Wandering Eyes

WinStar Farm stallion Improbable, champion older male of 2020, was euthanized March 16 at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington after suffering from ataxia behind, the farm announced March 17.View the full article

For the first time since 1996, Seamie Heffernan will not be based at Ballydoyle–but Aidan O'Brien's long and trusted ally has revealed that he still hopes to be riding big-race winners in the Coolmore colours in the future. It has been one of the worst kept secrets in Irish racing for some time that Heffernan, one of the constants at Ballydoyle for almost three decades now, would not be returning to the fold. And on the eve of the opening day of the Flat season in Ireland, Heffernan lifted the lid on the reasons behind taking the decision to step away from Ballydoyle in favour of tackling life “in the fast lane” as a freelance jockey. He also revealed that he has already been approached to ride for one of the major opposition stables. Heffernan told TDN Europe, “It was my decision. When I look outside my back door on my farm, I know that I have been so privileged because I started off with absolutely zero. I couldn't believe it when I was offered the job behind Christy Roche in Ballydoyle back in 1996. “I have made many friends, plenty of money and I have loads of nice pictures and trophies. It's not over yet but I just felt that I needed a change.” He added, “For me to stay going, I felt it would be easier to stay going by not being based in Ballydoyle. Some lads will raise their eyebrows and wonder why. But, look it, I'm going to continue race riding so, if Aidan wants to use me, it will be absolutely fine. The only difference is that I won't be riding out in Ballydoyle every day anymore.” Heffernan and O'Brien have categorically denied that there has been any falling out. Speaking to the Racing Post on Sunday, O'Brien said, “Obviously I heard the rumours but I didn't think any more about it. However, Seamus rang me last weekend to say he was going to go freelance. I totally respect that and I told him he's welcome to come back any time he likes, we're always here any time it suits him. That will always be the way, if it ever suits him.” O'Brien added, “There has been absolutely no falling out in any way. Seamus rode a lot of very big, important winners for us and we'd always hope and wish the very best for Seamus going forward.” Together, O'Brien and Heffernan combined to win the Derby at Epsom in 2019 with Anthony Van Dyck, the Oaks in 2012 with Was and five more Irish Derby victories at the Curragh. But Heffernan's personal highlight, marginally behind being offered the Ballydoyle gig in the first place, was guiding globetrotting sensation Highland Reel to victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar in 2017. Heffernan remembered, “I probably should have won an Arc on Highland Reel but, a couple of weeks later, I hit the nail on the head–that Breeders' Cup win was awesome. That would have to be the one that sticks out. But, I would nearly have to put that second to being offered the job at Ballydoyle in the first place back in 1996. Getting the job was my highlight.” So what will a day in the life of Heffernan look like this season? Outside of O'Brien, for whom the 51-year-old rode 34 winners from 155 rides domestically last season, Tipperary-based handlers Willie Browne [rides] and Kevin Coleman [22 rides] were also major supporters. Heffernan says that he is committed to maintaining and developing those relationships going forward as well as working closely with a number of longstanding owners to identify young talent. Heffernan said, “A change is as good as a holiday. I'm going to be busy and I'm going to be riding on. I feel very fit and I'm very focussed. It's onwards and upwards, hopefully. I have little bits and pieces and interests in horses. When I set my mind on something, I try very hard to make it happen. I'm going to try hard to make things happen this year. I can't call the people I will be riding for smaller trainers–they just don't have the same ammunition as the big boys. I'll be working very closely with some of my owners to get the ammunition and to make it happen for those trainers.” He continued, “I feel that I have achieved a lot and, for me to stay happy and keep achieving, I needed a change. Hopefully it's the right decision. I can't stress how thankful I am to the Magniers, the Tabors and the Smiths. With their pedigrees, I achieved the most on the biggest stages. I can't stress how thankful I am to them for never saying, 'we don't want Seamie.' I am sure I will ride plenty of winners in their silks again.” Heffernan has been associated with many of Coolmore's champions, none more high profile than the legendary Galileo, who he partnered to Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial success in 2001. Coolmore boss John Magnier and his partners are understood to have given Heffernan their full backing in his decision to go freelance after a long and fruitful association riding many of Ballydoyle's big guns. He explained, “They completely respected my decision. Whatever I felt was the right