Wandering Eyes

by Sara Gordon and Katie Petrunyak PARIS, KENTUCKY–Citizens of Bourbon County, Central Kentucky and beyond are banding together under a newly founded nonprofit organization to combat a proposed expansion of Bluegrass Station. Many are concerned that this project could involve the use of eminent domain, the government's power to purchase private property for public use, and local farmers and horsemen fear it would cause irrevocable damage to their environment and community. A 63-page report on the proposed expansion, which calls for the acquisition of an initial 2,000 acres for the construction of an airfield and airpark with the potential to double in size in the future, was presented to the Kentucky General Assembly in November of 2022. However, members of the public were not made aware of the plans until just last week when a private citizen discovered it in the most recent proposed version of the state's budget, which includes $320 million allocated for the expansion. Bluegrass Station, once an army depot, is currently a 780-acre site near the Fayette/Bourbon county line and is Kentucky's only state-owned industrial park, employing over 2,000 Kentuckians. Lockheed Martin, a private government contractor specializing in aerospace and defense manufacturing, is Bluegrass Station's largest employer. According to the report from 2022, preliminary research shows that this proposed expansion would require an upfront investment of $55 million in the state's bond money for land acquisition and pre-development costs, as well as an estimated $88 million for roadway improvements. For the majority of the funding, the project would be launched as a Public-Private Partnership (P-3). Map of proposed expansion | Bluegrass Station Airport Implementation Path report The report states that the completed project would create 3,000 to 6,000 permanent jobs and generate $12 million to $20 million in annual, recurring state and local tax revenues. It would include more than $1.4 billion in private investment for airfield and airpark infrastructure and development. On a technical basis, the report proposes an initial runway length of 7,800 feet-the longest in Central Kentucky-and a runway width of 150 feet, plus paved shoulders. At this length, the runway would be able to accommodate single engine aircrafts, corporate jets, smaller cargo aircrafts and military aircrafts, while also serving as backup to commercial traffic and larger cargo activity needs in the area. It is noted that the runway would be designed with potential for future extension. As the news of this proposed plan has spread, so too has the dreaded feeling of deja vu for many Bourbon County residents. Back in 2017, a similar proposal to expand Bluegrass Station was pitched at the local level but ultimately killed by Bourbon County Fiscal Court. This time around, citizens are frustrated by the lack of transparency. “The whole thing has been cloaked in secrecy,” said Lynn Hancock, whose family's Stone Farm is located just four miles from Bluegrass Station. “There has been no information, as far as I know, no environmental studies, no community engagement, and they haven't spoken to any of the people whose properties they would be threatening to use eminent domain in order to seize. The whole thing just seems like it's been done with no regard for the people who are actually going to be affected by it. “Not only does it threaten our business in terms of the Thoroughbred industry and a lot of other people as well, but it would definitely change the way of life.” She pointed out a portion of the report that reads: It is possible that the Commonwealth's use of eminent domain to acquire significant property for the Project could inspire public resentment, especially if the Commonwealth is not transparent with its actions, the benefits for community or the need for the Project. “I think it's funny, because how could it not [inspire public resentment]? It's a sizable project and again, no one thought they should discuss with the community. These elected officials don't care to discuss with their constituents whether it's something we want. Ultimately, it's the state taking our taxpayer dollars to heist private property from people unwilling to sell.” Hancock questioned the promise of job opportunity, while also pointing out how detrimental the pollutants could be to the overall environment and the land considered by most to be the best in the world to raise horses on. “How many people working there are actually coming from Bourbon County? I think it's going to be a lot of people moving here from out of state and they're going to live in Lexington. And even if it does create jobs, how many other jobs are going to be lost if it has such a negative impact on some of the industries that we do have here?” she said. “What's it going to do to the environment, to the well water? We raise all of our mares on well water. Are we going to have mares breathing in soot? I mean, is there going to be soot on Secretariat's grave? It will have a massive impact any time you have the size of plane they're talking about bringing in. “This is not some developmental area where people are seeking to sell their land and make a profit. I think it sets an extremely scary precedent for private property rights. I don't know how as an elected official you can sleep at night knowing all of the backdoor dealing that has been going on. They know it's not what the people that elected them want.” Bill Dickson, a seventh-generation farmer whose Glen Oak Farm neighbors Stone Farm, echoed Hancock's concern. Though both Stone Farm and Glen Oak Farm are not at immediate risk of being purchased under eminent domain, Hancock and Dickson said they have no doubt the effects will be felt far outside of the Bluegrass Station borders. “My ancestors started in 1792 and were pioneers at a local station here. I operate a 500-acre farm and we've got Thoroughbreds, a cattle herd, and we raise commercial hay and row crops as well,” he said. “They'd be coming in and taking off over my land and I just don't think that's a healthy place to raise livestock and all the other things I do on my farm. Central Kentucky is an agriculture-based location. It's how we've made our money, it's how we've made our mark on the world. I understand it's going to grow as our population grows, but [this plan] infringes on what we're known for. You're taking some of that away from one of our signature industries. “I'm supportive of progress, but we need to do it in a way that's advantageous to both of us and not just push eminent domain and have this government land grab. Let's be constructive about where we do these things.” Ellie Stilson is a nurse at UK Hospital and the owner of Daisy Acres Farm, which is within the designated area for future development in the proposal. Her 50-acre property is home to several dozen Thoroughbreds, both broodmares and retirees. Although Stilson would receive fair market value if she is forced to give up her property due to eminent domain, with current market rates she does not believe that she could afford another farm in Central Kentucky with a similar amount of acreage. “I don't think I'm going to get anything like this again,” she explained. “It's 50 acres. What about the animals that live here? What am I going to do with them? But I'm only 50 acres out of 2,000. At the end of the day I won't be homeless, but there are people down the road living in trailers that will be. That's my concern. I don't know where these people are going to go.” A 501(c)(4) formed by local citizens, 'Citizens for Bourbon County' hosted a town hall meeting on Sunday, Feb. 18 to discuss the implications of this proposal and how they plan to fight it. Around 300 citizens gathered to discuss the ramifications not only for those whose land might be taken from them, but for the entirety of the local community. The meeting was hosted by Rebecca Rigney, whose family has lived on their sport horse farm just down the road from Bluegrass Station for 20 years. Her land is also at risk of being taken over if the plan goes through. Rebecca Rigney welcomes crowd gathered for Feb. 18 town hall meeting | Katie Petrunyak “I call for a burden of proof to be placed on our elected officials,” Rigney told attendees gathered in her indoor riding arena. “Proof that this will work instead of stating that it will. Proof of how this will impact the environment with studies. Proof that there is not another location that will provide jobs elsewhere while preserving our farms and the most precious soil in the world. Proof that your tenants won't be temporary. I want a guarantee that the sacrifices my neighbors and my family make are for more than just a multi-million dollar corporation.” Mark Offutt, a local landowner and former county magistrate, voted against the expansion in 2017. “Secrecy and lack of transparency has followed this project for the last seven years,” Offutt said. “The same corporate bullying and tactics that they are using now with the threat of Lockheed pulling 2,000 jobs out is exactly the same rhetoric that they used in 2017 and the jobs are still here…Their model of empty promises and secret meetings behind closed doors hasn't changed at all.” Some of the attendees expressed their belief that elected officials purposefully kept the project from public eye because of the overwhelming opposition from the community during the 2017 proposal. “What's extremely clear is that our government, knowing our opposition from 2017 and 2018, tried to hide the movement of this project from us,” said Ike Van Meter, a cattle farmer and Thoroughbred owner and breeder