Wandering Eyes

For America's Best Racing, Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent owners, trainers, and jockeys as they travel the Road to the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Globetrotter Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) has exited his G2 Neom Turf Cup victory in good order and has safely returned to Dubai, where he will be prepared for Dubai World Cup night at the end of March, connections confirmed on Wednesday. Trainer Richard Fahey is targetting either the G1 Dubai Turf over 1800 metres, or the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic over 2410 metres both on turf for the gelding, who races in the colours of Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Done and Ged Mason. Said Fahey, “We flew him into Dubai for his last run [in the Jebel Hatta] and left him there and now he has flown back to Dubai. We will see how he is, but he looks well and is summering well in Dubai. He's in great form and enjoying life at the moment competing at the very highest level. “Definitely, all being well, you will see him on World Cup night.” A winner of the G3 Strensall S. last year, Spirit Dancer added the G2 Bahrain International Trophy S. in November, prior to last Saturday's Neom Turf Cup score in Riyadh. Fahey added, “I haven't decided which race yet and it will be either be the nine-furlong race or the mile and a half. I'll see how he is training and I have to make a decision soon because he has an invite, but I haven't 100% made a decision yet. “It's always been in my mind to give him a go [at a mile and a half]. I'll have to have look and see what runs in each race there and I'm afraid there is no easy race, but when they are $5m and $6m races, that's what you expect in Dubai.” The post Spirit Dancer In Good Order For Dubai World Cup Night appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Vicente Del Cid finished atop the rider standings, while Karl Broberg retained his grip on the leading trainer crown and End Zone Athletics, Inc. won another leading owner title as results from the 2023-2024 Thoroughbred season at Delta Downs mirrored last year's results at the Louisiana track. The Thoroughbred season concluded Saturday. Del Cid won his second consecutive title as leading rider with 116 wins from 438 mounts and $2,624,265 in mount earnings. The Guatemala native's first career win came at Delta Downs on Oct. 21, 2021, and he finished second in the voting for the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2022. Del Cid also won the title of leading jockey at Boyd Gaming's Evangeline Downs in 2022 and 2023 Broberg continued his dominance at Delta Downs in 2023-24, sending out 65 winners and totaling $1,353,610 in barn earnings to lead each category. It was the 13th straight time the Broberg barn has led the standings dating back to the 2011-12 season. During the 2018-19 season his horses set the current records for Thoroughbred trainers with 107 wins and earnings of $2,017,120. The End Zone Athletics of Broberg and Matt Johanson, saw 50 of its runners win and earn a total of $983,560 during the meeting to lead both categories for owners. It was the ninth consecutive title and 12th overall for End Zone. The post Del Cid, Broberg, and End Zone Athletics Repeat at Delta Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming will once again be open for year-round training, track officials announced Wednesday. Summer stall applications are due Mar. 15. “There is once again significant interest from trainers to remain based at Turfway Park for year-round training,” said Gary Palmisano, Jr., vice president of racing for Churchill Downs, Inc. “Turfway is conveniently located within a reasonable van drive to both Churchill Downs and Ellis Park. Any trainer that ships a horse from Turfway to compete at either of those two tracks, along with Colonial Downs and Presque Isle Downs, will receive a $150 credit to assist with stall expenses.” Stall applications can be found here or by contacting Peggy Pate at Peggy.Pate@turfwaypark.com. Summer stall space will run from Apr. 15 through Oct. 31. The post Turfway to Remain Open for Year-Round Training appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following the successful debut of its North Warning Distance Claiming series in 2023, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack has added three more claiming series to its 2024 meet which opens Apr. 29. Pending approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, the track's racing secretary Jerry Richards will add an additional distance series for fillies and mares and two sprint claiming series. All three series are named after some of the winningest horses to ever compete at Finger Lakes. The Unhinged Iron Distance Claiming Series is the female version of the North Warning series, while the sprint series are named the Mt. Rushmore, and the Wise Awake for fillies and mares. All three series feature two claiming legs prior to a final. Each series kicks off Aug. 5 with $5,000 claimers vying for $14,000 (added). The sprint distance will be a five-furlong dash, while the Unhinged Iron series starts out at 1 1/16 miles. The claiming price increases to $6,250 for leg two, scheduled for Labor Day, Sept. 2. Sprinters will compete at 5 1/2 furlongs with the ladies in the Unhinged Iron Distance Series racing an extra sixteenth of a mile to 1 1/8 miles. The purse money increases to $17,500 (added). All finals will be run on New York Breeders' Futurity Day, Oct. 21, and will each feature a $25,000 purse. Distances will be six furlongs for the sprinters and the Classic distance of 1 1/4 miles for the Unhinged Iron. To be eligible for the finals, horses must have run in one of the first two legs and have earned enough points to make the finals. There is no claiming in any series final. The North Warning series will return for its second year on July 1 and feature three legs and a final. The final of the North Warning, also to be run on Oct. 21, will be contested at 1 3/4 miles for a purse of $30,000. The Oct. 21 program will be one of the richest days in the 63-year history of Finger Lakes. The card will feature the $200,000 (estimated) New York Breeders Futurity, $50,000 Jack Betta Be Rite stakes and $50,000 Genesee Valley Breeders, as well as the four claiming series finals. “We see a lot of value to our horseman by running these claiming series,” said Richards, who is in his third season at Finger Lakes. “The rich final of each series gives these lower-level claimers a nice opportunity to make some good money, and we're all for that.” The post Finger Lakes Adds Three New Claiming Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising sprinter backs up smart debut win with another impressive showing at the city circuit on Wednesday nightView the full article

