Wandering Eyes

Victorian mare Eternal Flame (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will test the Group One waters in the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m), although trainer Michael Kent admits he wasn’t expecting the race to be quite so strong. The lightly raced four-year-old has won her past two starts, following up a victory in the Gr.3 Matron Stakes (1600m) with a Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) triumph. Keen to season Eternal Flame in preparation for the spring, Kent thought Saturday’s 1600m feature would be a good opportunity to bank some valuable experience, although he wasn’t expecting to see the likes of Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) winner Zougotcha (Zoustar) and runner-up Semana (Winning Rupert) in the race. “We did a bit of homework and we thought that Zougotcha and Semana were running in the Doncaster (Mile),” Kent said. “Lady Laguna went to the Doncaster, Espiona went to the T J Smith, Fangirl was out, Atishu was here (in Melbourne). We thought we might miss those top-grade mares. “(But) she is training really well, she’s in work and in form so we thought we’d give it a go. It does look a slight overreach but it’s where she is, she has won a Group Two, it was the obvious next thing. “It does look a very deep race, but she’s drawn a nice enough gate (barrier six) and it tells you where she fits because we think she’s a Myer Classic horse in the spring.” Eternal Flame has prepared for her Sydney debut with a couple of track gallops and a jump out in the reverse direction. Kent said she had handled both nicely and she will be partnered by a jockey who knows her well in Damian Lane, who guided her to her first stakes win. Regardless of the result at Randwick, Kent hopes the trip away from home and experience of racing some of Sydney’s most accomplished mares holds Eternal Flame in good stead for the future. “It’s getting her out of her comfort zone so win, lose or draw, I think it will be a worthwhile exercise in the long run,” he said. View the full article

With the curtain coming down on the racing career of Te Akau Racing’s 10-time Group One winner Imperatriz yesterday, they are now looking forward to unveiling their next future star, which could very well come at Riccarton on Saturday. Homebred gelding Nucleozor has been faultless in his two starts to date, winning both outings in convincing fashion, and has been duly installed a $1.40 for the Listed Riccarton Park Functon Centre Welcome Stakes (1000m) this weekend. “He has been impressive in his two starts and Hunter (Durrant, Te Akau’s Riccarton stable foreman) and the team are pretty happy with him,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the gelding in partnership with Mark Walker. “He has gone the right way since his last start victory. He meets a similar field to the previous race and he looks a really nice chance come Saturday. There is a bit of rain forecast, which will make it interesting, but hopefully his class will shine through.” Nucleozor has got the better of stablemate Discretion Rules in their two meetings to date, and Bergerson said the forecast rain should help even the scales between the pair on Saturday, where Discretion Rules is rated a $5.50 second favourite behind his stablemate. “He is another one Hunter is happy with and I think the rain levels them up a little bit,” Bergerson said. “He should get through it, but whether Nucelozor will like it we will know on Saturday. We think it will aid Discretion Rules’ chances.” Later on the card, Te Akau Racing will have a four-pronged attacked in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m), courtesy of Sense Of Timing, Mazzucato, Tranquilla, and Lady Of Court. “They are pretty friendless in the market and there are a couple of handy ones in there coming down from the north,” Bergerson said. “I think the step up to a mile really suits Sense Of Timing. She got a long way back in the three-year-old 1400m last time and was really strong through the line. They probably didn’t go that hard early and the first and second placegetter kicked off the front and held on, but she was really good late. “Mazzucato keeps improving, she wasn’t far away last time. Lady Of Court, I think the step up to a mile suits her as well. I think she ran the fastest last 200m in that three-year-old race. “Tranquilla, I thought it was a very good win last start. Any rain about will aid her chances, she will definitely get through it, and it even probably helps her. “We have four nice each way chances and hopefully a few of them can sneak some black-type.” Further north, Te Akau will also have a couple of stakes contenders at Otaki’s meeting on Saturday, including Aris Aris in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). “I thought she was really good at Tauranga on really testing ground, and if the forecast is right, she will get back to there again,” Bergerson said. “The goal with her is black-type and it would be great to get that for the ownership group because they have been really good clients to Te Akau for a long time. She looks to have a real chance with a nice, light weight and Wiremu (Pinn) on, who is riding in fantastic form.” Elegant Lady will also be seeking stakes success in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m). “Any rain around for her really helps her,” Bergerson said. “I think it is quite an even race on paper. “She had no luck last time in the (South Island) Thoroughbred Breeders’ (Gr.3, 1600m) down there (Riccarton). “The step-up to 2200m really suits her. She has travelled up well and she is staying at Dad’s (Roydon Bergerson) in Palmerston North. She licked the bowl clean last night and has done plenty of travelling and has stayed at Dad’s a couple of times before. She is another one that can hopefully get a bit more black-type.” Bergerson is also looking forward to kicking off the career of two-year-old filly Star Shadow in the McMillan Equine Feeds 2YO (1300m) for Fortuna Syndicates. She has placed in all five of her trials to date, and Bergerson is hopeful she can bring that form to her debut outing where she will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn. “She has aways shown us a bit,” Bergerson said. “She has had plenty of trials now so is well equipped to go to the races. “She finds a field that is very light on numbers, so hopefully she has found the right race for her debut – 1300m on a testing track. She goes down there in good order and we think she will handle the track well, she seems to have a really good brain and is coping with stable life very well.” Fellow juvenile stablemates Viva Glam and Cantatrice also have Bergerson excited ahead of racing at Te Rapa on Sunday where they line-up in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m). Viva Glam placed over 1050m when on debut at Matamata last month, while Cantatrice will make her raceday debut following her 950m trial win at Tauranga a fortnight ago. “I am looking forward to the two-year-old race,” Bergerson said. “It is another weather watch with that meeting, but Viva Glam has shown that she likes heavy ground, so we are confident of her running another nice race. “I am really looking forward to Cantatrice kicking off, she has trialled really well.” Meanwhile, Bergerson said it was a bittersweet moment on Thursday when Te Akau Racing announced the retirement of Imperatriz, with the trans-Tasman team glad to end her career in a healthy and happy state following her brilliant career. “It is sad, but in saying that we have retired her sound and happy,” he said. “The vets were saying she is trotting as sound as she ever has but has just got a bit of wear and tear and we are erring on the side of caution. We would hate to see anything happen with her. “She has done a fantastic job for us and we are so proud of what she was able to achieve, especially over the last few years. “She went over there (Australia) when we were setting up the Cranbourne base and she really flew the flag for us and did an amazing job. “Everyone here at home is grateful to be associated with such a wonderful mare. After her retirement was announced yesterday, to see how many people she affected and the following she had was pretty special. “I am sure she will be a fantastic broodmare. She was just an amazing animal to work with and she was a real privilege to have in the stable. She is an intelligent animal and it will be exciting to see the next chapter with her.” View the full article

