Wandering Eyes

With nominations for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup closing yesterday it was confirmed that Aussie superstars Leap To Fame and two-time champion Swayzee are heading to Addington for their $1m showdown on Tuesday, November 11. Trackside presenter Brittany Graham has seen the dynamic duo in action plenty of times – so what does the now Kiwi-based Aussie make of it all? By Brittany Graham Larry and Lenny are New Zealand-bound once more – and it’s game on for all. Leap To Fame and Swayzee have dominated the Grand Circuit scene in Australasia, particularly over staying distances, in the last three seasons and the brotherly rivalry looks set for a $1m rematch on Tuesday November 11 at Addington Raceway. While some may think their addition could potentially ‘scare off’ rivals, I think it should do quite the opposite. Their toughness and racing style make them feared, and often their rivals are forced into submission. With Swayzee in the last two New Zealand Cups and Leap To Fame in this year’s Inter Dominion they were both allowed to find the lead with little resistance. With both of them in the Cup field the pressure intensifies to another level, and it’s hard to see any easing of the pace and any horse just dominating from the front. That scenario was on full display earlier this year in the A G Hunter Cup when the duo went to war in a new track record time for 2760 metres, and despite running the quinella, they only held slender margins to the likes of Republican Party and Tact Mcleod who were closing late. Add to the mix a lack of ideal lead up races for the Australian contingent with the only two Group 1 open company contests (the Len Smith Mile and Victoria Cup), alongside the travel requirements, the locals are still very much in the game. Its shaping as a trans-Tasman rivalry for the ages, and it’s anyone’s trophy to take. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk With the New Zealand Prostate Cancer’s Blue September campaign just days away, a well-known harness racing figure is urging men 45 and over to get checked. Queensland-based Kiwi racing journalist Duane Ranger was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year and will undergo surgery in September to have his prostate removed. The 61-year-old got the news after a routine visit to his GP. “It was a bit of the spur of the moment thing,” says Ranger, “I was getting my flu vaccine and I was pretty much bragging about how healthy I was.” “He asked me if there was any history of illness in the family and I mentioned that my dad has prostate cancer. He got it in his 70s and he’s 86 almost.” “The GP said ‘you need that checked’ and that’s exactly what happened.” The check was done then and there. “Straight away he said ‘this looks rough'”. After bloods tests and some scans the diagnosis was confirmed. “I wouldn’t know I have it. I’ve never been fitter and play a lot of cricket, tennis and table tennis and all that so it was a shock to find out.” “It’s been a reality check. Knowing what I know now I should have got myself checked a lot earlier.”” In September he will undergo surgery at Brisbane Royal Hospital. His recovery time post-surgery is then expected to be around eight weeks. “I am relieved that it is confined to my prostate and hasn’t spread,” says Ranger, “and I try and be positive about the outcome.” Though he concedes that is not always easy. “Generally I put on a happy front because that’s how I am but there are times at night when I’m scared.” Ranger, who admits to “being obsessed with harness racing”, has written for a number of publications and organisations on both sides of the Tasman since the mid 1980s. He headed to Queensland seven years ago where he’s a writer as well as a sports coach. His daughter Monika is one of the top junior drivers in the North Island, having recently reined home her 50th career win. Duane Ranger is going public with his own plight to encourage men to get checked. “Early detection is everything, anyone 45 or over you’ve got to get checked,” he says, “just do it.” “It can literally save your life.” HRNZ is about to run its fifth annual Blue September campaign. It is all about promoting awareness of prostate cancer and raising funds for research. A number of ambassadors will be involved in a campaign launch at Methven in Mid Canterbury on Monday. Blair Orange, Tony Cameron, brothers Matty and Nathan Williamson, Robbie Close, Sam Thornley, Jonny Cox and Rory McIlwrick are the 2025 ambassadors returning after being involved last year while there will also be three newcomers – John Dunn, Josh Dickie and Orange’s son Harrison, who’s created a huge impression in the junior ranks over the past couple of years. Money is raised every time one of the Blue September ambassadors wins a race during the month, with contributions coming from HRNZ ($100 per win), clubs and the drivers’ individual sponsors. Blair Orange was the leading fund-raiser last year with 24 wins and $8200. Last year more than $40,000 was raised in total. For anyone wanting to sponsor one of this year’s drivers they should contact Courtney@hrnz.co.nz and there will be regular updates on the campaign on the hrnz website and its social media channels. View the full article

The Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) would not be the same without the presence of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars). The Lindsay Park-trained galloper lines up in Saturday’s Group One contest over 1400m for the third time, having won in 2023 and finishing second last year. Longevity has been the key with Mr Brightside who will be aiming to notch his 20th career win from 45 starts and go beyond A$17.5 million in prize money. Mr Brightside has been the banner horse for trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes and all are in agreeance the ‘old boy’ is in good order to kick off his latest campaign. “He hasn’t put a foot wrong this prep,” Ben Hayes said. “He’s an amazing horse, he responds to work and gets better and better into his campaigns. “He runs well first up then improves. He’s shown us no signs that he’s not going to do the same thing again. “He’s just a tough, genuine horse, but it’s going to be a very good Memsie and he’ll run well with improvement to come.” Hayes said racegoers will see a different Mr Brightside to the one that is usually presented to start in Melbourne’s first Group 1 race of the new season. Mr Brightside raced further into the autumn this year with his trip to Hong Kong, and on return spent two weeks in quarantine at Spotswood before going out into the paddock at Lindsay Park’s Euroa property in north-east Victoria. “He’s got a lot better coat on him this year,” Hayes said. “Last year he was a hairy mammoth first up. There’s more of a shine this time around.” As is the Lindsay Park custom, Mr Brightside has had two jump-outs to prepare him for Saturday’s return, his most recent over 1000m. Mr Brightside was pushed out to get maximum benefit from the hit out. “He was there to have a good hit out. We didn’t want him to go to the line on the bridle,” Hayes said “He needed to have that hard hit out for fitness. He turns up race day, but he’s a lazy trackworker, it’s just him. “He doesn’t over-exert himself and that’s the reason he’s been at the top level for four years. “You are never too confident in Group 1’s but we’re happy he’ll go out there and run a competitive race as he always does.” The Lindsay Park team also has Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) engaged in Saturday’s race who is one of only three runners in the 11-horse field to have had a race this campaign. Here To Shock finished third in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 16. “It was a perfect first-up run,” Hayes said. “They walked and sprinted home the final 400 (metres). He’s got a bit of fitness on his side and deserves his opportunity.