Wandering Eyes

Andrew Forsman will attempt to recreate the performance of a former stable star with his trio of fillies in this Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Forsman, formerly training in partnership with Murray Baker, prepared sensational dual-Horse Of The Year Bonneval to win the iconic fillies’ classic in 2017, and his three-pronged attack in this year’s edition is headed by last-start Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) victor Positivity. The Almanzor filly overcame the extreme outside barrier under Masa Hashizume in the Ellerslie feature to score gamely, over race-rival and current Oaks favourite Qali Al Farrasha, giving Forsman confidence to journey south a fortnight later. “Going into the Sunline Vase, we were happy with her, but we didn’t know whether it may be the end of the road for her there,” Forsman said. “It was great to see how well she went through the line, and also how well she’s come through the run.” An in-form Hashizume will take the ride on Saturday from a more preferred draw (3), where Forsman hopes to see Positivity gain an economical trip over the 2400m. “She’s drawn poorly her last couple of starts and had a fair bit to do, so it will be nice to see her jump and put herself into the race from a good draw,” he said. “She won’t have to do the work early that she’s had to do, and I think that will suit over 2400m.” Lightly-tried maiden filly Moonlight Magic earned her place in Saturday’s 16-horse field with a strong third-placed effort in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) on February 3, which preceded a fifth placing in the Vase. “She was really good in the Prelude on a rain-affected track, which she obviously enjoys,” Forsman said. “In a muddling-run race, she got in a tricky spot in the Vase and made her run possibly a bit too early and peaked late. But I think she’ll be a horse that’s right on song for the Oaks now. “I think from that draw (13) we’ll have to ride her patiently, but 2400m is a long way to go, and if Joe (Doyle, jockey) can be as patient as possible, she’ll be hitting the line well.” Forsman has engaged leading Central Districts apprentice Lily Sutherland with the ride aboard Vespa filly Wren, who will have her fifth raceday appearance when jumping from barrier two. “She’s a horse on the way up, she’s improving but it’ll be whether she’s up to this level just yet,” Forsman said. “I think she’ll be a filly that gets better with racing over time, but her run was encouraging (fifth) in the Lowland (Gr.2, 2100m), and she’s drawn to get a soft run in the race. She’s a horse that has every chance of running out the 2400m.” View the full article

Group One-winning thoroughbred trainer Ben Foote kicked off what he hopes to be a big weekend in perfect fashion at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night when his greyhound He’s All Go took out the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby Final (457m). Foote is a member of the White Horse Toaster Syndicate, which was put together by his good mate Paul Claridge, and includes a number of high-profile thoroughbred and harness racing identities. “Paul Claridge, a mate of ours, asked me when I was down in Wellington at the races whether I wanted to go in on this greyhound (He’s All Go), he reckoned he was a good one, so I gave him the money and it has worked out well,” Foote said. “There are a few of us in the syndicate – Brent Wall, Gary Vile, Shaun Phelan, Steven Ramsay, Dexter Dunn, Blair Orange, Andrew Stuart, and a few others.” The Lisa Cole-trained son of Aston Dee Bee has taken the group on a great ride, winning nine of his 10 starts to date, including two at elite-level, and accrued more than $60,000 in prizemoney. “He has won two Group Ones now and he has only had 10 starts. The trainer told us he was going to be a freak and they have been true to their word. Even his first start at the races they said he ran a Group One time.” Further Group One assignments now await He’s All Go before a potential trip across the Tasman to try and plunder some Australian riches later this year. “I think there is another Group One down at Wanganui but the boys are talking about heading over to Melbourne at the end of the year,” Foote said. “From what I understand there are three A$1 million races. It’s never been about the money for us though, it’s about catching up and having some fun.” It’s been a case of beginners luck in greyhound racing for Foote who had no previous involvement in the sport. “I had no interest in them whatsoever until now. The good thing about the dogs is that you don’t get a big bill at the end of the month,” he quipped. While pleased to take out the New Zealand Derby on Thursday, Foote wasn’t oncourse to celebrate the victory as he has been competing in the Kubota Billfish Classic in Whitianga where he is competing for $1 million in prizes. The fishing competition, hosted by the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, has attracted 420 entries who set off at 7am on Thursday after a shotgun start and while yet to catch a prized fish, Foote is loving every moment of being out on the water. “I am out fishing in the Kubota Classic at the moment, so unfortunately I wasn’t there for the win last night,” Foote said. “It is my first time. I pulled out last year because I had a bit on, but I didn’t want to let the team down this year, and I was pretty keen to do it. There are 420 boats, it is the biggest billfishing competition in the world, it is pretty cool. “We haven’t caught anything yet, but we have got a day-and-a-half to go, it has been one hell of an experience.” While out competing on the waters of the Coromandel, Foote’s son and training partner Ryan is trekking down to Trentham with a pair of gallopers to compete on Saturday. Last start winner New Millenium will contest the Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m) and attempt to gain black-type for breeders Windsor Park Stud, who race the filly in partnership with Ben Kwok. “She is a really nice filly. The owners want a bit of black-type and if there is any sting out of the ground it will definitely bring her into it,” Foote said. “She came from last at Taupo (last week), so it was a good effort. She is a very good doing horse, so the week back-up won’t bother her at all.” Further stakes assignments await the daughter of Charm Spirit, but Foote said he will wait and see how she comes through the race before making any concrete plans. “There might be a black-type race down south for her, we will just see how she copes in this field and go from there,” he said. “She is a really good type who loves her racing.” Foote will also line-up Nancy She Wrote in the Harrison’s Flooring Premier (1600m). “She is a very talented horse, she just needs things to go her way,” he said. “She is another one that if she gets her toe in the ground and gets things her way, she will be right in it. We aren’t going all that way for just a run anyway.” View the full article

