Wandering Eyes

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, February 21, 2024 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Wednesday afternoon brings metropolitan racing back to Sandown’s Lakeside track in Victoria. With a delightful summer’s day on the forecast, the track is tipped to start off in Good 4 track condition with the possibility of an upgrade later in the day. The rail will be positioned 6m out along the entire circuit, with the action set to kick off at 3:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: Yosemite Falls In the quaddie opener, the Archie Alexander-trained Yosemite Falls looks poised to bounce back to form as she steps down in company from a competitive Saturday event at Caulfield on February 3. The Dundeel filly simply went too hard out in front and tired to finish midfield, beaten by 2.6 lengths over 1800m. She is a natural frontrunner, and from barrier two, Declan Bates will have no issue finding the rail and dictating terms throughout the 1600m trip. Best Bet Race 5 – #7 Yosemite Falls (2) 3yo Filly | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Lost Lost appeared a touch disappointing on face value first-up at Caulfield, but the Godolphin filly looks to have the right race to bounce back in. The Exceed And Excel progeny rattled off the second-fastest last 600m of the meeting when finishing second, beaten by 1.8 lengths, which suggests her effort was a lot better than the margin might suggest. With strong formlines last campaign, and plenty of upside, it would be a shock if Lost wasn’t finding the winner’s enclosure. Next Best Race 2 – #3 Lost (3) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Jamie Kah (57.5kg) Bet with Playup Next Best Again at Sandown: Fury Fury looked hard to beat at Moonee Valley last Friday before being scratched, so it’s easy to stick with him as he gets back to Sandown. The last time he was here, the three-year-old colt put in an eye-catching run to finish third after giving his rivals a big start over 1200m. From barrier seven this time around, if Jordan Childs can land the son of Written Tycoon a pair or two closer to the speed, he has the finishing burst to blouse his rivals. Next Best Again Race 1 – #3 Fury (7) 3yo Colt | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Jordan Childs (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Sandown Lakeside Wednesday quaddie tips – 21/2/2024 Sandown Lakeside quadrella selections Wednesday, February 21, 2024 6-7 1-2-4-6 Field 1-2-3-5-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Ascot Races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Wednesday, February 21, 2024 First Race 12:02pm AWST Visit Dabble Due to the meeting being postponed on Sunday, the Listed Challenge Stakes will now headline a massive 12-part program on Wednesday afternoon at Ascot Racecourse. With Perth going through a historic heatwave, the track is expected to be firm and remain in the Good range for the whole day. The rail has been pushed out to the +12m position for the entire circuit, which should play favourably to on-speed runners. The opening race on Challenge Stakes Day is scheduled to jump at 12:02pm AWST. Challenge Stakes Tip: Investmentstrategy Investmentstrategy will return from a 10-week spell with the benefit of two trials under his belt. The Neville Parnham-trained galloper was last seen winning the Listed Lee-Steere Classic over 1400m, where the three-year-old colt proved too strong for Generosity in the final strides. With a lack of speed expected, this son of Playing God can settle in the stalking position and gain the run of the race. If Brad Parnham gets this guy into the one-one position and allows him to build momentum on the outside of runners, Investmentstrategy will let down with a strong finish. Challenge Stakes Race 10 – #1 Investmentstrategy (3) 3yo Colt | T: Neville Parnham | J: Brad Parnham (58kg) Bet with Playup Best Bet at Ascot: Sass Machine Sass Machine will return from a six-month spell and will have her first start for new trainers Sean & Jake Casey. The three-year-old filly raced against the best two-year-olds during her first preparation, and she only missed the placings once before going out for a break. This daughter of Maschino has won two trials over 400m in impressive fashion leading into this, and she should be primed for a big run first-up. With Madi Derrick taking 1.5kg off Sass Machine’s back, this girl will be able to find the front and should prove very hard to run down. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Sass Machine (8) 3yo Filly | T: Sean & Jake Casey | J: Madi Derrick (a1.5) (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Ascot: Fashion Stakes Fashion Stakes has finished inside the top four in each of her last three starts, including a strong win at this track over 1500m two runs back. Neville and Chris Parnham will combine with this four-year-old mare once again as she seeks a third career victory, and her first at the Ascot 1400m. This daughter of Playing God was slightly held up upon straightening last start before laying out under pressure but still managed a second-place finish. From a wide barrier (12), Parnham will push forward, and if he can settle Fashion Stakes in the first five or six, she will get every chance to win again. Next Best Race 11 – #7 Fashion Stakes (12) 4yo Mare | T: Neville Parnham | J: Chris Parnham (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Ascot: Bohemian Diamond After showing promise on debut, Bohemian Diamond stepped up in distance from 1200m to 1400m last start and ran home from midfield to just miss in a photo finish. This daughter of Maschino will rise in trip to 1600m third-up, where it is expected she will go close to breaking her maiden at the third time of asking. If Steven Parnham can give this girl a quiet ride from barrier eight, settle midfield, and build momentum around the home turn, Bohemian Diamond will be rattling home down the outside in the concluding stages. Best Value Race 4 – #15 Bohemian Diamond (8) 3yo Filly | T: Daniel Morton | J: Steven Parnham (55kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3-6-7-9 1-2-6 3-4-7 1-2-4-9 Horse racing tips View the full article