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing are building a strong record in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), and they will look to continue that at Caulfield on Saturday when Damask Rose takes her place in this year’s edition. The daughter of Savabeel had a standout season in New Zealand last term, winning three of her five starts, including the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), both under Blake Shinn. The leading Australian hoop will rekindle his association with the mare on Saturday, and the pair will be seeking the stable’s third win in the race in recent years, having won it with Probabeel in 2021 and last year with Quintessa. She has had two jumpouts prior to Saturday’s run, and trainer Mark Walker is happy with his mare’s condition ahead of her first-up run. “She appears to have come back really well,” Walker said. “She is bright and well. It just depends what the weather does a little bit, they are meant to get about eight to 10ml of rain.” Walker is wary of her opposition but said the Cockram will give him a good line on where she is at in a spring preparation geared towards the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on November 1. “It is a very good field, a lot tougher than last year when Quintessa won it,” he said. “It is a good form race heading into the spring. “Safely through this she is pencilled in to go to the Sir Rupert Clarke (Gr.1, 1400m), so it’s only going to get tougher with Group One racing next time.” Walker is also pleased with the progression of stablemate La Dorada, who is set to kick-off her spring campaign next week at The Valley in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m). It is another race that holds fond memories for the stable, having won it two years ago with their former sprinting sensation Imperatriz. “She is going to run in the Moir next Saturday, she only gets in with 50 kilos in that,” Walker said. “It is going to be a hot field, and I would much prefer it to be 1200m, but if she went to the three-year-old fillies race on the same day she has to carry 59.5kg, so we are leaning towards running in the Moir.” Back in New Zealand this weekend, the stable will be shooting for stakes glory with three-year-old gelding To Bravery Born in the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m). The son of Snitzel was victorious first-up over 1100m at Taupo a fortnight ago, and Walker is hopeful of a repeat performance. “He has had that lead-up run at Taupo, which will be helpful as it is going to be quite a testing track,” Walker said. “He is one for one at Wanganui, which is a big help if he can handle that track. “It is a bit of a step up from what he beat at Taupo, but he appears to have trained on well.” The stable will have a strong hand at Riccarton’s meeting on Saturday, with 10 runners competing on the nine-race card. Walker is particularly looking forward to seeing Cool Aza Rene and Belle Du Monde return in the NZ Horse Ambulance Winter Appeal Three-Year-Old (1000m), and Group One performer Perfect Scenario commence his preparation in the Christchurch Casino 30th SI Awards 12 September Open (1000m). “Cool Aza Rene is not very big, but she is tough, and 1000m suits her perfectly,” Walker said. “Belle Du Monde is a very nice filly down there and she was always going to be a better three-year-old. “1000m will be too sharp for Perfect Scenario, but you never know with him. If they go hard, he will be getting home strong.” Meanwhile, Walker was pleased with exciting three-year-old Hostility’s 800m trial win at Ellerslie on Thursday, and he is looking forward to seeing what the Group One performer can do over spring. “We are happy with him,” Walker said. “That was only 800m, I think his pet distance will be a mile. He will probably kick-off in the El Roca (Listed, 1200m) next Saturday at Ellerslie.” View the full article

Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougall have a great association with the Pakuranga Hunt meeting, and they are hoping that will continue on Sunday at Te Aroha. The Hawke’s Bay trainers were rapt to take out the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) with 12-year-old gelding Suliman earlier this month, and they are hoping he can make it back-to-back prestige jumps titles in the Pakuranga Hunt “Vale Lamu” Hurdle (3100m). “The wet and loose track just played into his hands down south. He has come through the race well, he is very bright,” Nelson said. “He is there and has done it before. It will be interesting to see what the new horses on the block do.” He will be joined in Sunday’s contest by stablemate Taika, who was victorious in last year’s running at Te Rapa. Taika won his opening hurdle race of the year in May but was pulled up in the Waikato Hurdle (3200m) and was unplaced in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3200m), with those performance leaving him out of the stable’s contingent that headed south for the Grand National Festival of Racing earlier this month. He lined up on the flat over 2200m at Arawa Park a fortnight ago to ready for this weekend’s assignment, but his trainers are wary that he hasn’t had a hurdle start for over a month. “We will do our best (to defend his title),” Nelson said. “He seems to be pretty good. There haven’t been any races for him for a while, that’s the trouble. “With the National coming in we didn’t want to take everything down there so we had to take what we could get.” Stablemate Nedwin is also a previous victor of the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle, but he has switched focus to the bigger fences this year and will be out to complete the Pakuranga Hunt set when he contests the Howden Insurance Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m). “It would be nice (to complete the set),” Nelson said. Nedwin finished third in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton earlier this month and Nelson believes the step back in distance will suit his 11-year-old on Sunday. “At this stage, a bit less distance might suit him, so Sunday’s race should be more up his alley,” he said. Champion jumper The Cossack will also contest the Pakuranga Hunt Cup, where he will be looking to recapture form of old, having won the race two years ago at Te Rapa. Nelson is pleased with The Cossack’s condition heading into the race but is mindful of his topweight of 72kg in the twilight of his career. “He is very bright, but it is coming to the end of his career,” he said. Maiden hurdler Skaw Valley will also head to the meeting where he will contest the opening race of the nine-race card, the Phelan Racing Maiden Hurdle (3100m). “Skaw Valley has been disappointing, but he went well for Dean Parker before we took him down south,” Nelson said. “I am hoping Dean might be able to talk to him a bit on Sunday.” View the full article

