Wandering Eyes

Stephen Marsh has made a habit of excelling at this stage of the season with his emerging two-year-old talent, and the Cambridge trainer is hoping to continue that trend in Saturday’s Listed TAB Star Way Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Marsh, who also saddled juvenile first-starter Super Photon for a highly impressive victory at Rotorua on Wednesday, will be represented by Love Poem, Fillygizalook and Magna Memory in this weekend’s $100,000 two-year-old feature. Prior to this season’s rejig of the autumn’s juvenile black-type features in the northern region, this 1200m race was run at Te Rapa and featured no fewer than four consecutive wins by Marsh – No More Tears (2015), Ugo Foscolo (2016), Ardrossan (2017) and Santa Catarina (2018). Ellerslie will now host the first of the autumn’s northern two-year-old features over 1200m, followed by Te Rapa’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m) on May 4 and the Listed Staphanos at Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m) back at Ellerslie on May 25. The best-performed of Marsh’s Star Way Stakes trio is Love Poem. By Snitzel out of a full-sister to Pierro, the JML Bloodstock-owned filly has had two starts for two placings behind high-class juvenile Captured By Love in the Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) and Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Love Poem’s only appearance since then was at the Cambridge trials on April 2, where she scored a comfortable victory over 950m. “She’s a lovely filly,” Marsh said. “She’s beautifully bred and has made such a strong start to her career with those Group placings in her first couple of starts. “She had a nice trial win the other day. We didn’t ask her to do too much there and it was on her home track, no travel involved, so it was good. She hasn’t missed a beat since then. “A good track should suit her nicely on Saturday. It’s not an overly big field, and it looks a very nice race for her if she can get the right run. “She’ll head out to the paddock after this for a nice break, and then we’ll work out a spring campaign centred around the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m).” Stablemate Fillygizalook is a first-starter but also boasts some impressive pedigree credentials. “She’s a half-sister to this year’s Oaks winner Pulchritudinous,” Marsh said. “The owners are keen to have a crack at some black type. She’s shown some talent at home and deserves her shot.” The Oaks Stud homebred Magna Memory is by Magna Grecia out of the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) placegetter Reminisce. The gelding is expected to take improvement from his debut at Pukekohe two weeks ago, where he produced an eye-catching finish from the back for fifth. Meanwhile, Marsh also has last-start Listed Flying Handicap runner-up Provence contesting Saturday’s Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m), while promising staying three-year-old Just One will line up in the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m). “We tried Provence out in black-type company for the first time at Trentham a couple of weeks ago, and I thought she ran a top race there,” Marsh said. “She drew wide and got back into an awkward spot, but found the line really nicely. “I’m not sure she really liked the track down there, but she’s won at Ellerslie before and I’m confident the mile will suit her. She’s another one that can be very competitive with the right run. “As far as Just One goes, it’s a bit of a throw at the stumps with a horse that hasn’t raced in a while. He trialled over 950m a couple of weeks ago, so it’s an unusual prep. But he had a good gallop over ground this week and is a clean-winded type of horse. I think he can run a bold race over 2100m in a fresh state.” View the full article