thing to do, they had no problem with it. I would be inclined to say I have spent all of my career in the slow lane so maybe I might chance putting on the indicator and heading into the fast lane for a while. Maybe it's time I put myself in the fast lane to see if I can handle it!” Asked if that meant he had designs on challenging for a championship, Heffernan concluded, “I don't have the ammunition so I don't think I would have any chance. Unless you are riding for Joseph O'Brien, Dermot Weld, those sort of trainers, you can't win a title because you just don't have the numbers. I have been approached [by one of the bigger stables] but I am happy enough for my agent [Ruaidhri Tierny] to do his best and I will do my best for him.” The post “I Needed A Change” – Seamie Heffernan Explains Ballydoyle Departure appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar Farm stallion Improbable (City Zip), the champion older male of 2020 and a 'TDN Rising Star', was euthanized late last night at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington after suffering from ataxia behind yesterday morning, the farm said in a release early Sunday. “He was sent to Rood and Riddle yesterday morning to determine the exact cause of the ataxia,” said Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager of WinStar Farm. “He was responding well to treatment, but went to lie down in his stall, and fell awkwardly. As a result, he broke his right tibia, which could not be repaired.” Improbable won three consecutive Grade I races in 2020, taking the GI Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita, the GI Whitney S. at Saratoga and the GI Awesome Again S. at Santa Anita en route to Eclipse honors at season's end. Undefeated at two, Improbable broke his maiden at first asking at 'The Great RIP' in late September of 2018. He followed that up with a score in the Street Sense S. at Churchill Downs in early November, which earned him a 'TDN Rising Star' badge for the effort. Improbable winning the Whitney | Sarah Andrew Improbable's juvenile year ended with a five-length win going 1 1/16 in the GI Los Alamitos Futurity. His time of 1:41.18 was the fastest in over a decade. A stakes winner each season from two to four, Improbable concluded his career with a runner-up finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in 2020. All told, he won seven starts, six of them stakes, and earned $2,729,520 for owners WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and SF Racing. “These horses are our life, and we work every day to take care of them the best way we know how,” said Dr. Natanya Nieman, general manager and resident veterinarian at WinStar Farm. “The whole team is reeling. Improbable gave us many great moments to share with our partners, our team, and the whole racing community. It is tragic.” Bred in Kentucky by St. George Farm and G. Watts Humphrey Jr., Improbable was acquired by Maverick Racing and China Horse Club for $200,000 out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale. Out of the A.P. Indy mare Rare Event, the 8-year-old stallion was bred to 329 mares in his first two books and is represented by his initial crop of 2-year-olds this year, including a colt out of the stakes-placed Inaugurate (Empire Maker) that was purchased by trainer Jimmy DiVito, agent, for $475,000. The post WinStar Farm Stallion Improbable Euthanized appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson sealed victory aboard the Chris Nash-trained Son Of Bielski in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) Darwin trainer Chris Nash has confirmed that Son Of Bielski will contest the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup after taking out the $40,000 St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at Fannie Bay on Saturday. The Red Centre’s biggest race is scheduled for Pioneer Park on April 7 and Son Of Bielski, a seven-year-old gelding by Dissident, will hopefully follow in the footsteps of Garry Lefoe’s I Am The Fox and Gary Clarke’s Count Of Essex. I Am The Fox and Count Of Essex, who won the 2021 and 2022 St Patrick’s Day Cup, backed up to win the Alice Springs Cup (2000m). Clarke’s Siakam, who won last year’s St Patrick’s Day Cup (0-76), didn’t appear at the 2023 Alice Springs Cup Carnival. For Son Of Bielski, owned by Nash’s father Andrew, that made it five straight wins at Fannie Bay after a first up fifth over 1100m (BM54) following his arrival from Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea’s Murray Bridge stable. Nash, successful in the 2015 St Patrick’s Day Cup with King Kev, is now aiming to win his first Alice Springs feature after saluting with Mayameen in the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) during the 2021 Darwin Cup Carnival. Last year, Nash’s Ideas Man was second in the Palmerston. For Son Of Bielski’s in-form rider Jade Hampson, she has won 14 races in the NT in the past seven weeks. The 20-year-old apprentice ended Saturday’s program with a double after guiding the Tayarn Halter-trained The Stifmeister to its second straight win. Although lumping 60kg as the topweight, Son Of Bielski (+3000), who had failed to run a place in its seven other Darwin starts. Clarke’s +900 hope Vallabar, third in the 2022 Darwin Cup, also powered home to finish 1.7 lengths adrift in third place. Clarke was aiming to win the St Patrick’s Day Cup for the fourth time in five years, but Wilsons Prom, the +180 favourite with leading horse racing bookmakers, had every chance before fading to finish eighth after having won four of his past five starts. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Penalties M Grant | Waikato 14 March; failed to comply with GRNZ Welfare Standards; fined $300. S Codlin | Auckland 17 March; late to present runner; fined $50. Dog Penalties KNOW HURRY | Waikato 14 March; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial and veterinary clearance required. HALF DAY HOD | Christchurch 15 March; turned in boxes; must complete box trial. ROMINA BALE | Christchurch 15 March; failed to pursue the lure (3rd offence); stood down for 3 months and must complete 2 satisfactory trials. General Race 3 at Wanganui GRC meeting of 15 March was declared a no race after a fallen runner ran back towards the field. The post 11-17 March 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties N Hailey | South Waikato 13 March; failed to make weight; fined $100. A Goindasamy | Ashburton 14 March; careless riding; suspended 24 March – 3 April inclusive. W Kennedy | Ashburton 14 March; use of whip (2 charges); suspended 17-24 March inclusive and fined $300. T Moseley | Ashburton 14 March; failed to ride mount to finish; suspended 18-27 March inclusive. D Danis | Tauranga 16 March; use of whip; fined $250. B Jacobson | Tauranga 16 March; use of whip; fined $500. S Weatherley | Wellington 16 March; use of whip; suspended 17-24 March inclusive. T Newman | Wellington 16 March; use of whip; fined $1,200. M Hashizume | Wellington 16 March; use of whip; fined $550. S Toolooa | Beaumont 17 March; careless riding; suspended 24 March – 4 April inclusive. Trainer Penalties D Crozier | Non-raceday dated 7 March; misconduct; fined $500. C Bambry | Wellington 16 March; late rider declaration; fined $50. M Walker & S Bergerson | Beaumont 17 March; incorrect gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties NOBLE BOY | South Waikato 13 March; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. ROYAL ACE | South Waikato 13 March; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. BROOKBOURNE | Tauranga 16 March; lame; veterinary clearance required. MOLASSES | Wellington 16 March; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. Protest AQUILIFER | Tauranga 16 March; caused interference; relegated from 1st to 2nd. The post 11-17 March 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

With a thrilling victory in Saturday’s BOP Equine Vets Open Handicap (1400m), classy mare Fashion Shoot (NZ) (Savabeel) headlined a big day at Tauranga for Te Akau Racing and set herself up for a Group One assignment at the end of this month. Fashion Shoot was one of four winners on the eight-race card for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, who also won the Mills Reef Wines (1400m) with Family Ties (NZ) (Contributer), the Frocked Up Girls 3YO (1200m) with promoted winner Valentine (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), and the World’s End Bar and Restaurant (1200m) with Aequus (NZ) (Iffraaj). Saturday’s $50,000 race was a milestone victory for Fashion Shoot, who took her career earnings past the $300,000 barrier and also booked herself a ticket to the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 30. Ridden by Kelly Myers, Fashion Shoot settled in third-last among Saturday’s small but select field of eight. The race developed into a four-horse war down the straight, with Fashion Shoot striding up on the outside of the quality Andrew Forsman-trained pair of Mustang Valley and Saint Bathans, while Karman Line poked through along the inside. There was little separating the quartet through the last 50m, but Fashion Shoot lunged at the line and snatched victory by a nose. Mustang Valley beat Saint Bathans by a head for the runner-up spot, with the same margin back to Karman Line in fourth. Fashion Shoot has now had 31 starts for seven wins, 13 placings and $304,980 in stakes for the Te Akau In Vogue Syndicate. Her best win to date came with a brilliant finishing burst in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton in November. “It was a really good win today and should give her that winning confidence before heading into the Breeders’ Stakes,” Walker said. “I think we pulled the right rein going to Tauranga, rather than a trip to Trentham for the Cuddle Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m). “She’s been a good consistent mare for a long time, she’s having a great season as a six-year-old and she’s going to make a beautiful broodmare when she’s finished racing. She’s got a great pedigree.” By Savabeel out of the multiple Group Three-winning O’Reilly mare High Fashion, Fashion Shoot was bought by David Ellis for $320,000 from Waikato Stud’s draft at Karaka 2019. “She’s a tough and talented race mare, Fashion Shoot, and becoming a very valuable and commercial breeding proposition,” Ellis said. “All the team at the farm and the stables have done a fantastic job with her and we’re seeing her racing at her absolute best now.” The TAB now rates Fashion Shoot a $12 chance for the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. That market is headed by La Crique ($3.20), Molly Bloom ($4), Pearl Of Alsace ($6) and Mustang Valley ($8). View the full article

