Wandering Eyes

D. J. Stable and Robert Cotran's Hades (Awesome Slew), coming off a win in the Feb. 3 GIII Holy Bull S., tuned up for an expected start in the Mar. 30 GI Curlin Florida Derby with a five-furlong work in 1:00.34 (2/14) Sunday at Gulfstream Park. The gelding worked in company with 3-year-old maiden Halon (Flameaway). “It was what I call a 'Wow!' work,” trainer Joe Orseno said. “I put a horse in front of him to have a horse to run at a little bit. At the quarter-pole, I told both riders to ask their horses. If the other horse ran away from him, I needed to know that. The rider on the inside horse said when he asked, his horse responded and found another gear, and Hades ran by him so fast it's kind of ridiculous.” Orseno added, “I've got him galloping out the mile in 1:42. Horses don't do that.” Although the Mar. 2 GII Fountain of Youth was scratched down to just five horses when heavily favored Speak Easy (Constitution) unseated his rider in his pre-race warm-up, Orseno hasn't questioned his decision to bypass the final local prep for the Florida Derby with Hades. “For me, my horse didn't have that look in his eye that he had until two days before the Fountain of Youth, when I could say, 'Wow: The way he feels now, maybe I should have been in there.' Never did I think that I did the wrong thing,” Orseno said. “He has a big future, so we're not looking at just the next two races, the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby. We're looking down the road, too. You've got to pick and choose your spots.” Hades is unbeaten in three starts. He debuted with a win at Gulfstream in early December and added an allowance victory in Hallandale at the end of the month. He defeated Domestic Product (Practical Joke) by two lengths in the Holy Bull and the form of that race was flattered when the runner-up returned to win the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby Saturday. “He didn't win by much, but he did get up to win, so I think that complimented us a little bit,” Orseno said of the Tampa Bay Derby finish. Sunday's breeze was Hades' final serious preparation for the Florida Derby. “Next week he's going to open gallop. He's not even going to breeze. And then he'll just have a little something the next week, so today was his major prep,” Orseno said. The post ‘Wow’ Work for Hades Ahead of Florida Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

California Spangle ended a long stretch of frustration with a front-running victory March 10 in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (G1) at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong.View the full article

