the Derby aboard Crown Prosecutor (2019) and Rocket Spade (2021). But his feeling as the filly moved through her gears coming up to the home turn was something unlike he had ever felt before in this famous race. “I wasn’t planning to be as far back as we were, but she didn’t get away that cleanly,” he said. “But there was plenty of speed on, which was good. At about the 1000m, I got on the three-wide train that was moving into the race. “Passing the 600m, I just brought her out into the open and I could see them all coming off the bridle in front of me, and I just had a handful of horse. She’s some animal. “It’s great for Roger and Robert and the owners, and a big thanks to them for keeping me on. She’s the best of those three Derby winners I’ve ridden, and I think she could be one of the best I’ve ever sat on.” Wellwood took special satisfaction from Saturday’s win, joining his mentor James as a New Zealand Derby-winning trainer. “It’s almost more of a relief,” he said. “When you have a $1.30 favourite, there’s so much pressure. The team at home have done a massive job. To get a result like this just makes it all worth it, and it’s unbelievable. “I was still eight years away from being born when Roger won his first Derby. He’s been doing this for a while now, and I’m so grateful to be in partnership with him. He’s taught me a lot. “Results like this are very special, and especially for owners who trust us to buy them a horse and spend the money that we did. It makes it pretty easy to wake up in the morning.” Orchestral became the 33rd individual Group 1 winner for champion Waikato Stud stallion Savabeel, and his first New Zealand Derby winner. James is now setting his sights across the Tasman, where Orchestral could contest the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m). James and Wellwood won last year’s Vinery with another high-class performer, Prowess. Horse racing news View the full article

Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) winner Drakaina striding to a commanding maiden win last December. Photo: Monica Toretto Drakaina’s commanding victory in Saturday’s Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui completed a remarkable rise to prominence for a filly that was bought for just $3,000. The daughter of Ace High caught the eye of her trainer and part-owner Ebony Turner on Gavelhouse last year. She was unplaced on debut at Ascot Park in November, then won at +4900 odds at Gore on December 24 before finishing fourth in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) and second in last month’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1400m). Drakaina stepped out as a +450 second favourite for Saturday’s NZB Airfreight Stakes, and she continued her rapid rise with a runaway win. Jockey Jasmine Fawcett drove Drakaina forward from a wide gate and took an early lead, but then was happy to settle in second when The Real Treasure made a big mid-race move to take over in the back straight. Drakaina cruised back up on the outside of that rival coming towards the home turn, but she was being accompanied every step of the way by the riderless Amiinit, who had parted company with jockey Lee Callaway when the gates opened. The riderless horse drifted across towards the rail just in front of Drakaina at the top of the home straight, but she was unfazed and produced a brilliant turn of foot to dash clear of the rest of the field. Drakaina got further and further in front through the final 200m, dashing to victory by six and a half lengths over Sense Of Timing and Epee Beel. The NZB Airfreight Stakes was the first stakes success for the Riverton-based Turner, who is in only her second season of training. Fawcett, who had her first ride on Drakaina in Saturday’s $80,000 feature, was delighted to play her part. “I hadn’t ridden her before, but my agent (Jacob Edens) had a good opinion of her previous form and was keen for me to ride her,” she said. “I was really glad I ended up on the right horse. “This filly gave me a fantastic feel and it was a great performance. It was a good-quality field today and she proved she was definitely up to stakes standard. I thought the loose horse made it an even more impressive performance – that didn’t make it easy for her at all, but she handled everything really well and then put them away very convincingly in the straight.” Horse racing news View the full article