Although finishing runner-up in the initial judge’s call for the result in the Frocked Up Girls 3YO (1200m) at Tauranga on Saturday, promising galloper Valentine (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) secured his second career victory courtesy of a successful protest lodged after the son of Turn Me Loose suffered interference from race favourite Aquilifer in the home straight. Valentine and apprentice rider Jess Allen rider had stalked the pace-making Aquilifer throughout and the pair set down for a tooth and nail struggle in the home straight. Aquilifer ran out and bumped Valentine on more than one occasion, and despite holding on to beat her rival home by a neck, the judicial committee saw enough to relegate her behind Valentine deeming the interference cost that runner more ground than the official winning margin. “He’s a horse that’s always shown ability and finished runner-up to subsequent Group One winner Pignan on debut as a two-year-old,” said Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper. “There is the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes coming up, but we’d have to get him home and see how he progresses, and he’d probably need another run before then. It’s become a really competitive race, so we’ll just have to wait and see.” Valentine was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $80,000 at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, and is part-owned by Jonny Schick, director of Shaw’s Wire Ropes and Shaw’s Property Holdings. “He’s a nice colt, really athletic, and good moving style of horse with plenty of quality and class about him,” Ellis said. Valentine is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Fastnet Rose, who is closely related to triple Australian Group One winner Serenade Rose and dual Group One winning sprinter Trekking. The victory was one of four at the meeting for Walker and Bergerson who took their winning tally to 126 for the season and well clear of their nearest rival, Stephen Marsh, who sits second with 66 wins on the National Trainers’ premiership ladder. View the full article

Three Taranaki representatives were tipped as key hopes in Saturday’s The Bold One & Agraforum St Leger (2600m), but it was another of the region’s staying talents in Testify Me (NZ) (Atlante) that reigned supreme in the Trentham feature. A son of Atlante, Testify Me was tasked with the challenge of contesting Robbie Patterson’s classy trio of Mary Louise, Nom De Plume and The Underbelly, the latter a scorching TAB tote favourite paying just $1.80 at the jump. Fellow New Plymouth trainer Janelle Millar’s charge held the fourth line of betting at $9.60, backing up from close-up second placed finish behind Orlov over 2100m at the course a week prior. Regular rider Chris Dell has partnered Testify Me in six of his last seven race-day appearances, and was thrilled to deliver the victory for Millar. “I do a lot of work behind the scenes for Janelle, so I’ve had a long association with this horse. It’s great to get a big win like this,” he said. Despite the narrow winning margin, Dell had been confident at the post after the race had panned out as intended. “He jumped well and I put him a bit handier than I was last-start, being a 2600m race they are quite tactical affairs, and there wasn’t a huge amount of pace on paper in the field,” he said. “I settled in behind the hot-favourite in The Underbelly, and just followed him everywhere he went. I did hit a flat-spot at the 600m, but that’s just the way my horse races, and he kept coming up underneath me down the straight. “I let a scream out because I knew I’d got there, even though it was by the barest of margins, he’d got his head down at the right time. I was pretty confident at the post.” Out of a Volksraad mare Cherry Bomb, Millar co-bred and shares in the ownership of the gelding, who has earned over $130,000 in a 16-start career. “Janelle’s very good with her horses, she places them very well, and she definitely will be looking after him as he’s a Cups horse for the future. What he’s lacking in starts, he’s making up with wins,” Dell said. “We’ll hopefully be targeting those 3200m races next year, he’s shown that he can get the 2600m distance, which is one of the hardest battles. “I’m not sure what she has in store for him in the immediate future, but I know I’ll be happy to be on him next start.” View the full article

In a sport where many top equines leave racing early while in peak form for rewarding breeding opportunities, fans and trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac can still celebrate The Chosen Vron, the 6-year-old gelding and 16-time win machine.View the full article