based near Bluegrass Station. “Our elected officials have happily kept us in the dark until the money had been signed off on by the legislature and government.” Van Meter, whose family farm would be part of the acreage acquired through eminent domain, said he has tried to get in touch with several elected officials including Governor Andy Beshear, but was directed to Steve Collins, the executive director of Bluegrass Station. “This project is a massive bait and switch with the false pretense of military support, but it's really an illegal use of eminent domain to try and benefit a few multi-billion dollar companies at the expense of prime Kentucky farmland,” he said. The TDN reached out to Bourbon County Judge Mike Williams, Senator Stephen West who represents the 27th District that includes Bourbon County, and Representative Matthew Koch who represents Bourbon County as part of the 72nd District, but did not hear back. TDN did get in touch with Collins, who suggested that citizens may feel as though they've been blindsided because the project has not yet advanced to the outreach point in the project's timeline. “The next step will be sending a request for information to the possible P-3s [Public-Private Participants],” Collins said. “This $55 million [in bond money] is about 20% of the buildout, so it's all private. We will go out into the P-3 community with an RFI [Request for Information] probably in April or something like that. It will take them a while to respond to that. They'll tell us in their response if what we're doing fits that model, so it will change shape a bit at that point. People feel like they got steamrolled by some of these processes, but it's very deliberate. We're out of sequence because after the RFI is when the outreach is supposed to start.” Collins also countered against what many people have stated regarding the purpose behind the expansion. “This has never been about economic development,” he said. “That's an outcome or a result. This need is national defense and state strategic obligation, state financial obligation and regional aviation needs. There's a lot of people involved in the need, thousands of people that could become one. There was no due diligence the first time [in 2017]. We knew it was somewhat unpopular back then, but they were using local financing that just wasn't going to work. This is not a local project. It affects local people but this is a national, even global, project.” Collins has estimated that there will be six military planes per month and 10 to 20 private planes per day utilizing the runway. When asked about why a facility like this cannot be built elsewhere, Collins said it goes back to the “core customer” of Bluegrass Station. “Bluegrass Station was invented to serve this customer, ” he said. “…we've created a response model for this customer that we can provide what they need to accomplish their mission faster and cheaper than anybody else. They're using this model to bring in more work. The kind of work they do can't be talked about, so to speak.” Outlined in an overview of the report, the project timeline estimates four to six months for the RFI phase to be completed, which includes drafting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and conducting title exams. It isn't until the next phase, when the RFQ would be issued, that public engagement would begin. It is within that second task, estimated to span six to 10 months, that they would also shortlist teams, issue Request for Proposals (RFP) and enter the P-3 Agreement. Also included in the overview is a project outline, which estimates that if the budget to fund this project is passed, land acquisition would be completed within a two-year timeframe followed by the development of the airfield and airpark over the next two years. At the town hall meeting, Van Meter expressed the importance of citizens residing in Bourbon County and beyond to contact their elected officials and express their disagreement with the proposed expansion of the former army depot. “This is not a done deal,” he said. “We will fight. We will fight to keep this out of the budget and if it goes through we will continue fighting. I encourage each of you here to tell your neighbors, have your neighbors tell their neighbors and we will continue to fight.” As it stands, the House has already passed its version of the budget and it now goes to the Senate. Arthur Hancock III, a fourth-generation horseman and owner of Stone Farm, shared his perspective during Sunday's meeting. Based on the reaction from the crowd, his words were an overarching sentiment shared and felt by all. “I would hate to think that our representatives were aware of this all along and never even told their neighbors that something was coming to take their land and their heritage. If that is the case, it's downright un-American and most certainly un-Kentuckian,” he said. “I hope the rest of the people in our state will take notice of what's happening in Bourbon County and will always remember those who came secretly and slyly, like thieves in the night, to rob us of our way of life, from those who instigated this plan to those who are now trying to carry it out. And we should all remember that this may well be the tip of the iceberg of what could come next. “To those behind this: if you want to try and stab me, at least be man enough not to stab me in the back.” The post Citizens Speak Out Against Proposed Bluegrass Station Airport appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Philip Oliver died Feb. 19 in Indiantown, Florida. Born on June 6, 1970, he is survived by his wife, Victoria Oliver, brother Chris Oliver, sister Toni Blinkhorn, and his mother Alison Oliver. Oliver was preceded in death by his father, Alan. Oliver, who was born and raised in Chipping Norton, England, began riding at the age of three years old. Prior to moving to the U.S. at the age of 18, he worked for champion jump jockeys and trainers, Stan Miller and Lester Piggott. He began his U.S. training career as an assistant with Ian Jory and was instrumental in the development of Video Ranger and Best Pal. He subsequently served as an assistant trainer to Bruce Headley-who was responsible for champion Bertrando–and Elliott Walden, who conditioned Menifee, Victory Gallop, and Distorted Humor. In 1999, Phil launched his career as a trainer, achieving his own success with a bevy of Grade I/graded stakes winners, including Autonomy, Closing Range, First Lieutenant, Last Full Measure, and Middie. Along with his career with horses, he was an avid reader and had a passion for hunting and his dogs. “Philip was a kind and compassionate soul, known for his warm smile and humor. He touched the lives of many with his charismatic personality. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him,” reads a release from the family. “In his lifetime, Philip Oliver made a lasting impact on those around him, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in peace, and his memory continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.” A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in Lexington, Kentucky in April on a date to be determined shortly. Donations can be made to Dunklin Memorial Church (https://www.dunklin.org/donate ) or The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (https://donorbox.org/trf-make-a-gift). The post Trainer Philip Oliver Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fixed-odds horse racing wagering has been approved in Colorado. The deal was forged between SIS Content Services, part of the SIS (Sports Information Services) Group, and long-time operator partner bet365 to deliver its global horse racing content to bettors in Colorado. The approval of horse racing fixed-odds wagering on Colorado sportsbooks is intended to attract a wider range of casual bettors, who will be offered the same type of betting as all other sports. SIS offers a horse racing vast portfolio of international and domestic events, including the upcoming Saudi Cup Day Feb. 24 and Dubai World Cup meeting Mar. 30. Additionally, year-round racing is available from 14 countries, including Ireland, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. “This is a great first step in expanding the horse racing audience and I commend the Colorado horse racing stakeholders, Colorado Division of Gaming and bet365 for their vision and support,” said Michele Fischer, Vice President, SIS Content Services. “Horse racing provides sportsbooks with exciting year-round 24/7 content throughout the world. It will take time in the US, but I expect that more sports wagering operators and states will include horse racing on their sports catalogs.” The SIS platform also includes live-streamed video with betting triggers, race day data, and an extensive range of markets and odds prices. Shannon Ruston, Executive Director of Operations & Racing at Bally's Arapahoe Park, said: “We are thrilled to be able to put horse racing on Colorado sportsbooks for fixed-odds wagering. Working with SIS, we crafted a commercial framework that benefits local racing, while giving sportsbooks access to thousands of races. Our belief is that this development will secure a better future not only for Arapahoe Park, but also for the racing ecosystem as a whole in Colorado.” For more information, click here. The post Fixed-Odds Horse Racing Wagering Debuts in Colorado appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a landmark move for United States race wagering, Bet365 in Colorado is the first mobile platform to offer fixed-odds betting on horse racing side by side with its other sports offerings.View the full article