Atishu ridden by Blake Shinn wins the Blamey Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) On return to her favourite track, Atishu (+300) has taken out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes thanks to a calm ride from Blake Shinn at Flemington, earning herself a run in the $4 million All Star Mile in two weeks’ time. The Chris Waller-trained mare was coming through the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes form, where she was only able to one of the nine runners’ home over 1400m, but many believed she would enjoy further second-up, and they were correct. The race favourite with most online bookmakers settled a lot closer to the leaders than she normally does, but it didn’t affect her finishing burst, as the daughter of Savabeel rounded her rivals up by the 100m mark and kicked clear. Holymanz (+1000) attempted to go with the winner and stuck on well for second, while Ayrton (+650) ran home nicely and grabbed third place in the concluding stages of the race. With the Australian Cup on the cards and the All-Star Mile now a possibility, Waller and connections will have to weigh up their options as to where they will go next with Atishu. 2024 Blamey Stakes Replay – Atishu “She’s a genuine group one performer and she absolutely loves it here at Flemington,” Duckworth said of Atishu. “Looking back it’s a fantastic ride from Blake and delighted to get the win, she’s obviously a valuable horse and the main thing is she’s racing in a rich of vein of form which is great to see after what looked on face value a slightly disappointing first up performance for her. “Obviously we know she’s a filly that has had a share of issues in the barriers and a result we’ve always been riding her conservative and she’s been finishing off so well in that position so I was a little bit concerned when he was so assertive out of the gates. “It’s all well and good if you win, but if you don’t then there are questions to be asked. “She looked to get into a lovely rhythm and travel tractably in that position and Blake, I think was very soft on her really up until the concluding stages when he had to ask an effort for her to lift. “I know it’s (All Star Mile) obviously sitting right there and especially now you’re in essentially. “I know Chris’ main thoughts were, at the start of the preparation, were to try and take out the Australian Cup, that was the big ticket item that he was after, but look, five million is a lot of money. “I’ll leave that to Chris and the owners to work out whether they go there or go straight to an Australian Cup but it’s an exciting issue to have.” “She began really well, no tempo early, just rolled forward, it was going to be a bit messy, ended up coming back, got a bit of luck to get in, the rest was history,” Shinn said. “I got in one out, two back on the back of Holymanz I thought the race was ours to win, it was a great effort. “Really grateful for the opportunity, these mares are wonderful to ride when you can get a chance to ride them and they’re just different level. “They’ve got a great will to win and even when she ran second to Pride Of Jenni in that mare’s mile here, I just loved her grit and I could see that today. “The more I asked her the more she responded well, lovely mare, second up, in for a great prep and hopefully I can stay with her now.” Atishu is a +1200 chance in the All Star Mile futures market with online horse betting sites. Horse racing news View the full article

Hell Hath No Fury arrived in time to claim the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Annabel Neasham-trained Hell Hath No Fury (+900) has lunged late to secure victory in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Hellbent had been putting together a strong resume this campaign, scoring back-to-back wins in BM72 company, giving the stable license to throw her in the deep end to tackle her first stakes contest at start 16. She adapted to the occasion beautifully, courtesy of an outstanding steer by leading hoop Jason Collett finding the perfect stalking position throughout the 1400m. It was Miss Couver (+2500) initially looking to make-all under Chad Schofield, ticking along at a solid tempo, with James McDonald moving alongside to sit outside the leader aboard race favourite Hinged (+180). The Chris Waller-trained mare was able to dispatch her leading rival when asked for the ultimate effort, and appeared to be travelling best when the wire was approaching, however, it was Hell Hath No Fury getting the last crack, getting the nose down on the wire. More Secrets (+600) produced a promising return and didn’t have much luck when attempting to get clear running under Zac Lloyd, while big market firmer Ausbred Flirt (+230) was a non-factor after bombing the start significantly. 