Harry Harrison will contest the Chillco (2850m) at Hawera on Sunday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Gail Temperton is hoping her promising hurdler Harry Harrison can gain valuable fitness ahead of an exciting season with a resuming run in the Chillco (2850m) on Sunday at Hawera. The Haradasun gelding has become well-recognised for his diminutive stature, particularly in the latter stages of last season when he scored a winning hat-trick over the fences. Due to a low rating on the flat, the Foxton horsewoman was forced to enter Harry Harrison for Sunday’s restricted open contest as his first-up run, where his 70.5kg impost is decreased slightly by Portia Matthews’ two-kilogram claim. “Harry is obviously the topweight and the highest-rated horse in the race, but he is below-par for his fitness, so this will really be a fitness run for him,” Temperton said. “He’s only a Rating 55 on the flat, which meant the races I’d nominated for, we were balloted out. He did have a very good 2000m jump out, but apart from that, he hasn’t had enough racing yet to be at full fitness. “He’ll be vulnerable on Sunday.” Beyond Sunday’s assignment, Temperton is looking forward to testing the eight-year-old among the top hurdlers this season, with the Waikato Hurdles (3200m) on June 15, and Hawke’s Bay Hurdles (3100m) on June 29 as potential targets. “We’ll have to look at the big races this year as Harry is a midget, which is well-known, and he can’t carry a lot of weight. He has won carrying 70kg before, but he was at full fitness,” Temperton said. “We won’t be looking to increase his weight beyond that, so he’ll have to go out against the big boys and get less weight next time out. “I like the look of the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles, he doesn’t mind the wet, but he doesn’t like it bottomless with his very short legs. He literally sunk up to his belly at Wellington last year so he can’t handle the heavy stuff. “We hopefully will go there and Waikato.” Temperton’s small team also includes in-form mare Royal Flower, the daughter of Proisir gaining a valuable black-type placing when third in the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) a fortnight ago. “We hope to go to the Travis Stakes (Group 2, 2000m) next with her,” she said. Multiple-stakes performer Never Look Back is also returning to full work, and Temperton is hoping to add to his Listed Marton Cup (2200m) and Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) placings this campaign. “Never Look Back is a promising horse and he’s done very well in his short career. He just started to get into serious work now, so we haven’t set out a plan for him,” she said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sunshine Coast Races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Sunday, April 21, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunshine Coast Turf Club will host a very competitive eight-race card this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with rain forecast on Saturday and Sunday, it is expected that the meeting will begin on a Heavy surface. The rail will be in the +4m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 12:30pm AEST. Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Step Along After finishing runner-up in his first two career starts, Step Along broke his maiden over 1000m on the Sunshine Coast Polytrack on March 15. The Trevor Miller-trained galloper settled behind the speed before running up the inside rail to kick clear for a dominant 3.5-length victory. Jim Byrne will push forward from barrier five to take up the lead, and if he isn’t challenged, Step Along will prove very hard to run down late. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 Step Along (5) 2yo Gelding | T: Trevor Miller | J: Jim Byrne (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Polarising Polarising broke her maiden at this track and trip first-up before running good races over shorter trips at Grafton and Doomben without winning. The Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained mare finished fifth over 1110m last time out and appeared to have every chance but found the class rise too much. Now that this daughter of Pariah drops back to Benchmark 58 grade and gets conditions to suit, Polarising looks to be a good bet in the last race. Next Best Race 8 – #14 Polarising (10) 4yo Mare | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Emily Lang (a1.5) (58kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Sunshine Coast: Island Magic Although Island Magic’s form of late has been average, she appears to put in her best effort when she goes to the Sunshine Coast, recording three wins and two placings from six starts at the track. The Tony Gollan-trained galloper also possesses a good record on wet tracks (14:4-2-3) and at 1000m (8:3-2-0). With Ryan Maloney retaining the ride from a good draw in barrier four, Island Magic will get every chance to return to the winner’s circle. Best Value Race 5 – #4 Island Magic (4) 5yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Ryan Maloney (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Sunday quaddie tips for the Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Sunday, April 21, 2024 4-5-6-11 1-2-3-8 1-2-3 9-10-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Lightning Dream winning at Matamata on Friday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Premiership-leading jockey Warren Kennedy was the first to crack the 100-win mark for the season at Matamata on Friday when guiding Lightning Dream to victory in the Auto Super Shoppe Matamata 1600. From her wide gate, Lightning Dream went back to settle towards the rear of the field for Kennedy before being asked to improve from the 400m and was presented wide at the turn where she continued to improve and ran out an eventual three-quarter length victor. “From the gate (9) she really struggled early, so I left her alone and let her find her feet,” Kennedy said. “She relaxed beautifully and finished strongly, and I think she’ll definitely get over more ground.” Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were pleased with the victory and were full of praise for Kennedy’s ride. “It was a good ride of Warren’s to get her into the action from that far back,” Walker said. “She’s made a really promising start to her racing career, been consistent before winning at her fourth start, and I think she’ll only improve with more maturity and strengthening as a four-year-old. “She has the potential to make into a nice staying handicapper as a four and five-year-old mare. “It was good to get the maiden win under her belt in the first campaign, and we’ll set her aside for a good spell now.” Horse racing news View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Stephen Marsh has made a habit of excelling at this stage of the season with his emerging two-year-old talent, and the Cambridge trainer is hoping to continue that trend in Saturday’s Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Marsh, who also saddled juvenile first-starter Super Photon for a highly impressive victory at Rotorua on Wednesday, will be represented by Love Poem, Fillygizalook and Magna Memory in this weekend’s $100,000 two-year-old feature. Prior to this season’s rejig of the autumn’s juvenile black-type features in the northern region, this 1200m race was run at Te Rapa and featured no fewer than four consecutive wins by Marsh – No More Tears (2015), Ugo Foscolo (2016), Ardrossan (2017) and Santa Catarina (2018). Ellerslie will now host the first of the autumn’s northern two-year-old features over 1200m, followed by Te Rapa’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m) on May 4 and the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) back at Ellerslie on May 25. The best-performed of Marsh’s Star Way Stakes trio is Love Poem. By Snitzel out of a full-sister to Pierro, the JML Bloodstock-owned filly has had two starts for two placings behind high-class juvenile Captured By Love in the Group 3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) and Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Love Poem’s only appearance since then was at the Cambridge trials on April 2, where she scored a comfortable victory over 950m. “She’s a lovely filly,” Marsh said. “She’s beautifully bred and has made such a strong start to her career with those Group placings in her first couple of starts. “She had a nice trial win the other day. We didn’t ask her to do too much there and it was on her home track, no travel involved, so it was good. She hasn’t missed a beat since then. “A good track should suit her nicely on Saturday. It’s not an overly big field, and it looks a very nice race for her if she can get the right run. “She’ll head out to the paddock after this for a nice break, and then we’ll work out a spring campaign centred around the 1000 Guineas (Group 1, 1600m).” Stablemate Fillygizalook is a first-starter but also boasts some impressive pedigree credentials. “She’s a half-sister to this year’s Oaks winner Pulchritudinous,” Marsh said. “The owners are keen to have a crack at some black type. She’s shown some talent at home and deserves her shot.” The Oaks Stud homebred Magna Memory is by Magna Grecia out of the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) placegetter Reminisce. The gelding is expected to take improvement from his debut at Pukekohe two weeks ago, where he produced an eye-catching finish from the back for fifth. Meanwhile, Marsh also has last-start Listed Flying Handicap runner-up Provence contesting Saturday’s Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m), while promising staying three-year-old Just One will line up in the Group 3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m). “We tried Provence out in black-type company for the first time at Trentham a couple of weeks ago, and I thought she ran a top race there,” Marsh said. “She drew wide and got back into an awkward spot, but found the line really nicely. “I’m not sure she really liked the track down there, but she’s won at Ellerslie before and I’m confident the mile will suit her. She’s another one that can be very competitive with the right run. “As far as Just One goes, it’s a bit of a throw at the stumps with a horse that hasn’t raced in a while. He trialled over 950m a couple of weeks ago, so it’s an unusual prep. But he had a good gallop over ground this week and is a clean-winded type of horse. I think he can run a bold race over 2100m in a fresh state.” Horse racing news View the full article

Sailor Jack winning at Waverley on Thursday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Sailor Jack ended his campaign on a winning note at Waverley on Thursday and now the four-win gelding could be set to further his career in Australia next year if everything goes to plan. Sent out a $1.30 favourite in the Taranaki-Wanganui NZTBA (2200m), Sailor Jack lived up to his price when running out an 11-length victor under leading jumps jockey Shaun Fannin, who also prepares the gelding with his fiancé Hazel Schofer. “He has been racing very consistently all season in probably stronger company than what he met yesterday (Thursday),” Fannin said. “He was originally given to me as a jumper. He has done a fair bit of jumping at home and has got his ticket, but the more we did with him throughout the year we realised that he is definitely better on the better tracks. “We have raced him a bit throughout the summer and yesterday was his last run of the campaign before we give him a holiday.” Fannin has a high opinion of the six-year-old gelding he part-owns and said an Australian campaign could be on the cards next year with the son of Jakkalberry. “We will hopefully find some races through next spring and summer, and the way he is going on the flat, I think he has probably got ability to head to Australia,” he said. “That might be an option for early next year if we can get him over there while the tracks are still pretty good. He has got the flat ability to foot it with the horses in Australia.” While rapt with Sailor Jack’s dominant performance, Fannin was just as pleased to see Champion Jumper West Coast’s strong finish for fourth in the Chris Hay Livestock (2200m). Fannin is the regular rider of the Mark Oulaghan-trained gelding, who added four prestige jumps titles to his resume last year, all under Fannin. Jonathan Riddell was in the saddle on Thursday, and Fannin said he got a glowing report from him following the race. “One of the most exciting parts of the day was watching him (West Coast) run,” Riddell said. “He hit the line strongly and talking with Jonathan Riddell after he said he attacked the line and didn’t want to pull up after. That gives us plenty of confidence looking towards the start of the season. “He is the best jumper I have ridden. He is a wonderful horse and what he did last year, not too many horses have ever done that. He is definitely the one I am looking forward to for the season.” Fannin has three of his own team members he is looking forward to competing over fences this winter. “Jesko and Fourty Eight look quite sharp at the moment,” he said. “They seem to jump very well, so they will have a jumping trial on Monday at Hawera, then they might have a flat run and then they will be ready to have a hurdle race towards the end of May. “Oxygen has had five hurdle starts for one win and he seems to be pretty good. I will give him a flat run and then he will go to a steeplechase pretty quickly I would think. He is coming up very well.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Hottie will contest the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Robbie Patterson has already won twice as many Group and Listed races in 2023-24 as any other season in his career, and the New Plymouth trainer has three chances to add to that tally at Riccarton on Saturday. Patterson’s 44 wins so far this season include six at black-type level. Puntura strung together victories in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and Group 3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m), while Mary Louise won the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m), One Bold Cat captured the Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) and Contribute won the Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m). Patterson’s previous best black-type season was 2021-22 with three wins – all from former stable star Coventina Bay. The first of Patterson’s black-type chances at Riccarton on Saturday is in-form mare The Hottie, who bookmakers rates a $4 favourite for the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m). The six-year-old daughter of Swiss Ace has been a five-time winner from her 14 career starts. In her three most recent appearances, she was a winner over 1400m at Otaki in late February, a close third in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on March 16, and a dominant winner over 1200m at Riccarton last Saturday. “It was a really good win the other day,” Patterson said. “We went into that race treating it kind of like a trial for this weekend, but she got the chocolates. “She’s done well through the week and has tightened up from that run, which we expected she would. If she can bounce out of the gates and take up a similar handy position, there’s no reason why she can’t run another good race.” The Hottie has had five starts over Saturday’s 1400m distance for three wins and two placings. “I think 1400m is probably her pet distance,” Patterson said. “She’s got a good turn of foot over that trip, which she’ll hopefully show again on Saturday.” The Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m) provides a shot at redemption for It’s Doris. The Telperion filly was an impressive winner at Otaki on April 1, and she lined up as a highly respected contender in last Saturday’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m). However, she was never a factor and finished a well-beaten 12th. “She was drawn out and had a bit of a tough wide run, but I was still very disappointed with that performance,” Patterson said. “She’d won her previous start very well and seemed to be going into that race in the right order. “We just hope that we can put it down to the Heavy 8 track last week. It’s going to be better ground this week. She’ll probably roll forward and sit up near the pace, and we’ll be looking for an improved performance if last week’s run was just down to track conditions.” Our Jumala heads into the Group 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) with second placings to her name from both of her last two starts, including behind Apostrophe in the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) at Trentham two weeks ago. “It was a good run at Trentham, but she’s drawn the outside gate here against a good field,” Patterson said. “That’s going to make it tricky for her. We’ll just drop back and hope that we can get on the back of the right horse to bring us into it. “She can certainly rattle home on her day, but she’s going to need all the luck from that draw.” As well as having a runner in each of Saturday’s black-type features at Riccarton, Patterson will also saddle another four horses throughout the supporting card. “I think Wisemen’s Diva should be a very nice chance in the maiden,” Patterson said. “She ran home really strongly for second over 1200m last Saturday. Going up to 1400m should suit her, big time. “Sinbin has been performing strongly around Trentham all through the summer and early autumn. It’s her first look around Riccarton, but I think she’ll be competitive as well if she brings some of that Trentham form.” Horse racing news View the full article

