Wandering Eyes

The 38th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 at Laurel Park, the organization that puts on the event said in Friday release. Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, Maryland's Day at the Races, is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million each year. “Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, now known as Maryland's Day at the Races, celebrates Maryland's horse industry,” said Maryland Million executive director Cricket Goodall. We have a an exciting race card and also welcome families and new fans. Every winner that day has a great story to tell. And the on-track entertainment between the races showcases all kinds of horse activities with a special kids area by the paddock.” The post Jim McKay Maryland Million Day Set For Oct. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's NAVAL POWER (GB) (g, 4, Teofilo {Ire}-Emirates Rewards {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}) showed no signs of rust when closing in taking style to win the AED850,000 G2 Singspiel S. Presented by Longines on Friday. San Donato (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) gave a good account of himself to take second by two lengths.The 1800-metre turf affair was not clear cut for all runners, however, as Sean (Ger) (Excelebration {Ire}) was mounting a clear challenge before the stalking Make Me King (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) drifted directly into his path, forcing the Jamie Osborne-trained gelding to be taken up and temporarily halting his forward momentum. The German-bred recovered to finish third another 1 1/2 lengths back. The final time was 1:48.57. Lifetime Record: 7-6-0-0. O/B-Godolphin. T-Charlie Appleby. What. A. Comeback! Naval Power, whose only defeat came in the Dewhurst @NewmarketRaces two years ago, defies a 392-absence in the Group Two Singspiel Stakes Presented By @Longines #DubaiCarnival | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/AP57z0aMZ8 — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 23, 2024 The post Long Break No Problem For Godolphin’s Naval Power In Singspiel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Operation Cashmere Club's assault on the White Turf of St. Moritz under the leadership of Generals Bromagen, Restrepo and Scherer began with a two-pronged attack, the primary force descending from Zurich in the North and a secondary force coming up from Milano in the South. The combined force of 70 plus Americans, Canadians, Irish, English and French converged upon the Hotel Kempinski Bar at 18:30 hours Thursday. In the face of such overwhelming odds the Kempinski Bar offered no resistance. The pattern continued Friday with a daytime assault on The Paradiso completely depleting its stores of champagne, rose' and lobster. Activities were renewed Friday evening with Kings Social Club at Badrutt's Palace subjugated until 04:30 Saturday. The White Turf race | Davant Latham The disappointing news of racing being canceled due to unsafe surface conditions did not lessen the esprit d'corp of this expeditionary force, however it did call for a change of tactics. The force was divided into smaller groups and successful forays continued on the slopes, among the tents on the racecourse, in the shopping district and at the Segantini Museum. Saturday evening a White Turf Reception for racing owners was held, where our forces were welcomed and invited to return. Our force has vowed to return in our pursuit of the ultimate goal, the Grosser Preis St. Moritz. –The Cashmere Club P.S. Although an initial effort led by General Restrepo against the Dracula Club was repulsed, a later commando effort was successful in breaching its high security and infiltrating the objective. The secrets of the Dracula Club are now known but highly classified and not available to the general public. The post Letter To The Editor: White Turf Dispatch From The Cashmere Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michael Hilary Burke and Negar Burke's KILLER COLLECT (c, 3, Collected–Comforter, by Nobiz Like Shobiz) was game to the end of the Listed Al Bastikiya Presented by Longines to fend off the persistent challenge of Auto Bahn (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg}) to win by a neck. A pointer for the G2 UAE Derby at the end of March, the race featured the winner pressed by his chief foe in earnest by the time they reached the 400-metre mark. Those two eventually separated themselves by daylight from the chasing pack and slugged it out to the wire. At one point, it appeared Auto Bahn would grind by, but Killer Collect fought back, and undoubtedly benefitted from a 10-pound pull in the weights. Tactical Bound (Good Magic) wound up third, 5 1/2 lengths behind the top two at the wire. The final time for the 1900-metre distance over the fast dirt was 1:59.01. Sales history: $70,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $75,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; €55,556 RNA HRA '23 GOFMAR. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0, AED741,500. O-Michael Hilary Burke & Negar Burke. B- Romar Farm, LLC & BRS (KY). T-Bhupat Seemar. What a finish! Killer Collect and @OsheaTadhg show tremendous resolution to deny Auto Bahn in the Listed Al Bastakiya Presented By @longines@BhupatSeemar's colt simply refused to give in #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/ZnaQmxkQCo — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 23, 2024 The post Collected Colt Guts Out Front-Running Score In UAE Derby Pointer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Susanne Born will take up position as the new press officer at Berlin-Hoppegarten Racecourse, announced the venue via press release on Friday. A veteran of similar positions in Hannover and Baden-Baden, Born will work to develop effective communication strategies for the international media sector as well as a focus on the long-term strengthening of the presence and perception of horse racing in Germany's capital region. “The mission is clear: Born should increase public enthusiasm for our sport. A particular focus is on gaining new fans and media partners who recognise and share the uniqueness and fascination of our sport,” said Berlin-Hoppegarten owner Gerhard Schoningh. The post Susanne L. Born New Press Officer at Berlin-Hoppegarten Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin and Frankel (GB) were represented by the first two home in the AED850,000 G2 Balanchine Presented by Longines at Meydan on Friday. His ENGLISH ROSE (IRE) (f, 4, –Sobetsu {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}) was 2 1/2 lengths to the good of the more fancied Sapphire Seas (GB) at the end of the 1800-metre turf affair. The final time was 1:47.64 over the good turf. The winner had more left in the late stages and pounced in midstretch, with Nibras Angel (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}) punching home third. O/B-Godolphin. T-Charlie Appleby. A 1-2 in Gr.2 Balanchine at Meydan for world-leading sire FRANKEL (GB) ENGLISH ROSE, who is out of Gr.1 winner SOBETSU (GB), wins in the @godolphin blue. She gives the @JuddmonteFarms stallion consecutive wins in the race after WITH THE MOONLIGHT.pic.twitter.com/JlkKr524uN — GBRI (@GBRI_UK) February 23, 2024 The post Godolphin Exacta As English Rose Becomes Frankel’s Newest Stakes Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dedicated to international racing and those who take the greatest care of its star athletes, Fasig-Tipton will sponsor a Best Turned Out prize of $2,666 for the world's richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) Feb. 24. