Wandering Eyes

The Belmont Stakes on FOX will feature Curt Menefee, Tom Amoss and Richard Migliore as its principal hosts, FOX Sports announced Thursday morning. On Saturday, June 8 beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET with Belmont Day on FOX, the network's pre-race show coverage is anchored by veteran studio host Menefee, multiple grade I-winning trainer Amoss and retired jockey Migliore. Hosting from the paddock, Charissa Thompson will be joined by FOX Sports wagering expert Chris “The Bear” Fallica and handicapper Jonathon Kinchen, who will both be providing up-to-the-minute wagering expertise. Reporter Tom Rinaldi returns and racing analyst Maggie Wolfendale also reports live on horseback for the undercard races and provides insight from the paddock. Finally, track announcer Frank Mirahmadi will be in the booth for his first call of the Belmont S. FOX Sports's weekend of racing begins Friday, June 7 with America's Day at the Races from 12:00 PM to 6:00 p.m. ET on FS2 and continues 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1, providing live coverage and analysis from prominent races across the country. The broadcast returns on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET on FS1, followed by Belmont Day at 4:00 p.m. ET. The network's pre-race show will feature coverage of multiple grade I races, culminating with the GI Belmont S. Concurrently on FS1 at 4:00 p.m. ET, America's Day at the Races provides an alternate telecast geared to the experienced horseplayer with the most in-depth handicapping across all Triple Crown pre-race coverage. Following the conclusion of the Belmont S., coverage continues on FS1 and FS2. All horse racing coverage on FOX, FS1 and FS2 can be streamed live on the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. The post Full Televised Schedule Released As Belmont 156 Returns To FOX Sports appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $400,000 GIII Penn Mile, the lone graded stakes annually on the Penn National stakes schedule, has attracted a competitive field of 10 and, adding further intrigue to an already challenging handicapping puzzle Friday evening, is the presence of some of this country's top reinsmen, making a rare appearance at the Central Pennsylvania oval. A good many were pushing for an Amerman Racing-owned son of Oscar Performance to contest the GII American Turf S. at Churchill Downs May 4, but GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Endlessly opted for the GI Kentucky Derby instead. That left the door open for the owners' Trikari (Oscar Performance), who sat an inside trip, came out for the drive and edged away late to light up the tote to the tune of 47-1. Top California jockey Umberto Rispoli, fresh off a Grade I double at Santa Anita on Memorial Day, retains the mount for the Amermans and trainer Graham Motion. Qatar Racing and Hunter Valley Farm's First World War (War Front) carried Tyler Gaffalione to a half-length success in the GIII Kitten's Joy S. at Gulfstream Feb. 3 and the $285,000 Fasig-Tipton November weanling endured a bit of a checkered passage when a low-odds ninth in Keeneland's GIII Transylvania S. Apr. 5. Frankie Dettori, who shipped in from Churchill to win the GIII Dinner Party S. at Pimlico two weekends ago and also spent the holiday weekend in California, takes the reins for Brendan Walsh. With racing in New York on hiatus until the start of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on Thursday, Flavien Prat makes the trip down to Grantville to ride Good Lord Lorrie (Hard Spun). The chestnut is undefeated in his two racetrack appearances to day, including a strong-finishing victory in t he Apr. 27 Woodhaven S. at Aqueduct for George Weaver. Also in town are Preakness-winning jockey Jaime Torres aboard 30-1 outsider I Know Map (Street Boss); Cristian Torres on the rail-drawn Aspenite (Constitution); and Javier Castellano atop Please Advise (Palace Malice). The post Superstar Jockeys Add Shine To Competitive Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having had to settle for a narrow second in the Australian Derby with Ceolwulf (Tavistock), Joe Pride will rely on the improving Bullets High (NZ) (Ace High) in his bid to go one better in the Queensland equivalent. Ceolwulf, who was the trainer’s first Derby runner, was beaten a neck by Riff Rocket (American Pharoah) in the Sydney classic and in Bullets High, Pride is confident he has a three-year-old with the stamina to handle Saturday’s 2400-metre Eagle Farm test. The gelding scored a gutsy victory over older horses at Warwick Farm last week to book his spot on the float north, alongside star stablemate Think About It (So You Think) who will chase back-to-back wins in the Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) a race earlier. Pride says Bullets High has continued to please him and he has also taken heart from the observations of David Payne, who trained the sire of Bullets High, 2017 Victoria Derby winner Ace High. “David Payne, who knows Ace High better than anyone, he saw him (Bullets High) in the yard at the start of the preparation and he said he’s the spitting image of his sire, so I hope he’s half as good,” Pride said. “He’s on his way this horse, it’s just a matter of when it is all going to come together for him. “He has bounced out of last week well and he’s still learning, but I couldn’t see him not running well because he can stay.” While Pride has no doubts over Bullets High’s stamina, he is wary of Brisbane’s weather forecast for rain on race day. Bullets High scored on a soft 6 track at Warwick Farm but missed a place at his two runs on wetter ground, while he would also prefer a drier surface for Think About It. “The rain concerns me a little bit for Saturday. I think it’s probably concerning everyone because of the way that Eagle Farm track has played,” Pride said. “The only genuinely heavy track Think About It has been on was in the Doncaster and he didn’t have any luck that day from a bad draw, so I wouldn’t make too many assumptions about that. “I’d rather be on the dry because it’s a variable I don’t want to deal with being an unknown.” The Bureau Of Meteorology is predicting between five and 20mm of rain in Brisbane on Saturday, mainly in the afternoon and evening. View the full article

Four weeks after demolishing quality opposition in Class 2, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) is back at Sha Tin for his stiffest test to date in Sunday’s HK$4.2 million Gr.3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m). The second of a Group Three double-header at Sha Tin, which also features the HK$4.2 million Gr.3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m), the quality dash is topped by a pair of Group One winners in Victor The Winner (Toronado) and Invincible Sage (Thronum), while Ka Ying Rising has the least experience in the nine-runner field with six starts under his belt. Trained by David Hayes and to be ridden by Karis Teetan, the budding three-year-old – who has won four times at Sha Tin – is aiming to outshine a host of better credentialed rivals. “I think Ka Ying Rising has very good form references going forward. He’s taking on international Group One winners, so we’ll see how good he is,” Hayes said. The rapidly improving Ka Ying Rising has surged through the grades. Two starts ago he safely held subsequent winner Call Me Glorious (No Nay Never) by more than a length in March. “He’s eaten up and held his form and it was good to see that good young horse he beat (Call Me Glorious) win, beating Little Brose at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 May). I thought he was one of the most progressive horses on the weekend,” Hayes said. Ka Ying Rising’s 96 rating is dwarfed in the race book as only he and Son Pak Fu (Fighting Sun) rate below triple figures. “He’s on the minimum but he is still racing probably seven or eight pounds out of the handicap. We’re pretty confident he can run in the upper-class next season so we don’t mind sacrificing a ratings race at this stage of his career,” Hayes said. View the full article