Following the same path set forth by Pretty Mischievous a year ago, Godolphin's Tarifa will use the March 23 $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) to prepare for a date with lilies on the first Friday in May.View the full article

March 16 was Hall of Fame Day at Oaklawn Park. Fans in attendance to celebrate some of the best in the sport's history were treated to a thriller in the $250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) as Jaxon Traveler defeated Tejano Twist by a nose.View the full article

Matanzas Creek, a 4-year-old son of Empire Maker, crossed the line first as the 4-5 favorite in a six-furlong allowance at Santa Anita Park Saturday afternoon, but fell about 50 yards past the wire and was later euthanized, Tom Ryan, representing part-owner SF Racing, confirmed in a tweet about an hour after the race. Initial reports indicated that the colt walked onto the horse ambulance and was taken to the barn of trainer Tim Yakteen to be evaluated further. Frankie Dettori emerged from the incident with no serious injuries, but took off his mounts for the remainder of the afternoon. “Matanzas Creek sustained irreparable injuries to his right front fetlock,” read Ryan's tweet. “It's a heartbreaking decision to make, but he was euthanized on site. Our hearts go out to the horse and the people who adored and cared for him. Thankfully, Frankie walked away from this tragedy.” Bred in Kentucky by Betz, Burns, Kidder, Cole, D J Stables, CoCo and the Empire Maker Syndicate, Matanzas Creek broke his maiden at second asking at Del Mar last November and was second in consecutive first-level allowance races at Santa Anita, going a mile Dec. 29 and 6 1/2 furlongs Feb. 15. In addition to SF Racing, the other partners on Matanzas Creek include Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan. Matanzas Creek sustained irreparable injuries to his right front fetlock. It's a heartbreaking decision to make, but he was euthanized onsite. Our hearts go out to the horse and the people who adored and cared for him. Thankfully, Frankie walked away from this tragedy. — Tom Ryan (@TomRyanKY) March 16, 2024 The post Matanzas Creek Euthanized Following Santa Anita Allowance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Le Dom Bro (Mucho Macho Man) will train towards a start in the GI Curlin Florida Derby, his connections announced Saturday. The GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. runner up worked a half mile in :49 4/5 Saturday morning at Palm Meadows. “He went really well,” said owner Vincente Stella. “We are looking at the Florida Derby 100 percent. He's a very happy horse. He's going really well.” The winner of the Fountain of Youth, Dornoch (Good Magic), also worked a half mile Saturday morning in :49 4/5 and will start next in either the Florida Derby or the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. for Danny Gargan. The post Fountain Of Youth Runner Up Le Dom Bro Confirmed For Florida Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Sunday, March 17. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for March 17, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Grafton All Races – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Grafton this Sunday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Market available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Grafton Race 1 – Run 2nd or 3rd Score up to $100 in Bonus Cash Enter the Bonus Code BONUS100 on the Bonus Bets/Offers page, place a fixed win bet on Grafton race 1 and if your selection runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $100 in Bonus Cash. One Bonus per week. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Grafton – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. T&Cs Apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Sunday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at Grafton Auto-applied in bet slip. Fixed odds only. Min 6 runners. Promotional limits apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 17, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Horse racing on Sunday, March 17, will feature eight meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Coonamble & Yarra Valley. Sunday Racing Tips – March 17, 2024 Coonamble Racing Tips Yarra Valley Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 17, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

What Tuncurry Races Where Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club – 45 Chapmans Rd, Tuncurry NSW 2428 When Monday, March 18, 2024 First Race 1:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble The new week of racing gets underway at Tuncurry on Monday afternoon, where a quickfire seven-race program awaits punters. The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with rainfall already playing a massive role in the lead-up, the surface is likely to hold its current Heavy 9 rating prior to the opening event at 1:40pm AEDT. Tuncurry Best Bet: Luna Rocks Luna Rocks gets set to make her debut for the Mitchell Beer barn after a 187-day spell and appears ready for a first-up assault after an eye-catching jump-out at Albury on February 18. The daughter of Hellbent strode to the front and proceeded to hold on for second in the trial, racing under her own steam under Jack Martin. It was an impressive piece of work, and with her best performances coming on wet decks in the past, a return to form for Luna Rocks should have her ultra-competitive in this BM66 contest. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Luna Rocks (4) 4yo Mare | T: Mitchell Beer | J: Angus Villiers (61kg) +450 with PlayUp Next Best Bet: Naahro Four starts without a win would leave Naahro backers frustrated heading into his re-emergence on Monday afternoon, however, this looks like an ideal set up for the son of Lonhro. His barrier trials during his 97 days off the scene have left a bit to be desired, but he is worthy taking on trust with some quality outings on Soft tracks in his previous preparation. He finished runner-up behind the likes of Invincible Whip and Angel Down, and although the latter was as a short-priced commodity, Naahro can make amends on resumption and pick up his first career win in the process. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Naahro (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Aaron Bullock (58kg) +150 with Neds Best Value: Angelinthenightsky Angelinthnightesky has only had the one barrier trial heading into her first career start, and she warrants a throw at the stumps in the Tuncurry opener. She was only beaten by 0.8 lengths in that piece of work at Taree on November 27, and we’re yet to see her commence racing since. It should be a guide the four-year-old is finally wound up and ready to go on debut, and at a massive price with online bookmakers, Angelinthenightsky is worth an each-way ticket. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Angelinthenightsky (8) 4yo Mare | T: Jeff Kehoe | J: Grant Buckley (57kg) +1800 with Picklebet Monday quaddie tips for Tuncurry Tuncurry quadrella selections Monday, March 18, 2024 1-2-3-4 1-4-9 1-2-4-6-8 2-3-4-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Pletcher, a five-time Louisiana Derby (G2) winner and two-time Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, has entered three colts—Antiquarian, Agate Road, and Triple Espresso—in the March 23 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Money Supply—riding a five-race win streak, capped by taking the $247,500 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) Feb. 17—goes for his largest payday against nine rivals in the $500,000 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) March 23.View the full article

MGSW Endlessly (Oscar Performance) will ship to Kentucky to take on 11 rivals in Saturday's GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks, a 100-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Named the 5-2 morning-line favorite, Endlessly last took the El Camino Real Derby to get back in the winner's circle off his only career defeat came in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Turfway Park's signature race drew 14 total entries for 12 spots including two runners who are cross-entered into the GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby also on Saturday. Other entries in the field include: Freedom Principle (Flameaway) (30-1), Dancing Groom (Vino Rosso) (15-1), Lucky Jeremy (Lookin At Lucky) (15-1), Noted (Cairo Prince) (15-1), 'TDN Rising Star' Agate Road (Quality Road) (4-1), Northern Flame (Flameaway) (5-1), Woodcourt (Ransom the Moon) (6-1), Otello (Curlin) (10-1), Seize the Grey (Arrogate) (6-1), Endlessly (Oscar Performance) (5-2), Baytown Chatterbox (Street Sense) (30-1) and West Saratoga (Exaggerator) (20-1). The two also-eligibles are Circle P (Speightster) (30-1) and Triple Espresso (Omaha Beach) (20-1). Similar to the Louisiana Derby, the Jeff Ruby Steaks offers a point breakdown of 100-50-25-15-10. The post Endlessly Leads Field Of 12 In Jeff Ruby Steaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Pride Of Jenni stamped herself one of the finest front-runners seen in Australia in modern times by streaking away to leave Mr Brightside in her wake in the AU$3.75 million All-Star Mile (G1) at Caulfield March 16.View the full article

9th-GP, $92K, OC62k, 4yo/up, f, 1m, 5:07 p.m. ET. Juddmonte colorbearer SCYLLA (Tapit) makes her return to the races as the older filly looks to jumpstart her new campaign. The Bill Mott trainee certainly made her mark when she attained 'TDN Rising Star' honors as a debut winner at Keeneland last April, and then followed that up with an 8 1/4-length win against optional claimers at Churchill Downs in early June. Out of champion older mare Close Hatches (First Defence), the homebred is a full-sister to MGSW/MGISP and current sire Tacitus. Close Hatches herself counts as a full-sister MGISP Lockdown, who is responsible for 2023 Eclipse Award winning older dirt female Idiomatic (Curlin). Under Scylla's third dam we find Irish multiple group 1 stakes hero Siskin (First Defence). TJCIS PPS Scylla and @jjcjockey took the 6th race at @Keeneland for trainer Bill Mott and @JuddmonteFarms! @TVG l @FanDuelTV l @PDJFund pic.twitter.com/6Ezn3BYX4b — JockeyCam (@JockeyCam) April 15, 2023 The post Sunday’s Insight: ‘TDN Rising Star’ Scylla Marks New Campaign