2024 Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes Replay – Hell Hath No Fury Aaron Chau was on course to dissect the win on behalf of the Annabel Neasham team and was delighted by the performance of the in-form mare. “She’s a mare in form and she was doing a good job all preparation,” said Chau. “We came here more hopefully she’d run a nice race but it is brilliant to get the job done. “She’s continued to improve. We were finding a bit about her after coming from Melbourne.” Jason Collett was jovial about the performance as well, and although maybe unexpected, was happy to have his mount secure the photo finish. “I actually said to James (McDonald), ‘thanks’,” joked Collett. “I was assuming that I won it but for a moment I thought I might have gone too early. “A bit of black type for this mare, but probably not the results the owners were expecting. “Days like these are special. “I was hoping to run a place, to be honest but when she loomed up outside Hinged, I was up for the fight.” The next logical target would be the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) on March 16 where online bookmakers have installed her as a +2500 chance. Horse racing news View the full article

Tropical Squall claimed the Group 1 Surround Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Tropical Squall (+700) has returned after a 114-day spell to secure Group 1 glory for the second time in her career in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Prized Icon had previously had Group 1 success in the Flight Stakes (1600m) last preparation, stamping her authority against the girls by producing another dominant front-running display. That was clearly the stable instructions again on Saturday, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly allowed to stride forward by Adam Hyronimus, holding off all challengers in the concluding stages. Chad Schofield was able to gain the perfect economical run aboard race favourite Learning To Fly (+260), who didn’t seem to have the same scintillating turn-of-foot as she did first up in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), only managing a fourth-place finish. It was a race dominated up on speed, with Tropical Squall ticking over some soft sectionals throughout, allowing eventual runner-up Stefi Magnetica (+1400) to sneak up along the inside to make it a grandstand finish. Meanwhile, the Chris Waller-trained Tutta La Vita (+10000) has seemingly returned in good order, rounding out the top three and giving exotics players plenty to cheer about. It was all honours the winner, however, as Tropical Squall did it the tough way on resumption, eyeing off bigger targets in the autumn. 2024 Group 1 Surround Stakes Replay – Tropical Squall Adrian Bott spoke with media post-race for the second time on Saturday after Storm Boy saluted in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) earlier in the day and suggested the team’s filly has returned better than ever. She’s a classy filly as we saw previously,” said Bott. “She had come back so much bigger and stronger this preparation so I was confident that she would be in for a good preparation. “Just the way the track was playing today, we lost a little bit of confidence against horses with race fitness but it was fantastic to see so it is only up from here. “I thought she might be vulnerable in the conditions and the 1400-metres first-up. “We will probably go through the Coolmore path and assess. She had to do that today to warrant going down the Coolmore path. “The Vinery is an option and she is nominated for the Doncaster. There’s plenty of options.” Adam Hyeronimus spoke to the quality of his mount and seemed to suggest she’ll only improve getting over further later in the season. “It has been a huge 12 months – crazy, unbelievable,” said Hyeronimus. “She’s very good, this horse. After winning the Flight Stakes we tried to go to the Oaks and that can be very difficult for three-year-old fillies but she came back and she really took some time to find her feet this preparation but her improvement from her first trial to her second trial, and her work from that second trial was very good. “Very happy the way she worked last Saturday morning and it was probably the best she’s ever worked. “That gave me great confidence coming to the track today. I wasn’t happy with the conditions today but it just shows how good she is and what she had to overcome. “I think probably a mile is her sweet spot because she’s got a beautiful high cruising speed and I think that is where she does win her races. “She’s got great gate speed so you don’t have to push her to be anywhere but then once we go a furlong and she can go a nice gallop, but then when she gets to the 600 and you put the pressure on again, not many horses can do that.” Tropical Squall is currently an equal-second favourite for the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) set to take place on March 16. Horse racing news View the full article

Australian expecting big things from commanding Classic Mile victor at Sha Tin on Sunday: ‘There’s no question he’s the best horse in the race’View the full article

