Wandering Eyes

Sheldon Russell's hands were full while picking where Apple Picker would mount her rally, but the daughter of Connect took home a basket full of the winner's share of a $200,000 purse in the Barbara Fritchie Stakes (G3) at Laurel Park Feb. 17.View the full article

8th-Gulfstream, $70,840, Msw, 2-17, 3yo, 1m, 1:38.22, ft, 2 lengths. TOP CONOR (c, 3, Twirling Candy–Divine Dawn {GSP, $187,875}, by Divine Park), the second choice on the board at 5-2, sat narrowly off fifth-time starter Wistucky (Nyquist) through a half in :45.61. Tipped out past the quarter pole by Jose Ortiz, he closed stoutly and got up with plenty left despite drifting close to home to pick up the two-length win on debut over Military Road (Quality Road). Pinhooked as a $200,000 KEESEP yearling and secured by Flanagan Racing for a top-four price of $1,000,000 as a 2-year-old at OBS March last year after breezing in :9.4, Top Conor is the second winner out of a graded-stakes placed full-sister to GSW/GISP Divine Miss Grey. Divine Dawn saw her 2-year-old Gun Runner colt bring $850,000 as a yearling at FTSAUG last summer and produced a full-sister to Top Conor last year before visiting Epicenter for 2024. Sales History: $200,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $1,000,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Flanagan Racing; B-International Equities Holding, Inc. (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. “Top Conor is the top one indeed!” #1 TOP CONOR ($7.60) breaks his maiden in R8 at @GulfstreamPark. The three-year-old Twirling Candy (@LanesEndFarms) colt wins for trainer Chad Brown with @jose93_ortiz in the irons. pic.twitter.com/pf8oc2pWJg — TVG (@TVG) February 17, 2024 The post Twirling Candy’s Top Conor, Million-Dollar OBSMAR Grad, Debuts Nicely At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Since impressing on debut in maiden special weight company at Churchill Downs last November, Halina's Forte has spent her last two starts in stakes races, earning placings in both the Fern Creek S. and finishing off 2023 as the beaten favorite at Fair Grounds in the Letellier Memorial S. Dec. 23. Racing in New York for the first time Saturday, the 2-1 top choice broke quickly was out outsprinted by a trio of runners to her inside. Relegated to a wide fourth as the leaders opened up a gap back to her, Halina's Forte began a sustained bid midway around the far turn, reeled in pacesetter Ghalia Princess from three wide and drove past with a sixteenth to run to pick her first stakes win. “She broke very well,” said winning rider Eric Cancel. “I wasn't scared of what position I could get with her. I just wanted to have a clean trip–I didn't have any trouble with her. She had a little trouble last time when she ran, so I think that really cost her a lot. But today, that wasn't the case. I just kept in the clear and once I started asking her, she just started picking it up.” A third stakes winner from the first crop of Mitole, Halina's Forte is a half-sister to the dam of SW/MGSP Whateverybodywants (Giant Oak) and out of a half to GSW/GISP sire Astrology (A.P. Indy) and MGSW Lunerpal (Successful Appeal). Lunarlady has not produced a foal since Halina's Forte and was not reported bred for this year. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #4 HALINA's FORTE ($6.20) wins the $100,000 Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct. The three-year-old filly by @SpendthriftFarm's Mitole gets her first stakes score for trainer Philip Bauer with @Ericcancel85 aboard. pic.twitter.com/SFYTNPkUt9 — TVG (@TVG) February 17, 2024 RUTHLESS S., $100,000, Aqueduct, 2-17, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:26.26, gd. 1–HALINA'S FORTE, 118, f, 3, by Mitole 1st Dam: Lunarlady (SW), by Yes It's True 2nd Dam: Quiet Eclipse, by Quiet American 3rd Dam: June Gift, by Hold Your Peace ($130,000 Ylg '22 OBSWIN; $250,000 Ylg '22 FTKJUL). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Rigney Racing, LLC; B-Bill & Corinne Heilegbrodt & A.F.& B. Vanlangendonck (FL); T-Philip A. Bauer; J-Eric Cancel. $55,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, $149,900. 2–Ghalia Princess, 118, f, 3, American Pharoah–Ghalia, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($575,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Sumaya U.S. Stable; B-International Equities Holding, Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $20,000. 