The Alice Springs Turf Club has appointed Dean Jones (right) as its fulltime race-caller. He has extensive experience when it comes to calling harness racing and the greyhounds, but Dean Jones is now getting used to life as the new race-caller in Alice Springs. Jones has called the last four meetings at Pioneer Park, which included Saturday’s program, after debuting on January 14. Well known throughout Queensland, Jones decided to relocate to the Northern Territory to start a new chapter in his life — much to the relief of the Alice Springs Turf Club. When regular race-caller Dylan Bairstow returned to Perth after calling last year’s Alice Springs Cup Day meeting on April 30, the ASTC had been searching for a replacement. Former Alice Springs race-caller Shane Green, who headed back to NSW before relocating to Darwin, had only agreed to fill the void on a temporary basis. Green called the races at Pioneer Park from 2006 until 2017, with Pat Comerford — recently appointed as the new race-caller in Dubai after stints in New Zealand and Singapore — and then Bairstow filling his shoes. Others had auditioned for the position in Central Australia before Jones secured the role. Having stepped away from calling the trots and dogs, Jones had been working in the hotel industry in Gladstone for a couple of years. “I got a call from the Alice Springs Turf Club committee — they wanted a fill-in race-caller, so the club flew me over to call a meeting,” he said. “Then after that they virtually put up a proposal that they would like to have a fulltime race-caller here, so I decided to get back into broadcasting and moved to Alice Springs. “I was very nervous calling my first meeting at Pioneer Park as I’d only called gallop racing once before, and it had been a while since I had called harness racing and the greyhounds. “I did spend time memorising the jockeys’ colours and going through the form. “I got through it, but I’m always looking to improve. “Shane Green has contacted me a few times, he’s certainly helped me along the way. “He’s been great, it would be good to meet him one day.” With the Alice Springs Cup Carnival getting a facelift in 2024 — it starts on March 17 and ends with Cup Day on April 7 — the club’s committee can certainly breath a lot easier after landing Jones. There have been back-to-back meetings in February, and with a further eight meetings scheduled on consecutive weekends, Jones will no doubt have his eye in come Cup Carnival. Jones, who grew up in Ipswich, made several flights to and from Alice Springs to call the races before finally farewelling Gladstone and settling in the Red Centre this past week. Outside his commentary commitments, he has already acquired employment at Lasseters Casino. “I’ve never been to an Alice Springs Cup Carnival, but I’ve only heard good things about it,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it. “I hope to stay here for a while, I’m not planning on going anywhere. “I’m loving it here at the moment, it’s great to be back in the racing industry. “If anything came up as a career move where I could call more frequently in another state, that would be another thing.” Jones has ended up behind the microphone in the NT previously on the occasions regular Darwin greyhound caller Craig Sant took holidays. “I’ve been to Darwin in the past to call the greyhounds at Winnellie Park, it’s been good experience,” he said. “The Darwin Greyhound Association have been great to deal with and it would be good to go back there one day if they ever need somebody.” Jones is excited about his new career move, but there was a period when thoroughbred racing played second fiddle to harness racing and the greyhounds. “When I was younger, I loved to follow gallop racing more, but when I was involved in the harness racing and greyhounds they became more of a priority to me,” he said. “I mainly grew up around harness racing from a very young age, that’s where I first started. “I was in harness racing for a very long time, it’s still a fascination of mine. “I love harness racing in Queensland, but the greyhounds didn’t come along until I was older. “I was offered to call some greyhound meetings at Ipswich. “I was working for Radio TAB at the time and my career went from there. “I was calling both harness racing and the greyhounds for a while in south-east Queensland. “It’s great to be in the gallop industry and learn, and to be able to call all three codes.” Horse racing news View the full article

Cambridge couple Maxim and Samantha van Lierde celebrated a successful cross-code weekend, with victories in both the show jumping arena and the racetrack. Maxim, who currently trains a 10-strong team of gallopers, enjoyed an early double at New Plymouth last Friday, with Annetarz and Gentian Blue breaking maiden status with comfortable victories over 2000m and 1400m respectively under Tegan Newman. “It was a massive thrill for the whole team, we’ve had these horses for a number of years now so for them to finally be mature enough to put it all together was pretty rewarding,” he said. “We’ve got a really nice mix of supportive owners, while we own a few of them ourselves as well.” Maxim’s work as a farrier, alongside breaking and pre-training, is done alongside wife Sam, who is a well-established horsewoman in her own right, having claimed several top showjumping titles, most recently aboard her stable star Cadillac NZPH. Just minutes following Annetarz’s success last Friday, Sam scooped a major win of her own at the Takapoto Estate Show Jumping Classic, guiding the 12-year-old to victory in the Gold Tour Second Qualifier (1.45m), five years after winning the Seven-Year-Old Final at the glamorous Waikato event. Formerly based in Whangarei, Sam also won the Seven-Year-Old