Arcangelo (Arrogate–Modeling, by Tapit) and Up to the Mark (Not This Time–Belle's Finale, by Ghostzapper), both Eclipse champions of 2023 now standing their first season at stud at Lane's End, have had their first mares scanned in foal. Diamondcoat (Gemologist) has been pronounced in foal to 2023 champion 3-year-old Arcangelo. The 9-year-old mare, owned by Allied Racing Stable, is a half-sister to multiple Grade I-placed Absinthe Minded (Quiet American), the dam of GI Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath (Arrogate). Campaigned by John Ebbert's Blue Rose Farm and trained by Jena Antonucci, Arcangelo won last year's GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S. He stands for $35,000. Wrapper Rule (Candy Ride {Arg}) has been pronounced in foal to 2023 champion turf male Up to the Mark. The 6-year-old mare is a three-quarter sibling to Chatalas (Gun Runner), who won the 2023 GII Chandelier S. She is owned by Bruce Gibbs, Michael and Andrea Callanan and Declan Burk. Up to the Mark, raced by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables and trained by Todd Pletcher, won the GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic S., GI Manhattan S. and GI Coolmore Turf Mile S. He was second in the GI Breeder's Cup Turf before beginning his stud career at a fee of $25,000. The post First Mares in Foal to Arcangelo and Up to the Mark appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar Farm has secured a 'Name, Image, and Likeness' deal with University of Kentucky basketball player Reed Sheppard to promote WinStar stallion Life Is Good (Into Mischief). A freshman guard for John Calipari's Wildcats, Sheppard was Mr. Kentucky Basketball in 2023 and a McDonald's All-American. Also honored as the 2022 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, Sheppard is off to a fast start for the Wildcats (20-8) this season. With March Madness on the horizon, Sheppard is averaging 12.5 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in the 2023-24 season. A native of London, KY., Sheppard is the son of Jeff and Stacey Sheppard, who both played college basketball at UK. Jeff was the Most Valuable Player of the 1998 Final Four and won two national championships. “Reed Sheppard is all about what we believe in at WinStar,” said WinStar Farm President and CEO Elliott Walden. “Being a good teammate (partner), conducting himself with humility, and giving 100% in all he does. We think he is a great fit for Life Is Good and WinStar Farm.” A four-time Grade I winner, including the 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, Life is Good is currently standing his second season at stud. He bred 192 mares in his initial season, including 70 GSW/GS producers and 25 GIW/GI producers and his first in-foal mares sold for up to $1.2 million. He stands for $85,000 S&N. The post WinStar Secures NIL Deal with UK’s Reed Sheppard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mr. Big (Dynaformer–Fashion Delight, by Fappiano) died Tuesday due to complications from laminitis. Sire of 12 black-type winners, including California-bred champions Big Fish and Ceiling Crusher, Mr. Big was 21. Mr. Big was campaigned by George Krikorian, who purchased the bay as a weanling for $220,000 at the 2003 Keeneland November sale. Krikorian then developed him into one of California's leading sires. “I'm heartbroken–Mr. Big was a very special horse,” Krikorian said. Mr. Big had stood the past two seasons at Pete and Evelyn Parrella's Legacy Ranch in Clements, California, and had just begun the 2024 covering season. “Myself, Evelyn and the entire staff at Legacy Ranch are devastated by this sudden turn of events,” Parrella said. “Mr. Big has become a major influence in the breeding industry in California. His loss is not just our loss, but a big loss for the entire state. We are honored that Mr. Krikorian had the confidence in Legacy Ranch to have Mr. Big stand here. He's going to be sorely missed.” From a racing career limited to nine starts due to injury, Mr. Big won twice at Hollywood Park. He was originally trained by John Shirreffs and later by Bob Baffert after Shirreffs relocated to New York. Under Baffert's tutelage, Mr. Big captured a 1 1/16-mile allowance event with Mike Smith aboard, crushing his competition by 8 3/4 lengths. Krikorian retired Mr. Big to his Kentucky farm in early 2010 and bred him to a few of his mares. His faith in the horse was rewarded when Mr. Big's first foal, Big Break, won for Krikorian first time out by 7 3/4 lengths at Santa Anita. Big Break went on to earn $236,699 in 42 starts over four seasons. Ceiling Crusher is the stallion's leading earning to date. The 4-year-old filly won last year's GI Cotillion S. and GIII Torrey Pines S. and, with career earnings of $938,400, sold to Katsumi Yoshida for $750,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton November sale. Mr. Big got his first graded winner when Kentucky-bred Big Score won the 2017 GIII Transylvania S. at Keeneland in Krikorian's colors. “I brought Mr. Big out to California because I thought he'd have a better chance as a stallion,” Krikorian said. “And that's what happened.” Krikorian-bred Big Fish won the 2020 Del Mar Juvenile Turf S. and was named co-champion Cal-bred 2-year-old male of 2020. Other stakes winners soon followed, including $392,420-earner Big Switch, $367,958-earner Big Sweep, $367,958-earner Big Summer, and $345,770-earner Chancery Way. “We have a lot of horses coming up by Mr. Big that have shown good potential,” Krikorian said. “Mr. Big was the special gift that kept on giving.” The post California Stallion Mr. Big Dies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A gallop at Sandown and a jump-out at Cranbourne will be the final two pieces of serious work for Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) leading into the All-Star Mile at Caulfield. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare galloped with Berkshire Shadow at Sandown on Wednesday in preparation for the $4 million race over 1600m at Caulfield on March 16. Pride Of Jenni, who was bred by Trelawney Stud, will enter the All-Star Mile with only the one run, a second-place finish to Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 10, under the belt. Jack Turnbull, an assistant trainer with Ciaron Maher Racing, said Pride Of Jenni was benefitting from a light campaign leading up to All-Star Mile. He said the first-up performance had not taken a lot out of Pride Of Jenni, but she had felt the run. “She feels all of her runs. It’s the effort she puts in,” Turnbull said. “We just thought this time around as she had a solid racing campaign last time that if we went five weeks between runs, a soft jump-out, and then went to the All-Star Mile, it would set us up to potentially go to Sydney without her being overly taxed. “If it was the other way around, three or four runs in, I’m sure it would have been OK. “The fact that we were first-up and then potentially going two weeks again, it might have been a bit too much.” Turnbull said Pride Of Jenni was structurally very sound, but physically tightens up after every run. The stable elected to give her time to get over that first run and fill back up again. “She had a few light days, a bit of swimming and she tells us when she’s ready to go because she carries on a bit,” Turnbull said. “And she was like that today, so it was perfect.” Turnbull said regular jockey Declan Bates was happy with the way Pride Of Jenni galloped. He said the mare wanted to get on with the gallop in the mid stages. “He (Bates) said late she kept getting stronger and stronger and in terms of the feel she gave him, and how she pulled up post gallop, he seemed delighted,” Turnbull said. “She’ll have a jump-out on Monday. She won’t do anything until then. “Today was more or less her solid effort and she can have a working gallop on Monday, and she’ll have a leg stretch during the week of the All-Star Mile.” View the full article