Regally bred son of Galileo signs off with three Group One wins and more than HK$48 million in prize money to his nameView the full article

The field for the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) lost a possible starter as Juddmonte Farms general manager Garrett O'Rourke said Batten Down would be pointed toward the Ohio Derby (G3) instead of the final leg of the Triple Crown at Saratoga.View the full article

Big City Lights, who would be undefeated except for his losses to The Chosen Vron, avoids his fellow California-bred by stepping into graded company.View the full article

Jerome Reynier has the Queen Anne in his sights for stable star Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) with the Marseille-based trainer bidding to bag a breakthrough Royal Ascot winner later this summer. Facteur Cheval played his part in some memorable Group 1 races last season before securing his own big day in the sun when landing the Dubai Turf on his seasonal debut at Meydan. That win came off the back of placed efforts in the QEII, Prix du Moulin, Sussex S. and Prix d'Ispahan, with Reynie hoping that his five-year-old has now come of age after his Meydan triumph. “He is aiming for the Queen Anne on the Tuesday and he came back in very good shape from Dubai. We're very happy with him,” Reynier said. “Now he's going to try to win a second time in a row after having not won for a long while. We don't have any questions about good ground because he won on it in Dubai and he's done the straight course at Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth so everything seems to be in good shape for him.” Joining him on the journey will be Darlinghurst (Ire), a three-year-old Dark Angel(Ire) colt who has not put a foot wrong in four starts this year. Winning a pair of Cagnes-Sur-Mer contests early in the season, the bay then stepped up to Listed level to win the Prix Maurice Caillault at Chantilly in March and then returned to the same track to take the Group 3 Prix de Guiche in May. He now holds an entry for the St James's Palace S. on the same day as his stablemate's Queen Anne bid. “That's the plan with him, he's in very good shape. He is unbeaten this year in four starts, he won his maiden, his conditions race, his Listed race and his Group 3,” said Reynier. “Everything is in good order, the more he goes, the better he is. Last time out in the Prix de Guiche he won in very good fashion. He's a son of Dark Angel and the dam is a Group 3 winner over five furlongs, so aiming for the French Derby over 300 metres more wouldn't have been a good idea. “He looks like a miler physically. It's a stiff mile at Royal Ascot and it will be a great race to look forward to.” The third horse set to make the trip over from France is Zarakem (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), who will aim to put defeat in the Prix Ganay behind him to return to the form he was in when he got the better of Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}) to land the Prix d'Harcourt in April. “We just have to forget about his last run in the Ganay where everything just went wrong,” Reynier said. “He won well on his reappearance in the Prix d'Harcourt and he has some pretty solid form beating Horizon Dore, who just got beaten in the Prix d'Ispahan.” The post Reynier Bidding For Royal Ascot Triumph With Facteur Cheval appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien will be represented by a trio in Saturday's G1 Betfred Derby, with Ryan Moore staying loyal to last year's champion juvenile City Of Troy (Justify) over the stable's other kingpin Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). With the draw for the Blue Riband taking place on Epsom High Street, there was a blow to City Of Troy's chances as he was handed the dreaded stall one with all its disadvantages, while Los Angeles who will be partnered by Wayne Lordan will part from stall four. O'Brien withdrew the trio Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Portland (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) on Thursday, with the Dominic ffrench-Davis-trained Padesha (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) the other withdrawal to leave 16. Of the other notables, Godolphin's Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) has drawn 11, The Gredley Family's Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) is in six and Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) is in 15. Drawing the “lucky” stall 10 which has housed 11 winners is the Gosdens' outsider God's Window (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The post City Of Troy Heads Derby Sixteen, Drawn In One appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Little Bit Of Love will contest the Elsdon Park 1400 at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Progressive galloper Little Bit Of Love will aim to complete his preparation on a high this Saturday at Pukekohe, chasing a fourth-straight victory in the Elsdon Park 1400. The late-developing four-year-old only made his debut in December but has rapidly risen through the grades with four wins from seven appearances, most recently completing a hattrick for trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott at Te Rapa. Little Bit Of Love was piloted in that race by apprentice Ngakau Hailey, and his three-kilogram claim will provide weight relief from his 60.5kg impost on Saturday. “He’s an athletic, fit-looking horse who is racing very well with a load of confidence,” Scott said. “While he’s sneaking up the handicap now, the big claim will bring him into it more. “The only question mark is the testing going on Saturday, it will be the most testing that he has met, but we’re confident he’ll run well again.” Scott indicated the son of Time Test will likely be headed for the spelling paddock after this assignment, with plenty more improvement still to come. “Hopefully he can tick another box on the weekend then he probably deserves a good break, and he’ll come back an older, stronger horse next season,” he said. “He didn’t start racing until he was four, and he’s a good advertisement for giving horses time so they can really hit their straps.” Wexford Stables will be strongly represented elsewhere on the Pukekohe card, with a trio of runners in each of the Rich Hill Stud 1200, Barfoot & Thompson 1600 and SkyCity Horizon 1600. The Heavy 10 conditions of Pukekohe will be well suited to Canny Man, Silver Javelin and Winexpress, who will be guided by Hailey and fellow apprentices Triston Moodley and Niranjan Parmar in the Rating 65 1200m contest. “I think Canny Man is coming back into his best form and his last run was really encouraging, he’s also quite adept in the footing,” Scott said. “Silver Javelin has the hood on for the first time, and we’ve seen quite a bit of improvement in her training with that applied. She races well at this time of year and her fitness has certainly benefitted with both runs back, she’s certainly close to her peak. “It’s a bit of the same for Winexpress, he’s taken good improvement with his first two runs and the claim brings him into it. All three horses are good genuine chances.” The three-year-old contenders will be chasing an elusive maiden success over the mile, with Wolf Rayet, Baggio and Cash Treasure engaged. “Wolf Rayet is a bit of a question mark on the testing footing, but he finished well at Te Rapa on good ground and has been going well,” Scott said. “Baggio has been a bit unlucky, but he’s got the senior rider on (Sam Spratt) there to keep him going and he should race on well at the weekend. He’s another one that has taken a bit of racing to get fit. “Cash Treasure raced a bit hesitantly last start so she’ll get the blinkers on, and we’ve seen quite an improvement with them on at home. She’s fit and comes in with high levels of education, so she should run well.” Another last-start winner out of their Matamata barn was Te Atatu Dream, and she will line-up in the Rating 65 mile alongside stablemates Jaffira and Watergate. “A good positive ride from Billy (Jacobson, jockey) got her home last-start, and she’s one that we’ve put aside for this time over year into the early spring and has been patiently handled,” Scott said. “She’s come of age now, we think she can back up her last-start win and she’s a fit mare that revels in the ground. “Jaffira went close last start, and we think he’s going really well. With a claimer (Hailey) and at Pukekohe where he races well, there’s no reason why he can’t put his best foot forward. “Watergate went close at her first-up run and certainly taken benefit from it. Up to the mile, she’s pretty close to being right there other than this being the wettest ground she’s ever hit. “Hopefully she handles the ground and races well on the weekend.” Horse racing news View the full article