Horse of the Year event aboard Cadillac in 2019, and will prepare for the show’s centrepiece showjumping class in the Olympic Cup next month, with jumps ranging up to 1.6m. “He’s a superstar and so is she, and the two of them together are a very special combination,” Maxim said. “The showjumping fits into our lives really well and is something Sam is very passionate about, she’s got big goals. She’ll be riding Cadillac in the Olympic Cup at Horse of the Year, so it’s very much onwards and upwards for them.” Maxim credits Sam’s equestrian background in the presentation of their racehorses, while also being a great assist to the education of their youngstock. “We always try to turn our horses out the best we can, and Sam has a real knack for that,” he said. “The education of our horses with flat riding and jumping seems to transfer over really well with the racehorses as well. “We have a great balance, the training is becoming a lot more prominent now as we’re hoping for the racing business to go in that direction, but we’re still doing a bit of breaking in as well.” Van Lierde is hopeful their good fortune can continue at Pukekohe on Wednesday, with two likely starters in Dealer’s Choice and Bamboozle. A three-year-old daughter of Ace High, Dealer’s Choice will contest the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m), after finishing a creditable fourth and fifth in her first two raceday starts. “She’s a really talented filly, up in trip she was probably a run short last start, and we should see plenty of improvement from her this time out,” he said. Vinnie Colgan will guide Dealer’s Choice, while also taking the reins aboard Tavistock four-year-old Bamboozle in the Barfoot & Thompson 1600. “He dropped back to a mile after disappointing over ground, he was probably just a bit too weak for that. He should be very competitive after what he learned last start having Matt Cameron on,” van Lierde said. View the full article

Syndicator Go Racing are looking for their standout juvenile Velocious to become the first The NZB Kiwi (1500m) bonus eligible horse in the coming weeks. On top of the $3.5 million prizemoney on offer in the inaugural running of the slot race, there is also $1 million in bonuses up for grabs, and to be eligible for a share of the bonus pool, a horse must win one of the various bonus eligible races on offer in New Zealand and/or Australia, and also run a top three placing in The NZB Kiwi on Champions Day next year. The bonus for eligible horses that run a place in The NZB Kiwi will be $600,000 for first, $250,000 for second, and $150,000 for third. The first bonus eligible race will be the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham on April 6, with first nominations ($287.50) for the two-year-old feature set to close at 4pm on Tuesday, February 20, with the National Racing Bureau. Go Racing’s Albert Bosma is keen to be part of the action with his star filly Velocious, provided she comes through her next run, the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 9, in good order. Bosma purchased the daughter of Written Tycoon out of Inglewood Stud’s 2023 Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $190,000 and she has gone on to win three of her four starts for trainer Stephen Marsh, including the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), and placed in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). Bosma said she has come through her last start Karaka Millions triumph in fine fettle and is on target for her first tilt at elite-level next month. “She hasn’t missed a beat. We gave her a week in the paddock and she is back in work now,” Bosma said. “She will head to the Sistema on the 9th at Ellerslie and she will have a very quiet trial at Taupo the week before. She is spot on for that, we are very happy. “The Manawatu Sires’ is something we will consider. We will get through the Sistema and post the Sistema we will either turn her out or go to the Manawatu Sires’. “We have decided that with the bonus that is now on offer with the Sires’ Produce going into the slot race, that is probably going to be a better option rather than heading to Australia with her for one run, which was the other thought.” Bosma said The NZB Kiwi and the bonuses surrounding the slot race is a great initiative, and will keep horses like Velocious in New Zealand to compete, where historically they would have gone on to campaign across the Tasman. “There is no doubt that if it wasn’t for the slot race and the bonus that is up, then the Manawatu Sires’ wouldn’t have been on the radar. It would have been the paddock or Australia,” Bosma said. While Velocious will be Go Racing’s likely sole contender in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce, they hold ambitions of claiming a couple of slots with their youngsters and have earmarked one of their juveniles in particular as one to watch for the future. “We have got a very smart two-year-old filly that is unraced at the moment called Pinky Pie,” Bosma said. “She won a trial at Taupo beating Captured By Love, who is a Group Two winner and has won three in a row. She wasn’t put under an enormous amount of pressure to do that. “She has got a lot of ability, but she has just needed to go to the paddock, so we are not going to see her for the Sires’ Produce, but she is a filly that you are going to see a lot of next season.” With a number of promising juveniles, Go Racing are putting particular thought into The NZB Kiwi slot auction, with 14 available slots to go under the hammer at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Sales Complex next Tuesday, February 27, at 5.30pm. “We are pondering that (slot auction) at the moment and are having discussions on whether we will be involved or not,” Bosma said. “It is something that is definitely on our radar.” View the full article