The newly christened Verry Elleegant Stakes, named in honour of the recently deceased champion mare, witnessed a stunning upset on Saturday at Randwick. Think It Over wins 2024 Verry Elleegant Stakes in a boil-over. Photo: Steve Hart. Think It Over, trained by Kerry Parker and ridden by Nash Rawiller, defied the odds to claim victory over heavily favored Fangirl, trained by Chris Waller. The race carried extra weight this year, serving as a tribute to Verry Elleegant’s legacy. Waller, aiming for an emotional 11th win in the renamed race, entered Fangirl, the recent Apollo Stakes winner, as the clear favourite. However, it was the veteran stayer Think It Over who stole the show. In a performance reminiscent of his upset win over Fangirl last year at the same track and distance in the $1 million 7 Stakes, Think It Over held off Fangirl’s late charge to secure the victory. Rawiller’s masterful riding played a key role in the upset. He strategically positioned Think It Over near the front fourth the fence, conserving energy staying on the inside line before a powerful surge once in the lead. This tactical ride allowed him to snatch the front and maintain it until the finish line, with Fangirl just a length behind. This impressive win not only serves as a sweet victory for Think It Over but also positions him as a serious contender for the upcoming Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13th. Trainer Kerry Parker couldn’t hide his delight, calling Think It Over “a bottler” and “the best.” He emphasized the horse’s continued passion for racing despite his eight years. “Everyone thinks he’s a giant-killer, I just think he’s a giant,” Parker said. “I think they’ve got to get past him and he has proved that again today. “Nash took some short cuts, I’m sure that helped at the end, but he really bounced off his first-up run and I was looking forward to the challenge today. “It’s always good to get a Group One under your belt.” “He’s just a bottler. He doesn’t know he is an eight-year-old, he is loving it. “He will just head towards the Queen Elizabeth, that’s our main goal this prep, so far so good.” “He is just a thrill, he’s the best. He loves racing so much. “You wouldn’t think he’s an eight-year-old, he doesn’t think he’s an eight-year-old. He kept us on our toes down in the stalls today, he was in a bit of a mood. He’s had the game face on all week. “I’m absolutely thrilled with the result. With this win, Think It Over adds to his already impressive career earnings, nearing $9 million. He now sets his sights on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, aiming to continue his winning streak and potentially cement his legacy as a champion in his own right. 2024 Verry Elleegant Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 THINK IT OVER Kerry Parker Nash Rawiller 2 59kg $8.50 2 9 FANGIRL Chris Waller James McDonald 0.82L 8 57kg $1.30F 3 7 LINDERMANN Chris Waller Tim Clark 2.54L 4 59kg $14 4 2 CASCADIAN (GB) James Cummings Tom Marquand 2.86L 7 59kg $21 5 3 ARAPAHO (FR) Bjorn Baker Zac Lloyd (a) 4.74L 6 59kg $81 6 8 ATHABASCAN (FR) John O’Shea Tyler Schiller 6.44L 5 59kg $101 7 6 NAVAJO PEAK David Payne Jason Collett 7.68L 3 59kg $18 8 5 JUST FINE (IRE) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 11.21L 1 59kg $13 10 ATISHU (NZ) Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 0 4 BUCKAROO (GB) Chris Waller Tommy Berry 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Think It Over Upsets Fan Favourite in Thrilling Verry Elleegant Stakes 2024 Victory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Smart four-year four-year-old mare Sans Doute recorded her third victory in succession when successful in the Resimax Group Plate (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday. The daughter of Not A Single Doubt was game after over-coming a checkered-passage in a small field of five to score going away. Prepared by Mark Walker out of Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne stable, the mare will be aimed at black-type to further enhance her residual value. She has now won her past three at Flemington. “It’s really difficult to do, winning three in a row, especially at Flemington, but she’s shown to love the course and is continuing to establish a really good sprinting record,” Walker said. “Ben (Gleeson) and the team are doing a very good job with her at our Cranbourne stable. “When we sent her over we thought she would be ideal for those 1000 and 1100-metre races and there’s so many more opportunities in Victoria for those types of races than we have in New Zealand. “It’s a benefit for our owners too, seeing all the different types of races that our horses are suitable for and obviously there’s fantastic stake money as well. “I think she’s only going to keep getting better with age and we’re really looking forward to chasing some Australian black type with her, and add to her Group Three placing in New Zealand.” Sans Doute placed in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at three, and her victory on Saturday advanced her career record to six wins and five placings from 14 starts. Sans Doute was purchased by David Ellis for $300,000 at the 2021 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of Arrowfield Stud. View the full article

