Wandering Eyes

Milan Park’s Tony Rider went full-circle on gavelhouse.com on Monday night, buying back the multiple Group-winning mare Aromatic (NZ) (Sacred Falls) for $257,500. Rider bred Aromatic and offered her in Milan Park’s yearling draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2018, where she was bought by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $160,000. Aromatic carried the tangerine colours of Te Akau to six wins and 14 placings from a 32-start racing career, earning more than $419,000 for her owners in the Te Akau Sacred Wine Syndicate. The highly talented grey was a triple Group winner during the 2022-23 season, capturing the Group Two Travis Stakes (2000m), Group Three Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m) and Group Three Counties Cup (2100m). But Aromatic’s significance to Rider stretches beyond her own racetrack achievements. She is out of one of his foundation horses, Vickezzchardonnay (NZ) (Don Eduardo), who herself won five races including the Group Three Taranaki Cup (1800m) and finished fourth in the Group One Auckland Cup (3200m) and a brave fifth in the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “It’s certainly special to buy this mare back, and I’m very, very happy to have her,” Rider said. “I think I own most of the family – there’s one in Australia, but all the rest are here with me. “Vickezzchardonnay was one of the very first horses I bought from the late David Benjamin. I bought three weanlings from him at that early stage, and she was one of them, and it’s amazing what she’s done for us since then. “Aromatic really did the family proud during her career with Te Akau. David Ellis and Mark Walker always spoke very highly of her and said she had a massive heart and would just keep trying. “She’s quite similar to her mother Vickezzchardonnay in that regard – she also had an incredible heart. Noel Harris rode her when she finished fourth in the Oaks, and he said that he looked down at the turn into the home straight and could see a shoe dangling off her foot. He wasn’t going to ask her to do too much from that point on, but she kept going herself. She tried so hard all the way down that straight, got up into fifth place, and then they had to walk her off the track. She just had such a huge heart, and from what Aromatic did in her career, it looks like that’s a trait that runs in the family. “I’m delighted to have bought her and really looking forward to breeding from her. I haven’t made any plans yet in terms of what stallions we might send her to – that’s something we’ll work out as we get a bit closer to the next breeding season. But she’s going to be a terrific addition to the broodmare band at Milan Park.” Other notable results in the auction was the sale of Love For All for $25,000 and with plenty of competition during the final countdown, clearance settled at 77%. Entries are now being taken for the next fortnightly mixed bloodstock auction and are due online by 10pm on Monday 26th February. The catalogue then launches on Thursday 27th February and the auction runs through until 7pm (NZT) on Monday 4 March. View the full article

The tangerine and blue silks of Te Akau Racing command respect at each Riccarton Park meeting, and the stable will present another strong team of runners across the 10-race card on Friday. A gate malfunction causing a false start marred an impressive four-win haul by Te Akau a fortnight ago at the Christchurch track, with co-trainer Sam Bergerson citing this as a likely reason for the below par performance of Stella Splendida (NZ) (Zoustar). The Zoustar four-year-old had journeyed south off the back of two consecutive victories while based at Matamata, and will hope to gain redemption for last start’s misfortunes in the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Rating 75 (1200m) on Friday. “She can overdo it at the best of times, so the false start really put pay to her chances,” said Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “Niranjan Parmar was on board, and he said she got back to the start very worked up after the false start, and the writing was on the wall before she jumped the second time. “We’ve turned the page considering how good her previous two wins were, she’s a well-bred mare that we’ve always thought a lot of so hopefully this race can get her back on track.” Warren Kennedy will take the reins aboard Stella Splendida, having made several trips this season to partner Te Akau’s team. Fellow Northern hoop Ashvin Goindasamy will also venture south and has been booked to ride stablemate Angels Wings (Heroic Valour) in the same event. Despite starting the less-favoured runner against Te Akau filly Superbly Written (Written Tycoon) last time out, Angels Wings prevailed down the 1200m chute, form that was franked when the stablemate went on to score dominantly the following start. “Her win last time was really good, she steps up to Rating 75 now, but she beat Superbly Written there which turned out to be nice form,” Bergerson said. With several southern feature days approaching, Bergerson is keeping black-type options in mind for the pair, with a potential tilt at the Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on March 16. “We could push them out to the mile, but we’ll just have to play that as we go, if their form warranted it. If so, we’d certainly have a crack, black-type is ultimately the goal,” he said. Among the stables’ better chances is Cambridge Stud-owned filly Tranquila (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the Christchurch Accommodation At West Fitzroy Maiden (1400m), having her second start out of Riccarton after a luckless second-placed finish behind Spot On Time (NZ) (Time Test). “She found a lot of trouble in that race, she drew well and was shuffled back, but she was really strong through the line. If she was to win well, we may possibly look to back her up in the Airfreight Stakes (Listed, 1400m) next weekend at Wingatui,” Bergerson said. In an open field, Deep Field gelding Bello Mio looks a likely prospect in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 65 (1400m), with a tidy performance first-up in the south. “He was going okay in the north, so we sent him down for a change of scenery to spark him up, and his run was really good first-up down there, he got a long way back and he hit the line well,” Bergerson said. “He’s got a nice draw with Warren on, so it looks a nice race for him to hopefully step up through the grades. Consistent runner Our Milly Bee (Merchant Navy) will resume in the Riccarton Park Function Centre Rating 65 (1200m), alongside stablemate French Rose (NZ) (Burgundy), a sister to classy former-chute galloper Burgundy Rose (NZ). “Hunter (Durrant, stable foreman) and the team are really happy with both of these mares, though ideally we would’ve liked to have given Our Milly Bee a quiet trial last week at Riccarton, but they were called off,” Bergerson said. “But she’s had plenty of time after her freshen-up to get the work into her. She has a bit of a niggly gate, but Warren going down to ride the team is a huge assist, he’s in fine form.” “French Rose’s first-up run there was okay, obviously she’s back to weaker mid-week grade which will help. She’s not very big, but she’s very honest. Both will be nice each-way chances.” View the full article

