Wandering Eyes

396 trainers have been accepted to the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. Announced in a release from the Retired Racehorse Project, the event, a retraining competition for recently-retired racehorses and broodmares, will be held Oct. 9-12 in Lexington, KY with over $100,000 in available prize money across 10 disciplines. “We sincerely appreciate the time and dedication it takes to transition Thoroughbreds into their next careers,” said Executive Director of TCA Erin Halliwell. “We're looking forward to October where we'll see hundreds of Thoroughbreds demonstrating their new skills in many different disciplines.” The post 2024 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Welcomes 396 Trainers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit will be held at Santa Anita Park Sept. 25-26 the group announced Thursday, with satellite events at Keeneland, Saratoga, Del Mar and the 2024 Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming. The HRWS, founded in 2022, brings speakers, networking opportunities and events together from across the horse racing industry. “Our executive committee and volunteers are working hard to pull together another series of great events across the country in addition to growing the membership and tackling the other priorities identified at the 2023 Summit,” said HRWS Chair Stephanie Hronis. “We look forward to fostering opportunities to engage, elevate and invest in women to transform our sport of horse racing.” The post Horse Racing Women’s Summit Returns To Santa Anita In 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hemp Meats, a beef farm and butcher shop, is a family business now into its sixth generation. In fact, it's the oldest of its type not just in Maryland, but in the whole country. So you could say that Gary Hemp is accustomed to taking the long view. But something remarkable has just happened, really out of nowhere. “About two weeks ago,” Hemp says. “That's when I got this call from Lexington, Kentucky, which is one I don't see too often.” The voice on the other end of the line introduced itself as belonging to Steve Castagnola of Taylor Made Farm. He just wanted to draw Hemp's attention to the fact that a foal out of the Speightstown mare he had bought for only $7,000 at Keeneland a couple of winters ago had been given an entry in the GIII Holy Bull S. Hemp told Castagnola apologetically that he simply hasn't the time to keep on top of all that stuff. Though in his late 70s, he's still working hard to ensure that the Hemp Meats legacy remains as venerable for the next generation as it had been for his own. It was founded way back in 1849, so 2024 brings up its 175th anniversary. A few years ago, another family of butchers made contact: they'd done the research, hoping to prove themselves the oldest in the game, only to discover this outfit in Jefferson that had been at it even longer. For Hemp, moreover, there's also a sense of heritage about the small Thoroughbred breeding program–currently comprising six mares–that has in modern times operated alongside the one raising beef cattle. Because this originated with his father, Bill. “We bought and sold cattle down the East Coast, and used to have a trucking business too,” Hemp explains. “But we're just a small, family operation, and it got to be stressful. So the doctor said to my dad, 'Why don't you try something a little different?' Well, every so often he would go to the track, and he knew people from buying cattle that had horses, so he started out with two mares. I was the stable boy. That was back in the late '60s. And I'm still doing the same thing today.” They launched their Thoroughbred stable with the help of family friend S.O. Graham in Virginia. “He had a lot of horses,” Hemp explains. “So we got a good bloodline from him. My dad did very well. Mostly in Charles Town, but we also did Laurel, Pimlico, Penn National, Delaware. Didn't have any superstars, but he did win a couple of West Virginia Futurities. I'm still trying to catch him, as far as wins, don't know if I ever will or not. He didn't have computers, any of that. He did it all by going through the books. But he was pretty good at it, and he's the reason why I'm able to do it too.” That said, when his father died in 2003, Hemp pretty well had to start over. The old man had been down to a last mare from the original Graham line: she'd won an allowance and was all set to win another when she broke down on the final turn. So Hemp found a couple of local mares, and started to build up again. Just as his father had been indebted to Graham, so Hemp speaks warmly of succeeding Virginian breeders: O'Sullivan Farm, Cyndy and John McKee, and above all James W. Casey. “They all treated me so well,” he says. “Mr. Casey helped West Virginia racing like no person I ever knew. He was very kind: helped me out with some broodmares, really kept me going.” A few years ago, Hemp bought a mare by Speightstown at Keeneland. She produced some good types until unfortunately coming up with a huge colt, and proving unable to survive the complications. So when he looked through the catalogue for the 2021 November Sale, back at Keeneland, his shortlist of replacements included another daughter of Speightstown. Baroness Juliette had only won a maiden claimer at Prairie Meadows, but she was out of a Medaglia d'Oro half-sister to Siphonic (Brz) and had youth on her side, six years old and carrying her third foal (by Mor Spirit). “I liked that breeding on both ends,” said Hemp, who partners in his racing and breeding program with his wife, Robin. “I work on pedigrees almost every day a little bit, always trying to learn a little more, and I'd picked out about eight or 10 altogether. And actually I didn't even go down there. With this family business, you can't just leave any time. So I was watching the sale online.” “I was sure that I would get outbid on that mare. I was waiting for somebody to throw something up there [against his $7,000 bid], but they didn't. I thought, 'There's no way…' And then they called and said, 'You got her.' I really couldn't believe it. I guess Mor Spirit wasn't doing much. But I thought it was a deal, personally. I thought I got very lucky.” Nor did he change his opinion when she stepped off the lorry. “I loved her right off the bat,” he says. “I have mares from around here, and that's okay. But when you see these mares coming from Kentucky? She stood out straightaway, you could just see the class.” Hemp liked the colt she delivered, too, and then bred her back locally. She has a yearling filly by Golden Years, and she's now pregnant by a son of Into Mischief named Cancun. That cover may not do a great deal for her value, as a late entry for Fasig-Tipton's current digital sale (through February 20). But here's where we need to rewind to that call from Lexington. In fact, we need to go back a good bit farther than that. Because the team at Taylor Made have had a connection to this mare tracing back to 2020, when their young gun Not This Time was hitting that bump in the road nowadays faced by any stallion pending his first runners. “Yes, he was in that tricky fourth year,” Castagnola explains. “Often we're having to cut deals on stallions even in their second and third years. So Not This Time didn't have a huge book of mares for his fourth.” Not This Time | Jon Siegel In the circumstances, then, everyone could be a winner when the Albaugh Family Stable–the Iowa-based program that had raced the horse–donated a Not This Time season to an auction for their home state's Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. The successful bid of $6,850 was made by MAMAS Thoroughbreds, which included ITBOA president Steve Rentfle. At the time this partnership had custody of Baroness Juliette. They'd bred her first foal, an Outwork colt that never made the track. But after Not This Time's debut crop made a flying start, they were able to sell his Iowa-bred son for $40,000 to Hartley/De Renzo at the 2022 Keeneland September Sale. He was sent into training with Jose D'Angelo, and Castagnola monitored his progress with interest: second on debut at Gulfstream last September, he then stretched out to win by nearly seven lengths over a mile, earning a crack at the Mucho Macho Man S. on New Year's Day. “He got a terrible trip, he was hard to handle, I just looked at it as possibly a throw-out race,” Castagnola says. “And so when he entered back in the Holy Bull, that's when I reached out to Gary and just made him aware that, 'Hey, you own the dam of this horse.' “In the end he scratched that day, because the trainer felt he needed one more work, and kept him for the [GIII] Sam Davis. And he proved correct in making that move.” Did he ever. For this colt is No More Time, who dominated the race throughout at Tampa Bay Downs last Saturday. “Gary and I had stayed in touch through the week,” Castagnola says. “He and his wife were actually on vacation, and he literally walked in the door as they'd run the race. I called him up and told him, and he was almost in disbelief.” Hemp candidly acknowledges his inexperience with this kind of opportunity, and he's grateful for the counsel he has received. Castagnola laid the options before him. “You could cash in now,” he said. “I can get her supplemented to this Fasig-Tipton digital sale. We have the resources here to execute that late entry and get everything lined up. The second option is maybe to sell 50 percent of the mare, take some chips off the table and stay in for any upside. Or you can just ride it out, breed her back to Not This Time and then offer her in November.” Hemp pondered for a couple of days and then decided to strike while the iron was hot. Because, actually, it's even hotter than most people will have realized. For Baroness Juliette's dam counts among her siblings not only the Grade I winner Siphonic but also his full-sister Lady Siphonica, who had surfaced just a week previously as second dam of Mystik Dan, winner of the GIII Southwest S. “Obviously being by Speightstown out of a Medaglia d'Oro mare, this mare is herself extremely well-bred,” Castagnola notes. “But it's always nice to see new activity, and her son not only sits sixth on the Derby points list but is virtually tied with a horse right under her second dam. [Mystik Dan has one point extra, on 21, enough to put him third overall.] So that will give two rooting interests for the new owner of this mare.” No More Time | SV Photography Whoever that turns out to be, Castagnola is naturally hoping that Baroness Juliette might return to Not This Time this spring. “And we hope that it turns out that she'd then be carrying a full sibling to a Kentucky Derby winner!” he says. He emphasizes that Not This Time has