Race 4 ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES F&M MAIDEN 1200m BEABOPALULA (R Goyaram) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman reported to Stewards, although satisfied with the post-race condition of BEABOPALULA, puts the disappointing performance down to the filly being unsuited to the Heavy 8 track conditions. A Forsman advised it is his intention to continue on with the filly’s current preparation. The post Egmont Racing Club @ Hawera, Saturday 23 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Race 4 OCEAN PARK 2400m PLAYINASANDPIT (E Nicholas) – Trainer Mr. S Phelan advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, PLAYINASANDPIT has now been sent for a spell. Race 5 SUPER SETH 1500m ELLE MCFAB (L Satherley) – Trainer Mr. D Greene reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of ELLE MCFAB, and it is the intention to continue her preparation. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa, Saturday 23 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

The winners have been decided for the first HRNZ/ESNZ competition for standardbreds. Run by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ), the competition is all about recognising and rewarding the achievements of standardbreds competing in ESNZ disciplines. Points were accrued every time a standardbred, registered with ESNZ, competed between August 1 2024 and May 31, 2025. Results could be from Show Jumping and Show Hunter, Eventing, Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding, or Dressage and Para Dressage or a combination, with points allocated to the horse, not the rider. The top four are : The Winner – Kat Gardiner & Dream Major (“Vinny”) Taking top honours and the winner of $500 was Kat Gardiner and her cheeky, banana-loving gelding Dream Major, affectionately known as Vinny. Once a promising young racehorse with just two starts (and a win to his name), Vinny’s career was cut short by a knee injury. Fortunately, Kat spotted something special in him and decided to give him a new start. Since then, Vinny has flourished. From learning the ropes in dressage to tackling cross-country fences “like a duck to water,” he has proven himself to be a true all-rounder. Together, Kat and Vinny have conquered 80km endurance rides, competed in Young Dressage Horse classes, and are now working towards their first 95cm eventing start. Kat says, “He is such a willing guy. He trusts me and I trust him. He’ll give anything a go – and even switches gears to be a safe beginner’s pony for my son.” Winning this new competition is recognition not just of their results, but of the countless hours of work that go into retraining and developing a Standardbred. “It reinforces all the effort has paid off,” Kat says, “if you want to put the work in, you’ll get the rewards out. Standardbreds can do anything.” Runner-Up – Rena Johnsen & Laila Franco Rena and her fiery mare Laila Franco took second place (and $300), showcasing the grit and determination of both horse and rider. At just 14.2hh, Laila was once considered too small for a broodmare career and never made it to the races. But in endurance, her natural high energy and ground-covering stride have made her a star. Their partnership has been full of highs and lows, from dramatic moments at vet checks to the elation of completing their first 80km ride. Rena describes Laila as “naturally dramatic, but with incredible courage and a work ethic that carries us through.” This season, the pair secured top placings at Nationals and South Islands, and now Rena has her sights set on clocking up 1000 lifetime endurance kilometres. For her, the competition provided the perfect chance to “recognise Standardbreds who are already out there competing successfully against all breeds.” Third Place – LaDene Legg and Sundons Kadillac (“Kat”) Rounding out the top three and winning $200 was LaDene and her mare Sundons Kadillac, known simply as Kat. Originally considered “too hot” after a fence injury, Kat found her forever home just before lockdown in 2019. Since then, the pair have formed an extraordinary bond. “She isn’t your typical mare – she’s cheeky and full of character,” says LaDene, “we’ve been through so much together, and she’s become my rock.” Kat has excelled in dressage, placing fourth at the Bronze Novice level at Bates Dressage Nationals earlier this year, and now third in this Standardbred-only competition. Despite quirks like hating water or stealing her rider’s cider, Kat has proven her determination and versatility. For LaDene, the recognition means everything: “This gives riders something to aim for – something just for Standardbreds. I can’t wait for the day when people see them as no different to any other sport horse.” Fourth Place – Holly Field & Kingsclere (“The King”) Just over a year ago, Holly Field brought home a fresh-off-the-track Standardbred called Kingsclere, now affectionately known as The King (or Blue Hawaii in the competition ring). With only two weeks under saddle after racing, The King’s future was uncertain – but Holly quickly discovered his quiet temperament and natural flair. In their first season together, The King has impressed both in competition and at home, where he has safely carried everyone from complete beginners to Holly’s 79-year-old friend on beach rides. Their competition highlights include winning the Open class at their local club championship ride. Looking ahead, Holly hopes to combine endurance with Working Equitation and even has her sights set on the Trek for Life 2026. “I love anything that showcases this versatile breed,” Holly says, “for King to place in his first season out competing is an amazing outcome.” View the full article

Riccarton trainer David Walsh couldn’t believe his luck when he saw the fields for his home meeting on Saturday, with his trio of runners all drawing the ace marble in their respective events. “We normally get bad draws all the time, we continually draw outside, so it is amazing that all three runners have drawn barrier one,” Walsh said. “I just hope it is a good place to be.” Six-year-old gelding Toa Haka was in stellar form for Walsh last season, stringing together a series of placings and victories, and the Canterbury horseman is hoping his charge can return to that form first-up in the Stallion Tender Now Open Rating 75 (1200m). “He ran really well last season,” Walsh said. “He is a wee bit hairy, and he has got a bit of condition on, so whatever he does he will improve with the run. “The track (Soft7) should be ideal for him, he likes a bit of sting out of the ground, and he normally races pretty handy. “I do think he will go a cheeky race, especially with three kilos off his back (courtesy of apprentice jockey Jack Taplin’s claim), it makes a big difference.” Stakes targets could be in the offing for the son of Iffraaj if he performs up to expectations this spring. “If he can put a couple together, we might put him in the TAB Mile (Gr.3, 1600m),” Walsh said. “We didn’t nominate him but if he can win a couple of races we might enter him late. “He has won over 1200 and 1400m, but he indicates that he could go over a bit further. I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t go 1600m.” Stablemate Lochmara Bay will be seeking to