Larry Smith won his 1,000th race as a trainer Feb. 20 when Come See About It raced to victory in the fourth race at Mahoning Valley Race Course.View the full article

The 2024 Wanamaker's February Sale catalogue is available for viewing at www.wanamakers.com. Horses of racing age, open broodmares, in-foal broodmares, mares and foals and stallion seasons are all catalogued. Bidding opens at 8:00a.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 29, with the first listing set to close at 5:00p.m. Subsequent listings will close in three-minute increments. Highlights of the catalogue include: A 2024 NG season to Great Notion, the leading Maryland sire six years running. Afleet Fairy (Afleet Express-Alozaina {Ire}), by Perugino), a 9-year-old broodmare with a Maryland-bred Friesian Fire filly by her side. Judi Blue Eyes (Cal Nation-Sassy Love, by Valley Crossing), an 8-year-old multiple stakes-placed broodmare and an earner of over $270,000. A Maryland bred yearling colt from the second crop of Tiz the Law. His direct female family includes five winners from six starters. For more information on the buying, click here. The post Wanamaker’s February Sale Catalogue Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, has been named deputy executive director of The Jockey Club, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club James L. Gagliano announced Wednesday. In this added role, Haydon, who will be responsible for industry engagement, will report to The Jockey Club Executive Vice President and Executive Director Matt Iuliano. Haydon will engage with the industry on initiatives of the company and foster collaboration among industry organizations on health, safety, and promotion of the Thoroughbred. Among his field duties, he will seek feedback from customers of The Jockey Club's commercial subsidiaries regarding products and services. “Because of his work with our industry initiatives and as president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Jamie has been engaged with people from every facet of the sport,” said Gagliano. “He will be an excellent advocate for The Jockey Club and for racing as a whole, and we look forward to furthering The Jockey Club's engagement with other stakeholders through his efforts.” Haydon, who assumed his position as president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 2019, joined the organization in April 2018. He joined The Jockey Club in 2008 as the manager of Industry Initiatives after stints with Breeders' Cup, Ascot Racecourse, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Four Star Sales, and Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. The post Haydon Named Deputy Executive Director of The Jockey Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is set to visit Dubawi (Ire) for the third year in a row, according to plans released by Juddmonte for its European broodmare band. The 11-time Group 1 winner's dam Concentric (GB) (Sadler's Wells) will be covered by Frankel (GB) after foaling to Dubawi. Enable's first foal, the two-year-old colt by Kingman (GB) named Encompass (GB), will be trained by John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables, the former home of both his sire and dam. Enable's two-year-old full-brother Concert Tour (GB) has not yet been allocated to a trainer. Juddmonte's champion sire Frankel (GB) can naturally rely on plenty of support from his home camp, with 27 of the operation's stakes winners and/or producers on his book for 2024. These include the Group 1 winners Announce (GB) (Selkirk), Emollient (Empire Maker), who is the dam of Frankel's stakes-winning daughters Raclette (GB) and Ardent, Juliet Foxtrot (GB) (Dansili {GB}), Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Proviso (GB) (Dansili {GB}), Viadera (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), and Special Duty (GB) (Hennessy), whose Frankel colt Task Force (GB), trained by Ralph Beckett, is a potential Classic campaigner for this season. Juddmonte purchased Teona (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) at Tattersalls in December for 4.5 million gns when carrying to Frankel and she will return to him this year. Bird Flown (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), the dam of Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Siskin (First Defence), is another on the list for Frankel along with Portodora (Kingmambo), the dam of GI Arlington Million winner Set Piece (GB) (Dansili {GB}), and Repose (Quiet American), who has produced the treble Group 1 winner State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). Frankel's winning full-sister Chiasma (Ire) (Galileo {Ire) returns to Dubawi, and his Listed-winning half-sister Joyeuse (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) heads to Ireland to be covered by Wootton Bassett (GB) at Coolmore. She is the dam of the 2023 G2 Mill Reef S. winner Array (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is trained by Andrew Balding and is her fourth black-type performer. Strong Book for Kingman Kingman's intended mates for 2024 will include return visitor Helleborine (GB) (Observatory), who has already produced the G2 Coventry S. winner and sire Calyx (GB) and Listed winner Coppice (GB) from previous matings with him. The Group 1 winner and Group producers African Rose (a sister to Helleborine) and Passage Of Time (GB) (Dansili {GB}) are also booked to Kingman, along with Scuffle (GB) (Daylami {Ire}) and Nimble Thimble (Mizzen Mast), the dams of Group 1 winners Logician (GB) and Quadrilateral (GB) respectively. Group winners Brostaigh (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Dandhu (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Fount (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Pocket Square (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) are also on the list along with Midday's Group 3-winning half-sister Sun Maiden (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Trojan Queen (Empire Maker) is another returning to Kingman having producing the Group 3 and dual Listed winner Sangarius (GB) to him. Seventeen for Chaldean Banstead Manor Stud's new recruit to the stallion ranks, Frankel's 2,000 Guineas-winning son Chaldean (GB), will receive 17 mares from the Juddmonte broodmare band. Twelve of these are black-type performers or producers, while the other five are either half-sisters to Group 1 winners or daughters of Group 1 winners. Exemplify (GB) (Dansili {GB}), the dam of the GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Expert Eye (GB), will visit Chaldean, along with proven producer Deliberate (GB) (King's Best), whose five black-type performers include the Group 2 winners Projected (GB) and Headman (GB), and Shared Account (GB) (Dansili {GB}), the dam of dual Group 3 winner Pocket Square. Flare Of Firelight (Birdstone), the dam of G2 Gimcrack S. winner Threat (Ire), is also in his first book along with Group winners Timepiece (GB) (Zamindar), Hot Snap (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and Modern Look (Zamindar), who is already the dam of Group 3 winner Grand Jete (GB). Venturing Farther Afield A hallmark of Juddmonte's matings, and indeed its success over the years, has been the operation's strong support of its own roster of stallions, which also includes Oasis Dream and Bated Breath. A selection of the Juddmonte mares to be venturing outside the fold this year includes Emulous (GB) (Dansili {GB}), who visits Camelot (GB) to replicate the mating that produced the G1 Irish Oaks runner-up Bluestocking (GB). Grade I winner daughter Capla Temptress (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) visits Dark Angel (Ire), and Frankel's G1 Fillies' Mile winner Quadrilateral will be going to Wootton Bassett. Romantica (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), a Group 1-winning daughter of Banks Hill (GB), will visit Zarak (Fr) at the Aga Khan Studs, where the G3 Aston Park S. winner Haskoy (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) and her dam Natavia (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) are both set to be covered by Siyouni (Fr). Sacred Shield (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}), the dam of GI Matriarch S. winner Viadera, will become the first Juddmonte mare to visit Whitsbury Manor Stud's Havana Grey (GB). Group 3 winner Juliet Sierra (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) heads to Darley's Too Darn Hot (GB) while multiple Group winner Zarinsk (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) will be covered for the first time at Coolmore by No Nay Never. The post Enable Returns to Dubawi as Juddmonte Outline 2024 Matings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Lindsay Park operation of Ben,Will and JD Hayes are sticking to their plans with Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) in their chase of a second All-Star Mile victory. Mr Brightside heads to the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, looking to maintain a perfect record over that trip at that track. Saturday’s race will complete Mr Brightside’s program for the defence of his All-Star Mile title that he won at Moonee Valley last year. The All-Star Mile will be run at Caulfield on March 16 this year. Mr Brightside returned with a fighting effort to nail Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) first-up on the line in the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes on February 10. The gelding’s first two 1400m races at Caulfield resulted in success in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes last August followed by victory in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes two weeks later. The only time Mr Brightside has tasted defeat at Caulfield was his first attempt at 2000m when he finished fourth to Anamoe (Street Boss) in the Gr.1 Might And Power in the spring of 2022. Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside felt his first-up run when landing the prize in the C F Orr but has appreciated getting out in a day paddock at the stable’s Euroa property between runs. “He’s came through the race no problems,” Hayes said. “He was in the paddock later in the week, rearing up and running around like a lunatic like he does, and we like to see it. “He’s spot on to head towards the Futurity.” Hayes said Mr Brightside had an incredible will to win which was evident in his first-up victory. He said there was a moment during the C F Orr where he doubted whether Mr Brightside would be able to pick up Pride Of Jenni. “That was an incredible win,” Hayes said. “At the 500 (metres), you are thinking ‘Jenni’s got us again’ but he really dug deep and hit the line and when you go back and watch the replays, he won quite soft on the line. “The best part is he looks to have come through it well.” Mr Brightside is opposed to seven rivals on Saturday, including Buffalo River (Noble Mission) who finished third behind the gelding in the C F Orr. The Lindsay Park galloper opened the $1.50 favourite in betting after drawing barrier five on Saturday. View the full article