Orchestral will contest the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Orchestral will aim to follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s greatest fillies when she contests Saturday’s A$1 million Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. Kiwi-bred fillies have a rich history in the time-honoured classic, boasting seven wins since 2009, including 11-time Group 1 winning heroine Verry Elleegant (2019), and two-time New Zealand Horse Of The Year Bonneval (2017). Last year’s winner Pennyweka joined the elusive list with a comprehensive performance for Opaki’s Jim Wallace, a title Roger James and Robert Wellwood hope to keep on this side of the Tasman with Orchestral. The daughter of Savabeel has been a marvel for the Cambridge trainers this year, establishing a five-race winning streak with victories in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Orchestral’s Sydney campaign commenced with the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight ago, and the filly justified her $1.50 favouritism with a brave effort to down Oaks rivals Tutta La Vita and Zardozi. Wellwood is looking forward to stepping Orchestral back out to 2400m on Saturday where she currently sits the $1.65 favourite ahead of Zardozi ($4.50). “It’s all been pretty easy, she’s in lovely order and has come through the Vinery very well. She’s done everything we’ve asked of her,” he said. “Especially due to the fact that she’d already gone a mile and a half, it was a really good effort coming back in distance in the Vinery. Going back up to the 2400m is really going to suit her at this stage of her preparation.” James McDonald will retain the ride aboard Orchestral, with the filly drawing barrier three outside of fellow Kiwi and Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Quintessa and Opie Bosson. “James came and galloped her on Sunday and Tuesday and was very happy with her work, so she’s ticked every box and is spot on for Saturday,” Wellwood said. “Hopefully she’ll be just ahead of midfield, over further distance she should be able to travel a bit more comfortably, as it’ll be a bit more slowly run in a small field.” Wellwood has collected three elite-level victories in Australia since joining champion trainer James in partnership in 2017 and said an Oaks win would rate highly in his short period at the helm. “My first Group 1 over there was Pinarello’s Derby (Group 1 Queensland Derby, 2400m) and it was pretty cool to tick that off, so to get another three-year-old classic in an Oaks would be great, especially over The Championships,” he said. “Group 1’s anywhere are hard to win, but especially in this carnival, so it would be very exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.” Back home in New Zealand, Kingsclere will be represented by three runners over the Otaki (Saturday) and Te Rapa (Sunday) meetings, hoping to continue a strong start to the week, with Sweynesday successful at Ellerslie on Wednesday. At similar odds to Orchestral, the son of Sweynesse was backed into $1.70 favouritism after finishing runner-up to the promising Tomodachi on debut, and rewarded his supporters with a comfortable half-length win in the maiden three-year-old 1200m event. “I thought his run was very good, he’s a pretty smart horse,” Wellwood said. “He ran well at his first start and the form was good, so he went into Wednesday’s race a deserving favourite, and delivered nicely. “We may look to head to the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Group 3, 1200m), but we have a few people interested in buying him, so we’ll see how the next week or so goes and work from there. He’s going to be a very nice horse looking to next season.” Last-start winner Urban Myth is the stable’s sole representative at Otaki, engaged in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m). “We’re really happy with him, he’s drawn wide (10) but if he can get a soft enough run, he should be there or thereabouts,” Wellwood said. Charm Spirit gelding Itza Charmdeel completed his two-year-old season with a heavy-track success in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and resumes off a 225 day hiatus in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa. “He did have a quite busy end of the two-year-old season through to spring, and he’s probably most effective on a track with some moisture in it, so he’s come back at the right time,” Wellwood said. “We’ll look to step him out further this time in, how far I’m not sure, but we’ll go through the grades and hopefully be there for the autumn and winter racing, and possibly some of the early spring races.” Embellish gelding Paragon broke through for a deserved maiden success last start at Tauherenikau, and will step-up to Rating 65 grade in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East (1300m) under Warren Kennedy. “He’s been good, he came through his last run well and his work has been really nice. He’s drawn well, and I think if he can put his best foot forward, he’ll be right in a race like this,” Wellwood said. Horse racing news View the full article

Atishu (NZ) ridden by James McDonald wins the Champions Stakes at Flemington. Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos After 10 wins, more than $4 million in stakes and three seasons of putting Go Racing’s name in lights in Australia, the Kiwi syndicators’ remarkable ride with Atishu is set to come to an end in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. The dual Group 1 winner will be offered during next month’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast, bringing the curtain down on an outstanding racetrack career in the blue and white colours of Go Racing. Offered by her breeders Waikato Stud as a yearling at Karaka in 2019, the daughter of Savabeel was bought by Go Racing for $260,000. She has turned that into no less than A$4.17 million through the five years since then, with 10 wins and 13 placings from a 40-race career. Atishu started out in the Cambridge stable of Stephen Marsh, winning four races as a three-year-old including the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) and Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m). But the defining stage of her career came when she crossed the Tasman and joined the stable of expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. From 31 starts in Australia, Atishu has recorded six wins, headed by Group 1 triumphs in last year’s Queen of the Turf Stakes and the A$3 million Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in November. She also won the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), while her stakes placings include the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in November and a last-start third in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 30. The Go Racing team are hoping for a special swansong in Sydney on Saturday. Atishu will be ridden by Blake Shinn and is rated a $5 second favourite on the bookmakers final field market behind stablemate Zougotcha ($3.60). “She’s been a terrific mare and has given us all some huge thrills along the way,” Go Racing manager Matt Allnutt said. “It’s been an amazing ride, and it would be a real fairy tale if she could sign off with one more big Group 1 performance at Randwick this weekend. “Chris and his team have been really happy with her in the last few weeks. She’s come through the Australian Cup beautifully and galloped well this week. They couldn’t be happier with her.” Allnutt admits there will be mixed feelings as one of Go Racing’s biggest success stories draws to a close. “It’s going to be quite an emotional day,” he said. “She’s done so much for us over these last few years and sustained a long and very high-quality career. “She gave us the odd heart murmur with her behaviour in the starting gates early in her career in Australia, but it’s a real credit to Chris Waller and his team that they got her through that. A lot of people don’t realise that she wasn’t a Group 1 winner until after she went through all of that, so it’s amazing what Chris has been able to achieve with her. We’ll always be grateful.” Horse racing news View the full article

