Wandering Eyes

Time has been called on the racing career of Savabeel’s Group-winning daughter Mazzolino (NZ). The Waikato Stud-bred and owned mare was prepared at Cambridge by Stephen Marsh and was successful on three occasions, including the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and placed a further five times at stakes level. In foal to Super Seth, Mazzolino also ran fourth in this season’s Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) and signed off with a midfield finish in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) last weekend. The four-year-old is a sister to the two-time Group One winner Atishu (NZ) with their dam the No Excuse Needed mare Posy (NZ), a sister to Daffodil (NZ) who won three times at the elite level in the farm’s colours. “She has done a great job and did us proud, she’s going to be a very good addition to the Waikato Stud broodmare band,” Marsh said. His association with the premier Matamata farm will continue at Taupo on Wednesday when Sweetpea (NZ) (Savabeel) will represent them in the trainer’s own race, the Marsh Racing Maiden (1200m). Another daughter of Savabeel, the filly was light heartedly named after Marsh by stud principal Mark Chittick. “That’s my nickname and Mark was being cheeky, I did laugh about it,” he said. “She did trial up really nicely at Taupo as well.” She will be ridden by Courtney Barnes while Marsh will also be represented by Arrowette (NZ) (Zoustar) and Lerado (NZ) (Belardo) in the Pak ‘N’ Save Taupo (1400m) and Billy Lincoln in the J Swap Maiden (1300m). “Arrowette has finally drawn a gate (two) and she’s needed a couple of runs to get her up to full fitness and it looks a nice race for her,” he said. “Lerado should run well, it’s been a little while between runs but I thought Arrowette should be able to put her hand up in that race.” Warren Kennedy rides the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced Arrowette and Opie Bosson is booked for Lerado and Billy Lincoln (NZ) (Belardo). “If Billy Lincoln had drawn a better barrier, I would have been more confident but all four are realistic chances,” Marsh said. The stable will have black type contenders at Ellerslie on Saturday, including a strong hand in the Listed Shaw’s Wires Ropes Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m). “We’ll have Merchant Queen, who ran second to Crocetti last time out, Moet Down who won very well last start and Tossuforit who has been going very well, so they are three live chances,” Marsh said. Merchant Queen (Merchant Navy) had won her first three starts before finishing runner-up in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Moet Down (Pierro) broke her maiden in style at Te Rapa last month. Tossuforit (Zoustar) was a game seventh in the Almanzor after racing wide without cover and had previously finished fourth in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m). View the full article

Geriatrix will compete at Taupo on Wednesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Wexford Stables will be looking to continue their golden run when they head to Taupo on Wednesday. The Matamata operation will line-up three favourites on the six race card and are expected to kick-off the midweek meeting with a bang, with the Cliff Matson-owned three-year-olds Jungleland and Cupid’s Arrow holding joint +230 favouritism with horse racing bookmakers. Tarzino gelding Jungleland was runner-up over a mile at Te Rapa last start, while Cupid’s Arrow posted two placings before running sixth at the same meeting. “Jungleland has been building really well. His last race was really encouraging,” said Andrew Scott, who trains the gelding in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “He lacked a bit of luck in his first two (starts), where he got back with bad barriers, but he is starting to put it together and he has continued to go the right way since his last race and has grown in confidence. He should be pretty hard to beat. “Cupid’s Arrow has lacked a bit of luck in her last two. She got caught three-wide in both of her last runs. Everything indicates that she should stay well tomorrow. She has got a wonderful constitution and she certainly deserves a win tomorrow.” Stablemate Geriatrix will have a drop in class, having last competed in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) where he beat just one runner home, but Scott said he had his excuses. “He didn’t handle the ground there at Ellerslie on Karaka Millions night. He had been away from the races for a fair while too,” he said. “But the run has tightened him up a lot. He is familiar with the track at Taupo, he has had the one start there and won well. If he brings a similar performance, he is certainly going to be right in it.” Bookmakers agree, installing the Almanzor colt a +150 favourite for his Taupo