This day 12th March in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 12, 2023 Horse Racing on Sunday, March 12 will feature seven meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Monday’s Canberra races betting preview & best bets | 13/3/23 Monday is set for a big day of racing for Canberra Cup day at Thoroughbred Park. Nathan Keven brings you … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Morphettville full racing tips & quaddie | Adelaide Cup Day 2023 What Adelaide Cup Day 2023 Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville SA 5043 When Monday, March 13, 2023 … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Leech & Todd firing in NT, Gillett & Philpot celebrate doubles A Big day of racing for jockeys Jarrod Todd & Jessie Philpot and trainers Dick Leech & Terry Gillett as … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Kissonallforcheeks takes out the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap WA raider Kissonallforcheeks has given her rivals a galloping lesson in Saturday’s Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, with Group 1 goals firmly … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Barb Raider holds on to claim Kewney Stakes victory The Jerome Hunter-trained Barb Raider has managed to fend off the fast finishing Argentia in the Kewney Stakes at Flemington, … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Lighthouse claims maiden Group 1 victory in Coolmore Classic The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Lighthouse has brought up a deserved Group 1 win when proving dominant in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Duais claims Australian Cup victory The Edward Cummings-trained Duais has claimed the Gorup 1 Australian Cup in impressive fashion, picking up her second Group 1 … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Roch ‘N’ Horse causes upset in the Newmarket Handicap The Mike Moroney-trained Roch ‘N’ Horse has broke all sorts of records when claiming the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Mr Mozart wins Phar Lap Stakes in emphatic fashion Mr Mozart has upstaged race favourite Fangirl in Saturday’s Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill Gardens following a perfect … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Let’srollthedice impresses in Sires’ Produce victory The Danny O’Brien-trained Let’srollthedice has won in impressive fashion at Flemington on Saturday afternoon when claiming the Group 2 Sires’ … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago The Shelby Sixtysix story continues at Rosehill The Danny Williams-trained Shelby Sixtysix has left the racing world stunned for a second week in a row and has … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Just Folk causes minor upset in the Ajax Stakes Bendigo visitor Just Folk has handed Josh Julius his first runner in a Doncaster Mile, following a sensational win in … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Glistening lights up Flemington straight in Moomba Plate The Richard & Michael Freedman-trained Glistening has fended off all her rivals in the Moomba Plate, with a strong autumn … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Flying Mascot proves too good in the Matron Stakes The Tom Dabernig-trained Flying Mascot has smashed her rivals in the Matron Stakes at Flemington, bringing up a sixth win … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Rise Of The Masses books final spot in the Golden Slipper The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Rise Of The Masses has claimed the Pago Pago Stakes and in doing so … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Adam Durrant praises Johnston-Porter ahead of Natasha Stakes The Adam Durrant-trained Constant Dreaming is set to go around in the Natasha Stakes on Saturday afternoon where she will … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago She’s Extreme books a spot in the Golden Slipper The Anthony Cummings-trained She’s Extreme has claimed a golden ticket into next weeks Golden Slipper following her win in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Ruthless Dame scores gutsy win in Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Ruthless Dame has claimed the opening event at Flemington on Saturday when taking out … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 12, 2022 16 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Coventina Bay on song for Bonecrusher Trainer Robbie Patterson couldn’t be any happier with Coventina Bay ahead of the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Marsh looking for repeat delight in Auckland Cup Trainer Stephen Marsh is hoping lightning can strike twice when he lines up Lincoln King and Starrybeel in Sunday’s Group … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago Purton’s faith in Hot King Prawn tempered by weight and barrier challenge With six wins from eight rides aboard Hot King Prawn, Zac Purton has nothing but admiration for the crack sprinter … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Levante to make Australian debut Group One winner Levante has touched down in Melbourne ahead of her debut run on Australian soil this Saturday in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Harris excited about Group One duo Despite being booked for only two rides, Saturday’s Auckland Cup meeting at Ellerslie has the potential to be a special … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Moonee Valley race-by-race betting tips & odds | Saturday 13/3/21 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds and best bets for every race on All Star Mile Day at Moonee Valley … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago 2021 All Star Mile runner-by-runner preview | Moonee Valley R8 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the runner-by-runner betting preview for the 2021 All Star Mile held in Race 8 at Moonee Valley … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Rosehill Gardens race-by-race betting tips | Saturday 13/3/21 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the top betting preview for Rosehill Gardens meeting on Saturday, March 13th. See all the top tips, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Gold Coast tips, best bets & quaddie selections | 13/3 What Gold Coast Races Where Gold Coast Turf Club When Saturday, March 13, 2021 First Race 12:18pm AEST Feature Race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Morphettville betting preview, tips & top odds | SA | 13/03/21 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the betting preview for Saturday’s Morphettville Parks in South Australia . See the top tips, best odds … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Alister Clark Stakes tips, betting strategy & odds | 13/3 What Alister Clark Stakes Where Moonee Valley When Saturday, March 13, 2021 | 2.35pm AEST | Race 5 Prizemoney $200,000 … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Sydney Cup goal for progressive Spirit Ridge If Mark Newnham was looking for an ideal test of Spirit Ridge’s autumn carnival credentials, he has found it in … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Ajax Stakes tips, betting strategy & Odds | 13/1 Preview What 2021 Ajax Stakes Where Rosehill Racecourse When Saturday, March 13, 2021 | 5pm AEST | Race 5 Prizemoney $200,000 … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Shout The Bar to take her place in All Star Mile The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Shout The Bar has been given the all-clear to take her place in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Rejuvenated Mizzy ready for Classic performance It is said that weight can stop a train but Anthony Cummings is more concerned about Mizzy’s wide barrier draw … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Australian Turf Club Trophy tips, betting strategy & odds | 13/3 Australian Turf Club Trophy tips, odds comparison and betting strategy for this Listed event being run at the Gold Coast … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 12, 2021 Today’s Horse Racing Tips & Best Bets | March 12 2021 Today’s racing is headlined by the Group 3 Kembla … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago 2021 Coolmore Classic betting tips, odds & strategy | March 13 HorseBetting.com.au’s tipping experts bring you their best bets and wagering strategy for the Group 1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Ascot racing tips, best bets & quaddie selection | 13/3 Preview What J.C. Roberts Stakes Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Road, Ascot, WA, 6104 When Saturday, March 13, 2021 … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk: Connections sweating on All Star Mile vet report Punt Drunk brings you Friday’s top tips and the hottest racing stories heading into the weekend, including the latest on … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Business model change for Valachi Downs Matamata thoroughbred nursery Valachi Downs is set to return to a boutique breeding and racing operation following a number of … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Richards favours Belle in glamour clash Bookmakers may be favouring defending champ Avantage in Saturday’s Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie but her … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Mind over matter for Bergerson pair Roydon Bergerson has been trying to get over a few mental hurdles with a couple of his runners and he … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Fuller looking for Cup history to repeat Veteran stayer Roger That is shaping as the forgotten horse in Saturday’s Group 1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago No Fears For O’Connor Except One In Roberts Stakes Olden is a rank outsider in the Schweppes-J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m), but trainer Daniel O’Connor believes he can run a bold … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago No Tricks In Great Charade’s Emotional Win Trainer Trevor Andrews is certain Great Charade had ‘help from above’ following the gelding’s courageous win in the Tabtouch-Better Your … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Newnham leaning to Kembla target with fillies Mark Newnham is leaning towards a Kembla Grange Classic start for fillies Miravalle and Darling Diamond but uncertainty over the … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Betway to pay record gambling fine Online gambling business Betway has been hit with a record PS11.6 million penalty package for a series of social responsibility … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Super Seth back on track Super Seth’s autumn campaign is back on track. The Anthony Freedman-trained colt’s preparation hit a stumbling block last week when … Read More Japan horse racing news, USA horse racing news 4 years ago 2002 Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem dies War Emblem, winner of the first two legs of the 2002 Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, has … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cascadian on notice after bumpy start With a Doncaster Mile berth on the line, Godolphin trainer James Cummings says Cascadian needs to put his autumn back … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Prelude to determine Mornington Cup bid Inverloch and Salsamor could both be on quick back-ups to the Mornington Cup if their performances in a Prelude at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Star fillies don’t scare Hawkes’ Spend The Phar Lap Stakes could be reduced to six runners with four horses in doubt to line up in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Sunlight to line up in Flemington jump-out Sunlight will continue preparations towards a return to racing with a jump-out at Flemington which trainer Tony McEvoy says will … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Hanseatic wins trial ahead of Slipper bid Blue Diamond Stakes placegetters Hanseatic and Personal have tuned up for their respective Golden Slipper bids with barrier trial wins … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Pressure off Vandyke leading into Mile David Vandyke hopes Alligator Blood can cap his season with an All-Star Mile victory but the trainer says he will … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Juveniles jostle for final Slipper spots There will be plenty at stake in the two-year-old races at Rosehill as 24 youngsters get their last chance to … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Pike hoping Group 1 run continues in Oaks Cambridge trainer Tony Pike knows his Group 1 winning filly Loire has got her work cut out to turn the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Grey Missile to again prove toughness Former country star Grey Missile will again have to call on his renowned toughness to win the Goldmarket at the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Wet a worry for Sartorial Splendor: Sadler Trainer John Sadler has had his problems with Sartorial Splendor leading into the Inglis Dash and is now concerned how … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Munce gives Huxtable big race chance Trainer Chris Munce has entrusted his apprentice Justin Huxtable with the ride on Boomnova in the $500,000 2YO The Jewel … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Sylvia’s Mother on song for Coolmore The Group One Coolmore Classic will be a watershed race for owner-breeders Rob and Pam Crosby who have two runners, … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Big test for Eric The Eel at Gold Coast Three-year-old Eric The Eel has a tough test as he puts his Australian Derby credentials on the line at the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago So Si Bon up for All-Star Mile challenge Lindsay Park is expecting So Si Bon to be a key player in the All-Star Mile after sneaking his way … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Danceteria out to bust a Sky High move Import Danceteria is yet to produce his best form in Australia but connections are hoping a step up in distance … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cahill and Costa looking for Gold Trainer Michael Costa has called on comeback jockey Michael Cahill to ride Malahide on the Listed Goldmarket at the Gold … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Three-pronged Oaks tilt for Autridge Valachi Downs trainer Stephen Autridge will be vying for his first Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Danny Nikolic’s internal review refused The internal reviewer has refused Danny Nikolic’s application to overturn a decision to refuse him a jockey’s licence in Queensland … Read More USA horse racing news 4 years ago Meds not factor in Santa Anita deaths Californian authorities say there is no evidence of illegal medications playing a part in horse fatalities at Santa Anita … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Betting breach has jockey before RAD Board Jockey Daniel Schmitt will have to front the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board over a