Robbie Patterson is enjoying another stellar season and is firmly on target to eclipse the heroics of his stable in the 2022/23 term. The New Plymouth trainer has sent out 39 winners, including a personal best of six at Group or Listed level, with the stable’s earnings already north of $1.8 million. “It’s been a ripper and we’ve won a few good races and I’m just hoping it continues,” Patterson said. “I wanted to replicate last season and get to 50 wins and $1 million in stakes and then I would be happy. “We’ve nearly got $2 million and we’ll hopefully get to 50 again and we’ve won a lot of Group races, so it’s been great.” Patterson will have several chances to advance his tally on Saturday with runners at Otaki and Matamata and most significantly Puntura in the Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at the Central Districts venue. The son of Vespa has been the star of the show with consecutive successes in the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m), the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) crowned by his last-start victory in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). “He trialled up really nicely at Foxton last week and he jumped out again at New Plymouth on Monday,” Patterson said. “He’s really flying and I couldn’t be happier. He’s drawn eight of 10 and that’s not going to worry him, he’s a big horse and needs room so he’ll roll forward and put himself in the race.” Safely through Otaki, the lure of a share of the $650,000 Summer Series bonus may see Puntura head to Ellerslie on March 9. “We’ll wait and see how he comes through Saturday, but he has got nine points in the Summer Series Bonus and the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m) is the final leg so we might have a throw of the dice at that,” Patterson said. He will also be represented in the New World Otaki New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m) by The Underbelly, who will be chasing his fourth win on the bounce. “He just keeps improving out of every race and he’s a big, chilled out dude,” Patterson said. “He’ll get a nice run and he’ll see the 2300m out, he’ll love that. I’m very confident, even though he’s moving up a step again.” Patterson’s other runner is The Hottie in The Tele Otaki Handicap (1400m), who will drop back in grade after an unplaced run in the Anniversary. “A little bit of give in the track will help and she was second-up in the Anniversary,” he said. “She had done really well and it was probably trainer error more than anything, she had got away on me a bit. She jumped out on Monday and finished right beside Ladies Man so she’s going into it as good as she can be.” Craig Grylls will be aboard all three of Patterson’s representatives at Otaki. At Matamata, Contribute has been given the nod over stablemate Our Jumala in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Equine Kaimai Stakes (2000m). “Contribute has gone in the right direction since she won the Taranaki Cup (1800m),” Patterson said. “Ciel Butler will ride her again and she’s been gleaming after every bit of trackwork and Our Jumala is coming up a peg or two and is in open company now so we can’t hide. “Courtney Barnes will ride her, but I think Contribute will have to be the top chance in that.” View the full article