Trainer Sam Mynott and owner Ben Kwok are forming quite the formidable partnership. Singapore-based Kwok has enjoyed success with the Mynott-trained Imwonderfultonight, who has placed in the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m), and the pair could have another handy galloper on their hands. Three-year-old filly Aquilifer carried Kwok’s silks to her second win from four starts when victorious in the Bay Ford Handicap (1400m) at Hasting on Sunday. The daughter of Charm Spirit was caught in a three-way speed duel early on, however, when the lead wasn’t there, jockey Jasmine Fawcett eased her charge back to settle in the one-one. Aquilifer entered the straight four-wide on even terms with local hope Gohugo, who quickly hit the front and looked to have Aquilifer’s measure until the final 50m when she lifted and was able to grab her rival on the line to win by a nose. Mynott was pleased with her fresh-up effort and is now eyeing a potential trip to Trentham next month for the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). “It has been a good track to me, so it was nice to get another win there,” Mynott said. “She was fresh-up and we didn’t trial her, so I always knew she was going to come on from this run. I had been really happy with her work leading into it and if all went well, I knew she should be there in the money. “We are going to see how she comes through the run and look at a few options. One option is the Wellington Guineas, otherwise we will find a three-year-old set weights and penalties race.” Mynott was particularly pleased to get the winning result for Kwok, who also bred the filly. “Ben has been such a big supporter of mine and it was great to get that win for him. I think she is a smart little filly,” she said. Kwok will also have plenty to look forward to in the coming month with Imwonderfultonight, who is set to return to the stable at the end of the week following a short freshen-up following her last placing in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa earlier this month. “She came through her race well,” Mynott said. “She is in the paddock now just having a freshen-up. She will be back in the stable at the end of this week and she will be heading toward the Lightning Handicap (Listed, 1200m) at Trentham next month.” Meanwhile, Mynott enjoyed watching stable representative Verismo put in another pleasing southern performance at Ascot Park on Saturday when placing in the Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m). “She has done well down there,” Mynott said. “She has made it worth the trip down to the south. She ran fourth in the Listed race a couple of weeks ago and third again in the Invercargill Cup, I am pleased with her. “She has come through it really well. There is another race at Wingatui in a fortnight for her, a rating 75 2200m, that we may head for if all goes well.” View the full article

Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow claimed the Auckland Cup (3200m) with his top stayer Glory Days in 2019, and five years on he is daring to dream of adding another to his mantle. While the race no longer holds the elite-level status it did in his first triumph, Thurlow is still keen to claim New Zealand’s top two-mile prize with Whangaehu following his dominant performance in the AFFCO NZ Ltd Wairoa Cup (2100m) at Hastings on Sunday. From his outside gate, Swedish jockey Per-Anders Graberg made a beeline for the fence with Whangaehu where he was able to find cover three-back behind key rivals Enright and Pep Torque, with the five-year-old gelding enjoying an economical passage throughout. Graberg was able to find clear running room at the 200m mark and Whangaehu showed a blistering turn of foot to quickly claim the lead and run away to an extending four-length victory, giving Graberg his first win on New Zealand soil. Thurlow was rapt with Whangaehu’s performance and is now looking forward to heading north next month to tackle the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup. “He was very dominant,” Thurlow said. “His three runs since coming back from Australia had all been on rain-affected footing. He won his first one on ability and his third run was very good on a heavy track, so we were looking forward to getting him on a Good track.” Whangaehu began his racing career under Thurlow’s care, but soon found himself in leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller’s stable, for whom he had two victories before returning to Thurlow last year. The Taranaki horseman has always thought highly of the son of Proisir and is pleased to see that promise translated to raceday. “He has always been a promising horse. He won his second start for us before he went to Aussie and looked like he was going to be a very good horse,” he said. “He won a couple of races over there but maybe just didn’t fit in as well as he could have for one reason or another, which happens. He is a pretty handy horse.” Whangaehu will now likely head straight to the Auckland Cup, with Thurlow citing the distance between his Taranaki base and Ellerslie as the major deterrent of tackling another lead-in race. “The Auckland Cup is the logical place to head with him now,” Thurlow said. “He had to do what he did yesterday to carry on, but he did win really well on a Good surface, which is what we have been looking for, so we will push onto that race. “I’ll discuss it with the owners, but I think he won‘t race again until the Cup. He could go up the week before to line-up in the old Nathans, but we are mindful of the length of travel from here. Week-on-week it is probably too much to ask, so we will probably get him ready at home.” A day prior, Thurlow had a pleasing result at Ellerslie when No Rain Ever ran home well for third in the Listed SKYCITY Horizon Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) behind Pericles and Just A Floozie. “It was outstanding what she did,” Thurlow said. “They ran a blistering speed, two seconds quicker than the open horses over 1200m. “It was her first time that way (right-handed) and when she jumped out of the gates you could see she