number of bets on thoroughbred … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Written By on song for Group One assault Grahame Begg is happy with the work of Written By ahead of his first assignment at Moonee Valley in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Kris Lees to have three Coolmore runners Trainer Kris Lees will launch a three-pronged attack on the Group One Coolmore Classic, a race his father Max won … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago First stage of Currie inquiry completed Stewards have completed the first stage of an extensive inquiry into the activities of Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Qld trainers worried by Ipswich change Trainers are worried Doomben is in danger of being over-raced after being forced to take another meeting from the problem-plagued … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sandown last stop for Blue Jay Way for now Staying mare Blue Jay Way will have a break after she runs over 3000 metres at Sandown … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Sydney likely for Avantage Exciting three-year-old filly Avantage is on the brink of a race day return after winning her 1000m trial heat at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Oisin Murphy aboard Loving Gaby in Slipper British-based Irish jockey Oisin Murphy will ride for the first time in Sydney when he partners Loving Gaby in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Les Carlyon a journalistic genius Hundreds have turned out to celebrate the life of journalist and author Les Carlyon in a service at Flemington racecourse … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Smerdon challenges ‘Aquanita eight’ ban Banned Victorian trainer Robert Smerdon has challenged a racing tribunal’s power to sanction him for cheating once he handed in … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago ATC track guru Lindsay Murphy to retire The man in charge of Sydney racetracks, Lindsay Murphy, is to retire after more than 40 years in racing … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago All-Star line-up to contest inaugural Mile Godolphin’s Alizee remains the top fancy for the All-Star Mile despite drawing barrier 12 in the $5 million race at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Favourite draws 12 in All-Star Mile The favourite for the inaugural All-Star Mile, Alizee, has drawn barrier 12 for the $5 million race at Flemington … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Sargent’s house of Group 1 hopes John Sargent is on target to send one Group One prospect across the Tasman from Australia, while he has received … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago More goals for Collett after maiden Group 1 Sam Collett is still on cloud nine after her first Group One victory on Saturday, when victorious aboard Glory Days … Read More USA horse racing news 5 years ago Haikal bags Gotham with late kick Haikal rallied to win Saturday’s $300,000 Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct, erasing a sizable deficit in the stretch to post a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Adelaide Cup success for lightly-tried son of Shocking Monday’s Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) winner Surprise Baby has provided a stunning return on investment for connections of the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Rails ride gains Fanatic Adelaide Cup win Fanatic has completed a big weekend for Lindsay Park with her victory in the Adelaide Cup at Morphettville … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago No Coolmore Classic for Shoals Dixie Blossoms is the early favourite for the Coolmore Classic which will be run without dual Group One winner Shoals … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Italia Bella chases Australian Oaks start Australian Oaks-bound Italia Bella steps up to 1800 metres at the Gold Coast in preparation for longer assignments … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Zizzis provides Payne with some more Magic Zizzis has graduated from a Bendigo debut win to victory in the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic at Morphettville … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago One kilo Doncaster penalty for Lanciato Newcastle Newmarket winner Lanciato has been penalised one kilogram in the Doncaster Mile for his Group Three win … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Boom sire to dominate sale Young stallion Spirit of Boom will have 44 lots at the Gold Coast Magic Millions March Yearling Sale … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Weir pair Championships bound after Blamey The Blamey Stakes at Flemington is the ideal lead-up for Humidor and Tosen Stardom ahead of The Championships in Sydney … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Group 1 dreams over as Kapoor humanely euthanised Connections of talented three-year-old Kapoor were dealt a crushing blow on Monday morning when the filly shattered a fetlock during … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Two year old stars to go head to head in Sires’ Produce Stakes Sword Of Osman and Avantage will renew their Group One rivalry at Awapuni later this month. The talented two-year-old stablemates … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Prebble reaches 800 Hong Kong winners Australian jockey Brett Prebble has brought up a significant milestone with his 800th winner in Hong Kong … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Wrote’s stud career locked in by Highview Stud Wrote’s long-term New Zealand future is guaranteed following a successful move by Highview Stud. The Irish-bred stallion was well-received by … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Felaar to face his acid test in Listed NZ St Leger Stephen Marsh took an instant shine to Felaar and time is proving the Cambridge trainer’s early opinion to be on … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Getabird to start Mullins’ Cheltenham bid The Willie Mullins-trained Getabird is the favourite to win the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices Chase … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago NZ Derby winner Gingernuts Sydney-bound Gingernuts will attempt to add the Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby to his NZ Derby success … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Distinctive looks at Country C’ship final Distinctive Look and Galaxy Warrior have qualified for the Country Championship final by running one-two in the regional heat at … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winona Costin injured in race fall Winona Costin is one of four jockeys taken to hospital after falls at race meetings in country NSW … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Vandyke chases another Group One David Vandyke hopes Eminent’s Doomben win is the forerunner to another Group One victory for the stable … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Australian Oaks on radar for Cassadee Last-start Sandown winner Cassadee will be on trial for feature fillies’ races in Sydney when she steps up to 2040m … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Distinctive Look & Galaxy Warrior head to Country Championship THE David Smith-trained Distinctive Look proved too classy for his opponents on Sunday when taking out the Central Districts Country … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Portelli eyes another G1 with Rebel Dane Two-year-olds She Will Reign and Single Bullet will occupy much of trainer Gary Portelli’s week ahead of the Slipper but … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Too Good To Refuse for Newcastle Trainer Desleigh Forster has been pleased with Too Good To Refuse’s work since the gelding’s defeat in the Group One … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Melbourne Cup tradition to remain: Elliott Victoria Racing Club chair Amanda Elliott has dismissed speculation the Melbourne Cup will be moved from the first Tuesday in … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Punters still like Eagle Farm: Bell Brisbane Race Club Chairman Neville Bell has defended the new Eagle Farm track surface pointing out rank and file punters … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Robbie Griffiths breaks Group One hoodoo Victorian trainer Robbie Griffiths’ dream of a Group One win has finally come true, after a quarter century … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Coffey brings up milestone at Flemington Apprentice Harry Coffey has outridden is claim in winning on Felicienne in a Group Three race at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Preferment lands G1 Aust Cup on protest Chris Waller has landed his 12th Group One victory for the season with Preferment winning the Australian Cup on protest … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago The Quarterback gives Griffiths first Gr 1 The Quarterback has provided trainer Robbie Griffiths with his first Group One win, sprinting to victory in the Newmarket Handicap … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Casual Choice wins $100k Gold Coast Stakes Casual Choice has won the Gold Coast Stakes as comeback galloper Sir Moments impressed with his return to racing … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Not sprinter Chautauqua’s day: John Hawkes Favourite Chautauqua had to settle for third in the $1.25 million Newmarket Handicap at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago The Quarterback gives Griffiths first Gr 1 The Quarterback has provided trainer Robbie Griffiths with his first Group One win, sprinting to victory in the Newmarket Handicap … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sam Clipperton races to Group One glory Sam Clipperton has won his first Group One race, riding Peeping for his old boss Ron Quinton in the Coolmore … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Preferment wins Australian Cup on protest Preferment has continued his love affair with Flemington, winning the Australian Cup after a protest hearing … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Badawiya scores first-up in Kewney Stakes Badawiya will head to Sydney chasing a Group One victory after a successful return in the Kewney Stakes at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hattori Hanzo wins Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes Victorian three-year-old Hattori Hanzo has claimed a narrow win in the Group Two Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Peeping wins Group One Coolmore Classic Jockey Sam Clipperton has combined with his former boss Ron Quinton to win the Group One Coolmore Classic on Peeping … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago The Quarterback wins Newmarket Handicap The Robbie Griffiths-trained The Quarterback has upstaged Australia’s best sprinters in winning the Newmarket Handicap … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago He Or She wins Group Two Blamey Stakes David Hayes is looking at the Doncaster Mile as an option for He Or She after the gelding’s win in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Alberto brings Magic to Rosehill in Gr 3 Alberto Magic has lived up to punters’ hopes with his first stakes win in the Group Three Maurice McCarten Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Blinkers make difference with Super Cash Super Cash has relished a return to straight-track racing at Flemington with victory in the Goodwood Racecourse Trophy … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Godolphin Golden Slipper stocks on rise Calliope and Souchez have won juvenile races at Rosehill to strengthen Godolphin’s Golden Slipper team … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Seaburge wins VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes David Hayes says there’s a lot to look forward to with Seaburge who has raced to a strong win in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Zielke keeps it short and sweet with Diff Spot The Diff has kept up trainer John Zielke’s impressive strike-rate with two-year-olds in winning at the Gold Coast … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sir John Hawkwood boosts Sydney Cup hopes Sir John Hawkwood may go straight to the Sydney Cup without another run after winning the Sky High Stakes at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Uno Five continues purple patch of form Trainer Bruce Hill is in the market to buy another horse as consistent as Uno Five after the stayer made … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sir John Hawkwood boosts Sydney Cup hopes Sir John Hawkwood may go straight to the Sydney Cup without another run after winning the Sky High Stakes at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Thyme For Roses too slick at Flemington The Gai Waterhouse-trained Thyme For Roses has scored an all-the-way win in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Single Gaze wins G3 Kembla Grange Classic Single Gaze has created autumn carnival options for herself, winning at her first start over 1600m in the Kembla Grange … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Single Gaze wins G3 Kembla Grange Classic Single Gaze has created autumn carnival options for herself, winning at her first start over 1600m in the Kembla Grange … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Berry’s tribute to Bede after C’ship win Tommy Berry has told of how much influence Bede Murray had on his career after winning a race named for … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago McNeil looks forward to G1 Newmarket ride Leading apprentice Jye McNeil is looking forward to his first Newmarket Handicap ride aboard Secret Agenda … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago McShane to test Tassie filly in Sires’ Tasmanian two-year-old Hot Dipped has earned her shot at the Group Two Sires’ Produce Stakes in Melbourne with three convincing … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Manny Gelagotis loses appeal over comments A tribunal has dismissed an appeal by racing manager Manny Gelagotis over comments critical of Racing Victoria’s head vet … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Concealer to make up for Diamond flop Concealer has come in for support ahead of the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington which will decide a Group One … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Noble Protector in first autumn test Jockey Craig Williams believes Noble Protector is going better than last spring heading into the mare’s return to racing … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hayes after back-to-back Australian Cups Rising Romance headlines a three-pronged attack for Lindsay Park trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig in the Australian Cup at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Comeback complete for ex-Hong Kong horse My Favorite has broken through for the first time after more than two years away from racing with a feature-race … Read More View the full article