break through for her maiden victory in the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (1400m) and will have the services of in-form jockey Opie Bosson aboard. “I have got Opie Bosson on, they tell me he is magic,” Walsh quipped. “When I nominated, there were only four other horses in the race and I thought this was mental for a $25,000 race. Te Akau didn’t have a runner, so I ran Micky Coleman, Opie’s manager, and was able to get him. “She is a nice, little mare and she has had two seconds in her last three starts, so hopefully she will get one soon.” Walsh is also upbeat about the chances of Graeme John in the Elvis An American Trilogy 5 October CHCH Rating 65 (1000m). The Per Incanto seven-year-old gelding joined Walsh’s care last month and has finished runner-up in all three of his starts on Riccarton’s synthetic track for the local horseman. Walsh has elected to drop Graeme John back to 1000m on the grass this weekend where he is hoping his charge finds better luck. “He hasn’t had a lot of luck, especially his last start where he got held up,” Walsh said. “Hopefully he will be able to relax properly. They might go a bit quick for him now that it has dried out a bit, but at least he shouldn’t be racing too keenly. “We don’t get that many 1000m races, so I thought it was a good opportunity to see how he goes. “He has had three starts for three seconds and he is running well.” Meanwhile, Walsh will be without the services of his smart filly Zelia this spring, with the daughter of Fierce Impact nursing a foot injury. “She has got a foot injury, so we are marking time with her. We have just got to see how things progress in the next few weeks,” Walsh said. Zelia was a standout for Walsh in his comeback season to training last term, winning two and runner-up in two of her five juvenile starts, including a last-start second placing in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m). “She is a very fast filly,” Walsh said. “I think she was the best two-year-old down here, but I have probably got rose-coloured glasses on. “She has shown a lot of talent and it’s a little bit frustrating not to get going now when all the good races start, but there are good races all the time, so if she doesn’t race until after Christmas then so be it. “She will never lose the ability, we have just got to make sure she is properly sound.” View the full article

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What Memsie Stakes Day Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, August 16, 2025 First Race 12:05pm AEST Visit Dabble Group 1 racing returns to Caulfield on Saturday afternoon as the Memsie Stakes (1400m) headlines a 10-race program. With plenty of rain forecast for Friday and up to 8mm on race day, the track will likely be in the Heavy range. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race of the 2025 Melbourne Spring Carnival set to jump at 12:05pm AEST. Memsie Stakes tip: Treasurethe Moment Already a three-time Group 1 winner, Treasurethe Moment returns to the same track and trip where she won arrogantly when fresh in her autumn campaign. It is a distance short of her best, but the way she exploded away from her rivals on that day suggests she is in this up to her neck. Damian Lane will need an ounce of luck from barrier one when the speed goes on, but if Treasurethe Moment is anywhere near her best on her first go at weight-for-age level, she will take some holding out in the 2025 Memsie Stakes. Memsie Stakes Race 9 – #11 Treasurethe Moment (1) 4yo Mare | T: Matt Laurie | J: Damian Lane (56.5kg) McNeil Stakes tip: Vinrock The undefeated Vinrock has not been seen since his ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) victory on April 5, but with a couple of sharp jumpouts under his belt, he looks raring to go for the new season. From barrier three, Mark Zahra will likely look to dictate proceedings, and as long as the I Am Invincible colt can handle the wet going at the first time of asking, Vinrock looks hard to gun down in the 2025 McNeil Stakes (1400m). McNeil Stakes Race 6 – #2 Vinrock (3) 3yo Colt | T: Matt Laurie | J: Mark Zahra (58kg) The Heath 1100 tip: Arkansaw Kid Arkansaw Kid caught the eye when resuming in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) and looks set to relish the wet ground second-up in The Heath 1100 (1100m). They will go pretty quickly out in front, which should counter the fact he is dropping back 100m in distance. Blake Shinn will have the son of Harry Angel settled towards the rear of the field from barrier 14, but if the pair can find the right back to follow in the straight, Arkansaw Kid will prove too hard to hold out. The Heath 1100 Race 7 – #2 Arkansaw Kid (14) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Cockram Stakes tip: Pop Award New Zealand-based jockey Matthew Cartwright will make the trip back to Caulfield to partner Pop Award, with the pair combining for five wins and a second from six runs. The five-year-old mare is clearly the most untapped horse in the field, and her win in the Regal Roller showed she is more than up to this level. Cartwright will need a touch of luck from barrier 11, but if the pair can find cover in the three-wide line, Pop Award has the finish overhaul her rivals in the 2025 Cockram Stakes. Cockram Stakes Race 8 – #10 Pop Award (11) 5yo Mare | T: Lyn Tolson & Leonie Proctor | J: Matthew Cartwright (57kg) Best Bet at Caulfield: Revelare Revelare lacked dash first-up over 1600m, but with the run under his belt and stepping up to 2000m, he looks hard to hold out with just 54kg on his back. The son of So You Think was fresh off a spell of close to six months, and he is unbeaten through two second-up efforts. Ryan Hurdle has five wins and a minor placing from seven rides on the five-year-old gelding, and as long as the pair can find cover from barrier eight, Revelare only needs to handle the wet ground to win it. Best Bet Race 4 – #14 Revelare (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Robert Hickmott | J: Ryan Hurdle (54kg) Memsie Stakes Day quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, August 30, 2025 2-4-6-12-15 2-3-10-12 1-2-3-6-9-11 4-10-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Offered midway during the single-session CTHS Canadian Premier Yearling Sale at Woodbine Race Track on Aug. 27, a colt by the late and influential Speightstown was hammered down for C$400,000 to easily rate as the dearest lot on offer during the auction. Hip 109, bred in Ontario by Mario Forgione, was consigned to the sale by Huntington Stud Farm as agent and is the third foal out of the 10-year-old Travieza (Into Mischief), upset winner of the 2018 Unzip Me Stakes and sold for $80,000 in foal to Munnings at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Trainer Mike DePaulo, agent, signed the winning ticket. Three other youngsters realized final bids in the six figures. Hip 90 is a Northern Dawn-consigned daughter of Frosted and Spani Lou (Spaniard), the dam of MSW Red River Rebel (Reload) and herself a half-sister to Canadian Horse of the Year and multiple Sovereign Award winner Lexie Lou (Sligo Bay {Ire}). Tbe gray filly fetched C$145,000 from Michael and Charmaine Langlois. Prominent North American owner Gary Barber paid C$142,000 for hip 155, a colt from the first crop of Speaker's Corner (Street Sense) and a half-brother to Sovereign Award-winning 2-year-old filly Witwatersrand (Connect). A Jan. 29 foal, the colt's second dam is MGSW & GISP Communique (Smart Strike). Hill 'n' Dale consigned. Earlier in the session, hip 47–also from the Hill 'n' Dale draft–fetched C$112,000 from Catherine Day-Phillips, agent for owner Sean Fitzhenry. A son of Canadian stalwart Silent Name (Jpn), the May 18 produce is a son of 2024 Outstanding Canadian Broodmare Platinum Steel (Eddington), the dam of champion 3-year-old colt and champion older dirt male Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman). Click here for the full results. The post Speightstown Colt Tops CTHS Canadian Premier Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