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton will sponsor a world-record Best Turned Out prize of $2,666 (SAR 10,000) for the world's richest race, the Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup Feb. 24, the auction house said in a release early Friday. Best Turned Out honors for each of the remaining eight races of The Saudi Cup Saturday card will also be offered, with prizes of $667 (SAR 2,500) to each winning groom. Fasig-Tipton will be represented on site by Anna Seitz (Director of Client Relations) and Michael Adolphson (Middle East Representative), who will help judge the contests. The Saudi Cup's Saturday card boasts $33.5 million of the global showcase's record $37.6 million in purses, including two Group 1s. Seven Fasig-Tipton graduates will compete, topped by Power In Numbers (Girvin), Scotland Yard (Quality Road) and National Treasure (Quality Road) in G1 Saudi Cup. Christopher Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said, “The racing industry is built around the people who take such good care of our equine athletes and we are very pleased to join forces with Fasig-Tipton to honor and recognize their efforts on our biggest race night of the year.” “The Saudi Cup has stamped itself as one of the world's great race meetings and we are honored to take part, especially with so many great horsemen in the region having supported Fasig-Tipton over the years,” said Boyd Browning, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fasig-Tipton. We are thankful to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia for not only being part of our growing and gratifying relationship with the Middle East, but also allowing us to reward those who work so hard taking such great care of the beautiful animals so integral to our lives.” Fasig-Tipton will also offer $2,666 (SAR 10,000) in Best Turned Out prizes on King Abdulaziz Cups Day, Mar. 9, including $400 (SAR 1,500) for both of the King Abdulaziz Cup races. The post Fasig-Tipton To Sponsor Record Best Turned Out At Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 38th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Oct. 12 at Laurel Park. The event is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million.View the full article

Irish 2,000 Guineas winner and Group 1-winning two-year-old Mac Swiney (Ire) has relocated from the Irish National Stud to Anngrove Stud for the 2024 season. Mac Swiney lit up the 2021 season for trainer/breeder Jim Bolger when beating his stable-mate, the 2,000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare (Ire), to land the Irish 2,000 Guineas. A three-time winner as a juvenile, he had ended his debut season with victory in the G1 Vertem Futurity having also landed the G2 Beresford S. Mac Swiney's dam Halle Na Saoire (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is a full-sister to the Group 2 winner Light Heavy (Ire). Anngrove Stud's Alastair Pim commented, “We are delighted to stand Mac Swiney. It's rare that a small stud gets the chance to stand a Classic winner in his first year at stud. He was a high class two-year-old who showed speed and versatility and is a Classic winning three-year-old. As the late great Paddy Mullins said to my father 'every National Hunt mare in the country will stay three miles, it's the bit of speed they need in the final furlong' and Mac Swiney certainly fits that criteria.” MacSwiney, described by Bolger as 'tough, courageous and adaptable' joined the Irish National Stud roster initially for 2024. However, the switch to Anngrove Stud is thought to better suit his appeal to the dual-purpose breeders. Irish National Stud boss Cathal Beale said, “In recognition of the Irish National Stud's enduring support of National Hunt racing and breeding we are delighted to offer a horse of Mac Swiney's calibre to the breeders of Ireland, he is a beautiful specimen with lots of quality and a big strong athletic walk. INS has a long tradition of standing our dual-purpose horses with the Pim family at Anngrove Stud. The sire line speaks for itself with horses like Pied Piper flying the flag for New Approach.” The post Irish 2,000 Guineas Winner Mac Swiney Relocates To Anngrove Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' MANAMA GOLD (f, 3, Star Guitar–Charged Cotton, Dehere) remained perfect with a 1 1/4-length tally in the AED700,000 G3 UAE Oaks over the closing Mizzyaan (Justify) at Meydan Racecourse on Friday. It was the first stakes win for the chestnut, who covered the 1900-metre trip in 2:00.81. In charge from the bell, as none of her five rivals seemed overly interested in picking up the baton, Manama Gold was always going along at an easy clip while staying fairly close to the rail past the clubhouse turn and down the backstretch. Mizzyaan kept a close eye on the Fawzi Nass trainee the whole way around from second just off Manama Gold's girth, and Lighting Paradise (Congrats) saved every inch of ground in third. Once the real running began, Manama Gold did not open up as readily as in her past two trips to the post, but she still managed to come home without ever being headed, albeit the winning margin was smaller. Adrie de Vries took care with his filly, and did not ask too much of her to secure the victory. Lightning Paradise threatened to take over the place position down the lane, but Mizzyaan found another gear and fought her off to retain second, 1 3/4 lengths ahead of that foe. Sales history: $100,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $200,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, AED726,000. O-Victorious. B-Brittlyn, Inc. (LA). T-Fawzi Nass. *1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. 1-9 favorite #4 MANAMA GOLD, by @StarGuitarLA, wins the G3 UAE Oaks. Adrie De Vries in the irons on the unbeaten filly, who is now three for three. pic.twitter.com/MFMnas52P7 — TVG (@TVG) February 23, 2024 The post Star Guitar’s TDN Rising Star Manama Gold Remains Unbeaten in UAE Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Hong Kong Gold Cup Day Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, February 25, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Group 1 action returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, with the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) headlining a bumper 10-race program. The rail is in the A+3 position throughout, and with the radar suggesting no rain will hit the course proper, punters should expect a genuine Good 4 for race-day. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Hong Kong Gold Cup: Straight Arron Straight Arron will need to find a career peak to beat Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Gold Cup. He closed off gallantly in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 10 when going down by less than a length, and jockey Vincent Ho believed his mount was unlucky. His most recent effort in the Group 3 Centenary Vase (1800m) under handicap conditions was sensational without winning, and with set weight certain to help his chances, Straight Arron appears to be a sensible bet with Romantic Warrior likely to jump at less than even money with HK racing bookmakers. Hong Kong Gold Cup Race 7 – #3 Straight Arron (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Bet at Sha Tin: Gorgeous Win Gorgeous Win is a star on the rise and should prove too classy as he searches for his third win in start five. The son of Press Statement made a mess of his rivals in his most recent start at this course and distance on January 28, cruising through the wire under a confident steer from Zac Purton. The handicapper hasn’t missed the three-year-old, however, hammering him with a 4.5kg penalty for his trouble. All things being even, though, it simply shouldn’t matter, because Gorgeous Win appears to have this lot covered as he eyes bigger targets outside Class 3 company. Best Bet Race 9 – #3 Gorgeous Win (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Zac Purton (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Top Scorer Top Scorer is beginning to test the patience of punters, as his three starts to date have all ended in the minor money. Barrier 12 of 14 proved too tough to overcome in his most recent outing at this track and trip, getting too far back under Zac Purton to make an impact. His class pushed him into a third-place finish on that occasion, and with that being his first hit-out over the 1400m, the John Size-trained galloper should take plenty of benefit from the experience. Purton will need to navigate stall 10 this time, but with less depth around him on Sunday, Top Scorer can finally crack his maiden. Next Best Race 6 – #3 Top Scorer (10) 3yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Sha Tin: Amazing Victory You would be hard pressed to find a galloper more deserving of a win than Amazing Victory as he heads to Sha Tin for start six of his winless campaign. The gelding by Sizzling has been unlucky on numerous occasions, none more so than his latest attempt on January 28. He was crowded for room throughout the straight and never saw daylight under Derek Leung, who simply couldn’t get clear when the whips were cracking. He seemingly had a lapful of horse, though, and provided he can get a bit more luck in transit, Amazing Victory should be doing his best work late in the Sha Tin finale. Best Value Race 10 – #3 Amazing Victory (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: Hugh Bowman (60kg) Bet with Picklebet Hong Kong quaddie tips for Sha Tin races Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, February 25, 2024 1-2-3-10 2-3-6-7-9-10-11-12 3 3-4-5-7-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Mudgee Races Where Mudgee Race Club – Ulan Rd, Bombira NSW 2850 When Sunday, February 25, 2024 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to Mudgee on Sunday afternoon, with the $150,000 Country Championships Qualifier taking top billing on a massive eight-race program. The rail is out +4m between the 900m and 600m markers, while it sits true for the remainder. It should be a fair afternoon of racing, with an improving Soft 6 surface expected for race-day. The opening race is set to get underway at 12:55pm AEDT. Country Championships Qualifier: Life’s A Party Life’s A Party has had seven starts this campaign and has found the winners’ enclosure on three occasions. That includes his latest effort at Bathurst on February 12, relishing the wet conditions to score by 1.4 lengths. The son of Star Turn has proved competitive on top of the ground as well, with a career peak coming at Randwick on December 30 when producing a runner-up performance in Highway company behind an airborne Gallant Star. That form jumps off the page for a race like this, and with the 1400m seemingly ideal for the Mark Jones-trained galloper, punters can expect Life’s A Party to book his ticket to the Country Championships Final on April 6. Country Championships Qualifier Race 7 – #11 Life’s A Party (6) 5yo Mare | T: Mark Jones | J: Grant Buckley (55.5kg) +300 with Neds Best Bet at Mudgee: Bit Of Banter After dispatching her rivals by three lengths on debut at Bathurst on February 12, Bit Of Banter will take plenty of beating second-up. The three-year-old was able to take up a stalking position on that occasion, and when asked for the ultimate effort by Ashley Morgan, the daughter of Written Tycoon stormed down the centre of the course to score. The Bjorn Baker barn elects to keep her at the sprinting trip over 1200m on Sunday, and although there is some depth to this Class 1 contest, Bit Of Banter will prove very hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Bit Of Banter (9) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Ashley Morgan (56.5kg) +100 with Bet365 Next Best: Tokyo Run Tokyo Run made an eye-catching debut for the Dean Mirfin stable after being transferred from the Chris Waller barn and seems to be relishing his new conditions. The three-year-old gelding launched from the rear of the field at Bathurst on February 12 and was always going to find the 1100m too sharp. Getting out to the 1400m should be ideal for the son of Staphanos, and with form from last preparation suggesting Tokyo Run has plenty of upside, this guy should be right in this maiden contest. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Tokyo Run (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Dean Mirfin | J: Matthew Cahil (61kg) +250 with Unibet Mudgee Sunday quaddie tips – 25/2/2024 Mudgee quadrella selections Sunday, February 25, 2024 1-11-12 5-6-7-9 1-5-11-16 1-3-5-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Australian jockey expects Kuroyanagi to seriously challenge leading contenders in Group One feature at Caulfield on SaturdayView the full article

Roger James and Robert Wellwood already have the $1.40 favourite for the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), and a trip to Otaki this weekend could earn them an even greater share of the spotlight during the upcoming Ellerslie carnival. James and Wellwood’s impressive last-start winner Mark Twain will run in Saturday’s $50,000 New World Otaki New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m), which he will use as a lead-up to the $500,000 Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 9. Mark Twain showed real ability as a three-year-old last season, winning twice before flashing home for fourth in Sharp ‘N’ Smart’s New Zealand Derby at Te Rapa. The son of Shocking finished midfield in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) on a heavy Randwick track at the beginning of April, then was given a long break by James and Wellwood. After resuming with a fourth over 1400m on November 30 and then a third over 2040m on January 11, Mark Twain took a big step forward with a brilliant finishing burst from well off the pace to win a 2100m Rating 75 at Te Rapa on February 10. The TAB now rates Mark Twain a $7 chance for the Auckland Cup, sharing second favouritism with his stablemate