Leading South Island trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman are expected to be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the coming days. The father and son duo have turned out 47 winners so far this term and for the eighth time in the last nine seasons their Riccarton operation has comfortably broken the seven-figure mark in stake earnings. Among the stable’s top chances at their home meeting on the synthetic track on Friday will be the in-form filly Motiontime, who runs in the Riccarton Park Function Centre Three-Year-Old (1200m). She has won three of her last five starts, including a most recent victory on her local course at the expense of a competitive line-up of Rating 75 performers. “She is very well placed under the conditions of the race, she is superbly in at the weights,” Michael Pitman said. “It was almost a Cup meeting quality field she beat last time, and she was really unlucky the start before when she ran fifth.” Motiontime joined the stable following the sad passing of her former trainer Paul Harris and Pitman had previous knowledge of the Showtime filly’s talent. “We obviously inherited her and I knew a bit about her as Paul and I always got on well,” he said. “I was actually at the Gold Coast when Paul bought her, a sale that we’ve had a lot of success at as well. She was a really nice filly and is very tough. “She’s been going for a while so this will be her last run, she’ll be our best chance for sure.” Motiontime will be ridden by Michael McNab, who will also partner stablemate Here I Am in the Winter Cup Nominations Close 11 June Maiden (1400m). “He’s a work in progress, he has to strengthen up but he’s a nice horse who went up to be competitive the other day and just blew out,” Pitman said. “He’s drawn (three) to get a nice, soft run and Michael loves riding on the synthetic track and he’s got a great record on it.” Pitman also likes the chances of Fireglow in the Thank You Dave Parr – 25 Years Rating 75 (1600m). “He was terrific at his last start, he made up a huge amount of ground on a day when the track was biased to horses on the speed,” he said. “The step up to 1600m won’t worry him either. He’s always had the ability, but he’s had a few niggling issues and he seems to be over them now.” The stable will also be well-represented at Wingatui on Sunday with last-start third Benaud a strong hope in the Grand Casino Handicap (1200m) for apprentice Abdul Najib. “He went massive in an open class race and if he runs up to the same form with 3kg off he will be very competitive,” Pitman said. A much-improved showing is tipped from the talented Proserve, the mount of Kylie Williams, in The Tavern Handicap (2200m). “He didn’t get the right run at his last start, he was three and four wide from the 1200 or 1300m mark. He did a lot of work and still battled on okay,” Pitman said. “If he gets a more economical run, he’s one of our strongest chances.” Williams will also be aboard Charbano in the Dunedin City Motors Handicap (1400m) and they are another favoured combination. “Kylie is riding as good now as she ever has, she’s going super,” Pitman said. Williams has also been booked for The Immigrant in the Be My Guest Design Handicap (1400m) and conditions will be ideal for the four-year-old. “The Immigrant is an absolute mudder and he’s had no luck at all, he should be very hard to beat,” Pitman said. View the full article

The curtain has come down on the racing career of Group Three winner White Noise (NZ) (El Roca). The five-year-old grey gelding kicked off his career for Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman as a three-year-old and won four races in his debut season, including the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) and Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m). With Baker’s retirement, White Noise then transitioned to the solo care of Forsman, and was a key figure in helping launch the Cambridge conditioners individual training career in the following season. He won first-up before he dead-heated for second in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), and then crossed the Tasman where he was third in the Listed Sale Cup (1600m). He then returned to New Zealand where he won the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m) in autumn last year. Returning as a five-year-old, he once again was victorious first-up at Ruakaka, but has failed to fire since, and the decision has been made to call an end to his racing journey. “The curtain has come down on his career and he has been a brilliant horse, and it is nice to have him retire safe and sound. He will have a great life after racing,” Forsman said. “He really hit the ground running in the spring when I took over and he was brilliant at home and then we took him to Melbourne, and he raced creditably there too. He is a very special horse. “He is now out in the paddock, and we are just looking at options for him to be rehomed, whether he ends up a clerk of the course or just a hack for someone, we are just working through that.” View the full article

Stephen Autridge’s last visit to Wanganui was highly successful and he’s looking to go even better on his return to the River City on Saturday. The Matamata trainer ventured south last month with Caitlyns Wish and Loch Katrine and was rewarded with victory from the former and the stable was narrowly denied a winning double when the latter finished a close second. “It was near perfect so we’re just going to tighten the screws a bit more and try and get two this time,” Autridge said. Caitlyns Wish will step out in the TAB Odds Surge Every Race At Wanganui Handicap (1200m) while Loch Katrine has the Property Brokers 3YO (1600m) in her sights. A daughter of Belardo, Caitlyns Wish followed up her Wanganui success with a strong run to finish runner-up at Pukekohe last Saturday. “She never really runs badly and she’s continuing to do that,” Autridge said. “It was a good run the other day in her first start in open company. There’s not much around that really suits here, so that’s why I’m backing her up and appears to be a horse that will handle it no problem.” Caitlyns Wish has fashioned the tidy record of four wins and five placings from 14 appearances and the four-year-old has posted all of her victories on heavy going. “Wet tracks obviously suit her and while she’s drawn the outside, it’s only a small field,” Autridge said. The mare has also displayed good gate speed and further helping her cause on Saturday is the engagement of apprentice Ciel Butler to bring the mare down to a featherweight 52kg. Loch Katrine has also been out once since her first look at Wanganui where just failed to overhaul the Gr.2 Hawkes Bay Guineas (1400m) winner Lantern Way. “She had nothing go right and it was a pity that she just got beaten,” Autridge said. The daughter of Ardrossan will be ideally suited to the step up to a mile, having posted her sole victory over the trip in last season’s Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe. Most recently Loch Katrine, who will be ridden by Joe Doyle, suffered an interrupted passage at Rotorua before finishing off for fifth. “She’s always showed a lot and didn’t have a lot of luck, they were a touch too quick for her over 1400m,” Autridge said. “If it was 1400m on a heavy track again it would be all right and it will be even better for her over a mile this time.” View the full article