was a little bit lost and on the wrong leg, but once she got going she was very good. We are really happy with her going forward. “There is a race up there (Ellerslie) again for her in two weeks, but we are really mindful of the travelling with those young horses, so we might wait two weeks and go to Wellington (for the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas, 1400m) on Oaks Day.” Field Of Gold was also in action at Ellerslie, finishing 10th in his 1500m contest. “Field Of Gold has come through it really well,” Thurlow said. “I wasn’t disappointed with his run at all, it just wasn’t really his race, he went up as a mate for No Rain Ever. The owners live up in Auckland and it was nice for him to go up there and race.” Meanwhile, Thurlow’s Group One winner No Compromise has headed to the spelling paddock following his last-placed run in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). “We were disappointed with his last run, so we have elected to put him in the paddock and he will come back in the spring and we will see where we go from there,” Thurlow said. View the full article

The Australasian racing industry are in mourning after the news of the passing of 11-time Group One winner Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) when foaling in France. By Grangewilliam Stud stallion Zed, Verry Elleegant was bred by Don Goodwin out of his Danroad mare Opulence, who he purchased as a broodmare prospect for $14,000 off South Auckland horseman Nicholas Bishara at Karaka. It came full circle for Bishara, and he was pleased to take on her progeny, including Verry Elleegant, to educate and subsequently train. Verry Elleegant showed immense talent from day one and won two of her three starts for Bishara before she was partly sold, with the ownership group expanding to include John, Mark and Rachael Carter and a group of their Auckland friends, along with a number of Australians, including Aziz “Ozzie” Kheir and Brae Sokolski. She was subsequently transferred to leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir, for whom she had four starts, including victory in the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) and placed in the Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), before she joined leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller’s barn following Weir’s disqualification. Verry Elleegant was a very raw individual with her eccentric and ungainly galloping style, but under Waller she matured into a world-class racehorse and won a further 13 races, 11 of those at elite-level, highlighted by her popular victory in the 2021 edition of the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Conquering Europe was on the minds of a few of her owners and the decision was made to head to France with the mare, who had an unsuccessful four-start campaign for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard before she was retired from racing and was subsequently served by Sea The Stars. Her performances on the track earned her a string of accolades, including Australian Horse of the Year (2020-21), Champion Australian Stayer (2020-21 and 2021-22), Champion Australian Middle-Distance Horse in (2020-21), and Joint Head of 2021 WBR Rankings (Ext.). Her feats on the track were life-changing for a number of people, including her former trainer and part-owner Nicholas Bishara, who was left in disbelief at hearing the news of her passing on Monday. “I am truly in shock,” he said. “We were all looking forward to seeing her leave horses like herself and have a well-deserved retirement in the best of hands. “She was a life-changing horse for a lot of us. I just feel for all the connections and everybody who had anything to do with her.” Looking back on his time with Verry Elleegant, Bishara said she was an exciting prospect from the start, and he was left in awe following her maiden win at Ruakaka as a three-year-old in August 2018. “Her start at Ruakaka had to be seen to be believed,” he said. “She got back, was off the pace a long way and racing ungenerously like she does. She was a very quirky young horse. We knew she had a massive motor, and it was done on raw ability. “She only had three starts for me for a two-year-old second and then two wins before going offshore.” Bishara’s role then changed to that of a part-owner, and he said she took him on a whirlwind ride and gave him some of his best moments in racing. “The bittersweet one was winning the Melbourne Cup because due to COVID we couldn’t be there. That is everyone’s dream to win a Melbourne Cup, and she just put them to bed in that race,” he said. “Beating the English Derby winner (Anthony Van Dyck) in the Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m) was another massive highlight, as well as winning the AJC Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m). We were on hand for that and we were able to lead her back into the birdcage. Those memories are pretty special.” Bishara and breeder Don Goodwin have a couple of her siblings to look forward to racing in the coming years, but for now they are just in disbelief. “We are fortunate enough to have her half-sister at home and we have got a three-quarter sister to her at Chris Waller’s, who is two,” Bishara said. “We have got a little bit of the legacy to go on and we would love them to put their hand up and do her proud, but it is really upsetting.” In all, Verry Elleegant won 16 and placed in 12 of her 40 career starts, including 11 victories at Group One level ranging in distances from 1400m to 3200m, and has truly earned her spot as one of the legends of the Australian turf. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Wednesday, February 21, 2024 First Race 1:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing returns to the Greater Western Sydney region of NSW on Wednesday as Hawkesbury gets set to host a bumper eight-race program scheduled for 1:45pm local time. The rail remains in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with some scattered showers forecast in the lead-up, the deteriorating conditions are likely to continue based on the Soft 6 rating at the time of writing. Best Bet: Linebacker The John O’Shea camp has been very patient with Linebacker, accepting at multiple meetings before deciding to send the son of Super Seth to Hawkesbury. He makes his debut in this 1300m contest on the back of an impressive barrier trial at Randwick on January 22. The two-year-old colt is by no means the finished article yet, but with experienced hoop Kerrin McEvoy on board in a very winnable maiden, the patience of the O’Shea team should be rewarded on Wednesday. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Linebacker (6) 2yo Colt | T: John O’Shea | J: Kerrin McEvoy (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: Santasia Santasia is yet to miss the frame in her three career starts to date. The daughter of Santos was a dominant winner two starts back at Kembla Grange on January 20, dispatching her rivals by four lengths when leading throughout the 1000m journey. Her favourable racing pattern has landed her in the minor money again since, and with the three-year-old filly proving a tough nut to crack, she will go close to making every post a winner once again. Next Best Race 3 – #3 Santasia (6) 3yo Filly | T: Blake Ryan | J: Jason Collett (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Again: Llewellyn Llewellyn’s two-year-old form before heading to the paddock last March reads well. He produced a runner-up effort behind The Years at Kembla Grange on February 23 of last year before going on to compete in the Group 3 TL Baillieu Handicap (1400m). He simply wasn’t ready to tackle that level, but with two barrier trials suggesting the son of Menelssohn has returned better than ever as a three-year-old, we might see Llewellyn hit a new peak this preparation. Next Best Again Race 4 – #2 Llewellyn (13) 3yo Colt | T: John Sargent | J: Tyler Schiller (59.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury races Hawkesbury quadrella selections Wednesday, February 21, 2024 1-4-10-11-12 2-3-5-6-7 2-3-4-5 1-2-3-6-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant has tragically died. View the full article

Copartner Ambition, Majestic Knight, Son Pak Fu, Tourbillon Prince and Tomodachi Kokoroe are all a chance to scoop the top prize at Happy Valley on Wednesday nightView the full article

Verry Elleegant winning 2021 Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Champion racehorse Verry Elleegant, a figure in racing, tragically passed away while giving birth in France, leaving the racing community in mourning. The exceptional Melbourne Cup winner had ventured to Europe 18 months ago to explore opportunities with renowned trainer Francis Henri Graffard. Despite her efforts on the track, Verry Elleegant concluded her career after four races without a win, leading her owners to choose the esteemed stallion Sea The Stars as her first mate for breeding. Verry Elleegants racing skills were truly remarkable, with a record of 16 victories, including 11 Group 1 wins. Her successes brought joy to her fans and earned her the prestigious title of Australasian racehorse of the year for the 2020/21 season. She became a symbol of excellence in horse racing. Left a lasting legacy in racing history. Back in 2018, a group of investors, including known individuals like Ozzie Kheir and Brae Sokolski, acquired half ownership of Verry Elleegant due to her exceptional talent. Initially trained by Darren Weir, she thrived under Chris Waller’s guidance following Weir’s disqualification in 2019. Waller, the trainer, expressed sadness upon hearing the news, recognising the significant impact Verry Elleegant had on the world of horse racing. “In a statement filled with sorrow, we sadly announce the passing of Verry Elleegant, due to complications during childbirth,” Waller shared. “This heartbreaking news is still fresh for our team and close associates who are struggling to come to terms with this loss. She received care at the farm. We are forever grateful for their dedication.” Verry Elleegants spirit and bravery on the racetrack have left a lasting impression on racing fans. Her legacy goes beyond her accomplishments, as she has touched the hearts of many who followed her career with admiration and fondness. The memory of Verry Elleegant will be cherished by those who have witnessed her greatness both on and off the track. 2021 Melbourne Cup Replay – Verry Elleegant (1st) Horse racing news View the full article

Race 6 GM ACCOUNTING & CONSULTING 1200m SUPERBLY WRITTEN (N Parmar) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper advised Stewards, SUPERBLY WRITTEN was monitored for two days at Canterbury Equine Clinic for suspected colic. R Trumper further advised the filly has been transferred back to the Matamata stable and will be sent for a spell. The post Banks Peninsula Racing Club at Riccarton Park, Saturday, 10 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 2 ALLIED SECURITY 1200 SCOUSER (M McNab) – Trainer C Cole advised Stewards that the filly had pulled up sore and has since been sent for spell. A vet will re-examine the filly in a few weeks. Race 3 DR JOHN SOUTHWORTH MEMORIAL VASE 1200 ACADEMY AWARD (S Spratt) – Assistant Trainer R Mildon advised Stewards that the mare had had a tough run and was unable to respond when placed under pressure. The mare has undergone checks by the stable vet and no abnormalities were detected. The stable will continue with the mare’s current preparation. Race 8 BCD GROUP SPRINT WFA 1400 (G1) IMWONDERFULTONIGHT (S Weatherley) – Trainer S Mynott advised that the mare had come through the run satisfactorily and has had a subsequent veterinary examination which did not detect any abnormalities. The mare will now be freshened and continue with its current preparation. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa, Saturday 10 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 SOUTHLAND HONDA HANDICAP (1200m) LIPA MALA (B Rogerson) – Trainer A Carston advised Stewards that the mare had come through the run fine and would continue with her current preparation. The post Southland Racing Club at Ascot Park, Thursday 8 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Twice a bridesmaid in stakes company Stronghold defeated his rivals in a commanding performance for his first black-type score in the Feb. 18 $400,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3).View the full article