3–Value Area, 118, f, 3, More Than Ready–Her Smile, by Include. ($210,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary F. Lewin; B-KatieRich Farms (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $12,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 2HF, 10. Odds: 2.10, 2.25, 7.60. Also Ran: Low Society, Reconcile, Tiarella, Most of All. The post Halina’s Forte Another Stakes Winner For Mitole appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-Fair Grounds, $65,000, Alw, 2-17, (NW2L), 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:45.03, sy, 4 1/4 lengths. OUR PRETTY WOMAN (f, 3, Medaglia d'Oro–Dazzletown, by Speightstown) debuted in the slop Jan. 18 over this track in a driving 3 1/4-length win at a mile and 70 yards. The $900,000 Keeneland September buy duplicated that debut Saturday in nearly a carbon copy effort of that initial win to remain unbeaten in two tries. Breaking from the outside spot as the 9-5 choice, Our Pretty Woman cleared the field and angled to the rail to set a :24.39 first quarter with ears flicking back and forth while Joel Rosario kept her on a loose rein. Unthreatened while posting a :48.95 half, the dark bay sophomore repulsed a mild challenge on the turn, was briefly roused by Rosario into the lane, and sauntered home a clear 4 1/4-length winner over Standoutsensation (Take Charge Indy). The winner's dam hails from the same family as two-time Canadian champion Roxy Gap (Indian Charlie) and has a 2-year-old colt by Bolt d'Oro who sold to Mayberry Farm for $270,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. Dazzletown has a yearling colt by Yaupon and visited Authentic for 2024. Sales History: $900,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $70,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Courtlandt Farms (Donald Adam); B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC & Godolphin (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. #8 OUR PRETTY WOMAN ($5.60) leads them all the way around the track to win R5 at @fairgroundsnola. The three-year-old filly by @DarleyAmerica's Medaglia d'Oro is two for two for trainer Steven Asmussen. She was piloted by @JRosarioJockey. pic.twitter.com/Q7tBwzzifg — TVG (@TVG) February 17, 2024 The post Medaglia d’Oro’s Our Pretty Woman Stays Unbeaten in Fair Grounds Slop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Imperatriz laid to rest doubts stemming from an unimpressive barrier trial in claiming her ninth elite-level win in the Feb. 17 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington.View the full article

Citing a threat of rain, Santa Anita Park cancels racing Feb. 19. The track had planned to offer a special holiday program on President's Day.View the full article

The final day of the White Turf meeting at St. Moritz has been cancelled, the Rennverein St. Moritz announced on Friday. The statement read, “Due to the current weather conditions and the resulting condition of the racecourse, the Rennverein St. Moritz has decided with a heavy heart to cancel all races this coming Sunday, 18 of February. This decision was taken by the board of the Rennverein St. Moritz in close consultation with See-Infra AG as well as partners and sponsors. The event site will remain open on both days and admission is free of charge.” There was a track inspection on Friday via drone that revealed various cracks and damp patches that had not frozen overnight. As a result, racing on Sunday–featuring the crown jewel of St. Moritz, the Grosser Preis von St. Moritz, was cancelled and Saturday's Family Day was held with a reduced programme. For more information, please visit the White Turf website. The post Final Day Of The White Turf Meeting Cancelled At St Moritz On Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a forecast calling for significant rainfall, officials at Santa Anita Park have canceled Monday's Presidents' Day program at the track. The nine-race program on Sunday will proceed as scheduled, with a first post at 12:30 p.m. PT. The track will remain open Monday for simulcasting in the Grandstand Paddock Room beginning at 10 a.m., with free parking and admission. Races carded for Monday, including the $100,000 Tiznow S., will be offered as extras on the overnights for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-25. Similarly rainy conditions forced the cancellation of racing Feb. 4 and training was suspended through Feb. 8 due to track conditions. The track was reopened to regular training Feb. 9, but the live racing program was canceled that day to give local horsepeople additional time to prepare their horses. A reported 10 inches of rain fell between Feb. 4 and Feb. 7. The post Santa Anita Cancels Presidents’ Day Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Fair Grounds, $59,150, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($100,000), 2-17, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:43.74, sy, 2 lengths. TUSCAN SKY (c, 3, Vino Rosso–South Andros {SW, $207,125}, by Sky Mesa) facing a field scratched down to just two other runners, backed up a big figure in his Aqueduct debut, also over a muddy surface, Jan. 13 with a defeat here of 'TDN Rising Star' and GIII Lecomte S. runner up Nash (Medaglia d'Oro). Letting that runner go up to set an uncontested lead in what wound up a two-horse race, Tuscan Sky stalked from second, came with his bid into the far turn and engaged that rival in a duel from the top of the lane. With Hawks Creek (Exaggerator) far back in third, the top pair battled it out with Tuscan Sky turning back Nash inside the sixteenth marker to pick up the two-length victory and stay perfect. The half-brother to Private Creed (Jimmy Creed), GSW & GISP, $1,329,166, Tuscan Sky has a 2-year-old Complexity half-brother while his dam produced a full-brother to Private Creed last year before visiting Jackie's Warrior for 2024. Sales History: $200,000 Ylg '22 FTKJUL. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $83,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Sierra Farm (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. #7 Tuscan Sky stays perfect in R3 @fairgroundwsnola for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner @spendthriftfarm with @luissaezpty in the irons! @JohnGDooley#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/44osjlnn0T — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) February 17, 2024 The post Vino Rosso’s Tuscan Sky Stays Perfect, Defeats ‘Rising Star’ Nash appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rebel's Romance returns to Breeders' Cup-winning form in Doha, Qatar, easily handling a quality international field in the H H The Amir Trophy (G3).View the full article

Luxembourg had been entered for the Feb. 24 Saudi Cup (G1) but will instead contest the Neom Turf Cup (G1) on the same card.View the full article

Imperatriz laid to rest doubts stemming from an unimpressive barrier trial in claiming her ninth elite-level win in the Feb. 17 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1) at Flemington.View the full article

Jonny Turner’s selections for Gore Race Jonny Turner Racing Journalist Race 1 12.19pm 6 Classie Linc 3 Takeitout 1 Ideal Double 5 Insarchatwist Race 2 12.52pm 6 Dignify 5 Wattle Hill 10 Styrax 3 Moment Of What Race 3 1.20pm 3 Sidorova 1 Vanessa Marie 5 Cheer Me On 2 Breeny’s Rock N Roll Race 4 1.54pm 2 Superfast 6 Warrior Easton 8 Get Kraken 4 Sly Tricks Race 5 2.30pm 14 Blithe 5 Dem Bones Dem Bones 7 Jordan Anne 9 Our Superfund Race 6 3.05pm 1 Smart I Am 6 Foxfire Easton 5 Olives Dream 10 Mamma Mia Race 7 3.40pm 4 Magic Sign 7 Haley Robyn 12 Netherton Franco 9 Duke Of Scotland Race 8 4.15pm 7 Da Vinci 8 One Change 6 Hacksaw Ridge 4 Brookies Player Race 9 4.40pm 9 La Bamba 2 Bismarck Du Plessis 13 Wehavtime 10 Summit Ultra Race 10 5.05pm 10 Maui 9 One Two Menny 11 Jimmy Carter 4 Sally Lindenny Race 11 5.30pm 8 Still Rockin 1 Quaddie VC 5 Lou’s Deal 6 Chris Kyle Race 12 5.55pm 4 Magnetic Beckers 5 Pounamu 1 Falcons Watch 2 Stickifingers View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Gore. View the full article

We all have days when we feel a bit low or even depressed. For many people that feeling will pass, but for some it can persist to a point where it becomes overwhelming and perhaps life-threatening. For Keith Haggins, the latter had become the norm towards the end of his 30-year stint working in the bloodstock business, leading him, eventually, to seek help. As is becoming better known and more openly talked about in everyday life, help with mental health struggles is now fairly widely available and comes in a variety of formats. What works for some may not be so beneficial for others. Haggins was not so keen on the idea of therapy in its traditional counselling format, but happened upon an eight-week online course called the Thrive Programme. Its website promises “a totally fresh approach to achieving lasting happiness, health and success” through focusing on managing thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Sounds too good to be true, right? This is what Haggins thought initially too, but he found the course so beneficial to his own situation that he left stud work to retrain as a coach on the programme in the hope of helping others. “I must emphasise how much I loved working in the industry and I want to pay something back to an industry that has given me so much,” he says, while admitting that there is plenty about the racing and breeding business that he misses. “I worked in the industry for 30 years and then retrained as a Thrive coach, but I'm still absolutely passionate about everything horsey and the whole industry, not just the horse side, the agricultural side. That's obviously a huge part of it.” The Irishman, who now lives in Sussex, England, worked at Kildangan Stud and then spent six years assisting Jacqueline Norris before moving to the UK, where he later worked as manager of the late Lady Rothschild's Waddesdon Stud. He says, “A few years ago I struggled with my mental health and found myself in a deep dark hole for a while and that's when I discovered the Thrive Programme. There's some incredible support out there and some great help, but it seems to be geared for people who are in crisis or who are in the depths of depression, feeling suicidal, suffering from drug addiction or whatever it is. The message is 'when you get to that point, give us