Wandering Eyes

Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) became just the third horse since the turn of the century to capture each of the four 2000-metre features in Hong Kong, as he outbattled fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in an epic renewal of the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse Sunday afternoon. The 6-year-old joins Vengeance of Rain (NZ) and Designs on Rome (Ire) as the only horses since 2000 to win the Derby, Gold Cup, G1 FWD QE II Cup and G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup. It was anything but easy. Making his first start since edging Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) for his second consecutive Hong Kong Cup some 77 days ago, Romantic Warrior was done no favors by Thursday's draw, leaving James McDonald to work some magic from the 11 hole with a short run to the first corner. He was alertly away and the Kiwi, who famously rode him to victory in last year's G1 Cox Plate, immediately had a look to his left to see where he might be able to slot in. When Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) rolled forward, McDonald was able to secure some cover three wide from the second flight and by the time they made the backstretch run, Romantic Warrior had eased past Voyage Bubble and into a perfect spot from third, with Sword Point (Aus) (American Pharoah) at the head of affairs. McDonald committed to an inside run around the second turn, while Zac Purton had Voyage Bubble on the back of Senor Toba (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}), ready to peel out to deliver his challenge when asked. Romantic Warrior was asked to take the gap between Money Catcher and Sword Point in upper stretch and did so willingly, but Voyage Bubble was right there and the stage was set for a thrilling climax. More or less stride for stride at the 200-metres, neither was willing to give an inch, but Romantic Warrior proved slightly tougher in the run to the wire. Nimble Nimbus (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) came from worse than midfield to snag third. McDonald has ridden Romantic Warrior in eight starts for seven wins, the only blemish a first-up fourth when prepping for the Cox Plate in the G1 Turnbull S. last October. “He's the horse that does it all,” said McDonald. “He makes you look good all the time. His tenacity (and) will to win is phenomenal. I suppose instincts kicked in and (I) went with the flow. When you ride such good horses, you can do what you want to do and even if I made a little mistake during the race, he is probably good enough to overcome it and that was probably my mindset. “I was mindful obviously that (Voyage Bubble) was having his second time at the 2000m and he (Purton) committed early – so it was a really good ride,” McDonald added. “My thinking was that I was going to be stronger late, so I just let him (Romantic Warrior) build through his gears under his own steam and he got there really easily.” Trainer Danny Shum will now prepare Romantic Warrior for a three-peat attempt in the QE II Cup Apr. 28, with a trip to Japan for the G1 Yasuda Kinen looming an increasingly likely option. Voyage Bubble holds an entry for the G1 Dubai Turf Mar. 30 and could take up that engagement. Pedigree Notes: Romantic Warrior, a 300,000gns Tattersalls October grad and the most successful horse to emerge from the Hong Kong International Sale, is one of three winners from four to the races for his dam, a daughter of the English listed-winning and Group 3-placed, G2 Prix Jean Romanet and GI E. P. Taylor S. winner Folk Opera, who was purchased by Blandford Bloodstock carrying to Exceed and Excel (Aus) for €82,000 at the 2016 Goffs November Sale. The in-utero purchase, named Melodic Charm (Ire), was sold for 85,000gns at the 2018 Tattersalls October Sale and was a two-time winner at the races for Saeed Manana and James Tate before clearly benefitting from the success of Romantic Warrior when selling to the China Horse Club for 270,000gns in foal to Dark Angel (Ire) at last year's Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Folk Melody is also the dam of the 3-year-old colt Operation Gimcrack (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and a yearling colt by the same stallion that was bought back for 110,000gns at last year's Tattersalls October Sale. Folk Star (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), a David Simcock-trained half-sister to Folk Melody who won her maiden at Kempton Nov. 6 and was a narrowly beaten second in a Lingfield handicap Nov. 25, was knocked down to Kildaragh Stud for 37,000gns at the 2023 Tattersalls December Sale. Folk Melody is additionally the dam of a weanling colt by New Bay (GB) and the granddam of Spielman (GB) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), a maiden winner at Pau for Jean-Claude Rouget Feb. 4. “J-Mac! J-Mac! J-Mac!” #TripleCrown | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/aAVzKeKlrd — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 25, 2024 Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-25, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:00.31, gd. 1–ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE), 126, g, 6, by Acclamation (GB) 1st Dam: Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Folk Opera (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire) 3rd Dam: Skiphall (GB), by Halling (300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN). O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-T J Rooney & Corduff Stud; T-Danny Shum; J-James McDonald; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 4yo, 2x. Ch. Middle Distance Horse-HK, G1SW-Aus, 18-13-3-0, HK$127,076,084. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Voyage Bubble (Aus), 126, g, 5, Deep Field (Aus)–Raheights (Aus), by Rahy. (A$380,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate; B-Torryburn Stud (NSW); T-Ricky Yiu; J-Zac Purton; HK$2,730,000. 3–Nimble Nimbus (NZ), 126, g, 6, Sacred Falls (NZ)–Marahau (NZ), by Pins (Aus). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK-TYPE. (NZ$100,000 Ylg '19 NZBJAN). O-Jason Chan Kam Kwan; B-Waikato Stud Ltd; T-Ricky Yiu; J-Andrea Atzeni; HK$1,495,000. Margins: NK, 3, 3/4. Odds: 65-100, 3-1, 23-1. Also Ran: Straight Arron (Aus), Five G Patch (Ire), Beauty Joy (Aus), Encountered (Ire), Senor Toba (Aus), Sword Point (Aus), Champion Dragon (Ire), Money Catcher (NZ). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. The post Romantic Warrior Strikes ‘Gold’ In Epic Clash Of Derby Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler moves to within 12 wins of current leader Pierre Ng Pang-chi after Call Me Glorious and Universal Horizon leave him shocked at Sha TinView the full article