The 2021 Australasian Horse of the Year Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) has passed away due to foaling complications, announced Chris Waller via X on Sunday evening. The 11-time Group 1 winner tallied the 2021 G1 Melbourne Cup to a venerable career and had been sent to France to race for conditioner Francis-Henri Graffard. After four winless outings in the Northern Hemisphere in 2022, including appearances in the G1 Darley Prix Jean Romanet, G1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu, and her final jump in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S., the four-time champion had been retired and bred to Sea The Stars (Ire). “It is incredibly sad that we pass on the news on behalf of the ownership group that Verry Elleegant has passed away due to complications giving birth to her foal,” said Waller. “The news is just filtering through to stable staff now and other close connections who are coming to terms with the tragic news. She was in fantastic hands on a farm who did all they could for her, and we would like to thank them for their efforts which we will be forever grateful for.” The post Verry Elleegant Dies From Foaling Complications appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $400,000 Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn Park may turn into a showcase for one of the leading first-crop sires of 2023 as Omaha Beach will be represented by Alys Beach and Neom Beach. View the full article

With authority down the lane at Sunland Park on Sunday afternoon, Stronghold (Ghostzapper–Spectator, by Jimmy Creed) won the Grade III Sunland Derby and in the process took home 20 points for entry into the 150th Kentucky Derby. The race favorite, who was last seen finishing as the runner-up in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity for Eric and Sharon Waller, raced just off of Lucky Jeremy (Lookin At Lucky) during the first half of the race. Primed and ready for his close-up, the 3-year-old unleashed a new set of gears down the lane and won by two lengths over Alotaluck (Sir Prancealot (Ire). The final running time was 1:42.64. Lifetime Record: 5-2-3-0. O/B-Eric Waller & Sharon Waller (KY); B-; T-Philip D'Amato. #5 Stronghold ($4.40) is victorious in the $400,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3). The three-year-old Ghostzapper colt earns 20 points on the @SpendthriftFarm Road to the Kentucky Derby for trainer @PhilDamato11 with @Antonio1Fresu in the irons. #KyDerby2024 pic.twitter.com/vbz5DSMS40 — TVG (@TVG) February 18, 2024 The post Ghostzapper’s Stronghold Invades Sunland Derby And Takes Home 20 Derby Points appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Tuesday, February 20, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to Wyong on Tuesday afternoon for an ultra-competitive eight-race program. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and as the track is already a Soft 7 with more showers still to come, that rating will be closer to the Heavy range by race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. Best Bet: Rush Hour Considering Rush Hour was returning from a 343-day spell at Rosehill on February 2, he received a pass mark. The three-year-old colt was no match for Wallenda but did hit the line powerfully under Kerrin McEvoy, suggesting there was still plenty of improvement to come for the Nathan Doyle-trained galloper. He gains the services of 3kg claimer Benjamin Osmond on Tuesday, and with a bit more luck in transit, Rush Hour will be fighting out the finish in this Class 1 contest. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Rush Hour (7) 3yo Colt | T: Nathan Doyle | J: Benjamin Osmond (a3kg) (60.5kg) +210 with PlayUp Next Best: Paruna Paruna did enough on debut at Randwick’s Kensington circuit on January 31 to suggest she’s worth following second-up. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was tough when attempting to lead all the way over 1250m, and despite suffering a two-length defeat, she should take plenty of benefit from that experience. She maps to lead again on Tuesday, and with the Wyong course being much more favourable to on-speed gallopers, Paruna should fit in perfectly in this provincial maiden. Next Best Race 5 – #11 Paruna (2) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jason Collett (56.5kg) +250 with Bet365 Best Value: Scalextrics Scalextrics should appreciate the sting out of the ground as he returns after 151 days off the scene. The son of So You Think has only found the winners’ enclosure in one of his five starts to date, which came on resumption last preparation on a genuine Heavy surface. He could find similar conditions at Wyong, and with stall one giving apprentice Rebecca Bronett Prag all available options, Scalextrics should be fighting out the finish at an each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #7 Scalextrics (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Rebecca Bronett Prag (a3kg) (55kg) +1000 with Neds Tuesday’s Wyong quaddie tips Wyong quadrella selections Tuesday, February 20, 2024 4-8-11 1-2-3-4-5-7 1-2-3-6 2-6-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Thwarted by bad luck this season, Atullibigeal (Street Boss) deservedly clinched the HK$2.84 million Class 2 TVB Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday for trainer David Hall as Brenton Avdulla extended a powerful mid-season surge. Beaten a short head when second in the Class 1 