a shout and we'll help you'. “But the Thrive Programme is based on learning and education, developing a skill set, so to speak. You don't need to be very academic to understand the programme as it is delivered in a simple way, it strips away all the complex terms we so often hear and delivers it in plain English. You also don't need to be in trouble to do it. You don't need to have a major significant issue going on in your life right now.” One of the hardest parts of seeking help if you are struggling is having to admit the fact to those around you. Thrive makes it easier in that regard as the course can be completed at home and doesn't requite participants to be off work or travel to appointments. “Asking for help is the hardest part, because that's the day you have to accept the fact that something's not quite right,” says Haggins. “That's difficult for a lot of people to get to that point. What drew me to the Thrive Programme is it's not therapy, it's not counselling. It's a training programme and it's structured with a start and middle and an end. And you can either do it at home on your own or with a coach, and then you become your own coach effectively, or whatever you want to call yourself at that point, but you learn the skills you need to do it yourself.” Through years of experience, Haggins recognises the specific pressures involved in working with horses. “It's not a nine-to-five, 40-hour-a-week job, especially at management level,” he says. “To be able to fulfil that role and have quality of life when that life revolves around the stud season can be hard. The calendar is very unsocial for parents, impossible really, sometimes. When the children are off on holidays, it's sales, preparation, and so on. And it is a never-ending cycle of, 'I can't go in October half-term because we're in Book 1, Book two. I can't go at Easter because we're foaling.' “I know the industry, and when somebody comes to me and tells me about their struggles or battles, it's not that I understand it, I've walked in those shoes. “People have said, 'Why did you give up on that industry?' I did it for 30 years. I don't think I gave up, really. That's a full lifetime career.” The next stage of Haggins's career is vastly different, but through his more recent experiences he hopes to be able to help those still working in the racing and breeding industry. “The Thrive Programme is already established in the Metropolitan Police, in a couple of leading companies, and it's in many schools up and down the country,” he explains. “I'd love to see it available to kids in the likes of the racing schools to National Stud courses, and any other training establishment where people can benefit from it. I don't want to appeal just to people in crisis. I want to appeal to everybody. “It can be tailored to any individual or groups in a variety of different ways. It's a lot of questioning, a lot of understanding. Where did that come from? Why do you think that or how could you think that differently? And when people start talking about that, it can inspire others. “People don't tend to look for help until something's wrong but making this something that people can come across and do when things are good, it's much better. But obviously it is also there for people when they are struggling.” The learning-based approach was what drew Haggins to the Thrive Programme initially, and in a time in which mental health is spoken about almost as frequently as physical health, then this is perhaps as important as educating people in the benefits of eating your five-a-day, or why too much sugar is bad for you. “For me, that's how the world works,” he says. “Life is a journey of learning, and what I learned by doing the Thrive Programme is what got me better and got me to the point I'm at now where life is amazing.” The post Learning to Thrive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Stable star fails to capture consecutive victories in Qatar, but leaves with his head held high and US$100,000 prize moneyView the full article

Sunday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Ridden forward from gate 10 by William Buick, Godolphin's REBEL'S ROMANCE (IRE) (g, 6, Dubawi {Ire})–Minidress {GB}, by Street Cry {Ire}) announced his return to international prominence in no uncertain terms with a dominating victory in Saturday's $2.5-million H.H. The Amir Trophy, accorded international Group 3 status for the first time in its history. Having attracted runners from Europe, Japan and its defending champion from Hong Kong, the 2024 Amir Trophy was by some distance its best running and the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero made the short trip over from Dubai to face 10 others. Rebel's Romance–who took a spill in last year's GII Bowling Green S. at Saratoga, but was exiting a victory in the Listed Wild Flower S. at Kempton–took over racing past the stands for the first time as the likes of North Bridge (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) and Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) raced in behind, while Zeffiro (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) lingered at the tail in the company of Hong Kong's defending champion Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Galloping along willingly, ears straight up down the back of the course at Al Rayyan, the homebred was full of run as they neared the 400-metre marker, but Zeffiro had made good ground from the back for Joao Moreira and looked a threat turning in. But the challenge was short-lived, as Zeffiro drifted out into the middle of the course and Rebel's Romance remained well clear to the wire. Satono Glanz (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}) and North Bridge completed a 2-3-4 finish for Japan, while Russian Emperor also finished off his race soundly for fifth. Lifetime Record: 17-11-0-0, $4,485,232. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby. REBELS ROMANCE (Dubawi) wins G3 The Amir Trophy for @godolphin under William Buick Nice to see the dual G1 winner back in the winner circle after a big race Won GP von Berlin and Preis von Europa in 2022 SIMCA MILLE (Tamayuz) in 6thpic.twitter.com/MLp1hYd9vd — Luis (@Lskmml_) February 17, 2024 The post Rebel’s Romance Bosses Rivals In Amir Trophy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Emerging talent Aberlour extended her winning sequence to three and completed a southern Guineas double with a tour de force in Saturday’s Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1600m) at Ascot Park. The Riverton filly had begun her career with a fourth and two thirds, including a third placing during the New Zealand Cup Carnival at Riccarton in November. She broke through with a six-length maiden win on her home track on New Year’s Day, then stepped up to stakes level with a narrow but authoritative long-neck victory in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) last month. Trainer Kelvin Tyler bypassed the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) on February 3, believing the 1600m of the Southland Guineas made it an ideal target, and Aberlour proved him right on Saturday with a dominant performance. Aberlour jumped from gate two and jockey Kylie Williams drove her forward, taking the lead inside the first 50m. She dictated terms from there and was travelling easily all the way down the back and side of the Invercargill racecourse. Williams released the brakes at the home turn and Aberlour bounded away, opening up a winning margin of five and a half lengths over Quintabelle and Riviera Rebel. Aberlour has now recorded three wins and two placings from six starts, earning more than $135,000 in stakes. “She was dominant today,” Tyler said. “I went into it thinking she was a very good chance, but she probably ended up being a bit better than I expected, to be honest. “She loved that step up to 1600m today, and I think she’ll go further than that. She’d probably relish the distance of an Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m), but I purposely didn’t put her in the nominations for that because I didn’t think she’d quite be ready for it. I just wanted to play the patient game with her. “I think she’s definitely one of the better three-year-old fillies I’ve had come through the stable. She just puts herself in her races, has a high cruising speed and keeps going. She’s exciting.” Tyler had been eyeing up a Listed feature for three-year-old fillies at Wingatui on March 2 as Aberlour’s likely next target, but her blistering performance may prompt a rethink. “If you’d asked me this morning, I probably would have said we’ll go to the Airfreight Stakes (1400m) next and work our way towards the Warstep (Listed, 2000m),” Tyler said. “Now I’m not sure if we stick to that plan, or if she might possibly be a little bit better than that. “I think I’ll let the dust settle on this win and see what happens. I have been tossing up the idea of taking a couple over to Queensland. Maybe she could enter the frame for that.” Aberlour was bred by Av Todd, who shares ownership with son and daughter-in-law Michael and Emma Tyler, along with Kelvin Tyler and his wife Vanessa. Aberlour is the headline act among the three winners so far sired by Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) winner Mongolian Falcon. The son of Fastnet Rock stands at Hau Ora Farm in Hawke’s Bay, where his service fee is $3,000. View the full article