By Alan Carasso Five months after the passing of owner Howard Liang, California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) recaptured some of his best form to post a front-running upset in Sunday's G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse. In going one better in the 1400-metre contest than last year, the 6-year-old punched his ticket to Dubai for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint over a straight 1200-metre trip Mar. 30. Having bested Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in the 2022 G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile, the €150,000 Goffs Orby acquisition won the G2 Sha Tin Trophy H. with 135 pounds on his back last October, but was was well-beaten in his next four starts. He beat just one home in defence of his Mile title in December and was last seen finishing fourth to the G1 Dubai Turf-bound Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in the G1 Stewards Cup Jan. 21. His 10-1 starting price was the longest of his 24-race career and he rewarded those who kept the faith on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the New Territories. Brenton Avdulla was at the controls for the first time, and he was after California Spangle from the bell to secure the front, as Healthy Happy (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) ranged up to apply a bit of pressure. Able to control the pace through the middle furlongs while clocking sectional times well outside standard, the bay turned for home full of run and never looked like surrendering the lead thereafter. The progressive Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}) flashed home in a race-fastest :22.15 to claim second ahead of the rail-skimming Red Lion (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) in third. Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) drifted from $1.80 (4-5) to jump as the $2.20 (6-5) favourite, and was snagged back to the rear by James McDonald after getting bumped around a bit by Beauty Eternal (Aus) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) down the back. He got going early while wide on the turn and finished off reasonably well, but too late to be fifth, 1 1/2 lengths adrift. “It (victory) means everything, this horse was very important to the late Howard Liang,” said trainer Tony Cruz, who won the Queen's Silver Jubilee for the first time with the legendary Silent Witness (Aus) in 2005. “He bought the horse and I'm so glad he has won another Group 1. He is the best horse Howard raced and the exciting part of today is that California Spangle had to perform to go to Dubai–and now he's heading to Dubai and everybody is thrilled about it.” California Spangle and Voyage Bubble are set to be joined on the trip to Dubai by Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}, Dubai Turf) and Sight Success (Aus) (Magnus {Aus}), who will look to improve on his fourth-place effort in the 2023 Al Quoz. According to South China Morning Post, Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) will contest the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic if connections are extended an invitation. Pedigree Notes: A half-brother to the late Wychwood Warrior, who was third in a listed stakes going 1400 metres on the turf at Meydan for this breeder and trainer Mick Halford in 2015, California Spangle is out of a half-sister to G2 Hungerford S. and G3 Solario S. winner Shakespearean (Ire) (Shamardal). California Spangle's third dam produced French Group 3 winner and G1 Pouliches runner-up Pont-Aven (Ire) (Try My Best), whose offspring include MGSW/MG1SP Sainte Marine (Ire) (Kenmare {Fr}), MGSW Josr Algarhound (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}), SW & MGSP Traou Mad (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) and SW & MGSP Cap Coz (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}). Pearlitas Passion is also the dam of the unraced 4-year-old filly Alchimia (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}) and a 2-year-old full-brother to California Spangle that was unsold on a bid of €400,000 at last year's Orby Sale. “I came in May with an expectation to probably do 10 weeks and go home.” Hear from @brentonavdulla after he won his first Group 1 in Hong Kong… #SpeedSeries | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/mPEL9tQHk5 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 10, 2024 Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 3-10, 3yo/up, 1400mT, 1:22.27, gd. 1–CALIFORNIA SPANGLE (IRE), g, 6, by Starspangledbanner (Aus) 1st Dam: Pearlitas Passion (Ire), by High Chaparral (Ire) 2nd Dam: Paimpolaise (Ire), by Priolo 3rd Dam: Basilea (Fr), by Frere Basile (Fr) (€150,000 Ylg '19 GOFOCT). O-The Executors of the Estate of the Late Howard Liang Yum Shing; B-Michael Enright; T-Tony Cruz; J-Brenton Avdulla; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: 24-12-6-2, HK$68,945,300. *1/2 to Wychwood Warrior (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), MSP-Ire, SP-UAE. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Galaxy Patch (Aus), 126, g, 4, Wandjina (Aus)–Voltara (Aus), by More Than Ready. (A$50,000 Ylg '21 MMMAR). O-Yeung Kin Man; B-Summerset Park Stud (SA); T-Pierre Ng; J-Karis Teetan; HK$2,730,000. Gulinga Spirit 3–Red Lion (Ire), 126, g, 5, Belardo (Ire)–Crystal Idea (Ire), by Namid (GB). (€7,000 Ylg '20 TATDEC; £240,000 RNA HRA '2 GOFLON). O-The Hon Ronald Arculli GBM GBS JP & Johanna K J Arculli BBS; B-P Harney; T-John Size; J-Antoine Hamelin; HK$1,495,000. Fiach McHugh Margins: 1, 1, 1. Odds: 10-1, 10-1, 17-1. Also Ran: Beauty Eternal (Aus), Lucky Sweynesse (NZ), Healthy Happy (Aus), Beauty Joy (Aus), Taj Dragon (Ire), Lucky With You (Aus), Son Pak Fu (Aus). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. The post California Spangle Earns Dubai Date With Poignant QSJC Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Richard Hannon has said there is not one horse that he would swap Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) for and reported the Group 1 winner to be firmly on course for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4. Previously described as “right up there with the best we've ever had” by his handler, Rosallion is a general 8-1 chance for Classic glory at Newmarket. His big day in the sun last year came when storming to G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere glory and confidence is clearly high in the camp that Rosallion can give short-priced 2,000 Guineas favourite City Of Troy (Justify) something to think about. Hannon said, “Rosallion is in great form and he's had a canter upsides Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) on the grass. Timmy Murphy rides him every day and was delighted with him. It wasn't a massively informative piece of work but it was just one of those where we thought we would give him a little bit while it was a nice morning and the grass is nice.” He added, “I would like to give him a trial, but I won't run him anywhere where there is soft ground. He could just go straight to the 2,000 Guineas. I'm going to take him to either Kempton or Newbury two or three weeks before the trials, so if he does go straight to the Guineas, he will be plenty quick enough. My view of him hasn't changed–there is not a horse I would rather have other than him.” The post ‘I Wouldn’t Swap Him’ – Hannon Has Confidence In Guineas Hope Rosallion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Yes, I know. It's a bit early for this, isn't it? We usually have a strict No-Seven-Days rule until the week after the Brocklesby but this winter has dragged on and on and I just can't wait any longer. We have the small matter of the Cheltenham Festival to get through this week, and we'll be giving it our full attention, but as we have counted down the days to the 'The Roar' it has been impossible to ignore the sneaky French getting their Turf season underway with a couple of Listed races at Saint-Cloud. And what better way to usher the Flat back in than with last season's Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) exhibiting that he retains plenty of zest for