After two placings in maiden grade in New Zealand, the Lindsay Park stable went looking to purchase Grid Girl (NZ) (Time Test) for a group of loyal clients. The purchase proved a smart buy for the stable run by Ben, Will and J D Hayes after Grid Girl scored a strong win on her Australian debut at Sandown. The form surrounding Grid Girl in her two runs in New Zealand had been encouraging, and finishing behind the filly in the second of those starts was Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High). Molly Bloom went onto claim the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton, along with two other Group Two victories, the latest at Te Rapa on February 10. “We were very happy to see how the form was developing while she was here in Australia,” J D Hayes said. “We’ve got very good clients on board, and it was a very good start to her Australian career.” Ridden by Blaike McDougall, Grid Girl ($5.50) scored a half-length win in the 1400m maiden from Both Sides Now (Puissance De Lune) ($5) with the $4 favourite Grey Ice (NZ) (Reliable Man) a further 1-½ lengths away third. Hayes said he and his brothers had given Grid Girl time to settle into her new environment before commencing her preparation which ultimately may lead the filly to Adelaide for Stakes races. “When she came across, we completely reset her,” Hayes said. “She’s had a lovely introduction and build-up here in Australia and what was good about that win too, was she did a lot wrong. “In the pre-parade she got a bit hot, so there’s lots of improvement to come, which is nice, because winning in the city is hard to beat.” Hayes said he expects Grid Girl to appreciate stepping out in journey, but at this stage of the preparation the stable will not be rushing the filly to a higher grade. “We will learn case by case, but she was strong late after pulling, so I don’t think a mile will be any problem,” Hayes said. “That was good. She had a very good base with the three trials, so she was very fit, but we’ll see how she pulls-up and make some plans with her. “Hopefully we can plot a path to Adelaide.” View the full article

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr will saddle a two-pronged attack in the Australian Guineas and enter the race with the belief they have the right horses for the contest. Snow Patrol (NZ) (Contributer) and Otago (NZ) (Ocean park) have, importantly, drawn good barriers for the Group One contest over 1600m at Flemington on Saturday as Price bids for a fourth win in the Classic. Price won in successive years with Light Fantastic (2008) and Heart Of Dreams (2009) before Grunt (2018) gave his third victory and believes his duo this year have strong claims. “It’s a little bit even the race, and if there were five chances in the race, I’ve got two of them and they’ve both had good preps,” Price said. Snow Patrol showed potential in a three-start preparation in the spring but was spelled before the Group One races got into full swing. He returned to win first-up in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 10 where he just nosed out Southern Tycoon (Last Tycoon), an opponent again on Saturday. Price said Snow Patrol had had the preparation to win the Guineas despite being second-up into the race. He added the three-week gap between races was also ideal. “I think it suits the Contributor breed to have their runs spaced a little bit,” Price said. “It certainly suits him. He’s a big strong horse and that’s the feeling he gives me. “That first-up win didn’t knock him around too much, but we were able to give him a quiet week then build him up for the mile.” Otago chased home Riff Rocket (American Pharoah), King Colorado (Kingman) and Verdad (Justify) in the Gr.3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 17 and Price concedes it will be a tough task to turn the tables on that brigade who are all set to line up again on Saturday. “The problem with Otago and the form around him, the first, second and third horses that beat him home in the C S Hayes, all have good improvement in them,” Price said. “I don’t know if he can improve enough to say that he can beat them, but he’s fit and he’s well, and he’s running, and it is a horse race.” View the full article

Samantha Wynne returns victorious aboard Turf War at Riccarton last week. Photo: Race Images South Prebbleton horsewoman Samantha Wynne will head south to Wingatui on Saturday where she will be trying to claim the lion’s share of the $200,000 prizemoney on offer with Turf War. A dual license holder, Wynne both trains and rides the four-year-old gelding, with the pair securing their place in Saturday’s rich feature at Riccarton last Friday. Wynne is looking forward to chasing the southern riches this weekend and said it is great South Island trainers have the big carrot of the final to chase over summer. “It’s very exciting for the owners. We didn’t think we would get a chance like this so it will be good to give it a crack,” Wynne said. “It is great to be racing for that kind of money in the South Island, especially further south, the South Island deserves it. “He went into last week’s race with a month between runs, so hopefully he naturally takes improvement from that. The back-up is going to be the question, but he seems to have pulled up great – so far so good.” Turf War has drawn gate 13 for Saturday’s contest, but Wynne said it may not be as bad as it looks. “At first, I wasn’t that impressed (by the draw) but it will be the second-to-last race of the day and he has great gate speed, so I am not too worried about the draw.” The Irish expat has been a familiar face in the jockeys’ room over the last decade, but is now enjoying extending her role in racing to the training ranks where she has posted seven wins over the last three seasons. “I have got nine in work at the moment and I truly enjoy it,” she said. “Having no family here, and having all day to yourself, it is not that nice, so the horses fill a big void and I love it.” Wynne said she tries to not feel the pressure of both training and riding Turf War and takes plenty of confidence in the hard work she has put into the horse. “I know I leave no stone unturned at home, so I have every confidence going out on them,” she said. Wynne has a full book of rides at Wingatui on Saturday and is particularly looking forward to partnering with the Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong-trained Warning Signal in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “She is a lovely type of filly,” Wynne said. “I rode her in a trial way back and I really liked her then. I am delighted to throw my leg back over. She has great experience and has already won a couple of races, so we just need a little bit of luck.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trust In You will contest Saturday’s Vertical Logistics Nathans Memorial (2200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising stayer Trust In You will have his second look at Ellerslie on Saturday before he returns to the Auckland track seven days later for the biggest test of his career, the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m). The five-year-old gelding has been in fine form, winning three of his last eight starts, including the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers’ Championship Final (2400m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day and the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at the same track on New Year’s Day. The son of Sweynesse was then freshened before running sixth in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie earlier this month. Trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley were pleased with his fresh-up performance and believes Saturday will top him off nicely for his two-mile assignment. “It was a really good run (in the Avondale Cup),” Cooksley said. “He hadn’t raced in about seven weeks, and he only got beaten by two lengths when he came to the end of it a little bit towards