Tokyo Tycoon will contest the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) After an up-and-down campaign ranging from 1200m all the way up to 2100m, Te Akau Racing is hoping to see Tokyo Tycoon back at his brilliant best in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Te Akau team is shooting for a third Wellington Guineas victory in the last four years, having won it with Need I Say More in 2021 and Cognito in 2023. Tokyo Tycoon was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old last season, with four sparkling wins including the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and a dominant performance in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). His two-year-old campaign alone netted almost $650,000 in stakes, far surpassing the $125,000 that David Ellis paid to buy him from Karaka 2022. The son of Satono Aladdin kicked off his three-year-old season on a winning note in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings in September, then finished fifth in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), third behind Pendragon and Quintessa in a 1200m race at Te Rapa, and last in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) with rider Opie Bosson reporting that he felt indifferent in his action. Tokyo Tycoon ran a big race for fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) in late January, then tested his Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) credentials in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), where he finished seventh. “We had a crack at getting him to the Derby, but it just didn’t work out and the 2100m in the Avondale Guineas didn’t really suit him,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “We freshened him up after that and he’s come back really well. We’re very happy with how he’s looking. “This is more than likely going to be his final run for this preparation. If he brings his A-game, we have no doubt that he’d be right in it. But it’s just a matter of whether or not he can recapture the very best form that we know he’s capable of.” Tokyo Tycoon is joined in the Wellington Guineas field by My Lips Are Sealed, who burst on the scene with a dominant maiden victory at Avondale in the spring. Her best performance since then came in her only start at Trentham – a close second in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), where she was beaten by a nose by leading Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Still Bangon. The Ace High filly was freshened after finishing sixth in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth on February 3. “She’s a little bit like Tokyo Tycoon, where the step up over a longer trip just didn’t quite work out,” Bergerson said. “She had an exhibition gallop between races at Matamata a couple of weeks ago, where her work was really good. “Her only previous run at Trentham was a top run in the Eulogy, so we’re hoping for more of the same. We’re not quite sure what the weather is going to do, but if there is a bit of rain around, it might bring her into it and disadvantage a few of the others.” Te Akau also has a proud recent record in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), having won it with Amarelinha in 2021 and homebred filly Belle En Rouge a year later. This year’s hopes rest with the promising Almanzor filly Qali Al Farrasha, who was also co-bred by Te Akau Stud. She was a four-length maiden winner at Matamata before being beaten by a neck by Positivity when second in the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m). “That was a really good effort,” Bergerson said. “Stepping up in trip was a little bit of a query, and it was her first time in stakes company as well, but she really handled it well. She relaxed beautifully, which we weren’t sure she was going to do. “She loomed up to win in the straight, but Opie (Bosson, jockey) thought she just had a bit of a look around in the last 100m or so. Hopefully she’ll take some good improvement from that experience. “She’s trained on nicely since then. She worked with her talented stablemate Mehzebeen on the course proper on Tuesday morning and it was a very solid piece of work. Opie gave her the tick of approval after that. “Going up to 2400m is a query, but that’s something they’ve all got to do. We think she’s had the right sort of build-up to put her best foot forward.” Petrucci looms as a major lightweight threat in the Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Handicap (1200m). Her last three appearances have produced a stylish win at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, a second to the exciting Master Fay in the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m), and a close last-start fourth in the Group 3 King’s Plate (1200m). “She’s been performing well in strong company,” Bergerson said. “We think this is a nice race for her, getting in on the minimum. Michael McNab knows her well and is going to ride her again. “Our feeling is that she’s a bit better left-handed, so we’re looking forward to getting her to Trentham. Her work has been super leading into it.” Two-year-old colt Altari will audition for next month’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) with a run in Saturday’s Jennian Homes Sires’ Prelude (1200m). The Savabeel colt’s only previous start produced a smart win over 1200m at Matamata on February 29. “That was a good, tough effort on debut,” Bergerson said. “He was three wide and had every reason to chuck it in, but he kept sticking his neck out and really wanted the win. He’s definitely going to benefit from that too. “It’s not easy taking a two-year-old all the way down to Wellington, but we think he’ll take the travel in his stride. “He’s a really nice horse. We’re hoping to see him run well again on Saturday, and then we can push on to the Sires’ in a few weeks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Irish Legacy will contest the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have enjoyed a spectacular summer with their three-year-olds, and they are hoping Saturday’s Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham brings more of the same. Three-year-olds from Kingsclere Stables have recorded five stakes wins since November 30, kicking off with a four-length romp by Zabmanzor in the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. That talented Almanzor colt later went on to finish second in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham, where he was beaten by a long head by Quintessa, then ran fourth in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (1600m). Sudbina stormed home from last to take out the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on January 20, while the eight weeks since then have seen Orchestral make Ellerslie her own with extraordinary performances in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). The headline act for the in-form stable this Saturday is the Wellington Guineas favourite Irish Legacy, who was arguably unlucky not to add to the stable’s three-year-old roll of honour in her last-start third placing in the Group 3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. She found herself near the tail of the Mufhasa Stakes field and hopelessly blocked with 300m remaining, but rider Ryan Elliot weaved a way through and she dashed into an eye-catching third behind Certainly and Moet Down. She clocked the fastest last 800m (46.48 seconds), 600m (34.25) and 200m (11.52) in the race. The Mufhasa was only the second career start for the blue-blooded filly, who had outclassed her maiden opposition by almost three lengths on debut at Taupo on February 14. The daughter of champion Australian sire I Am Invincible races in the colours of her breeder and part-owner Christopher Grace. She is the first foal out of Grace’s superb mare Shillelagh, who won the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. “She’s obviously a beautifully bred filly and has made a really good impression in both of her races so far,” Wellwood said. “She won very easily on debut, and then we threw her straight in at the deep end for a Group Three race in her second start and she certainly didn’t disappoint. She had a bit of a luckless run, but the way she finished the race off was quite outstanding. “She’s done everything really well since that race. She’s a very athletic filly and doesn’t take a lot of work, but she’s continuing to progress very well and we’re really happy with her.” Irish Legacy will be accompanied on the trip to Trentham by Apostrophe, who will contest the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). The six-year-old daughter of Tavistock has had only two previous starts at the Wellington track, storming home to win a Rating 75 over 1600m in December of 2022 and launching a similarly powerful finish for a close second in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January of this year. Apostrophe’s only start since then was in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau, where she dropped well back in the running and was never able to move through her gears. “Wellington is a track that really suits her,” Wellwood said. “She can be a bit slow out of the barriers, but a big, fair track like Trentham gives her a better opportunity to overcome that. “She’s going into this race in good shape. She had a very nice gallop between races at Taupo last Friday. She’s probably going to be retired to stud at the end of this preparation, so we’d love to see her pick up a bit more black type before that happens.” Horse racing news View the full article