assignment. Wexford are also expecting a good showing from promising filly Tomodachi, for which she is a +220 favourite. “She is a really nice filly,” Scott said. “We have been educating her nicely at the trials and she stretched out well last time. “She might find the 1200m a little bit short and sharp, but once she gets out to 1400m and a mile, it is all in front of her, she is a really promising filly.” Looking ahead to the weekend, Scott is looking forward to heading north to Ellerslie on Saturday where Wexford will line-up a number of stakes chances. Mosinvador was runner-up to Ascend The Throne in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa a fortnight ago and his connections are hoping he can go one better in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), where he will be joined by stablemates The Weapon and Monday Melody. “Mossinvador was really good in the Waikato Guineas. We think he has gone the right way, and he has improved with his first run over ground,” Scott said. “The Weapon was a bit unsuited to the ground on Karaka Millions night (when ninth in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO). He looks like he can stay, and he worked really well this morning.” Wexford hold Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) aspirations with their Guineas contenders, a race they won two years ago with Asterix, who on Saturday will contest the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2200m). “We think Asterix is about due to strike. He has got a hood on for the first time this preparation and he should run more competitively,” Scott said. The Matamata barn will also have a three-pronged attack in the meeting’s other feature race, the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m), courtesy of I’munstoppable, Tanganyika, and Foxglove. “Tanganyika was a wee bit unlucky last start, he hit the line well and we think he is up to Group company,” Scott said. “I’munstoppable has won her last two and she deserves a good crack at black-type. Foxglove has been finishing strongly in her last two runs and is another filly we have got a good opinion of. “Hopefully on the weekend we should have a good day.” Meanwhile, the stable’s star filly Molly Bloom is enjoying some time in the paddock following her win in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa last Saturday. “We have popped her in the paddock for a couple of days, she deserves a wee break,” Scott said. “She is safe and sound and we will make a call on her in the next couple of days.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Thursday, February 15, 2024 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse is gearing up for an action-packed eight-race meeting this Thursday night, featuring two heats of the Pakenham Future Stars series as the main attractions. The weather forecast promises clear skies, ensuring the track stays at a Good 4 condition throughout the evening, while the rail sticks to its true position. The racing is scheduled to commence at 5:45pm local time. Best Bet at Pakenham: Magarten Jerome Hunter’s Magarten has finished second in all three runs this time in, but he strikes a perfect race to go one better. The Maurice progeny was held up for clear running at a crucial point on February 1 over the 1600m at Pakenham and did well to quicken sharply, despite being beaten by just under a length. He stays at the Pakenham mile, and from barrier one under Craig Williams, it looks to be only bad luck that will get him beat. If they can see clear air at the right time, Magarten looks to have her rivals covered. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Magarten (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Craig Williams (60kg) +160 with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Zousuko Despite being a nine-start maiden, the John McArdle-trained Zousuko is without a doubt the best horse in the opening event. Having placed in Group 3 company behind De Sonic Boom as a juvenile, she has been competitive in much tougher company than what she faces on Thursday night. The three-year-old filly has two seconds to her name in two first-up runs, so she is expected to fire over the 1000m scamper. Jamie Mott will likely look to hold a prominent position in running, and with even luck, Zousuko can finally break her maiden. Next Best Race 1 – #12 Zousuko (5) 3yo Filly | T: John McArdle | J: Jamie Mott (57kg) +140 with Picklebet Best Value at Pakenham: Lulu Darling The Michael Huglin-trained Lulu Darling was a smart Geelong BM64 winner over 1206m on January 28, and she looks well placed to string together consecutive wins. She steps up to the 1400m, a trip she has three wins at from six goes. Dakotah Keane sticks on board and claims 3kg, and despite still needing to lug 62kg, the Toronado mare is sure to take some running