Champion racehorse and stallion Lonhro has sadly passed away. It is with a heavy heart Godolphin Australia announces the passing of former Darley stallion, Lonhro. “A wonderful contributor to the Australian racing and breeding worlds, and as ‘the people’s champion’ Lonhro will be forever remembered for what he was able to achieve on the racetrack,” said Godolphin Australia’s Corporate Director, Ross Cole. “Lonhro had a huge and well-earned following, and he earnt the admiration and respect of everyone within our Godolphin teams over his years as a Darley Stallion and in his retirement. We were honoured to have him as part of our operation.” Born at Woodlands on Thursday, 10 December 1998, the striking black colt by Octagonal and the seventh foal of Shadea, was described on his foaling sheet as ‘tiny but perfect’. A glittering 35-start career, the winner of 11 G1 races, 24 at Group level and 26 overall victories, Lonhro won the cream of races in Australia: Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes (twice), Mackinnon Stakes, Chipping Norton, George Ryder, Queen Elizabeth, CF Orr, Chipping Norton and George Main Stakes. Arguably, Lonhro’s most stunning race performance came in the 2004 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington under Champion jockey Darren Beadman. “People still approach me in 2024 to discuss the Australian Cup, it’s a testament to how he captured so many people’s imagination, which speaks volumes about his career,” said Beadman. “It’s a very sad day. It was a shock when Ross (Cole) rang and told me. It brought a tear to my eye. It’s a very, very sad day, but we must reflect on what he has achieved.” “He will be a horse that everyone talks about for generations to come, remembered not just for his victories on the track but also for being the people’s horse.” “He was very dynamic in his racing career, his acceleration, and the way he won with superiority and toughness. He oozed class. He was class with a capital C.” “From his early days as a two-year-old right through the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, he raced every race giving 110 per cent, every time he went around. That’s all you can ask of him.” “For five or six years, those who got to witness his expertise on the track could then see him excel in the breeding barn, being as consistent and influential as he was. He’s ticked every box; not many horses have that resume.” “I was there at his 21st. It was a special day and that moment we got to spend together will be something I will always remember.” Horse racing news View the full article

White Noise winning last year’s Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) at Pukekohe. Photo: Trish Dunell Andrew Forsman will be chasing several repeats of history with seven runners across the two features events at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Cambridge-based trainer won last year’s edition of the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) with White Noise, and the son of El Roca will be among Forsman’s talented trio contesting Saturday’s race, alongside Group 2 performers Saint Bathans and Devastate. White Noise has been lightly-raced since his impressive 2023 title and Forsman is hoping to see improvement out of a uncharacteristic performance at Trentham fresh-up on April 6. “It was disappointing on face value, Masa Hashizume rode him and said he failed to handle what was a shifty track. Hopefully we can just put it down to that,” he said. “He has improved a lot from the trip to Trentham, and his work has been great.” Stablemate Saint Bathans has thrived since returning from Forsman’s Victorian stable in December, with a narrow miss in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) highlighting a consistent campaign. “He ran well again last time (at Pukekohe), he’s in really good form,” Forsman said. “He is a horse that operates better on rain-affected surfaces so Ellerslie is a question mark, but he has drawn a barrier which means he can get a bit of cover and won’t have to get too far off them. “If he brings his best form, we know he will be competitive.” Completing his Easter Handicap contenders is Devastate who is appearing second-up after being badly hampered late in a strong fresh-up run for third at Pukekohe. “He ran well first-up, he had a tough run and wasn’t given any favours at all,” Forsman said. “Stepping up to the mile will suit him, his ability to race on pace is a big advantage and I think he’ll run well.” Saint Bathans is the first-elect with the bookmakers of Forsman’s runners at $7, with White Noise at $8.50 and Devastate at $9.50 in an even market. Among Forsman’s quintet for the Group 3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) is The Patron Saint, a half-brother to the stable’s dual Horse Of The Year and Oaks heroine Bonneval, as well as Lord Arthur, who Forsman and former training partner Murray Baker prepared to win the three-year-old feature in 2019. “He’s a promising horse with good ability. He is coming off a maiden win so it’s a big step-up in grade for sure, but he has the ability to jump and put himself in the race which is a big plus at Ellerslie,” Forsman said. The lightly-tried son of Dissident is the lesser-favoured of the stablemates sitting at $18, with promising filly Moonlight Magic topping the early market at $4 after running sixth in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), and facing interference in fourth in the Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m). “She’s had a very frustrating preparation,” Forsman said. “She’s a better horse than her form line reads, she was very unlucky last start and was cost valuable black-type through interference so hopefully she can gain that on Saturday.” Forsman has engaged Joe Doyle and Craig Grylls respectively aboard the pair, while Listed performer Rebecchi and Group 1 New Zealand Derby (3200m) runner First Innings will have the services of Billy Jacobson and Masa Hashizume respectively. “It was nice to see him (Rebecchi) back racing well last time out, and his sectionals were very good so the step-up to 2000m should be perfect for him,” Forsman said. “First Innings probably didn’t have all favours in the Derby, he got caught in a bit of an awkward spot and had to work quite hard early. “It may have been a bit too much too soon, but he’s had a freshen-up since and his work has been great this week. I’m looking forward seeing how he goes.” Forsman will also be represented by Armino and Blissfull Lady in the Vale Bob Fulton 2100, the latter he indicated to be a key hope in the staying ranks next season after an impressive last-start victory over 2200m. “She (Blissfull Lady) was in really good form, that’s why we ran her from such a poor draw last start. We thought even if she got back she could win, and Billy (Jacobson) rode her perfectly so the plan came off,” he said. “Again, we’ve had no favours with the barrier on Saturday (14), and going up in grade at Ellerslie means we can’t drag her back to last and hope for a similar result. She will be up against it, but I feel she’s a mare that will really hit her straps next season, so if we can get one or two more runs into her, she’ll be in for a big campaign next time in. “Armino has had a couple of runs at distances short of his best, heading to the middle-distance will suit and his ability to race on speed will certainly help.” Proven filly Ethereal Star will aim to overcome a muddled month of missed racing when contesting the Auckland Co-Op Taxis 1500, alongside stablemate Russian Satire. “She (Ethereal Star) hasn’t had much luck of late, the last month has been a mess for her having to be scratched off the heavy track at Tauranga, then we thought we had the perfect race for her but she walked out of her box with a foot abscess the day before,” Forsman said. “She got over that pretty quickly, and now hopefully we can get her back to the races in her best form. “Russian Satire is coming off a bit of a freshen-up and trialled well, we’ve just been looking for a good race to kick her off in. She’s drawn well, she’ll get a soft run and will improve for the day out.” Horse racing news View the full article

Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s rising star warms up for Champions Day with a fast-finishing second in a 1,700m heatView the full article

The Sydney Autumn Carnival comes to a close on Saturday following the running of the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m), with all eyes moving to South Australia for a bumper four-week carnival. Someone just forgot to tell the TAB and the other bookmakers that there were two Group 1 races worth $1 million to be run next Saturday. Where are the SA Group 1 future markets? Up until Thursday, April 18, futures punters could not engage in ANY of the South Australian Group 1 races coming up over the next month. Recently, the South Australian Racing Carnival received a timely prizemoney boost, with all of its Group 1 races now being run for $1 million. The first of those, the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) and Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), are due to be run in eight days on April 27. Unlike their counterparts in Sydney and Melbourne, where futures markets open in January for Group 1 races throughout the autumn, SA racing fans were forced to wait until the week prior. And don’t even get us started on the Queensland futures markets. Outside of the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), the TAB does not have any futures markets opened for the remaining SEVEN Group 1 races. We can bet on the Epsom Derby on June 1, and even the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) on September 21, but heaven forbid we have a futures bet on races a couple of weeks away. JMac, Kah to light up Radelaide James McDonald will look to add Group 1 success in Adelaide to his glowing resume. (Photo: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Adelaide was the centre of the AFL universe for Gather Round earlier in the month, but come next Saturday, the racing world will be fixated on the action at Morphettville. The first Group 1 raceday of the year in the City of Churches has some added firepower with two of the best to do it, James McDonald and Jamie Kah, set to grace the track. Kah returns to her home state hunting for her first Group 1 win in Adelaide, while McDonald — booked to ride Roots in the Robert Sangster Stakes — heads to Morphettville for the first time. Could JMac making an appearance in Adelaide be the best thing to happen in South Australia since Black Caviar scorched the turf? About Punt Drunk Welcome to Punt Drunk – our weekly column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump… If you have any stories that you want our Punt Drunk Team to cover or just want to say G’day send us a message on: Horse racing news View the full article

Diamonds Day at Ascot Park, Invercargill is Southland harness racing’s time to shine so we have produced a liftout complete with stories, selections and more. To see it click here View the full article

David Hayes-trained five-year-old refuses to compete in his Happy Valley trial on Friday morning: ‘It’s a tragedy’View the full article

The curtain closes on the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival this Saturday with two final Group 1s including the Champagne Stakes (Race 7) at Royal Randwick. Michael Freedman’s Inglis Sires’ winning filly Manaal takes on the boys again in the 2024 Champagne Stakes field on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart. This $1 million showdown for two-year-olds represents the final leg of the juvenile Triple Crown. A small but high-quality field of eight horses has been assembled, with the unbeaten filly Manaal installed as the early favourite at $2.35 through Ladbrokes. Drawn in gate four with Jamie Kah taking the reins, Manaal boasts an unblemished record at Randwick, having won all three of her starts here, including a thrilling victory in the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ last fortnight. Although the margin was narrow that day, her ability to perform on a Heavy (8) track suggests the firmer going on Saturday should have her running out a mile no worries. John O’Shea‘s colt Linebacker is the closest challenger in the markets at $3. This son of Super Seth is undefeated in his two career starts, but faces a significant step up in class after a narrow win in the Group 3 T.L. Baillieu. Tommy Berry will be in the saddle for Linebacker as he tackles the mile distance for the first time. Two other runners are attracting attention at single-figure odds: Godolphin‘s Broadsiding ($5.50) and Anode ($8) trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Too Darn Hot colt Broadsiding has experience over the 1600m distance, having broken his maiden status at Randwick last Saturday in the Fernhill Handicap. He’ll be aiming to become the first horse since Prized Icon (2016) to complete the Fernhill Handicap – Champagne Stakes double. Anode, meanwhile, comes into the race with a record of two seconds and a seventh in his four starts. He’ll be hoping for a return to drier track conditions after struggling on the Heavy track in the Sires’. The Champagne Stakes is shaping up to be a fascinating contest, with Manaal facing a challenge from several talented colts. The weather could also play a role, with rain forecast potentially impacting the track conditions. The race is scheduled for 3:00 pm (AEST) on Saturday. 2024 Champagne Stakes Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 13227 ANODE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 3 56.5kg 2 11 LINEBACKER (NZ) John O’Shea Tommy Berry 5 56.5kg 3 4331 BROADSIDING James Cummings James McDonald 7 56.5kg 4 4×2616 FEARLESS Peter & Paul Snowden Michael Dee 2 56.5kg 5 32 EL CASTELLO Anthony Cummings Tyler Schiller 8 56.5kg 6 489 TENBURY WELLS Brad Widdup Zac Lloyd (a) 6 56.5kg 7 1×2151 MANAAL Michael Freedman Ms Jamie Kah 4 54.5kg 8 2701 IN HER EYES Leon & Troy Corstens Dylan Gibbons (a) 1 54.5kg 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 Favoured in Wide-Open Champagne Stakes 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