the end. “He needs another run, so he will go around Saturday and he should be spot on for the Cup. Hopefully he is not too far away on Saturday, he has got a fair bit of weight (60kg) for him.” While Trust In You hasn’t been tested over further than 2400m, Cooksley doesn’t believe the 3200m of the Auckland Cup will be a concern for his charge. “I don’t think it will be, but you never know until you run it,” he said. “The way he races, he is quite a relaxed horse, he should go well in that.” Cooksley is also looking forward to lining up evergreen galloper Gino Severini in the inaugural running of the $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m), an innovation race open to horses in the care of trainers outside of the top 10 in prizemoney as at November 30, 2023. The 10-year-old gelding has been unplaced in his three starts since winning the Group 2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) last November, but Cooksley said he has shown plenty of improvement since his last run at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. “It is good prizemoney and it is great to have a runner in the race,” Cooksley said. “He has improved a lot from his last run, he had a little bit of a break, and he is very well. He has got a nice draw (2) so he should be there somewhere.” Stakes assignments could await Gino Severini following the weekend if he returns to form. “There are a couple of weight-for-age races for him, but we will just see how he comes through this one,” Cooksley said. The Byerley Park barn will also be represented by last start winner Son Of Sun. “A mile should suit him and he has a nice draw (6), so he should be there somewhere,” Cooksley said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Friday, March 1, 2024 First Race 3:05pm AEDT Visit Dabble They’re racing at Fannie Bay for the second straight Friday, with 32 horses accepting for the five-event meeting. The Top End has been drenched this week, which included 62mm on Tuesday, with further showers and thunderstorms tipped for the rest of the week. Come Friday, it should be humid with a top temperature of 32C. The rail will be in the true position and it will once again be a fast dirt surface. BEST BET: MR HAVE A CHAT This former South Australian galloper made his Darwin debut on February 9 and started as a +150 favourite before succumbing to El Magnificence over 1100m. Mr Have A Chat led for a major portion of the race and did little wrong before going down by 2.3 lengths. The six-year-old gelding drops from 0-76 to 0-64 company, and despite lumping an extra 5kg, he should prove hard to beat. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Mr Have A Chat (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Chris Nash | J: Jade Hampson (a1.5) (60.5kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: BON’S PRIDE Four-year-old gelding Bon’s Pride is flying and will be seeking his fourth straight win as he takes on Tubthumper, who returns after a stint in Queensland. A second over 1100m on Melbourne Cup Day on his NT debut was followed by a fourth over 1200m on December 1 before saluting over 1300m by 8.3 lengths on December 16, 1300m on January 13 and then 1200m on February 9. Next Best Race 1 – #2 Bon’s Pride (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Manning | J: Vanessa Arnott (61.5kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: ZOURISKY Her form does fluctuate at times, but in a very open race, Zourisky is good value at the early price of +600. The five-year-old mare was a last-start third behind Wilsons Prom over 1300m on December 8. Zourisky’s first-up form isn’t too bad, and in 10 starts for Gary Clarke her record stands at two wins and three thirds. Best Value Race 3 – #3 Zourisky (3) 5yo Mare | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (60kg) Bet with Unibet Fannie Bay quaddie tips – Friday 1/3/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Friday, March 1, 2024 1-4 1-2-3-4-5-8 1-3-5 1-2-3-4 Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2024 Australian Guineas Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, March 2, 2024 Prizemoney $1,000,000 Distance 1600m Conditions Group 1 2023 winner Legarto (9) | T: Ken & Bev Kelso | J: Michael Dee (55kg) Visit Dabble The three-year-olds take centre stage at Flemington on Saturday afternoon as a capacity field of 16 does battle in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). Some nine Group-level winners make up the field, signalling the class that has assembled for the $1 million feature. Can favourite Riff Rocket add an Australian Guineas to his VRC Derby (2500m) victory, or will their be an upset? 2024 Australian Guineas odds Coming off an impressive victory in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m), Chris Waller’s Riff Rocket opened as a +190 favourite and has since tightened into +130. Just King Colorado (+600) and Veight (+700) hold a single-figure quote with horse racing betting sites, with last-start Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) winner Snow Patrol the best of the rest at +1000. 2024 Australian Guineas speed map New Zealand-based runner The Pendragon looks to be the obvious leader in Saturday’s Group 1, with the likes of Sunsets and Verdad expected to hold a forward position. From barrier six, look for Damian Lane to lob Veight just off the speed alongside the likes of Otago and Hey Fat Cat. Race favourite Riff Rocket will be just worse than midfield, most likely in the three-wide line with cover, while King Colorado will be the one charging home late from the rear of the field. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Australian Guineas. Australian Guineas 2024 preview & form Riff Rocket is impossible to go past in the 2024 Australian Guineas. The Chris Waller-trained runner produced a slick turn of foot over 1400m when returning from his VRC Derby triumph, suggesting the 1600m second-up is perfect for this bloke. The son of American Pharoah has three wins from four goes at Flemington, with the long straight being a key factor. Craig Williams will look for a tow into the race from the 600m mark, and barring any bad luck, Riff Rocket should prove too good once again. Veight from the Tony & Calvin McEvoy barn was defeated 1.3 lengths by Mr Brightside in a weight-for-age Group 1 last start after a sharp win over 1200m at Moonee Valley, also at WFA level. The query has always been if he can see out the mile, but his runner-up effort in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) during the spring suggests he can with the right run. From barrier six, Damian Lane will likely have the son of Grunt settled in the one-one, and with a tactical advantage over the likes of Riff Rocket and King Colorado, he can pinch a break that might prove too hard to bridge. King Colorado has put in two impressive runs this autumn without winning. Despite being outsprinted by Riff Rocket in the CS Hayes Stakes, the three-year-old colt will be primed third-up. He will be trialling the favourite wherever he goes, and considering the 1600m is arguably his right distance, compared to Riff Rocket wanting further, King Colorado looks to be a touch over the odds at +600 with online bookmakers. The Pendragon will be leading this for a long time, while Snow Patrol and Otago look like they will suit 1600m down to the ground. In saying that, the Australian Guineas is Riff Rocket’s to lose. Australian Guineas 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 1 RIFF ROCKET 2 VEIGHT 3 KING COLORADO 7 THE PENDRAGON $100 betting strategy $100 win Riff Rocket (#1) @ +130 with Picklebet Horse racing tips View the full article