What Silver Slipper Stakes Day Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) for the three-year-olds is the pick of the races at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday, with strong support from the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) and the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m). The rail has moved back to the true position, and with some showers expected to hit the course, the surface is expected to sit somewhere in the Soft range. The massive day of racing is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm AEDT. Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes: Espionage Espionage seems prepared for a first-up assault in the Silver Slipper Stakes for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian bott barn. The son of Zoustar proved too good for stablemate Straight Charge on debut in the Group 3 Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick on September 30 and was immediately sent to the paddock. The stable has been biding its time with this guy, and after two outstanding barrier trials, Espionage must be considered the one to beat in the Silver Slipper Stakes. Silver Slipper Stakes Race 4 – #1 Espionage (3) 2yo Colt | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Nash Rawiller (56.5kg) +150 with Picklebet Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes: Zougotcha It would be fair to say Zougotcha was a shade disappointing last campaign, but on the back of two solid barrier trials, she appears ready to recapture her best. She couldn’t manage to find the money across all three starts last preparation, so the Chris Waller barn made the decision to send her to the paddock rather than attack any kind of grand finals. They’ve taken their time with the Zoustar mare, and with the four-year-old ticking over nicely heading into her return, Zougotcha only needs to reclaim the form that got her to victory in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) to be right in this. Millie Fox Stakes Race 7 – #1 Zougotcha (2) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58kg) +395 with Neds Group 2 Hobartville Stakes: Ducasse It had taken until start seven for Ducasse to break his maiden, and he did so in dominant fashion first-up at Warwick Farm on February 7. Prior to that, the son of Trapeze Artist had been ultra-competitive throughout the spring against the likes Chrysaor in the Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m) and at times didn’t have much luck. With the Michael Freedman camp willing to throw Ducasse back into the deep end, punters should be willing to follow that lead at a good each-way price with online bookmakers. Hobartville Stakes Race 8 – #5 Ducasse (2) 3yo Colt | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry (56.5kg) +700 with Bet365 Best Bet at Rosehill: Zennzella Zennzella is already a Listed winner this preparation, saluting second-up at Caulfield on December 26 before heading to the Gold Coast to be beaten less than a half-length by So United in the Magic Millions Trophy (2200m). She experienced a tough run in transit on that occasion, sitting on the three-wide line throughout the journey. A step back in trip after a lovely jump-out at Warwick Farm on February 12 appears ideal for the Snitzel mare, and with just 53.5kg on her back, Zennzella should be launching late. Best Bet Race 5 – #13 Zennzella (6) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jason Collett (53.5kg) +280 with Unibet Best Value at Rosehill: Dakota Vroom Dakota Vroom should be able to turn the tables on race favourite Gently Rolled in the closer at Rosehill. She went down by 1.2 lengths on her most recent outing at Randwick on February 2, after being dragged back towards the rear of the field in a slowly run affair. She savaged the line, however, and was unlucky not to be right in the finish. She was a back-to-back winner at Canterbury prior to that runner-up effort, and with a swing in the weights to go along with a more positive steer, Dakota Vroom can get the better of Gently Rolled to send followers home happy. Best Value Race 10 – #6 Dakota Vroom (10) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (57kg) +900 with PlayUp Silver Slipper Stakes Day quaddie tips – 24/2/2024 Rosehill quadrella selections Saturday, February 24, 2024 1-2-6-8 1-3-5-7-11-12 1-2-4-8-11 1-3-6-15-19 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Detonator Stakes Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 First Race 12:28pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Detonator Stakes will headline a nine-race card at Ascot Racecourse this Saturday afternoon. With warm weather forecast in Perth this week, the track will stay in the Good range for the whole meeting. After racing with the rail in the +12m position on Wednesday, it now moves into the +6m position for the entire circuit. The opening race on Detonator Stakes Day will jump at 12:28pm AWST. Detonator Stakes Tip: Black Fantasy The feature race of the day is easily the toughest contest to dissect, with many of the runners returning from a short break after competing in the Group 2 Perth Cup on New Year’s Day. Therefore, we are siding with Black Fantasy from the Daniel & Ben Pearce yard after he won a 1450m barrier trial. This son of Blackfriars ended last preparation with a fifth-place finish in the Perth Cup after a run of three starts where he didn’t miss a place. From barrier 12, Clint Johnston-Porter will follow Marrochino across the field to the lead, settle outside him, and control the race from the front. Detonator Stakes Race 8 – #4 Black Fantasy (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (57.5kg) +750 with Playup Best Bet at Ascot: Bonjoy Jason Miller and Clint Johnston-Porter will combine once again with Bonjoy, who is seeking a hat-trick of wins. The four-year-old mare has been ultra-impressive when recording dominant wins at Pinjarra over 1500m and Bunbury over 1675m. Last time out, this daughter of Maschino settled near the rear of the field before rounding up her rivals by the 200m mark and kicking clear to win eased down on the line. With six of the 10 runners expected to push forward and attempt to lead, Bonjoy will enjoy a strong tempo that will allow her to unleash her impressive turn of foot. Best Bet Race 7 – #6 Bonjoy (10) 4yo Mare | T: Jason Miller | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (56.5kg) +160 with Picklebet Next Best at Ascot: Ruler Rocket We were with Ruler Rocket when he was a narrow winner over 1000m second-up, and we see no reason to jump off the Bruce Watkins-trained gelding in a similar race. The four-year-old gelding settled behind the speed, and once he got off the leader’s heels, he let down with a strong finishing burst to nab Bayezid in the shadows of the post. After drawing barrier five, this son of Universal Ruler will appreciate another strong tempo and should be able to build momentum around the home turn before finishing strongly down the outside. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Ruler Rocket (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Bruce Watkins | J: Troy Turner (60kg) +450 with Neds Best Value at Ascot: Playing Rio Playing Rio just held on over the Pinjarra 1413m last time out to record his second straight win. This son of Playing God won by a slightly bigger margin second-up at Ascot over 1400m, when he burst through a gap at the 300m mark and careered away for a strong win. With Jason Whiting retaining the ride from barrier three, the four-year-old gelding should find a similar spot upon settling, and if Playing Rio kicks away with 300m to go, he will prove hard to run down again. Best Value Race 9 – #9 Playing Rio (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Hunter | J: Jason Whiting (56.5kg) +1500 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, February 24, 2024 1-2-4-8 2-6 1-2-4-7 3-4-6-8-9-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Lord Reims Stakes Day Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville, SA 5043 When Saturday, February 24, 2023 First Race 12:27pm ACDT Visit Dabble Feature racing returns to Morphettville on Saturday afternoon, with the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) headlining a bumper nine-race meeting. A perfect summer’s day is forecast for the ‘City of Churches’, the track is rated a Good 4, and the rail is out 8m from the 1200m to the winning post and out 5m for the remainder. The action is set to commence at 12:57pm AEDT. Lord Reims Stakes Tip: Unusual Pearl Despite lacking the class of some of her rivals, Unusual Pearl looks to be a mare on the way up. Coming off a dominant Moonee Valley win over 2500m, Tony & Calvin McEvoy are set to throw the Unusual Suspect mare in the deep end. With no known speed influences, it would not shock to see Ben Price take the initiative and hold a forward position on the mare, having drawn awkwardly in barrier 14. With 53kg on her back, Unusual Pearl will look the winner at one point or another; it’s just whether she has the ability to outstay the likes of The Map and Grand Promenade. Lord Reims Stakes Race 7 – #14 Unusual Pearl (14) 4yo Mare | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Ben Price (53kg) +650 with Playup City Of Marion Stakes: Chicago Storm David Aldridge’s Chicago Storm is set to return from an 11-week spell and looks well placed to strike in the Listed City of Marion Stakes (1200m). The five-year-old gelding has two wins and two seconds in four second-up runs, so it is safe to say he comes to hand quite quickly in his campaigns. Drawn in barrier 13, Kayla Crowther will look to land a spot midfield with cover in the three-wide line. From there, Chicago Storm should have no issue in building through his gears, and he is paying a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. City Of Marion Stakes Race 8 – #4 Chicago Storm (13) 5yo Gelding | T: David Aldridge | J: Kayla Crowther (58kg) +1100 with Neds Best Bet at Morphettville: Desert Dancing Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea look to have a nice one on their hands with Desert Dancing. The three-year-old filly was forced to sustain a long sprint over 1100m last time out, and the way she dug deep to secure victory suggests she is a filly worth sticking with. The Rommel progeny sticks to the 1100m, and from barrier six under Ben Price, she draws to gain a perfect run in transit just off the speed. Desert Dancing is armed with a nice turn of foot for BM66 grade, and with even luck she can waltz away to victory. Best Bet Race 3 – #6 Desert Dancing (6) 3yo Filly | T: Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea | J: Ben Price (56.5kg) +260 with Picklebet Next Best at Morphettville: Jenkins Jenkins put in an eye-catching run when finishing third over 1550m on the Parks track on February 17. The Phillip Stokes-trained veteran made up a stack of ground to be defeated by a length, suggesting third-up over the 1800m will be perfect. Barrier one is a touch concerning, but with two wins and three minor placings from six runs when third-up, a forward performance looks likely. The 60kg should be no issue, and with even luck in the home straight, Jenkins should be winning once again. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Jenkins (1) 8yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Todd Pannell (60kg) +300 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Morphettville Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, February 24, 2023 1-2-3-5-12 2-3-11-14 2-4-7-12-14 1-2-4-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Aegon will contest Saturday’s Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Trainer Andrew Forsman is looking forward to getting his Group 1 winner Aegon back to a mile at Otaki on Saturday in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic. The six-year-old son of Sacred Falls has been freshened since running 10th in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, and Forsman believes he has thrived with the break. “I think the time between runs will be good for him,” said Forsman, who also part-owns the gelding. Aegon was tested beyond a mile for just the second time in the Zabeel Classic, having also competed in the 2021 edition of the race, and he will return to the comfort zone of his pet distance this weekend. “He just didn’t really round out the 2000m,” Forsman said. “We weren’t really sure, he has never had a proper crack at it, but he did get his fair chance to do it on Boxing Day and it wasn’t to be. “We freshened him up and are going back to a mile, where we know he performs well, and if it is a truly run race, the smallish field will help him too and he should run really well. “There is good depth to the field and there are a few classy ones, which is good, hopefully that means it is run at a genuine tempo, and if that is the case the best horse will win it.” Forsman isn’t sure what path Aegon will take post Saturday’s contest, but said it is likely he will cross the Tasman to join his Flemington barn. “There are not a heap of options beyond Saturday for him, so we will just let Saturday dictate where we head,” he said. Closer to his Cambridge base on Saturday, Forsman will line-up Red Sea in the Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m). The two-year-old son of Pierata has had two starts to date, finishing runner-up on debut behind subsequent Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner Velocious, before running fifth in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham in December. Bred and raced by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Red Sea has subsequently been gelded and Forsman believes that will benefit the promising juvenile. “He has been gelded and I think that will help him, he will just be a little more focussed,” he said. “He was sharp in his trial the other day, but he does like the polytrack. He is one of those horses that can ping along on it pretty well, so I wouldn’t read too much into that. “He will go into the race with improvement fitness-wise compared to a few others, but he has got good ability and I am sure he will give a good account of himself.” Elite-level targets are in the offing for Red Sea if he performs well this weekend. “We are running him on Saturday to set him up for hopefully some options around the corner, whether it’s Ellerslie (Group 1 Sistema Stakes, 1200m) or the (Manawatu) Sires’ Produce (Group 1, 1400m) a bit later on. Getting a run into him on Saturday will certainly keep those options open,” Forsman said. Horse racing news View the full article