Italian rider shines with impressive wins aboard Super Sunny Sing and Champion InstinctView the full article

Superstar galloper conquers Hong Kong’s quartet of 2,000m majors with fighting Group One win at Sha TinView the full article

What Nowra Races Where Shoalhaven City Turf Club – 96 Albatross Rd, South Nowra NSW 2541 When Monday, February 26, 2024 First Race 1:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble The new week of racing is set to get underway at Nowra on Monday afternoon, with a quick-fire seven-race program awaiting punters. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and although the surface is rated a Heavy 10 at the time of writing, readers should anticipate an upgrade prior to the opening race in the Soft range. The first race is scheduled for 1:40pm local time. Best Bet at Nowra: O’so Demanding O’so Demanding makes her return to the track after a lengthy 311-day spell and looks prepared for a first-up assault. The Bjorn Baker-trained filly was cruising through the wire at her most recent barrier trial at Rosehill on February 5 and did it nicely under a quiet ride by Jason Collett. The stable look to have target a relatively easy kill for the three-year-old on resumption, and provided O’so Demanding can bring her trial form to race-day, this girl will be storming over the top of her respective rivals. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 O’so Demanding (5) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Robbie Downey (57.5kg) +115 with Picklebet Next Best at Nowra: Kenichi Kenichi was no match for Fay’s Angel in Highway company at Randwick on February 17, but was far from disgraced by the 3.4-length margin. The son of Maurice whacked away gallantly in behind and should find this country Class 2 a much more achievable winning target. He was a winner three starts back at Wagga on January 16 on a genuine Soft track, and with similar conditions lined-up for Monday afternoon, Kenichi should be right in this contest when the whips are cracking. Next Best Race 5 – #3 Kenichi (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Danielle Seib | J: Shaun Guymer (58kg) +210 with Dabble Best Value at Nowra: Geostorm Geostorm finished last of six runners last start at Canterbury on February 9, but it is worth forgiving that effort as he steps back into BM58 company. You only need to reference his effort two starts back at Queanbeyan when he attempted to make every post a winner on January 23, caught in the shadows of the post to go down by 1.6 lengths. Angus Villiers will be adopting similar tactics on Monday, and with Geostorm giving a good kick at the top of the straight, this guy should give a bold sight for followers in the Nowra finale. Best Value Race 7 – #1 Geostorm (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Greg Stephens | J: Angus Villiers (a1.5) (61.5kg) +1000 with Neds Monday quaddie tips for Nowra races Nowra quadrella selections Monday, February 26, 2023 5-7-9 2-3-4 1-3-4-5-6 1-2-3-4-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