Prebbleton horsewoman Samantha Wynne will head south to Wingatui on Saturday where she will be trying to claim the lion’s share of the $200,000 prizemoney on offer in the ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) with Turf War (NZ) (War Decree). A dual license holder, Wynne both trains and rides the four-year-old gelding, with the pair securing their place in Saturday’s rich feature when victorious in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifying Race (1600m) at Riccarton last Friday. Wynne is looking forward to chasing the southern riches this weekend and said it is great South Island trainers have the big carrot of the final to chase over summer. “It’s very exciting for the owners. We didn’t think we would get a chance like this so it will be good to give it a crack,” Wynne said. “It is great to be racing for that kind of money in the South Island, especially further south, the South Island deserves it. “He went into last week’s race with a month between runs, so hopefully he naturally takes improvement from that. The back-up is going to be the question, but he seems to have pulled up great – so far so good.” Turf War has drawn gate 13 for Saturday’s contest, but Wynne said it may not be as bad as it looks. “At first, I wasn’t that impressed (by the draw) but it will be the second-to-last race of the day and he has great gate speed, so I am not too worried about the draw.” The Irish expat has been a familiar face in the jockeys’ room over the last decade, but is now enjoying extending her role in racing to the training ranks where she has posted seven wins over the last three seasons. “I have got nine in work at the moment and I truly enjoy it,” she said. “Having no family here, and having all day to yourself, it is not that nice, so the horses fill a big void and I love it.” Wynne said she tries to not feel the pressure of both training and riding Turf War and takes plenty of confidence in the hard work she has put into the horse. “I know I leave no stone unturned at home, so I have every confidence going out on them,” she said. Wynne has a full book of rides at Wingatui on Saturday and is particularly looking forward to partnering with the Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong-trained Warning Signal (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “She is a lovely type of filly,” Wynne said. “I rode her in a trial way back and I really liked her then. I am delighted to throw my leg back over. She has great experience and has already won a couple of races, so we just need a little bit of luck.” View the full article

The Pendragon (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) will attempt to make it back-to-back wins for the Kiwis in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. The three-year-old feature was won last year by the Ken and Bev Kelso-trained Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), and trainer Michael Moroney is keen for the NZ suffix to feature prominently in this year’s result. Formerly in the care of Moroney’s New Zealand training partner Pam Gerard, where he raced as Pendragon, the son of U S Navy Flag had won three and placed in one of his seven starts in his homeland, including the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. He capped his New Zealand career with a runner-up performance behind Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) favourite Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in last month’s $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), and Moroney is hoping his New Zealand form stands up across the Tasman. The Flemington trainer has been pleased with the way his charge has progressed since his jumpout at Werribee last week and is looking forward to him making his Australian debut this weekend. “He’s progressed well. We made the decision to get him over here earlier rather than later and give him a chance to settle in, so he’s been here around three weeks now and he’s settled into the environment really well,” Moroney said. “The jumpout was just what we planned for him, it’s worked out perfect. He did a little bit on Saturday, just by himself quietly, then he had a hit-out with Run Harry Run this morning. It was a decent hit-out, the strongest work they’ll do, and they both worked together lovely.” Moroney is hoping The Pendragon’s impeccable starting manners will be a big assist on Saturday. “He just flies the gates, probably as quick as I’ve seen for a while,” he said. “He puts himself on the speed and he keeps going, he’s a horse that can race up in the first three and he’s pretty tough. “It’s a Group One race, it’s never easy, it’s just hard to measure up the New Zealand form, but I’m pretty sure it’s pretty strong, so it’s going to make for a very interesting race.” The winner of Saturday’s contest will secure a golden ticket for the A$4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) on March 16. “If they happen to win and get a nomination for it, we will be running, we’ll be taking our chance,” Moroney said. View the full article

Promising stayer Trust In You (NZ) (Sweynesse) will have his second look at Ellerslie on Saturday before he returns to the Auckland track seven days later for the biggest test of his career, the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m). The five-year-old gelding has been in fine form, winning three of his last eight starts, including the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers’ Championship Final (2400m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day and the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at the same track on New Year’s Day. The son of Sweynesse was then freshened before running sixth in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie earlier this month. Trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley were pleased with his fresh-up performance and believe Saturday’s Vertical Logistics Nathans Memorial (2200m) will top him off nicely for his two-mile assignment. “It was a really good run (in the Avondale Cup),” Cooksley said. “He hadn’t raced in about seven weeks, and he only got beaten by two lengths when he came to the end of it a little bit towards the end. “He needs another run, so he will go around Saturday and he should be spot on for the Cup. Hopefully he is not too far away on Saturday, he has got a fair bit of weight (60kg) for him.” While Trust In You hasn’t been tested over further than 2400m, Cooksley doesn’t believe the 3200m of the Auckland Cup will be a concern for his charge. “I don’t think it will be, but you never know until you run it,” he said. “The way he races, he is quite a relaxed horse, he should go well in that.” Cooksley is also looking forward to lining up evergreen galloper Gino Severini (Fastnet Rock) in the inaugural running of the $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m), an innovation race open to horses in the care of trainers outside of the top 10 in prizemoney as at 30 November, 2023. The 10-year-old gelding has been unplaced in his three starts since winning the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) last November, but Cooksley said he has shown plenty of improvement since his last run at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. “It is good prizemoney and it is great to have a runner in the race,” Cooksley said. “He has improved a lot from his last run, he had a little bit of a break, and he is very well. He has got a nice draw (2) so he should be there somewhere.” Stakes assignments could await Gino Severini following the weekend if he returns to form. “There are a couple of weight-for-age races for him, but we will just see how he comes through this one,” Cooksley said. The Byerley Park barn will also be represented by last start winner Son Of Sun (NZ) (Tavistock) in the SkyCity Horizon 1600. “A mile should suit him and he has a nice draw (6), so he should be there somewhere,” Cooksley said. View the full article