Manaal returned a winner in the Sweet Embrace Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW After having her colours slightly lowered by the Blue Diamond Stakes runner-up (Lady Of Camelot), Manaal (+100) has returned to the winner’s circle by taking out the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes at Rosehill. The Michael Freedman-trained filly was well backed throughout betting and jumped as an even money favourite with top online horse betting sites, with her followers receiving a relatively easy watch throughout the 1200m contest. The daughter of Tassort jumped well and held a position behind the speed before Tommy Berry pushed the favourite out four and five-wide on the home turn to make her run in the final 400m. Once Berry released the brakes and she let down with her finishing burst, the race was just about over as she careered away to take the lead, with only Fly Fly (+700) taking ground off her in the final 100m. Behind the top two, Extreme Diva (+1100) finished the race strongly, after settling near the rear of the field and picking her way through the pack. 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes Replay – Manaal Michael Freedman was on course to speak about his filly post-race. “She is one of the better fillies around, whether they can stack up against the colts remains to be seen,” Freedman said. “She did it Gimcrack day, it was a great run first-up against Lady Of Camelot and it was good to see her do that today. “We thought we could come here and get the job done, we’ll have a think about the Slipper. “She is so straightforward, she has got the perfect two-year-old mentality. “She’s a great ‘doer’ at home, she is very relaxed with everything she does and her racing style is very relaxed. “It’s exciting times now, but I’m excited for what the future might hold for her too.” Tommy Berry has ridden Manaal at her three starts to date and he spoke highly of her post-race. “She’s a filly that you don’t want to ask her a question because you’ll get a pretty good answer, and it isn’t always the one you want. “She wears her heart on her sleeve. It was a good run today. “I don’t know whether she’s a 12 or 1300-metre horse yet so I didn’t really want to ask her the question and then get her to try and relax. “I rode her quieter today, got her to relax and banked on her turn-of-foot and her quality as well. “Going into this race we thought she was a class above and the proved that today. “If she went that way (towards the Golden Slipper), she’d be very competitive, and she feels to me that once she gets up further she might be better suited.” Manaal is now a +1600 chance in the Golden Slipper futures market with online bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

The Michael Freedman-trained Manaal emerged victorious in the 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes, securing her place in the prestigious Golden Slipper Stakes on March 23rd. Manaal wins the 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes for the punters on way to the Group 1 Golden Slipper. Photo: Steve Hart. This win marks Manaal’s second career victory, following her Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes win last year. Today’s performance follows closely behind her impressive runner-up finish to Lady Of Camelot in the Group 3 Widden Stakes, which was further strengthened by Lady Of Camelot’s strong second-place finish in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes last weekend. Jockey Tommy Berry navigated Manaal expertly, settling her mid-field and taking control with a powerful surge in the straight. She displayed impressive resilience, holding off the fast-finishing Fly Fly to secure victory. While facing stiff competition from the undefeated colt Storm Boy, the current Golden Slipper favourite, Manaal has proven her capabilities. “I jumped well but jumped a bit too well. She’s a filly that you don’t want to ask her a question because you’ll get a pretty good answer and it isn’t always the one you want,” Berry told the media post-victory. “She wears her heart on her sleeve. It was a good run today. She jumped better than I expected and she wanted to be a little bit closer than I wanted her to be. “I don’t know whether she’s a 12 or 1300-metre horse yet so I didn’t really want to ask her the question and then get