Dionysus. The $5 favourite is last weekend’s Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) winner Asterix. Wellwood reported on Friday that Kingsclere Stables has been pleased with Mark Twain’s progress through the early stages of his four-year-old campaign. “He’s still learning how to do things in the right fashion, but if he gets a bit of luck and the gaps appear at the right times, he does possess a very good turn of foot,” he said. “He showed that at Te Rapa and won quite impressively. “We’ve been really happy with him since that race. He’s in grand order and is working well.” James and Wellwood entered Mark Twain for three different races this weekend, including the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Equine Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata, but picked out the St Leger Trial as the best Auckland Cup lead-up. “We nominated him in a few different races, just trying to work out what might suit him best leading into the Auckland Cup in a couple of weeks’ time,” Wellwood said. “There were a couple of reasons why we ended up opting for this race. One is that it’s probably the most suitable distance at 2300m, and another factor is the smaller field. He drew wide in that big field at Matamata and would have had to get a long way back. This race just looked like the most suitable step for him as we work towards an Auckland Cup.” Mark Twain will be joined at Otaki by his stablemate Achieve, who will line up in the Harcourts Otaki Handicap (2200m). The daughter of Pierro placed in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m), Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) and Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) as a three-year-old. She struggled for consistency in her four-year-old campaign last season, but has shown promise with two placings from her three starts so far in this new preparation. “We’ve been really happy with her,” Wellwood said. “She’s an honest mare who we think will be suited by the 2200m on Saturday. We’re hoping she’s not far away from putting her hoof in the till.” Meanwhile, Wellwood has mixed feelings leading into next Saturday’s New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie. The stable’s star filly Orchestral has towered over the prestigious classic since her dominant performance in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) last weekend. “It’s a very exciting position to be in, although it’s a bit nerve-racking as well,” he said. “But she just keeps getting better and better as we go along, and last weekend was quite a special performance to watch. “At this stage we’re really happy with how her Derby build-up has gone. She’ll probably gallop in the morning, and then we may not have to do much more with her through the week leading into the race.” View the full article

Extra distance and a switch to weight-for-age for Saturday’s Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) are steps in the right direction for Ladies Man, but his trainer Allan Sharrock is looking a few weeks further down the road. Saturday’s $400,000 feature will be only the second Group One appearance for Ladies Man, who scored a brilliant come-from-behind victory in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings in October. The six-year-old son of Zed later made two appearances during the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington in November, including a second placing in the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m). Ladies Man returned to action in a 1400m open handicap at New Plymouth on February 3, making up late ground for third behind runaway winner Ifndoubtgetout. “I thought that was a massive run under 62kg,” Sharrock said. “He’s a serious racehorse. “It’s still going to be a bit short for him tomorrow at 1600m, but his work has been super. We’re hoping to see him run another good race, and then his main goal will be the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) at Ellerslie. He’s going to have to come up against Legarto there, which is not a prospect many of us would relish, but he’s coming up really well and going the right way. I’m more than happy with the horse.” Ladies Man will be ridden by Kate Hercock on Saturday and is rated a $10 chance in a market dominated by the high-flying Desert Lightning ($2.50). Ladies Man headlines a talented Otaki team for Sharrock, who will also saddle the unbeaten Alexandra Quick in the Tele Otaki Handicap (1400m). The four-year-old daughter of Per Incanto has made a huge impression in both of her starts to date. “Those two wins have been a little bit spooky and she seems to have got a bit of that X-factor,” Sharrock said. “But the thing with her is that, as we move her up through the grades, she can’t carry on doing things as badly wrong as she has been and still keep winning races. “She had a jumpout on Monday where she got away well and took up a position just behind the leaders. She did everything perfectly there, which was pleasing to see. “We’ll have to wait and see what she does when we get her back to the races, but if she’s as good as she was in the jumpout, she’s got to be a very good chance.” Saturday’s New World Otaki New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m) marks the first appearance by Waisake since he lost his rider in the early stages of last month’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m). “He’s taken no harm from that and has actually been working superbly,” Sharrock said. “This race will be a bit of a fork in the road for his campaign. It’ll tell us whether we look at the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m) or the St Leger (2600m). “I think we’ve got a handful of nice chances on Saturday. Malachy seems a promising enough three-year-old and he didn’t have a lot of luck last time. There’s not many in his race this weekend and it’ll probably be a cat-and-mouse affair, but he’s got some good ability there. “Tshiebwe needed his last-start run and could be quite a progressive stayer in the making. Going up to 2200m should suit him. “Tavattack is coming up well. We could look at the Easter Handicap (Gr.3, 1600m) with him, or he could even travel with Ladies Man if we take him to Sydney or Brisbane. “So even though there’s probably none I’d be wanting to put $2000 to win on, I think a few of ours should be running nice races.” View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Graeme Rogerson has bigger and better things in mind for all three of his runners at Otaki on Saturday, including a potential quick back-up into next weekend’s Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie. Rogerson will run Solidify in Saturday’s $40,000 Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1600m). “If he runs a good race at Otaki tomorrow and pulls up well afterwards, we’ll think very seriously about running him in the Derby,” said Rogerson, who trains in partnership with his wife Debbie. Solidify was a Listed winner at Te Rapa last autumn, then had no luck in two black-type appearances during the Queensland winter carnival. A second placing in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) was the highlight of an up-and-down spring for the son of Redwood, who