Talented stayer Asterix returned to the scene of his greatest triumph when he stormed home to take out the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie. The injury-plagued son of Tavistock took out the 2022 edition of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) but a string issues had hampered his progress since then. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott and his ownership group, that includes former New Zealand cricketer Mark Greatbatch, have shown infinite patience with the now five-year-old and he repaid that faith on Saturday with a powerful staying performance. Jockey Lynsey Satherley followed her instructions to the letter as she let Asterix lob along in midfield before sneaking off the rail approaching the home bend. Faced with a wall of horses in front of her, Satherley didn’t panic as she switched Asterix into a gap in the middle of the track, where he produced a dogged finish to down a game Dionysus and gallant pacemaker Good Oil, who fought back strongly for third after being headed at the 250m. Co-trainer Andrew Scott breathed a sigh of relief after the race as he explained some of the trials and tribulations the horse had faced since his Derby victory. “His three runs prior to today had been very encouraging,” Scott said. “He got back off a slow pace last time but worked home well in the straight and it is just great to see his stride back as he settled beautifully, and Lynsey rode him to a tee. “It was just a really good Auckland Cup trial for three weeks’ time. “It’s a credit to the team as he has had a lot of troubles throughout his career and the guys have put a lot of time into him to get him to this stage. “We had to let him grow his feet out then he had a heart fibrillation and got the thumps after taking him to Sydney. “We have brought him up slowly with this in mind and we are hoping he can have a great recovery from here.” TAB bookmakers were quick to move as they have now installed Asterix as the $5 favourite for the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thomspon Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 9, ahead of Mark Twain at $7. Satherley was delighted to pick up the ride on Asterix and was especially taken with his sharp turn of foot in the home straight. “That was a big thrill and when I came out in the straight and put one behind his tail, geez he just took off,” she said. “The speed was on and they quickened at the half mile, but I was told to be patient and when I came out he was really explosive. “He will stay all day this horse.” Asterix was bred by Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock and is out of Mourasana, a British-bred daughter of Shirocco. Herself a Listed placegetter in France, Mourasana is a half-sister to the Group Two winner Mouramara, who is the dam of three stakes winners including Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Mourayan and Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) placegetter Mourilyan. Asterix has now won four of his 13 starts and more than $760,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

An unimpressive trial created a touch of uncertainty around Imperatriz ahead of her first-up run in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington, but the Te Akau Racing wonder-mare blew all those doubts away and carried on her winning way. The Lightning was the sixth major Melbourne sprint win in succession for Imperatriz, who won the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last March and then put together a perfect spring campaign with victories in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m), Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m), Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m). The Lightning was the 18th win overall in a 24-start career for the extraordinary galloper, who has won nine times at Group One level between 1000m and 1600m. The daughter of I Am Invincible was bought by David Ellis for A$360,000 as a yearling on the Gold Coast in 2020, and she has now banked more than A$5.9 million for the Te Akau Empress Syndicate. Those achievements have ensured that the class of the five-year-old could never be in doubt, but a fifth placing in an 800m trial at Cranbourne on February 5 had some questioning whether she was at the peak of her powers as she prepared to launch a new campaign in the Lightning. Her performance on Saturday provided an emphatic response. Ridden positively by Opie Bosson, Imperatriz went forward and took up a position at the head of the field. She was joined by the A$10 million earner Private Eye, and the pair matched motors most of the way along Flemington’s famous Straight Six. There was a moment in the straight where Private Eye appeared to be going the better of the pair, but Bosson went to work on Imperatriz and she lifted and edged ahead. She reached the finish line a head in front of Private Eye, clocking 57.54 seconds for the 1000m. “She was always travelling beautifully,” Bosson said. “The other horse was creeping up and creeping up, but once I went for her, she found that kick that she always has. “There was a bit of pressure today because of that trial, but Mark (Walker, trainer) has been over here and he told me she’s 100 percent. When he says that, he’s usually right.” Walker has fielded plenty of questions about that Cranbourne trial over the last fortnight, and he was