Moonlight Magic will be one of two runners for trainer Andrew Forsman in Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) This Saturday is what everything is about for trainer Andrew Forsman – having stakes contenders on either side of the Tasman. The Cambridge-based horseman, who also runs a satellite stable out of Flemington, will be shooting for Group 1 glory in the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm, and will be represented in each of the stakes races at Wanganui. His two-pronged attack in the Derby includes Group 3 performer First Innings and Group 3 winner Moonlight Magic. “It’s very exciting to have two runners in the Derby this weekend, I am very much looking forward to it,” Forsman said. Moonlight Magic hasn’t raced since winning the Group 3 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie last month, where First Innings finished third. The daughter of Almanzor failed to gain a start in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben last Saturday and will head into the Derby in a fresh state. “It has been a long time between runs,” Forsman said. “We really wanted to run her last weekend and didn’t get in. “It is not an ideal scenario to be going into a Derby with a gap between races like she has had, but we have got her as ready as she can be.” Moonlight Magic has also been out of favour in the barrier draw, drawing out wide in gate 19, while First Innings has drawn the 12 marble. “For her (Moonlight Magic), it would have been nice to have had a soft draw and a soft run. She will have to go back and hope for a little bit of luck,” Forsman said. While Moonlight Magic couldn’t gain a start at Doomben last weekend, First Innings sealed his place in the Derby with victory over 2180m at Ipswich last Wednesday. “It was great to get that confidence boosting win last Wednesday and I think it has topped him off nicely for the weekend,” Forsman said. First Innings is currently a $19 fourth favourite for the Derby, while Moonlight Magic is rated a $31 winning chance by bookmakers, who have the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Autumn Angel clearly at the head of the market at $2.60. “Clearly Autumn Angel is the class filly and she is going to be very hard to beat,” Forsman said. “Outside of that I think it is wide open. It is a good, even field and I think the fact that we couldn’t get in the race last weekend says that there are a lot of good, solid three-year-olds up and going at this time of the year, and it is a matter of who is up for running 2400m at this stage.” Back in New Zealand, Forsman will send a couple of stakes contenders south to Wanganui’s meeting on Saturday. Promising juvenile Belardi, a half-brother to Moonlight Magic, will be out to continue his winning ways in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m). The son of Belardo ran sixth on debut at New Plymouth earlier this month before breaking through for his maiden victory over 1100m on a Heavy 8 track at Taupo last week. Belardi has drawn the ace barrier on Saturday where he will be ridden by Joe Doyle, on a rain-affected track, which was rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday morning. “He is really well and he has bounced through his race at Taupo,” Forsman said. “We are lucky to have drawn one earlier in the day (race three) and hopefully that is a good place to be, but I think it will suit him. “I just hope that he can go down there and handle whatever track conditions will prevail. We knew that Taupo was going to be a looser Heavier track and he would get through it alright, but you never know going down there as to how he will handle whatever track conditions come up, and that will be the deciding factor for him.” Forsman will also be seeking stakes glory with Turn The Ace, who takes a win and a placing into the Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m). “He is going great and it will be nice going into a race where we are not giving four or five kilos away to our opposition. I think his downfall last start was the weight he had to give to the horses that beat him,” Forsman said. “We just have to hope that later in the day the pattern does suit a horse that will go forward, and hopefully the rail isn’t too off by that stage of the day.” Meanwhile, at Pukekohe, the stable will be represented by City Girl in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 1200, Satin Doll in the Barfoot & Thompson 1600, and Wessex and Amazing Grace in the Elsdon Park 1400. “I think City Girl is going really well,” Forsman said. “It is a little hard to tell how she will handle a deep Pukekohe track. I do really like her with the swing in the weights on the favourite. “Satin Doll is racing in good, solid form. Wessex is dropping back from stakes company, and I thought her run was really good last start, and I think she is well weighted.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Hyperion Stakes Day Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, June 1, 2024 First Race 11:59am AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 Hyperion Stakes will headline the nine-race program at Belmont Park this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances; however, there is a lot of rain forecast in the lead-up and on raceday, so it is expected that the surface won’t get any firmer. The rail will be pushed out to the +6m position for the entire circuit, with the first race scheduled to jump at 11:59am AWST. Hyperion Stakes Tip: Searchin’ Roc’s After going down by a nose in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint last start, Searchin’ Roc’s will be seeking to go one better when she meets Western Empire again in the feature race. However, the Jim Taylor-trained mare will get conditions to suit, with a wet track expected and after drawing barrier one. If Steven Parnham can take up the lead or settle in the box seat, Searchin’ Roc’s will just need an ounce of luck at the top of the home straight, and she can run away with victory. Hyperion Stakes Race 8 – #14 Searchin’ Roc’s (1) 5yo Mare | T: Jim Taylor | J: Steven Parnham (57kg) +750 with Bet365 Best Bet at Belmont: Too Dardy Too Dardy was very impressive first-up at this track and trip when the Justine Erkelens-trained gelding rounded his rivals up from worse than midfield before running away with a dominant two-length victory. This son of Demerit hasn’t missed the top two when racing at the Belmont 1000m (4:3-1-0), and he is also undefeated second-up (2:2-0-0) throughout his career. From barrier five, Brandon Louis can settle midfield off the fence and attempt to replicate his ride from last start by looping the field and running home strongly. Best Bet Race 6 – #5 Too Dardy (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Brandon Louis (57.5kg) +140 with Neds Next Best at Belmont: Amber Glide Following two solid performances first and second-up, Amber Glide looks to have found the right race to keep her undefeated third-up record (2:2-0-0) intact in the fourth race of the day. The Ross Price-trained mare has been finishing off strongly in her previous two starts, and now that she steps up to 1400m, she is ready to win. There is a lot of speed expected in this race, so Clint Johnston-Porter will settle Amber Glide at the rear of the field before getting her to the outside to let down with a blistering finish. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Amber Glide (11) 4yo Mare | T: Ross Price | J: Brandon Louis (57.5kg) +240 with PlayUp Best Value at Belmont: Triple Jay Triple Jay produced a very strong finish to claim victory over 1200m at Ascot in a Benchmark 72 Handicap, and now he will look to produce a similar effort in the same grade at Belmont over the same trip. The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained gelding has been given five weeks off before this next assignment, and with William Pike retaining the ride, he looks to have a great chance again. If Pike can push forward from barrier seven and settle on speed with Triple Jay, he can kick away at the top of the straight and give his rivals something to chase. Best Value Race 5 – #2 Triple Jay (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: William Pike (57kg) +750 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, June 1, 2024 2-5-8 1-4-5-6 1-2-10-12-14 1-3-4-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