was later gelded and spelled before returning with a 10th in this month’s Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. “He didn’t quite perform to his best in the spring, but he had a twisted testicle and we gelded him,” Rogerson said. “We ran him in the Group One sprint first-up, which was a tough race for him to kick off in, but I thought he got going quite nicely in the last 50m. I was very happy with the run. “He’s been working well since then and I’m expecting a big performance from him tomorrow. It’ll be interesting to see whether he can earn himself a shot at the Derby.” The TAB currently rates Solidify an $81 chance in its Derby market, which is headed by exceptional filly Orchestral at $1.40. Team Rogerson already has a leading Derby contender in the form of last-start Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) runner-up Just As Sharp, who is on the third line of favouritism at $10. “I thought his Avondale Guineas run was super under the circumstances,” Rogerson said. “I didn’t think they’d be winning from the back at Ellerslie that day, so we decided to change his pattern of racing. Ryan Elliot rode him to instructions and had him up closer to the pace. As it turned out, the filly was able to run him down. We were still very happy with him considering the amount of work he’d done in the running. “I think he’ll make a race of it against that filly in the Derby – I really do. We’ll ride him quieter. It’s going to be a good race to watch, and I’m looking forward to it.” The other two Rogerson-trained runners at Otaki on Saturday are last-start winner Hanalei Star, who will join Solidify among a small field in the Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO, and promising stayer Infer in the Harcourts Otaki Handicap (2200m). “Hanalei Star is a filly on the way up, and she needs racing,” Rogerson said. “She’s been a very slow learner. This race should suit her – it’s only a little field, although there’s a couple of quite nice horses in it. “I wanted to run her in the Lowland Stakes (Gr.2, 2100m) next Wednesday, but she still needs another good hit-out before going up to that sort of distance. I’ll see how she goes here and then decide on Monday whether we back her up in the Lowland. “I think Infer is a really good staying horse in the making. He won easily at Matamata last start, then was unfortunately late-scratched at Te Rapa the other day – he had a bruise on his heel, and I put a pad over it and that just ended up pressing down on it. “That’s come right now and he worked like a Cup horse on Tuesday. We’ll have a look at him tomorrow before making any firm decisions, but I think we’ll likely press on towards the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m). We’ve got quite a bit to look forward to over the next couple of weeks, I think.” View the full article

A star-studded field of three-year-olds vying for Randwick Guineas glory takes centre stage at Rosehill Gardens for the 2024 Hobartville Stakes in Sydney on Saturday. Group 1 winner Tom Kitten is the three-year-old to beat at set weights in the Hobartville this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart. This Group 2, $400,000 race features 13 contenders, with Godolphin’s Tom Kitten leading the charge at $3.50 in the latest Hobartville markets at Ladbrokes. The Spring Champion Stakes winner aims to bounce back from an unplaced effort in his first run this prep. Partnered by Nash Rawiller from barrier four, he looks set to improve with a lighter weight (56.6kg) on a likely Soft track. Encap ($6), trained by Gary Portelli, seeks his second turf victory after a narrow defeat in the Golden Rose Stakes. Fukubana ($6.50), trained by Matthew Dunn, has been well-supported and boasts fitness with two recent runs. Les Bridge’s Celestial Legend ($8), Michael Freedman’s Ducasse ($9), and Waterhouse/Bott’s Les Vampires ($9.50) are among other contenders to watch. The race is set for Rosehill Race 8 at 4:35 PM (AEDT) in Sydney on Saturday. Don’t miss this exciting clash as future stars vie for Randwick Guineas positioning! 2024 Hobartville Stakes Field No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 14x13321x6 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Nash Rawiller 4 56.5kg 100 2 3x223125x3 ENCAP Gary Portelli Jason Collett 12 56.5kg 95 3 786x41183x GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 7 56.5kg 88 4 616416x RAF ATTACK (NZ) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 13 56.5kg 85 5 37x4763x1 DUCASSE Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 2 56.5kg 78 6 12x842x HEMAN Peter & Paul Snowden Tyler Schiller 8 56.5kg 78 7 21x25x5 CELESTIAL LEGEND Les Bridge Kerrin McEvoy 10 56.5kg 77 8 312x6x CEOLWULF (NZ) Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 9 56.5kg 76 9 25×6185336 FLYING TRAPEZE Gary Portelli Dylan Gibbons (a) 3 56.5kg 76 10 150x840x CAFE MILLENIUM John O’Shea Zac Lloyd (a) 6 56.5kg 70 11 12×31 FUKUBANA Matthew Dunn James McDonald 5 56.5kg 70 12 317×1 LES VAMPIRES Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Joshua Parr 1 56.5kg 70 13 1x06x2 LAST STRAW John Sargent Tom Sherry 11 54.5kg 66 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 Randwick Guineas Hopefuls Clash in Thrilling Hobartville Stakes 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Disappointing news for racing fans as Peter & Paul Snowden’s colt Bodyguard has been scratched from the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes. The unbeaten colt, a leading contender, failed two veterinary examinations due to lameness. Bodyguard has been withdrawn from the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes field due to lameness. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. Bodyguard, a $1.6 million purchase, was aiming for his third win from three starts and the prestigious Prelude-Blue Diamond double. His scratching leaves jockey Mark Zahra without a ride in the race. The Snowdens still have Fearless in the race for the same connections, an eye-catching runner-up in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes. He is currently an outsider at $34 in Blue Diamond betting at Ladbrokes. High Octane is also prepared by the father and son training duo and is at a shorter quote of $6 through Ladbrokes to improve on his lead-up fifth in the Prelude. With Bodyguard out, Matt Laurie’s Coleman (Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes winner) solidifies his position as the $3.50 favourite. First emergency In Her Eyes enters the field at 50/1. All other contenders are cleared to run. The Blue Diamond Stakes remains the feature race on Saturday’s Caulfield card (Race 8, 4:15 PM AEDT). 