A properly international Saudi Cup meeting saw the major races claimed by stables from Japan, America, Britain and Ireland. A clash with two rugby internationals will have had plenty of viewers indulging in some channel-hopping, but for some of racing's most crucial workers – those on stud farms – the work can't just be put aside for an afternoon on the sofa. Such was the case for Greg and Lottie Parsons of Upperwood Farm Stud in Hertfordshire, who had a “36-hour day” on Saturday, having been up all night foaling. “It started a couple of days ago and it's just been non-stop,” says Greg Parsons, who would have had more reason than most to want to tune in to the Saudi action as he was responsible for foaling the G2 Howden Neom Turf Cup winner Spirit Dancer (GB) seven years ago for his client Sir Alex Ferguson. “I had to grab half an hour of sleep so I haven't seen the race yet but someone just sent me a clip of the finish,” Parsons told TDN on Saturday evening. “It's just been the most wonderful story really.” The previous weekend Parsons was busy foaling Spirit Dancer's dam Queen's Dream (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). She delivered a filly from the first crop of Stradivarius (Ire) exactly a week before the youngster's illustrious elder brother claimed his third Group victory and his second in the Middle East after his G2 Bahrain International Trophy win last November. Spirit Dancer was one of two sons of Frankel (GB) to have notched a Group win on Saturday, with Military Order (Ire), the full-brother to Derby hero Adayar (Ire), having held off Lord North (Ire) in the G3 Winter Derby at Southwell. Spirit Dancer's mating was the first planned by Ferguson and his then-partner in the mare, Niall McLoughlin. They bought the Gestut Fahrhof-bred Queen's Dream in 2015 when she was carrying her second foal. “She had been covered by Maxios when he bought her and she came to us then and has been here ever since,” said Parsons. “We had one or two other mares for him initially. Sir Alex has been the most fabulous client and he won't deny his horses anything. He's a real animal lover.” Queen's Dream's six subsequent foals have been bred solely by Ferguson, and they include the promising four-year-old Hampden Park (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), who won on his third start last season for Andrew Balding and was handed a rating of 90. The mare's current three-year-old, Road To Wembley (GB) (Postponed {Ire}), is trained by Richard Hughes and has made four starts to date. “I know Andrew thinks a lot of him,” Parsons said of Hampden Park, who was patriotically named by Ferguson after Scotland's national football stadium. There looks to be plenty more to come from the family, not least from Spirit Dancer himself, who is in the form of his life at the age of seven. He posted his first win at three and has won in every season since, with his first Pattern success coming in York's G3 Strensall S. last August. Parsons added, “We used to call him Diego when he was here and when I took him up to Richard Fahey's he weighed 490kg as a yearling. He was a bull of a horse. Richard has done a splendid job with him.” Queen's Dream didn't make it to the racecourse but she is entitled to have bred a good one. A daughter of the Listed winner Quetana (Ger) (Acetanenago {Ger}), her granddam is the G2 German 1,000 Guineas winner and G1 Preis der Diana runner-up Quebrada (Ire) (Devil's Bag) who was herself out of the GI Yellow Ribbon S. winner Queen To Conquer (King's Bishop). The 14-year-old Queen's Dream has a yearling colt by Masar (Ire) in the paddocks at Upperwood and she will be covered this year by Pinatubo (Ire) at Dalham Hall Stud. “She's certainly an alpha mare in a group – she's the boss – but she loves her friends and we keep her to a routine,” said Parsons, who will hopefully be getting a bit more sleep in the weeks to come. “We have 10 or 11 mares to foal this year,” he noted. “I like to try to keep the numbers sensible. I don't have anyone sitting up for me, I like to be hands-on.” The post Foals First, Celebrations Later at Spirit Dancer’s Birthplace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Kerry Petrick, born and raised in Alice Springs, is one of the leading trainers in the Northern Territory and enjoyed a successful day at Pioneer Park on Saturday. Trainer Kerry Petrick had a day out in Alice Springs on Saturday, winning three of the seven events and dead-heating for first in one other race. Petrick’s Venting ($2.20 fav) registered his third win from his past four starts by rolling 0-70 opposition over 1600m. With Paul Denton aboard, Venting (61kg) – the son of Star Witness – trailed the trio who led the five-horse field into the home straight before finding an inside passage to sink stablemate Boom Boom Sweet ($8) and Ray Viney’s Quizzle ($4.60). Venting beat the same pairing home a fortnight ago after finishing third behind Quizzle over 1400m (0-70) in late January. Phillip Crich, along with Denton, is also one of the NT’s more senior riders, but he showed his prowess by guiding Petrick’s other runners to success. Kikuyu ($6.50), a five-year-old gelding by Crowded House, ended a long drought when he skipped clear at the 800m after drawing a wide gate before downing Terry Gillett’s Tintern Power ($4.20) and Petrick’s Real Divine ($5) by 3.6 lengths over 1200m (0-58). Flash Fiorente ($14), Petrick’s four-year-old gelding by Fiorente, and Paul Gardner’s Hello Carol ($3.70), a five-year-old mare by Kaphero, shared the lead in an 1100m maiden before they had Gillett’s Macer’s Razor ($3.70) for company passing the 500m. Once dispensing with Macer’s Razor, who would finish third, at the 100m, Flash Fiorente (59kg) and Hello Carol (55kg), ridden by apprentice Dylan Stanley, went toe for toe before sharing the spoils. Petrick’s six-year-old gelding Zoutellus, the son of Zoustar, settled out in front before toppling Viney’s Strike Eagle ($4) and Kevin Lamprecht’s Daniher ($4.80) by 3.4 lengths for his first NT win over 1400m (0-64). Dick Leech celebrated when Kerioth overcame quality opposition in a 1200m open handicap. Kerioth ($5.50) produced an impressive Pioneer Sprint trial when he jumped from gate six in the seven-horse field and hit the front passing the 800m, before outclassing Gillett’s Supreme Times ($26) and Leech’s Early Crow ($5.50), fresh from his Palmerston Sprint triumph last August, by 3.2 lengths. A six-year-old grey gelding, Kerioth (54kg) was ridden a treat by Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson, but the son of Zebedee was almost scratched when he initially refused to enter the barrier. Lamprecht’s Beyond Ready ($3.70), a handy commodity from Victoria, surprised Dan Morgan’s in-form Don’t Be Dramatic after pipping the $1.40 favourite by a neck in the three-year-old event over 1200m (BM56). Don’t Be Dramatic (60.5kg) shared the early lead before fourth-placed Beyond Ready (58.5kg), a gelding by More Than Ready, hit top gear at the 400m approaching the final bend with apprentice Ianish Luximon hard at work. Beyond Ready swooped in the home straight, but at the 300m he veered to the inside, flattening Gardner’s Hey Bull ($21), who finished third, and although it was dismissed, it was no surprise to see rider Sonja Logan lodge a protest. Greg Connor’s Vitesse Breeze ($4.80) made it three wins from four consecutive 1200m starts when he put Petrick’s The Girl’s Party ($6.50) and Mark Pegus’ Nicstar ($6) to the sword by three lengths at 0-58 level. Vitesse Breeze, a six-year-old gelding by Bullet Train, missed the start before hitting the front at the 700m and from that point on, it was smooth sailing for winning jockey Denton. Horse racing news View the full article