racing with his victory in the Listed Prix Altipan? We may see him back in action as soon as the G3 Prix Edmond Blanc on Easter Monday as he gears up for a tilt at the G1 Prix d'Ispahan. Marhaba Ya Sanafa's sire Muhaarar (GB) is now ensconced in his new home of Haras de Petit Tellier and has already been represented this year by the G2 1351 Turf Sprint winner Annaf (Ire) on Saudi Cup night. On the subject of returning Classic winners, Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) won Saturday's Listed Randwick City S. for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to claim his first stakes success since that extraordinary romp in the 'Covid' Derby at Epsom in 2020. It's almost unheard of for a Derby winner still to be in training at the age of seven, let alone to have been gelded. Flags Flying High for Zoffany Coolmore lost Zoffany (Ire) three years ago when he succumbed to liver failure at the age of just 13 ahead of the start of the 2021 covering season. Members of his final crop are now three, and they include the Jerome Reynier-trained Fun With Flags (Ire), who kept Classic hopes intact for her owner Erika Gilliar by claiming her third successive victory in the Listed Prix Rose de Mai. Out of the Galileo (Ire) mare Marie Celeste (Ire), Fun With Flags was bred by Sonia Rogers from a family which has been at Airlie Stud for three generations and traces back to Rough Shod (GB) (Gold Bridge {Fr}) through her celebrated daughter Thong (Nantallah). The latter is in turn the dam of Special (Forli), whose offspring include Nureyev (Northern Dancer) and Sadler's Wells's dam Fairy Bridge (Bold Reason). With entries in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane, Fun With Flags is one to follow as she attempts to become a Classic winner from her sire's farewell crop. She would be the first for her prolific trainer Reynier, who is currently behind only reigning champion Jean-Claude Rouget in the French trainers' table. Listed Double for Scott at Home and Away On Thursday it was a Dandy Man (Ire) gelding out of a Dark Angel (Ire) mare out in front in the Listed Spring Cup at Lingfield and 24 hours later the reverse of that cross was seen to good effect at Chantilly in the Listed Prix Maurice Cauillault. Watch My Tracer (Ire) was the Dandy Man three-year-old in question, and he set up a thrilling 24 hours for his trainer George Scott and owners Victorious Racing with his debut success of the year, which was followed the next day by the triumph of Isle Of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) in the King's Cup in Bahrain. That second Listed win was hailed by Scott as “the highlight of my career to date, miles ahead of anything else”, and it is easy to see why he would be walking on air after the winter campaign his four-year-old has had in Bahrain. Having won twice at Newmarket and Newbury last summer in for his Bahraini owners, Isle Of Jura travelled to the Gulf to compete in Bahrain's lucrative turf series and he has been a near-unstoppable force there, winning four of his five starts, including two Listed races, and finishing second, beaten a short-head, on his only other run. Pattern company back in Europe now beckons for the Godolphin-bred gelding, who is a full-brother to the treble Australian Group 1 winner Cascadian (GB). The aforementioned Prix Maurice Cauillault was yet another strike for Jerome Reynier, trainer of the easy winner Darlinghurst (Ire), who was bred by Yeomanstown Stud and, as noted, is by their kingpin Dark Angel. It was the second stakes winner of the day for the 19-year-old stallion after Godolphin's Real World (Ire) landed the Listed Al Methaq Mile in Bahrain. Donworth Goes Dutch There is nothing like seeing the Chateau de Chantilly in the backdrop of races to make one feel that life is again worth living and, though Friday's card was on the Polytrack, it provided plenty of interesting pointers for the season ahead. There won't be many Dutch-bred stakes winners this year (or ever), but Tim Donworth, once of the parish of Roundhill but now a fully assimilated French dweller, saddled the Listed Prix Montenica Skylight Brochard (Hol) who may remain unique in that regard this year. “I think he's probably the only Thoroughbred who's been bred in Holland in the last couple of years,” Donworth told TDN. “It's worked out great. His breeders happened upon the mare, they'd never had a horse before and they've now bred this horse.” The son of Mehmas (Ire) was bred by his owner Jill Brochard and is a full-brother to eight-time winner The Covex Kid (Ire). Their dam is Fonseca (Ire), by the late Red Clubs (Ire) who has a notable record as a broodmare sire despite his having stood for only three seasons before dying at the age of seven. His daughters have produced the Group 1 winners Lucky Sweynesse (NZ), Snow Lantern (GB) and Lezoo (GB), as well as the useful sire and Group 2 winner Ardad (Ire), Group 3 winner Spycatcher (Ire), last season's Lincoln winner Migration (Ire) and the Listed-winning half-siblings Arthur Kitt (GB) and Eartha Kitt (GB). Like Mother, Like Son Perhaps the largest scribble in the notebook from Friday in Chantilly was the name Dolayli (Fr) after the running of the Prix Darshaan. The Aga Khan Studs-bred son of Siyouni (Fr) and Group 1 winner Dolniya (Fr) (Azamour {Ire}) has won six of his eight starts, including all three of his runs this year for Francis Graffard. It is a rare Aga Khan runner that remains in training at five, but Dolayli may well repay his owner further as he is aimed at classier assignments through the spring and summer. His trainer told the Jour de Galop that he is looking at the G2 Prix d'Harcourt and considering the Ganay and perhaps even the Ispahan as potential Group 1 targets. Dolayli had the G1 Hong Kong Vase winner Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}) five lengths behind him in second as the latter winds up for a shot at the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic later this month. It seems scarcely believable that it is nine years since Dolayli's dam Dolniya took the Sheema Classic herself after she too had won the Prix Darshaan, each time beating Flintshire (GB). She is now the dam of three black-type offspring, including Group 3 winner Dilawar (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Listed-placed Dolia (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). Her current two-year-old is an unnamed Frankel (GB) colt who is also assigned to Graffard. Heating Up Darley's second-season sire Too Darn Hot (GB) has four colts and two fillies entered for the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas in May, and he may well have a Classic hope even farther afield following the victory on Sunday of Etes Vous Prets in the G2 Hochi Hai Fillies' Revue at Hanshin. The daughter of G1 Falmouth S. winner Nahoodh (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) was bred by Godolphin and exported as a yearling to Japan, where she races in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. She is the fifth Group/Graded winner in a fourth different country for Too Darn Hot following Fallen Angel (GB), Darnation (GB), Alyanaabi (Ire) and Carolina Reaper (GB). A Fitting 19th G1 Winner for Exceed And Excel In the week in which the retirement was announced of successful shuttle sire Exceed And Excel (Ire) there could have been no more appropriate winner of the G1 Newmarket H. at Flemington than his son Cylinder (Aus). The Godolphin homebred became his sire's 19th Group/Grade 1 winner in the race won by Exceed And Excel 20 years ago. Following that victory he was bought by Sheikh Mohammed and became a valuable addition to the Darley stallion ranks on both sides of the globe. We may yet see Cylinder racing in Europe, with Godolphin Australia's Nacim Dilmi suggesting after his victory that a trip to Royal Ascot in June could now be on the cards. The post Seven Days: Jumping Back to the Flat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Smart sprinter set to enter the four-year-old series after slashing second in Sunday’s Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee CupView the full article