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 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes Field Loses Top Contender Bodyguard appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Strapper Lorraine Edwards, winning jockey Aaron Sweeney and trainer Dick Leech after Early Crow won the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) at Fannie Bay during the 2023 Darwin Cup Carnival. (Picture: Caroline Camilleri/Darwin Photography Professionals) Early Crow returns on Saturday at Pioneer Park as he eyes the Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on April 6 during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival. After spending six months in the paddock following his Palmerston Sprint win last August, the five-year-old gelding will find it tough against a high-quality field over 1100m at Benchmark 76 level. Throw At Da Stumps and Mighty Murt are in good form, Kickatorp and Kerioth did little wrong first-up recently, and although Supreme Times and Perkova are returning from a spell, it was hard to fault their form leading up to Christmas. Early Crow was allotted 61kg for Saturday’s race, but the booking of apprentice hoop Lek Maloney brings the weight down to 58kg. Still, the Dick Leech-trained gelding will have to jump from the outside gate in the seven-horse field. Most of Early Crow’s rivals on Saturday have the Pioneer Sprint in their sights as well, so it should prove a highly competitive affair. “It’s a small field, but it’s full of quality and it’s not very often you can say that every horse has a genuine chance,” TRNT chief executive officer Andrew O’Toole said. “Most of them should back up in the Pioneer Sprint, so you can’t see many of them taking a backward step on Saturday. “Early Crow has good Alice Springs form having won three races from five starts, but it will be a big effort if he wins after such a long break. “However, he does have a respectable first-up record and you just know that Dick will have him heading in the right direction, although no doubt he will derive plenty improvement from the run. “Throw At Da Stumps from the Kerry Petrick yard has been terrific since arriving in the Alice having posted two wins from three Alice starts – he finished second behind the impressive Great Buy in his only other start.” Early Crow was the early +200 favourite from Throw At Da Stumps (+300), with the other five runners were at a single-figure price with the top online bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Sword Point is a two-time winner in Hong Kong for Frankie Lor. Frankie Lor will saddle Money Catcher and Sword Point against the might of Romantic Warrior in Sunday’s HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. The Triple Crown’s second leg features 11 runners, including Voyage Bubble, winner of the first leg – the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m). Romantic Warrior heads the declarations and is chasing a sixth Group 1 crown from the widest barrier. Money Catcher and Sword Point return aiming to recapture their best form, with the front-running Money Catcher drawing gate 10. Sword Point breaks from post five. “He’s (Money Catcher) a one-paced horse but he’s always consistent. Luke Ferraris rides him and he looks good in trackwork. We’ll see what happens,” Lor said. Money Catcher hasn’t quite reproduced his heroics from last season which returned two Group 3 wins and a pair of Group 1 placings. He’s managed only one top-three finish from six runs, finishing third in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) behind Straight Arron, while Sword Point produced a career-high when second in that same race. “He (Sword Point) looks like he can improve but not too much. Maybe a little bit, 2000 metres is suitable for him and Lyle Hewitson rides him,” Lor said. Each runner in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup carries 126lb. Voyage Bubble drew barrier seven with Zac Purton, while Straight Arron goes from stall six under Hugh Bowman. The HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) in May is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown. River Verdon (1994) is the only Triple Crown winner in Hong Kong racing history. Beauty Joy, Encountered, Nimble Nimbus, Senor Toba, Five G Patch and Champion Dragon round out the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup field. Now in the second half of the 2023/24 racing season, former Hong Kong Champion Trainer (2021/22) Lor is expecting improvement from his yard as the campaign progresses. “So far, so good. It’s been not too bad this season but some horses have injuries and temperatures, so it’s hard to say, I hope over the next few months it should get better,” he said. Lor has a team of seven engaged this weekend as he aims to enhance his 24 wins this campaign, including sparkling debut winner Illuminous in the Class 3 Citi Investment Services Handicap (1400m) with Karis Teetan up. “I’m looking towards the Derby and hopefully, he’ll get a higher rating. At the moment he is only rated 71, so I need to race him two times at least and see if he can win. If he can, maybe we can look forward to the Derby,” Lor said. The HK$26 million 147th Hong Kong Derby (2000m) is run on 24 March. Benno Yung has last-start winner Ace Victory lining up in the Class 3 Citi Mortgage Services Handicap (1200m) with Jerry Chau booked to ride. The five-year-old rises in grade and steps away from barrier 10. “He dropped to Class 4 and the field was a bit weak. It’ll be a big challenge for him back up in grade,” Yung said. Fun Together takes aim at Illuminous in the finale for Yung, who hopes the three-time winner this season has further scope to ascend. Chau remains aboard the 70-rater. “I think his form is still pretty good and he is improving. He’s a nice horse,” he said. Following her win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, trainer Pierre Ng is eyeing more success in the upper grades with Bon’s A Pearla. “It was a nice win. With a lighter weight on her she can really sprint home well, it wasn’t top weight – last time it was and that was a bit difficult for her. I’m looking forward to running her in Class 2 with a light weight – she’ll be very competitive there,” he said. Ng has eight runners declared at Sha Tin on Sunday, including Frantanck in the Class 3 Citi Insurance Services Handicap (1600m) who jumps from barrier one. “He’s very consistent but he’s sort of one-paced and he’s hard to get in front. Angus Chung rides this time and we’ll keep rolling him to the front,” Ng said. Jumbo Fortune represents the stable aiming for a second win through 2023/24. “He’s racing well. He ran well last start, he finished off to get within two lengths of the winner last time out. 1400 metres and a light weight – he will be competitive,” Ng said. Antoine Hamelin rides Jumbo Fortune from gate seven this weekend. Horse racing news View the full article