Queensland hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor will partner Cupid’s Arrow in Saturday’s Group 1 Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A friendship formed during the Queensland winter carnival has paved the way for Brisbane jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor to make his New Zealand debut at Trentham on Saturday. Wilson-Taylor rode trackwork for Matamata trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott when they sent a team of horses across the Tasman last winter, and Wexford Stables have returned the favour with rides on Cupid’s Arrow in Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Grail Seeker in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Wilson-Taylor has more than 320 winners to his name in a short career so far, headed by a maiden Group 1 victory aboard Palaisipan in last year’s Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm, but has never previously ridden outside Australia. “We got to know Kyle when we were over there for the Queensland winter carnival,” Scott said. “He’s a hell of a nice young man and a talented, polished rider that does his form well. “He mentioned during the winter that he might like to come over and ride in New Zealand at some stage, and then he rang us out of the blue about a fortnight ago and asked if we had anything coming up. We had quite a nice team shaping up for Oaks Day at Trentham, so we jumped at the chance to bring him over. He’s really looking forward to having his first rides in New Zealand.” Cupid’s Arrow began her career with two unplaced finishes in December, then ran third and second in a pair of 1600m races during January. The El Roca filly cleared maiden ranks with a strong late burst over 1800m at Taupo on February 14, then capped her Oaks build-up with a close fourth against older Rating 65 rivals at Matamata on February 29. “She’s an improving filly that’s racing very well over a bit of ground,” Scott said. “She lacked a little bit of luck against those older horses last time, but worked to the line nicely. “We think she’ll stay the 2400m trip well, and any give in the ground will be no bother for her.” Grail Seeker has already been a multiple black-type placegetter this season, starting with a runner-up finish behind Just As Sharp in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m). She went on to run third to her stablemate Molly Bloom in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), then second behind Sudbina in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). The Iffraaj filly is stepping down in trip after her last-start sixth in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). “She just didn’t quite settle over the 2000m last start, and her bloodlines don’t really suggest that the 2400m of the Oaks would suit her,” Scott said. “We gave her a couple of weeks on the farm after that last race and she’s freshened up well. “Going back down to one turn and having a bit more speed in the race should help her to settle a bit better. She’s got a good load of ability there, and we think she’ll be finding the line strongly.” Wilson-Taylor’s other rides at Trentham on Saturday are the Tony Pike-trained Arundel Castle in the Jennian Homes Sires’ Prelude (1200m), the David Haworth-trained Orlov in the The Bold One & Agraforum New Zealand St Leger (2600m), Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard’s Reputation in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m), and the John Wheeler-trained Black Betty in the Natural Lighting and Ventilation Wellington Premier (2200m). O’Sullivan and Scott, meanwhile, have Saxs ‘n’ Silks as first emergency for the Oaks and also accepted for the Natural Lighting and Ventilation Wellington Premier, while last-start winner Geriatrix will join Grail Seeker in the Wellington Guineas line-up. “Saxs ‘n’ Silks hasn’t won a race yet, but she’s been very competitive in some good company,” Scott said. “She’s another one that didn’t have all favours in her most recent run. She’s fit and is bred to stay, so she wouldn’t be without a chance if she happened to get a run in the Oaks. “It was good to see Geriatrix back in winning form last start. It looks like 1400m is his best trip at this stage, and a big roomy track will help him. He’s a fit, focused colt and has plenty of talent. We think he can be right in the finish in the Guineas.” Saturday’s Trentham meeting marks the conclusion of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, which has the Oaks as its 11th and final leg. Standout Wexford Stables filly Molly Bloom will not run in that race, but she holds an unassailable lead in the Filly of the Year standings with 28 points. Molly Bloom finished second in a trial at Taupo on Thursday, and the high-class daughter of Ace High is a potential candidate for the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 30. Bookmakers currently rates her a $4.50 second favourite for that race behind La Crique ($3.20). “For her to win Filly of the Year is a wonderful result,” Scott said. “She certainly deserves it. She’s been classy, consistent and so honest all the way through the season. The Filly of the Year title is great recognition of that, and it’s something that all of us at Wexford can be very proud of. “Her trial at Taupo was what we were hoping for. We were really pleased with how she paraded, and then she found some good rhythm in the trial. She appears to have pulled up very well from it, but we’ll just monitor her for the next couple of days before firming up our plans.” Horse racing news View the full article

Five-year-old leads home a field of nine in his final trial before leaving for Meydan on TuesdayView the full article

In-form British jockey confident Douglas Whyte’s consistent galloper can handle the step up in class at Sha TinView the full article