All Aged Stakes contender Private Eye. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Warwick Farm-based trainer Joe Pride has observed a peculiar trend with his stable star, Private Eye, noting that the talented runner has failed to secure a win during the autumn season for the past three years. Pride is hopeful that the Group 1 victor can break this streak when he contests Saturday’s All Aged Stakes (1400m). “If he doesn’t win this autumn, it will be four autumns in a row that he hasn’t won a race,” Pride remarked, highlighting the challenge faced by the six-year-old gelding. “He’s a bit hard to place, and he gets a lot of wet tracks, which has contributed, but then in the winter, he’s good. He likes the spring, he likes the winter, but the autumn has been a tricky time for him,” Pride explained, shedding light on Private Eye’s seasonal performance patterns. Private Eye’s recent outings include a second-place finish in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m), followed by a sixth-place finish in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) and an 11th-place finish in The Galaxy (1100m). Although he missed the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), Private Eye participated in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm last week with James McDonald aboard, securing victory by 1.7 lengths. “James was very impressed with him when he trialed him on Friday and had a fair bit of confidence in the horse,” Pride revealed, emphasising McDonald’s positive assessment of Private Eye’s form. “I like that. I like the fact he has had a sit on him, and he takes that confidence into the race because Private Eye at his best, he would beat those horses,” Pride added, expressing optimism about his horse’s chances in the upcoming race. 2024 All Aged Stakes Final Field 1. Private Eye (10) T: Joseph Pride J: James McDonald W: 59kg F: 062×2 Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Al Maher Dam: Confidential Queen +800 +190 2. Golden Mile (13) T: James Cummings J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 59kg F: 487×3 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Astern Dam: Calaverite +3300 +650 3. Buenos Noches (3) T: Matthew Smith J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg F: 9094x Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Supido Dam: Koi +3000 +600 4. Bandersnatch (12) T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes J: Dylan Gibbons W: 59kg F: 207×4 Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Casino Prince Dam: Divine Faith +5000 +900 5. Buffalo River (9) T: Mike Moroney J: Tim Clark W: 59kg F: 64333 Age: 8YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Noble Mission (GB) Dam: Fashion Insider (USA) +4500 +850 6. Airman (11) T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes J: Tommy Berry W: 59kg F: 73×82 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Zara Bay +3300 +650 7. Amenable (14) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Chad Schofield W: 59kg F: 92×46 Age: 4YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Caribbean Sunset (IRE) +4000 +750 8. Chain Of Lightning (4) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Rachel King W: 57kg F: 110×0 Age: 5YO Color: Grey Sex: Mare Sire: Fighting Sun Dam: Magic Art +850 +200 9. Espiona (8) T: Chris Waller J: Nash Rawiller W: 57kg F: 633×4 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Dahooil (NZ) +320 -125 10. Sunshine In Paris (2) T: Annabel Neasham J: Ryan Maloney W: 57kg F: 52x1x Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Invader Dam: Zenaida (NZ) +360 -111.11 11. Magic Time (6) T: Grahame Begg J: Michael Dee W: 57kg F: 76×13 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Time Awaits +800 +190 12. Southport Tycoon (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah W: 56.5kg F: 122×9 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Ready To Rule (USA) +550 +135 13. Encap (7) T: Gary Portelli J: Tyler Schiller W: 56.5kg F: 6523x Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Capitalist Dam: Enquare +1200 +260 14. Tiz Invincible (1) T: Ciaron Maher J: Zac Lloyd W: 54.5kg F: 886×9 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Amuletum (GB) +3300 +650 Horse racing news View the full article

With 64 of the term’s 88 meetings in the bag, the veteran pair have some serious work to do to avoid a third strikeView the full article

Racing NSW stewards are currently probing the circumstances surrounding race four at Tuncurry on Thursday, which was inadvertently run over 1305m instead of the correct 1205m. The discrepancy went unnoticed until stewards at the mid-north coast track had already confirmed the correct weight. Despite the oversight, race favourite Cool Duke ($1.70) clinched victory by a commanding 2.33 lengths. In an official statement, Racing NSW addressed the matter, stating, “Having regard to the time that had elapsed after correct weight had been declared, thereby confirming the result of the race being official, Stewards determined that the result of the race should stand with the official results to reflect the distance of the race as being 1305 meters. Accordingly, all bets placed on the race stand.” The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Horse racing news View the full article

Ben Melham has suffered a serious thigh injury. (Photo by Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Following a harrowing incident at Caulfield on Wednesday, Victorian jockey Ben Melham has thankfully been given the all-clear from a suspected broken leg. However, the Group 1-winning jockey has suffered a torn thigh muscle resulting from the fall. Initial apprehensions over a potential leg fracture were dispelled after thorough scans, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the setback. Nevertheless, Melham’s recovery has just begun as he faces the disappointment of missing out on the upcoming The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot scheduled for Saturday. While sidelined, Melham will undergo further examinations to evaluate the extent of the thigh injury sustained during the fall from Heed The Omens, a notable contender trained by Chris Waller. Having showcased prowess with a midweek city victory at Sandown just last month, the untimely setback poses a setback for both jockey and connections alike. Horse racing news View the full article

Andrew Forsman will be chasing several repeats of history with seven runners across the two features events at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Cambridge-based trainer won last year’s edition of the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with White Noise, and the son of El Roca will be among Forsman’s talented trio contesting Saturday’s race, alongside Group Two performers Saint Bathans and Devastate. White Noise has been lightly-raced since his impressive 2023 title and Forsman is hoping to see improvement out of a uncharacteristic performance at Trentham fresh-up on April 6. “It was disappointing on face value, Masa Hashizume rode him and said he failed to handle what was a shifty track. Hopefully we can just put it down to that,” he said. “He has improved a lot from the trip to Trentham, and his work has been great.” Stablemate Saint Bathans has thrived since returning from Forsman’s Victorian stable in December, with a narrow miss in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) highlighting a consistent campaign. “He ran well again last time (at Pukekohe), he’s in really good form,” Forsman said. “He is a horse that operates better on rain-affected surfaces so Ellerslie is a question mark, but he has drawn a barrier which means he can get a bit of cover and won’t have to get too far off them. “If he brings his best form, we know he will be competitive. Completing his Easter Handicap contenders is Devastate who is appearing second-up after being badly hampered late in a strong fresh-up run for third at Pukekohe. “He ran well first-up, he had a tough run and wasn’t given any favours at all,” Forsman said. “Stepping up to the mile will suit him, his ability to race on pace is a big advantage and I think he’ll run well.” Saint Bathans is the first-elect with the bookmakers of Forsman’s runners at $7, with White Noise at $8.50 and Devastate at $9.50 in an even market. Among Forsman’s quintet for the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) is The Patron Saint, a half-brother to the stable’s dual Horse Of The Year and Oaks heroine Bonneval, as well as Lord Arthur, who Forsman and former training partner Murray Baker prepared to win the three-year-old feature in 2019. “He’s a promising horse with good ability. He is coming off a maiden win so it’s a big step-up in grade for sure, but he has the ability to jump and put himself in the race which is a big plus at Ellerslie,” Forsman said. The lightly-tried son of Dissident is the lesser-favoured of the stablemates sitting at $18, with promising filly Moonlight Magic topping the early TAB market at $4 after running sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), and facing interference in fourth in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m). “She’s had a very frustrating preparation,” Forsman said. “She’s a better horse than her form line reads, she was very unlucky last start and was cost valuable black-type through interference so hopefully she can gain that on Saturday.” Forsman has engaged Joe Doyle and Craig Grylls respectively aboard the pair, while Listed performer Rebecchi and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (3200m) runner First Innings will have the services of Billy Jacobson and Masa Hashizume respectively. “It was nice to see him (Rebecchi) back racing well last time out, and his sectionals were very good so the step-up to 2000m should be perfect for him,” Forsman said. “First Innings probably didn’t have all favours in the Derby, he got caught in a bit of an awkward spot and had to work quite hard early. “It may have been a bit too much too soon, but he’s had a freshen-up since and his work has been great this week. I’m looking forward seeing how he goes.” Forsman will also be represented by Armino and Blissfull Lady in the Vale Bob Fulton 2100, the latter he indicated to be a key hope in the staying ranks next season after an impressive last-start victory over 2200m. “She (Blissfull Lady) was in really good form, that’s why we ran her from such a poor draw last start. We thought even if she got back she could win, and Billy (Jacobson) rode her perfectly so the plan came off,” he said. “Again, we’ve had no favours with the barrier on Saturday (14), and going up in grade at Ellerslie means we can’t drag her back to last and hope for a similar result. She will be up against it, but I feel she’s a mare that will really hit her straps next season, so if we can get one or two more runs into her, she’ll be in for a big campaign next time in. “Armino has had a couple of runs at distances short of his best, heading to the middle-distance will suit and his ability to race on speed will certainly help.” Proven filly Ethereal Star will aim to overcome a muddled month of missed racing when contesting the Auckland Co-Op Taxis 1500, alongside stablemate Russian Satire. “She (Ethereal Star) hasn’t had much luck of late, the last month has been a mess for her having to be scratched off the heavy track at Tauranga, then we thought we had the perfect race for her but she walked out of her box with a foot abscess the day before,” Forsman said. “She got over that pretty quickly, and now hopefully we can get her back to the races in her best form. “Russian Satire is coming off a bit of a freshen-up and trialled well, we’ve just been looking for a good race to kick her off in. She’s drawn well, she’ll get a soft run and will improve for the day out.” View the full article