Driver Penalties G Hunt | Wyndham 23 February; use of whip; suspended 26 February – 3 March inclusive. J Hay | Ashburton 24 February; medical clearance required. C Williamson | Wyndham 25 February; use of whip; suspended 26 February – 1 March inclusive. Trainer Penalty S & A Telfer | Waikato Bay of Plenty 23 February; incorrect gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties SASSY STAR | NZ Metropolitan 22 February; broke in running; must complete trial. BUSY CANOODLING | Waikato Bay of Plenty 23 February; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. BONEY EM | Wyndham 23 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. STYRAX | Wyndham 25 February; broke in running; must complete trial. TONY MAC | Wyndham 25 February; broke in running; must complete trial. Protest FOURTH AMENDMENT | Wyndham 23 February; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 19-25 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Dog Penalty OPAWA KENT | Christchurch 23 February; marring (3rd offence); stood down for 3 months and must complete 2 trials. The post 19-25 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Te Akau Racing’s elite females continued on their winning way at Caulfield on Saturday and the trend could continue on to next week with one of the stable’s star fillies to race in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. Just a week after Imperatriz scored another famous Group One win in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, six-year-old mare Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) scored narrowly in the Gr.2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) over the likes of Melbourne Cup winners Vow And Declare and Gold Trip. Trainer Mark Walker confirmed on Saturday that Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) had arrived in Melbourne to attempt to make it back-to-back Australian Guineas wins for Kiwi fillies following the success of Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) last year. “She won a Group One in New Zealand, so we thought we’d give her a crack here,” he said. “She’s a winner. She’s got a good record and Flemington will suit her as well.” Walker conceded last year’s winner was racing better when she tackled the Guineas. “I think Legarto had better form, but she deserves her chance,” he said. Quintessa has won four of her seven starts in New Zealand. As Flemington’s Guineas meeting clashes with the Gr.1 TAB New Zealand Derby (2400m), Opie Bosson will stay in New Zealand, with Michael Dee getting the call-up on the $21 chance. “Coming across as a Group One winner says enough, horses have been coming across the last 24 months and winning a lot of races,” Te Akau Racing’s assistant trainer Ben Gleeson said of the New Zealand horses. “The three-year-old form in New Zealand is very strong this year, so that stacks up, and she ran in an open-aged Group One last start with (fellow three-year-old) Crocetti and they ran second and fourth. “Out to a mile, she is one of the nicer progressive horses coming out of New Zealand … so we will see how she measures up.” Gleeson saw her in New Zealand before she had her first start and said she’s the best-looking Shamus Award he’s seen. “She’s quite well balanced and she was strong and nuggetty then, but with the time between, she’s trimmed up and looks a lot more athletic now, but she is a classy, good-looking mover,” Gleeson said. Plans post the Guineas are still to be determined, but Gleeson said it is expected Quintessa will return to New Zealand and being out of a High Chaparral mare, could further excel over more distance. Racing NSW confirmed on Wednesday that due to a clerical error, late nominations for Quintessa as well as stablemates Campionessa and Certainly had been approved for the Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 13. View the full article