What Coonamble Races Where Coonamble Jockey Club – Dubbo Rd, Coonamble, 2829 When Sunday, March 17, 2024 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Coonamble on Sunday afternoon, where the $150,000 Country Championship (1400m) qualifier headlines a competitive eight-race program. The rail moves back to the true position the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall expected to hit the course, the track should sit somewhere in the Good range prior to the opening race at 12:55pm AEDT. Country Championship Qualifier Tip: Gallant Star Gallant Star brings strong metro company form to this Coonamble Country Championship Qualifier (1400m) and must be considered the one to beat. He was a Highway Handicap winner three starts back at Randwick on December 30 before going on to finish in the minor money in his next two starts behind the likes of High Blue Sea and Hanau. That form reads exceptionally heading back to country grade, and with Sam Clipperton willing to make the trip to Coonamble for the ride, take that as a strong guide for Gallant Star’s chances in this event. Country Championship Qualifier Race 7 – #7 Gallant Star (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Brett Robb | J: Sam Clipperton (56kg) -125 with PlayUp Best Bet at Coonamble: Hammoon Summer Hammon Summer looks close to cracking her maiden on Sunday after a terrific return from a 182-day spell at Dubbo on February 18. She showed a good turn-of-speed to find a third-place finish on that occasion and suggested the 1000m may have been too sharp for the daughter of Stratum Star. The 1100m looks ideal, and although she must overcome barrier eight under Sam Clipperton, Hammoon Summer appears to have class on this lot. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Hammoon Summer (8) 3yo Filly | T: Brett Robb | J: Sam Clipperton (56.5kg) -125 with Neds Next Best at Coonamble: Canamble Canamble gets set to make her debut for the Damien Lane barn on the back of one winning jump-out and looks wound up for this two-year-old feature. She strode away to score by 0.8 lengths at Newcastle on February 28, barely being asked for an effort throughout the 800m journey. Punters should expect something similar under race-day conditions with Tommy Berry likely to take up a front-running role, and provided she can replicate her stylish trial performance on Sunday, Canamble will take some beating. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Canamble (3) 2yo Filly | T: Damien Lane | J: Tommy Berry (55kg) +320 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Coonamble Coonamble quadrella selections Sunday, March 17, 2024 1-3-8-9-13 2-3-7 7 4-5-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Grand Impact (NZ) ridden by Ben Melham wins the Catanach’s Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on October 12, 2022 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Grand Impact is poised to make a long-awaited return to the track after a 16-month hiatus, with his comeback slated for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday. Trained by Mick Price in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, the four-year-old entire boasts an impressive record, having secured victory in his first three starts, including a notable win in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) over Saturday’s course and distance back in October 2022. However, his last appearance saw him finish 12th behind In Secret in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in the same month. Price shed light on the challenges Grand Impact faced during his absence. “He’s had 16 months off. We discovered a condition called OCD in a shoulder – osteochondritis dissecans,” Price said. “It’s where you get a lesion of cartilage flake off and it’s in the weight-bearing joint surface.” Despite the setback, Price expressed optimism about the horse’s current condition. “He’s had plenty of time off, but he’s had plenty of time down at Lauriston Park on the beach and he’s in good condition now. “He seems sound, but I’d be surprised if after all that time off he’d come out and win. Hopefully, he runs well and then trains on.” Horse racing news View the full article

First Immortal from the Mark & Levi Kavanagh barn. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) First Immortal, trained by the father-son duo Mark and Levi Kavanagh, is gearing up for an exciting campaign aimed at securing a berth in both the prestigious Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the illustrious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). After his last outing, where he finished seventh in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) last October, First Immortal is set to make his comeback at Caulfield this Saturday in the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m). Levi Kavanagh outlined the stable’s strategy, indicating that they are eyeing the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) next month and the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington in May. Both races offer ballot exemptions for the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup, respectively. “We haven’t locked in anything, but at this stage we’re heading to the Mornington Cup and the Andrew Ramsden,” Kavanagh stated. “That’s the sort of path we like and keep him at home, but there are plenty of options there. “We’ll see how he comes through his first run and where he heads to next will be based on that. “We had a bit of pressure on last year but didn’t quite get into the races we wanted to as we didn’t have the ratings for it. “We’ve got a higher rating now, but it certainly can take the pressure off if we can win one of them.” Horse racing news View the full article

Race 3 BARFOOT & THOMPSON 2100 INFER (R Elliot) – Co-trainer Mr. G Rogerson advised Stewards, upon return to the stable INFER underwent a veterinary examination which included x-rays with results confirming the gelding to have a tendon injury to the left foreleg. G Rogerson further advised the gelding has been sent for a spell. Race 7 BONECRUSHER NEW ZEALAND STAKES 2000 (G1) SHARP ‘N’ SMART (V Colgan) – Co-trainer Mr. G Rogerson confirmed with Stewards, that SHARP ‘N’ SMART has now been sent for a spell. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie, Saturday, 9 March 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 6 ENTAIN – NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES MAIDEN 1200 SWEETPEA (C Barnes) – Marsh Racing Trainer Assistant Mr. R Mildon advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, and it is their intention to carry on with her current preparation. Race 7 LITTLE AVONDALE LOWLAND STAKES 2000 (G2) INSPIRED BY ART (W Kennedy) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, however, has now been sent for a spell. The post Racing Taupo, Friday, 8 March 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Sprinting sensation Highfield Princess has been retired after suffering an injury at John and Sean Quinn's stable in Malton.View the full article

Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney celebrating with Top End trainer Ella Clarke following the win by Gunshot Glitter at Fannie Bay on Australia Day. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) Northern Territory jockey Aaron Sweeney, an Irish native, will feature at Darwin on Saturday and Alice Springs on Sunday. “A little bit of luck on St Paddy’s Day would be good this weekend,” so said Sweeney. The former Canberra jockey has a ride in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at both venues – Gary Clarke’s Influential Jack at Fannie Bay and Neil Dyer’s Hettinger at Pioneer Park. It’s Day 1 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, and Sweeney, 39, who calls Darwin home, is currently based in the Red Centre. “I’m kind of getting used to flying to and from Darwin to Alice Springs,” he said. “I’m getting plenty of rides, I’m enjoying it.” Invited by Victorian trainer Dyer to ride in Darwin last year, Sweeney relocated to the NT after posting seven wins during Cup Carnival. That included success on Dick Leech’s Early Crow in the Palmerston Sprint (1200m) and Dyer’s Munster in the Jaytex Construction Cup (1300m). “No regrets leaving Canberra at all, things have been pretty good,” Sweeney said. “I was freelancing when I got to Darwin, but I’m now doing a lot of track work for Gary Clarke. “I’ve ridden some nice horses for Gary – just poking along, doing my best. “I’m waiting for the Dyers to relocate permanently from Kyneton to Darwin. “Neil and his son James arrived in Alice with their six horses on Monday, but Neil had to fly back home on Wednesday.” Sweeney agreed that Influential Jack, a seven-year-old gelding, who has yet to win for Clarke after 10 starts, faces a tough assignment. The son of Epaulette, second in last year’s race as a $2.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, confronts Wilsons Prom, Son Of Bielski, Bon’s Pride, Tubthumper and Vallabar. “It’s not the easiest field, so I’ll give him the best ride I possibly can and try and knock them off if I can,” Sweeney laughed. “He was a last start fifth over 1200m, but I think the mile will suit him.” Come Sunday, Sweeney partners Hettinger where That’s Justified, Century Fox, Venting, Zelring and Equal Balance provide stiff opposition. Hettinger certainly impressed first up in the NT last year after saluting in Alice Springs and Darwin before winning the Katherine Cup (1700m). The five-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible has been set for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7 and the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5. Sweeney will also partner Dyer’s Munster in an open 1100m handicap on Sunday. “Compared to last year, I think Hettinger is stronger and a much better horse,” he said. “Obviously being a bit more seasoned now, he’ll only improve. “He’s had a couple of runs in Victoria, he’ll be the one to beat on Sunday. “I’m really happy with him and so are the Dyers, so looking forward to the Cups he’s going to be a contender. “Based on his Darwin win last year, I think Munster can be very competitive against Great Buy and Early Crow. “With the small field, a decent weight and barrier one, I’m not worried too much.” Horse racing news View the full article

Friday, March 15 promises an exciting day of horse racing with seven meetings scheduled across Australia. Our dedicated team of racing analysts at horsebetting.com.au has curated the top bets and provided quaddie numbers specifically for the upcoming Kembla Grange and Pakenham races. Friday Racing Tips – March 15, 2024 Kembla Grange Racing Tips Pakenham Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For March 15, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $91.30 odds return: Friday, March 15, 2024 Kembla Grange – Race 3 #1 Notabadbuy Kembla Grange – Race 5 #1 Waihaha Falls Pakenham – Race 3 #8 Illative Pakenham – Race 9 #6 United Kingdom | Copy this bet straight to your betslip For avid Australian racing fans, numerous promotions await your exploration. Be sure to peruse the offerings from top online bookmakers, as daily promotions can enhance your horse racing experience. If you’re in search of a new bookmaker to elevate your horse racing ventures on March 15, 2024, consult our comprehensive guide to the finest online racing betting sites. We’re committed to keeping you informed and enhancing your horse racing betting journey. Horse racing tips View the full article

Australian targets are beckoning Mustang Valley once more, and trainer Andrew Forsman is looking forward to seeing if she is up to the task when she heads to Tauranga on Saturday to kick-off her autumn preparation in the BOP Equine Vets Open Handicap (1400m) at Tauranga. The dual Group One-winning daughter of Vanbrugh was last seen on Kiwi shores last October in a campaign that included an impressive victory in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) before heading across the Tasman for two unplaced efforts. Courtesy of apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey’s three-kilogram claim, the mare will get some weight relief from her 63kg allocated weight on Saturday, and Forsman indicated it would be a hopeful springboard towards another Australian target. “The 1400m fresh-up suits her, she’s trialled well and worked really well, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see her in the finish,” he said. “It’s never easy giving weight to good horses, but she’s a good horse herself, she’s a dual Group One winner with class. “We’ll get this run into her and there’s plenty of options around. Sydney is potentially on the cards, we are possibly looking at the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) on the final day of The Championships.” Among the mare’s seven rivals is stablemate Saint Bathans, the imposing Maurice five-year-old also returning in a fresh state after going down by a nose to Habana in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. “He’s great, he trialled really well the other day too, but also coming off a freshen-up so he may be a touch vulnerable at the 1400m,” Forsman said. Forsman is looking at a return to Tauranga for next Saturday’s Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) for the gelding, who carries 6kg less than Mustang Valley with Billy Jacobson in the saddle. “It’s really just a run to set him up to ideally back-up next Saturday in the set weights and penalties mile at Tauranga, which we are definitely considering,” he said. “He should be competitive though, and any rain around will certainly help his chances.” Completing Forsman’s team will be classy Snitzel filly Ethereal Star, who will tackle the Super Liquor Greerton 1600. “She was good in the Karaka Millions ($1.5 million 3YO, 1600m) with a hard run and we dropped her back to the 1400m at Ellerslie (Gr.3 Mufhasa Stakes), where she possibly looked like a horse that wants to be getting over further,” Forsman said. “That ruled out going for the 1400m and all the way to Wellington (for the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas). “It’s not easy taking on Rating 75 horses at a mile, but we want to test her again at that distance again to see where she’s at. If she can get a mile or further, it opens up options potentially in Brisbane for her.” View the full article

Owners John Fanelli and Longball Stables have finally received some good news surrounding their tumultuous claim of the 5-year-old gelding Deplane.View the full article