Co-trainer Anna Furlong pictured with Miss Layla following her victory in the Listed Airfreight Stakes (1600m). Photo: Race Images South Miss Layla is already a black-type winner on her home track and the talented mare will be given the opportunity to double her tally next month. The daughter of Burgundy has been set for the Group 3 South Island Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on March 23 and will further her preparation with an outing at Riccarton on Friday. Miss Layla will spearhead local trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong’s presence at the meeting when she steps out in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifying Race (1600m) in the hands of apprentice Ngakau Hailey. “There’s nothing really else for her so we have to run her in the Rating 75 race, but it’s good to get the claim (3kg) and get a bit of weight off her back,” Furlong said. “We want to get her over a mile now and there wasn’t a lot else around that’s suitable for her.” Last season’s Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Airfreight Stakes (1600m) winner has a sense of timing about her following a bold resuming run to finish runner-up in last month’s Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m). She had been given a break following her third placing in the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in the spring. “We kept her fresh for those other races and ultimately she’s heading toward the Breeders’ Stakes in March,” Furlong said. Miss Layla will be opposed by stablemate Iffididit, who was unplaced last time out at Wingatui after being held up in the run home. “It’s been a hard prep for him to be honest. He was at the races at Riccarton and was scratched after a bout of colic, it didn’t turn into too much which was lucky and he’s fine now,” Furlong said. “He’s a really nice horse and has been quite unlucky. He’s got a beautiful draw and a top jockey (Warren Kennedy) on board and should be figuring in the finish.” Kennedy will also partner Pierrogrine in the Book A Suite For Autumn Racing Maiden (1600m). “With the rail being out, it makes it hard for backmarkers to run on. He’ll come in a few spots and he probably wants to get over a bit further, but we’re looking forward to his chances,” Furlong said. Tetbury also has an awkward gate to contend with in the Christchurch Accommodation At West Fitzroy Maiden (1400m) with Samantha Wynee to guide the filly’s fortunes. “She is bred for distance and was fresh up last time so she will be much better suited, even though she’s got a sticky draw,” Furlong said. The stable’s representation is completed by Kudos De Sothys in the Kevin Daly Mowers Rating 65 (2000m) and Mister Goldie in the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants Maiden (2000m). “We’re looking forward to getting Kudos De Sothys up to the 2000m and Mister Goldie hasn’t had a whole lot of luck and does need everything to go his way,” Furlong said. “He has drawn well and had a trip to the beach earlier in the week with Miss Layla to spark him up so hopefully we get a good result from him.” Kennedy will take the reins aboard Kudos De Sothys and Wynne is booked for Mister Goldie. Horse racing news View the full article