Solidify (outside) will contest the Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Hall of Fame trainer Graeme Rogerson has bigger and better things in mind for all three of his runners at Otaki on Saturday, including a potential quick back-up into next weekend’s Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie. Rogerson will run Solidify in Saturday’s $40,000 Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1600m). “If he runs a good race at Otaki tomorrow and pulls up well afterwards, we’ll think very seriously about running him in the Derby,” said Rogerson, who trains in partnership with his wife Debbie. Solidify was a Listed winner at Te Rapa last autumn, then had no luck in two black-type appearances during the Queensland winter carnival. A second placing in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) was the highlight of an up-and-down spring for the son of Redwood, who was later gelded and spelled before returning with a 10th in this month’s Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. “He didn’t quite perform to his best in the spring, but he had a twisted testicle and we gelded him,” Rogerson said. “We ran him in the Group 1 sprint first-up, which was a tough race for him to kick off in, but I thought he got going quite nicely in the last 50m. I was very happy with the run. “He’s been working well since then and I’m expecting a big performance from him tomorrow. It’ll be interesting to see whether he can earn himself a shot at the Derby.” Bookmakers currently rate Solidify an $81 chance in its Derby market, which is headed by exceptional filly Orchestral at $1.40. Team Rogerson already has a leading Derby contender in the form of last-start Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) runner-up Just As Sharp, who is on the third line of favouritism at $10. “I thought his Avondale Guineas run was super under the circumstances,” Rogerson said. “I didn’t think they’d be winning from the back at Ellerslie that day, so we decided to change his pattern of racing. Ryan Elliot rode him to instructions and had him up closer to the pace. As it turned out, the filly was able to run him down. We were still very happy with him considering the amount of work he’d done in the running. “I think he’ll make a race of it against that filly in the Derby – I really do. We’ll ride him quieter. It’s going to be a good race to watch, and I’m looking forward to it.” The other two Rogerson-trained runners at Otaki on Saturday are last-start winner Hanalei Star, who will join Solidify among a small field in the Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO, and promising stayer Infer in the Harcourts Otaki Handicap (2200m). “Hanalei Star is a filly on the way up, and she needs racing,” Rogerson said. “She’s been a very slow learner. This race should suit her – it’s only a little field, although there’s a couple of quite nice horses in it. “I wanted to run her in the Lowland Stakes (Group 2, 2100m) next Wednesday, but she still needs another good hit-out before going up to that sort of distance. I’ll see how she goes here and then decide on Monday whether we back her up in the Lowland. “I think Infer is a really good staying horse in the making. He won easily at Matamata last start, then was unfortunately late-scratched at Te Rapa the other day – he had a bruise on his heel, and I put a pad over it and that just ended up pressing down on it. “That’s come right now and he worked like a Cup horse on Tuesday. We’ll have a look at him tomorrow before making any firm decisions, but I think we’ll likely press on towards the Auckland Cup (Group 2, 3200m). We’ve got quite a bit to look forward to over the next couple of weeks, I think.” Horse racing news View the full article

Desert Lightning will contest the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Waikato hoop Vinnie Colgan will trek down to Otaki on Saturday to partner exciting four-year-old Desert Lightning in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m), and he is hoping his charge can live up to his favourite’s tag. The Peter and Dawn Williams-trained gelding has been a standout this season, winning all but one of his four starts, including the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham in December and the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie last month. Bookmakers have the Pride Of Dubai gelding as a $2.50 fixed-odds favourite, with last start Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) victor Puntura on the second line of betting at $5. Colgan has been aboard Desert Lightning in all four starts this season and has been impressed with the way he has developed since his three-year-old term where he posted a solid record of a win and four placings from nine starts, including victory in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and placings in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), and Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2000m). “He was a nice three-year-old and still ran well in the bigger races last season, but this year he is just a different horse. He is so much stronger and his manners (are a lot better),” Colgan said. Colgan rode Desert Lightning in an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie last Saturday and is pleased with the gelding ahead of his Group 1 assignment. “He had a really nice gallop at Ellerslie on the weekend and galloped brilliant. I am really looking forward to this weekend,” he said. “As long as there is a bit of speed in the race, that will help him out a bit. He is definitely the horse to beat.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ladies Man winning the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings last October. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Extra distance and a switch to weight-for-age for Saturday’s Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) are steps in the right direction for Ladies Man, but his trainer Allan Sharrock is looking a few weeks further down the road. Saturday’s $400,000 feature will be only the second Group 1 appearance for Ladies Man, who scored a brilliant come-from-behind victory in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings in October. The six-year-old son of Zed later made two appearances during the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington in November, including a second placing in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m)Queen Elizabeth Stakes (VRC). Ladies Man returned to action in a 1400m open handicap at New Plymouth on February 3, making up late ground for third behind runaway winner Ifndoubtgetout. “I thought that was a massive run under 62kg,” Sharrock said. “He’s a serious racehorse. “It’s still going to be a bit short for him tomorrow at 1600m, but his work has been super. We’re hoping to see him run another good race, and then his main goal will be the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (Group 1, 2000m) at Ellerslie. He’s going to have to come up against Legarto there, which is not a prospect many of us would relish, but he’s coming up really well and going the right way. I’m more than happy with the horse.” Ladies Man will be ridden by Kate Hercock on Saturday and is rated a $10 chance in a market dominated by the high-flying Desert Lightning ($2.50). Ladies Man headlines a talented Otaki team for Sharrock, who will also saddle the unbeaten Alexandra Quick in the Tele Otaki Handicap (1400m). The four-year-old daughter of Per Incanto has made a huge impression in both of her starts to date. “Those two wins have been a little bit spooky and she seems to have got a bit of that X-factor,” Sharrock said. “But the thing with her is that, as we move her up through the grades, she can’t carry on doing things as badly wrong as she has been and still keep winning races. “She had a jumpout on Monday where she got away well and took up a position just behind the leaders. She did everything perfectly there, which was pleasing to see. “We’ll have to wait and see what she does when we get her back to the