Chevalier Cup Handicap (1600m) and a close fourth in the Class 1 Panasonic Handicap (1400m), Atullibigeal bravely threaded narrow gaps in the straight today to fend off Superb Boy (Nicconi) and Drombeg Banner (Starspangledbanner) after 2.2 favourite Global Harmony (NZ) (Shamexpress) refused to leave the barriers under Zac Purton. “A little bit disappointing he wasn’t able to win the Chevalier Cup or the Panasonic Cup – he was unlucky in both those races, so (it’s) rewarding to get this race today and hopefully he’s not finished with yet,” Hall said. “We had the barrier (gate three) and it looked like he was going to get a good run, but obviously he was in a bit of a pocket there and had to find room. But he got clear and he’s shown before he can be brave in between horses and he certainly was again today.” “Atullibigeal was good,” Avdulla said. “Good result – I thought I had one of those books where things would need to go right for me to ride a winner, but everything has worked out well. Can’t complain.” Formerly trained in New Zealand by Carl Henderson, Atullibigeal’s two wins included the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) as a two-year-old. View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, February 19 will feature four meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Muswellbrook. Monday Racing Tips – February 19, 2024 Muswellbrook Racing Tips 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 19, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Recharge (Gun Runner) wound up banking 20 points in her Kentucky Oaks checking account after she got the money at Sunland Park on Sunday afternoon. The homebred arrived in El Paso with two wins to her credit in as many races. Breaking her maiden by nine lengths in mid-December at Remington Park, the filly shipped to Houston and passed the two-turn test when she cleared the allowance ranks with a 4-3/4 win Jan. 21. Sent on her way at odds of 2-1 here, the 3-year-old established a lead heading into the first turn and continued to modulate the pace up front along the backstretch. With the field bearing down on her position around the far turn, Recharge responded to Joel Rosario's urging past the eighth pole, turned back a major challenge from Candy Aisle (Gun Runner) and poked her head across the wire in time. The winner has a 2-year-old full-brother named Remix and a yearling half-brother by Silver State. A full-sister to MGSW and sire Tapiture, and also to SW Retap and GSW Rotation, Remit was bred to Epicenter for this season. SUNLAND PARK OAKS, $250,000, Sunland, 2-18, 3yo, f, 1m, 1:37.27, ft. 1–RECHARGE, 121, f, 3, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Remit (MSW, $257,556), by Tapit 2nd Dam: Free Spin, by Olympio 3rd Dam: Spin n Win, by Private Account 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Joel Rosario. $148,500. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $189,498. *1/2 to Reride (Candy Ride {Arg}), MSW-USA, GSP-UAE, $461,010; 1/2 to Finite (Munnings), MGSW & GISP, $849,869. 2–Candy Aisle, 121, f, 3, Gun Runner–Rosalie Road, by Street Cry (Ire). ($250,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $350,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Randy Andrews, Jim Cone, Brad King and Lee Lewis; B-Gun Runner Syndicate & C. W. Swann (KY); T-Todd W. Fincher. $54,450. 3–Simply Enchanting, 121, f, 3, Nyquist–Enchante, by Bluegrass Cat. ($475,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-MyRacehorse, Old Bones Racing Stable, LLC and Platts, Joey; B-Jumping Jack Racing LLC (KY); T-Philip D'Amato. $24,750. Margins: NK, 4, 4. Odds: 2.30, 2.30, 0.90. Also Ran: Methods, Raspberry Wine. Scratched: Floating Beauty. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. “Recharge won it in a thrilling display of courage!” #5 Recharge ($6.60) sets the pace and wins the battle of the Gun Runner fillies in the $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks. She earns 20 points on the @SpendthriftFarm Road to the Kentucky Oaks for Steve Asmussen and @JRosarioJockey. pic.twitter.com/f7cHSreleL — TVG (@TVG) February 18, 2024 The post Winchell Homebred Recharge Collects 20 Kentucky Oaks Points At Sunland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wilson fell in love with the game as a railbird and relished the opportunity to cover the sport dating back to the mid-1980s and as recently as this past weekend, when he was at Santa Anita to cover the Palos Verdes Stakes (G3). View the full article

Daqiansweet Junior ridden by Daniel Moor in the mounting yard prior to the running of the 2023 Melbourne Cup at Flemington . (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Phillip Stokes has disclosed that Amade and Daqiansweet Junior, who performed admirably during the spring season, are on the verge of commencing their autumn campaigns in the upcoming weeks. The former is set to take on Moonee Valley’s Listed Night Cup (2500m) on Friday night as a stepping stone towards the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville next month. Regarding Daqiansweet Junior, Stokes outlined a three-start campaign beginning with the Australian Cup Prelude (1800m) on March 9, followed by the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) on March 30, and culminating in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 13, which serves as his primary target. “He’ll (Daquiansweet Junior) have a three-run prep, and that will do him,” stated Stokes. “He can then go for a break after the Sydney Cup, and we’ll get him ready for another shot at the Melbourne Cup.” Stokes expressed contentment with the residual fitness both horses have retained from the spring, affirming his satisfaction with their current condition and foreseeing promising campaigns ahead. “Both horses have a lot of residual fitness carrying over from the spring. I’m happy with the way they’ve come up, and I think they are in for good campaigns,” Stokes concluded. Horse racing news View the full article