Frenchman says in-form galloper can raise the bar again after continuing his impressive season on SundayView the full article

Brenton Avdulla claims his first Group One in Hong Kong as Tony Cruz’s stable star bounces back to book his trip to Meydan for the Al Quoz Sprint on March 30View the full article

Arqana has appointed Amy Feng as its representative in China. Amy is based in China and will work closely with Arqana bloodstock team member Mathieu Legars. A graduate of Newcastle University with a Master's degree in International Financial Analysis, Amy took her first steps into the breeding and racing industry alongside her father, with whom she founded Huiying Horse Farm, where she holds the position of Marketing Manager. Together, they bought their first horses in the USA and Australia, notably at the Magic Millions sales, where she met David Chester, Sales Director for Magic Millions, who helped her with her first purchases. A few years later, in 2013, she became the Australian auction house's representative for the Chinese market. She has also worked as the China representative for Aquis Farm for three years. Since 2018, Amy has been working as the secretary of the China Horse Owners Alliance (CHOA), which enables her to maintain strong connections with the members of the CHOA and leading owners in mainland China. Commenting on her appointment, Amy Feng said, “My various past experiences have enabled me to acquire a solid knowledge of racing and breeding, which enables me to provide judicious support to clients. I'm delighted to be able to join the Arqana team, which holds a prime position in the European market. French horses have different aptitudes to Chinese and Australasian horses, and Chinese buyers are increasingly attracted to these profiles.” Olivier Delloye added, “We are delighted to welcome Amy as Arqana's representative in China. Amy has been involved in the breeding and racing industry in her home country since 2008, and has developed strong skills and a great network through her various experiences with Aquis Farm and the China Horse Owners Alliance (CHOA). We took our time to recruit the right profile and are convinced that Amy will be a great asset to Arqana.” The post Arqana Appoints Amy Feng As Representative In China appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mahrajaan and Sam Weatherley power to victory in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) on Saturday at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Four months after his triumph in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton, Mahrajaan earned himself a special place in New Zealand racing history by adding Saturday’s Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. Mahrajaan became only the third horse to ever win the New Zealand Cup and Auckland Cup in the same season, and the first to do so in more than six decades. The other members of this exclusive group are Lochiel (1887-88), Cuddle (1935-36) and Stipulate (1962-63). The American-bred Mahrajaan was recruited by co-trainer Shaune Ritchie from the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale at Newmarket in the United Kingdom, where he was bought for 75,000 guineas. That purchase paid off a year later when the son of Kitten’s Joy outstayed his opposition in the New Zealand Cup in Christchurch on November 18. Ritchie and his training partner Colm Murray then set their sights on the Auckland Cup, but Mahrajaan slipped below the radar after being unplaced in his two lead-up runs – 13th in heavy ground in the Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) and 12th in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m). But Mahrajaan’s two starts over the ultimate distance of 3200m have now produced two powerful victories, and that stamina and strength shone through for a +2500 upset in Saturday’s time-honoured $500,000 feature. Ridden by his New Zealand Cup-winning jockey Sam Weatherley, Mahrajaan enjoyed a perfect run in fifth along the rail as the expected leader My Maebelline Girl set a solid pace out in front. The field packed up coming down the side of the track and approaching the home turn, and Weatherley was able to get away from the rail and into clear air on the outside of My Maebelline Girl, Good Oil and Whangaehu. Good Oil produced a strong kick at the top of the straight to take command, but Mahrajaan moved through his gears and launched an irresistible finish wider out on the track. He swept to the lead at the 50m mark and edged ahead of a brave Good Oil to win by three-quarters of a length. The lightly raced Mark Twain flashed home for an eye-catching third. 2024 Group 2 Auckland Cup – Mahrajaan “It’s special,” Weatherley said. “It’s an iconic race and I’m thrilled to win it. “Shaune is a real genius. He went to the UK and sourced this horse. He backed himself and backed his judgement, and we won the New Zealand Cup with him in November. “People wrote him off after his lead-up runs. He doesn’t like wet ground, and I thought his Avondale Cup run was pretty good the other day. “But he’s the best two-mile stayer in the country by a mile. He’ll just stay all day. “We had a beautiful run, and I know it sounds cocky, but I just knew he would not get beaten. He just travelled so sweetly. All he needed was a run, and he came out in the straight and gee he let down well.” Mahrajaan has now had 20 starts for five wins, six placings and more than $600,000 in stakes. Recognising that Mahrajaan thrives at the beach, Ritchie and Murray took the opportunity to send the chestnut north to spend the week at Ruakaka. “We’ve spent the last week up at the beach,” Murray said. “It worked really well when we were down in Christchurch in the spring. He just loves it and it’s a great way to get the miles into his legs. “He’s just a dead-set two-miler. You know he’ll show up when he gets up over that distance. It’s just fantastic to get this result for a great bunch of owners. It’s just brilliant. “The Melbourne Cup (Group 1, 3200m) is the dream, and that’s the race that he was bought for. We will go to Aussie with him now, probably Brisbane first, and we’ll see what happens. We know he can win over two miles, that’s for sure.” It was a coveted first Auckland Cup win for Ritchie, whose grandfather Merv won the race with Apollo Eleven in 1973. “I grew up spending a lot of time around Ellerslie and this is a race I’ve always wanted to win,” he said. “Mahrajaan is just a lovely horse. He’s had a lot of travel all over the world, but he’s just a little beauty. “I’m delighted to get this win for this group of owners. Many of them have supported my stable for a number of years now, and their support means a lot.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group One winner He’s A Doozy powers back into winning form at Trentham on Saturday under Ace Lawson-Carroll. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A return to the scene of his greatest win has worked wonders for He’s A Doozy, who burst back into form with victory in Saturday’s Autumn Cup (1600m) at Trentham. The Wellington track has always brought the very best out of the Zacinto gelding, whose 10 previous visits to Trentham had produced five wins including last season’s Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Group 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m). But the current season had been a fruitless one for the six-year-old, finishing no closer than fourth in his six appearances before Saturday’s $50,000 open handicap. That all changed at Trentham. He’s A Doozy was assigned a testing 62kg topweight, but dropped to 59kg with apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll’s 3kg claim. He jumped awkwardly and settled at the rear of the seven-horse field in the early stages of the race, then slid forward into fifth just before the end of the back straight. The leader Marroni rolled off the fence at the home turn and Lawson-Carroll seized his opportunity, driving through the inside and hitting the lead with 200m remaining. Duncan Creek and Sumi gave their all to try to run him down, but He’s A Doozy kept kicking and held on gamely to win by a short head. Trainer Lisa Latta paid $70,000 to buy He’s A Doozy as a yearling at Karaka in 2019. His 30-start career has now produced eight wins, four placings and $505,425 in stakes. “He’s a good horse and it’s a real relief to see him back in winning form today,” Latta said. “He loves it around Trentham, he was given a good ride and won the race really nicely “There’s not a lot of options around for a horse like him at this time of year, but we might look at the Awapuni Gold Cup (Group 2, 2100m), which is at Trentham this year (on April 6). We’ll probably look to give him a trial in between to keep him up to the mark.” He’s A Doozy was the third winner on the Trentham card for Lawson-Carroll and the second for Latta. That trainer-jockey combination also teamed up to win with highly talented three-year-old Platinum Attack, who has now won all of his last three races in succession. “He’s a very promising horse and is just doing everything on raw ability at the moment,” Latta said. “He hit the front a long way out today, so it was a good, tough effort to keep going and get the win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Promising four-year-old Hat Trick (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) proved he has plenty more to offer as he claimed his second victory from just three starts, with a stylish front-running performance to take out a Special Conditions Maiden contest over 1400m at Ellerslie. The statuesque son of Fastnet Rock kept rider Michael McNab on his toes throughout with some erratic behaviour, but when asked to focus his energies on his task he buckled down nicely to dash clear of his rivals in the home straight after setting his own terms in front from barrier rise. McNab was quick to mention those difficulties, but also praised his charge as having plenty of talent and the ability to progress through the grades quickly as he gets more experience under his belt. “He was never comfortable, and he is hard work,” McNab said. “He is beautifully put together though and obviously has great ability, but he is a handful. “He is still really learning and on a high-pressure day like today he could fall to pieces, but to his credit he picked up and sustained a really good gallop. “Better manners would be great but he is going the right way.” Trainer Tony Pike also made mention of the gelding’s manners but also believes more racetrack experience will do him the world of good. “He has always shown the ability, but he has been a bit of a green goose all the way through,” he said. “He chopped and changed legs and pricked his ears all the way up the straight, but he is very talented. “He was dominant last time at Counties (maiden victory) and he was dominant again today. “He relaxed nicely, and he has a very high cruising speed which he can kick off. “We think he has a big future, but he is a big horse, and we will have to manage him carefully as I think he can get through to quite a high level.” Bred and raced by the Smithies family under their Monovale Holdings banner, Hat Trick is out of their stakes winning Savabeel mare No Tricks, who is a half-sister to the nine-race winning mare Amazing Charm. The win also provided McNab with an early treble on the day after winning the first two races aboard Pearl Of Alsace and Adam I Am. View the full article

Beaten Newmarket Handicap favourite Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) is firmly on track to defend her Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) title at The Valley later this month after pleasing connections with her condition on Sunday morning. Racing Victoria stewards on Saturday reported that Imperatriz had pulled up from her Newmarket Handicap run with the common lung condition EIPH (exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage), but Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said on Sunday that his team were not concerned. “We were very happy with her run and she seems to have come up really well this morning,” Ellis said. “So many horses pull up with that (EIPH) and that won’t be a factor moving forward in her campaign. “She’ll now proceed to Moonee Valley.” Stewards noted in their report on the Newmarket: “Imperatriz: Shortly after the start was hampered when tightened for room between Bella Nipotina and Ruthless Dame. Post-race endoscopy of Imperatriz detected a degree of internal exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage that may have affected the mare’s racing performance. A veterinary clearance will be required prior to racing again.” Ellis said Imperatriz lost none of her greatness with her defeat, where she was run down late by the three-year-old Cylinder as she attempted to match Black Caviar’s weight-carrying feat of 58 kilograms. “I am very proud of her and with her draw she might not have been in the best spot, but there are no excuses,” he said. Te Akau Racing will have a large presence at the William Reid Stakes meeting on March 23, with Campionessa to contest the $300,000 Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m), while filly Quintessa will tackle the Gr.2 $500,000 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m). He said Savabeel filly Certainly will run in the Gr.3 $200,000 Alexandra Stakes (1600m). View the full article