Mystic Park will contest the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Having already secured a special place in South Island racing history through a career spanning more than four decades, it would be fitting for Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman to take a share of the spotlight during an exciting raceday on his home track on Saturday. The nine-race programme features two Listed races along with the inaugural running of the $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) – an innovation race restricted to trainers with South Island stables. Runners must have been based at the trainer’s South Island stable as at December 31, and they must have contested at least two South Island races since that date. Pitman and his son Matthew have four horses entered among a capacity field of 14 plus six emergencies for the lucrative new race, headed by the $2.40 favourite Mystic Park. But that is not the only reason Pitman is eagerly looking forward to Saturday’s showpiece autumn meeting. “They’ve turned this meeting into an exciting raceday, and especially with that Southern Alps Challenge,” Pitman said. “That race is really a huge boost for our part of the country. “I’m looking forward to the day, and the other exciting thing for us is that I’m two wins away from 2,000. It would be great if we could get there tomorrow, or if not tomorrow, maybe back at Riccarton the following Saturday.” Pitman’s 1,998th winner came when Third Decree won at Ashburton on April 4, and he sits in second place on New Zealand’s all-time list behind Graeme Rogerson. The Pitman family already has more than 2,000 New Zealand victories to its name, reaching that milestone in March of 2022. But 93 of those wins came when Pitman was based in Ballarat in the 1990s and his wife Diane took over the Riccarton stable. Mystic Park has the form credentials to push Pitman closer to that milestone and create another slice of history for the trainer as the first winner of the Southern Alps Challenge. The Ocean Park gelding has had nine starts for five wins and three placings. His six appearances so far in his four-year-old season have produced four wins and a second, with the only blip coming when he failed to handle the quick back-up between the two Saturdays of the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November. Mystic Park blew his Rating 75 rivals off the track with a four-length romp over 1400m on February 10, then stepped up into open company and again won impressively over the same distance on March 23. Pitman expects the step up to 1600m to suit Mystic Park, but there is one factor that has dented his confidence. “He deserves to be the favourite after those recent performances and his work has been super,” he said. “But, to be honest, I am worried about track conditions. “We had a lot of rain overnight and the track was down to a Soft7 this (Friday) morning. It only stopped raining about an hour ago. He’s a very free-going galloper, and horses like that usually tend to prefer better footing. “He ran third behind Makabar in his only previous run on a heavy track. He drew the inside that day, and that’s sometimes like going off a cliff when Riccarton is heavy – it’s very hard to win when you’re down on the rail. With that in mind, I believe his wider draw this week (14) will be a help rather than a hindrance.” Stablemate Charbano is rated a $31 chance, but he was an easy last-start winner on heavy ground at Riverton, and Pitman believes he should not be underestimated. “I really think Charbano might be the best-weighted horse in the race,” he said. “He’s in form, he’s won at Riccarton and won at the distance, he loves wet ground and he’s got 53.5kg on his back. He should be very competitive.” Makabar and Proserve are the first and second ballots for the Southern Alps Challenge, with Makabar also entered for the Angus Meats Open Handicap (1200m). “If he doesn’t get a start in the big race, I think Makabar might be hard to beat in the open sprint,” Pitman said. Pitman also has multi-pronged representation in Saturday’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m), headed by Epee Beel. The consistent daughter of Epaulette has finished in the first four in eight of her 12 starts this season, including a third in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m), fourth in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) and third in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “She’s been going great,” Pitman said. “This is probably the strongest field we’ve had for one of these fillies’ races in the autumn for a long time. There are nine fillies down from the North Island, and they’re always hard to beat. “A wet track won’t bother Epee Beel, but she might be better suited to stepping up in trip for the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) next week. She’s out of a Zabeel mare, so those genes might kick in once she gets up to 2000m.” Blanche was a maiden winner over 2000m in January and has placed in both of her last two starts. “I thought her last-start third was particularly good,” Pitman said. “It’s hard to find riders with such a big field for this race, so I’ve put my apprentice on (Abdul Najib). “She’s another one who will be a better chance over 2000m next week. She’s already won over that distance.” Horse racing news View the full article

Wexford Stables’ co-trainer Andrew Scott. Photo: Nicole Troost Wexford Stables have the future in the forefront of their minds with a couple of juvenile debutants at Te Rapa on Sunday. Andrew Scott, who operates the Matamata stable alongside Lance O’Sullivan, has engaged Ribkraka and Tristar in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m), where they hope to advance their education ahead of their three-year-old season. Joe Doyle will take the reins from the ace draw aboard Ribkraka, the Ribchester colt closely related to Group 3 winners Elephant and Melt. “He may find the 1100m a bit sharp, but there’s some longer two-year-old races this autumn, and once he gets out over 1400m, he’ll hit his straps,” Scott said. “Drawing near the inside gives him a nice educational experience, covering away with horses around them and avoiding being posted wide. It just makes things easier, particularly for a big, scopey horse such as Ribkraka. “He’s a promising staying three-year-old for the future.” Stablemate Tristar will be ridden by Sam Spratt from barrier three. “She’s a filly that might lack experience, but she makes that up in ability,” Scott said. “She’s another aided by a good barrier, with a top jockey in Sam Spratt aboard. She’s been quickening well at the trials, and while she’s got a lot to learn, she can make her presence felt. “She’s a filly that you can follow with confidence as a three-year-old, she’s got a good turn of foot.” Later on the Te Rapa card, I’munstoppable will make another black-type bid in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m), after finishing midfield last-start in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m). Prior to the Ellerslie feature, the Charm Spirit filly had maintained a solid record with five top-four finishes in as many starts, including a pair of victories. “She might have just come to the end of her preparation on the quick ground at Ellerslie, so we put her out on the farm for a good couple of weeks,” Scott said. “She did a bit of work out there in a new environment and she’s come back into the stable with fresh batteries. “She’s having a run on Sunday in preparation for the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Group 3, 1200m), we would love to get some black-type with her in a few weeks’ time.” Kingfisher posted his most recent success at the Waikato course three starts back, and Scott indicated a downgrade from the current Good 4 (Friday) track conditions would benefit the Savabeel gelding. “He just caught a few tails last time out and was a bit unlucky,” Scott said. “He’s another with a bit of rain on the ground, will make him more competitive, he loves getting his toe in. “He’s got ability to go up to open grade, so hopefully he can take that next step this weekend.” Silver Javelin, Little Bit Of Love and Canny Man will go head-to-head in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East 1300, with the former preparing for her favoured winter track conditions in the coming months. “Silver Javelin has come back bigger and stronger, and should be in for a really good winter,” Scott said. “She’s a mare that has taken a bit longer to come to the fore this time but should benefit a fair bit with the run on the weekend. “Little Bit Of Love rattled home last start, and stepping up that 100 yards in trip should suit. He’s in good form and is a promising galloper. We expect him to finish strongly. “Canny Man loves the soft tracks and should be in for a good winter campaign as well, but he may find the track a touch quick on Sunday. The run will fit him up for the soft tracks when they arrive.” Horse racing news View the full article