pleased that Imperatriz did the talking with her performance on Saturday. “It is a relief,” he said. “Good horses probably save their best for raceday. It was a lacklustre trial, it really was, but we were very happy with the mare when we galloped her on Monday. “It was just a gun ride by Opie today. It was a tactical affair and he used the initiative. “This mare is just a gem, really, to do what she did in the spring and then come back and win like that first-up. “Full credit to the second horse. He’s a really good horse and he stuck it to her today. I think you saw two really good horses fighting out an exciting finish.” Bred by Malaysian businessman Dato Yap Kim San’s Raffles Farm, Imperatriz is another nod to the success of the breeding operation, which was managed by Bruce Sherwin since it was established in 2008 and in addition to Imperatriz has produced the likes of Group One winners Glint Of Hope, More Than Sacred and First Seal. Economic pressures stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic forced Dato Yap to sacrifice his ‘hobby’ thoroughbred breeding operation to secure his core businesses throughout Asia. Raffles Farm, on the outskirts of Cambridge, was sold in 2022, along with almost the entirety of Dato Yap’s Australasian bloodstock portfolio. Imperatriz is by leading Australian sire I Am Invincible out of Berimbau, a Group Two-placed Shamardal mare who was bought by Raffles for A$180,000 at a Gold Coast sale in 2016. View the full article

Orchestral winning the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Three weeks after announcing her arrival among the season’s elite three-year-olds in breathtaking style on Karaka Millions night, Orchestral treated Ellerslie to an encore in Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). The exciting Savabeel filly had blown her rivals away by three and a half lengths in last month’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), and the step up to 2100m on Saturday produced something every bit as impressive. Orchestral was sent out as a -200 favourite in the hands of jockey Craig Grylls, and the race could hardly have been scripted any better. She enjoyed a comfortable run in sixth, one off the rail, as High Country set a genuine pace out in front. Grylls made his move with 500m remaining, swooping around the outside and looming widest of all at the home turn. Orchestral bounded up alongside Just As Sharp at the 300m mark, and for the next 100m, that rival fought back bravely and provided a stern challenge. But then Orchestral changed gears, powering ahead and opening up a winning margin of four lengths. “That was very good,” Grylls said. “We got a perfect run, about four back and one off. There was good speed on and she relaxed beautifully, which was great to see in her first time up over ground. “She got to Just As Sharp very easily in the straight. From about the 200m to the finish post, it felt like she was getting quicker and quicker every 50m or so. “She wanted to keep going past the line too and would hardly blow a candle out now, which is a good sign for the step up to the Derby trip. It’s exciting.” Orchestral’s spectacular performance has tightened her hold on favouritism for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 2. Top horse racing bookies already rated her a +160 favourite before the Avondale Guineas, and they have since slashed that quote to -250. Orchestral’s co-trainer Roger James has a proud record in the Derby, winning it with Tidal Light (1986), Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997), Hades (1999) and Silent Achiever (2012). The respected horseman liked what he saw on Saturday. “Her owners, Colin and Helen Litt, have been loyal supporters of our stable for a long time,” he said. “We’ve gone to the sales with great ambition on a number of occasions, but haven’t always come away with the results. But at this stage, this filly is looking like she might be one out of the box. We have to recognise that and treat her accordingly, and hopefully we can do all we can to optimise this ability that she has. “It was a pretty special performance today. Looking at the head-on replay, it’s great to see that she was galloping lovely and true out on her own down the straight. “It was very pleasing to see that the race was run at a genuine pace. I’ve always been a great advocate for pace in a race, and it ensures that the best horse wins. I noticed that she was very strong past the line as well, which was another good sign from a Derby point of view.” Horse racing news View the full article