You can basically thank timing for creating a stellar edition of the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) Aug. 31 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Trainer Matt Laurie knows the challenge that awaits multiple group 1 winner Treasurethe Moment as she steps into open company for the first time in the Aug. 30 Memsie Stakes (G1) at Caulfield Racecourse.View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — It has been a bittersweet summer for trainer Miguel Clement. He has seen his horses perform at a high level during the 40-day Saratoga meet. Going into the final four days of the summer season, the 34-year-old Clement is in fourth place in the training standings with 16 wins in 70 starts. It has also been a summer of heartache Clement and his family. Christophe Clement, the patriarch and backbone of the stable, passed away in May at the age of 59. “The expectations and standards have always been very high,” Miguel Clement said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track Thursday morning. With the season and the summer beginning to fade, Clement is looking to end on a high note. After running three horses on Friday, the barn will send out three in Saturday's $500,000 GII Flower Bowl Stakes for fillies and mares ages four and up. “That would be very, very, very rewarding if that takes place,” Clement said about a win in the Flower Bowl. “But there is no certainty.” Included in that group is the 2-1 morning line favorite, La Mehana (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}), owned by LSU Stables. The 6-year-old mare romped in the GII Glens Falls Stakes on July 27, winning by 8 3/4 lengths. Before that, she took an allowance optional claiming race at Aqueduct on June 27. “She is getting better with age, which is odd,” Clement said. “As a 6-year-old, I think she is hitting her best stride. I am hoping she will make a good account of herself.” Kendrick Carmouche, who has ridden La Mehana in the past, will be on board for the Flower Bowl. Flavien Prat, her partner in the last two starts, is riding at Kentucky Downs Saturday. Clement will also be represented by Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd's Bellezza (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), who is 4-1 on the morning line and Hoolie Racing Stable LLC's In Time (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}). Bellezza finished a distant second in the Glens Falls and was third in the GI New York Stakes during the Belmont Stakes Festival at the Spa in June. Both those races were run over yielding courses. “I expect the turf on Saturday to be more to her liking,” Clement said. “She has a very good turn of foot on firm turf.” Jaime Rodriguez, who rode Bellezza to victory in the GIII Sheepshead Bay Stakes at Aqueduct in May, will be reunited with the 4-year-old filly Saturday. In Time, who will be ridden by Dylan Davis, has won two of three starts at Saratoga, but the 6-year-old mare will be making her first start in a U.S. stakes race. “I expect Dylan would have her forwardly placed,” Clement said. “Any sort of a placing would be a high coup for her.” Bauer Hopes For Better Luck in This Year's Prioress A year ago, trainer Phil Bauer had an agonizing experience in the GIII Prioress when he watched 'TDN Rising Star' Two Sharp (Twirling Candy), the 4-5 favorite, lose by a neck to Brightwork (Outwork). Fast forward to now and Bauer has another chance in the Prioress, which carries a purse of $175,000. And he has another favorite. Rigney Racing LLC's 'TDN Rising Star' Delightful Claire (Thousand Words) is the 6-5 morning line choice in Saturday's race for 3-year-old fillies. “That was a tough beat,” Bauer said at his Oklahoma Training Track barn Thursday morning, remembering last year's Prioress. “Nothing like going out on a high note and maybe a little redemption. (Delightful Claire) reminds us a lot of Two Sharp … maybe Delightful Claire has a little more length, but both fillies have a lot of ability and can get you excited.” Delightful Claire got the nod of favoritism after she romped to break her maiden by 9 1/4 lengths in her second career start. That came at Saratoga on Aug. 2. She will be cutting back a furlong on Saturday and will be ridden for the first time by Luan Machado. “Maybe I should have run her in the Test,” Bauer said, referring to the Grade I earlier in the meet. Yes, he was kidding. “She was brilliant,” he said of the maiden-breaker. “She had the perfect trip, and everything went right. She broke sharp and was able to track the speed. She just had it her own way.” Delightful Claire | Sarah Andrew In her first start, June 8 at Churchill Downs, Delightful Claire finished third. Bauer had equipped her with blinkers in that start, and he did the same in the second try. But there was a difference. “I had her closed up with a full-cup blinker and I think it was too much for her,” he said of the first start. “So, we cut them back and put some holes in it and she was able to process everything a little better.” The Wesley Ward-trained 'TDN Rising Star' Long Neck Paula (Uncle Mo), owned by Will Stroud, Mrs. John Magnier, Mrs. M.V. Magnier, Linda Shanahan and Debra O'Connor, is the 8-5 second choice and has won three of seven career starts and has been running in black-type and listed stakes races in six of her seven career starts. “I think we are ready to roll,” Bauer said. “It's a big ask, it's an ambitious spot but she has a lot of ability and those are the kind of horses that usually take care of you.” The post Saratoga Notebook Presented By NYRA: Clement Looking For Big Finish To Saratoga Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Repole Stable's Final Score romps Aug. 28 in the $175,000 With Anticipation Stakes (G3T) a day after Time to Dream scored there for the owner and trainer Todd Pletcher.View the full article

Shivananda Parbhoo, trainer of 2012 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Trinniberg, has been suspended for two years for a clenbuterol positive. View the full article

A new fixed odds feature is proving popular on hrnz.co.nz Displayed in the “Fields” section of the website, the odds are posted alongside the horse, driver and trainer information. Anyone clicking on a runner’s price will then be directed to the TAB website or app, and to the race in question. The odds go up on hrnz.co.nz as soon as the TAB has framed their market for the meeting, with the updates getting more regular the closer it gets to race time. “Harness racing is a wagering-driven sport, and punters want easy access to all the information they need in one place. By integrating fixed odds directly into the fields, we’re creating a one-stop shop for form and wagering information,” says HRNZ’s Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People have told us it’s now their go-to when they’re looking at a meeting because everything they need is right there on the HRNZ website.” View the full article