Three hours before pin-up mare Legarto lined up as the centre of attention in Saturday’s Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), an up-and-comer carrying those same cream and brown colours earned his own share of the Ellerslie spotlight. Adam I Am (NZ) (Almanzor) lived up to his $1.90 favouritism in style with a bold victory in the $90,000 Go Racing 1400. The Rating 85 contest was the toughest test yet for the four-year-old Almanzor gelding, who has now won four of his seven starts and placed in another two. Adam I Am has earned $134,720 in stakes for a syndicate that includes his co-breeders, Ancroft Stud’s Philip and Catherine Brown. After showing a real X-factor with two dominant spring wins and a later victory in the Thames Cup (1600m), Adam I Am’s upward trajectory was briefly interrupted when he finished fourth as favourite in last month’s inaugural $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa. But the exciting chestnut was right back at the peak of his powers on Saturday, settling in fourth behind a slow pace before stretching out stylishly down the Ellerslie straight. He surged past Uderzo and Financier, cruising to victory by a length under a hands-and-heels ride from Michael McNab. “It’s a bit of a relief, really,” trainer and part-owner Glenn Old said. “We thought we managed to get a couple of little things ironed out since Te Rapa. “He was put to the test today, they cantered in front, but Michael got him to relax and he did everything well. “We’ll get him home now and see how he pulls up before we decide what we do next. We don’t have any plans set in place. “We don’t really know what his ceiling is. I believe he’s going to make a good 2000m horse in time. Hopefully that’s where we might end up in the spring. He’s exciting.” The win completed an early double on Saturday’s Ellerslie card for McNab, who also rode Pearl Of Alsace to victory in the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m). “Great start to the day,” he said. “I was happy with where we were in the run. If you’re in the first four and you think you’re on a good horse, you’re in a good spot. “I rode him during the week and he really filled me with confidence with what I felt. He’s grown up a lot since I last rode him at Te Rapa. “He’s going the right way, and I think he’ll get to Group One level for sure – maybe not in this prep, but in the spring.” View the full article

Classy mare Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) returned to summer racing with a vengeance when claiming a narrow victory in the opening event at Ellerslie, the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1600m). The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-prepared five-year-old hadn’t been seen since finishing sixth in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa prior to Christmas, after completing a spring campaign that included placing behind Ladies Man in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m). She then headed to Melbourne for a hit-and-run mission in the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, where she finished close-up in fourth. The daughter of Tavistock came into Saturday’s contest off the back of a trial over 1100m at Tauranga, plus a stint at Ruakaka for some beach work, and stripped in good condition for her first-up assignment where punters backed her into the $2.20 favourite in the seven-horse field. Rider Michael McNab gave her the perfect trip in fourth before asking her to join issue shortly after straightening, where she quickly claimed pacemaker Klairelle and looked set for a hollow victory. To her credit, Klairelle kicked back strongly and made it a close contest in the end, however Pearl Of Alsace always had the situation in control and took the win by a head, with Cheval D’Or battling well for third. Ritchie was pleased with the effort, after commenting pre-race that he felt his charge would have to perform with credit to justify a start in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha at the end of the month. “I’m delighted as it’s always nice to win a race on Auckland Cup Day,” Ritchie said. “I felt he (McNab) was quite soft on her as when they are going over a mile first-up you don’t want too tough a run, and she should derive a lot of benefit for the Group One coming up. “She had the other one covered, but it was a great effort by that horse as well. “She has run the mile out well and we won’t do too much with her, just give her a couple of run-a-longs to keep her up to the mark. “We wanted to get the right-handed monkey off her back as she hasn’t won this way around, so it was a nice result.” The victory took the mare’s career record to seven wins and two placings from just 12 starts, with prizemoney earnings of over $291,000. Bred and raced by Pencarrow Stud’s Sir Peter Vela, Pearl Of Alsace is out of the stakes-placed Danroad mare Irion, who is also the dam of progressive Zoustar filly Zourion who took out the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) during her two-year-old season. She comes from a well sought after family, with her Super Seth half-sister selling for $700,000 from the Pencarrow Stud draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka in January. View the full article

Danica Guy’s talented three-year-old Lupo Solitario (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) has been sold to Hong Kong. A son of Satono Aladdin, Lupo Solitario announced himself with a bold winning performance on debut in August 2023, attracting extensive buyer interest. His ownership group, including Leighton Howl who purchased the gelding for $82,500 out of Rich Hill Stud’s draft at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, resisted the sale initially, and Lupo Solitario continued to perform among the best of this season’s three-year-old crop. “His debut run was really exciting, he was so green and he won so well. He really put his name out there with that run and he just kept improving,” Guy said. Matamata-based Guy tested Lupo Solitario twice at Group level through his six starts in New Zealand and his runner-up performance behind star three-year-old Crocetti in the Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) was one she described as his best. “His best run was probably for second in the Annie Sarten, he hit the line hard behind Crocetti,” she said. Lupo Solitario was rewarded for his consistency when defeating subsequent Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Orchestral in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and had his only finish outside of the top two when finishing eighth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), also won by the phenomenal filly. “I think he was only tripped up in his last two starts, one was a wet track, and secondly on Karaka Millions night, we were really badly let down by the track being greasy,” Guy said. “With his low, flat action and big stride, he just struggled on the ground. “But I think he’s definitely right up there as one of the best three-year-olds this season.” Following his Karaka Millions performance, Lupo Solitario was subsequently sold to a long-time client of Guy’s stable, that had previously purchased her 2015 Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Gaultier. Gaultier continued on to win a further three races in the competitive jurisdiction, while his sire Rios was later purchased and stood at Guy’s Upstage Bloodstock operation from late 2018. “I’m very excited to have sold him (Lupo Solitario) to a long-time client of the stable, who bought Gaultier off us years ago,” she said. “He will enjoy the environment up there, he’s very laid back and not much bothers him, so he should acclimatise to it all. “They have a different tempo to their races so I’m not sure how he’ll go, but I’d imagine the fast tracks up there will suit him well. I definitely think he can make the step out to the 2000m as well.” View the full article

El Vencedor and Joe Doyle return to the Ellerslie birdcage after triumphing in the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (1600m) on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) An inch perfect front running ride by Irishman Joe Doyle paved the way for outsider El Vencedor to upset the applecart in the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. Despite a consistent form-line with a win and three placings along with a last-start fourth in the Group 1 Otaki-Māori Weight For Age Classic (1600m), the five-year-old son of Shocking was overlooked by punters as he closed at +2000 on the Fixed Odds market. All the smart money was on class four-year-old mare Legarto (-500) who had taken out the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at her last start. Those investments looked well placed early in the piece as Ryan Elliot settled her beautifully in third as she stalked El Vencedor and Doyle, who set up a tidy pace in front. Approaching the home corner, it was evident that El Vencedor was travelling sweetly in his first start beyond 1600m, however Legarto had him in her sights as she switched off the rail and set out to bridge the three-length margin the leader had established with 300m to run. Despite making ground steadily, Legarto couldn’t pull back El Vencedor who kicked strongly for Doyle and powered to the line to win by half a length with Ladies Man finishing resolutely for third, albeit four lengths in arrears of the first two. 2024 Group 1 New Zealand Stakes Replay – El Vencedor Trainer Stephen Marsh, who had two races earlier taken out the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) with Velocious, was a little lost for words as he contemplated what his charge had just achieved. “Legarto is such a great mare and you never take her cheaply, but I loved the way he got to the front under a bit of pressure then got a couple of cheap sectionals,” Marsh said. “He was galloping beautifully in front and coming into the straight I saw Legarto come off the bridle just as we were starting to climb into it. “I thought geez we could be a chance here, and he kicked well and galloped nice and true which was beautiful to see. “He has got better and better with each run, and this is great for his breeders and owners Mark Freeman and David Price as they own the mare, and it is just awesome all around. “Two Group Ones in a day is just surreal.” Doyle wore a massive smile as he accepted congratulations for his performance on the brave winner. “That is just fantastic, and this is a race with a lot of history,” he said. “Stephen’s horse (El Vencedor) was so tenacious, and I’m absolutely thrilled. “We agreed before the race that the only chance we had was if we could get relaxed in front, so I let him slide forward and when we hit the rise, I let him fill his lungs and he was as tough as anything and got me home.” Freeman and Price bred the gelding from their O’Reilly mare Strictly Maternal and he is the younger brother of their Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2200m) winner Chocante, while he is also a half-brother to Hong Kong Derby winner Sky Darci. The win took his career earnings beyond the $636,000 mark with seven wins and thirteen placings from 31 starts. Runner-up Legarto also significantly boosted her career earnings with the runner-up cheque of $83,250, added to a whopping $500,000 bonus as the inaugural winner of the $650,000 summer series that was introduced this year by Entain Australia and New Zealand in association with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The series ran across four races between January and March, rewarding the series winner with a $500,000 bonus for accumulating the most points from contesting either the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 20, or $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. Having finished runner-up in the Aotearoa Classic before taking out the third leg of the series, the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa last month, Legarto went into the decider as a clear series leader with 20.5 points and her runner-up finish saw her collect the lion’s share of a much sought after prize. Horse racing news View the full article