her to try and relax. “I rode her quieter today, got her to relax and banked on her turn-of-foot and her quality as well. “Going into this race we thought she was a class above and the proved that today. “She did a good job today, picked them up quick and was a class above them. They’re not the best we’ve seen (so far) heading into a Slipper. “She gave me a very similar feel to what She’s Extreme did and she won – I think – a week out from the Slipper. Then she was unlucky in the Slipper, second in the Sires’ and then won the Champagne. “She gives me that sort of feel. I know she won well today but I think the two-year-olds she was up against might not be as strong as what the colts were today. “If she went that way (towards the Golden Slipper), she’d be very competitive and she feels to me that once she gets up further she might be better suited.” She will strive to become the first horse since Fireburn (2022) to achieve the Sweet Embrace Stakes – Golden Slipper Stakes double, with her all-in odds currently sitting at $17 through Ladbrokes. 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 MANAAL Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 6 55.5kg $2.05F 2 11 FLY FLY Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jason Collett 1.17L 11 55.5kg $7 3 6 EXTREME DIVA Anthony Cummings Chad Schofield 2.32L 12 55.5kg $13 4 4 CHATEAU MIRAVAL Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 3.03L 7 55.5kg $5.50 5 12 DIDDLE DUMPLING Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Regan Bayliss 3.43L 2 55.5kg $41 6 3 TOTOKA Paul Perry Dylan Gibbons (a) 3.89L 9 55.5kg $21 7 5 PHOTOGRAPHICS (NZ) John Sargent Kerrin McEvoy 4.7L 3 55.5kg $13 8 9 VALABING David Payne Adam Hyeronimus 6.48L 10 55.5kg $91 9 7 WAVE BREAKER Peter & Paul Snowden Tyler Schiller 7.94L 4 55.5kg $8.50 10 10 ASTERIDE Robert & Luke Price Ashley Morgan 10.55L 8 55.5kg $101 11 13 MONTANA DAWN John Thompson Reece Jones 10.65L 5 55.5kg $101 12 14 ZOUNAKA John Thompson Tom Marquand 11.85L 1 55.5kg $71 8 DRIFTING Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Sherry 0 2 CASTANYA Annabel Neasham Zac Lloyd (a) 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Manaal Books Golden Slipper Berth After 2024 Sweet Embrace Stakes Win appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The hype surrounding Storm Boy, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott‘s sensational colt, intensified after his effortless victory in the 2024 Skyline Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Storm Boy wins 2024 Skyline Stakes on way to Group 1 Golden Slipper. Photo: Steve Hart. The Justify son, already the centre of attention pre-race, lived up to his billing, claiming the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) in dominant fashion. This win extends his undefeated streak to four victories in four starts. Storm Boy last displayed his brilliance at the Gold Coast in January, winning the lucrative Magic Millions 2YO Classic by a commanding 2.5 lengths. Returning fresh for the Skyline, he continued his dominance under jockey James McDonald. McDonald utilized the inside draw to secure the lead early and maintained control throughout the race. A gentle nudge in the final furlong solidified his lead, and Storm Boy crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the pack. “He’s as good as you get. He’s strong, he knows he’s really good and the more you ask him the more he keeps giving,” McDonald told the media after the victory. “You don’t get many fields coming up the rise and quickening like he does by himself. If feel like if one joined him he would go again. “He just idled. You could see him down the middle of the track, fishtailed a little bit through greenness but there is so much more to come and that is the scary thing about him. “Fitness-wise he’s going to improve so I felt like he levelled out over the last 50 metres. The most impressive thing is I think he’s got more to come and more to give. “Until he gets into a high pressure race, I think that is when you’ll see a fair dinkum horse. He felt like he could rip away and he’s got more to give. “He’s got the constitution of a big strong boy, he’s got the lungs on him. It felt like i was going fast up the rise and he goes faster. It is an incredible feeling.” Stablemate Prost secured a distant second, while Chris Waller‘s Duvana finished third. This dominant performance has solidified Storm Boy’s position as the raging favourite for the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes in three weeks’ time. His all-in odds have significantly shortened to $2.40 at Ladbrokes, making him the clear frontrunner in the race. Storm Boy aims to become the first horse since Dance Hero (2004), also trained by Gai Waterhouse, to achieve the Skyline Stakes – Golden Slipper Stakes double. With a record of seven previous Golden Slipper champions, the Tulloch Lodge team, led by Waterhouse and Bott, looks poised to add another victory to their legacy with Storm Boy. Bott also confirmed the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ (1400m) and Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) as autumn targets for Storm Boy post-Golden Slipper. “We’ve had to prepare for the Golden Slipper, but we’ve got big targets for the Triple Crown as well,” he said. “I’d like to think he is only going to be better suited getting over the 1400, 1600 metres in time. It’s very exciting for everyone involved.” 