Archaic Smile will contest the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Two younger members of Tony Pike’s team will spearhead the stable’s representation at Matamata with higher honours beckoning the duo if they race up to expectations. The Cambridge trainer will chase a two-year-old feature double on Saturday with Archaic Smile in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and Poetic Champion in the Group 2 Matamata Slipper (1200m). Archaic Smile was a debut fifth at Te Rapa before she trekked south to win at Otaki in November and returned to the Central Districts in January to add the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) at Trentham to her record. “She is a very progressive filly and has obviously been impressive in her last two runs,” Pike said. “She’s always showed ability and drew a wide gate in her first start and got a bit lost and was green, so it was a pretty good run in what has turned out to be a good form race.” The Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m) was won by subsequent Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner Velocious while third placegetter Bellatrix Star has since won the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and run fourth in the Millions. “Archaic Smile took good improvement from Te Rapa and she has been dominant in her last two,” Pike said. “If she wins at the weekend or runs extremely well, then she would probably press on to the Sistema (Group 1, 1200m), that’s the logical option.” That thinking also applies to Poetic Champion, who romped home on debut at Hawera and placed in the Challenge Stakes and the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) before he was a gallant sixth from the outside gate in the Millions at Ellerslie. “The barrier draw (14) was a bit of a nightmare and we decided to go back, but he still couldn’t get in and sat four wide for the trip,” Pike said. “Considering the way the track was playing that night and the run he had, you couldn’t have asked for anymore. It was a very genuine effort. “He had a week in the paddock after that and has come back in really good order and worked well on Tuesday morning.” Horse racing news View the full article

Manifique will contest the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Regally-bred mare Manifique is already assured of a broodmare career, however, trainer Peter Didham is keen to gain some black-type with her before she heads to the breeding barn. A daughter of New Zealand Champion Sire Savabeel and four-time Group One winner Shez Sinsational, Manifique is also a half-sister to Group One performers Sinarahma and House Of Cartier, and Didham believes his mare is just as capable. The five-year-old mare has won four of her starts to date and while she finished last in her maiden stakes outing in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) at Trentham in December, she bounced back to finish fourth in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau earlier this month. Didham has been pleased with the way she has progressed and will head north with her on Saturday to tackle the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata. “It was a great run at Tauherenikau over a mile,” Didham said. “Another 20m and she would have got up. She is a 2000m horse with a turn of foot. I am excited with the way she has come back, we still don’t know what went wrong at Wellington in the Manawatu Cup, but she seems to be over that. “It was a great run at Tauherenikau and I expect her to go really well.” Didham believes his mare is still on the way up and thinks she will peak next season as a six-year-old. “We have started to aim for that (black-type). Next year will be her year, she has just been a year behind all the time. She is not the biggest Savabeel but she is very talented,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

First Innings on his way to winning at Pukekohe on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Classic assignments could be in the offing for promising stayer First Innings following his impressive maiden win at Pukekohe on Wednesday. The three-year-old son of Contributer had pleased trainer Andrew Forsman in his three prior outings, including a runner-up effort over 2100m at Te Rapa last month. The three-year-old gelding settled midfield on the fence for leading hoop Opie Bosson in the midweek fixture and enjoyed an economical passage throughout. Down the home straight, Bosson was able to find a gap between runners, and First Innings began to chase down leader Northern Raider, got on even terms with his rival at the 100m mark, and powered away to a 1.25-length victory. Forsman was pleased with the winning performance and the manner in which First Innings closed out the 2100m. “He has done quite well in a pretty short career to date. He is lightly tried but every start he has been impressive,” Forsman said. “He is an out-and-out stayer, he will just get better with time. He is doing it all on one preparation, which is the hard part at this stage. He seems to be handling everything well so far.” First Innings holds a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday-week, and Forsman said a decision on whether his gelding tackles the Classic will be made in the coming days. “We will see how he comes through it first and foremost and then have a talk with the owners and see what they want to do,” Forsman said. “There are different arguments to be made for doing it either way, but firstly we will leave it up to the horse to decide and then work it out in the next couple of days. “He is promising, he is going to end up a nice open-class stayer and it is always nice if they can do something as an age group horse as well. That is what we will be trying to do, and whether that is next Saturday or we are a little more patient, we will work it out.” Forsman has a good association with the New Zealand Derby, having won it on two prior occasions when training in partnership with Murray Baker, including Mongolian Khan in 2015 and Vin De Dance in 2018. Horse racing news View the full article

Straight Arron is chasing his first Group 1 score. Hugh Bowman hopes Straight Arron can continue an upward career trajectory with victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Third in the G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) under 135lb on 4 February, Straight Arron faces the elite of Hong Kong’s middle-distance ranks this weekend with five-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Group 1 Stewards’ Cup victor Voyage Bubble headlining the entries. Bowman is optimistic Straight Arron can build on his impressive fourth in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior on December 10, when he was beaten only three-quarters of a length. “I think Straight Arron proved on international day that he’s not far behind these horses and I think he’s going well and I think he’s a genuine top-three chance and we’ll see how he goes,” Bowman said. “I was really happy with his last run (in the Centenary Vase). He had the 135 (pounds) and history will tell you that if they run well with that weight, it’s a very good sign albeit against horses not of the same calibre that he will meet this weekend. “We’re not oblivious to the fact that he’s taking on Romantic Warrior, who I rode myself in trackwork (Tuesday, February 20) and he’s going very well, but it is what it is – my horse is not far behind him.” Bowman, 43, resumes from suspension eager to build on the 35 wins he has accumulated in a season punctuated by injuries and suspensions. “It’s good to be back. It’s been a bit of a frustrating period for me. I’ve had the ball bounce against me a little bit with a couple of injuries but I’ve also made my own mistakes so that’s something I really want to focus on and rectify and settle back into the season with some consistency,” the Australian said. With five Hong Kong Group 1s among his 105 elite victories world-wide, Bowman previously won the Hong Kong Gold Cup on Werther for John Moore in 2017. Apart from five-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior, fellow Hong Kong Derby winner Voyage Bubble and Straight Arron, entry for this Sunday’s feature also includes Beauty Joy, Champion Dragon, Encountered, Five G Patch, Nimble Nimbus, Money Catcher, Senor Toba and Sword Point. Andrea Atzeni, who won Centenary Vase on Nimble Nimbus, will search for his first Hong Kong Group 1 score aboard Ricky Yiu’s consistent charge. “He’s a Group 3 winner the last day, obviously carrying quite a low weight (115lb) and he’s meeting top-class horses here at level weights (126lb), so we’re under no illusions that we’re up against it,” the Sardinian said. “But hopefully he’s the sort of horse that if the gets a good draw, we should be able to give him a chance like we did on the last day and he can finish off quite nicely – I can see him running a big race.” Horse racing news View the full article