Six years after being bought for just $8,500 from New Zealand Bloodstock’s South Island Sale, Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) has retired with more than $330,000 in prize-money to her name and is being sold as a valuable broodmare proposition in the latest fortnightly auction on gavelhouse.com. Live Drama’s high-class career spanned six seasons, winning on debut as a juvenile in May of 2019 and placing at Group Three level as a seven-year-old in November. She had a total of 35 starts for nine wins, 12 placings and $332,340 in stakes for her big group of owners. Her best wins came in the Group Three South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and Listed Great Easter Handicap (1400m), while her eight black-type placings included the Group Three Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) and Stewards’ Stakes (1200m). “She’s been a great mare and I’m really proud of what she’s achieved on the track,” trainer and part-owner Lance Robinson said. “She’s been late-scratched at the gates the last two times we’ve taken her to the races, so we just felt that she might be showing us that she’s had enough of being a racehorse. She’s been so good to us, so the syndicate decided that the best thing to do by the horse was to bring an end to that stage of her career. “She’s done a fantastic job for us and far exceeded what we were expecting when we bought her for $8,500 as a yearling.” While her most prestigious win came over 1600 metres, Robinson was particularly struck by Live Drama’s performances in the South Island’s biggest sprints. “Probably the thing that stood out to me was those performances in the big sprints at Riccarton,” he said. “She ran second in two of them (2021 Stewards’ Stakes and 2021 Pegasus Stakes), just narrowly beaten both times, and then she was fifth in the Stewards’ in November – a huge performance carrying 57.5kg and being badly buffeted all the way. I thought that was probably one of the best performances of her career. “For her to run such big races in those major sprints, while also being a Group Three winner over 1600 metres, it just shows how versatile she was.” Live Drama is by White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines, who has proven to be a prolific source of racetrack success with 81 winners including six at stakes level. That list is headed by the Group One Turnbull Stakes (2000m) hero Smokin’ Romans (NZ), along with Live Drama and the well-performed Palmetto (NZ) and Markus Aurelius (NZ). The dam of Live Drama is the three-race winner Sheeza Drama (NZ) (Pure Theatre), whose four foals to race have all been winners. She is a half-sister to the stakes-performed Stage Whisper (Rubiton), while another half-sister is the dam of stakes winner Cherry Creek (NZ) (Monashee Mountain) and granddam of Group Three winner Coulee (NZ) (Gallant Guru). More than a dozen Australian stakes winners feature further down the pedigree page. “I have no doubt that she’ll make a lovely broodmare for someone,” Robinson said. “I’m looking forward to following her career and seeing how she goes. “The syndicate that raced her, none of them are really breeders, so we thought it was fairest for the owners and best for the horse if we sold her as a broodmare. That will give her every opportunity, which is what she really deserves. “We just hope a good stud or breeder buys her now and gives her those opportunities, and I have no doubt that she’ll do a fantastic job for them, like she did for us.” Live Drama headlines the latest gavelhouse.com fortnightly auction, which is now open for bidding with the first lot closing from 7pm (NZT) on Monday. View the full article

A memorable week for Wexford Stables has the potential to get even better at Ellerslie. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott will have two runners in the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) after securing a slot for $700,000 in next year’s inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Tuesday’s auction at Karaka. “Andrew and I and brother Paul went into it together and we thought from a marketing point of view it gives our owners an opportunity that not every other stable is going to get,” O’Sullivan said. “That was the price we thought the slots would go for so it’s pretty exciting.” Meanwhile, Mosinvader (NZ) (Vadamos) and Monday Melody (Snitzel) will chase Classic honours on Saturday for O’Sullivan and Scott, who are already enjoying a fine season with 41 winners on the board to sit equal third in the premiership. While the outstanding filly Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) dominates the Derby market, Wexford are confident their colts will do the stable proud. “Gate four for Mosinvader will help his chances and the other horse should get in somewhere from 11,” O’Sullivan said. “They are both very well and while it is hard to see the filly getting beaten, the mile and a-half can change the ball game. “The best thing for us is if they run it at pace, if they crawl around then I think the filly will brain them. If it is run at a decent clip, it gives the chance to take the sprint out of her. “It does look as if she will be too good and it wouldn’t surprise us if she won by five or six, and if they do canter around she will.” Vadamos’ son Mosinvader has impressed since stepping up in trip and finished runner-up in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) before he made ground to run fifth in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). “He’s progressed well with his fitness, education and confidence and certainly gone the right way since the Avondale Guineas,” Scott said. “He gives every indication in his racing and his work that he will stay well. “We couldn’t be happier with our two charges, they are healthy and sound and have coped well with the preps. They are going in as good as they can possibly be.” Mosinvader is out of the High Chaparral mare Devil’s Melody (NZ), whose dam is a half-sister to the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Vapour Trail (NZ) (Jetball) while stablemate Monday Melody also has plenty of stamina in his pedigree. “He is from a very tough, rugged New Zealand family that gives us confidence he will also stay the strip,” Scott said. Monday Melody was sixth in the Waikato Guineas and finished midfield in the Avondale Guineas after racing wide throughout with no cover. “He lacked luck and he stayed on well considering the tough run he had. He actually ran the quickest last 200m so he was very game,” Scott said. Monday Melody is the first foal of the Frankel mare Flora De Mariposa, a daughter of the Gr.2 Counties Cup (2200m) winner Jeu De Cartes (NZ) (Stravinsky) and the second dam Prized Gem (NZ) (Prized) won the Gr.1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) and the Gr.1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m). The Prized mare also produced the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Nom Du Jeu. “The further he goes the better we think he will be. He’s a Snitzel bred to run 2000m and further and he’s looked like that all the way through,” O’Sullivan said. View the full article