down. As long as Lulu Darling can find the rail from barrier eight, she has the runs on the board, which suggests she will prove too good for BM64 grade once again — and at a nice price with horse racing bookies. Best Value Race 8 – #1 Lulu Darling (8) 6yo Mare | T: Michael Huglin | J: Dakotah Keane (a3) (65kg) +700 with Playup Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, February 15, 2024 1-2-3-7-14 3-4-11 1-2-3-4-12 1-3-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Last Saturday, both Caulfield and Randwick hosted feature racing, with several Group races taking place across the day. From those two meetings, we have found three runners that are worth putting in your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker so you can follow them at their next start. Caulfield Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 6: Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (F) (1100m) | Time: 1:03.66 Horse to follow: Matisse (3rd) Matisse has been a model of consistency to begin her career, with the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained filly finishing third in both the Blue Diamond Preview and Blue Diamond Prelude. Her run in the Prelude was one of the better performances from the back of the field for the entire meeting. After drawing barrier 14, Damian Lane had no other option than to take his medicine and settle towards the rear of the field before flashing down the outside in the final 400m. This daughter of Microphone recorded the second-fastest 600m (33.60s) and 400m (22.25s) sections of the entire meeting. When to bet: After finishing in the placings in both lead-up races to the Blue Diamond Stakes, the Freedmans will more than likely push onto the Group 1 feature in two weeks’ time. If Matisse can draw an inside gate, she will be one of the better chances. Randwick Track rating: Soft 6 (up to Soft 5 after R4) Rail position: True entire circuit Race 3: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:38.32 Horse to follow: Infinitive (4th) After a strong performance fresh, Infinitive was expected to improve second-up and go very close to winning last Saturday; however, the four-year-old mare was held up near the rear of the field upon straightening. It was only at the 150m mark that the Chris Waller-trained galloper found a gap and pushed her way through to run home into fourth place. Kerrin McEvoy couldn’t have done anything more to help this girl, as he came off the fence before the home turn to find more room. As this daughter of Hellbent ran through the gap and savaged the line, it is easy to argue that Infinitive should have won the race. When to bet: Waller and his team tested Infinitive in Group races last preparation over 1600m and 2000m, and when you consider her most recent start was in Benchmark 78 grade, she should be able to handle a rise in class and distance next start. Race 7: Inglis Millennium (1100m) | Time: 1:03.91 Horse to follow: Rag Queen (3rd) Rag Queen was one of the better runs in defeat at Randwick last Saturday, as the two-year-old filly showed a blistering turn of foot to flash home into third place in the Inglis Millennium. The David Payne-trained filly was sent around as a +3000 chance with online horse betting sites, even though she was one of a few runners that had won on debut before tackling the $2 million race. With only three runners behind this daughter of D’argento at the 400m mark, she lengthened her stride nicely in the final 300m while changing tracks and nearly nabbed second place off Rue De Royale in the final bound. When to bet: Given how well Rag Queen ran through the line over 1100m, it would be no surprise to see David Payne run her in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on March 2, where she would have a big chance against her own age group and sex. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Latest horse racing tips View the full article

Red Lion and Zac Purton fend off Mugen. Building vital mid-season momentum, John Size took training honours with a double at Sha Tin on Monday when Red Lion clinched the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Chinese New Year Cup Handicap (1400m) in front of a crowd of 81,049. Boosting his tally to 29 wins, Size has moved steadily into fourth place in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship behind Pierre Ng (47), Francis Lui (32) and Ricky Yiu (30) after Howdeepisyourlove followed Red Lion’s gritty success in the afternoon’s feature. Enhancing his record to five wins and four minor placings from 18 starts with prize money of more than HK$12 million, Red Lion earned the praise of 12-time champion trainer Size after Zac Purton tracked leaders Duke Wai and Super Wealthy into the straight before angling into the clear before taking the lead. Challenged fiercely by Mugen at the 