2024 Skyline Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 STORM BOY Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott James McDonald 1 55.5kg $1.18F 2 3 PROST Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 1.38L 6 55.5kg $12 3 8 DUVANA Chris Waller Jason Collett 2.61L 3 55.5kg $18 4 4 PARKOUR James Cummings Tim Clark 4.79L 5 55.5kg $13 5 7 PRESIDENT Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 7.06L 7 55.5kg $20 6 5 CERONS Brett Cavanough Ashley Morgan 9.02L 2 55.5kg $51 7 6 INDECISIVE John Thompson Zac Lloyd (a) 15.21L 4 55.5kg $41 9 KINGDOM UNDERSIEGE Peter & Paul Snowden Tommy Berry 0 2 ODINSON Ciaron Maher Tom Marquand 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Storm Boy Cruises in Skyline Stakes, 2024 Golden Slipper Favouritism Strengthens appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Storm Boy justified his favouritism to claim the Group 2 Skyline Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The multi-million-dollar colt, Storm Boy (-555.56), has maintained his unbeaten start to his career after taking out the Group 2 Skyline Stakes at Rosehill as he prepares for the Group 1 Golden Slipper at his next start. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained galloper was a little slow away from the barriers, but James McDonald gave the son of Justify a dig in the ribs, and he quickly found the front to run. Although he was sent around as long odds-on favourite with online bookmakers, Storm Boy did more than enough to suggest that he will be at his peak in the Golden Slipper on March 23, when he will be second-up for the campaign. Making up ground from midfield was the stable mate Prost (+1100), who ran home nicely into third place, while Duvana (+1800) from the Waller stable stuck on well for third. However, as many expected, all the honours went to the winner, as he won by an official margin of 1.38 lengths on the line. 2024 Skyline Stakes Replay – Storm Boy Adrian Bott was on course to represent the stable, and he spoke post-race. “It’s always a little bit nerve wracking seeing these profile horses come back off that turnaround,” Bott said. “It has been a big trip away for him, but he’s had a good campaign. “He is back in good shape, with the conditions today, he had to ride those but I think he certainly did enough and we’ve left some nice improvement to come. “He’s got a high cruising speed, he looked in full control from the outset, then he can find more levels and keep quickening off that and he looked in good shape going to the line. “It’s his first run and at 1200 metres off a while between races and a freshen up, he’s only had the one trial and he’s a lovely, big colt so I think condition-wise, that will tighten him up nicely. “We’ve had to prepare for the Golden Slipper, but we’ve got big targets for the Triple Crown as well. “I’d like to think he is only going to be better suited getting over the 1400, 1600 metres in time. It’s very exciting for everyone involved.” After riding Storm Boy in a barrier trial, James McDonald was impressed by the class of the colt in his first race ride, and spoke about his ability post-race. “He’s as good as you get. He’s strong, he knows he’s really good and the more you ask him the more he keeps giving,” McDonald said of the Golden Slipper favourite. “You don’t get many fields coming up the rise and quickening like he does by himself. If feel like if one joined him he would go again. “You could see him down the middle of the track, fishtailed a little bit through greenness but there is so much more to come and that is the scary thing about him. “The most impressive thing is I think he’s got more to come and more to give. “Until he gets into a high pressure race, I think that is when you’ll see a fair dinkum horse. He felt like he could rip away and he’s got more to give. “Ryan (Moore) is obviously their (Coolmore) number one and we’ll see what happens but if I get the opportunity I’d love to ride him.” Storm Boy has shortened into +130 in the Golden Slipper futures market with online horse betting sites. Horse racing news View the full article