Asterix winning the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Talented stayer Asterix returned to the scene of his greatest triumph when he stormed home to take out the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie. The injury-plagued son of Tavistock took out the 2022 edition of the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) but a string issues had hampered his progress since then. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott and his ownership group, that includes former New Zealand cricketer Mark Greatbatch, have shown infinite patience with the now five-year-old and he repaid that faith on Saturday with a powerful staying performance. Jockey Lynsey Satherley followed her instructions to the letter as she let Asterix lob along in midfield before sneaking off the rail approaching the home bend. Faced with a wall of horses in front of her, Satherley didn’t panic as she switched Asterix into a gap in the middle of the track, where he produced a dogged finish to down a game Dionysus and gallant pacemaker Good Oil, who fought back strongly for third after being headed at the 250m. Co-trainer Andrew Scott breathed a sigh of relief after the race as he explained some of the trials and tribulations the horse had faced since his Derby victory. “His three runs prior to today had been very encouraging,” Scott said. “He got back off a slow pace last time but worked home well in the straight and it is just great to see his stride back as he settled beautifully, and Lynsey rode him to a tee. “It was just a really good Auckland Cup trial for three weeks’ time. “It’s a credit to the team as he has had a lot of troubles throughout his career and the guys have put a lot of time into him to get him to this stage. “We had to let him grow his feet out then he had a heart fibrillation and got the thumps after taking him to Sydney. “We have brought him up slowly with this in mind and we are hoping he can have a great recovery from here.” Horse racing bookmakers were quick to move as they have now installed Asterix as the +400 favourite for the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 9, ahead of Mark Twain at +600. Satherley was delighted to pick up the ride on Asterix and was especially taken with his sharp turn of foot in the home straight. “That was a big thrill and when I came out in the straight and put one behind his tail, geez he just took off,” she said. “The speed was on and they quickened at the half mile, but I was told to be patient and when I came out he was really explosive. “He will stay all day this horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gary Portelli‘s progressive filly Kimochi finally shed her bridesmaid’s tag with a thrilling nose victory in the 2024 Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick, kicking off a potentially lucrative Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival campaign. Kimochi wins 2024 Light Fingers Stakes first-up for breakthrough Black-Type success. Photo: Steve Hart. The talented daughter of Brave Smash, ridden by Jason Collett, edged out the promising Learning To Fly in a heart-stopping finish, avenging frustrating placements in last year’s Princess Series. “That gate was a huge help,” said Collett. “She only had a short let-up too so very good.” Kimochi had been knocking on the door throughout the spring, finishing second in the Group 1 Flight Stakes to Tropical Squall. Today, she showed true grit and determination, refusing to be denied her first major victory. “I tell you, it’s an amazing feeling,” Portelli exclaimed. “She’s got that tenacity, hasn’t she? Love this filly.” Learning To Fly, last year’s Golden Slipper victim of interference, showed immense promise in her return, putting in a strong performance for second. Her stablemate Kristilli rounded out the trifecta, further highlighting the depth of talent on display. With eyes now set on the prestigious $750,000 Surround Stakes on March 2nd, Kimochi faces a tough challenge. However, her Light Fingers Stakes win proves she has the ability to compete at the highest level. 2024 Light Fingers Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 KIMOCHI Gary Portelli Jason Collett 3 56kg $6.50 2 3 LEARNING TO FLY Annabel Neasham Chad Schofield 0.07L 11 56kg $4.20F 3 5 KRISTILLI Annabel Neasham Zac Lloyd (a) 1.83L 8 56kg $18 4 12 STEFI MAGNETICA Bjorn Baker Joshua Parr 2.26L 9 56kg $26 5 7 FACILE Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Tim Clark 2.6L 2 56kg $13 6 2 TIZ INVINCIBLE Ciaron Maher James McDonald 2.83L 10 56kg $4.60 7 9 ARCTIC GLAMOUR Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Kerrin McEvoy 3.09L 7 56kg $6.50 8 6 AUTUMN BALLET Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 3.96L 1 56kg $14 9 11 KIND WORDS Kris Lees Sam Clipperton 5.38L 5 56kg $81 10 4 MUMBAI MUSE Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 16.33L 4 56kg $6.50 11 13 I’M A STEEL Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones Dylan Gibbons (a) 18L 6 56kg $81 8 WEST OF DALBY Benjamin Smith Brock Ryan 0 10 BALLROOM BELLA Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Tyler Schiller 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Kimochi Breaks Group Maiden Tag in Light Fingers, Eyes Surround Stakes 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article