On Friday the 15th of March 2024, the Racing Integrity Board conducted routine drug and alcohol testing on thoroughbred track work riders at Ascot Park, Invercargill. One track work rider had a test result return as non-negative for cannabis, and the sample will be subject to confirmatory testing. The post Drug and alcohol testing conducted at Ascot Park, Invercargill appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Horse racing bookmakers have unveiled an array of enticing racing promotions for Friday, March 15. Among the highlights are multiple generous bonus back offers that add an extra layer of excitement to your horse racing experience. Explore these free promotions from top online bookmakers to make the most of your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for March 15, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Pakenham Races 1 & 2 Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1 & 2 at Pakenham this Friday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Pakenham Races 1-4 Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd Get your stake back in bonus bets. Limits apply. Playup T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Pakenham – 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 Place a 4+ leg multi, if one leg fails Bonus Back up to $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in Bonus Cash. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Pakenham 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 has meticulously assessed the premier horse racing bookmakers in Australia, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials tailored for Friday, March 15, 2024. These horse racing promotions are a consistent feature, underscoring the unwavering commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the world of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t currently running a promotion, rest assured that another is making the most out of promotional offers. Your ultimate resource for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day is HorseBetting.com.au. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours by leveraging bookie bonuses, accompanied by the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s crucial to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively designed for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those on the lookout for races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Chris Waller’s Fangirl has been ruled out of the autumn carnival due to injury. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Chris Waller’s star Group 1-winning mare, Fangirl, has been ruled out of the autumn carnival after sustaining an injury to her leg. Arguably one of the Australia’s best horses in work at the moment, Fangirl was due to be seen next in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on March 23, before her grand final in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13 on day two of The Championships. Fangirl was the favourite for both Group 1 races with horse racing bookmakers. Chris Waller announced the news on X/Twitter on Friday morning. “Fortunately, it is only a cut, not a fracture or tendon or anything like that,” Waller said. “The Ingham family has been informed and have been fantastic and understanding. “This certainly makes my job, and my staff’s jobs, a lot easier knowing we have owners who understand horses and livestock and the problems that can occur.” ** Fangirl ** pic.twitter.com/WjkAT6Bg0q — Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) March 14, 2024 Horse racing news View the full article