races, but if she’s as good as she was in the jumpout, she’s got to be a very good chance.” Saturday’s New World Otaki New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m) marks the first appearance by Waisake since he lost his rider in the early stages of last month’s Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m). “He’s taken no harm from that and has actually been working superbly,” Sharrock said. “This race will be a bit of a fork in the road for his campaign. It’ll tell us whether we look at the Auckland Cup (Group 2, 3200m) or the St Leger (2600m). “I think we’ve got a handful of nice chances on Saturday. Malachy seems a promising enough three-year-old and he didn’t have a lot of luck last time. There’s not many in his race this weekend and it’ll probably be a cat-and-mouse affair, but he’s got some good ability there. “Tshiebwe needed his last-start run and could be quite a progressive stayer in the making. Going up to 2200m should suit him. “Tavattack is coming up well. We could look at the Easter Handicap (Group 3, 1600m) with him, or he could even travel with Ladies Man if we take him to Sydney or Brisbane. “So even though there’s probably none I’d be wanting to put $2000 to win on, I think a few of ours should be running nice races.” Horse racing news View the full article

Captured By Love will contest the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) This Saturday’s juvenile features at Matamata are set to paint a clearer picture for upcoming Group 1 targets, and Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson is hoping for good showings from his high-class trio. Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker, will prepare Move To Strike and Unbridled Joy in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), while unbeaten filly Captured By Love will attempt a fourth-straight victory in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). A son of I Am Invincible, Move To Strike justified his scorching $1.20 favouritism on debut in December, but succumbed to talented stablemate Bellatrix Star at a similar quote in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) on New Year’s Day. “He was a very short-priced favourite that day and got rolled, but Bellatrix Star and Velocious were right there in the blanket finish, so it is very good form,” Bergerson said. “He’s just such a laid-back customer at home, we would’ve loved to get a trial into him between then and Saturday, but unfortunately with how the schedule has worked out, getting a grass trial didn’t work out. “He had an exhibition gallop at Matamata mid-week last week instead, and his work was super with an older horse. Opie (Bosson, jockey) rode him that day, and was pleased with him. “The blinkers go on, and we hope this will sharpen him up a bit. He’s a colt we’ve always had a lot of time for.” Punters have remained faithful to Move To Strike, backing him into $1.80 favouritism, while Bergerson is not discounting the chances of stablemate Unbridled Joy, who currently sits as the $7 equal third-favourite with Sam Weatherley engaged to ride. Unbridled Joy finished only behind fellow Te Akau runner When Stars Align on debut, and soon found the winner’s circle at his next attempt, with little favours in the running. “He’s certainly gone the right way since his win, he found a lot of trouble that day and still managed to get himself out of it and find the line really well,” Bergerson said. “Sam rode him on Tuesday and his work was super, he’s improved a lot and should be a nice chance as well, albeit in a strong field. He’s got a nice barrier (2), he should get a lovely run in behind the speed on Saturday.” Te Akau have claimed six of the last eight editions of the Matamata Slipper, most recently last year’s race with champion two-year-old Tokyo Tycoon. “It is a small field this year, but there is quality in there with Karaka Million form, and Cambridge Stud’s colts (Red Sea and I’m All In). It’s going to shape up as a very interesting race,” Bergerson said. The fillies’ race promises an exciting match-up between Captured By Love, and Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) victor Archaic Smile, alongside the Kelsos emphatic debut winner Alabama Lass. A daughter of Written Tycoon, Captured By Love left her rivals fighting for minor placings in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham, and overcame unfavourable conditions at Taranaki to score the Group 3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) on February 3. “She didn’t love the heavy track at New Plymouth, but she toughed it out and class got her over the line. She had a nice quiet week after that, and her work on Tuesday was good with Opie on the course proper,” Bergerson said. “It’s hard to line-up the form in the Breeders’, but we’ve got the experience and runs on the board and we’re really happy with her. There are some high-quality fillies’ there and the group one picture following Saturday will become a lot clearer.” Bergerson indicated each of the Te Akau two-year-olds would be aimed at the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 9, while all hold nominations for the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce (1400m) three weeks’ later at Trentham. “Getting through Saturday, the logical race for the three of them is the Sistema Stakes, but whether we split them up or not, we’re still not sure. They’ll have to run well, but ideally they’ll head in that direction,” he said. Te Akau will also be represented by capable duo Aotea Lad and Accidental Tourist in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Equine Kaimai Stakes (2000m), partnered by Bosson and Billy Jacobson respectively. “Aotea Lad produced a good tough run at Ellerslie on Saturday, he did a lot of work from a wide barrier but stuck on really well. We’ve taken a throw at the stumps with the quick back-up, but he seems in good form, carries a lot of condition and handles his racing well,” Bergerson said. “Accidental Tourist was well outclassed in the Aotearoa Classic, but on his day he is a very nice horse. It’s his first run over ground, it should be interesting, but if he discovers his best form, I wouldn’t be surprised if he could run a cheeky race.” After puzzling performances on Karaka Millions evening, Bergerson is hoping for an improved showing from Group One performers Talisker and Maven Belle at Otaki on Saturday. “Talisker was a bit disappointing in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), we were really happy with him going into the race, so whether it was the shifty track later in the day, we were scratching our heads a bit,” he said. “He seemed to have pulled-up fine, if he discovered that Crocetti form, he would be hard to beat in the 3YO 1600m down there. It does look like a nice soft race for him. “Similar case with Maven Belle, we thought she’d go a lot better than that in the Concorde (Group 3, 1200m) but she never really rounded off, whether it was the track, we aren’t sure. “Her work since has been faultless and the blinkers go on her, we’ll probably ride her quite conservatively and hope for a good performance, because on her day she is a Group 1 winner.” Horse racing news View the full article