Linebacker on his way to winning at Hawkesbury on debut. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Waikato Stud’s Super Seth has struck a significant offshore blow with the Group One-winning son of Dundeel siring his first juvenile winner in Australia. The race day covers came off his highly regarded son Linebacker at Hawkesbury this afternoon and the John O’Shea-prepared colt didn’t disappoint, coping admirably with a heavy track to romp to an effortless victory over 1300m. “I like the Super Seths, they’ve got great minds and the ones I have got have been great to train,” O’Shea said. “I’m quite bullish on this colt and I don’t want to overtax him as a two-year-old, he’ll be much better at three.” Sent out a hot favourite off the back of a Randwick trial success, Linebacker was quickly into stride to make the running for Kerrin McEvoy and didn’t need to find top gear in the run home to be out on his own by four lengths at the post. “He’s always showed promise and had performed really well at the trials and showed that out there again today. He is very much above average,” McEvoy said. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Linebacker was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $160,000 by O’Shea and Suman Hedge Bloodstock. He is a son of the English-bred Oasis Dream mare Garden Of Swans, who is a half-sister to the Group 1 Sandown Eclipse Stakes winner and sire Mukhadram. Linebacker’s brother was also secured by O’Shea with James Bester Bloodstock for A$80,000 at this year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Super Seth has been represented in New Zealand by the winners Poetic Champion, also placed in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes and the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes, and Diablo Blanco from just six representatives. His progeny were keenly sought after at the recent New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale with a top Book 1 price of $700,000 paid by Patella Bloodstock for Pencarrow Stud’s half-brother to Group winners Pearl Of Alsace and Zourion. Horse racing news View the full article

What Oakleigh Plate 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 Prizemoney $750,000 Distance 1100m Conditions Group 1 2023 winner Jacquinot (4) | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Damian Lane (55.5kg) Visit Dabble Sparks are set to fly in Saturday’s Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield Racecourse. A massive field of 15 sprinters are set to clash over the 1100m, and with just one previous Group 1 winner in the field, there is plenty on the line in the co-feature on Blue Diamond Stakes Day. Can the three-year-old colt King’s Gambit overcome barrier one and salute with just 50kg on his back, or will one of the smart up-and-coming four-year-olds get the job done? 2024 Oakleigh Plate odds Outside of the top two in the market — King’s Gambit (+320) and Asfoora (+450) — there looks to be plenty of meat on the bone in terms of value with horse racing bookies for the 2024 Oakleigh Plate. Sghirippa, Rey Magnerio, Benedetta, Hypothetical, Kallos, Queman and Recommendation are all between a +800 and +1500 quote for Saturday’s Group 1 sprint, showing just how even the Oakleigh Plate field is outside of the two at the top of betting. 2024 Oakleigh Plate speed map Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen — this is going run at a frantic speed. Najem Suhail and Hypothetical will look to cross from middle barriers and take up the running, while the likes of Brudenell, Recommendation and Queman will all look to kick up underneath them and hold the rail. Add in the fact that the likes of Asfoora and Sghirippa from wide draws will want to land in the first four or five, and we’re met with a logjam trying to hold a spot upon settling. It leaves the race perfectly setup for the likes of Benedetta, Skew Wiff and King’s Gambit to all take a sit just off the pace, while Kallos and Rey Magnerio will be launching late from a rearward position. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Oakleigh Plate. Oakleigh Plate 2024 preview & form We will be looking to strike some value with Benedetta as she comes to the Oakleigh Plate first-up from a spell. Jason Warren’s mare hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth in the Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on October 14, but her run the start prior when beaten a half-head by Star Patrol and King Of Sparta in Group 2 company at Flemington reads perfectly. Any rain that comes will not deter her winning chances, having won both of her starts on Soft going in her career. Daniel Stackhouse will have the mare settled just off the speed, and armed with a strong sprint, Benedetta can blouse the leaders at a nice price. Sghirippa is the form sprinter of the Victorian summer and gets his chance at Group 1 glory on Saturday. The Shane & Cassie Oxlade-trained sprinter has been nothing short of dominant in his last two starts, winning in Listed company and at Group 3 level. Craig Newitt will need to be at his best to get the son of Lonhro across to the front of the field without using up too many tickets, but if he can land either outside the lead or a pair back with cover, Sghirippa brings race fitness and quality form into the time-honoured sprint. Kallos could not have been any better when toppling Asfoora in the Group 1 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at this track and trip on his return. Despite being given 58kg — some 8kg more than the race favourite — he showed in the Rubiton he can handle the weight and sprint quickly. Blake Shinn will have him smoking the pipe out the back while the speed is on early. With a well-timed sprint and a bit of class on his side, Kallos is the one from the rear of the field who will most likely prove hardest to hold out. King’s Gambit drawing barrier one is hardly ideal considering he will need a stack of luck. However, if the gaps come, he is sure to take some beating. Asfoora was quite plain on return, and with 57.5kg and barrier 11, she looks to have the odds stacked against her. Outside of those mentioned, a case can be made for all but maybe one or two of the contenders in the Oakleigh Plate. Oakleigh Plate 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 8 BENEDETTA 4 SGHIRRIPA 1 KALLOS 15 KING’S GAMBIT $100 betting strategy $100 win Benedetta (#8) @ +900 with Picklebet Horse racing tips View the full article