Nucleozor will contest the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South With the curtain coming down on the racing career of Te Akau Racing’s 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz yesterday, they are now looking forward to unveiling their next future star, which could very well come at Riccarton on Saturday. Homebred gelding Nucleozor has been faultless in his two starts to date, winning both outings in convincing fashion, and has been duly installed a $1.40 for the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) this weekend. “He has been impressive in his two starts and Hunter (Durrant, Te Akau’s Riccarton stable foreman) and the team are pretty happy with him,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the gelding in partnership with Mark Walker. “He has gone the right way since his last start victory. He meets a similar field to the previous race and he looks a really nice chance come Saturday. There is a bit of rain forecast, which will make it interesting, but hopefully his class will shine through.” Nucleozor has got the better of stablemate Discretion Rules in their two meetings to date, and Bergerson said the forecast rain should help even the scales between the pair on Saturday, where Discretion Rules is rated a $5.50 second favourite behind his stablemate. “He is another one Hunter is happy with and I think the rain levels them up a little bit,” Bergerson said. “He should get through it, but whether Nucelozor will like it we will know on Saturday. We think it will aid Discretion Rules’ chances.” Later on the card, Te Akau Racing will have a four-pronged attacked in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m), courtesy of Sense Of Timing, Mazzucato, Tranquilla, and Lady Of Court. “They are pretty friendless in the market and there are a couple of handy ones in there coming down from the north,” Bergerson said. “I think the step up to a mile really suits Sense Of Timing. She got a long way back in the three-year-old 1400m last time and was really strong through the line. They probably didn’t go that hard early and the first and second placegetter kicked off the front and held on, but she was really good late. “Mazzucato keeps improving, she wasn’t far away last time. Lady Of Court, I think the step up to a mile suits her as well. I think she ran the fastest last 200m in that three-year-old race. “Tranquilla, I thought it was a very good win last start. Any rain about will aid her chances, she will definitely get through it, and it even probably helps her. “We have four nice each way chances and hopefully a few of them can sneak some black-type.” Further north, Te Akau will also have a couple of stakes contenders at Otaki’s meeting on Saturday, including Aris Aris in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). “I thought she was really good at Tauranga on really testing ground, and if the forecast is right, she will get back to there again,” Bergerson said. “The goal with her is black-type and it would be great to get that for the ownership group because they have been really good clients to Te Akau for a long time. She looks to have a real chance with a nice, light weight and Wiremu (Pinn) on, who is riding in fantastic form.” Elegant Lady will also be seeking stakes success in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m). “Any rain around for her really helps her,” Bergerson said. “I think it is quite an even race on paper. “She had no luck last time in the (South Island) Thoroughbred Breeders’ (Group 3, 1600m) down there (Riccarton). “The step-up to 2200m really suits her. She has travelled up well and she is staying at Dad’s (Roydon Bergerson) in Palmerston North. She licked the bowl clean last night and has done plenty of travelling and has stayed at Dad’s a couple of times before. She is another one that can hopefully get a bit more black-type.” Bergerson is also looking forward to kicking off the career of two-year-old filly Star Shadow in the McMillan Equine Feeds 2YO (1300m) for Fortuna Syndicates. She has placed in all five of her trials to date, and Bergerson is hopeful she can bring that form to her debut outing where she will be ridden by Wiremu Pinn. “She has aways shown us a bit,” Bergerson said. “She has had plenty of trials now so is well equipped to go to the races. “She finds a field that is very light on numbers, so hopefully she has found the right race for her debut – 1300m on a testing track. She goes down there in good order and we think she will handle the track well, she seems to have a really good brain and is coping with stable life very well.” Fellow juvenile stablemates Viva Glam and Cantatrice also have Bergerson excited ahead of racing at Te Rapa on Sunday where they line-up in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m). Viva Glam placed over 1050m when on debut at Matamata last month, while Cantatrice will make her raceday debut following her 950m trial win at Tauranga a fortnight ago. “I am looking forward to the two-year-old race,” Bergerson said. “It is another weather watch with that meeting, but Viva Glam has shown that she likes heavy ground, so we are confident of her running another nice race. “I am really looking forward to Cantatrice kicking off, she has trialled really well.” Meanwhile, Bergerson said it was a bittersweet moment on Thursday when Te Akau Racing announced the retirement of Imperatriz, with the trans-Tasman team glad to end her career in a healthy and happy state following her brilliant career. “It is sad, but in saying that we have retired her sound and happy,” he said. “The vets were saying she is trotting as sound as she ever has but has just got a bit of wear and tear and we are erring on the side of caution. We would hate to see anything happen with her. “She has done a fantastic job for us and we are so proud of what she was able to achieve, especially over the last few years. “She went over there (Australia) when we were setting up the Cranbourne base and she really flew the flag for us and did an amazing job. “Everyone here at home is grateful to be associated with such a wonderful mare. After her retirement was announced yesterday, to see how many people she affected and the following she had was pretty special. “I am sure she will be a fantastic broodmare. She was just an amazing animal to work with and she was a real privilege to have in the stable. She is an intelligent animal and it will be exciting to see the next chapter with her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Raging Blizzard ridden by Zac Purton powers away at Happy Valley. Zac Purton is optimistic Raging Blizzard’s uncomplicated racing manners can prove decisive when John Size’s progressive charge tackles the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Jinbao Street Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Chasing a hat-trick of wins, Raging Blizzard returns to Sha Tin after successive 1200m victories at Happy Valley in Class 3 and will face seven rivals – stablemate Bundle Of Charm, Atullibigeal, Drombeg Banner, We Are Hero, Lucky Encounter, Supreme Lucky and Gorgeous Win. With 1,701 Hong Kong wins to his credit, Purton has confidence in the Per Incanto four-year-old. “He’s continued to improve and progress through his preparation this season, as a lot of John Size’s horses do and he’s just got himself into good spots. The cheek pieces went on, he’s a little bit more focused and ridden a little bit further back off the speed. That’s just allowed him to relax a little bit more and he’s been a bit stronger,” the Australian said. “I’ll just ride him where he’s comfortable. He’s a no-nonsense horse, he just gets out there and does what he needs to do. He’s a nice horse to ride.” Purton will attempt to bolster his 30-win lead – 91 to 61 – over Karis Teetan in the 2023/24 Hong Kong jockeys’ championship when he partners Ka Ying Warrior in the Class 4 Dongzhimen Handicap (1000m) for Dennis Yip. Runner-up twice this season, the Written Tycoon gelding has been plagued with issues throughout his three-start career. “He’s obviously had some problems, but he seems to be a bit better at the moment – his trial was nice – so we’ve just got to keep our fingers crossed on race day,” Purton said. “We’re going to run him in a 1000-metre race where the speed is a little bit quicker and hopefully that allows him to relax in behind or to get into a better rhythm and see if it makes a difference. “Obviously on race day (last start) he was a bit disappointing. He was trialling so well and we just expected him to go there and get the job done and he travelled up like he was going to win and just couldn’t finish it off.” Reflecting on becoming only the second jockey after Chief Stipelas Whyte (1,813 winners) to ride 1,700 winners or more in Hong Kong, Purton said: “The mind is alright, the body is starting to let me down – it’s a day-to-day proposition, really, having to patch myself up between meetings to get back out there is quite tiring, really, but that’s the life of a sportsman. It’s the position I’m in. “If we get there (Whyte’s record), we get there. If my body doesn’t allow me to, well so be it – I’ve had a good run of things here with a lot of success. Hopefully I’ve got a few more winners left in me.” Frankie Lor is hopeful Santorini can develop into a quality galloper next season as the Irish three-year-old prepares to make his debut under Karis Teetan in the Wangfujing Plate (1000m) for Griffins on Sunday. “He had a foot problem but now it’s back to normal. He’s trialled three times and the last trial was good. I think he should be a nice horse for next season – 1000 metres might be a bit short. I think he should still run well this Sunday,” Lor said. By Kodiac, Santorini finished fourth in a 1000m Sha Tin trial on April 2 behind Jamie Richards-trained La Forza, who will be ridden by Purton this weekend in the first Griffin race of the season Teetan believes Great Spirit is poised to strike after drawing favourably in barrier four in the Class 4 Chaoyangmen Handicap (1400m). “The draw (gate 11) didn’t play to his hand last time when he got caught out and had to do it the hard way,” Teetan said. “He’s a horse who will appreciate the 1400m now. He’s an up-and-coming horse and I’m looking forward to ride him this Sunday. I think the draw will help him a lot and I will ride him where he’s comfortable.” Horse racing news View the full article