150m, Red Lion rallied bravely to win by a neck with a fading Duke Wai 8.25-lengths further back third with an overall winning time of 1m 21.42s. “He’s (Red Lion) been a good horse. He won four races last season and he’s done a fantastic job to come back on a reasonably high mark (102) and win another race,” Size said of the Belardo five-year-old, who won twice in Ireland when known as Fiach McHugh when trained by Andrew Slattery. “He fought like a lion. We’ll see what happens to his rating and try place him in another one he can go close in.” Purton, who leads the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with 65 wins from Karis Teetan (44), said: “He (Red Lion) just had the right run. There were some horses that were well out of form and not well placed in that race. It was really a race in two. I had to carry the weight (125lb) compared to the up and coming, nice young progressive horse (Mugen, 115lb). “It was a good battle – they both had their chance to win. I thought at the 150m, he had me when he was breathing down on me like that but, to my horse’s credit, maybe being a little older, more seasoned, a bit tougher, that was probably the telling factor in the end.” Size completed a double when Brenton Avdulla weaved through traffic late on Howdeepisyourlove as last season’s Hong Kong Champion Griffin prevailed. Backing up from his eighth place in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) eight days ago, Howdeepisyourlove posted his first win at Sha Tin as Avdulla revelled in a memorable day following his win on Tony Cruz-trained California Voce. “I’ve just tried to ride my races, stay confident – I feel like I’m riding well,” Avdulla said. “It’s nice to get a result. California Voce is a progressive horse and Howdeepisyourlove, you had to forgive him the other day (in the Hong Kong Classic Mile) and today, off a good gallop, the master trainer (Size) rarely gets it wrong, and the horse presented at the right time, bullied his way through and won like a good horse.” Cruz is hopeful California Voce can progress to the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 24 after the Irish import earned a PP bonus of HK$1.5 million after a driving victory from the tail of the field. “Hopefully he can get his rating up and get into the Derby,” Cruz said. “He’s needs longer distance, but this horse is going places. He won well today.” Giddy Up, trained by Jamie Richards, also claimed a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million by winning the Class 3 Kut Cheong Handicap (1400m) under Antoine Hamelin. Lyle Hewitson notched his 100th win in Hong Kong when Chris So-trained Parterre landed the second section of the Class 4 Good Fortune Handicap (1200m), ending a run of 72 losing rides for the South African. “It’s another winner, most importantly, and I think it’s a nice box to tick but hopefully in the long run, it’s just a small box to tick,” Hewitson said. “Look, it didn’t perturb me too much but I had a few dry meetings and it was very frustrating because I didn’t think I did too much wrong and hopefully the floodgates can open again now.” Making a delayed debut after being scratched pre-race when he was unable to be bridled on January 7, Windcheater atoned with perfect manners and charged between runners under Luke Ferraris to win the first section of the Class 4 Good Fortune Handicap (1200m). “We had a little bit of a false start a couple of weeks ago, but the horse has certainly got plenty of talent,” Newnham said. “I was a little bit nervous at about the 200 (metre) marker when he had nowhere to go, but the class horse that he is, as soon as the gap appeared he was able to take advantage of it. “He’s a big raw horse. Prior to coming here he’d only had one trial, so he’s open to a fair bit of improvement.” Frankie Lor’s Voyage Samurai also made a successful debut appearance when Derek Leung drove the Dissident gelding to victory in the Class 4 Lucky Star Handicap (1400m), while David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising was rewarded with success in the Class 3 Prosperity Handicap (1200m) under Zac Purton. Beaten narrowly at his previous starts by Size’s talented Wunderbar, the Shamexpress three-year-old notched his second win at his fourth start. “I think he’s got a good future over a bit longer because he’s just losing his pace a bit now,” Hayes said. “We’ll see how pulls up because I’d like to get his rating up a little bit more. That means we can train him for the bigger races next season and we can cruise. “I might give him a bit of a break. He’s had three hard runs in a row so we are in no rush.” Me Tsui and Angus Chung claimed the honour of winning the first race in the Year of the Dragon when Happy Tango swept to victory in the Class 5 Kung Hei Handicap (1200m) before Manfred Man’s Tsuen Wan Glory landed the Class 5 Fat Choi Handicap (1400m) for Matthew Chadwick, while Teetan struck aboard Ricky Yiu-trained Winning Data in the Class 4 Great Profits Handicap (1600m). Horse racing news View the full article