elevated his fee tenfold to $150,000 without yet having launched a single runner conceived even at $40,000. “This is the only active sire with an Eclipse champion on both dirt and turf,” he remarks. “Yet he's done it all from his first four crops, all bred at $15,000 or less. The thing is that he now has both volume and quality. His 2-year-old crop is a really big one, and every year the quality of his mares has just got better and better. Last breeding season, his comparative index was second only to Gun Runner. Having done so much with the sort of mares that we just took to try and fill his book, his future is certainly looking very bright.” Obviously the Not This Time team are now in a position to pick and choose his partners. “And we're fortunate that, having seen his first four or five crops, we know what kind of mare fits him physically and genetically,” Castagnola says. “Obviously we're overrun with applications, and we've really focused on getting mares that we think will fit him. Our guys do a lot of recruiting, reaching out to people that have the type of mare that we'd like to get him.” Not This Time could scarcely have made a more auspicious start to the new season, welcoming none other than Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) for her maiden cover on his first day of trade. He's certainly come a long way since the charity cover that has put an Iowa-bred on the Derby trail. Having stumbled into the slipstream of a stallion turning everything to gold, then, Hemp is feeling as dazed as he is blessed. “Everybody's trying to help me out here, because nothing like this has ever happened to me,” he marvels. “There's always so much going on with our business here, and I'm getting older, so I can't keep up with everything. I knew she had an Outwork the first time, but when I found out that she had one in a prep race, wow. And then Steve called and said, 'Well, he not only just ran, he won it.' I know he's not mine, but I almost can't describe the feeling of watching that colt go wire to wire, how it gets your adrenaline going.” Hemp will have another decision to make with the Mor Spirit colt he acquired in utero. “I'm considering putting him in a 2-year-old sale,” he admits. “But then again, I raised him and I like the racing, too. I only have one other 2-year-old, a filly by a West Virginia sire called Redirect. And I do like this colt. You never know, he could do pretty well.” But while Baroness Juliette has introduced him to exciting novelties, Hemp has always been at home with an environment that calls for the same instincts of stockmanship as those that underpin the long survival of the family farm. “The genetics are a big part of both,” he says. “And you always have to upgrade. That's why I try to get these broodmares from Kentucky, when I can. You have to keep moving forward. You just sit in one spot, it'll be done. I'm the fifth generation in our business, and I've upped the level of what we sell. “We don't gouge prices. We always try to treat customers like we'd want to be treated, and I'm very particular about quality. It's not like we're selling a TV or computer. Mother Nature has the last call in our business. The beef that we buy in, it's the best we can get, to the best of our knowledge; and what we raise on the farm, it's all choice to prime grade. I don't feed growth hormones or antibiotics. Everybody that knows me, knows that we try to do it right.” Having put three daughters through college, Hemp concedes that “not many girls want to be meat carvers,” but his nephew represents a sixth generation in the business. Not that Hemp or his wife are anywhere near quitting, despite each experiencing significant health hurdles in recent times. “All those years standing on concrete cutting meat, for six, eight hours, plus doing the cattle on the farm, it pretty much wears on you,” Hemp admits. “I got arthritis, and then I had a fall, broke my neck and back and hip. At the hospital they told my wife I would probably never walk again. I had to learn how to do everything. But I'm up and going, I'm lucky. The last time I had my hip done, they said I could go home next day. The guy looked at me and said, 'You some kind of a freak or something?' I said, 'No, I'm just doing what you told me to.' Because that's just kind of the way we were raised.” If that ethic has underpinned half a century of working life, it has proved no less useful with the Thoroughbreds that have also been on the scene throughout. “I was doing actually pretty well with them and then COVID came and, boy, I tell you, I came close to throwing the towel in a couple times,” he says. “I'm still struggling to get things turned around, but this mare now might help me pull it out. I don't know if I deserve it or not, but it's just really nice being able to experience something like this. It makes you feel like you've maybe done a little something correct. My dad was tough. They were all tough, they were hard, they pushed their butts. You didn't back talk or anything. But he would love this. He'd be very proud.” Castagnola sums it up well. “There's nothing I love more than this kind of story,” he says. “First of all, the kind gesture of the Albaugh family in donating the season. As a result, an Iowa breeder made a $40,000 sale. And then, for Gary and his wife, things have been hard the past couple of years. The racing gods, the universe, however you want to describe the way some things happen in our world, that may not be by chance: I just think it's a beautiful thing. And it couldn't be happening to a nicer guy.” “I'm just a small-town dude trying to do what I can,” Hemp says. “I do study the pedigrees a lot. And I'm still trying to learn. But this is all new to me. It's pretty overwhelming. She's a good-looking, well-bred mare. But I guess I just got lucky, if you want to know the truth.” He pauses and chuckles. “Some old farm boy got lucky.” The post No Better Time To Buy A Derby Mare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs will host the 2024 Claiming Crown Nov. 16, the HBPA announced Thursday. The event, held at Fair Grounds last year, will return to Kentucky for the second time in three years. Created in 1999 by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Claiming Crown provides claiming horses with a multi-race program to spotlight their importance. “In a year when Churchill Downs celebrates the 150th [GI] Kentucky Derby, we are honored to host the Claiming Crown on center stage in the same historic venue,” said TOBA president Dan Metzger. The post Churchill Downs To Host 2024 Claiming Crown Event appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association releases its 2024 stakes schedule for state-bred horses, with 23 stakes to be run at Pennsylvania tracks throughout the year, five for Pennsylvania-sired Pennsylvania-bred runners. View the full article

There is now another reason – or make that 84 reasons – to look forward to the Brocklesby S. in a little over five weeks. The traditional curtain-raiser for the British two-year-old season is the first of 84 races this year to benefit from increased funding through a programme of high-value developmental races in 2024. This initiative, which was launched last year with a series of 63 races, is driven by British stallion studs through the European Breeders' Fund (EBF), Juddmonte, Darley and Tattersalls, and will provide more than £3 million in prize-money for novice and maiden races. It is also receiving support from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Development Fund. For the two-year-old programme, it means that 32 open novice/maiden races will be worth a minimum of £40,000, and another 29 restricted novice/maidens will carry a minimum of £30,000. There will also be 23 open novice/maiden races for three-year-olds plus, worth a minimum of £40,000. The series was initially launched in 2023 with the backing of Juddmonte and Darley with the aim of supporting the British breeding industry and encouraging owners to buy and race in Britain. In a press release issued on Thursday, Juddmonte noted the “healthy field sizes achieved by 2023's sponsored races (average 10.5) with an average cost of the winners at public auction just shy of £31,000.” Juddmonte CEO Douglas Erskine Crum said, “After the success of last year's BHA initiative to kick-start a long-term plan to enhance prize-money substantially for developmental races, Juddmonte is delighted to support financially this year's further enhancements. These high prize-money developmental races directly support owners and breeders in areas that can be overlooked and thereby support our UK breeding industry.” Sam Bullard, director of stallions at Darley shared his sentiments and added, “Following the success of last year's race series and the many positive comments received, we are delighted to continue our sponsorship of this important development fund. “Darley remains committed to supporting breeders through both race sponsorship and our contribution to the EBF and we hope that these elements will continue to work together for the benefit of British racing.” The involvement in the series of the British EBF, which last year boosted prize-money across British racing by £2 million from the contributions made to the fund by stallion owners, has added over £325,000 for more than 30 of the high-value developmental races. Simon Sweeting, chairman of British EBF, said, “One of the unique features of our prize-money contributions is to encourage racecourses to 'match-fund'; it is wonderful to see the model we pioneered and embedded, replicated by our fellow sponsors in these races. For example, the Brocklesby Stakes will be run at £40,000 for the first time in 2024, a 70 per cent increase from before British stallion studs (EBF) involvement.” He added, “By supporting these races, we hope to showcase to owners and breeders the valuable impact our stallion owners' contributions have on raising prize-money levels across the maiden and novice programme.” Richard Wayman, chief operating officer of the BHA, acknowledged the “common purpose” behind the sponsorship of the series by the British EBF, Juddmonte, Darley and Tattersalls. “I am extremely grateful for their support in this project, along with the many racecourses involved and the the Horserace Betting Levy Board, and am confident that these races will be well supported by our owners and trainers,” he said. “We are delighted to expand the programme of high-value developmental races for 2024. These races play a hugely important role within the race programme and yet, historically, it is an area where prize-money has been behind our international competitors. It is essential that steps are taken to retain quality horses on our shores and with over 80 