Race 2 CROFT POLES MAIDEN 1600 FLAT STANLEY (M McNab) – Trainer Mr. K Harrison advised Stewards, FLAT STANLEY pulled up shin sore and has now been sent for a spell. The post Whangarei Racing Club, Wednesday, 3 April 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Racing Integrity Board Chairperson announced The Minister for Racing, Winston Peters, has today announced the appointment of existing board member, Neville Harris QSO, as Chairperson of the Racing Integrity Board, for the remainder of his term. “The Racing Integrity Board was established as an independent body under the Racing Industry Act 2020, and is charged with promoting and ensuring high standards of animal welfare, integrity and professionalism by those in the racing industry. The Board was established on 1 July 2021 and formed part of a fresh start for the industry,” says Minister Peters. “The industry contributes approximately $1.9 billion annually to the New Zealand economy and generates 15,000 full time jobs. New Zealanders expect racing to be safe for the animals involved and fair for punters. The Board helps provide this assurance, which can only be good for the racing industry.” Mr. Harris replaces Kristy McDonald, who has resigned from the role of Chairperson of the Board late last year. “Mr. Harris is a former lawyer and senior public servant with governance experience in the commercial and public sectors. He has experience with the Racing Industry from being a former member of the Judicial Control Authority for racing and was involved with setting up the Racing Integrity Board.” Mr. Harris’ appointment as Chairperson commenced on 2 April 2024 and will expire on 9 October 2025. ENDS The post Media release for Minister Peters appeared first on RIB. View the full article