With Singapore Turf Club’s impending closure, there a more people exiting than entering the racing jurisdiction, but New Zealand-based jockey Darren Danis will be one of the few going against the tide. Danis will make a dream come true in the coming months when he heads back to his homeland to take up a riding contract at the Singapore Turf Club, the place where he began his riding career. The son of former jockey Luke Danis, Darren first got hooked on racing when he went to help at his father’s barn when he left high school in Malaysia, and subsequently headed to Singapore to commence his riding journey. “Dad used to be a jockey and was a champion apprentice for two years in a row in MRA (Malaysian Racing Association),” Danis said. “I started helping him out and then I moved to Singapore to do my apprenticeship. That is where I started to get more into racing at the Singapore Turf Club with Brian Dean.” Following his mandatory two-year military service, Danis returned to Dean, but it soon became apparent that he needed to head offshore to further his career as a jockey and the decision was made to move to New Zealand. Fast-forward nearly a decade and Danis has established himself in New Zealand’s senior jockey ranks and earlier this season recorded his first Group victory and brought up his 100th career win aboard the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Star Of Justice in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton. Danis always held ambitions of returning to Singapore and securing a license with the Singapore Turf Club, and with its looming closure, there wasn’t a better time than now to bring those plans to fruition. “I always wanted to ride back home but I didn’t think it would be this soon, with the shock move of Singapore (Turf Club) announcing they are closing down in October,” Danis said. “I reached that target of getting a Group winner and 100 wins at the same time. After that it has been quite slow, hence the decision to try and make a change. It fell into place with Singapore closing down, so I thought a change might give a boost to my career and give me more exposure and experiences.” While granted a license for the remainder of the Singapore season, Danis won’t be heading to the racing jurisdiction until April. “I am going back on April 18. I was going to go back and start riding straight away in May, but Mum’s birthday is on April 22, so I thought I better go back for that,” he said. “It falls into place well. I think there are a few (Singapore) Group Ones while I am there, including the Kranji Mile in May, and the Singapore Derby and Lion City Cup in July. Just looking at the calendar, there are a couple of races I would love to see myself winning. “It has been 10 years since I last rode at the Singapore Turf Club and just winning a race back home would be quite insane.” While looking forward to riding in his homeland, Danis said he is more excited about getting to spend a couple of months with his family, something he has sorely missed over the last decade. “It will just be great being back home with family,” he said. “I have missed out on a lot with my family. My niece is two-years-old and I have only seen her once. It has been a long time and I am looking forward to seeing everyone. “It’s not just a couple of weeks either this time, I will be working there and doing what I love. I don’t think a lot of my family apart from my Mum, Dad and my siblings have seen me race, so it will be quite nice to ride in front of them.” While he was born and raised in Singapore, Danis said New Zealand is now home, and he is looking forward to returning to Cambridge to continue his riding career following his Singapore sojourn. “I don’t know when I will be coming back, but I am coming back. New Zealand is my home now,” Danis said. “The trainers here in Cambridge have been so supportive after my move following finishing my apprenticeship. The friends that I have are all in Cambridge and the Waikato area, and Hayley Hassman, my partner, and her mum are very supportive. I have a great support network over here.” View the full article