Learning To Fly fought on hard to claim the Widden Stakes. The Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) for the three-year-old fillies is the second of two mouthwatering Group 1 clashes at Randwick this Saturday. The $750,000 contest has drawn a quality field of 13 runners, headed by the Annabel Neasham-trained Learning To Fly. After a sensational runner-up performance in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) a fortnight ago, she is set to jump from barrier six as a +230 favourite with online bookmakers. The Gary Portelli-trained Kimochi won the Light Fingers and has opened on the second line of betting at +550 along with Tiz Invincible, who didn’t have much luck in the same race on resumption. Makerena (+550) comes through a different form-line after taking on the boys in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) and finishing runner-up. Having won the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) last preparation, Tropical Squall (+900) is set to resume for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn, while the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman camp has sent Roll On High (+1400) to Sydney for the first time. Another notable returner in this event comes from the Godolphin stable as Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner Zardozi (+2200) gets set to kick off her autumn campaign. The Surround Stakes is race eight on the Randwick ticket and is scheduled to get underway at 4:35pm local time. Surround Stakes 2024 field 1. Tropical Squall (2) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 56kg F: x0213 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Prized Icon Dam: Squalls +750 +170 2. Zardozi (10) T: James Cummings J: Tom Marquand W: 56kg F: x1217 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) +1500 +320 3. Kimochi (7) T: Gary Portelli J: Jason Collett W: 56kg F: 1×232 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Brave Smash (JPN) Dam: Summer Fun +550 +130 4. Learning To Fly (6) T: Annabel Neasham J: Chad Schofield W: 56kg F: 2xF11 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Justify (USA) Dam: Ennis Hill +250 -153.85 5. Tiz Invincible (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: James McDonald W: 56kg F: 6×961 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Amuletum (GB) +380 -105.26 6. Kristilli (8) T: Annabel Neasham J: Zac Lloyd W: 56kg F: 34×80 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Hellbent Dam: Sognani +1500 +320 7. Tutta La Vita (3) T: Chris Waller J: Tyler Schiller W: 56kg F: x4376 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Negotiate +2500 +500 8. Makarena (13) T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes J: Tim Clark W: 56kg F: 2×112 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Snitzel Dam: Wecansay Mak +700 +160 9. Autumn Ballet (4) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Regan Bayliss W: 56kg F: 8×881 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Grisi +5000 +1000 10. Roll On High (11) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Billy Egan W: 56kg F: x1122 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Shamus Award Dam: All Highs On Me +1100 +250 11. Arctic Glamour (9) T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 56kg F: 7×561 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Frosted (USA) Dam: Fartoo Flashy +1500 +320 12. Steffi Magnetica (1) T: Bjorn Baker J: Tommy Berry W: 56kg F: 4321x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: All Too Hard Dam: Mid Summer Music +2500 +500 13. Kind Words (12) T: Kris Lees J: Sam Clipperton W: 56kg F: 9×210 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Gracious Grey +10000 +1900 Horse racing news View the full article

Fangirl was breathtaking when claiming the Group 2 Apollo Stakes. (Photo: Racing NSW) The Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) has attracted a quality 10-horse field to Randwick on Saturday, with the Chris Waller-trained Fangirl searching for back-to-back wins after dominating her rivals in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) first-up. The daughter of Sebring was runner-up in this event last year and appears primed to go one better, with online bookmakers installing her as a -142.86 favourite. Jockey James McDonald will be looking to claim his fourth consecutive win in the race, having steered home Verry Elleegant in 2021 and 2022 before saluting aboard Anamoe last year. Fangirl will meet a similar field of contenders as she did first-up, with six of her rivals attempting to turn the tables after suffering defeat in the Apollo Stakes. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Just Fine brings a differing form-line, resuming after his debut Australian campaign culminated with victory in The Metropolitan (2400m). The European import has been well-found in the market, as online betting sites have marked the son of Sea The Stars as the second-favourite at +500. You can get double-figure odds for every other runner engaged on Saturday, with Lindermann (+1000) and Atishu (+2500) offering big odds for the Chris Waller barn. Godolphin have gained the services of Tom Marquand as he returns to Australia, hopping Cascadian (+1500) for the first time and rounds out the key market hopefuls. The Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes is set to get underway at 4pm AEDT and headlines a massive 10-race program at Randwick on Saturday. Verry Elleegant Stakes 2024 field Odds correct @ 12:30pm AEDT on 28/2. 1. Think It Over (3) T: Kerry Parker J: Nash Rawiller W: 59kg F: 3×613 Age: 8YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: So You Think (NZ) Dam: Personal Service +750 +110 2. Cascadian (9) T: James Cummings J: Tom Marquand W: 59kg F: 9x7x3 Age: 9YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: New Approach (IRE) Dam: Falls of Lora (IRE) +1500 +200 3. Arapaho (8) T: Bjorn Baker J: Zac Lloyd W: 59kg F: 7x0x4 Age: 7YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Lope de Vega (IRE) Dam: Alzubra (GB) +5000 +600 4. Buckaroo (1) T: Chris Waller J: Tommy Berry W: 59kg F: 5×572 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Roheryn (IRE) +750 +110 5. Just Fine (2) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Regan Bayliss W: 59kg F: x0111 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Sea The Stars (IRE) Dam: Bint Almatar (USA) +500 -142.86 6. Navajo Peak (3) T: David Payne J: Jason Collett W: 59kg F: 4×081 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Territories (IRE) Dam: Ship Rock +5000 +600 7. Lindermann (5) T: Chris Waller J: Tim Clark W: 59kg F: 6×884 Age: 4YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Self Esteem +1000 +140 8. Athabascan (6) T: John O’Shea J: Tyler Schiller W: 59kg F: x2781 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Alzubra (GB) +20000 +2300 9. Fangirl (10) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 57kg F: 1×471 Age: 5YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Sebring Dam: Little Surfer Girl -166.67 -833.33 10. Atishu (7) T: Chris Waller J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 57kg F: 8×120 Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +2500 +320 Horse racing news View the full article