White Noise has been retired from racing. Photo: Trish Dunell The curtain has come down on the racing career of Group 3 winner White Noise. The five-year-old grey gelding kicked off his career for Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman as a three-year-old and won four races in his debut season, including the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) and Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m). With Baker’s retirement, White Noise then transitioned to the solo care of Forsman, and was a key figure in helping launch the Cambridge conditioners individual training career in the following season. He won first-up before he dead-heated for second in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), and then crossed the Tasman where he was third in the Listed Sale Cup (1600m). He then returned to New Zealand where he won the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) in autumn last year. Returning as a five-year-old, he once again was victorious first-up at Ruakaka, but has failed to fire since, and the decision has been made to call an end to his racing journey. “The curtain has come down on his career and he has been a brilliant horse, and it is nice to have him retire safe and sound. He will have a great life after racing,” Forsman said. “He really hit the ground running in the spring when I took over and he was brilliant at home and then we took him to Melbourne, and he raced creditably there too. He is a very special horse. “He is now out in the paddock, and we are just looking at options for him to be rehomed, whether he ends up a clerk of the course or just a hack for someone, we are just working through that.” Horse racing news View the full article

Matamata trainer Stephen Autridge. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Stephen Autridge’s last visit to Wanganui was highly successful and he’s looking to go even better on his return to the River City on Saturday. The Matamata trainer ventured south last month with Caitlyns Wish and Loch Katrine and was rewarded with victory from the former and the stable was narrowly denied a winning double when the latter finished a close second. “It was near perfect so we’re just going to tighten the screws a bit more and try and get two this time,” Autridge said. Caitlyns Wish will step out in the Odds Surge Every Race At Wanganui Handicap (1200m) while Loch Katrine has the Property Brokers 3YO (1600m) in her sights. A daughter of Belardo, Caitlyns Wish followed up her Wanganui success with a strong run to finish runner-up at Pukekohe last Saturday. “She never really runs badly and she’s continuing to do that,” Autridge said. “It was a good run the other day in her first start in open company. There’s not much around that really suits here, so that’s why I’m backing her up and appears to be a horse that will handle it no problem.” Caitlyns Wish has fashioned the tidy record of four wins and five placings from 14 appearances and the four-year-old has posted all of her victories on heavy going. “Wet tracks obviously suit her and while she’s drawn the outside, it’s only a small field,” Autridge said. The mare has also displayed good gate speed and further helping her cause on Saturday is the engagement of apprentice Ciel Butler to bring the mare down to a featherweight 52kg. Loch Katrine has also been out once since her first look at Wanganui where just failed to overhaul the Group 2 Hawkes Bay Guineas (1400m) winner Lantern Way. “She had nothing go right and it was a pity that she just got beaten,” Autridge said. The daughter of Ardrossan will be ideally suited to the step up to a mile, having posted her sole victory over the trip in last season’s Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe. Most recently Loch Katrine, who will be ridden by Joe Doyle, suffered an interrupted passage at Rotorua before finishing off for fifth. “She’s always showed a lot and didn’t have a lot of luck, they were a touch too quick for her over 1400m,” Autridge said. “If it was 1400m on a heavy track again it would be all right and it will be even better for her over a mile this time.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Michael Pitman. Photo: Trish Dunell Leading South Island trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman are expected to be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the coming days. The father and son duo have turned out 47 winners so far this term and for the eighth time in the last nine seasons their Riccarton operation has comfortably broken the seven-figure mark in stake earnings. Among the stable’s top chances at their home meeting on the synthetic track on Friday will be the in-form filly Motiontime, who runs in the Riccarton Park Function Centre Three-Year-Old (1200m). She has won three of her last five starts, including a most recent victory on her local course at the expense of a competitive line-up of Rating 75 performers. “She is very well placed under the conditions of the race, she is superbly in at the weights,” Michael Pitman said. “It was almost a Cup meeting quality field she beat last time, and she was really unlucky the start before when she ran fifth.” Motiontime joined the stable following the sad passing of her former trainer Paul Harris and Pitman had previous knowledge of the Showtime filly’s talent. “We obviously inherited her and I knew a bit about her as Paul and I always got on well,” he said. “I was actually at the Gold Coast when Paul bought her, a sale that we’ve had a lot of success at as well. She was a really nice filly and is very tough. “She’s been going for a while so this will be her last run, she’ll be our best chance for sure.” Motiontime will be ridden by Michael McNab, who will also partner stablemate Here I Am in the Winter Cup Nominations Close 11 June Maiden (1400m). “He’s a work in progress, he has to strengthen up but he’s a nice horse who went up to be competitive the other day and just blew out,” Pitman said. “He’s drawn (three) to get a nice, soft run and Michael loves riding on the synthetic track and he’s got a great record on it.” Pitman also likes the chances of Fireglow in the Thank You Dave Parr – 25 Years Rating 75 (1600m). “He was terrific at his last start, he made up a huge amount of ground on a day when the track was biased to horses on the speed,” he said. “The step up to 1600m won’t worry him either. He’s always had the ability, but he’s had a few niggling issues and he seems to be over them now.” The stable will also be well-represented at Wingatui on Sunday with last-start third Benaud a strong hope in the Grand Casino Handicap (1200m) for apprentice Abdul Najib. “He went massive in an open class race and if he runs up to the same form with 3kg off he will be very competitive,” Pitman said. A much-improved showing is tipped from the talented Proserve, the mount of Kylie Williams, in The Tavern Handicap (2200m). “He didn’t get the right run at his last start, he was three and four wide from the 1200 or 1300m mark. He did a lot of work and still battled on okay,” Pitman said. “If he gets a more economical run, he’s one of our strongest chances.” Williams will also be aboard Charbano in the Dunedin City Motors Handicap (1400m) and they are another favoured combination. “Kylie is riding as good now as she ever has, she’s going super,” Pitman said. Williams has also been booked for The Immigrant in the Be My Guest Design Handicap (1400m) and conditions will be ideal for the four-year-old. “The Immigrant