What Blue Diamond Stakes 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 Prizemoney $2,000,000 Distance 1200m Conditions Group 1 2023 winner Little Brose (7) | T: Ben & JD Hayes | J: Mick Dee (57kg) Visit Dabble A capacity of 16 juveniles are set to duke it out for the $2 million on offer in Saturday’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. With five last-start winners amongst this lot, the 2024 edition of the Blue Diamond looks set to be one of the more memorable juvenile races in some time. 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes odds As always with Blue Diamond Stakes betting, there is no real standout at the top of the market. Matt Laurie’s Coleman sits on top at odds of +300 with top horse racing bookmakers. Sydney-sider Lady Of Camelot received a truckload of backing following the barrier draw, shortening from +650 into +380. Stablemates Bodyguard (+400) and High Octane (+500) from the Peter & Paul Snowden barn are the only other runners at a single-figure quote, with Eneeza the best of the rest at +1200. 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes speed map The Blue Diamond Stakes is traditionally a tricky speed map to work out, but this year’s edition looks pretty straightforward. Lady Of Camelot will use her low draw (4) to her advantage, with Spywire from gate 18 looking to come across and land outside lead. Stay Focused, Kuroyanagi and Coleman will all look to camp off the leader’s heels, with High Octane and Bodyguard looking to settle mid-field or better from middle barriers. Fearless, Matisse and Traffic Warden will all be at the rear of the field and charging home late. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes. Blue Diamond Stakes 2024 preview & form History may be against Lady Of Camelot as the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott runner looks to become the first filly since Lyre in 2019 to win the Blue Diamond Stakes. To go with that, only four of the last 20 winners have come from outside the Blue Diamond Series, and Waterhouse is yet have a winner in Melbourne’s premier juvenile event. However, first-up from a spell in the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m), Lady Of Camelot gave the 1100m Rosehill track record a nudge when leading from barrier to box in impressive fashion. The daughter of Written Tycoon draws to gain an uncontested lead from barrier four under Adam Hyeronimus, and with natural speed as her key asset, Lady Of Camelot will prove too hard to run down. Coleman could not have been any more impressive when claiming the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) first-up at Caulfield on February 3. The Pierata colt may have been left a touch flat-footed on the home turn as the leader kicked clear, but he showed his class with the quickest final 200m of the day in just his second career start. Ben Melham will look to land a spot in the first six from barrier seven, and as long as the Matt Laurie-trained runner finds clear air on the home turn, Coleman will be the one leading the charge to race down Lady Of Camelot. Based on his first two starts, Bodyguard looks to be every bit a Group 1 winner in waiting. Having won the Listed Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) on debut back in October, the I Am Invincible colt was a smart winner of the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) first-up from a spell on February 10 when getting the better of Stay Focused late on. The 1200m looks like it will be no issue for him, and drawn inside Coleman and outside Lady Of Camelot, Mark Zahra will have this bloke within striking distance at all times. Outside of High Octane, who was desperately unlucky last time out, the rest of the Blue Diamond field is quite an even bunch. Look for the likes of Matisse, Eneeza and Hayasugi to be flashing home and potentially adding some value to trifectas and first-fours. Blue Diamond Stakes 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 13 LADY OF CAMELOT 4 COLEMAN 3 BODYGUARD 8 HIGH OCTANE $100 betting strategy $100 win Lady Of Camelot (#13) @ +380 with Picklebet Horse racing tips View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, February 16, 2024 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Listed Torney Night Cup will headline an eight-race card at Moonee Valley this Friday night. With hot conditions forecast in the days leading up to the meeting, the track is expected to rate in the Good range for the entire program. The rail will return to the true position, which should allow the track to play as fairly as possible. The opening race at Moonee Valley is scheduled to jump at 6:15pm AEDT. Torney Night Cup Tip: Monbaher Monbaher was narrowly beaten at Caulfield over 2400m on February 3, when the Matt Cumani-trained gelding drove at Herman Hesse in the final strides but just missed. Stepping up in distance to 2500m is expected to suit this son of Muhaarar, and if he can get a solid race tempo, he will be running home strongly in the final 400m. Barrier 16 is a worry, but with Craig Newitt on board, he will take his medicine, settle near the rear of the field, and allow Monbaher to build into the race in the three-wide line. Torney Night Cup Race 7 – #5 Monbaher (16) 6yo Gelding | T: Matt Cumani | J: Craig Newitt (54.5kg) +900 with Picklebet Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Miss Take Anthony & Sam Freedman would have been very happy to see Miss Take return to the races with a narrow victory at this track and tip on January 27. The four-year-old mare settled on the fence behind a wall of runners, but thanks to a very good Luke Currie ride, she was able to pick her way through gaps to launch late and win. Although this daughter of War Decree is up in class, she should get a similar run in transit from barrier one. If Currie can replicate his smart ride from last start, Miss Take will get every chance to record back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 6 – #9 Miss Take (1) 4yo Mare | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Luke Currie (56kg) +500 with Playup Next Best at Moonee Valley: Kind Gesture King Gesture will drop back from Group 3 company to Benchmark 70 grade, where she will be seeking her first win since July 2022. The Mick Kent-trained mare struck interference two starts back and was upgraded to second place due to an upheld protest, then went on to run sixth, beaten 5.1 lengths by Yonce, in the Carlyon Cup. In her first start at Moonee Valley, this daughter of Decorated Knight will get every chance to break through for a win. With the aid of barrier four and Celine Gaudray’s 1.5kg claim, Kind Gesture gets conditions to suit and should be able to run on strongly from midfield. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Kind Gesture (4) 5yo Mare | T: Mick Kent | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (61.5kg) +340 with Dabble Best Value at Moonee Valley: Zamborghini Zamborghini is racing in career-best form this time in, recording two wins and two placings from five starts. The Matt Laurie-trained gelding was very unlucky when he finished third at this track and trip two starts back, then stuck on well to finish in the same position at Caulfield in Saturday grade over 1600m. This son of Zoustar will have to carry the top weight on Friday, but going off his recent form, he has earned the weight. Ben Melham will be legged aboard, and if he can have Zamborghini settled behind the speed in the first four or five runners, he will play a prominent role in the finish once again. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Zamborghini (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Matt Laurie | J: Ben Melham (61.5kg) Bet with Neds Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, February 23, 2024 2-3-4-6 2-4-9 1-2-3-4-5 2-4-7-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

King’s Gambit has opened as the race favourite for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday. (Photo: Racing NSW) The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate is shaping up to be the most intriguing race at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. As usual, the field for the $750,000 contest is near capacity, with 15 sprinters set to clash in the time-honoured handicap feature. The lone three-year-old in the race, King’s Gambit, has opened as a +320 favourite with top horse racing betting sites. The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained colt will only carry 50kg and will resume from a 20-week spell after he was last seen winning the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill in October last year. After being beaten as an odds-on favourite fresh in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes, Asfoora will push onto the Oakleigh Plate and has opened on the second line of betting at +450. The Henry Dwyer-trained mare will have to carry 57.5kg due to her handicap rating of 111, but her track and distance record (4:3-1-0) speaks for itself and she is expected to run well again. Sghirripa (+800) has earned his spot in the Oakleigh Plate after winning both the Listed Christmas Stakes and Group 3 Standish Stakes over the summer. Similarly to Sghirripa, the Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock-trained Rey Magnerio (+850) has rocketed into contention for this race after winning six of his first nine starts, and he will only have to carry 52kg. Jason Warren’s star mare Benedetta (+900) will kick off her autumn preparation in the Oakleigh Plate and has been somewhat forgotten in the market. The daughter of Hellbent has only missed the placings once in her 10 starts, and one of her six wins came in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes at the same track and trip that she will face on Saturday. There is heaps of value to be found beyond the top few runners, with the likes of Kallos (+1400), Hypothetical (+1200), Recommendation (+1500) and Skew Wiff (+2600) representing great value at double figures. The Oakleigh Plate is scheduled to jump at 4:55pm AEDT and will be race nine on the Caulfield program. 2024 Oakleigh Plate field Odds correct as of 12pm AEDT on 21/2 1. Kallos (15) T: James Cummings J: Blake Shinn W: 58kg F: 1×771 Age: 5YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Medaglia D’oro (USA) Dam: Calliope +1300 +320 2. Asfoora (11) T: Henry Dwyer J: Mitchell Aitken W: 57.5kg F: 2×912 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Flying Artie Dam: Golden Child +400 +110 3. Skew Wiff (3) T: Mark Walker J: Craig Williams W: 55.5kg F: x5161 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Starvoia +1700 +400 4. Sghirripa (13) T: Shane & Cassie Oxlade J: Craig Newitt W: 55kg F: 11311 Age: 4YO Color: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Wonder I Do +750 +190 5. Chain Of Lightning (10) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: TBC W: 53.5kg F: x07x4 Age: 5YO Color: Grey Sex: Mare Sire: Fighting Sun Dam: Magic Art +4000 +900 6. Najem Suhail (8) T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock J: Celine Gaudray W: 53.5kg F: 22213 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Starspangledbanner Dam: Sophie’s Spirit +1400 +340 7. Recommendation (4) T: Ciaron Maher J: Declan Bates W: 53.5kg F: 32132 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Shalaa (IRE) Dam: Advise (USA) +1700 +400 8. Benedetta (5) T: Jason Warren J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 53kg F: x4311 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +900 +230 9. Brudenell (6) T: Kris Lees J: Daniel Moor W: 52kg F: 1615x Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Russian Revolution Dam: Knit ‘n’ Purl +3000 +700 10. Hypothetical (9) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Michael Dee W: 52kg F: 4×122 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Fitna +1700 +400 11. Lempicka (14) T: Ken & Kasey Keys J: Blaike McDougall W: 52kg F: x7111 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Rich Enuff Dam: Hot Art +8000 +1700 12. Mornington Glory (7) T: Gavin Bedggood J: Dean Yendall W: 52kg F: 51122 Age: 5YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Shalaa (IRE) Dam: Crowned Glory +2200 +500 13. Queman (2) T: Shane & Cassie Oxlade J: Harry Coffey W: 52kg F: 1×711 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Mint Lane (USA) Dam: Langreen +1200 +300 14. Rey Magnerio (12) T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock J: Joe McNeil W: 52kg F: 12111 Age: 4YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Magnus Dam: Luchardo +800 +210 15. King’s Gambit (1) T: Peter & Paul Snowden J: Jamie Kah W: 50kg F: x13x3 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Sultry Feeling +380 +100 Horse racing news View the full article