What Wellington Cup Day 2024 Where Wellington Race Club – Bushrangers Creek Rd, Mount Arthur NSW 2820 When Sunday, April 24, 2024 First Race 12:40pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunday country racing heads to the Central Western Slopes of NSW, where the Wellington Race Club gets set to host its marquee meeting. There is a combined $300,000 up for grabs, with the Wellington Showcase Cup (1700m) and Wellington Boot (1100m) sharing top billing. The forecast promises a Good 4 surface prior to the opening race at 12:40pm local time, and with the rail returning to the true position, it should be a fair track throughout the afternoon. Wellington Cup Tip: Dasho Lennie Dasho Lennie is third-up after a bold effort at Rosehill on March 16. The son of Territories didn’t seem to handle the Soft going but still battled into the minor money behind Wymark in a slowly run affair. There should be a genuine tempo here, and with the firming conditions helping his chances, Dasho Lennie will prove hard to hold out in the Wellington Cup. Wellington Cup Race 6 – #3 Dasho Lennie (5) 4yo Horse | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Dylan Gibbons (59kg) +210 with Dabble Wellington Boot Tip: Canamble The Wellington Boot is for the two-year-olds, where the Damien Lane-trained Canamble is searching for back-to-back wins after saluting on debut. It was an impressive victory by the daughter of Aylmerton, kicking clear to score by a length at Coonamble on March 17. She has been aimed at this race a long way out, and provided Jenny Duggan can ping the lids to lead, Canamble will give followers a bold sight in the $200,000 feature. Wellington Boot Race 7 – #5 Canamble (7) 2yo Filly | T: Damien Lane | J: Jenny Duggan (54kg) +600 with Neds Best Bet at Wellington: Water Lad Water Lad bounded clear to break his maiden at Mudgee on March 31, and there is no reason he can’t do something similar in Class 1 company. The Headwater gelding was ridden patiently by Braith Nock and got the slipstream passage in behind the speed before sprinting away with the prize. He draws to lob into a stalking position again, so watch for the three-year-old to be doing his best work down the centre of the course. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Water Lad (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Braith Nock (58.5kg) +140 with PlayUp Best Value at Wellington: Jamacri Jamacri resumes after a 182-day spell and looks primed for a first-up assault for the Bjorn Baker barn. She was no match for Yendy in her only start last preparation; however, her trials since have caught the eye, with her latest a soft display at Warwick Farm on March 26. Dylan Gibbons takes the reins aboard Jamacri, so expect a positive steer from stall nine and watch the three-year-old bolt clear in the concluding stages. Best Value Race 3 – #12 Jamacri (9) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Dylan Gibbons (56.5kg) +800 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Wellington Cup Day Wellington quadrella selections Sunday, April 14, 2024 1-2-3-10-11 2-3 5-8-10-15 7-9-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, April 14, 2024 First Race 12:30pm HKT (2:30pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon for a bumper 11-race program kicking off at 12:30pm local time. The rail is placed in the C position, and with no sign of rain on the radar, punters should anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. Below are HorseBetting’s Sha Tin racing tips for April 14. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Top Scorer Top Scorer didn’t miss the frame in three starts last campaign and resumes after a 10-week letup for the John Size barn. He was given too much work to do in his most recent effort at this course and distance on February 4 but made strong inroads late under Zac Purton. Watch for Purton to sit within striking this time from barrier six, and when asked the question, Top Scorer should oblige for followers. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Top Scorer (3) 3yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Raging Blizzard Raging Blizzard produced dominant back-to-back wins at Happy Valley and returns to Sha Tin to contest Class 2 company for the first time. He won by a combined four lengths in his two victories, suggesting the son of Per Incanto possess above-average ability. Zac Purton continues his association with the progressive four-year-old gelding, which is a decent indicator that Raging Blizzard can make it a hat-trick of wins on Sunday. Next Best Race 8 – #4 Raging Blizzard (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again at Sha Tin: Sunstrider Sunstrider was luckless in his most recent outing at Sha Tin on March 23 and should’ve finished closer than 1.3 lengths off Patch Of Theta. The four-year-old was trucking towards the inside rail and found nothing but backsides in the concluding stages. The 1600m should be ideal third-up for the Australian import, and with Zac Purton taking the reins, watch for Sunstider to burst clear and secure his first Hong Kong victory. Next Best Again Race 11 – #9 Sunstrider (4) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Bet with Picklebet Hong Kong quaddie tips – Sunday 14/4/2024 Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, April 14, 2024 4-7-8 2-3-9 1-2-6-12-13-14 2-9-13-14 Horse racing tips View the full article

Hong Kong-based jockey will ride at Randwick for the first time this weekend, jumping aboard the lightweight favourite in the Group One Sydney Cup (3,200m)View the full article

By Michael Guerin Nathan Jack has already sprung the biggest tactical shock of the trotting season but don’t be surprised if he doubles down in the $600,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge tonight. The first ever trot slot race in this part of the world has drawn one of the strongest fields in decades and is dominated by Victorians, who have not only drawn barriers 1-4 but occupy the top three places in the market. The standout and obvious favourite is two-time Inter Dominion hero Just Believe and all things being equal he is clearly the horse to beat as the $2.10 favourite from barrier 3. Put him in front or sitting one-one and he is impossible to go past even if he is not as superior to this group of horses as he was over a weaker crop last year. One of those new arrivals has been former French trotter Callmethebreeze, who raced in some of Europe’s best races which are a grade or two above our elite trots. Callmethebreeze is big and fast but being an older stallion sometimes likes things his own way and he has found the perfect cajoling partner in Victorian driver Nathan Jack. A natural horseman Jack is equal parts analytical and pure cunning and that was never more evident than before the Great Southern Star at Melton in February, the heats and final race in which the connections of the horses get to choose their own barriers. Jack stunned everybody by forgoing a front line draw to choose barrier 10, three on the second line, in the sprint race meaning he conceding having to run down hot favourite Just Believe. He then executed his plan brilliantly to punch through the field early, stalk Just Believe and grab him on the line, landing a one-two punch of tactical genius. Jack may not need to be so astute tonight as Callmethebreeze has enough gate speed to try and lead and if he can beat Arcee Phoenix at the start he could be in front and the horse Just Believe and the Kiwi heroes like Muscle Mountain and Oscar Bonavena have to run down. But, and here comes the fun part, if for even a second Jack thinks he can’t cross to the lead he could surprise everybody by pulling out of that early war and opt to jump straight on the back of Just Believe if he ends up parked, mostly likely outside Arcee Phoenix. That would again make him the horse to beat to beat from the one-one and leave Just Believe vulnerable because he would have a leader and a stalker who have both proven they can beat him. “I have options so I need to be flexible at the start,” says Jack. “If I lead he can win but I wouldn’t mind being in the one-one as we all saw what he did in the Great Southern Star. “Just Believe is a champion and whatever we do he still might beat us but if I think Arcee Phoenix is going to lead I can change plan.” Regardless of the fun and games from the Victorians at the front of the field there is going to need to be real pressure for the Kiwis to get into the race. Both Muscle Mountain and Oscar Bonavena have dazzling but different types of speed and they could do something sensational if the perfect scenarios unfold. But Just Believe and the best version of Callmethebreeze are at least as good and likely to get more economical runs so the first ever Slot Trot looks Australia’s to lose. View the full article