Robbie Patterson, centre, pictured with owners Carole and John Lynskey, following Puntura’s victory in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) last month. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Robbie Patterson is enjoying another stellar season and is firmly on target to eclipse the heroics of his stable in the 2022/23 term. The New Plymouth trainer has sent out 39 winners, including a personal best of six at Group or Listed level, with the stable’s earnings already north of $1.8 million. “It’s been a ripper and we’ve won a few good races and I’m just hoping it continues,” Patterson said. “I wanted to replicate last season and get to 50 wins and $1 million in stakes and then I would be happy. “We’ve nearly got $2 million and we’ll hopefully get to 50 again and we’ve won a lot of Group races, so it’s been great.” Patterson will have several chances to advance his tally on Saturday with runners at Otaki and Matamata and most significantly Puntura in the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at the Central Districts venue. The son of Vespa has been the star of the show with consecutive successes in the Group 3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m), the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) crowned by his last-start victory in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). “He trialled up really nicely at Foxton last week and he jumped out again at New Plymouth on Monday,” Patterson said. “He’s really flying and I couldn’t be happier. He’s drawn eight of 10 and that’s not going to worry him, he’s a big horse and needs room so he’ll roll forward and put himself in the race.” Safely through Otaki, the lure of a share of the $650,000 Summer Series bonus may see Puntura head to Ellerslie on March 9. “We’ll wait and see how he comes through Saturday, but he has got nine points in the Summer Series Bonus and the Bonecrusher (Group 1, 2000m) is the final leg so we might have a throw of the dice at that,” Patterson said. He will also be represented in the Otaki New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m) by The Underbelly, who will be chasing his fourth win on the bounce. “He just keeps improving out of every race and he’s a big, chilled out dude,” Patterson said. “He’ll get a nice run and he’ll see the 2300m out, he’ll love that. I’m very confident, even though he’s moving up a step again.” Patterson’s other runner is The Hottie in The Tele Otaki Handicap (1400m), who will drop back in grade after an unplaced run in the Anniversary. “A little bit of give in the track will help and she was second-up in the Anniversary,” he said. “She had done really well and it was probably trainer error more than anything, she had got away on me a bit. She jumped out on Monday and finished right beside Ladies Man so she’s going into it as good as she can be.” Craig Grylls will be aboard all three of Patterson’s representatives at Otaki. At Matamata, Contribute has been given the nod over stablemate Our Jumala in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Equine Kaimai Stakes (2000m). “Contribute has gone in the right direction since she won the Taranaki Cup (1800m),” Patterson said. “Ciel Butler will ride her again and she’s been gleaming after every bit of trackwork and Our Jumala is coming up a peg or two and is in open company now so we can’t hide. “Courtney Barnes will ride her, but I think Contribute will have to be the top chance in that.” Horse racing news View the full article