Cambridge Stud has teamed up with the globally renowned Juddmonte to shuttle dual Group One winner Chaldean to New Zealand for the 2024 breeding season. Chaldean is a high-class son of the Juddmonte legend Frankel, who famously won all of his 14 starts including 10 at Group One level. Frankel has carried on in a similar vein at stud. He was the fastest stallion in history to reach 50 Group winners and was champion sire in Europe, Great Britain and Ireland in 2023. He is already the sire of 34 individual Group One winners among his 567 winners from 814 runners, with a total of 138 stakes winners. Chaldean was a Group One winner at the ages of two and three. He followed in his sire’s footsteps to win the Dewhurst Stakes (1400m) and 2000 Guineas (1600m) – a double that has been achieved only nine times in the last 50 years. Newmarket’s Dewhurst was one of three Group wins as a two-year-old for Chaldean, who also won the Gr.2 Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Doncaster and the Gr.3 Acomb Stakes (1400m) at York. Those wins came in succession and confirmed his status as the leading two-year-old in the UK in 2022. Chaldean returned to Newmarket to score an outstanding classic victory in the 2000 Guineas last May, then went on to run second behind Windsor Park Stud shuttler Paddington in the Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes (1600m) at Royal Ascot. Chaldean winning the Gr.3 Acomb Stakes (1400m) at two Photo: supplied “Cambridge Stud is delighted to secure the services of Chaldean for the New Zealand breeding industry,” Cambridge Stud chief executive officer Henry Plumptre said. “His pedigree, with a strong emphasis on two and three-year-old speed, is perfect for our market and racing programme. “He is a magnificent type, and his conformation will be enthusiastically received by Australasian breeders. “Having a signature Group One at two and a three-year-old classic to his name makes him an extremely attractive prospect. His sire, Frankel, is currently breaking all records as a stallion and the opportunity to secure his best two-year-old was a significant drawcard for us.” Since assuming ownership of Cambridge Stud in 2018, Brendan and Jo Lindsay have wasted little time in sourcing quality international bloodlines to bolster the famed New Zealand farm. “Jo and I are very proud of the Cambridge Stud brand and welcome the opportunity of joining forces with a global brand like Juddmonte. We thank Juddmonte and their team for affording us this opportunity. We are excited to be able to offer an exceptional horse like Chaldean to our client base,” Brendan Lindsay said. Juddmonte’s general manager Simon Mockridge is looking forward to seeing how Chaldean will be received in the southern hemisphere. “The exceptionally talented, good-looking Chaldean has been immensely popular during his first season at Banstead Manor Stud,” he said. “With the ongoing support for Frankel and his incomparable statistics as they stand, Cambridge Stud have given us the perfect opportunity to send Chaldean to the southern hemisphere, where we feel his precociousness and physical type will appeal.” A five-time winner overall from 10 career starts, Chaldean is out of a Dutch Art mare who is also the dam of Group One placegetter Get Ahead, Group Two winner Alkumait and two Listed performers. Chaldean will stand for a fee of $35,000 + GST and his book will be limited to 120 mares. View the full article

What Bendigo Races Where Bendigo Jockey Club – Heinz St, White Hills VIC 3550 When Sunday, April 21, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Horse racing in Victoria heads to Bendigo on Sunday afternoon, with an eight-race meeting set down for decision. A perfect day for racing is forecast, and with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail out 5m, there will be no excuses for fancied runners. The action is set to commence at 12:25pm AEST. Best Bet at Bendigo: A Book Of Days Despite being rolled as an odds-on favourite at Sandown on April 1, A Book Of Days looks poised to break maiden ranks at start three. Before that run, where he experienced respiratory issues, the three-year-old gelding produced a strong finish to be beaten less than a length by Illative on debut at Pakenham. All things being equal, A Book Of Days only needs to replicate what he did on his debut to win this. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 A Book Of Days (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (58kg) +110 with Picklebet Next Best at Bendigo: Harry Got Styles Harry Got Styles was a determined debut winner over 1000m on April 5. The Matt Laurie-trained sprinter only wore down the leader within the final 100m, but the way he hit the line suggests he is a horse with plenty of upside. Daniel Stackhouse will settle the son of Harry Angel just off the speed, and with a similar turn of foot to what he produced on his debut, Harry Got Styles can waltz his way to another win. Next Best Race 6 – #3 Harry Got Styles (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Matt Laurie | J: Daniel Stackhouse (59kg) +190 with Dabble Best Value at Bendigo: Lovey Lovey returned with an eye-catching run when finishing fourth at Cranbourne over 1000m on April 5, hitting the line with intent after being held up at a crucial point. The Spirit of Boom filly brings crucial race experience to this juvenile event, where a majority of her rivals are on debut. Patrick Moloney will ensure his mount gets a lovely run in transit, and with even luck on the home turn, Lovey can play a prominent role in the finish at a nice price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 1 – #9 Lovey (2) 2yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Patrick Moloney (56kg) +1300 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Bendigo Bendigo quadrella selections Sunday, April 21, 2024 1-2-3-5-8 3-7 3-5-6-7-8-10 4-5-6-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