Orchestral will aim to follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s greatest fillies when she contests Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. Kiwi-bred fillies have a rich history in the time-honoured classic, boasting seven wins since 2009, including 11-time Group One winning heroine Verry Elleegant (2019), and two-time New Zealand Horse Of The Year Bonneval (2017). Last year’s winner Pennyweka joined the elusive list with a comprehensive performance for Opaki’s Jim Wallace, a title Roger James and Robert Wellwood hope to keep on this side of the Tasman with Orchestral. The daughter of Savabeel has been a marvel for the Cambridge trainers this year, establishing a five-race winning streak with victories in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Orchestral’s Sydney campaign commenced with the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight ago, and the filly justified her $1.50 favouritism with a brave effort to down Oaks rivals Tutta La Vita and Zardozi. Wellwood is looking forward to stepping Orchestral back out to 2400m on Saturday where she currently sits the $1.65 favourite ahead of Zardozi ($4.50). “It’s all been pretty easy, she’s in lovely order and has come through the Vinery very well. She’s done everything we’ve asked of her,” he said. “Especially due to the fact that she’d already gone a mile and a half, it was a really good effort coming back in distance in the Vinery. Going back up to the 2400m is really going to suit her at this stage of her preparation.” James McDonald will retain the ride aboard Orchestral, with the filly drawing barrier three outside of fellow Kiwi and Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Quintessa and Opie Bosson. “James came and galloped her on Sunday and Tuesday and was very happy with her work, so she’s ticked every box and is spot on for Saturday,” Wellwood said. “Hopefully she’ll be just ahead of midfield, over further distance she should be able to travel a bit more comfortably, as it’ll be a bit more slowly run in a small field.” Wellwood has collected three elite-level victories in Australia since joining champion trainer James in partnership in 2017 and said an Oaks win would rate highly in his short period at the helm. “My first Group One over there was Pinarello’s Derby (Gr.1 Queensland Derby, 2400m) and it was pretty cool to tick that off, so to get another three-year-old classic in an Oaks would be great, especially over The Championships,” he said. “Group Ones anywhere are hard to win, but especially in this carnival, so it would be very exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.” Back home in New Zealand, Kingsclere will be represented by three runners over the Otaki (Saturday) and Te Rapa (Sunday) meetings, hoping to continue a strong start to the week, with Sweynesday successful at Ellerslie on Wednesday. At similar odds to Orchestral, the son of Sweynesse was backed into $1.70 favouritism after finishing runner-up to the promising Tomodachi on debut, and rewarded his supporters with a comfortable half-length win in the maiden three-year-old 1200m event. “I thought his run was very good, he’s a pretty smart horse,” Wellwood said. “He ran well at his first start and the form was good, so he went into Wednesday’s race a deserving favourite, and delivered nicely. “We may look to head to the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m), but we have a few people interested in buying him, so we’ll see how the next week or so goes and work from there. He’s going to be a very nice horse looking to next season.” Last-start winner Urban Myth is the stable’s sole representative at Otaki, engaged in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m). “We’re really happy with him, he’s drawn wide (10) but if he can get a soft enough run, he should be there or thereabouts,” Wellwood said. Charm Spirit gelding Itza Charmdeel completed his two-year-old season with a heavy-track success in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and resumes off a 225 day hiatus in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa. “He did have a quite busy end of the two-year-old season through to spring, and he’s probably most effective on a track with some moisture in it, so he’s come back at the right time,” Wellwood said. “We’ll look to step him out further this time in, how far I’m not sure, but we’ll go through the grades and hopefully be there for the autumn and winter racing, and possibly some of the early spring races.” Embellish gelding Paragon broke through for a deserved maiden success last start at Tauherenikau, and will step-up to Rating 65 grade in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East (1300m) under Warren Kennedy. “He’s been good, he came through his last run well and his work has been really nice. He’s drawn well, and I think if he can put his best foot forward, he’ll be right in a race like this,” Wellwood said. View the full article

Wexford Stables have the future in the forefront of their minds with a couple of juvenile debutants at Te Rapa on Sunday. Andrew Scott, who operates the Matamata stable alongside Lance O’Sullivan, has engaged Ribkraka and Tristar in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m), where they hope to advance their education ahead of their three-year-old season. Joe Doyle will take the reins from the ace draw aboard Ribkraka, the Ribchester colt closely related to Group Three winners Elephant and Melt. “He may find the 1100m a bit sharp, but there’s some longer two-year-old races this autumn, and once he gets out over 1400m, he’ll hit his straps,” Scott said. “Drawing near the inside gives him a nice educational experience, covering away with horses around them and avoiding being posted wide. It just makes things easier, particularly for a big, scopey horse such as Ribkraka. “He’s a promising staying three-year-old for the future.” Stablemate Tristar will be ridden by Sam Spratt from barrier three. “She’s a filly that might lack experience, but she makes that up in ability,” Scott said. “She’s another aided by a good barrier, with a top jockey in Sam Spratt aboard. She’s been quickening well at the trials, and while she’s got a lot to learn, she can make her presence felt. “She’s a filly that you can follow with confidence as a three-year-old, she’s got a good turn of foot.” Later on the Te Rapa card, I’munstoppable will make another black-type bid in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m), after finishing midfield last-start in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m). Prior to the Ellerslie feature, the Charm Spirit filly had maintained a solid record with five top-four finishes in as many starts, including a pair of victories. “She might have just come to the end of her preparation on the quick ground at Ellerslie, so we put her out on the farm for a good couple of weeks,” Scott said. “She did a bit of work out there in a new environment and she’s come back into the stable with fresh batteries. “She’s having a run on Sunday in preparation for the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m), we would love to get some black-type with her in a few weeks’ time.” Kingfisher posted his most recent success at the Waikato course three starts back, and Scott indicated a downgrade from the current Good 4 (Friday) track conditions would benefit the Savabeel gelding. “He just caught a few tails last time out and was a bit unlucky,” Scott said. “He’s another with a bit of rain on the ground, will make him more competitive, he loves getting his toe in. “He’s got ability to go up to open grade, so hopefully he can take that next step this weekend.” Silver Javelin, Little Bit Of Love and Canny Man will go head-to-head in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East 1300, with the former preparing for her favoured winter track conditions in the coming months. “Silver Javelin has come back bigger and stronger, and should be in for a really good winter,” Scott said. “She’s a mare that has taken a bit longer to come to the fore this time but should benefit a fair bit with the run on the weekend. “Little Bit Of Love rattled home last start, and stepping up that 100 yards in trip should suit. He’s in good form and is a promising galloper. We expect him to finish strongly. “Canny Man loves the soft tracks and should be in for a good winter campaign as well, but he may find the track a touch quick on Sunday. The run will fit him up for the soft tracks when they arrive.” View the full article