Up-and-coming stayer The Underbelly (NZ) (The Bold One) continued his rapid rise with a dominant front-running performance in Saturday’s New World Otaki New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m) at Otaki, booking himself a ticket to a time-honoured feature at Trentham next month. The Robbie Patterson-trained five-year-old has now won seven of his 14 career starts, and he has been unbeaten and increasingly impressive in his last four appearances dating back to a 2100m Rating 75 at Otaki on Boxing Day. He later won a 2200m Rating 75 on Telegraph Day at Trentham, then added a 2060m Rating 79 handicap at Wanganui on February 9. Saturday marked a first step into open company for The Underbelly, and he showed that he was well and truly up to the task. Ridden by Craig Grylls, The Underbelly went forward and took the lead within the first 100m of Saturday’s $50,000 race, and that was where he remained. With no pressure from any of his six rivals, The Underbelly had an easy time in front and was able to dictate terms all the way. Grylls began to up the ante coming up to the home turn, and the chasers were unable to match The Underbelly’s acceleration. The $2.30 favourite increased his advantage with big, powerful strides down the Otaki straight, charging past the finish line four lengths in front of runner-up Mark Twain. “He just keeps improving, which is promising,” Grylls said. “In all fairness, I got it pretty cheap and was left alone with a soft lead. We just quickened up from about the 500m, and he kept getting quicker and quicker. “I don’t think he’ll have any problem going further than this, and in higher-pressure races as well. He just keeps improving and relaxes really well in his races.” One of 26 winners from just 56 runners for Grangewilliam Stud stallion The Bold One, The Underbelly is bred and raced by Eddie and Nicole Bourke and Alan Piercy. He has so far earned $144,320, with Patterson now eyeing the $90,000 New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham on March 16. “They gave the race to him today, and you can’t do that with a horse of his ability,” Patterson said. “And especially when he’s carrying only 55kg. He’s a big, strong horse. “But he was impressive. He’s a proper horse. We’ll probably go to the St Leger and then put him aside, and I’ll be really looking forward to a great six-year-old season with him. “Every time he goes out, he seems to get better. We’ll get him home tonight, at 11 o’clock or whatever, and he’ll lick the bowl. He’ll work again on Monday and he won’t care.” View the full article

A patient ride by Jonathan Riddell was the key to a much improved performance from talented galloper Solidify (NZ) (Redwood) as he returned to winning form in the opening event at Otaki on Saturday, the Cavallo Farm Chris Rutten Bloodstock 3YO (1600m). Riddell, who was having his first ride on the son of Redwood with regular pilot Ryan Elliot unavailable on the day, sat back in the five-horse field before looming into contention approaching the home corner. The Team Rogerson-prepared galloper moved clear of his rivals halfway down the straight and went to the line under a hold to defeat the late finishing Bozo by a length with pacemaker Danjuro fighting on well for third. Riddell was happy with the way the race unfolded around him and the way his mount finished off proceedings. “The speed seemed genuine enough and I was able to get off the fence and into the perfect spot,” Riddell said. “He did it all himself and it was a fairly easy win. “His form is pretty good and I was lucky enough to pick up ride which I appreciate.” Solidify holds a nomination for the Gr.1 TAB New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie next Saturday and Riddell felt the horse had the ability to be a contender in the race at the distance. “He has the right trainer to do it and anything is possible with Rogie,” he said. “I’ve only had one go on him but it seems to me why not have a go (at the Derby).” Rogerson confirmed that as long as the horse recovered well he would take his place in the Derby field. Rogerson purchased Solidify for $140,000 from the Westbury Stud draft during the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, with stud proprietor Gerry Harvey remaining in the ownership group. Out of the Redoute’s Choice mare The Warrior Woman, who is a sister to outstanding racemare Royal Descent, Solidify has now won four of his 12 starts and over $168,000 in prizemoney. He is currently rated as a $21 chance in the Fixed Odds market for the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie next Saturday, with Orchestral the current $1.40 favourite. View the full article