Stella Splendida (centre) will contest the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Rating 75 (1200m) at Riccarton on Friday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) The tangerine and blue silks of Te Akau Racing command respect at each Riccarton Park meeting, and the stable will present another strong team of runners across the 10-race card on Friday. A gate malfunction causing a false start marred an impressive four-win haul by Te Akau a fortnight ago at the Christchurch track, with co-trainer Sam Bergerson citing this as a likely reason for the below par performance of Stella Splendida. The Zoustar four-year-old had journeyed south off the back of two consecutive victories while based at Matamata, and will hope to gain redemption for last start’s misfortunes in the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Rating 75 (1200m) on Friday. “She can overdo it at the best of times, so the false start really put pay to her chances,” said Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “Niranjan Parmar was on board, and he said she got back to the start very worked up after the false start, and the writing was on the wall before she jumped the second time. “We’ve turned the page considering how good her previous two wins were, she’s a well-bred mare that we’ve always thought a lot of so hopefully this race can get her back on track.” Warren Kennedy will take the reins aboard Stella Splendida, having made several trips this season to partner Te Akau’s team. Fellow Northern hoop Ashvin Goindasamy will also venture south and has been booked to ride stablemate Angels Wings in the same event. Despite starting the less-favoured runner against Te Akau filly Superbly Written last time out, Angels Wings prevailed down the 1200m chute, form that was franked when the stablemate went on to score dominantly the following start. “Her win last time was really good, she steps up to Rating 75 now, but she beat Superbly Written there which turned out to be nice form,” Bergerson said. With several southern feature days approaching, Bergerson is keeping black-type options in mind for the pair, with a potential tilt at the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on March 16. “We could push them out to the mile, but we’ll just have to play that as we go, if their form warranted it. If so, we’d certainly have a crack, black-type is ultimately the goal,” he said. Among the stables’ better chances is Cambridge Stud-owned filly Tranquila in the Christchurch Accommodation At West Fitzroy Maiden (1400m), having her second start out of Riccarton after a luckless second-placed finish behind Spot On Time. “She found a lot of trouble in that race, she drew well and was shuffled back, but she was really strong through the line. If she was to win well, we may possibly look to back her up in the Airfreight Stakes (Listed, 1400m) next weekend at Wingatui,” Bergerson said. In an open field, Deep Field gelding Bello Mio looks a likely prospect in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 65 (1400m), with a tidy performance first-up in the south. “He was going okay in the north, so we sent him down for a change of scenery to spark him up, and his run was really good first-up down there, he got a long way back and he hit the line well,” Bergerson said. “He’s got a nice draw with Warren on, so it looks a nice race for him to hopefully step up through the grades. Consistent runner Our Milly Bee will resume in the Riccarton Park Function Centre Rating 65 (1200m), alongside stablemate French Rose, a half-sister to classy former-chute galloper Burgundy Rose. “Hunter (Durrant, stable foreman) and the team are really happy with both of these mares, though ideally we would’ve liked to have given Our Milly Bee a quiet trial last week at Riccarton, but they were called off,” Bergerson said. “But she’s had plenty of time after her freshen-up to get the work into her. She has a bit of a niggly gate, but Warren going down to ride the team is a huge assist, he’s in fine form.” “French Rose’s first-up run there was okay, obviously she’s back to weaker mid-week grade which will help. She’s not very big, but she’s very honest. Both will be nice each-way chances.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 First Race 12:12pm AEST Visit Dabble A massive 10-race card awaits punters at Doomben Racecourse this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, but with a lot of rain forecast for Saturday, it is very likely that the surface could worsen throughout the meeting. The rail goes back into the true position for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 12:12pm AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Daytona Bay Daytona Bay has finished in the top two in each of his starts for new trainer Kelly Schweida, including a tough on-speed win in his most recent run at Eagle Farm over 1400m on February 3. The five-year-old gelding put together a solid record down in Victoria with Peter Moody but has found life a little easier up north. The rise in distance to 1615m is expected to suit, and with James Orman retaining the ride, Daytona Bay looks very hard to beat. Best Bet Race 10 – #5 Daytona Bay (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: James Orman (56.5kg) +250 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Vindicta Vindicta steps out in the QTIS Jewel Prelude after runner-up finishes behind Highbar over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast and Fukubana over 1200m at this track. Those are two smart ones, and Jack Bruce’s three-year-old filly put a space between herself and third place both times. There looks to be a lot of speed in this contest, so Jake Bayliss will most likely settle behind midfield off the fence on this daughter of Rothesay. If Vindicta gets a cosy run in transit and even luck in the home straight, there is no reason she can’t go close. Next Best Race 9 – #16 Vindicta (12) 3yo Filly | T: Jack Bruce | J: Jake Bayliss (53kg) +650 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Four O’clock Knock Four O’clock Knock was very good on debut for new trainer Paul Shailer at this track and trip last start. The four-year-old gelding ran home nicely from midfield to finish a length back in third, taking his record this preparation to one win and five placings from eight starts. Although he doesn’t win often, this galloper will get conditions to suit on Saturday and can push forward to settle outside the leader on a slow tempo. If Four O’clock Knock can settle in the first three, Andrew Mallyon will try to kick away early in the straight and give the field something to chase. Best Value Race 1 – #8 Four O’clock Knock (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Shailer | J: Andrew Mallyon (58kg) +900 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, February 24, 2024 3-5-9-10-13 2-10 4-5-11-16 3-4-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