of these races scheduled for the coming season, this is one initiative that we believe will support this broader aim.” Tattersalls has also lent its support to the series by backing 10 two-year-old novice and maiden races in addition to its own bonus schemes which reward purchasers of horses at the October Yearling Sales and Craven Breeze-up Sale. Jimmy George, Marketing Director of Tattersalls, said, “We introduced the hugely popular £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus Scheme back in 2016 with the aim of rewarding owners with the best maiden and novice prize-money in Europe. Since then we have paid out more than £8 million directly to owners and the Tattersalls support of these high-value maidens and novices is an extension of our commitment to this area of the racing programme. “Prize-money for British Group and Listed races is the best in Europe, but maidens and novices are less competitive and alongside the BHA, EBF, Darley and Juddmonte, Tattersalls will continue to focus on this crucial sector.” The post British Developmental Series Expanded with Over £3m in Prize-Money appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A $40,000 bonus prize is up for grabs when the fifth and final round of the 2023-24 Bahrain Turf Series takes place at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club on Friday, February 16. The bonus is awarded to the leading points scorer in the middle-distance division which is currently the George Scott-trained Isle Of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) with 25 points, ahead of old rival Lucander (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) on 22 points. However, neither horse is eligible to run in the Vision 2030 race (sponsored by Beyon), the final points-scoring opportunity in the middle-distance division, following rises in their handicap ratings. Ranked third with 18 points, Box To Box (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) therefore has the potential to leapfrog the two horses above him and secure the bonus if he was to win or finish second in the Vision 2030 race. Likewise, Parlando (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) still has a chance of landing the prize having already amassed 13 points, though only a win would be good enough for him to jump to the top of the standings. Trainer Hugo Palmer said of Box To Box, “He had five long weeks between his second and third runs and as a consequence of him training on the flat terrain and enjoying the sunshine, he did a little too well in the interim. He definitely needed the run last time out. Indeed, beforehand he was heavier than he has ever been for a race but he's lost all that now and is back to where we want him. Getting him back down to his racing weight and the step back up to 2000m will be in his favour.” In the sprint division, Brazen Bolt (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) holds an unassailable lead on 40 points heading into the final round and is guaranteed the $40,000 bonus, worth $25,000 to the owners and $15,000 to the trainer. The feature race on Friday's card is the His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup (sponsored by Bapco Energies) in which Isle Of Jura and Lucander are set to go head-to-head for a fourth time this season. Lucander won the 2023 running of the Shaikh Nasser Cup but has found Isla Of Jura too strong in two of their three previous meetings, including when the pair filled the first two places in the Listed Crown Prince's Cup earlier this month. The post Box To Box Has Sights Set on Turf Series Bonus Prize appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Son of Galileo impresses Douglas Whyte before he faces a red-hot field of international rivals at Al Rayyan racecourse in Qatar on SaturdayView the full article

Ascend The Throne (NZ) (Savabeel) scored his first stakes scalp when triumphant in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa earlier this month, and the Savabeel gelding will look to double his Guineas haul when he heads to Ellerslie on Saturday. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained gelding will contest the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m) and bid to continue his impressive form line ahead of next month’s Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2100m). Ascend The Throne has conditioned to improve since his last start outing according to his conditioners, who expect to see another bold run from the gelding under jockey Matthew Cameron. “He has come through the (Waikato Guineas) run really well,” Bergerson told TAB NZ. “It was a top effort that day, aided by a very good ride of Opie’s (Bosson). We think he has improved off it, he is still very lightly raced, and it is all ahead of him. He is going into Saturday in good order. “We will know more about the Derby picture following Saturday, but we are really happy with our fella.” Ascend The Throne will be joined in the Guineas by stablemates What You Wish For and Tokyo Tycoon, and Bergerson is particularly upbeat about Tokyo Tycoon’s staying prospects as they look towards the New Zealand Derby with the diminutive gelding. “Looking at him, he doesn’t look like a Derby horse, but I thought his run in the Karaka Million ($1.5 million, 1600m) was really good,” Bergerson said. “He hit a flat spot halfway up the straight and then came again on the line. It indicated to us that he was looking for a bit more ground and we will know a lot more after Saturday. “We gave him a spin around Matamata between races last week and his work was tip top. Warren Kennedy goes aboard, which is a massive plus. We are happy with him heading into it.” In the following race, the Matamata barn will be represented in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m) by Prise De Fer, Fierce Flight, and Mehzebeen. Evergreen galloper Prise De Fer will be looking to recapture form, having been unplaced in his three starts since his runner-up effort in the Gr.2 Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa in December, but Bergerson said he is still acting like a horse several years his junior and is loving racing. “He has always been a good track worker. He is still bouncing around the stable, and as long as he is enjoying it, we will keep going,” he said. “I thought his run at Matamata (last week) was okay. He loomed up like he was going to be in the finish but was a little dour up the straight. The step up to 2400m we think suits. His last run at 2400m was in the Waikato Cup and it was a super performance under a big weight.” Fierce Flight was runner-up in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham last start and Bergerson said the Avondale Cup will bridge the gap nicely to next month’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. “Fierce Flight is coming off a very good run in the Wellington Cup,” he said. “We gave him a little bit of an easy time, he had a spin around between races last week. He is in really good form and we think he is in the right frame of mind at the moment and hopefully he can run a nice race on Saturday and progress onto the Auckland Cup.” Group One performer Mehzebeen pleased with her placing over 2070m at Matamata last week, fresh off her win in the Taupo Cup (2000m) a month prior. The four-year-old daughter of Almanzor holds a nomination for the Auckland Cup, and her trainers have been playing catch-up after a slight setback caused her to miss the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) last month. “I thought her run was really good on Wednesday in the Open 2000m at Matamata,” Bergerson said. “We missed the run at Wellington unfortunately due to a foot issue, but that race tidied her up nicely for this coming Saturday, we just had to play a bit of catch-up. “We think that we have got her back on track and we think she will run a really nice race at a really light weight come Saturday.” View the full article

Roger James and Robert Wellwood are still in awe of what Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) produced when winning last month’s $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, and the Cambridge trainers are looking forward to stepping her out once more at the Auckland venue on Saturday. The talented daughter of Savabeel put in a dominant display when winning New Zealand’s richest race by 3-1/2 lengths, giving her connections a huge thrill on New Zealand racing’s biggest night. “I don’t think anybody who went there that day was expecting something quite like that. I was pretty happy to see it and even more happy that she has progressed since,” James told TAB NZ. James believes she will continue to thrive over further ground and will test that theory in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m) this weekend. “The more that we do get to know her, she is a nice breathing mare, which is suitable for distance racing,” he said. “It is what she was put on this earth to do, she doesn’t appear to take a lot of work to keep her ready, which is wonderful.” Stablemate Dionysus will continue his comeback a race later in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m). The son of Ocean Park finished fourth in the race last year and has developed a consistent Cups record over the last 12 months, culminating in winning the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) last December. He subsequently spent some time on the sidelines before returning to contest the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) at New Plymouth earlier this month. While he finished ninth, James said it has brought him on nicely for Saturday’s contest. “Dionysus sustained quite a significant foot injury after his Waikato Cup win and had some considerable time off,” James said. “I take no notice of his run at Taranaki last week, it was always going to be a get ready run. He has come through it well and he will be ready for the Avondale Cup.” Dionysus could be joined in the Avondale Cup by stablemate Roccia, who requires one scratching to make it into the 18-strong field. View the full article

Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler will head to Ascot Park with a number of strong chances on Saturday, headlined by promising filly Aberlour (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon), who will attempt to score back-to-back Guineas wins. The daughter of Mongolian Falcon became her sire’s first stakes winner when taking out the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) last month, and bypassed the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui in favour of tackling Saturday’s Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1600m). Tyler has been pleased with the way she has progressed since her last start stakes triumph and believes she will be hard to beat this weekend. TAB bookmakers agree and have installed Aberlour a $4.20 favourite for her weekend assignment, ahead of Dunedin Guineas winner Collect Your Cash (NZ) (Rageese) at $5. “I can’t fault her, she is going into it really well and the track will suit her too,” Tyler said. “It is normally a front runners bias and it is going to suit her style of racing. “Her work has been really good and she is as good as she can be.” Tyler has plenty of time for her sire Mongolian Falcon and has been impressed by a couple of the progeny he has by the now Hawke’s Bay-based stallion. “We wanted to get a nice, cheap stallion in the South Island and we thought we would give him (Mongolian Falcon) a go. At that time he was standing in Waimate, so it wasn’t too far for us,” Tyler said. “She (Aberlour) is a good horse and she is from a good damline. I have got another one (Mongolian Falcon), a half to Lady Sass. She (More Sass) won at the jumpouts last week and is going to race at Wingatui in two weeks’ time as a two-year-old. She has got a bit of speed too. “There is no reason he (Mongolian Falcon) won’t make it as a stallion. He was a good racehorse as a young horse and he is well bred. Hopefully he keeps on improving as a stallion.” Tyler will also be represented in the Southland Guineas by Lady Sass. “She has been beating herself lately, so she won’t want to be getting back on Saturday because it is going to be tough coming from the back,” he said. “I just hope she jumps away with them and gets in the race.” Tyler will have a two-pronged attack in the Aillie & Lewis Pharmacy Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) courtesy of Shockallia (NZ) (Shocking) and Zambezi Zipper (NZ) (Highly Recommended). Shockallia was a last start victor of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m), and Tyler is confident he can add another Gold Cup to the mantle this weekend despite his 60kg impost. “Shockallia is a class horse but has a bit of weight to lug around this time,” he said. “He is a big, strong horse so hopefully he can carry that, I am sure he will. He has come through his last few races really well and he should go another good race. He will go onto better things I am picking.” Zambezi Zipper was also triumphant at the Wingatui meeting, but Tyler is more realistic about her chances this weekend. “She is a good, average horse,” he said. “She just needs a bit of cut in the track. It is probably not the strongest Invercargill Gold Cup, so she will have a runners chance.” Group One performer Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto) will have a drop back in company when he contests the Cruikshank Prude Southland Stakes (1400m), having competed at Group level in his last three starts. “Lightning Jack is a class horse. He has done a few miles now, but he seems to be as good as he has been. He feels good and looks good,” Tyler said. “It is a big step back in grade from what he has been racing against. He probably didn’t have the luck when he went to the North Island, but he will be a good runners chance on Saturday.” Lightning Jack will be joined in his race by stablemate Go Lotte (NZ) (Telperion), while Za Beauteous (NZ) (Derryn) and Radiant Reach (NZ) (Vadamos) will round out Tyler’s Ascot Park team in the Equine Products NZ Handicap (2200m). “Za Beauteous has just got the one pace really, but she never lets you down,” Tyler said. “Radiant Reach is looking for a bit of extra ground. First time over ground last time was a pass mark and hopefully she can go one better this time. She has come through it well. “She is still in the Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m), but she would have to win well on Saturday to justify that, but she is an above average horse.” View the full article

The wine was flowing for Peter and Dawn Williams and owner Daniel Nakhle following Ellerslie’s TAB Karka Millions meeting last month, and they are hoping their run of luck continues at the Auckland track this weekend. The Williams’ trained Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) to victory in the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m), while Crocetti (NZ) (Iffraaj) carried Nakhle’s colours to a seventh straight victory in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). The Williams’ and Nakhle will be on the same team this weekend when promising mare Pour The Wine (NZ) (Telperion) aims to score her third straight victory in the Bentleys Chartered Accountants 1200m. The four-year-old daughter of Telperion had won one and placed in five of her previous 13 starts but has made every post a winner in the new year, and her connections are hoping she can continue her purple patch of form on Saturday. “She is doing everything right, we are quite happy,” Peter Williams said. “It is not the ideal race for her, but she has got to have a run somewhere, so it might as well be Ellerslie. There are a couple of good races at the Auckland Cup meeting that will suit her, so it will be good to give her a look at the track.” Williams is also looking forward to Just A Floozie (NZ) (I Am Invincible) having her second run at Ellerslie, having run fourth first-up behind Crocetti in the Almanzor Trophy last start. “She was a little bit fresh that day, she hadn’t raced in nearly 12 months and only had one trial,” he said. “She just had a few little issues, nothing major, and we just had to wait for her. She will benefit from it in the finish. “We are happy with her, and we’ll just play it by ear with her after Saturday.” Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer’s Barneswood Farm colours have been to the fore in recent times, particularly with their Group One winner Desert Lightning, and they are hoping their run of luck continues with their two runners at Ellerslie on Saturday. Their orange and white silks will be carried by Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) aspirant Arabian Songbird (NZ) (Pierro) in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 2100m, while two-year-old filly Foreverintime (Written Tycoon) will make her debut in the Barfoot & Thompson 1100. “Arabian Songbird went down to Taranaki and got a wet track and didn’t like it one bit,” Williams said. “We plan to try and get to the Oaks with her, so we will give her a run on Saturday and see what happens. “Foreverintime has had two or three trials and she goes alright, she is quite a nice filly. She is probably going to be a better three-year-old, but she has done everything right, we quite like her.” The Barneswood Farm colours will also make an appearance in-between races on Saturday, with Desert Lightning set to have an exhibition gallop ahead of next Saturday’s Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). View the full article

Shaune Ritchie is bullish about kicking off a new association on a top note at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Cambridge horseman, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray, is looking forward to the debut chances of the Brendan and Jo Lindsay-bred and raced Tycoon Prince (NZ) (Written Tycoon) in the Barfoot & Thompson 2YO (1100m). “He’s got a beautiful action with natural pace and he’s the first horse we’ve had for Cambridge Stud since Sir Patrick Hogan,” Ritchie said. “They’ve given us a lovely horse and he looks like he’s got the pace to go with it, so it would be nice if we can start off successfully.” The son of Written Tycoon has shaped promisingly at the trials with a 950m heat victory on his home synthetic track in his latest outing under race day rider Warren Kennedy. “Harnessing his speed is the key and Warren got him to relax from the outside gate and cruised across in his own time,” Ritchie said. “With jockeys like Warren, you don’t have to give them instructions, especially when they’ve had a couple of rides on the horse at the trials. “He didn’t like the wet ground the first time at the trials and got a bit tired late and there was significant improvement on the polytrack. “It looks like we’ve picked the right race for him and he’s got the right turn of foot. It’s up to Warren to rate him and I’m sure he’ll be hard to hold out.” A good track will also suit Tycoon Prince’s stablemate Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy), who continues his Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) preparation in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m). “We were forced to run him the other day in the wet ground and Michael (McNab) said he was jumping the puddles down the back straight,” Ritchie said. “He’s a dead set dry tracker and he probably needs all of two miles. I would expect him to run much better, but he may not be too threatening until he gets to his right trip in the Auckland Cup.” Ritchie is also looking for improvement from Regazzo (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis Handicap (2100m), in which stablemate Reinstatement is third on the ballot. “Regazzo hasn’t had a lot of luck, he’s been a bit stiff lately and I think he can go better,” he said. “We went forward with him (at Te Rapa) and it was a disaster. He had to work for three quarters of the race and was found wanting late. “Although his form reads poorly, I don’t think it’s as bad as it looks and from a betting point of view, if you’re in trouble going into the last race then you could probably find worse.” Ritchie is also expecting his Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) hope Nepheti to be hard to head off in the K9 Petfoods Handicap (1600m) at Hastings on Sunday. She was an impressive course and distance winner two runs back before a midfield finish in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth. “It was a forgive run, she hadn’t raced for five weeks. We had planned to go to Wellington, but the track was wet there and it was abandoned anyway so luckily we didn’t make the trip down there,” Ritchie said. “At Taranaki, she was just ready for the 1800m but when the wet ground kicked in it found her out. “I think she is a high-class filly and she’s back to a field she should be better than so I would be very surprised if she isn’t the horse to beat. “She has to get her Oaks program back on track and to win this nicely would give us confidence to press on to either the Sunline (Gr.3, 2100m) or the Lowland (Gr.2, 2100m).” View the full article