Waikato Stud’s Super Seth has struck a significant offshore blow with the Group One-winning son of Dundeel siring his first juvenile winner in Australia. The race day covers came off his highly regarded son Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) at Hawkesbury this afternoon and the John O’Shea-prepared colt didn’t disappoint, coping admirably with a heavy track to romp to an effortless victory over 1300m. “I like the Super Seths, they’ve got great minds and the ones I have got have been great to train,” O’Shea said. “I’m quite bullish on this colt and I don’t want to overtax him as a two-year-old, he’ll be much better at three.” Sent out a hot favourite off the back of a Randwick trial success, Linebacker was quickly into stride to make the running for Kerrin McEvoy and didn’t need to find top gear in the run home to be out on his own by four lengths at the post. “He’s always showed promise and had performed really well at the trials and showed that out there again today. He is very much above average,” McEvoy said. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Linebacker was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $160,000 by O’Shea and Suman Hedge Bloodstock. He is a son of the English-bred Oasis Dream mare Garden Of Swans, who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Sandown Eclipse Stakes winner and sire Mukhadram. Linebacker’s brother was also secured by O’Shea with James Bester Bloodstock for A$80,000 at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Super Seth has been represented in New Zealand by the winners Poetic Champion (NZ), also placed in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes and the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes, and Diablo Blanco (NZ) from just six representatives. His progeny were keenly sought after at the recent New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale with a top Book 1 price of $700,000 paid by Patella Bloodstock for Pencarrow Stud’s half-brother to Group winners Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) and Zourion (NZ) (Zoustar). View the full article

Classic assignments could be in the offing for promising stayer First Innings (NZ) (Contributer) following his impressive maiden win in the Cambridge Stud 2100 at Pukekohe on Wednesday. The three-year-old son of Contributer had pleased trainer Andrew Forsman in his three prior outings, including a runner-up effort over 2100m at Te Rapa last month. The three-year-old gelding settled midfield on the fence for leading hoop Opie Bosson in the midweek fixture and enjoyed an economical passage throughout. Down the home straight, Bosson was able to find a gap between runners and First Innings began to chase down leader Northern Raider (NZ) (El Roca) and got on even terms with his rival at the 100m mark, and powered away to a 1-1/4 length victory. Forsman was pleased with the winning performance and the manner in which First Innings closed out the 2100m. “He has done quite well in a pretty short career to date. He is lightly tried but every start he has been impressive,” Forsman said. “He is an out-and-out stayer, he will just get better with time. He is doing it all on one preparation, which is the hard part at this stage. He seems to be handling everything well so far.” First Innings holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday-week, and Forsman said a decision on whether his gelding tackles the Classic will be made in the coming days. “We will see how he comes through it first and foremost and then have a talk with the owners and see what they want to do,” Forsman said. “There are different arguments to be made for doing it either way, but firstly we will leave it up to the horse to decide and then work it out in the next couple of days. “He is promising, he is going to end up a nice open-class stayer and it is always nice if they can do something as an age group horse as well. That is what we will be trying to do, and whether that is next Saturday or we are a little more patient, we will work it out.” Forsman has a good association with the New Zealand Derby, having won it on two prior occasions when training in partnership with Murray Baker, including Mongolian Khan in 2015 and Vin De Dance in 2018. View the full article

Regally-bred mare Manifique (NZ) (Savabeel) is already assured of a broodmare career, however, trainer Peter Didham is keen to gain some black-type with her before she heads to the breeding barn. A daughter of New Zealand Champion Sire Savabeel and four-time Group One winner Shez Sinsational (NZ) (Ekraar), Manifique is also a half-sister to Group One performers Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and House Of Cartier (Alamosa), and Didham believes his mare is just as capable. The five-year-old mare has won four of her starts to date and while she finished last in her maiden stakes outing in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) at Trentham in December, she bounced back to finish fourth in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau earlier this month. Didham has been pleased with the way she has progressed and will head north with her on Saturday to tackle the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata. “It was a great run at Tauherenikau over a mile,” Didham said. “Another 20m and she would have got up. She is a 2000m horse with a turn of foot. I am excited with the way she has come back, we still don’t know what went wrong at Wellington in the Manawatu Cup, but she seems to be over that. “It was a great run at Tauherenikau and I expect her to go really well.” Didham believes his mare is still on the way up and thinks she will peak next season as a six-year-old. “We have started to aim for that (black-type). Next year will be her year, she has just been a year behind all the time. She is not the biggest Savabeel but she is very talented,” he said. Manifique will be Didham’s sole representative in the north on Saturday, while he will have two runners at Otaki – Danjuro (NZ) (Saxon Warrior) in the Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1600m) and last start runner-up Voice Over in the Riverstone Café Handicap (1200m). Danjuro showed a lot of promise in the spring, winning on debut before his runner-up performance at Trentham led to a tilt at the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November where he finished sixth. He disappointed in his resuming run when ninth over 1200m at Trentham last month and Didham said his performance this weekend will dictate his autumn plans. “It is hard to get a gauge on him,” Didham said. “I thought his trial was a touch disappointing the other day. He was really promising last year. I can’t find anything wrong with him and he needs to show me what he has got again this week. “He has been galloping with Manifique and galloping well. It is hard to get a line on him because he doesn’t work that great, he just does what he has to do. Joe Doyle (jockey) will be on and I expect to get some feedback from him on where I am going.” Didham is also hopeful of a good showing from Voice Over (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), who will have Matt Cameron in the saddle. “He deserves a Saturday go, it was a good run at Tauherenikau,” Didham said. “He is not very big but he has got a big heart and tries hard.” While looking forward to the weekend, Didham’s attention is currently set towards Wanganui’s Thursday meeting where he will line-up a trio of runners. Consistent mare Hasbulla (NZ) (Vespa) will attempt to break maiden ranks in the Mad Butcher Wanganui Maiden 1360, while Lemaitre (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) will make his debut in the Wanganui Insurance Brokers Maiden 1200, and Kana (NZ) (Tivaci) will be looking to recapture form in the Jolt Coffee House 1200. “Hasbulla has had a few issues in the past, but it’s a nice race for her, she has got a nice draw (1) and we have gone for a claim. It will be her first time with a hood on as well,” Didham said. “She has only had four starts and she has been competitive every start. She is a nice horse, she tries hard and tomorrow she should be hard to beat. “Lemaitre shows promise, he is a half to Wakari that Roydon Bergerson trains. Denlee, his mum, was runner-up in a Cuddle Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m). He is a big, raw horse that wants further and probably a cut in the track, but he is a nice horse. “Kana had no luck at Wellington, the track was against her. She trialled well at Foxton last week, I was really pleased with it. I think she will be back and storming home in the top three, and then she will go to Saturday company.” View the full article