The Map ridden by Jamie Kah win at Flemington during the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) While the route to get there remains uncertain, the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November is the ultimate goal for The Map, Saturday’s Listed JRA Plate (2006m) victor. Immediate targets include the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) and Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m). The Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) or Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) are potential paths, both offering ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup. Trainer Oopy MacGillivray expressed aspirations to Racing.com. “In our heart and in our dreams, the thought is the Melbourne Cup this year.” However, MacGillivray acknowledged the challenges, stating, “it is so hard to get there, with everything you have to do and the hoops you have to jump through to qualify.” While keeping options open, MacGillivray admitted, “I suppose nothing’s off the table, but we haven’t really thought too far ahead.” The Map is currently a +5000 chance in futures markets for the 2024 Melbourne Cup with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Wednesday, February 14, 2024 First Race 1:38pm AEST Visit Dabble For the second time in five days, the Brisbane Racing Club will host a very competitive program at Doomben Racecourse, with eight races set down for decision this Wednesday. With little to no rain on the forecast, the track is expected to improve to a Good surface. The rail will be pushed out to the +5m position, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 1:38pm AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Prime Asset After an impressive performance fresh off a 20-week spell at this track over 1200m on February 1, Prime Asset appears ready to win second-up for trainer Gillian Heinrich. This five-year-old gelding settled in the box seat first-up and was slightly held up at the top of the straight before getting out late to finish strongly. Given how well this son of Star Witness ran through the line, the rise in distance to 1350m should suit him perfectly. If James Orman can settle in the one-one position or outside the leader, Prime Asset should prove very hard to run down. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Prime Asset (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Gillian Heinrich | J: James Orman (59kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: En Pointe This Robert Heathcote-trained mare was well beaten in Class 6 last start at the Sunshine Coast, where she sat outside the leader and started to fall back through the pack in the final 200m. The daughter of Better Than Ready will appreciate the drop to Benchmark 68 grade and should be able to settle in the first four from the wide barrier. Robbie Dolan will jump aboard for the second time this campaign, and if En Pointe doesn’t have to use up too much energy to get near the front, she can break her nine-month drought. Next Best Race 8 – #11 En Pointe (11) 4yo Mare | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Robbie Dolan (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Autora Coming off a good performance at this track and trip on January 24, Autora will be attempting to break her maiden at the fifth time of asking. This three-year-old filly ran on nicely from the back to finish fourth last time out, beaten by 2.4 lengths in a race that was run at a stop-start tempo. With Mark Du Plessis retaining the ride on this daughter of Written By, she should be able to settle a little closer from a good barrier (4). If she jumps with the field and can settle in the first five or six, Autora will prove hard to hold out over the 1630m journey. Best Value Race 4 – #12 Autora (4) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: Mark Du Plessis (55.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Field 1-3 1-2-6-7-11 6-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Think It Over ridden by Nash Rawiller on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the 2022 Australian Cup. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Trained by Kerry Parker, Think It Over is poised to make his return in Saturday’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m). After a memorable 2022 autumn, including wins in the Apollo and Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), Kerry parker is dreaming big with his middle-distance star. With a victory in Randwick’s 7 Stakes (1600m) during the 2023 spring, the son of So You Think is primed for his comeback. Parker expressed confidence, stating, “I think he’ll run really well. “He’s got good first-up form but he is getting a little older.” Despite his age, Parker believes Think It Over is in top form. “He is an eight-year-old now but he is coming up really good. “I’m looking forward to getting him back to the races.” Think It Over holds the second line of betting for Saturday’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes, with horse racing bookies rating him a +350 winning chance. Horse racing news View the full article