Pour The Wine will contest the Bentleys Chartered Accountants 1200m at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The wine was flowing for Peter and Dawn Williams and owner Daniel Nakhle following Ellerslie’s Karka Millions meeting last month, and they are hoping their run of luck continues at the Auckland track this weekend. The Williams’ trained Desert Lightning to victory in the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m), while Crocetti carried Nakhle’s colours to a seventh straight victory in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). The Williams’ and Nakhle will be on the same team this weekend when promising mare Pour The Wine aims to score her third straight victory in the Bentleys Chartered Accountants 1200m. The four-year-old daughter of Telperion had won one and placed in five of her previous 13 starts but has made every post a winner in the new year, and her connections are hoping she can continue her purple patch of form on Saturday. “She is doing everything right, we are quite happy,” Peter Williams said. “It is not the ideal race for her, but she has got to have a run somewhere, so it might as well be Ellerslie. There are a couple of good races at the Auckland Cup meeting that will suit her, so it will be good to give her a look at the track.” Williams is also looking forward to Just A Floozie having her second run at Ellerslie, having run fourth first-up behind Crocetti in the Almanzor Trophy last start. “She was a little bit fresh that day, she hadn’t raced in nearly 12 months and only had one trial,” he said. “She just had a few little issues, nothing major, and we just had to wait for her. She will benefit from it in the finish. “We are happy with her, and we’ll just play it by ear with her after Saturday.” Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer’s Barneswood Farm colours have been to the fore in recent times, particularly with their Group 1 winner Desert Lightning, and they are hoping their run of luck continues with their two runners at Ellerslie on Saturday. Their orange and white silks will be carried by Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) aspirant Arabian Songbird in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 2100m, while two-year-old filly Foreverintime will make her debut in the Barfoot & Thompson 1100. “Arabian Songbird went down to Taranaki and got a wet track and didn’t like it one bit,” Williams said. “We plan to try and get to the Oaks with her, so we will give her a run on Saturday and see what happens. “Foreverintime has had two or three trials and she goes alright, she is quite a nice filly. She is probably going to be a better three-year-old, but she has done everything right, we quite like her.” The Barneswood Farm colours will also make an appearance in-between races on Saturday, with Desert Lightning set to have an exhibition gallop ahead of next Saturday’s Group 1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m). Horse racing news View the full article

Orchestral following her win in last month’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Photo: Race Images Roger James and Robert Wellwood are still in awe of what Orchestral produced when winning last month’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, and the Cambridge trainers are looking forward to stepping her out once more at the Auckland venue on Saturday. The talented daughter of Savabeel put in a dominant display when winning New Zealand’s richest race by 3-1/2 lengths, giving her connections a huge thrill on New Zealand racing’s biggest night. “I don’t think anybody who went there that day was expecting something quite like that. I was pretty happy to see it and even more happy that she has progressed since,” James told TAB NZ. James believes she will continue to thrive over further ground and will test that theory in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) this weekend. “The more that we do get to know her, she is a nice breathing mare, which is suitable for distance racing,” he said. “It is what she was put on this earth to do, she doesn’t appear to take a lot of work to keep her ready, which is wonderful.” Stablemate Dionysus will continue his comeback a race later in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m). The son of Ocean Park finished fourth in the race last year and has developed a consistent Cups record over the last 12 months, culminating in winning the Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) last December. He subsequently spent some time on the sidelines before returning to contest the Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) at New Plymouth earlier this month. While he finished ninth, James said it has brought him on nicely for Saturday’s contest. “Dionysus sustained quite a significant foot injury after his Waikato Cup win and had some considerable time off,” James said. “I take no notice of his run at Taranaki last week, it was always going to be a get ready run. He has come through it well and he will be ready for the Avondale Cup.” Dionysus could be joined in the Avondale Cup by stablemate Roccia, who requires one scratching to make it into the 18-strong field. Horse racing news View the full article

Mahrajaan winning the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Shaune Ritchie is bullish about kicking off a new association on a top note at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Cambridge horseman, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray, is looking forward to the debut chances of the Brendan and Jo Lindsay-bred and raced Tycoon Prince in the Barfoot & Thompson 2YO (1100m). “He’s got a beautiful action with natural pace and he’s the first horse we’ve had for Cambridge Stud since Sir Patrick Hogan,” Ritchie said. “They’ve given us a lovely horse and he looks like he’s got the pace to go with it, so it would be nice if we can start off successfully.” The son of Written Tycoon has shaped promisingly at the trials with a 950m heat victory on his home synthetic track in his latest outing under race day rider Warren Kennedy. “Harnessing his speed is the key and Warren got him to relax from the outside gate and cruised across in his own time,” Ritchie said. “With jockeys like Warren, you don’t have to give them instructions, especially when they’ve had a couple of rides on the horse at the trials. “He didn’t like the wet ground the first time at the trials and got a bit tired late and there was significant improvement on the polytrack. “It looks like we’ve picked the right race for him and he’s got the right turn of foot. It’s up to Warren to rate him and I’m sure he’ll be hard to hold out.” A good track will also suit Tycoon Prince’s stablemate Mahrajaan, who continues his Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) preparation in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m). “We were forced to run him the other day in the wet ground and Michael (McNab) said he was jumping the puddles down the back straight,” Ritchie said. “He’s a dead set dry tracker and he probably needs all of two miles. I would expect him to run much better, but he may not be too threatening until he gets to his right trip in the Auckland Cup.” Ritchie is also looking for improvement from Regazzo in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis Handicap (2100m), in which stablemate Reinstatement is third on the ballot. “Regazzo hasn’t had a lot of luck, he’s been a bit stiff lately and I think he can go better,” he said. “We went forward with him (at Te Rapa) and it was a disaster. He had to work for three quarters of the race and was found wanting late. “Although his form reads poorly, I don’t think it’s as bad as it looks and from a betting point of view, if you’re in trouble going into the last race then you could probably find worse.” Ritchie is also expecting his Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) hope Nepheti to be hard to head off in the K9 Petfoods Handicap (1600m) at Hastings on Sunday. She was an impressive course and distance winner two runs back before a midfield finish in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth. “It was a forgive run, she hadn’t raced for five weeks. We had planned to go to Wellington, but the track was wet there and it was abandoned anyway so luckily we didn’t make the trip down there,” Ritchie said. “At Taranaki, she was just ready for the 1800m but when the wet ground kicked in it found her out. “I think she is a high-class filly and she’s back to a field she should be better than so I would be very surprised if she isn’t the horse to beat. “She has to get her Oaks program back on track and to win this nicely would give us confidence to press on to either the Sunline (Group 3, 2100m) or the Lowland (Group 2, 2100m).” Horse racing news View the full article

Aberlour will contest the Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. Photo: Monica Toretto Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler will head to Ascot Park with a number of strong chances on Saturday, headlined by promising filly Aberlour, who will attempt to score back-to-back Guineas wins. The daughter of Mongolian Falcon became her sire’s first stakes winner when taking out the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) last month, and bypassed the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui in favour of tackling Saturday’s Listed Southland Guineas (1600m). Tyler has been pleased with the way she has progressed since her last start stakes triumph and believes she will be hard to beat this weekend. Online bookmakers agree and have installed Aberlour a +320 favourite for her weekend assignment, ahead of Dunedin Guineas winner Collect Your Cash at +400. “I can’t fault her, she is going into it really well and the track will suit her too,” Tyler said. “It is normally a front runners bias and it is going to suit her style of racing. “Her work has been really good and she is as good as she can be.” Tyler has plenty of time for her sire Mongolian Falcon and has been impressed by a couple of the progeny he has by the now Hawke’s Bay-based stallion. “We wanted to get a nice, cheap stallion in the South Island and we thought we would give him (Mongolian Falcon) a go. At that time he was standing in Waimate, so it wasn’t too far for us,” Tyler said. “She (Aberlour) is a good horse and she is from a good damline. I have got another one (Mongolian Falcon), a half to Lady Sass. She (More Sass) won at the jumpouts last week and is going to race at Wingatui in two weeks’ time as a two-year-old. She has got a bit of speed too. “There is no reason he (Mongolian Falcon) won’t make it as a stallion. He was a good racehorse as a young horse and he is well bred. Hopefully he keeps on improving as a stallion.” Tyler will also be represented in the Southland Guineas by Lady Sass. “She has been beating herself lately, so she won’t want to be getting back on Saturday because it is going to be tough coming from the back,” he said. “I just hope she jumps away with them and gets in the race.” Tyler will have a two-pronged attack in the Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) courtesy