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It was hard to think of a more fitting victory on Saturday than when Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie) dashed home out wide to take out the Lisa Chittick Plate (1400m). The race is named in honour of the late Lisa Chittick (nee O’Sullivan), the sister of former champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan who now trains in partnership with Andrew Scott, with the pair producing the five-year-old daughter of Myboycharlie from their Matamata-based Wexford Stables operation. Carrying the well-known yellow and blue Wexford colours, Karman Line settled near the rear of the field for rider Maas Hashizume as tearaway pacemaker Impresa bowled along up to five lengths clear during the mid-stages of the contest. As race favourite Churchillian and local mare Tevere dragged the field up to Impresa approaching the home bend, Hashizume sat quietly before taking his mount wide for one run at the leaders. Just as Fashion Shoot was being hailed the winner, Karman Line loomed on her outer and with Hashizume desperately slapping her on the shoulder after losing his whip at the 100m, she thrust her head in front on the line to take the win. O’Sullivan admitted the victory held a special meaning for the family, with his father Dave on-course to witness proceedings. “We had actually thought we would start her in the Rating 75 1400m which was one race earlier, but when we looked at the prospective fields they looked quite similar on paper,” O’Sullivan said. “I did say to Scotty it would be a special win if she could get this one as I knew Dad would be on-course for the day and he would get a real kick out of it. “We just turned the page on her last start at Ellerslie in the Westbury Classic (Gr.2, 1400m) where she beat a couple home as she got back and it was very hard to make ground that day. “The race today set up nicely for her with plenty of speed on and she got to come with an uninterrupted run which she really appreciated.” O’Sullivan has lofty ambitions with the mare including a tilt at the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on 30 March in his sights. “The Breeders’ is a natural target for her as her racing pattern suggest she can get the mile,” he said. “We will take a look at the programme and assess if she needs a run before then, but firstly we will get her home, look after her and enjoy this victory.” Bred by the Little Avondale Trust, Karman Line is out of the Pierro mare World Away and is the granddaughter of American Group One winner Miss World, while her extended family also includes Gr.1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) winner Miss Finland. She was purchased by Wexford Stables for $67,500 from the Book 2 Sale at Karaka in 2020 and has now won three of her 14 starts and over $187,000 for her large group of connections. The victory brought up a winning double for the day for the O’Sullivan and Scott team after Jaffira (NZ) (Iffraaj) took out the first race on the card. View the full article

Respected racing journalist and administrator Dave Bradford passed away peacefully in Auckland on Thursday, aged 91. Having started out as a cadet reporter with the Thames Star, Bradford moved onto the Rotorua Daily Post before later becoming racing editor of the Auckland Star/8 O’Clock. A committee member of Auckland Racing Club and Matamata Racing Club, Bradford was the first editor of the New Zealand Racing Annual from early 1970s for MOA Publications. He managed Whitford agistment property Lone Oak Lodge, then established Glen Orchard Stud Matamata in partnership with ARC president and New Zealand Racing Conference chairman Arthur Hughes. Following the death of first wife Nancey in the early 1980s, he moved to Australia for two years, but returned to New Zealand and joined the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association as executive director in 1986, where he played a big part in overseas trade missions in conjunction with the likes of Labour Government Trade Minister Mike Moore. He would later join Magic Millions New Zealand. Bradford married wife Sonia in 1987 and together they formed Bradford Publishing, and resumed editorship of Racing Annual, while also racing editor of Sunday News until the mid-2000s. Retired to Havelock North in 2012, Bradford was forced by failing health to return to Auckland in late 2023 until his death last week. “Dave lived for racing and contributed at many levels, motivated by his love of the sport ahead of monetary reward,” said long-time friend and colleague Dennis Ryan. “His distinctive writing style embodied those two essential elements – entertaining and informative – as he combined his natural story-telling ability and broad experience of horses and their people. “He was a willing mentor to me and numerous others and could always be relied upon for sound advice. “Dave was always enjoyable company, whether working locally, travelling overseas or socially, and his countless friendships were testament to his warm and caring personality.” Bradford’s son Neville describes his father as someone who felt privileged to have lived and worked in the racing and breeding industry. “It was never work to Dad, racing was what he loved and the bonus was the friendships he made with so many wonderful people through his long life,” he said. “He was forever grateful for the opportunities racing gave him.” At his own request there will be no funeral, however it is hoped for an opportunity in the near future for family and friends of Dave Bradford to gather in his memory. View the full article