The Chris Waller-trained Espiona. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) After partnering Imperatriz during Monday morning’s workout, jockey Michael Dee is acutely aware of the formidable challenge he faces when he saddles up aboard Espiona for Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning (1000m). Trained by Chris Waller, the five-year-old is gearing up for her inaugural 1000m race, prompting Dee to share his thoughts with Racing.com. “She’s fit, she’s fresh for the 1000 metres, so if Imperatriz isn’t winning, I am sure Espiona is one of them that can run her down,” Dee remarked confidently, highlighting Espiona’s readiness for the sprint distance. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the field, noting, “It looks like it’s only going to be a small field, but a strong field at that, and you could make a case for every horse in the race.” Espiona currently rated a +1400 winning chance in all-in markets for the Black Caviar Lightning with leading horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Tuesday, February 13 will feature two meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Hawkesbury. Tuesday Racing Tips – February 13, 2024 Hawkesbury Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 13, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $12.60 odds return: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Hawkesbury – Race 1 #5 Diddle Dumpling Hawkesbury – Race 2 #1 Countyourblessings Kyneton – Race 2 #4 Rank’n’file | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 13, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Tuesday's Insights features the half-brother to five-time Group 1 winner Palace Pier. 17.30 Newcastle, Mdn, £11,400, 3yo, 7f 14y (AWT) MY CLOUD (IRE) (Blue Point {Ire}) is a notable newcomer for the Roger Varian stable as a half-brother to Kingman's five-times group 1 winner Palace Pier (GB) and last year's G3 Bahrain Trophy winner Castle Way (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}). KHK Racing's €325,000 Arqana May Breeze-Up graduate is forecast to be a warm order as the only newcomer in a 12-runner line-up. The post Observations: Blue Point Half-Brother to Palace Pier Debuts at Newcastle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Superstar sprinter Imperatriz. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Imperatriz, a proven performer at the highest level, showcased her readiness for the upcoming autumn campaign during a brisk track gallop at Moonee Valley on Monday morning, according to co-trainer Mark Walker. Accompanied by stablemate Sans Doute, the duo covered 800 metres in 51.72 seconds, with their final 400 metres completed in 23.94 seconds. Walker commented on the purpose behind pushing Imperatriz out of her comfort zone, stating, “Get her out of her comfort zone a little bit … horses at their home tracks are a bit laidback sometimes, especially as they get a bit older.” Regarding the upcoming Black Caviar Lightning (1000m), Walker expressed confidence, emphasizing the distinction between trials and race day: “Trials are different to race day and we’re looking forward to Saturday.” Drawing inspiration from recent performances, Walker alluded to Mr Brightside’s CF Orr Stakes success despite underwhelming jump-outs, stating, “There was a lot of talk on the weekend that Mr Brightside’s jump-outs weren’t that great, and look what he did.” Assuring Imperatriz’s preparedness for Saturday’s challenge, Walker highlighted the meticulous monitoring of top-tier horses: “These good horses have checks and balances every week and there’s nothing that’s been out of place.” In terms of physical readiness, Walker noted, “She’ll be virtually the identical weight Saturday to what she won first-up in the spring.” Concluding with a nod to Imperatriz’s form and the competitive nature of Group 1 races, Walker remarked, “We think she’s pretty ready … they don’t give Group 1s away so you have to have them pretty ready.” Imperatriz is currently a -125 favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington with top horse racing betting sites. Horse racing news View the full article