of Shockallia and Zambezi Zipper. Shockallia was a last start victor of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m), and Tyler is confident he can add another Gold Cup to the mantle this weekend despite his 60kg impost. “Shockallia is a class horse but has a bit of weight to lug around this time,” he said. “He is a big, strong horse so hopefully he can carry that, I am sure he will. He has come through his last few races really well and he should go another good race. He will go onto better things I am picking.” Zambezi Zipper was also triumphant at the Wingatui meeting, but Tyler is more realistic about her chances this weekend. “She is a good, average horse,” he said. “She just needs a bit of cut in the track. It is probably not the strongest Invercargill Gold Cup, so she will have a runners chance.” Group One performer Lightning Jack will have a drop back in company when he contests the Southland Stakes (1400m), having competed at Group level in his last three starts. “Lightning Jack is a class horse. He has done a few miles now, but he seems to be as good as he has been. He feels good and looks good,” Tyler said. “It is a big step back in grade from what he has been racing against. He probably didn’t have the luck when he went to the North Island, but he will be a good runners chance on Saturday.” Lightning Jack will be joined in his race by stablemate Go Lotte, while Za Beauteous and Radiant Reach will round out Tyler’s Ascot Park team. “Za Beauteous has just got the one pace really, but she never lets you down,” Tyler said. “Radiant Reach is looking for a bit of extra ground. First time over ground last time was a pass mark and hopefully she can go one better this time. She has come through it well. “She is still in the Oaks (Group 1, 2400m), but she would have to win well on Saturday to justify that, but she is an above average horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

What WA Magic Millions Raceday Where Pinjarra Park – Racecourse Rd, Pinjarra WA 6208 When Saturday, February 17, 2024 First Race 12:28pm AWST Visit Dabble The Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic and Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy will headline a massive nine-race program at Pinjarra Park this Saturday afternoon. With hot weather forecast across the weekend, the track will remain in the Good range for the whole meeting. The rail goes back into the true position for the entire circuit, while the opening race of the day is scheduled to jump at 12:28pm AWST. Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy Tip: Bondi Bubbles Bondi Bubbles has won six on the bounce exclusively at Esperance this preparation, and he will take on the toughest test of his career this weekend. The David Harrison-trained gelding enters this race as one of two last-start winners in the 16-horse field. Last time out, this son of Bondi was made to travel three wide for the entire 1100m trip but was still strong enough late to run over the top of the leader and win by 1.3 lengths. Paul Harvey will take over from apprentice Zepher Johnston-Porter, and if Bondi Bubbles can settle off the fence in the first five or six, he will play a prominent role in the finish. Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy Race 7 – #4 Bondi Bubbles (11) 3yo Gelding | T: David Harrison | J: Paul Harvey (56.5kg) +1400 with Picklebet Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic Tip: Onemoretwomany Onemoretwomany will seek to keep his unbeaten record intact when he kicks off his second preparation this weekend. In both of his career starts, the two-year-old gelding has led from start to finish to win in impressive fashion at Ascot over 1100m. This son of Tassort cruised to victory in a recent 1000m trial, so he appears to have come back in similar form to how he left off. With only two other speed influences in this race, Laqdar Ramoly will push forward and settle outside the leader. If he doesn’t get caught wide or do too much work early, Onemoretwomany can complete the hat-trick. Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic Race 8 – #1 Onemoretwomany (16) 2yo Gelding | T: Neville Parnham | J: Laqdar Ramoly (56.5kg) +800 with Playup Best Bet at Pinjarra: Premium Girl Premium Girl suffered her first defeat in three races last time out, going down to Memory Parade in a photo finish. The Tony Triscari-trained galloper showed her customary turn of foot in the concluding stages, but she laid in during the straight and lost valuable momentum. This contest appears to have a lot of speed, which should suit this daughter of A Lot given she enjoys settling worse than midfield and running on. With even luck and a strong tempo, Premium Girl will be flying home down the outside late. Best Bet Race 9 – #16 Premium Girl (14) 3yo Filly | T: Tony Triscari | J: Steven Parnham (54.5kg) +300 with Boombet Next Best Bet at Pinjarra: Shaka Zulu Last start, Shaka Zulu jumped slowly and had to settle in the back half of the field for the first time in his career. The Rob Gulberti-trained gelding picked his way through the pack in the home straight and was the best of the swoopers late but couldn’t pick up the runaway leader. If this son of Rommel can jump better and settle closer over 1200m, he will have a positional advantage and a healthy margin over his main rival in the betting, who will settle at the tail of the field. Clint Johnston-Porter will be able to build momentum on the home turn and allow Shaka Zulu to go through his gears as he looks to go one better than last start. Next Best Race 3 – #5 Shaka Zulu (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Rob Gulberti | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (58kg) +350 with Neds Best Value at Pinjarra: Nurhaci Nurhachi has been building up to a win this preparation and appears to have found the right race to return to the winner’s circle. The Peter Fernie-trained gelding was a little unlucky last start when he lost ground and had to make a long, searching run from the back of the field. There is a lot of speed drawn inside of this son of Nicconi, which should allow Lucy Fiore to settle in behind the first four or five and find a nice run in transit off the fence. With the advantage of a strong race tempo, Nurhaci will be one of the strongest late and can finish right over the top of the tiring leaders. Best Value Race 5 – #2 Nurhaci (9) 7yo Gelding | T: Peter Fernie | J: Lucy Fiore (57.5kg) +1200 with Bet365 Pinjarra Saturday quaddie tips – 17/2/2024 Pinjarra quadrella selections Saturday, February 17, 2024 2-5-7-9-12 2-4-5 1-3-8-9 1-10-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Ascend The Throne (second from inside) will contest Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Ascend The Throne scored his first stakes scalp when triumphant in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa earlier this month, and the Savabeel gelding will look to double his Guineas haul when he heads to Ellerslie on Saturday. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained gelding will contest the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and bid to continue his impressive form line ahead of next month’s Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2100m). Ascend The Throne has conditioned to improve since his last start outing according to his conditioners, who expect to see another bold run from the gelding under jockey Matthew Cameron. “He has come through the (Waikato Guineas) run really well,” Bergerson told TAB NZ. “It was a top effort that day, aided by a very good ride of Opie’s (Bosson). We think he has improved off it, he is still very lightly raced, and it is all ahead of him. He is going into Saturday in good order. “We will know more about the Derby picture following Saturday, but we are really happy with our fella.” Ascend The Throne will be joined in the Guineas by stablemates What You Wish For and Tokyo Tycoon, and Bergerson is particularly upbeat about Tokyo Tycoon’s staying prospects as they look towards the New Zealand Derby with the diminutive gelding. “Looking at him, he doesn’t look like a Derby horse, but I thought his run in the Karaka Million ($1.5 million, 1600m) was really good,” Bergerson said. “He hit a flat spot halfway up the straight and then came again on the line. It indicated to us that he was looking for a bit more ground and we will know a lot more after Saturday. “We gave him a spin around Matamata between races last week and his work was tip top. Warren Kennedy goes aboard, which is a massive plus. We are happy with him heading into it.” In the following race, the Matamata barn will be represented in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) by Prise De Fer, Fierce Flight, and Mehzebeen. Evergreen galloper Prise De Fer will be looking to recapture form, having been unplaced in his three starts since his runner-up effort in the Group 2 Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa in December, but Bergerson said he is still acting like a horse several years his junior and is loving racing. “He has always been a good track worker. He is still bouncing around the stable, and as long as he is enjoying it, we will keep going,” he said. “I thought his run at Matamata (last week) was okay. He loomed up like he was going to be in the finish but was a little dour up the straight. The step up to 2400m we think suits. His last run at 2400m was in the Waikato Cup and it was a super performance under a big weight.” Fierce Flight was runner-up in the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham last start and Bergerson said the Avondale Cup will bridge the gap nicely to next month’s Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. “Fierce Flight is coming off a very good run in the Wellington Cup,” he said. “We gave him a little bit of an easy time, he had a spin around between races last week. He is in really good form and we think he is in the right frame of mind at the moment and hopefully he can run a nice race on Saturday and progress onto the Auckland Cup.” Group 1 performer Mehzebeen pleased with her placing over 2070m at Matamata last week, fresh off her win in the Taupo Cup (2000m) a month prior. The four-year-old daughter of Almanzor holds a nomination for the Auckland Cup, and her trainers have been playing catch-up after a slight setback caused her to miss the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) last month. “I thought her run was really good on Wednesday in the Open 2000m at Matamata,” Bergerson said. “We missed the run at Wellington unfortunately due to a foot issue, but that race tidied her up nicely for this coming Saturday, we just had to play a bit of catch-up. “We think that we have got her back on track and we think she will run a really nice race at a really light weight come Saturday.