Friday, La Teste, France, post time: 15:28, PRIX MILLKOM-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 8fT Field: Kaadi (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), Selenien (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Alem (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Charengo (Ire) (Shalaa {Ire}), Grecian Destiny (Fr) (Masar {Ire}), Jenilat Bright (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Skytree (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}), Madero (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Belong Together (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Jokla (GB) (Zarak {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Improving for a step up to this mile, Kaadi registered a clear-cut win in the course-and-distance Listed Prix la Sorellina last time but carries a penalty for that. Thought good enough to run in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, Selenien was only beaten around four lengths and enjoys a class drop for confidence. [Tom Frary]. Friday, La Teste, France, post time: 16:38, PRIX OCCITANIE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, f, 9 1/2fT Field: Al Dhaby (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Dune (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Paix Des Dames (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), She's A Tease (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Ilda Rosa (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Ecology (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), Pyramide (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Miss Of Change (Fr) (King Of Change {GB}), Darkava (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Iron Bird (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Place Fontenoy (Fr) (War Command). TDN Verdict: A winner at Dax and Cholet, Al Dhaby has scope to improve being out of the Australian Group 3 winner Zargos from a top yard. Place Fontenoy sets the standard on her third in the G2 German 1,000 Guineas and may only need to reproduce that to win. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Deauville, France, post time: 17:52, LUCIEN BARRIERE GRAND PRIX DE DEAUVILLE-G2, €183,000, 3yo/up, 12 1/2fT Field: Sibayan (Fr) (Blame), Casapueblo (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}), Marquisat (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), New Ground (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Juddmonte's G1 Derby fourth and G1 Grand Prix de Paris third New Ground receives a significant weight allowance from his elders and bids for a pattern-race breakthrough in this ideal spot. Uther was adrift of New Ground in the latter contest and has since finished behind Marquisat in this month's G3 Prix de Reux. Marquisat is accompanied by stablemate Casapueblo, with both representing the Andre Fabre stable seeking a record-extending 11th edition. Last month's G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil victor Sibayan is best of the older brigade, while Sunway has failed to win in 11 starts since annexing 2023's G1 Criterium International. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Sandown, post time: 14:25, THE BETMGM ATALANTA STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 8fT Field: Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Bright Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Fair Point (GB) (Farhh {GB}), Lady Of Spain (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Molten Rock (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Skellet (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Alobayyah (GB) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), American Gal (GB) (Kameko), Betty Clover (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Blue Bolt (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Cajole (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). TDN Verdict: Three and four-year-olds have dominated in recent times and it is the former category that is favoured in the early betting, with Juddmonte's progressive Blue Bolt heading the list. She has more to do than when beating Cajole in the course-and-distance Listed Distaff last month, with that rival's stablemate Spiritual showing her class in the G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes in June. Interestingly, William Haggas has opted to pitch the Yarmouth novice winner Alobayyah straight into a Pattern race despite not having been seen this season and that has to be read as a statement of her talent. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Deauville, France, post time: 18:27, BARRIERE PRIX QUINCEY-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Volterra (Ire) (Farhh {GB}), Apax (Fr) (Guignol {Ger}), Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Contentious Soul (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Vertbois (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Cicero's Gift (GB) (Muhaarar (GB), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), My Cloud (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Dark Trooper (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), No Lunch (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Dreamliner (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Tito Mo Cen (Ire) (Uncle Mo). TDN Verdict: Victorious Forever's My Cloud was trespassing in handicap company when extending his winning sequence to four in June's Royal Hunt Cup and will be favoured to register with a benchmark triumph in this belated black-type bow. With weight-for-age concessions on their side, sophomores Dreamliner and Tito Mo Cen rate as obvious dangers in a competitive renewal. Last term's G2 German 2000 Guineas hero Devil's Point boasts a high-quality palmares and comes back off a 419-day sabbatical. With underfoot conditions in his favour and Christophe Soumillon in the plate, the lightly raced 2023 G1 Futurity Trophy runner-up is a contender of note. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Deauville, France, post time: 19:02, BARRIERE PRIX DE MEAUTRY-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Ten Horns (Fr) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Megarry (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}), Lesslepasser (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Balmoral Lady (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Rosy Affair (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Cacofonix (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Daylight (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Yann Barberot nominee Cacofonix finished just ahead of Daylight in both G1 Prix Jean Prat and this month's Listed Prix Moonlight Cloud and both are evenly matched at the head of the home defence. Balmoral Lady, who enjoys the benefit of Christophe Soumillon's ringcraft, took care of subsequent G1 July Cup heroine No Half Measures in May's Listed Achilles Stakes, but has been found wanting in two starts since and needs more upped to six furlongs for the first time this year. George Boughey nominee Rosy Affair is on the upgrade and merits respect coming back off a breakthrough success over this trip in last week's Listed Flying Fillies' Stakes at Pontefract. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Sandown, post time: 15:35, THE BETMGM SOLARIO STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, 7fT Field: A Bit Of Spirit (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), He's Waliim (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Humidity (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Looka (Munnings), Oceans Four (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Pacific Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Publish (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Pacific Avenue gets the vote of confidence from Charlie Appleby, having beaten the subsequently Superlative-placed stablemate Wild Desert at Newmarket in June. Juddmonte's Publish was arguably more impressive in defeat on debut than he was when winning on the second of two course-and-distance efforts and is a fascinating contender, while the Chesham winner Humidity gets the chance to atone for a disappointing run in the Vintage at Goodwood. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 15:50, 70TH PREIS DER SPARKASSEN-FINANZGRUPPE (EX SPRETI-RENNEN)-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 10fT Field: Arnis Master (Ger) (Tai Chi {Ger}), Quest The Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Petit Marin (Ger) (Flamingo Fantasy {Ger}), Atoso (Ger) (Guiliani {Ire}), New Emerald (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Daydream Express (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Diego Ventura (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Raposa (Ger) (Frankel {GB}), Royal Spirit (Ger) (Amaron {GB}). TDN Verdict: Wathnan Racing's Diego Ventura, runner-up in this month's G3 Thoroughbred Stakes, has earned prize-money in each of his seven prior black-type starts and gets an ideal opportunity to make a pattern-race breakthrough. He is one of three sophomores on display and encounters Petit Marin and Atoso, who have hit the board in recent renewals. On recent form, both are held by veteran six-time Group winner Quest The Moon, who ran third in 2021 and fourth last year. The nine-year-old also has the measure of Daydream Express and is the leading domestic hope. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:20, NEWTOWNANNER STUD IRISH EBF STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE FLAME OF TARA STAKES)-G3, €39,000, 2yo, f, 8fT Field: Cape Sounion (Ire) (No Nay Never), La Fogata (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Lookingforarainbow (Justify), Moments Of Joy (Justify), Queen Of Hawaii (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Ridersinthesky (Ger) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Sugar Island (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Having won four of the last seven renewals, Aidan O'Brien is the first port of call and he has two strong candidates. Ryan Moore has picked the course maiden winner Sugar Island over the Chesham third Moments Of Joy and that is probably all we need to know, but Joseph O'Brien may have something to say about it with the impressive Leopardstown maiden winner Queen Of Hawaii. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:52, HEIDER FAMILY STABLES ROUND TOWER STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Chicago Call (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), First Approach (Ire) (No Nay Never), Fresh Fade (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Learntodiscover (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Mission Central (Ire) (No Nay Never), Mushaffar (Fr) (Van Beethoven), Red Earth (Ire) (No Nay Never), The Publican's Son (Beau Liam), Arugam Bay (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Magny Cours (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Aidan O'Brien won this 12 months ago with Ides Of March and he bids to repeat the trick with the highly-regarded Mission Central, who took the same course-and-distance maiden earlier this month. The Listed Curragh Stakes winner Ipanema Queen is one of the most likely candidates along with Mushaffar, who also took a course-and-distance maiden and is back just a fortnight later. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 15:27, SNOW FAIRY FILLIES STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 9fT Field: Snellen (Ire) (Expert Eye {GB}), Azada (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Barnavara (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), And So To Bed (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Easy Mover (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Red Letter (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Sand Gazelle (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Spicy Margarita (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}). TDN Verdict: It is fair to say that by now connections of Red Letter would have been hoping for more than just a Listed Cairn Rouge Stakes win, but there is time for the deeply promising juvenile of 2024 to gain momentum. Up in trip here, she re-opposes Barnavara who beat her in the Listed Kooyonga Stakes in June and who is disadvantaged by a penalty having followed up in the G3 Jannah Rose Stakes. The Gosdens send over the Listed Lyric Stakes winner Sand Gazelle and she is another who undoubtedly has more to give. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Millkom Tests Sophomore Milers In France appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I love the yearling sales. There is something that just feels electric from the moment you set foot on the grounds. It's not just the horses; it's the people, the familiar faces you reconnect with, and the new friendships you strike up. It's the stories shared under the shade of a tree while you wait for your turn to look at a horse. And of course, nothing beats the thrill of the hunt, the grind and the search for The One; that special horse that stops you in your tracks. Because when that special horse steps out of his stall, it's not just something you see, it's something you feel. It's a whisper of potential that fuels one's imagination. And from that moment on a journey begins: analyzing, vetting, and preparing as you edge closer to the ring. Then comes the moment you walk up to the auction ring, butterflies in your stomach and catalog in hand. It's the kind of thrill that you can never outgrow. When the bidding starts, the world narrows to the voice of the auctioneer, the rhythm of the nods, the rising tension of the bidding battle. If you're lucky enough for that hammer to drop on your side of the bid, at that moment you're on top of the world even if you've just left your budget miles behind. And that's where the mystery for me began. Everyone in that pavilion is sharp and everyone's done their homework. Yet somehow, once that horse steps into the ring, logic seems to slip quietly out the back door. For a long time that concept baffled me until I found the answers in two concepts that live in the gentle chaos of behavioral economics. System 1 and System 2 Our brains come in two