Rodeo Creek Racing's Blazing Sevens, winner of the 2022 Champagne Stakes (G1) and runner-up in the 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1), makes his first start as a 4-year-old in an $84,000 allowance optional claiming race at Aqueduct Racetrack April 20.View the full article

Amr Zedan's incorporated racing stable is planning an immediate appeal to a Thursday decision by a Kentucky judge who denied an injunction request that would have overturned Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI)'s ongoing ban against Bob Baffert. Zedan had initiated an Apr. 3 lawsuit in an effort to get his Baffert-trained 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic) eligible for the GI Kentucky Derby. But Judge Mitchell Perry of Jefferson Circuit Court also denied CDI's request to dismiss the case in his Apr. 18 order. This means that barring a successful appeal with eight days now remaining until entry time for the Derby, the underlying lawsuit could linger for months after the Derby itself has been run if Zedan decides to pursue it that far. “The Plaintiff makes a compelling argument that failure to grant this injunction will result in its horse being barred from running in the Kentucky Derby,” Perry wrote in his order. “This is an event that a horse is only eligible for once in its lifetime. “However, the Defendants are correct that the Plaintiff has transferred its horses to a different trainer and those horses have been eligible to run in the Derby the previous two years,” Perry continued. “For the 2024 racing season, the Plaintiff voluntarily made the decision to not transfer its horses to a new trainer,” Perry wrote. “The Plaintiff knew as early as July 2023 that Mr. Baffert was a suspended trainer and that to be eligible to run in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, horses had to be transferred to a non-suspended trainer by January 29, 2024. Nonetheless, the Plaintiff nominated its horses with Mr. Baffert as their trainer. “The Court appreciates the once in-a-horse's-lifetime nature of the Kentucky Derby, but the other aspects at play prevent this factor from weighing fully in favor of the Plaintiff and injunctive relief,” Perry wrote. A spokesperson for Zedan and his legal team emailed the following statement to TDN, which read, in part: “We are disappointed in the court's decision on our request for temporary relief, as we believe the court did not recognize the significant investment Zedan Racing has made, based on statements by Churchill Downs that if this trainer had no additional violations, Zedan Racing's horses would be able to compete. We will appeal this ruling on an emergency basis as soon as possible. The goal of our effort remains to ensure our horse Muth will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the 150th Run for the Roses on May 4. “The court's rejection of the defendant's motion to dismiss affirms our view that [CDI's motion to dismiss] was nothing more than a transparent delay tactic aimed at ensuring its unjust ban remained in place for the 150th Kentucky Derby,” Zedan's statement continued. Tonya Abeln, CDI's vice president of communications, emailed a statement in response to a TDN query for comment that underscored the gaming corporation's appreciation for the ruling–but also couldn't resist a glib portrayal of Zedan's legal efforts. “We are pleased with the Court's decision today and believe Mr. Zedan may suffer from a case of 'Derby Fever,' which is known to spread with exposure to horses and is contagious this time of year,” CDI stated. “Symptoms can contribute to questionable judgement and in extreme cases can result in litigious behavior,” the CDI statement continued. “There is no known cure. Nevertheless, we have communicated clearly about the rules of entry, which are the same for everyone and are non-negotiable. Contenders cannot sue their way into the Kentucky Derby. We wish Mr. Zedan well in the future and appreciate both his passion for the sport and his desire to see his horses compete on the First Saturday in May.” CDI had banished Baffert from its properties shortly after the 2021 Derby, which the now-disqualified Zedan-owned and Baffert-trained Medina Spirit won while testing positive for betamethasone. The ban was initially just supposed to last for two Derbies. But in July 2023 CDI extended the penalty through 2024. Zedan had claimed in his civil suit that he spent millions in buying horses at auction prior to the extension of the ban because he understood that Baffert would be allowed to train those horses for the 150th Derby in 2024. On the issue of requirements for constitutional standing, Perry wrote, “The Plaintiff arguably meets the requirements for constitutional standing. It has suffered a business injury with its horses being barred from competing in the upcoming Kentucky Derby. This harm was caused by Churchill Downs's ban on the Plaintiff's trainer, Bob Baffert. And finally, if this Court were to rule in the Plaintiff's favor the harm would be cured, satisfying redressability.” But, Perry added, “The Court has more serious doubts concerning the Plaintiff's third-party standing to essentially challenge Churchill Down's ban on behalf of Mr. Baffert.” On Zedan's claim of “irreparable harm,” Perry wrote, “This factor is neutral at best. The Plaintiff makes a compelling argument that failure to grant this injunction will result in its horse being barred from running in the Kentucky Derby. This is an event that a horse is only eligible for once in its lifetime. However, the Defendants are correct that the Plaintiff has transferred its horses to a different trainer and those horses have been eligible to run in the Derby the previous two years.” Regarding the balance of equities, Perry wrote that this factor “requires courts to consider the public interest, harm to the defendant, and preservation of the status quo. This factor weighs strongly against granting injunctive relief. “The Defendant here will be severely prejudiced by the granting of injunctive relief. Churchill Downs, as the host of one of the most preeminent sporting events in the world, has a duty to ensure that the rules and regulations put in place to guarantee an even playing field are upheld and followed. “Public trust and confidence in the integrity of the races run at Churchill Downs are essential to its business. It is also in the public interest to ensure that all those who attend or watch races at Churchill Downs can be confident in the fairness and integrity of the sport. “The Court is also deeply concerned about the innocent third parties who will have their horses removed from the Derby field to make room for the Plaintiff's horse should the Court grant injunctive relief. These are entities who have done nothing wrong, have followed the rules, and worked hard only to be denied the opportunity to compete at the last moment,” Perry wrote. “The Court further notes the concerns raised in the amicus brief of other horse owners who have retained Bob Baffert,” Perry wrote. “If the Court were to rule in favor of the Plaintiff, the door would potentially be opened to an uncertain number of Baffert-trained horses dislodging multiple horses from the Derby field. The Court declines to open that door here.” Baffert was not a party in Zedan's lawsuit. He had already been denied a Derby-eligibility injunction at the federal court level in 2023. The post Zedan Vows Appeal after Judge Denies Derby Injunction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Canterbury reinsman Tim Williams has a busy book of eight drives at today’s Ashburton meeting, and shouldn’t have to wait long before adding to his tally this season. He has 36 wins this year and is currently fourth on the drivers’ premiership. In the very first race of the day (11.53pm), the Chelsea Properties 2YO Fillies Mobile Pace, he reins the Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained debutante Sweet Maggie May ($1.55FF).The two-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou has trialled well, hitting the line with purpose in her most recent. “It looks a good starting point today. Got a great draw, and I thought she’d be my best chance of the day.” Williams rates Father Time ($4.00FF) in race four, the McIntosh Catering Trot, as a solid each way chance. The Kevin Townley-trained maiden trotter made a mistake last start against quality three-year-olds, but will only need to recapture his previous form to be competitive. “Back to a maiden race. If he trots the whole way he will be a big chance.” Partners In Wine ($14.00FF) for Jason and Ian Thomas in race 5, the Rosebank Life