Gordon Elliott was the key player at last year's Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale when going to £420,000 to secure the joint top lots, Jalon D'Oudairies (Fr) (No Risk At All {Fr}) and Romeo Coolio (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}), two names that will be familiar to National Hunt enthusiasts following the running of the G1 Champion Bumper back at the track on Wednesday. Having shared top billing 12 months earlier, this time it was Romeo Coolio who got the better of the argument, two and a half lengths ahead of stablemate Jalon D'Oudairies, albeit both horses had to settle for a minor role as they completed a clean sweep of the podium places behind the Willie Mullins-trained winner, Jasmin De Vaux (Fr) (Tirwanako {Fr}). Romeo Coolio and Jalon D'Oudairies both look capable of winning good races over obstacles when the time comes, promising to add to what is already an impressive roll of honour for the Cheltenham Festival Sale since its inception in 2016. Previous graduates include Festival winners Telmesomethinggirl (Ire) (Stowaway {GB) and Love Envoi (Ire) (Westerner {GB}), successful in the G2 Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle in 2021 and 2022, respectively, while Bravemansgame (Fr) (Brave Mansonnien {Fr}) filled the runner-up spot in last year's G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup after being bought for £370,000 at this sale in 2019. Bravemansgame will be tasked with trying to go one place better in the latest edition of the Gold Cup on Friday and he won't be the only graduate from the Cheltenham Festival Sale in the line-up. He's joined by Elliott's multiple Grade 1 winner Gerri Colombe (Fr) (Saddler Maker {Ire}), who made £240,000 when up for auction in 2020. Just shy of £20 million changed hands in the first seven years of this boutique event, raised through the sale of 133 horses. Another 27 horses (93%) were sold on Thursday evening, for a record total of £3,563,000 and an average of £131,963. The top lot was the four-year-old filly Echoing Silence (Ire) (Doyen {Ire}) (lot 12), a half-sister to the Grade 2 winner Deafening Silence (Ire) (Alkaadhem {GB}) consigned by Sam Curling on behalf of owner Correna Bowe. Echoing Silence won a mares' maiden on her point-to-point debut at Ballycahane and will now go into training with Henry de Bromhead having been bought by Peter Molony's Rathmore Stud for £410,000. “I never imagined this could happen,” said an emotional Bowe, who is the niece of the prolific point-to-point trainer and consignor Colin Bowe. “I said to Mum a couple of months ago that if I was to ever own a horse and bring it to the Cheltenham Festival Sale that would be the dream–to do this on the very first time is absolutely amazing.” Malony–who also went to £120,000 to secure The Big Westerner (Ire) (Westerner {GB}) (lot 10), a half-sister to the G1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner Stay Away Fay (Ire) (Shantou)—said, “I was there when she won at Ballycahane point-to-point as it is just 10 minutes away from home; The Big Westerner won on the same day. “I had been told about her [Echoing Silence] about a month before she ran. She is just beautiful, just stunning, so we said that we will have to have a go.” Malony added of The Big Westerner, “She is a lovely scopey mare and has been bought on spec. She will probably be turned away now.” The post Echoing Silence Tops Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis OCALA, FL – With a $1-million Authentic colt early in the session and a $1.8-million Win Win Win filly late in the day, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March Sale of 2-Year-Olds matched its 2023 number of five seven-figure juveniles and the auction concluded its three-day run Thursday with another strong renewal. “Overall, it was a terrific sale and we are looking forward to April,” said OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski. Through three sessions, 446 horses sold for $66,437,600. The average of $148,963 dipped 5.0% from 2023 and the median of $75,000 was down 6.3%. The buy-back rate was 25.3%. It was 23.2% at the close of bidding last year. In its ninth renewal as an open sale, the March auction has now produced back-to-back competitive editions and multiple seven-figure offerings for the third straight year. “I think consignors are probably more comfortable and feel more confident that they can put a horse in either March or April and do well,” Wojciechowski said. “It doesn't have to be either/or. It can be both. And the way we set these sales up, if you have a horse that is ready now, he is March-type of horse and if he needs just a little more time, he is an April horse, and if he needs even more time than that, he is a June horse. I think when we opened this sale up there were probably some reservations and concerns and there was a little bit of a sit-back-and-watch attitude, but I think that comfort level is there now. The consignors who have brought those type of horses the last couple of years have been rewarded and the rest of the consignors have seen that.” Bloodstock agent Marette Farrell saw the results of that increased confidence in the March market on the OBS sales grounds this week. “I thought the sale was deep with good horses and there were a lot of very athletic horses to choose from,” Farrell said. “I think the consignors did a good job bringing early, athletic horses here. Horses who were forward, they weren't afraid and didn't feel like they had to wait for the April sale. One consignor said to me, 'If it's a good horse, it will be found.' If it's showing a little more precocity, they are happy to bring it to this sale because they are going to find the real athletes.” A Florida-bred filly by first-crop sire Win Win Win became the sale's highest-priced offering when selling to Amr Zedan for $1.8 million. The filly was the highest-priced horse ever sold by the O'Farrell family's historic Ocala Stud. “They are a legacy consignor here at OBS,” said Wojciechowski. “Their history and reputation within the industry is important to both OBS and to the industry. So to see them do well was very gratifying.” Ocala Stud's sale-topping Win Win Win filly | Photos by Z The sale topper provided an exclamation point on a strong showing for the Florida breeding and racing industry, with a pair of seven-figure juveniles set to join the barns of trainers based in the state. “I think what it shows is that Florida is still loaded with quality horses and quality horsemen,” Wojciechowski said. It was the second year in a row that Zedan has walked away with the top-priced horse at the March sale. The Saudi businessman purchased subsequent Grade I winner Muth (Good Magic) for $2 million last year. The end results of the March sale continued to show a polarization in the market. “This year, we had a lot of horses in that middle market over the first couple of days and it's been a little tough,” admitted consignor David Scanlon. “Overall, the market has been a little bit challenging. When everything lines up, you get rewarded. Really rewarded. But the other ones that you need $100,000 for, it's been a struggle. You have to be realistic and set your reserves right. It keeps you humble.” Farrell speculated buyers in the middle market may be taking a wait-and-see approach to the juvenile sales season. “It's becoming increasingly the same,” she said. “The top horses are definitely gathering momentum and there is a little bit of a dearth in the rest of the market. But I think it's also because it is the first sale of the season, so some people are sitting on their hands a little bit for a lower-level horse now. They are saying, 'Well, April is coming up and there are 1,200 horses, maybe we could find the same for less.' But maybe they won't. I think that is the dilemma that everyone is facing.” De Meric Sales was the leading consignor at the March sale, with 40 sold for $6,595,100, followed by Wavertree Stables with 14 sold for $4,960,000. Hideyuki Mori was the sale's leading buyer. The Japanese trainer signed for 10 horses for $2,695,000. Homebred Success for Ocala Stud “I am absolutely speechless,” Ocala Stud's David O'Farrell said after watching the operation's homebred filly (hip 788) from the first crop of Win Win Win sell for a sale-topping $1.8 million to Amr Zedan Thursday at OBS. “I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It's incredible.” O'Farrell knew the filly was special even before the striking bay turned in her track-record equaling :20 1/5 work during last week's under-tack preview. “We weren't totally surprised,” O'Farrell said after watching the filly sell. “She prepped extremely well, all completely on her own. I didn't tell people what the prep time was because I don't think they would believe me. But I was super excited coming into the breeze show because I knew she was special and we were expecting that kind of breeze from her.” David O'Farrell | Photos by Z O'Farrell continued, “She is just a special filly. The fastest that we've had and we've been doing these 2-year-old sales a long time. She has just been a spectacular filly. She performed every time that we sent her out to the racetrack and she came back beautifully and the sky is the limit for her.” Bred and campaigned by Live Oak Plantation, Win Win Win (Hat Trick {Jpn}) won the 2020 GI Forego S. He stands at Ocala Stud for $5,000. “We are super excited about the stallion,” O'Farrell said. “We love what we are seeing. We have more to come in the later sales and later crops and we think he has a huge