Velocious returns to the mounting yard after claiming Group One glory under Sam Spratt in Saturday’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Superstar filly Velocious cemented herself atop the country’s two-year-old ranks with a tenacious victory in Saturday’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Velocious burst onto the juvenile scene on debut at Te Rapa in November, the daughter of Written Tycoon swiftly collecting black-type honours in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) at the following start. Her sole defeat in a dazzling five-start career came on heavy track conditions in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), a performance rectified in spades when she delivered trainer Stephen Marsh with a triumphant Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) victory. Cambridge-based Marsh, alongside syndication group Go Racing entered Saturday’s two-year-old feature hoping to repeat a slice of personal history, after the partnership claimed the Karaka Million-Sistema Stakes double with Ruud Awakening in 2013. In the hands of regular rider Sam Spratt, Velocious exploded from barrier four as a -166.67 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, settling outside the pacemaker Poetic Champion. Previously unbeaten in four starts, Captured By Love was touted as the key danger to Velocious, but the Te Akau Racing filly was forced back and three-wide early in the eight-horse affair. As Poetic Champion began to angle wider rounding the home turn, Spratt urged Velocious into the lead and she exploded clear at the 150m, an advantage too great for Archaic Smile and Captured By Love to reel in as the classy fillies scorched home to fill the minor placings. 2024 Group 1 Sistema Stakes Replay – Velocious Marsh admitted to a few nerves prior to the race and was delighted to have claimed his second-straight Sistema crown, after winning last year’s edition with Ulanova after Tokyo Tycoon was disqualified for a swab irregularity. “That feels great. She’s a great filly, a Karaka Million winner, and now she’s a Group One winner. That just tops it all off,” he said. “I was nervous coming into today, a lot more gee’d up than for the Karaka Million, but I’m just happy it’s done and dusted and she’s got it. “I was very comfortable, I thought Sam rode the horse perfectly. I told her to watch out for Poetic Champion, it could run out, and we were always going to nurse her to about the 200m, but when he started to run out, she had to push the button a bit early. “She was just a sitting duck in the last little bit, she sprinted hard and she’s got a great turn of foot. She’s probably ridden better taking a sit, but Sam rode her perfectly, for today.” Marsh had elected to give Velocious a brief freshen-up following the Karaka Millions, a comfortable trial win at Cambridge in late February proving the ideal lead-in. “You can’t run in every race, we peaked her for the Karaka Million and we wanted to give her a freshen up. She had the one quiet trial at Cambridge, that was all she needed, and today just showed that,” he said. “You just can’t beat this feeling.” Champion Kiwi-expat hoop James McDonald took the ride aboard Velocious in the Karaka Millions 2YO, and Spratt, ever the consummate professional, was thrilled to re-partner with the filly on Saturday. “That was just awesome, I’ve had a bit of luck on the horse so it was great to get across the line for them (Marsh, Go Racing),” she said. “It’s part of the game, if you’re playing rugby and Richie McCaw is in your position you’re going to be on the sideline, so I had a sneaking suspicion right from the word go that it was going to be like that (Karaka Millions). “They looked after me and put me back on now, so as I said, it’s just part and parcel.” Spratt became the first female jockey in the 21st century to win the Sistema Stakes, and it hadn’t all been smooth sailing through the running. “Poetic Champion was trying to run off a little bit, I think he (Per-Anders Graberg, jockey) was having a bit of trouble. I didn’t have much of an option, I had to kick-up, so he didn’t get too much of a length on us, otherwise it would’ve just run me off,” she said. “It panned out roughly how I wanted, but that wasn’t helping the scenario. “She just does as much as she needs to, I think if they (Archaic Smile and Captured By Love) came up, she would’ve dug again. It was a good run. “Any Group One is awesome, everyone wants one, and each is worth it.” Horse racing news View the full article

Young Werther was dominant from the front in Saturday’s $200,000 Australian Cup Prelude (1800m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Five-time Group One placegetter Young Werther earned himself another shot at the elite level with a dominant front-running performance in Saturday’s $200,000 Australian Cup Prelude (1800m) at Flemington. The New Zealand-bred son of Tavistock is well used to performing on the biggest stage, having finished second in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) and Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and third in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m), Turnbull Stakes and Champion Stakes (2000m). The six-year-old was clearly the highest-rated runner in Saturday’s field at 106, but he got in at level weights under the set weights and penalties conditions of the race. Young Werther was sent out as a $2.35 favourite and proceeded to dominate the race from the front. Rider Damian Lane urged him forward out of the gate and took up a leading position that he never looked in any danger of surrendering. Young Werther kicked hard in the straight and opened up a winning margin of two and a half lengths. “He was great today,” Lane said. “I’ve ridden this horse many times now, and this is the first time I’ve been able to win on him. In my defence, his winning strike rate isn’t great, but he’s always raced well at a high level. “He really got in well at the weights today, and I was able to take luck out of the equation and ride him like the best horse.” From 29 starts, Young Werther has now recorded four wins and 11 placings, earning more than $1.89 million in stakes. Trainer Danny O’Brien will now give Young Werther another shot at the big time in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 30. “He’s been in tremendous form since the start of spring, really,” O’Brien said. “You can’t find a bad run, and he’s run against the best all the way through his career. “His third start was in the Derby here, where he ran third, and he was beaten by a half-head in the Australian Derby at Randwick later that season. Here he is, still presenting as a six-year-old and still running really well. “A three-week gap into the Australian Cup now is perfect, and 2000m at Flemington suits him really well. We thought he was unlucky not to win the Champions Stakes over that course and distance in the spring. It would be nice to see him pick up a good Group One.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tote problems that were not fully explained as of 8:30 p.m. ET March 9 played havoc with the late races of the Tampa Bay Downs card Saturday, its most important live race day of the year.View the full article

Tote problems that were not fully explained as of 8:30 p.m. ET March 9 played havoc with the late races of the Tampa Bay Downs card Saturday, its most important live race day of the year.View the full article

Stretching out to two turns in her grade 1 debut proved no problem for the talented Sweet Azteca, who traces back to Horse of the Year and Hall of Famer Tiznow.View the full article

Mark and Nancy Stanley's Tiny Temper broke last in her graded stakes debut, but came running down the lane to catch fellow longshot Misty Veil to win the Azeri Stakes (G2) by a neck March 9 at Oaklawn Park. View the full article

Mark and Nancy Stanley's Tiny Temper broke dead last in her graded stakes debut, but came running down the lane to catch fellow long shot Misty Veil to win the Azeri Stakes (G2) by a neck March 9 at Oaklawn Park. View the full article