Sans Doute records her third victory in succession at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Smart four-year four-year-old mare Sans Doute recorded her third victory in succession when successful at Flemington on Saturday. The daughter of Not A Single Doubt was game after over-coming a checkered-passage in a small field of five to score going away. Prepared by Mark Walker out of Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne stable, the mare will be aimed at black-type to further enhance her residual value. She has now won her past three at Flemington. “It’s really difficult to do, winning three in a row, especially at Flemington, but she’s shown to love the course and is continuing to establish a really good sprinting record,” Walker said. “Ben (Gleeson) and the team are doing a very good job with her at our Cranbourne stable. “When we sent her over we thought she would be ideal for those 1000 and 1100-metre races and there’s so many more opportunities in Victoria for those types of races than we have in New Zealand. “It’s a benefit for our owners too, seeing all the different types of races that our horses are suitable for and obviously there’s fantastic stake money as well. “I think she’s only going to keep getting better with age and we’re really looking forward to chasing some Australian black type with her, and add to her Group Three placing in New Zealand.” Sans Doute placed in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at three, and her victory on Saturday advanced her career record to six wins and five placings from 14 starts. Sans Doute was purchased by David Ellis for $300,000 at the 2021 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of Arrowfield Stud. Horse racing news View the full article

John Size has won four Hong Kong Classic Cups. Armed with two leading chances in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, John Size hopes Ensued can continue an unexpected advance to the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) with a strong performance this weekend under champion British jockey Ryan Moore. Moore is one of four visiting riders involved in tomorrow’s feature along with Mickael Barzalona (Speed Dragon), Blake Shinn (Elliptical) and Damian Lane (Simply Maverick) and the Englishman will bid for a second Hong Kong Classic Cup triumph in tandem with Size after the pair struck with Sun Jewellery in 2016. Chasing a fifth Hong Kong Classic Cup victory after striking with Unique Jewellery (2009), It Has To Be You (2013), Thunder Fantasy (2015) and Sun Jewellery, Size is represented in the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series by Helios Express and Ensued. Winless in three starts in Great Britain for James Fanshawe, Ensued surprised Size by reeling off successive wins at 1800m and 2000m. “He’s been quite unusual the way he came into Hong Kong and won immediately at a distance, that doesn’t happen too often so he’s sort of stamped himself as one who has adapted to Hong Kong quite quickly,” Size said. “He certainly can stay – that doesn’t seem to be an issue with him. (Being) just a little bit one-paced is probably the chink in his armour, he just doesn’t have enough acceleration. But, with that, as long as he’s running in a forward position and running freely, that’s okay.” Moore reunites with Ensued for the first time since he finished second on the gelding over 1600m on Kempton’s Polytrack in April, 2023. Size initially believed Ensued might not adjust quickly enough to press for a start in the Hong Kong Derby, but the gelding’s effort to post three wins and a second has impressed the 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer. “My earlier thoughts would have been that he wouldn’t have the class for that (the Derby) but because he runs the distance, he’s gone up in the rating reasonably slowly (from 64 to 85) because his winning margins have been small. But he’s done really well, so certainly happy to have him on board,” Size said. Size also saddles Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) victor Helios Express, who steps beyond 1600m for the first time in a burgeoning career. “Distance doubts can always be a bit tricky, but he seems to be okay. If he gets a nice run and if things happen to suit him in the race, he’ll probably run okay,” Size said. “We’re trying to adapt to a distance and to a tempo, which always is an issue for the jockeys who manage the horse through the race, so it depends on the circumstances on the day and what sections they run during the race. So far, he’s been okay.” Size’s pair will contend with 12 rivals led by Helene Feeling, Chill Chibi, Beauty Crescent, Speed Dragon, Unbelievable, Chancheng Glory, Awesome Fluke, Elliptical, Ka Ying Generation, Fallon, Simply Maverick and Star Mac. Horse racing news View the full article