future.” Ocala Stud has grown a reputation as launching pad for stallions to begin their careers in Central Florida before making the trek north to Kentucky. Recent stallions to take that path include Girvin and Kantharos. “To recruit the stallion [Win Win Win] and bring on great partners in Live Oak, who bred and raced the horse, and also Airdrie Stud is a partner and to support him heavily and to carry him all the way to the 2-year-old sales for our own crop, is super rewarding,” O'Farrell said. “And to get him off to a great start, we couldn't be happier about his prospects.” Asked what he was seeing in the stallion's first crops, O'Farrell said, “Just a ton of athleticism, super versatile, good-looking horses with big rear ends. Very smart, very quick and very athletic.” The topping Win Win Win filly | Photos by Z/Joe DiOrio The $1.8-million juvenile is from the same family that has put her breeder on the GI Kentucky Derby trail this year with GIII Holy Bull S. winner Hades (Awesome Slew). Ocala Stud purchased the filly's second dam, Lady Discreet (Boundary), for $45,000 from the E. P. Robsham dispersal at the 2004 OBS October sale. Lady Discreet produced The Shady Lady (Quality Road) in 2013 and that unraced mare is the dam of Hades. Two years later, the mare produced Unanimity (Union Rags), the dam of hip 788, who RNA'd for $65,000 at the 2017 OBS March sale and was winless in three starts for the O'Farrells. Unanimity produced a colt by Gretzky the Great this year. She also has a yearling colt by Win Win Win. @JessMartiniTDN Wow Wow Wow Moments before Hip 788 was to stroll into the OBS sales ring, the buzz began to intensify. Ocala Stud's daughter of Win Win Win was certainly no secret following a sparkling quarter-mile display in :20.1 last Saturday. With the bids coming hard and fast from several points in the pavilion, the price quickly surpassed the seven-figure mark and the volleys didn't seem to be slowing down any time soon. When the dust had settled, it was Donato Lanni–bidding on behalf of Amr Zedan–who held the hot draw, securing the filly for $1.8 million. “Nothing surprises me at these sales anymore,” said Lanni. “Everyone knew she was the best. I'm just happy we got her.” Donato Lanni | Photos by Z He continued, “You come to a sale like this every year and you never know what you are going to see. That's what's great about the 2-year-old sales, there are some horses that just do things that are out of the ordinary. Everyone witnessed that she had a breeze that was unbelievable. And she did the same thing the week before.” According to Lanni, the Florida-bred filly will head west to join Zedan's regular trainer, Bob Baffert. 'She is a cool filly,” Lanni said. “Every time I saw her, she was out of her stall. She just took it all in stride. She was easy to like.” A member of the first crop of the Ocala Stud-based sire Win Win Win, the Mar. 9 foal is a daughter of the unplaced mare Unanimity (Union Rags), herself out of Lady Discreet (Boundary)–a half-sister to Grade I winners Discreet Cat and Discreetly Mine. The juvenile's 9-year-old dam, who is a half-sister to SW and GSP Courtesan (Street Sense) and SW Chary (Montbrook), RNA'd for $65,000 at this venue in 2017. “We always come to the sales and look at horses by sires that are a bit obscure or haven't had a runner yet,” explained Lanni. “What's great is that you never know where the good ones will come from.” With Ocala Stud's influence running through the March sale's topper top and bottom, Lanni was clearly impressed with the operation. “She comes from a great outfit and they are honest people and I trust them,” he underscored. “And when they breeze one, you never really see one like that. She was special.” When asked if this was his first Win Win Win purchase, Lanni quipped, “I hope she's a win win win.” @CBossTDN Authentic Colt Brings a Cool Million A colt from the first crop of GI Kentucky Derby winner Authentic (hip 601) provided a jolt to the early stages of Thursday's final session of the OBS March sale when selling for $1 million to an online bid from John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, the chestnut worked a furlong last week in :9 4/5. Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo's operation purchased the colt for $260,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. “Absolutely stunning physical,” Resolute's Gavin O'Connor said. “His breeze was so fluent and he looked fantastic going a fast time.” Hip 601 | Photos by Z The juvenile is out of stakes-placed Ruby Trust (Smart Strike), a daughter of graded winner Queen of the Catsle (Tale of the Cat). “The cross through Authentic with Into Mischief over Smart Strike and his overall physical would make him a standout in any stallion barn in Kentucky,” O'Connor said. Resolute Bloodstock purchased five juveniles during the OBS March sale, including a $525,000 daughter of American Pharoah (hip 370) and a $500,000 filly by Munnings (hip 453). The result was the first million-dollar sale for Authentic, winner of the 2020 Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Classic. The Spendthrift stallion was represented by a $900,000 colt at last year's Keeneland September sale, as well two $875,000 sons at that sale and a third at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. Hartley and DeRenzo, who sold the $1.5-million Not This Time colt during Wednesday's session of the March sale, came back later Thursday to sell a filly by Uncle Mo (hip 681) for $600,000 to Seth Morris, as agent for Hit the Bid Stables. The bay was a $290,000 Fasig-Tipton July purchase last summer. @JessMartiniTDN Bernardini Filly to Speedway A filly by Bernardini (hip 613) will be joining Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner's Speedway Stables after bloodstock agent Marette Farrell went to $875,000 to acquire the juvenile from the de Meric Sales consignment early in Thursday's final session of the OBS March sale. Marette Farrell | Photos by Z “She's a beautiful filly,” Farrell said. “Both Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner were here themselves and they really liked her. And we love the fact she is by Bernardini. She traces to a really good family.” The juvenile is out of graded-placed Salamera (Successful Appeal) and from the family of Grade I runners Piedi Bianchi and Outadore. She was bred by the Eisamans' Eico Ventures, which purchased the mare for $300,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November sale. “She looks super athletic and we think she will come around quickly and they will have a lot of fun with her,” Farrell said of the filly who worked a furlong last week in :10 flat. During Wednesday's second session of the auction, Farrell purchased a colt by Mitole for $725,000 on behalf of Speedway. Both juveniles will be trained by Bob Baffert. @JessMartiniTDN Mori Extends to $800k for Son of Constitution Ever present at North America's major sales in his trademark red jacket, Hideyuki Mori landed a son of Constitution for $800,000 early in Thursday's session at OBS. Consigned by Scanlon Training and Sales, Hip 617 breezed an eighth of a mile in :9.4 last week. “He liked the build of the horse and of course, the most important factor was his performance on the track,” said Hideyuki Mori through an interpreter. “You get good value for the horses here. They are nice and inexpensive. In Japan, the horses are nice too, but expensive. They are also very nice here, but more affordable. That's why he keeps coming back.” Hideyuki Mori | Photos by Z Bred by Don Alberto, the chestnut is out of Argentine multiple group winner Sand Puce (Arg) (Footstepsinthesand). “The intention is to get these horses to the races as early as possible. His horses usually make their debuts early, which is why they can go on to be successful. They're ready to return at three and then target group company. That's how he likes to train the horses he buys here.” The Mar. 23 foal RNA'd for $385,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale last summer. A full-brother to the colt, Burden of Proof, sold for $700,000 in Saratoga in 2022. “He was training really well coming in here,” said David Scanlon. “Constitution has also been doing really well, his horses have been doing well. He has proven to show horses getting ready for Classic races. Based on the pedigree and the strength of his work, he was rewarded. “He walked well, he breezed well and is out of a hard-knocking mare. There was a lot of interest in him from all the right parties, so everything lined up.” Also during Thursday's session, Scanlon sold Hip 641, a colt by Liam's Map, for $500,000 to MyRacehorse. @CBossTDN The post $1.8M Win Win Win Filly Leads the Way as Top of the Market Drives Strong March Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Milton Pineda has been suspended 15 years and fined $180,000 plus an additional $15,000 for the cost of arbitrational services by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit. The punishments were posted on HIWU's website March 13. View the full article

The Democrat-controlled New York State Assembly March 14 approved a plan to create a screening and advanced imaging program designed to improve racehorse safety as part of a Cornell University and New York Racing Association partnership.View the full article

A January recommendation by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to renovate Pimlico and move the state's racing operations to a state-owned, nonprofit-managed arrangement has taken a significant step toward becoming reality.View the full article