I Am Unstoppable on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) I Am Unstoppable, the runner-up in the last year’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), will miss next month’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) after connections decided to send the colt to the spelling paddock following his last-placed finish in last weekend’s Black Caviar Lightning (1000m). “He pulled up with a slow recovery and his heart rate was pretty high for a fairly long time after the race and he was a bit agitated,” said Lloyd Kennewell, who trains I Am Unstoppable in partnership with Lucy Yeomans. “We’ve had him checked over, done some bloods and tests on him this week and he has gone to the paddock for seven days to get his head down on the grass and recover. He had some high white cells as well, so we wanted to make sure we treat it and reset really. “There is an abundance of races around so it’s just a matter of when he’s ready and get him to be a winner again really. “But there’s ample options, it’s just a matter of making sure he is 110 per cent.” Horse racing news View the full article

Connections of one of Japan's leading hopes for the Saudi Cup hope a mid-flight incident will not impact the chances of their runner ahead of a bid to land the world's most valuable race Saturday. View the full article

Horse Racing on Thursday, February 22 will feature six meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and provided free quaddie tips for the meetings at Pakenham and Wyong. Thursday Horse Racing Tips – February 22, 2024 Pakenham Racing Tips Wyong Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 22, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $158.19 odds return: Thursday, February 22, 2024 Pakenham – Race 3 #2 Barbaric Lad Pakenham – Race 7 #6 Master Montaro Wyong – Race 6 #7 Scalextrics Wyong – Race 7 #12 Rush Hour | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 22, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Horse racing tips View the full article

Top-tier bookmakers have rolled out an enticing lineup of racing specials slated for Thursday, February 22. Standouts on the list include a slew of lucrative bonus-back incentives, elevating the thrill of the trackside action. Dive into these offers from top horse racing betting sites to maximise your wagering prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for February 22, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Pakenham All Races – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has conducted a thorough evaluation of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored specifically for Thursday, February 22, 2024. These horse racing promotions stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker is not currently offering a promotion, you can be confident that another is capitalising on promotional offers. Your go-to destination for the most rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses each day is HorseBetting.com.au. Take advantage of bookie bonuses and the best horse racing odds available for every race to increase the value of your betting endeavours. It’s important to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively crafted for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Race 7 EAGLE TECHNOLOGY AVONDALE CUP 2400 (G2) MARY LOUISE (C Butler) – Trainer Mr. R Patterson advised Stewards, MARY LOUISE pulled up sore in both front heels, which has now been treated with an anti-inflammatory. R Patterson further advised it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie, Saturday, 17 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 DAIKEN SOUTHLAND HANDICAP (1400m) MISS OTIS REGRETS (L Allpress) – Trainer Miss. S McKay advised Stewards, that on Tuesday 20 February the mare underwent a veterinary examination which included an endoscopic examination which revealed no abnormalities and will also be examined by the chiropractor on Friday 23 February, with any abnormalities being reported to Stewards. S McKay further advised it is her intention to continue on with the mare’s current preparation, and at her next race day start, will be ridden cold if circumstances permit. Race 5 BETAVET MAIDEN 1200m MISSONI (L Allpress) – Trainer Mr. R Dennis reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, and it is his intention to carry on with her current preparation. The post Southland Racing Club at Ascot Park, Saturday, 17 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Linda's Gift looks to continue her march to supremacy in California's long-distance female turf division Feb. 24 in the 1 1/4-mile, $100,000 Santa Ana Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Taylor Made Farm, which grew from a small family farm begun in 1976 to a global leader in the industry today, is celebrating the anniversary of the 100th birthday of family patriarch Joe Taylor, known as “Daddy Joe.” Taylor was born on Feb. 23, 1924 and passed away in 2003. In celebration of the milestone, Taylor Made has introduced the first annual Taylor Made Servant Leader Awards. Winners, who are nominated by their peers, will win a $1,000 cash prize and a charity donation. Winners will be announced Friday with more information available here. Among the other celebrations marking the event will be a special video to be released Friday. The post ‘Daddy Joe’ Celebration Week at Taylor Made appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The winners of Oaklawn Park's first and second Kentucky Derby (G1) points races—Catching Freedom and Mystik Dan—will bypass the Feb. 24 Rebel Stakes (G2), but they could meet again in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1).View the full article