is an absolute mudder and he’s had no luck at all, he should be very hard to beat,” Pitman said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, June 1, 2024 First Race 11am AEST Visit Dabble The Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) headlines a 10-race program at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and with some rainfall expected on the day, expect the track to be rated in the Soft range. Check out our free Rosehill betting tips and quaddie numbers for the June 1 meeting below. Lord Mayor’s Cup Pick: Sir Lucan Sir Lucan was brave when travelling three wide without cover in his most recent start at Newcastle on May 11. The son of Camelot still managed to find the front at the top of the straight despite the torrid run, with only Hezashocka swallowing him up in the shadows of the post. He should find the front comfortably this time from stall one, and if Winona Costin can pinch a cheap sectional in the middle stages, Sir Lucan will take plenty of chasing in the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Cup. Lord Mayor’s Cup Race 7 – #6 Sir Lucan (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Winona Costin (56.5kg) +500 with Picklebet Best Bet at Rosehill: Left Field Left Field continues to be a model of consistency for the Brad Widdup barn, boasting two wins and three minor placings from eight starts. Her latest effort at Scone on May 18 caught the eye, as the three-year-old powered home from near-last and cut into the margin of Commemorative in the final furlong. Kerrin McEvoy will have no choice but to drag back from barrier 10, but if the breaks fall her way, the $7.50 available with online bookmakers will seem a big price for Left Field. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Left Field (10) 3yo Filly | T: Brad Widdup | J: Kerrin McEvoy (57.5kg) +650 with PlayUp Next Best at Rosehill: Torn Torn was far from disgraced in the Group 2 Champagne Classic (1200m) at Doomben on May 18. The two-year-old got too far back from a wide draw (10) but produced some strong closing sectionals to suggest he’s worth following third-up. Watch for Bailey Wheeler to take closer order from barrier two, and with Torn bringing in superior form-lines compared to some key opposition, this guy can outrun his current quote with the top betting sites. Next Best Race 2 – #8 Torn (2) 2yo Colt | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Bailey Wheeler (a2) (57kg) +1500 with Bet365 Best Value at Rosehill: Fearless Writer Fearless Writer has been crying out for a step up in trip after two impressive displays down the Flemington straight. The daughter of Written Tycoon was doing her best work late on May 18, and although she was no match for Niance, she stuck to the task gamely despite the unsuitable trip. The Adrian McGregor-trained mare heads to Sydney for the first time, and with 1500m third-up providing the ideal setup, Fearless Writer should run well at the each-way price. Best Value Race 4 – #5 Fearless Writer 4yo Mare | T: Adrian McGregor | J: Jake Noonan (58.5kg) +1400 with Neds Rosehill Saturday quaddie tips Rosehill Gardens quadrella selections Saturday, June 1, 2024 2-3-6-7-11 2-3-7-17 1-5-8-12 3-8-16-19 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Ka Ying Rising is a four-time winner from six starts in Hong Kong. Four weeks after demolishing quality opposition in Class 2, Ka Ying Rising is back at Sha Tin for his stiffest test to date in Sunday’s (2 June) HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m). The second of a Group 3 double-header at Sha Tin, which also features the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m), the quality dash is topped by a pair of Group 1 winners in Victor The Winner and Invincible Sage, while Ka Ying Rising has the least experience in the nine-runner field with six starts under his belt. Trained by David Hayes and to be ridden by Karis Teetan, the budding three-year-old – who has won four times at Sha Tin – is aiming to outshine a host of better credentialed rivals, including Sight Success, Stoltz, Flying Ace, Howdeepisyourlove, Mugen and Son Pak Fu. “I think Ka Ying Rising has very good form references going forward. He’s taking on international Group 1 winners, so we’ll see how good he is,” Hayes said. The rapidly improving Ka Ying Rising has surged through the grades. Two starts ago he safely held subsequent winner Call Me Glorious by more than a length in March. “He’s eaten up and held his form and it was good to see that good young horse he beat (Call Me Glorious) win, beating Little Brose at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 May). I thought he was one of the most progressive horses on the weekend,” Hayes said. Ka Ying Rising’s 96 rating is dwarfed in the race book as only he and Son Pak Fu rate below triple figures. “He’s on the minimum but he is still racing probably seven or eight pounds out of the handicap. We’re pretty confident he can run in the upper-class next season so we don’t mind sacrificing a ratings race at this stage of his career,” Hayes said. Hugh Bowman reunites with the David Hall-trained Invincible Sage in the Sha Tin Vase. The pair claimed the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on Champions Day (28 April). “He looks to be ticking over nicely leading into the race after his Group 1 win. He’s obviously progressed to that next level and we would like to see him consolidate that on the weekend,” Bowman said. Hayes also saddles Storm Rider, Awesome Treasure, Young Horizon, Chiron and Sunny Baby on Sunday at Sha Tin. After winning two out of his first three starts, Storm Rider has since been unplaced twice. He’ll feature in the Class 3 Kau To Shan Handicap (1400m) with Teetan up. Sunday’s 11-race fixture commences at 4pm HKT with the Class 5 Sha Tin Hoi Handicap (2000m). The running of the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) takes place at 2.40pm (HKT), live from Tokyo, featuring Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble. Horse racing news View the full article

Romantic Warrior trains on the dirt for the Yasuda Kinen on May 30, 2024 at Tokyo Racecourse in Tokyo, Japan. Photo By: Alex Evers/HKJC Danny Shum has identified Voyage Bubble and Japanese pair Soul Rush and Namur as the biggest obstacles to Romantic Warrior’s quest for an eighth Group 1 triumph as the Hong Kong champion prepares for the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday (2 June). Outlining hopes for an inside gate five or six at Friday’s (31 May) barrier draw, Shum believes the 18-horse field contains three obvious threats to Romantic Warrior – among a spread of even talent. “I think Soul Rush is one of the main dangers and Namur as well. Some horses are good but not really outstanding. I’ve watched their races and I think we have a chance,” Shum said. “I think Voyage Bubble and Soul Rush are the two main dangers.” Voyage Bubble came within a neck of defeating Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 25 February after showcasing his talent with victory in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on 21 January. Namur and Soul Rush finished third and fourth, respectively, behind Golden Sixty and Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on 10 December at Sha Tin. Shum, who has guided Romantic Warrior to four successive Group 1 successes this campaign – the Cox Plate (2040m), Hong Kong Cup (2000m), Hong Kong Gold Cup and FWD QEII Cup (2000m) – said the six-year-old is “good and healthy” after he cantered on the dirt at Tokyo Racecourse today with stablemate Romantic Charm. Shum said he would leave race tactics to jockey James McDonald. “We don’t have any race plans because we don’t know the draw yet. James McDonald is the world-class No. 1. He has a lot of experience, so I’m confident he can handle it.” Having watched Romantic Warrior successfully cope with the undulating contours of Moonee Valley, where he won the W.S. Cox Plate in October, and Happy Valley, where he launched his stunning career with two consecutive wins under