David Hayes has tweaked his runner’s gear this weekend. Star Mac will look a little different when he lines up in Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin. Trainer David Hayes has elected to apply blinkers to the four-year-old son of Heroic Valour, who sizzled in the headgear from last-to-first under jockey Karis Teetan in a 1200m barrier trial on the dirt last Thursday (February 22) at Sha Tin. “He’ll race in blinkers for the first time. He dropped the bit between the 800 and 600 metre marks in the Hong Kong Classic Mile – I’d just love him to be travelling nicely into the straight,” Hayes said. The 69-rater has raced five times for three placings in Hong Kong. The powerful closer rattled into third place behind Helios Express in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m). “The key with the blinkers is that he’s not too keen in them. It might just help him travel a bit better mid-race,” Hayes said. “He came out of his last run really well. I think the trial confirmed that – his trial last Thursday was very encouraging.” Star Mac clocked the fastest final 400m sectional time in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, stopping the watch at 23.17s under Teetan. “I thought he was the best closer in the Classic Mile and he showed at set weights that we can mix it with them. We don’t have to worry about him being a little bit out of the handicap, I think that’s only a short-term problem,” Hayes said. “The Classic Mile and the start before were both very good runs – crashing the line and learning, he’s still learning and he’s a lightly raced horse.” Karis Teetan won the Hong Kong Classic Cup – the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series – in 2015 aboard Thunder Fantasy. “Karis had a lot of options, so we made a deal. The deal was that if Karis rode him in the Classic Mile that he would stick with him right through to the Derby. It was a pretty good call by Karis to add that caveat to get him on – I think he’s pulled the right rein,” Hayes said. “He’s a young stayer in the making and we’re looking forward to the weekend.” Star Mac has worn cheek pieces the last two starts. Helios Express, Ensued, Helene Feeling, Chill Chibi, Ka Ying Generation, Speed Dragon, Chancheng Glory, Simply Maverick, Elliptical, Unbelievable, Beauty Crescent, Fallon and California Voce are entered to run in the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Awesome Fluke, Noble Pursuit, Silver King and Lean Hero are reserves one to four for the contest, respectively. The three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series concludes with the HK$26 million 147th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 24 March at Sha Tin. Teetan won the BMW Hong Kong Derby in 2022 with Romantic Warrior, while Hayes tasted success in the race with filly Elegant Fashion in 2003. Horse racing news View the full article

Riff Rocket has opened as the clear favourite for the Group 1 Australian Guineas on Saturday afternoon. (Photo: George Sal/Racing Photos) The Group 1 Australian Guineas will headline a 10-race card at Flemington on Saturday, with 17 runners — including one emergency — accepting for the feature three-year-old event. The top six runners from the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes have chosen to push onto the Guineas, with most of them expected to peak in their target race of the campaign. Another three are coming through the Group 2 Autumn Stakes, where Snow Patrol (+1300), Southport Tycoon (+1100) and Zipaway (+1800) made up the trifecta. The top three in racebook order sit on the first few lines of betting with online bookmakers, with CS Hayes Stakes winner Riff Rocket opening as a +170 favourite. After returning to the racetrack with a dominant performance at Flemington, the Chris Waller runner is expected to improve as he steps up in distance. King Colorado (+550) was sent around as the favourite in the CS Hayes after he finished second in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes first-up, but the Ciaron Maher-trained galloper couldn’t stay with Riff Rocket in the final 200m. The Tony & Calvin McEvoy stable has accepted with Veight (+650) for his third start of the preparation, coming off a strong win in the Group 2 Australia Stakes and an impressive fourth-place finish in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes. Two three-year-olds have been sent over from New Zealand to take on some of Australia’s best, with The Pendragon (+2500) and Quintessa (+1600) making the trip across the ditch. Apulia (+2500) and Sunsets (+4000) will be the only runners who go into the Guineas first-up, having run second and third, respectively, in last year’s VRC Derby last start. The 2024 Australian Guineas will be race eight on the Flemington program and is scheduled to jump at 4:15pm AEDT. Australian Guineas 2024 final field Odds as of 11:50am AEDT 28/2/24 1. Riff Rocket (9) T: Chris Waller J: Craig Williams W: 57kg F: 1×121 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: American Pharoah (USA) Dam: Missile Coda +170 -222.22 2. Veight (6) T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy J: Damian Lane W: 57kg F: 41×52 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Grunt (NZ) Dam: Neena Rock +650 +160 3. King Colorado (12) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 57kg F: 26×04 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: More Aspen +550 +130 4. Apulia (15) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Luke Currie W: 57kg F: x2148 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Fiorente (IRE) Dam: Giannarelli +2500 +500 5. Zipaway (10) T: Neville Parnham J: Steven Parnham W: 57kg F: 3×314 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Playing God Dam: Boutique +1800 +400 6. Cap Ferrat (2) T: Chris Waller J: Joshua Parr W: 57kg F: 6×237 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: C’est Beau La Vie +2200 +500 7. The Pendragon (14) T: Michael Moroney J: Jordan Childs W: 57kg F: 21110 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: U S Navy Flag (USA) Dam: Kerre (IRE) +2500 +500 8. Run Harry Run (16) T: Michael Moroney J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 57kg F: 9×111 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Maybe Markle +10000 +1900 9. Sunsets (13) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: John Allen W: 57kg F: x3142 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Waterloo Sunset +4000 +800 10. Verdad (3) T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock J: Joe McNeil W: 57kg F: 3×526 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Justify (USA) Dam: Whistle Baby +1800 +400 11. Snow Patrol (7) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Blake Shinn W: 57kg F: 1×431 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Contributer (IRE) Dam: O’Rocker +1300 +300 12. Southport Tycoon (4) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah W: 57kg F: 22×92 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Ready To Rule (USA) +1100 +250 13. Otago (5) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Ben Melham W: 57kg F: 4×11 Age: 3YO Color: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Steel Stilettos +1600 +360 14. Hey Fat Cat (1) T: Robbie Laing J: Ethan Brown W: 57kg F: 55411 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Rubick Dam: Keep de Rose (NZ) +2500 +500 15. Quintessa (8) T: Mark Walker J: Michael Dee W: 55kg F: 4122x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Shamus Award Dam: Chaquinta (NZ) +1600 +360 16. Vieste (17) T: Benjamin Smith J: Brock Ryan W: 55kg F: 3×809 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Maurice (JPN) Dam: Blazing Dragon +20000 +3400 17 (1E). Mah Ali (11) T: Benjamin Smith J: Fred Kersley W: 55kg F: 2×966 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: More Than Ready (USA) Dam: Demanding Miss +20000 +2900 Horse racing news View the full article