Light Up Racing, the initiative launched late last year, will host two community events in Lexington in the next two weeks. The events are “designed to empower and educate individuals within the Thoroughbred industry on the power of positive communication and the role of social change in shaping the future of horse racing. These events aim to introduce participants to the tools and knowledge to advocate for the sport effectively, engage in meaningful conversations, and transform perceptions within their networks and beyond,” according to the announcement by the organization Wednesday. The first event, titled “How to Talk to Your Friends About Horse Racing,” will be held Monday, Feb. 26 at Fasig-Tipton. The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. following cocktails at 5 p.m. Light Up Racing invites participants to “join us for an enlightening evening where we delve into the science of social change and explore six critical concepts that can help reshape the public's perception of horse racing. Learn why you are instrumental in this change and how to navigate and answer difficult questions about the sport with confidence and insight.” The second event is named “Transforming Negative Opinions into Positive Messaging” and will be held Tuesday, Mar. 5 at Keeneland. The format will be similar to the first with cocktails at 5 p.m. preceding the presentation at 6 p.m. According to Light Up Racing, “this event focuses on turning challenges into opportunities through strategic communication and social media engagement. Discover how to become a powerful ambassador for horse racing, building a community of advocates and leveraging grassroots networks to respond effectively in times of crisis.” Light Up Racing encourages both veterans of and newcomers to the industry to participate, as the events offer a unique opportunity to “come together, learn, and contribute to a positive shift in how horse racing is perceived and discussed.” Contact hello@lightupracing.com for more information. The post Upcoming Lexington Events Hosted by Light Up Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Dubai World Cup Carnival hits the home stretch with a Feb. 23 program featuring the UAE Oaks (G3) and potential preps for the UAE Derby (G2) and the Dubai Turf (G1T).View the full article

The Saudi Derby (G3) is a proving ground for some ambitious connections eyeing the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) for their developing colts.View the full article

Sierra Leone improved to the second spot on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's top 3-year-old poll following an impressive come-from-behind win in the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

In Saturday's $20-million Saudi Cup, two-time Grade I winner Defunded (Dialed In) will be running for more than his owner, Dr. Muhaideb Al Muhaideb's HDB Racing. Should the horse win the Saudi Cup, the owner will give away 2 million Saudi Riyals to fans who follow him on the X site @muhadb1. Two million Riyals is worth US$533,000. The money will be divided among four winners. If Defunded doesn't win but a Saudi-based horse does, Dr. Muhaideb will give away two Lexus SUV to his followers. If a horse without a Saudi connection wins, the prize will be one Lexus. Muhaideb has 59,500 followers on X. “Dr. Muhaideb is overwhelmed with excitement to be competing in the richest race in the world with his first horse as an owner,” said Muhaideb's stable manager Khalid Mishref. “He feels extremely honored to be representing Saudi Arabia on this world stage. Because of this he feels compelled to share this experience with the Saudi people and all racing fans around the world. From this, the idea of having a group of prizes to be drawn from engaging on social media was born. Horse racing is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Saudi people and we feel the future of horse racing is bound to benefit from the rapid development of Saudi racing with the help of the Saudi government, Prince Bander and his esteemed team at the Jockey Club.” In late December it was announced that Defunded, who is a gelding, had been privately acquired from owners Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman by HDB Racing. Defunded left the U.S. on Dec. 17. “Last year, Dr. Muhaideb Al Muhaideb entrusted me with the task of possibly securing a horse to compete in the 2024 Saudi Cup,” Mishref said. “With the assistance of Frankie O'Connor of Kildare Stud we managed to purchase Defunded for this mission.” Defunded has not started since finishing second in the GI Awesome Again S. on Sept. 30 at Santa Anita for trainer Bob Baffert. He won the Awesome Again in 2022 and picked up another Grade I win in the GI Hollywood Gold Cup in May. He has career earnings of $1,666,600. Luis Saez will have the mount for the race. The post Defunded Owner Hopes to Reward Horse’s Fans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article