Dive into an array of enticing horse racing promotions provided by leading bookmakers on Tuesday, February 13. Enhance your betting excitement with lucrative bonus back offers. Explore these promotions from top horse racing online bookmakers to maximise your wagering prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for February 13, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place a 4+ leg multi, if one leg fails Bonus Back up to $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in Bonus Cash Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au thoroughly evaluates leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for February 13, 2024. These ongoing offers highlight the commitment of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t showcasing a promotion, another is stepping up. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au as your primary source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Boost your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions crafted for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging into each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, rely on HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Kabirkhan has risen from obscurity in Kazakhstan to become the talking horse of this year's Dubai World Cup Carnival.View the full article

East has met west when it comes to Kabirkhan, who has risen from obscurity in Kazakhstan to become the talking horse of this year's Dubai World Cup Carnival.View the full article

By Michael Guerin It is advantage Cold Chisel after the barrier draw for $200,000 NZBS Harness Million at Alexandra Park on Friday. The Barry Purdon/Scott Phelan-trained three-year-old has drawn the ace for the feature of the night as he tries to go back to back after winning the two-year-old version at Addington in October. If he is able to complete the double he will mirror stablemate and ownership-mate Merlin, who won them both a year ago. Making the ace draw even better for Cold Chisel is the fact arch rival Chase A Dream, who beat him in the lead-up race at Alexandra Park last Friday, has drawn the outside of the front line. The Purdon/Phelan stable has a remarkable five of the 13 starters in the 2200m mobile while Mark and Nathan Purdon has another three. The stable’s luck with barrier draws continued in the three-year-old fillies Harness Million when Kiss also drew the ace but whereas Cold Chisel will start favourite, Coastal Babe is certain to be the hotpot in the fillies race as she drew barrier 2 and looks the certain leader. The night’s other black type race will see Sunnys Sister start a warm favourite in the $40,000 Fisken And Sons Northern Trotting Breeders Stakes. Self Assured heads the field for the main open pace but faces a 30m backmark, albeit in a small field and only conceding 10m to the only other open class horse in Mach Shard. To see the Alexandra Park fields click here View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Feb. 4-Feb. 11View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Manawatu hosts its first meeting of the 2024 season today and junior driver Crystal Hackett is keenly aware any personal success will also benefit the Team Teal campaign. With seven drives, Hackett, who is a Team Teal Ambassador, looks to have several chances to do so. “I’m really happy to be a part of Team Teal,” says Hackett. “It’s my second year as an ambassador and I’m really pleased to already have driven a couple winners to earn money for the campaign.” In Race 1, the Outback Trading Handicap Trot over 2500 metres, Hacketts drives the Andrew and Lyn Neal trained Trifolium. The gelding was a consistent performer at Hawera, placing second and third in his races at the two day meeting on the grass track. “He has been a little slow away lately but was ok at Hawera and the distance should suit him,” says Hackett, “he’s a good each way chance and always thereabouts.” Hackett also drives Winners Time and Diamonds Are Forever for the Neals, with Winners Time starting in Race 2, the Marion Hickey Memorial Pace. “The field is weaker than those he’s been racing against in his recent starts at Cambridge and he’s an honest horse,” says Hackett. “He can be forgiven for his run at Hawera too as he just didn’t handle the grass track.” Winners Time galloped away in his last start at Hawera but his few races prior to that at Cambridge Raceway held merit never finishing worse than fourth. The Group 1-placed mare Diamonds Are Forever has her first start as a four year old in Race 5, the ITM Mobile Pace. The mare has been freshened since her last start in late November and despite starting from barrier 7 certainly looks to be the pick of the race. “She starts fresh today and Andrew and Lyn have said they’re really happy with her work,” says Hackett, “she’s got good speed which is certainly a plus too!” Hackett also drives Pennys First Flight in Race 3, Stealers Wheel in Race 6, Quicksmart in Race 7, and Eddie Osei in Race 8. The first race gets underway at 4:06pm. View the full article