Joao Moreira in 2021, Shum has few concerns at Tokyo Racecourse’s famed dips and rises. “Romantic Warrior had his first start at Happy Valley, which is also uphill. He’s very fit and he doesn’t need fast work anymore. Just keep him happy, keep him healthy,” Shum said before explaining how his experience in travelling horses to Japan for his mentor Ivan Allan was proving invaluable. “It’s a big advantage (having previous experience of Tokyo racecourse). Not only Fairy King Prawn but also Oriental Express, Indigenous for the Japan Cup. My previous boss Ivan Allan gave me a big opportunity to come here, so of course it’s a bit of an edge for me.” Shum is not worried by either the drop in distance from 2000m to 1600m for the Yasuda Kinen, nor questions over race tempo. “I think if the pace is fast – I do hope the pace is fast – Romantic Warrior has natural speed. He can sit wherever he’s comfortable – and he’s got an engine, so he can hit the line strong,” Shum said. “Every time they go a fast pace in Japan, (but) if they go a slow pace he can stay in the right position. I’ll leave it to James, he knows the horse and studies the field. “Saturday and Sunday there is a little bit of rain (forecast), but hopefully not too bad. James has seven rides on Sunday, so he’ll have more idea on the track.” Voyage Bubble cruised through his final piece of fast work at Tokyo Racecourse this morning (Thursday, 30 May) ahead of trainer Ricky Yiu’s arrival. Ridden by Yan Kin Lau, the 2023 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner strode freely from the 1600m in a familiarisation gallop. “I was very happy with him, he handled the uphill and downhill very well,” Lau said. “He’s a smart horse, he changed legs when he needed to and he felt good. It was not a fast gallop, just normal for what he does. Everything is good with him,” Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior are attempting to deliver Hong Kong’s third Yasuda Kinen success after the victories of Bullish Luck for Tony Cruz and Brett Prebble in 2006 and Fairy King Prawn in 2000 for Ivan Allan and Robbie Fradd. The Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) will be run at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday (2 June) at 2.40pm (HKT). Horse racing news View the full article

What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, June 1, 2024 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Victorian racing will return to Caulfield on Saturday afternoon for a competitive nine-part program. The track is rated a Good 4 at the time of acceptances, and with only minor rainfall expected in the lead-up, punters should expect the surface to be no worse than a Soft 5. The rail is out +9m for the entire circuit, with the opening event set to jump at 11:50am AEST. Best Bet at Caulfield: Jewellery Jewellery was unsuited by a steady tempo at Scone on May 18 and should get the perfect setup in this BM78 for the fillies and mares. She was second-up after a 427-day spell on that occasion and should make dramatic improvement with more racing under her belt. Daniel Stackhouse will have to take his medicine and drag back from barrier 13, but with the daughter of Lonhro showing above-average ability in the past, expect Jewellery to power over the top to secure her first win of the campaign. Best Bet Race 4 – #9 Jewellery (13) 4yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Daniel Stackhouse (57kg) +320 with Bet365 Next Best at Caulfield: Mirzann After back-to-back runner-up performances, Mirzann appears ready to peak as he gets to the 2000m for the first time since arriving at the Chris Waller barn. The European import has found the middle distances too sharp, with the gelding by Camelot doing his best work once it’s all over. Watch for Damien Lane to take closer order from barrier five, and provided he gains an economical run in transit, Mirzann should prove too classy over the longer trip. Next Best Race 9 – #15 Mirzann (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Damien Lane (55.5kg) +300 with Neds Best Value at Caulfield: Why Worry Formerly known as Dragon’s Luck in Hong Kong, Why Worry is set to make his debut for the Liam Howley stable in this wide-open BM78. He brings some quality form-lines from overseas, including a narrow defeat to Moduleconstruction at Sha Tin on October 1. He’ll have work to do crossing from barrier 13, but provided Ethan Brown can land in front in the first 400m, Why Worry should give followers a bold sight at each-way odds with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #6 Why Worry (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Liam Howley | J: Ethan Brown (60kg) +1900 with Unibet Caulfield Saturday quaddie picks Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, June 1, 2024 1-4-6-8 1-7-8-9 1-2-7-11-14 1-5-10-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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What Queensland Derby Day 2024 Where Eagle Farm Racecourse – 230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, June 1, 2024 First Race 11:43am AEST Visit Dabble The Group 1 Queensland Derby will headline a massive day of racing at Eagle Farm this Saturday afternoon, with nine races set down for decision. Although the track is rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, there is a good amount of rain forecast for Saturday, so the surface may worsen during the meeting. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race on Queensland Derby Day scheduled to jump at 11:43am AEST. Race 1: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1600m) Poison Chalice has travelled from Victoria to Queensland following his strong performance in the Listed Straight Six at Flemington, where the Paul Preusker-trained gelding flew home from the back of the field to finish fourth. This son of Savabeel will get conditions to suit in his first start at Eagle Farm as he steps up in trip to 1600m second-up, with good speed expected in this event. Michael Dee will settle near the rear of the field from barrier 12 and allow Poison Chalice to build on the outside and let down with his blistering turn of foot late. Selections: 5 POISON CHALICE 7 TENZING 16 SUNSET SOIREE 8 TOJAKI Next Best Race 1 – #5 Poison Chalice (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Preusker | J: Michael Dee (57.5kg) +220 with Neds Race 2: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m) Geriatrix brings strong form from New Zealand as he makes his Australian debut for Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott. Last start, this son of Almanzor was way too good for his rivals in a 3YO Open Handicap when he swooped down the outside and ran away with a 1.8-length win over 1400m. Although the colt has drawn barrier 14, his get-back-and-run-on racing style will offset the gate, and Michael Dee will be looking to get to the outside of runners on the home turn. If Geratrix shows a similar turn of foot, he will play a prominent role in the finish. Selections: 12 GERIATRIX 10 WARBY 17 SHA OF GOMER 15 MADAME ODETTE Best Value Race 2 – #12 Geriatrix (14) 3yo Colt | T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott | J: Michael Dee (58kg) +1000 with Neds Race 3: Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) Although it says that Hezashocka recorded a seventh in the Group 1 Doomben Cup last start, the run of the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained galloper has to be upgraded because he was in the inferior ground along the inside rail. His last 600m was as strong as any of his rivals, and now that he rises in distance to 2400m on a bigger track, this son of Shocking gets another chance to win again. From barrier three, Jamie Kah can settle midfield off the fence and get a dream run in transit before letting down with a strong finish. Selections: 6 HEZASHOCKA 1 SPIRIT RIDGE 4 CAPTAIN ENVIOUS 12 REGAL LION Premier’s Cup Race 3 – #6 Hezashocka (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Jamie Kah (57kg) +270 with PlayUp Race 