Care Fillies and Mobile Pace, Barrytown ($3.80FF) for Graeme Telfer in race 6, the Gary McCormick Transport Ltd Trot, and Hayley’s Meddle ($9.00FF) in race 8, the Pair of Old Jandals Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace, for Robert and Jenna Dunn Williams also rate. “Those three are all good place chances with the right runs.” In race nine, the Methven A & P Association Pace, The Conqueror ($6.50FF) for Trevor Harkness finds a suitable race. His good standing start manners over 2400m should have the seven-year-old American Ideal entire giving his punters a run for their money. “It’s his cup of tea. He should land in the front half of the field which will give him a strong top four chance,” says Williams. In the final race, race 11, the Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace, Williams combines again with another Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained runner in Jubilee Rock ($14.00FF). The A Rocknroll Dance mare has not raced since finishing seventh at Addington in July last year. Although she has had two trials to prepare, Williams feels she will benefit from the run. “Her work has been good. Her trials have been pleasing. But being fresh up for a long time means whatever she does today she will improve on going forward.” Williams also drives Spirit Of Gold ($21.00FF) in race 3, the Majestic Horse Floats Pace for trainer Brian Zampese. View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm OCALA, FL – Without a breakout horse and numerous outs, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training dutifully marched through its paces Thursday, with a colt by Nyquist attracting the session's highest price of $550,000 late in the day. Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, bidding on behalf of Zedan Racing Stable, signed the ticket on the session topper for the third straight day. From a catalogue of 302 horses, just 187 went through the ring Thursday and the session, which started at 10:30 a.m., proceeded at a brisk pace and was over before 4 p.m. For the session, 143 horses sold for $14,877,000. The session average was $104,035 and the median was $70,000. “We had a high number of outs today,” said OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski. “It was certainly the softest day of the sale we've had so far. But we still have tomorrow. Hopefully, we will be able to rebound and have a better day tomorrow.” Through three of four sessions, 472 horses have grossed $61,608,500. The cumulative average of $130,526 is nearly identical to last year's figure at the same point, while the median of $75,000 is up 15.4% from a year ago. “The market is obviously very spotty,” said Ciaran Dunne, whose Wavertree Stables consigned the session topper. “The traffic has probably been down from years past. The attendance today was pretty sparse. A lot of people got out of town. I am sure they can bid by phone and internet, but it's different when people are in attendance. They get caught up in the moment, maybe, whereas they can be more objective when they are away from the heat of the battle. We've had a decent day. It's very reminiscent of our March sale. It has been good, but it hasn't been great.” Of the scarcity of buyers actually on the ground in Ocala Thursday, Wojciechowski said, “We always like to have people on site. Certainly, on-line bidding was more prevalent today it seemed.” More than half the horses catalogued for Thursday's session worked during last Friday's session of the under-tack show, which was conducted a day after heavy rain hit the area and featured a head wind. The conditions and resulting slower times were unlikely to influence buyers, according to Lanni. “I know it was a slow day,” he said. “The track was definitely a little bit slower and there was a headwind, but there were some nice horses that worked that day. Every day here is different. I think people kind of know and adjust and handicap every day when horses work. I think that's something that comes into play and they know. Even though they went somewhat slower, I don't think it means a whole lot.” The OBS Spring sale's final session begins Friday at 10:30 a.m. Nyquist Colt Tops at OBS Thursday A colt by Nyquist (hip 891), one of the final offerings of the day, topped Thursday's session of the OBS Spring sale when bringing a final bid of $550,000 from bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, acting on behalf of Amr Zedan's Zedan Racing Stable. “He's a very good representation of the sire and we have done very well with Nyquist,” Lanni said. “The horse looked good working and he came back good. He is one that we loved and we are happy we got him.” Ciaran Dunne | Photos by Z The bay colt, who worked a furlong last week in :10 flat, is out of Grade I winner Acoma (Empire Maker). He was consigned by Ciaran Dunne's Wavertree Stables and was purchased for $150,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale by the Red Wings pinhooking partnership of Dunne and Paul Reddam, who campaigned Nyquist. “It seems like every sale I am sitting here talking about how great Nyquist is and between every sale, he does more to justify what you say about him,” Dunne said. “He was a beautiful horse. His work was fabulous and I thought he was well-received at the barn. We are maybe a hair disappointed in what he brought. I thought he could bring a little bit more. But he was well-bought and well sold. Hopefully, he goes to a good home.” @JessMartiniTDN Strong Day for Grassroots Grassroots Training and Sales had a strong sales day Thursday, bringing two of the top-priced colts on the day to auction and finishing the day as the third-highest consigner with a total of 11 hips sold for $1,477,000. A colt from the first crop of War of Will (hip 717) from the family of MGSW Pianist (More Than Ready) spent much of the afternoon as the highest-priced colt and was only edged out late in the day by one of the last hips through the ring. Purchased for just $25,000 as a yearling by Grassroots at Fasig-Tipton's October Yearling Sale, he brought a final bid of $400,000 from trainer Cherie DeVaux after breezing in :10. He was joined on the top-price list by another late in the day hip when a colt by Army Mule (hip 886), who also worked his eighth in :10, went for $350,000 to Lael Stable after having been purchased for $190,000 at Keeneland September last year. The pair of colts were two of five six-figure sales for Grassroots during Thursday's session. Their top filly, an Arizona-bred daughter of Spun to Run (hip 625), sold for $120,000 after working in :9.4. @SGrimmTDN Woodford Buys Bolt d'Oro Filly The day's highest-priced filly (hip 643) went the way of Woodford Thoroughbreds for $450,000 early in Thursday's third session of OBSAPR. By Bolt d'Oro, who also had an $800,000 colt sell during Wednesday's session, the filly worked her furlong in:10. “I liked the stallion and I think he's held his own in a very competitive Kentucky stallion market,” said Will Walden. “And I'd say his fillies probably more than his colts have turned out to have been his more predominant runners. Physically, she's a long, scopey, racy-type filly that I think will stretch out and get two turns. She had a lot of quality. Every time I went back to the barn, she was the ultimate professional and I just fell in love with her.” Will Walden (right) with Niall Brennan | Photos by Z It was the filly's fourth time through the sales ring after she failed to meet her reserve as a yearling at both Fasig-Tipton's October and July yearling sales. But Walden noted that the filly could have value for Woodford well beyond her racing career. “We'll see how her [racing] career goes. Her pedigree is a little light right now but she's got a sister that's racing at Oaklawn and Bolt d'Oro has been, by far, the best stallion the dam has visited so there should be more in the pipeline. But she's beautiful and I'd like to think that, in the future, she'd have beautiful babies.” Hip 643 was one of two fillies going home to Woodford after they went for an Omaha Beach filly (hip 127) during Tuesday's opening session. Walden continued: “We bought a [Omaha Beach filly] for $390,000 early in the week. We came to buy that Caracaro filly that Donato Lanni got [hip 199] for the Three Amigos and didn't even get a hand up so it's been competitive. Seems like the market has fluctuated. Tuesday started off soft, Wednesday was strong, Thursday was a little soft so hopefully the pattern holds and tomorrow's a strong day.” @SGrimmTDN The post Nyquist Colt Leads Measured OBS Session Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article