Ballymore Stables has released a statement confirming that leading trainer Mike Moroney was receiving on-going treatment after being admitted to hospital last weekend. “Mike Moroney was unfortunately hospitalised over the weekend,” the release began. “We have received results, and he will be receiving treatment over the next few weeks. “We expect a positive prognosis, however, to have the best chance of recovery, Michael will understandably be away from training for a few weeks,” A winner of 55 Group 1 races, headlined by his 2000 Melbourne Cup success with Brew, Moroney has large stables at Flemington and in New Zealand, but Ballymore Stables said that it would be “business as usual” while Moroney recovers. “Both of our stables in Australia and New Zealand will remain fully operational with long-term racing manager Anthony Feroce and assistant trainer Glen Thompson leading the stable at Flemington, while in New Zealand, Pam Gerard will continue to manage our Matamata base,” the statement read. “We are extremely fortunate to have such experience leading our stables, who know Mike’s systems well. It’s business as usual. “We thank you for your understanding and continued support and look forward to having Mike back at the helm soon.” View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Sunday, April 14, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Pakenham hosts a small six-race meeting on Sunday afternoon as the Warrnambool May Carnival approaches. The track will have plenty of give in it, coming up a Soft 6, while the rail is out 12m for the entire circuit. The action at Pakenham is set to commence at 12:15pm AEST. Best Bet at Pakenham: Stern Idol Stern Idol gets back to the Pakenham 3500m, a track and trip where he has won by a combined 35 lengths in his last two goes. He returned from a 29-week spell when chasing home the in-form Farag on the flat at Sandown, with his fitness giving way late. But Stern Idol is a different beast in the steeplechases, and it should be an easy watch for favourite backers in the Pakenham finale. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Stern Idol (8) 7yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Will McCarthy (72kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Tom Foolery Tom Foolery was only worn down inside the final 200m at Ballarat on March 7 when leading the field up, but he has found the right race to go one better. The John Leek Jnr-trained steeplechaser should have no issue in landing on speed, and with Chris McCarthy’s 1.5kg claim getting him in with just 64kg on his back, the five-year-old gelding gets the conditions to suit. With a repeat of his jumping display at Ballarat, Tom Foolery should prove too hard to run down with the light weight on his back. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Tom Foolery (6) 5yo Gelding | T: John Leek Jnr | J: Chris McCarthy (a1.5) (65.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Pakenham: Frankenstar He was beaten by 14 lengths in his first jumps run of the campaign, but the Kathryn Durden-trained Frankenstar is a much better jumper than what he put forward at Ballarat. The son of Fiorente produced a handy trial win over the hurdles at Warrnambool on March 13, and his form during his last jumps campaign suggests this is well within his grasp. Will Gordon will have him at the rear of the field throughout, but with a clean jumping display, Frankenstar can get the job done. Best Value Race 1 – #2 Frankenstar (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Kathryn Durden | J: Will Gordon (71kg) Bet with PlayUp Sunday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Sunday, April 14, 2024 1-4-6-7 1-3-4 3-5 1 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Attorneys for Amr Zedan's racing stable filed a scathing response to a request made by Churchill Downs Inc. for expedited relief from Zedan's suit seeking to overturn a ban of Bob Baffert racing at its tracks.View the full article

Keeneland kicks off the second weekend of the Spring Meet with the much-heralded return Friday of last year's GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner in the 36th running of the $600,000 GI Maker's Mark Mile S. Master of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), unseen in the starting gate since his nose win over Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) in the Mile last November, was most recently spotted with trainer Charlie Appleby's string in Dubai before shipping stateside to Keeneland. Now six, the Godolphin homebred has been here before, notching a second over this course last October in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile S. to eventual champion Up to the Mark (Not This Time). Although the gelding hasn't started in five months and rain was plentiful at Keeneland Thursday which may downgrade the turf, Appleby is confident Master of The Seas, who also won the GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile S. last fall, will show his best. “He is a worthy favorite,” said Appleby. “He broke his maiden on soft ground, and he's won a Group 2 on soft.” Apply also brings Godolphin's Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), winner of six of seven lifetime, including his last two going a furlong further at Meydan. There were 13 months and a castration between those two wins, but his G2 Singspiel S. victory Feb. 23 earned him a ticket to the U.S. for a barn that has excelled in graded events in America. “He has won on soft ground, and this will give him a chance to gain experience over here,” said Appleby. Natalie Baffert and Debbi Lanni's Du Jour (Temple City), winner of the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. Mar. 3 after a 10th behind Master of the Seas in the Breeders' Cup, ships in from Santa Anita for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. While most of his wins have been on a firm course out West, he did win the Kilroe over good ground and has shipped to Kentucky from California previously for a win in the 2021 GII American Turf S. at Churchill Downs. The 2022 Maker's Mark Mile victor, Charles Fipke's 'TDN Rising Star' Shirl's Speight (Speightstown), has not found the winner's circle since that signature win. He's faced Master of the Seas in two of his last three, getting closest with a runner-up finish in the Woodbine Mile. He clearly has an affinity for Keeneland, with a second in the 2022 edition of the Breeders' Cup Mile to another Appleby trainee in Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). “Hard to believe, but [Shirl's Speight] has been running in all of the big ones with a couple of seconds,” said trainer Roger Attfield. “He's been doing well since his last race, which was the [Jan. 27 GI] Pegasus [World Cup Turf Invitational].” The Maker's Mark field is rounded out by uber-impressive two-back GII Hill Prince S. winner Integration (Quality Road); 'TDN Rising Star' and Mar. 2 GIII Canadian Turf S. winner Emmanuel (More Than Ready); and a Chad Brown-trained pair of recent Tampa allowance winners in Kubrick (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Equitize (GB) (Kingman {GB}). The post Master of The Seas Returns in Maker’s Mark appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roses for Debra returns April 13 after a ninth-place effort in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) at Santa Anita Park her last time out. Before that, the Liam's Map mare had top-three finishes in all but one of her 10 starts. View the full article

A plan to create a screening and advanced imaging program near Belmont Park in a partnership between the New York Racing Association and Cornell University is facing an uphill climb at the capital in Albany, N.Y.View the full article

Trainer George Weaver was informed by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit that his runner Anna's Wish tested positive for metformin following a third-place finish in the March 16 Cicada Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. View the full article

Roses for Debra returns April 13 after a ninth-place effort in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) at Santa Anita her last time out. Before that, the Liam's Map mare had top-three finishes in all but one of her 10 starts. View the full article

Friday, April 12 promises an exciting day of horse racing with seven meetings scheduled across Australia. Our dedicated team of racing analysts at horsebetting.com.au has curated the top bets and provided quaddie numbers specifically for the upcoming Cranbourne, Darwin & Sunshine Coast races. Friday Racing Tips – April 12, 2024 Cranbourne Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips Sunshine Coast Racing Tips For avid Australian racing fans, numerous promotions await your exploration. Be sure to peruse the offerings from top online bookmakers, as daily promotions can enhance your horse racing experience. If you’re in search of a new bookmaker to elevate your horse racing ventures on April 12, 2024, consult our comprehensive guide to the finest online racing betting sites. We’re committed to keeping you informed and enhancing your horse racing betting journey. Horse racing tips View the full article