Undefeated champion 2-year-old filly Just F Y I has been entered to make her 3-year-old debut in the $200,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 2.View the full article

The National Football League had Taylor Swift. The Kentucky Derby (G1) could have Timberlake. View the full article

Undefeated champion 2-year-old filly Just F Y I has been entered to make her 3-year-old debut in the $200,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 2.View the full article

Undefeated champion juvenile filly MGISW Just F Y I (Justify) and GSW Dornoch (Good Magic) are both slated to make their seasonal debuts in Florida Mar. 2, the former in the GII Davona Dale S. and the latter in the GII Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream Park. Conditioner Bill Mott hopes to use South Florida as his springboard to the GI Kentucky Oaks May 3, saying, “I've gone back and forth just deciding should I have two races or one [for Just F YI]. If I put two races in here, they're going to have to be a month apart. The clock starts ticking and before you know it, these races are right on top of you.” Trainer Danny Gargan also sees the upcoming Florida race as a starting point for bigger things in May, “I just don't want [Dornoch] to go too forward. Hopefully he doesn't have to run a crazy, big, fast number or anything like that too soon. We just want to keep him maintained in what he's doing and hopefully he can be sound and be there on the first Saturday in May. Don't get me wrong, we'd like to win the Fountain of Youth but it's really not the goal.” The post Just F Y I, Dornoch to Launch Season on Fountain of Youth Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dornoch, Locked expected to make their 3-year-old debuts in the March 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) March 2 at Gulfstream Park. The tilt is a Kentucky Derby (G1) points race.View the full article

Linda’s Gift continued to thrive going long on the Southern California turf as she scored an easy victory in the $101,500 Santa Ana Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park Feb. 24.View the full article

Both horses will make their 3-year-old debuts in a race for Kentucky Derby (G1) points.View the full article

Florida-bred Octane made the most of his being shipped northward, scoring not only his first win against open company, but his first graded stakes victory in the $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3).View the full article

12th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 2-24, 3yo, 7 1/2fT, 1:27.11, fm, 5 3/4 lengths. SET (c, 3, Oscar Performance–Three Am Tour {Ire}, by Strategic Prince {GB}) broke well and was quick into stride to show the way from the fence through :24.01 and :47.31 early splits. Never under any threat as 1:10.07 flashed up, it was a race for second place once they hit the stretch as the Mark Casse trainee drew off from the field to win as easily as he pleased by 5 3/4 lengths. Stakes-placed Typhoon Fury (Mitole) had to settle for a well-beaten second. A half-brother to SP Busy Morning (War Dancer), Set is the most recent to the races for his dam, who was a winning racemare on two continents. Three Am Tour has also produced a yearling colt by Galilean. She visited both Oscar Performance and War Dancer for this spring. Sales history: $150,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber; B-Blue Chip Bloodstock, Inc. (NY); T-Mark E. Casse. “Game. SET ($16.80). Match.” – @AnnouncerPete@JaramilloJockey and Set impressively in the 12th at @GulfstreamPark. @markecasse trained this 3-year-old colt by Oscar Performance (@millridgefarm). @larrycollmus hit the Pick 4, @bernier_matt hit the Tropical Turf Pick 3! pic.twitter.com/75hjA4ZFUg — TVG (@TVG) February 24, 2024 The post Oscar Performance’s Set Runs Them Off Their Feet in Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article