speeds. System 1 is the impulsive, emotional sprinter that reacts without a pause, all gut and instinct. System 2 is the marathon thinker, slow, deliberate, and always trying to play the long game. In the auction ring, System 1 has the home-field advantage. The pace is too quick, the stakes too high, and logic doesn't stand a chance. It's all feelings and instant reactions. System 2 is pretty much left in the dust. You're not calmly weighing pros and cons; you're feeling the pulse of the room, the tension in the air, and the auctioneer's rhythm pulling you along. All the careful logic you walked in with is waiting quietly in the back ring. Prospect Theory And that's just the start. Once your hand goes up, your brain switches from “I want to buy this horse” to “I better not lose this horse” and that is when prospect theory kicks in. This theory that earned its author a Nobel Prize in Economics tells us that people don't evaluate outcomes purely by final results; they evaluate them relative to a reference point and, crucially, that losses hurt about twice as much as gains feel good. In the auction ring, this means that once you put that first bid in and made that first emotional investment it's no longer just about the upside. It's about avoiding the sting of loss. Even if you walked in with a clear cap, if the bidding ticks past that and your hand is still in the air, you're no longer trying to win the horse. You're trying not to lose it. You've invested not just money but hope, and hope is a powerful currency. That's why you'll find yourself grinning at a winning bid that blew your ceiling wide open feeling like you just won the Derby itself. It's all part of the dance, the beautiful maddening irrationality that makes this sport what it is. Because in the end, it's not reason that pulls us back to the sales. It's that feeling. The one you get when that special horse steps out of the stall. That's not excitement. That's not instinct. That's the birth of a dream. And the magic of the yearling sales is that this dream doesn't come with a price tag. The guy spending ten thousand and the guy spending a million can both walk away believing they've found lightning in a bottle. History's proven it. I've lived it. Mine That Bird was a ninety-five-hundred-dollar yearling when he ran past Pioneerof the Nile in the Derby. That's why this place is special. Because logic may take a backseat here, but dreams get to run free. Sobhy Sonbol is the owner of Nile Bloodstock, a bloodstock and racing advisory service. He has been involved with such notable runners as American Pharoah, Pioneerof The Nile, and Vyjack. The post Letter to the Editor: From Gut to Gavel. The Beautiful Madness of Bidding appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Team Valor International and Steven Rocco's Special Wan, most recently third in the Just a Game Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course, should be among the favorites in the $2 million Ladies Turf Stakes (G3T) Aug. 30 at Kentucky Downs.View the full article

Not 24 hours removed from a victory from 'TDN Rising Star' Time to Dream in Wednesday's P. G. Johnson Stakes, FINAL SCORE (c, 2, Not This Time–Precious Dixie, by Bernardini) gave his can-do-no-wrong sire, owner Repole Stable and trainer Todd Pletcher a sweep of the meet-ending juvenile turf stakes with a pillar-to-post success in Thursday's GIII With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga. Given the presence of 'Rising Star' Capital Partner (GB) (Kingman {GB}), the long odds-on favorite, the punters took a bit of a skeptical approach to Final Score's maiden-breaker over course and distance 18 days prior, where he was allowed to dictate an extremely soft pace from the front and scampered home with plenty in reserve. It was deja vu all over again Thursday afternooon. Quickly into stride from the one hole for noted gate rider Kendrick Carmouche, the 9-1 gamble made the pace and it was Capital Partner who somewhat surprisingly prompted the pace through a quarter in :24.53 and an even half-mile in :48.63. Well held into the second turn, Final Score was shaken up just a bit at the midpoint of the bend got a right-handed reminder and opened up on them in the final furlong to take it by five to six lengths over Heeere's Johnny (Oscar Performance), second in Final Score's maiden as well. Capital Partner held on for third. Time to Dream cost the Repole braintrust some three-quarters of a million dollars at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale not far from the racetrack and, having already tasted major success with the sire's Up To the Mark, went to $600,000 for Final Score at the same event. The colt is the 55th worldwide stakes winner and 27th at the graded level for Not This Time. Sales history: $600,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0. O-Repole Stable; B-BG Stables (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Thursday, Saratoga WITH ANTICIPATION S.-GIII, $175,000, Saratoga, 8-28, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:41.75, fm. 1–FINAL SCORE, 122, c, 2, by Not This Time 1st Dam: Precious Dixie, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Princess Haya, by Street Cry (Ire) 3rd Dam: Sally Slew, by Slew City Slew 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($600,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG). O-Repole Stable; B-BG Stables (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher; J-Kendrick Carmouche. $96,250. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $171,250. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Heeere's Johnny, 118, c, 2, Oscar Performance–Dabinett, by Blame. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($100,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Magic Carpet Racing & Catherine W Coyle; B-John A Chandler (KY); T-Raymond Handal. $35,000. 3–Capital Partner (GB), 122, c, 2, Kingman (GB)–Blue Waltz (GB), by Pivotal (GB). (360,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT). 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O-Klaravich Stables Inc; B-Fittocks Stud & Arrow Farm Stud (GB); T-Chad C Brown. $21,000. Margins: 4HF, 1 1/4, NK. Odds: 9.30, 10.40, 0.65. Also Ran: Dr. Agne, Gloves Off, Strategic Risk. Scratched: Caroline St. Beat, One More Freud. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Back-to-back wins for FINAL SCORE as he wins the Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes at 9-1 under @KendrickCarmou1 for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/MIH5YYqJz9 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 28, 2025 The post Final Score Another Stakes Winner For Not This Time, Pletcher, Repole In With Anticipation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Antiquarian, a major player in the Aug. 31 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, represents generational talent for both his breeder and owner.View the full article

Trainer Miguel Clement sends out a trio of European imports, including favored La Mehana, in the $500,000 Flower Bowl Stakes (G2T) Aug. 30 at Saratoga Race Course. View the full article

Multiple graded stakes winner Spirit of Makena underwent surgery for an injury the horse sustained in his left front fetlock during the running of the Aug. 23 Pat O'Brien Stakes (G2) at Del Mar.View the full article