At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sumaya US Stable homebred GHALIA PRINCESS (f, 3, American Pharoah–Ghalia, by Medaglia d'Oro) made light work of three rivals to post a first black-type success in Saturday's $100,000 Cicada S. at Aqueduct. Cutting back a furlong after finishing runner-up in the Feb. 17 Ruthless S., the 2-5 chalk was away from stall one without incident, but was beaten for speed by Reconcile (War Front) and Manny Franco elected to take a tug on Ghalia Princess, easing her back and into the two path to do the chasing through an opening quarter in :22.15. Content to race with that target ahead of her rounding the turn. Ghalia Princess began to pour in the pressure into the stretch, claimed the front-runner for good with about a furlong and a half to travel and was punched out hands and heels to take it by about five lengths in a sharp clocking of 1:09.85. Ghalia Princess is the 45th worldwide stakes winner for American Pharoah. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0. O-Sumaya US Stable; B-International Equities Holding Inc (KY); T-Brad Cox. Ghalia Princess (AMERICAN PHAROAH) backs favoritism to take the Cicada Stakes with a dominant performance at Aqueduct for @bradcoxracing and Sumaya Farm. Congratulations to connections!#HomeOfChampions#CoolmoreSires https://t.co/D6FDAaSZu3 — Coolmore America (@coolmoreamerica) March 16, 2024 The post American Pharoah’s Ghalia Princess A Smooth Winner of the Cicada appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Beeline (Bee Jersey) thrashed a salty field of maidens by 3 3/4 lengths on course-and-distance debut Feb. 10 and had been flattered since, as three rivals won their next starts while improving their Beyers by 23, 11 and 34 points, respectively, the last of those on a drop into maiden claiming. The odds-on favorite hit the ground running, but had pressure stacked up to his outside and looked to be in deep water as the slow-starting Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) threatened to make a race of it three deep at the top of the lane. Resurgent inside with Edgard Zayas laying his body down, Beeline was confronted by Improptude (Khozan) with time ticking away and was the recipient of a fortuitous bob. A £600,000 buyback out of the 2014 Goffs London Sale, Secretariat Humor is out of a full-sister to this breeder's champion Perfect Soul (Ire), whose six winners from six to race also includes Grade III-placed Ready Soul (More Than Ready) and SP Miss Injustice (Court Vision). Secretariat Wonder has a 2-year-old full-sister to Beeline named Tremendous Bee, a yearling full-brother and was bred back to the former Fipke runner for her 2024 foal. Beeline is the sixth stakes winner for his sire. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. HUTCHESON S., $106,000, Gulfstream, 3-16, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.59, ft. 1–BEELINE, 118, c, 3, by Bee Jersey 1st Dam: Secretariat Humor, by Distorted Humor 2nd Dam: Secretariat's Soul (Ire), by Sadler's Wells 3rd Dam: Ball Chairman, by Secretariat 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. ($70,000 2yo '23 OBSOPN). O-Vintage Thoroughbreds LLC, Scott Estes & Brian Hanley; B-Charles Fipke (KY); T-Riley Mott; J-Edgard J Zayas. $60,760. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $102,760. *Full to Topsy, SW & GSP, $227,363. 2–Improptude, 118, c, 3, Khozan–Tizlot, by Tiznow. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. O-Fly With Me & Tami Bobo; B-Tami Bobo (FL); T-Antonio Sano. $25,600. 3–Patriot Spirit, 120, c, 3, Constitution–Mistical Plan, by Game Plan. ($95,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $235,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-Mellon Patch Inc; B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY); T-Michael B Campbell. $9,800. Margins: NO, 1HF, 2 3/4. Odds: 0.80, 26.60, 6.00. Also Ran: Valiant Force, Ship to Shore, Sir Flash, Starship Mocha. .@Riley_Mott's Beeline (inside) crosses the wire first in the Hutcheson Stakes under @zayas_edgardo! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/jCcyMujBRT — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) March 16, 2024 The post Bee Jersey’s Beeline Stays Perfect in Hutcheson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michael F. Prunetti, a veteran NYRA employee, passed away March 15 at the age of 77. Remembered by his NYRA colleagues in a note released Saturday, Prunetti spent over 40 years as a racing official around New York tracks including time as the Assistant Racing Secretary. “What a kind gentleman he was,” recalled NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes. “Mike took the time to teach me how to do things the right way. I learned a tremendous amount under him. He was one of the best. He was a jewel.” Prunetti retired to Florida where he continued to volunteer his time until his passing. “Mike was also a genuinely nice guy, loved the game and loved people,” said Peter McGivney, a fellow NYRA racing official. “Everybody thought the world of him.” The post Longtime NYRA Employee Michael Prunetti Dies At 77 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article