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Black Caviar Lightning Day 2024 Where Flemington Racecourse: 448 Epsom Rd., Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, February 17, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble A bumper 10-race meeting awaits punters on Saturday as Group 1 racing returns to Flemington in 2024. The Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) is the feature event, with plenty of quality horse-flesh to go around throughout the undercard. Perfect conditions are forecast, and with the deck already a Good 4 and the rail in its true position, every runner should get their chance if good enough. A Group 1 day of action is set to get underway at 12:15pm AEDT. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview of Flemington races. Race 1: BM84 Handicap (2000m) Akrotiri has returned in fine form this campaign, registering two wins from three starts. He was a determined all-the-way victor at Moonee Valley on January 27 over 2040m, and looks poised to go on with the job on the weekend. From barrier five, Mick Dee will likely have the son of Tarzino settled outside race favourite Aramco throughout, and with the applied pressure, Akrotiri should prove to be the superior stayer and continue his rise through the staying ranks. Selections: 5 AKROTIRI 7 STAR VEGA 3 ARAMCO 2 EL SOLEADO Race 2: BM70 Handicap (1100m) Having won in arrogant fashion down the Flemington straight on January 13, Chester Warrior looks a great play on Saturday. Have set the pace by himself on the inside rail over 1000m, while his remaining six rivals came up the middle, the son of Zululand managed to make all as he took the shortest way home. He seemingly has a strong affiliation with the Flemington straight, with a win and second from as many starts and that record looks set to continue. Blaike McDougall will look to control proceedings, and from there, Chester Warrior should prove too hard to gun down. Selections: 4 CHESTER WARRIOR 1 OUROBOROS 3 WIGGUM 8 PLUS FOURS Best Value Race 2 – #4 Chester Warrior (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blaike McDougall (60.5kg) +1100 with Playup Race 3: Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) Wolfgang has always been spruiked as a classy two-year-old, and despite a poor run in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m), he can bounce back in the Talindert Stakes. His wins at Doomben and Morphettville at his two runs prior suggests he has an abundance of class. Despite being well beaten on debut down the Flemington straight during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, he will have derived great benefit from that experience and the son of Exceed And Excel looks primed to bounce back to the winner’s stall. From barrier one, Jye McNeil will stalk the speed throughout, but when asked to quicken, Wolfgang looks awfully hard to hold out. Selections: 1 WOLFGANG 2 COUNTEROFFENSIVE 3 AARDVARK 9 CHAMPAGNE TONIGHT Race 4: BM84 Handicap (1600m) Who Dares has been a model of consistency in recent times, with a win and three seconds to his name in his last four starts. Despite being a frustrating punting conveyance, the son of Deep Field looks to have found the right race to breakthrough once again. He was the best of the beaten brigade behind Jimmysstar at Caulfield last time out, and prior to that was lipped in Listed company behind Not An Option. His form reads the best, and from somewhere near the front of the field, Who Dares will prove too hard to gun down as he steps up to the 1600m for the first time. Selections: 4 WHO DARES 6 UP AND UNDER 8 MAGNASPIN 14 GREEN BELT Next Best Race 4 – #4 Who Dares (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Pat Carey & Harris Walker | J: Jye McNeil (58kg) +340 with Bet365 Race 5: Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1600m) The old saying ‘back a mare in-form’ is front and centre in the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes as Mitch Freedman’s Vagrant searches for a fifth straight win. The Pariah mare was an impressive winner in Group 3 company over 1200m at Caulfield on February 3 and despite stepping back up to the mile, she looks to have found the right race. With a couple of her key rivals first-up, Vagrant will have a massive fitness edge in Saturday’s feature for fillies and mares. From barrier two, Ben Melham will look to hold a prominent position, and if the pair finds clear air at the right time, Vagrant should be winning once more. Selections: 4 VAGRANT 3 WISHLOR LASS 2 FOXY FRIDA 1 REVOLUTIONARY MISS Frances Tressady Stakes Race 5 – #4 Vagrant (2) 4yo Mare | T: Mitchell Freedman | J: Ben Melham (58kg) +650 with Dabble Race 6: Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) Infatuation benefited from a positive ride when leading throughout at Rosehill on February 3, and on recent form, the I Am Invincible filly looks the one to beat in The Vanity at Group 3 level. She brings an element of race fitness, which most of her key rivals lack in Saturday’s 1400m event, and if Jye McNeil can land her in a forward position from barrier 12 without using up too many carrots, Infatuation can dictate terms and lead throughout once again. Selections: 1 INFATUATION 2 MOLLYNICKERS 7 DONEGAL 12 PINK CHANDON The Vanity Race 6 – #1 Infatuation (12) 3yo Filly | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Jye McNeil (57kg) +320 with Betfair Race 7: Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) Following an eye-catching second when first-up over 1200m, King Colorado is poised to go one better in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes. Already a Group 1 winner as a juvenile, his effort on his return from a spell was his best performance since claiming Group 1 success in July last year. He gave his rivals a massive start, but displayed a thunderous finish to go down a length over the unsuitable journey. He is already a winner when second-up in the past, and if Mark Zahra can have the son of Kingman settled midfield with a touch of cover, King Colorado should reign supreme in the quaddie opener. Selections: 8 MATISSE 12 ET TU BRUTE 2 OTAGO 6 RIFF ROCKET CS Hayes Stakes Race 7 – #2 King Colorado (9) 3yo Colt | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (59.5kg) +220 with Unibet Race 8: Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) Sparks are set to fly in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning, as a field of eight gun sprinters duke it out for the $1 million on offer. Despite Imperatriz arguably being the best sprinter in the land, Bella Nipotina looks to have returned in top order this campaign. Ciaron Maher’s sprinter is already a Group 1 winner and based on a sharp piece of work at Cranbourne on February 5, she looks ready to strike first-up from a spell. Look for Craig Williams to have her stalking the speed influences wherever they go, and can blouse the front-runners. Imperatriz is a deserving favourite, but with $7 on offer with leading horse racing bookmakers, Bella Nipotina looks a great play. Selections: 3 BELLA NIPOTINA 4 IMPERATRIZ 1 PRIVATE EYE 7 CYLINDER Black Caviar Lightning Race 8 – #3 Bella Nipotina (6) 6yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Craig Williams (56.5kg) +600 with Picklebet Race 9: Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) Jimmysstar is living up to his star potential, and is simply put, a moral on Saturday. He is unbeaten through three Australian starts, and with an All-Star Mile wildcard already secured, sit back and enjoy one of the rising stars on the Australian circuit. Selections: 12 JIMMYSSTAR 1 NOT AN OPTION 10 CARINI 11 KA BLING Race 10: BM84 Handicap (1400m) Punch Lane was a dominant BM70 winner at Caulfield on February 3, and he snares our best bet tag on Saturday. Anthony & Sam Freedman have the son of So You Think flying in recent times, winning three of his last four starts. Mark Zahra will look to land the four-year-old either outside lead or in the one-one from barrier eight, and if he can do that, Punch Lane looks to have a bit too much class on his side in the closer on Saturday. Selections: 13 PUNCH LANE 14 MASTER MONTARO 11 BEL AIR 5 LOUNGE BAR RUBI Best Bet Race 10 – #13 Punch Lane (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (56kg) +170 with Picklebet Flemington free Saturday quaddie tips Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, February 17, 2024 1-2-7-9-11 1-3-4-7-8 12 11-13-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson looks at Manawatu. View the full article

Jimmysstar will take his place in Saturday’s Listed Elms Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) The Ciaron Maher stable is taking a measured approach with Jimmysstar’s progression to higher-level competition, despite the New Zealand-bred gelding holding an All-Star Mile (1600m) wildcard. The four-year-old is slated to compete in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington this Saturday. Jack Turnbull, assistant trainer for Maher based in Cranbourne, emphasised that Jimmysstar is still a work in progress. The stable intends to continue entering him in lower-tier races to enhance the gelding’s profile. Jimmysstar boasts an unbeaten record in three Australian starts, starting from a Benchmark 70 (1300m) triumph at Bendigo last November. He then secured a Class 3 (1500m) victory at Cranbourne later that month, followed by a win at Caulfield in a Benchmark 84 (1400m) race on February 3. Turnbull outlined their strategy, stating, “We’re going to use Saturday’s race, in which he has a light weight, as a stepping stone into the All-Star Mile. “We’re taking it one run at a time. I know he’s got an All-Star Mile wildcard, but he has to go out there and do it again on Saturday. “He helps himself in that he can lob anywhere in the run; he’s got gears.” Jimmysstar is a -200 favourite for Saturday’s Elms Handicap at Flemington. Horse racing news View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, February 16, 2024 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble This Friday evening promises an exciting eight-race program at Moonee Valley. The weather forecast predicts a perfect summer day with no rain, ensuring that the track maintains its Good 4 range throughout the meeting. The rail is set to be pushed out 6m for the entire circuit, and the first race is scheduled to kick off at 6:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Fury Having returned with an eye-catching third at Sandown, the Hawkes team looks to have Fury perfectly placed to break his maiden at start four. The three-year-old colt simply got too far out of his ground first-up, but he was hitting the line nicely to suggest he was worth following wherever he went next. Barrier 11 is offset by his desire to get back in the field upon settling. Armed with a strong finishing burst, on the back of a genuine tempo out in front, Fury should have no trouble finishing over the top of his rivals. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Fury (11) 3yo Colt | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Jordan Childs (59kg) +380 with Picklebet Next Best at Moonee Valley: Dubai Moon Dubai Moon has rapidly elevated himself into ‘cult hero’ status, and that party is set to continue at Moonee Valley on Friday night. The Frankie Stockdale-trained stayer has put together four straight wins, all of those coming in the space of 13 days. Collectively, he has won by 14.8 lengths, and he should get his own way out in front over the 2500m. Jake Molloy comes down from Queensland for the ride, and with his 3kg claim, Dubai Moon gets in perfectly at the weights with just 59.5kg on his back and will prove too hard to run down. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Dubai Moon (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Frankie Stockdale | J: Jake Molloy (a3) (62.5kg) +320 with Dabble Best Value at Moonee Valley: Samuel Langhorne Mick Kent’s Samuel Langhorne was desperately unlucky when resuming at Sandown on January 24, beaten by 1.1 lengths back in third. The four-year-old gelding was held up for a run at a crucial point when going through his gears but was hitting the line with strong intent. That was over 1600m, so the step up to the 2040m looks ideal, and he is the runner with the most upside in this BM64 affair. Ethan Brown will hold a mid-field spot from barrier seven, and with clean air upon straightening, Samuel Langhorne looks too hard to hold out. Best Value Race 6 – #7 Samuel Langhorne (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Kent | J: Ethan Brown (59kg) +600 with Neds Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, February 16, 2024 1-3 2-3-4-7 2-3-5-9 6-7-9-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Jonathan Wong has been suspended for two years and fined $25,000 for a post-race metformin positive from last June. Wong told the TDN he has appealed the ruling which could now go before the Federal Trade Commission, head to federal court, or both. He also said that he would seek a temporary injunction against the ban. Trainer Kari Craddock was issued a seven-day suspension for a post-race Methocarbamol positive. Methocarbamol is a Class C controlled medication, a first offense for which comes a possible $500 fine and loss of purse. This was Craddock's second Methocarbamol-related violation since HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program went into effect. Trainer Ismael Bahena has also been provisionally suspended after Bahena's trainee, Color Field, tested positive for methamphetamine–a banned substance under HISA and a ubiquitous drug of human abuse–when winning at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Oct. 30. HIWU has now brought 11 methamphetamine-related cases for adjudication since the ADMC program went into effect. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU)'s “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 01/06/2024 Licensee: Monte Gelrod, trainer Penalty: Written reprimand. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Salto de Tigre. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/13/2024 Licensee: Jay Nehf, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Customer List. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 01/21/2024 Licensee: Fernando Abreu, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Sugar N Spice. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 01/07/2024 Licensee: Jose Delgado, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Buff Hello, who finished third at Gulfstream Park on 1/7/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 11/20/2023 Licensee: Kari Craddock, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on February 14, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Ekati's Hit, who finished second at Remington Park on 11/20/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/13/2023 Licensee: Darien Rodriguez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Charlotte the Brit, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 12/13/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 06/01/2023 Licensee: Jonathan Wong, trainer Penalty: 2-year period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on July 1, 2023; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $25,000; payment of $8,000 of HIWU's arbitration costs. Final decision by arbitral body. Explainer: For the presence of Metformin-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Heaven and Earth, who won at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 6/1/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. More on the story here. Date: 01/05/2024 Licensee: Carlos Gonzalez, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Suertuda. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 12/06/2023 Licensee: Joel Gonzales, trainer (Desert Danger's trainer is listed on Equibase as Andres Gonzalez. In HIWU's final decision posted online, it appears that Joel Gonzales failed to respond to the agency's notices) Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Desert Danger. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/14/2024 Licensee: James Tsirigotis, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Melancholy Blues. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 01/05/2024 Licensee: Jose Delgado, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Justintimeforwine. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Pending ADMC Violations Date: 01/27/2024 Licensee: Reynaldo Yanez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout intra-articular injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, That Magic Moment. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 01/27/2024 Licensee: Rohan Crichton, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout intra-articular injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Fighter in the Win. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 01/26/2024 Licensee: Robert Dibona, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout intra-articular injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Surrogate. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 12/31/2023 Licensee: Gerard Ochoa, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Unxpected Tiger, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 12/31/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/03/2024 Licensee: Jorge Diaz, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221-Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)-on Melina's Dream, who finished seventh at Parx Racing on 1/3/2024. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313-Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. Date: 10/30/2023 Licensee: Ismael Bahena, trainer Penalty: Provisionally suspended Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Color Field, who won at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 10/30/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Date: 12/19/2023 Licensee: Anthony Carango, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Esor, who finished second at Parx Racing on 12/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/22/2023 Licensee: Angel Sanchez-Pinero, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Out-of-competition medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Jersey Coast. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/19/2024 Licensee: Gustavo Delgado, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout intra-articular injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Ocean Vision. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. OTHER KEY RULINGS The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. California Track: Santa Anita Date: 02/11/2024 Licensee: Dan Blacker, trainer Penalty: Ninety-day suspension and $15,000 fine Violation: Failure to follow pre-workout examination reporting rules Explainer: Trainer Dan Blacker is suspended for 90 days from February 26, 2024, to May 25, 2024, and fined the sum of $15,000.00 for violations of California Horse Racing Board rule #1878 (Workouts – No seventy-two [72] hour pre-workout Veterinarian examinations [527 counts]) occurred between January 1, 2022, through July 1, 2023. Read more on the story here. Track: Santa Anita Date: 02/11/2024 Licensee: Joel Rosario, trainer Penalty: Three-day suspension Violation: Careless riding Explainer: Jockey Joel Rosario who rode Exultation in the sixth race at Santa Anita Park on February 10, 2024, is suspended for 3 racing days (February 18, 19, and 23, 2024) for failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from first to second; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules-careless riding). The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Feb. 6 – Feb. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I Wish I Win will be aimed towards The Everest in the spring over a busy autumn campaign. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The connections of star sprinter I Wish I Win are opting for a patient approach with the five-year-old sensation. Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, the talented gelding has been absent from the track since his commendable second-place finish in The Everest (1200m) last October. This autumn, he has no specific race target, as his entire campaign is geared towards peak condition for another shot at the lucrative slot race in October. “He’s in good order, he’s probably ready to have his first gallop of the prep next week, been building well, been doing a lot of work on the back track here at Pakenham over the last month or so and he’s coming to hand nicely,” revealed Moody to Racing.com. “We gave him a nice break because he hadn’t had one since he’d been over here in Australia and he really enjoyed that time away – long, slow build-up. “When and where we kick him off, I’m not sure, but that’s the beauty of owning and managing them yourself, you can make those decisions and have no outside pressure. “Haven’t even mapped anything out, the William Reid is towards the end of March, the TJ. Smith is early April – plenty of races for him, so we’ll just let him guide a path. “That’s his sole target, whether he has two, three, four runs, whatever between now and then, the Everest – we want to be there in October.” I Wish I Win holds the third line of betting with horse racing bookmakers for The Everest as a quote of +700. Horse racing news View the full article