4: Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) Knight’s Choice ran home strong first-up and was only beaten by the very smart Gringotts in the Listed Members’ Handicap over 1600m and it is expected that he will take a lot of fitness benefit from that fresh run. Going up against older and seasoned stayers could be a struggle for this up-and-coming stayer; however, after such a strong performance first-up, Knight’s Choice is worth a bet each way at the massive odds on offer with online bookmakers. Selections: 7 KNIGHT’S CHOICE 15 SHOCK ‘EM OVA 2 JUST FOLK 14 TERRITORY EXPRESS Lord Mayor’s Cup Race 4 – #7 Knight’s Choice (8) 4yo Gelding | T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon | J: Vlad Duric (58kg) +1600 with Dabble Race 5: Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) Now that El Morzillo gets her first crack at 1400m and finally draws a good gate (4), the Kelly Schweida-trained filly looks to have all the conditions in her favour here. This daughter of Star Witness has been running on strongly from the back of the field over 1200m in her last two starts, and she appears to be crying out for further distance. Craig Williams has chosen to stick with the filly after riding her in those last two starts, and if he can settle closer to the speed and still show that same dash in the final 300m, El Morzillo will break through for a deserving victory. Selections: 16 EL MORZILLO 12 ANGEL CAPITAL 1 BROADSIDING 2 BITTERCREEK Sires’ Produce Stakes Race 5 – #16 El Morzillo (4) 2yo Filly | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Craig Williams (55kg) +500 with PlayUp Race 6: Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) After finishing fifth, beaten 1.5 lengths by Bella Nipotina in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000, Stefi Magnetica looks to be one of the better bets on the card. The Bjorn Baker-trained filly has proven herself at Group 1 level multiple times, and now that she drops back to Group 3 three-year-old grade, she should get every chance to win second-up. Tommy Berry won’t have to settle too far away from the speed from barrier two, and if Stefi Magnetica gets a clear run from the 300m mark, she will prove very hard to hold out. Selections: 17 STEFI MAGNETICA 7 SCHWARZ 1 CIFRADO 15 ABOUNDING Best Bet Race 6 – #17 Stefi Magnetica (2) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Tommy Berry (55kg) +230 with PlayUp Race 7: Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) James Cummings and Jamie Kah will combine with In Secret who is the fresh horse on the scene and will return from a six-month spell with the benefit of three solid barrier trials under her belt. This daughter of I Am Invincible has a very good fresh (4:2-2-0) and wet track record (6:3-2-0) throughout her career, and with most of her rivals nearing the end of their preparations, she looks to be a great bet. Jamie Kah can settle this girl in behind a strong speed, and if she gets even luck in the home straight, In Secret can win again first-up. Selections: 10 IN SECRET 1 I WISH I WIN 9 BELLA NIPOTINA 11 MAGIC TIME Kingsford Smith Cup Race 7 – #11 In Secret (4) 4yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Jamie Kah (57kg) +650 with Bet365 Race 8: Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) The Queensland Derby will be the feature race on the program for the three-year-old’s, and the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained Autumn Angel heads the market for the 2400m contest. Can she become the first filly to win the Derby since 2010, or will Chris Waller claim victory in the race for the third time in four years with one of his four runners? Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the 2024 Queensland Derby here. Race 9: Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m) Coeur Volante will return for her first run since finishing fourth in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas during the spring, and if her last jumpout is anything to go by, she looks to have returned in very good form. The Mike Moroney-trained filly settled in behind the leader and eventual winner in the 800m jumpout, and she cruised around and wasn’t asked for an effort but still finished second. This daughter of Proisir has shown that she can handle any ground, and with Blake Shinn in the saddle, it is expected that Coeur Volante is ready to win first-up. Selections: 4 COEUR VOLANTE 6 AUREUS ANGEL 2 COMRADE ROSA 9 GREY RIVER Eagle Farm free Saturday quaddie tips Eagle Farm quadrella selections Saturday, June 1, 2024 1-7-17 1-9-10-11 1-12-18 2-4-6-9-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Zac Purton hopes to make it third time lucky in the Group One mile contest at Tokyo on Sunday: ‘Bring it on, let’s see what we get’View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk He calls himself “the King of Content” and Jonny Turner is hopeful his King’s Birthday weekend is going to get off to an early and successful start at Addington tonight. As an Invercargill-based racing journalist his stock and trade is writing about all things related to harness racing and producing content for his social media channels, especially from his home patch south of the Waitaki. But the proud Southlander also literally puts his money where his mouth is. His latest “project” is Southside Of Heaven, who starts in race 4, the Woodlands Stud Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace at Addington tonight (6.22pm), after impressively winning both her starts so far down south, at Winton and Invercargill “She certainly looks like a good stayer,” says Turner, “and we’ve been a bit surprised, she was solid at the trials but not like she’s been at the races.” Turner bred the mare along with his good mate Paul Hailes, and they share in the ownership with Caine McIntyre. Caine’s father (and fellow Macca Lodge proprietor) Brent McIntyre trains the mare. Turner himself worked at Jaccka Lodge, the forerunner to Macca Lodge, before deciding to get into journalism. “Brent and Caine have done a wonderful job with this mare and they deserve all the credit,” says Turner. Tonight she’s a rated a $9 chance on the fixed odds. “We expect her to be competitive at Addington – but we don’t expect her to just win but she’ll be running on.” Southside of Heaven is by Rock N Roll Heaven out of Debnita Rose. Bred by Hailes, she won four races. “She was actually named after our mothers, Deborah (Turner) and Anita (Hailes),” says Turner. Southside Of Heaven is her first foal. She’s since had a second, a Betting Line colt called Ace of Spades, but subsequent attempts to get her in foal haven’t been successful. Debnita Rose’s dam Glenburn Rose has been a great producer. She was bred by Hailes’ father Eddie and among her other race winning progeny have been Chesterton (16 wins), Glenburn Jewel (5 wins) and Norham Fella (4 wins) While self-deprecating about his own involvement – “Paul and Caine are the real breeding buffs” – Turner is no novice when it comes to breeding standardbreds. Among his first, and most successful was Hi Gun in the early 2000s. He won 10 from 71. “He didn’t win anything spectacular but we had a lot of fun with him.” In more recent times he’s been part of the ownership group of Group winning-mare Manhattan (both pictured above). Now based in Australia, she’s won 12 races including one this year at Menangle. Turner’s own involvement in harness racing goes way back. His father bred horses too “and I got keen on them from there”. It’s estimated he’s owned or co-owned around 30 horses over the years, with over 50 wins in total. Including Southside Of Heaven Turner has shares in no fewer than six horses over the long weekend. The Peter and Vaughan Blanchard-trained pairing of Watch Your Back and Majestic Ruby will line up at Cambridge on Friday night, followed by Joyride (Cran and Chrissie Dalgety) at Ashburton on Sunday and the Matty Williamson pairing of Lime In A Bottle and Terra Sancta at Invercargill on Monday. “Between the whole lot of them I’m hoping I can get something.” View the full article