Mr Brightside will seek back-to-back Group 1 victories when he steps out in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. (Photo: George Sal/Racing Photos) The first of the three Group 1 races at Caulfield this Saturday will be the $750,000 Futurity Stakes over 1400m. With only eight runners accepting for the weight-for-age feature, Mr Brightside has opened as a -200 favourite with online bookmakers. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained galloper will be seeking his sixth Group 1 success in the Futurity, having claimed his fifth with a barnstorming finish in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at this track and trip first-up. The son of Bullbars defeated three rivals last start that he will face again on Saturday, as Pericles (+1200), Munhamek (+1700) and Buffalo River (+1200) have all taken the same route as the favourite to begin their autumn campaign. Nugget (+700) will return from a 19-week spell after he was last seen running an impressive fourth in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on October 14. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding will gain the services of Mark Zahra and will be seeking his first Group 1 victory at the sixth time of asking. Mitchell Freedman claimed his maiden Group 1 win as a trainer when Attrition (+800) claimed the Toorak Handicap last time out, and he will be looking to claim his second when his four-year-old entire kicks off his campaign at Caulfield this weekend. The Futurity Stakes will be race seven on the Caulfield program and is scheduled to jump at 3:40pm AEDT. 2024 Futurity Stakes final field Odds correct as of 11:30am AEDT on 21/2 1. Mr Brightside (5) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 59kg F: 1×222 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Bullbars Dam: Lilahjay (NZ) -200 -1250 2. Pericles (1) T: James Cummings J: Jamie Kah W: 59kg F: 6×231 Age: 4YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +1200 +150 3. Munhamek (4) T: Nick Ryan J: Blake Shinn W: 59kg F: 7103x Age: 8YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dark Angel (IRE) Dam: Cadenza (FR) +1700 +210 4. Doom To Shoot (6) T: Sean & Jake Casey J: Damian Lane W: 59kg F: x9132 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Shooting To Win Dam: Princess Rouge (NZ) +1400 +180 5. Nugget (2) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg F: x404x Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Siyouni (FR) Dam: Gemstone (IRE) +700 -111.11 6. Buffalo River (7) T: Mike Moroney J: Celine Gaudray W: 59kg F: 33×01 Age: 8YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Noble Mission (GB) Dam: Fashion Insider (USA) +1200 +150 7. Attrition (8) T: Mitchell Freedman J: Ben Melham W: 59kg F: x1025 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Churchill (IRE) Dam: Queen’s Kiss +800 +100 8. Hey Fat Cat (3) T: Robbie Laing J: TBC W: 55.5kg F: 5411x Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Rubick Dam: Keep de Rose (NZ) +2500 +300 Horse racing news View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King St, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Friday, February 23, 2024 First Race 6pm AEDT Visit Dabble The summer series of racing continues this Friday night under the bright lights of Canterbury Park Racecourse, where a competitive eight-race program awaits punters. The rail has been moved back to the true position, and although the surface is rated a Heavy 9 at the time of writing, an upgrade is expected at some stage. The action is scheduled to get underway at 6pm local time. Best Bet: Morning Sun Morning Sun has found the minor money on both occasions since arriving at the Annabel Neasham barn and appears set to peak third-up. The European son of Muhaarar has been ticking over nicely since coming to Australia, kicking off the preparation with a runner-up effort at Warwick Farm on January 1 before stepping up to BM78 level at Rosehill on February 3. The five-year-old seemingly peaked in his most recent start, and with fitness on his side to go along with some favourable wet-track conditions, there’s no doubt Morning Sun will be fighting out the finish. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Morning Sun (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Nash Rawiller (59kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best: Dipsy Doodle Considering Dipsy Doodle was first-up after a 38-week spell at Rosehill on February 3, the Godolphin filly was simply sensational without winning. The three-year-old faded back into a third-place finish after setting a hectic tempo, with the winner, Our Kobison, breaking a long-standing track record. Although she only had to carry the feather-light weight of 52kg, BM88 company was always going to prove a bridge too far first-up. Back to BM78 on Friday appears more manageable, and with top jockey James McDonald hopping back aboard, Dipsy Doodle will take plenty of chasing down this time. Next Best Race 7 – #5 Dipsy Doodle (7) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Again: Infinitive Follow Files readers will know Infinitive was luckless in her latest attempt at Randwick on February 10. The Chris Waller-trained mare was about to let down with her devastating turn-of-foot when she ran into a wall of horses under Kerrin McEvoy. Once she did get some space to hit the gaps, Infinitive was the eye-catcher in a race that had a relatively small field and lacked a genuine tempo. That shouldn’t be the case in this full field of 12, and provided James McDonald can get this girl launching down the centre of the course, Infinitive should send punters home happy. Next Best Again Race 8 – #6 Infinitive (3) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Canterbury Friday quaddie tips – Feb 23, 2024 Canterbury quadrella selections Friday, February 23, 2024 2-3-5-6 1-2-4-8-10 2-5-7-8-11 1-4-5-6-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

This year, The Jockey Club will invest at least $7 million to support initiatives ranging from equine safety and aftercare to industry promotion and national and international collaboration. View the full article

Australian targets beckon Group One winner La Crique. Photo: Trish Dunell Simon and Katrina Alexander are hopeful the best of La Crique’s season is yet to come, with the Group One winner heading south on Saturday to tackle the Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at Otaki. A daughter of Vadamos, La Crique resumed after a muddled spring campaign with a solid fourth-placed effort in the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) on Karaka Millions Night last month, a run that gave the husband-and-wife training partnership confidence to target the Central Districts feature. “I’m very pleased with how she came through that run, it was fresh-up for her whereas a lot of the other horses were having more of a grand finale,” Katrina Alexander said. “I was very happy with how she found the line, it was all that we needed to see from her to make sure we’re on the right track.” Despite several campaigns hindered by heavy tracks and soundness issues, La Crique’s record boasts multiple victories and placings at Group level, topped by an outstanding performance to claim last season’s Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m). The mare was a gallant second behind the now retired Levante in last year’s edition of the Otaki WFA Classic, but Alexander is looking forward to stepping her up over further ground. “She’s trained on super from the Westbury Classic and I believe we’re getting closer to the horse we know,” she said. “Having said that, she’s a lot more mature now, she’s wanting the distance as opposed to be brilliant over the shorter distances, so it’ll be another progressive run for her. But we’re more than happy to be sending her to Otaki and seeing what she can do.” La Crique has formed a successful partnership with in-form hoop Craig Grylls, who has been in the saddle in 10 of her 17 career starts, but with his commitments to last start Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) winner Puntura, Matt Cameron will take the ride. “Matt Cameron will ride her this time, Gryllsy understandably had to make a decision and Robbie’s team is very much in form at the moment,” Alexander said. “We’re thrilled to have Matt on, and he seems to be very happy to take the ride. It’ll be interesting to see her with someone else on, it’s been a while since she’s had a change, so it’ll be good going forward to see how she behaves under a new jockey as well.” Horse racing news View the full article