Trainer Dan Blacker was sanctioned for not filing veterinarian inspection reports within 72 hours of published works Jan. 1, 2022, through July 1, 2023.View the full article

Introduced as Charlie Appleby's second-string in Monday's novice at Wolverhampton, Godolphin's 3-year-old Endless Victory (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}–Waitress {SP-Fr}, by Kingmambo) emerged clear best with a striking debut display to earn instant TDN Rising Star status. A full-brother to the operation's G1 Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter (GB), the 7-4 second favourite was able to follow the moderate pace set by Cupid's Dream (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) without any issue and when asked to tackle that stablemate turning for home really turned it on for Danny Tudhope. In command approaching the furlong pole, the homebred hit the line strong having completed the final two furlongs in 23.10. Cupid's Dream, who had shown useful form on his debut in November, wilted to be third, beaten 7 1/4 lengths in total with the Karl Burke-trained unraced colt Ancient Myth (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a 425,000gns Tatts Book 1 purchase, 4 3/4 lengths in arrears of the impressive winner. “That was a lovely performance–he was a bit green and it's probably a bit sharp for him around here, but he got away with it and hit the line well,” Tudhope said of Teofilo's fifth TDN Rising Star, with the multiple group winner West Wind Blows (Ire) the pick so far. “He'll be better when he goes up in trip.” The listed-placed dam Waitress, whose 2-year-old filly is by Frankel (GB), is out of the G3 Prix de Meautry winner Do The Honours (Ire) (Highest Honor {Fr}) who is in turn a daughter of the well-connected Persian Secret (Fr) (Persian Heights {GB}). Kin to the top-class sprinter Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}) and the ill-fated sire of note Verglas (Ire), she links to the Classic heroine and stellar broodmare Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and therefore to Galileo's Magical (Ire) and Rhododendron (Ire) and last year's Derby-winning sensation Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). An impressive debut!@godolphin's Endless Victory has too much for the field at @WolvesRaces… pic.twitter.com/gk3nPFXbBV — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 12, 2024 3rd-Wolverhampton, £11,400, Novice, 2-12, 3yo, 9f 104y (AWT), 2:01.24, st. ENDLESS VICTORY (GB), c, 3, by Teofilo (Ire) 1st Dam: Waitress (SP-Fr), by Kingmambo 2nd Dam: Do The Honours (Ire), by Highest Honor (Fr) 3rd Dam: Persian Secret (Fr), by Persian Heights (GB) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $7,772. O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. The post Cross Counter’s Brother A New Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Jonathan Wong has been suspended for two years and fined $25,000 for a post-race metformin positive from last June after a Jan. 9 hearing before the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's arbitration panel. The two-year period of ineligibility retroactively starts July 1, 2023, when Wong's initial provisional suspension was first imposed. He will also pay $8,000 of HIWU's share of the arbitration, in addition to his own arbitration fees. As the maximum possible sentence for such a violation, the ruling marks the latest twist in a case that became entangled in the evolving rules of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act's (HISA) enforcement efforts. Several Metformin cases have called into question whether or not possible environmental contamination should be treated the same way that other positives are treated. The case also appears far from over. In a short statement, Wong wrote that he had appealed the ruling which could now go before the Federal Trade Commission, head to federal court, or both. Wong also explained that he would seek a temporary injunction against the ban. “By the time this new story breaks, we will have already filed or will be filing our appropriate appeal, whether in Federal Court or with an Administrative Law Judge through the Federal Trade Commission. It is entirely possible we will dual-path this situation and file in both. In all instances, we will seek an Emergency Order with Injunctive Relief. The facts and merits of the case will be heard,” Wong wrote, in a joint statement with his long-time owner, Brent Malmstrom. Wong-trainee Heaven and Earth (Gormley) broke her maiden at Indiana Grand June 1 but subsequently tested positive for the prescription drug Metformin, a type 2 diabetes treatment that HISA has classified as a banned substance. As a matter of protocol at that time, HIWU initially provisionally suspended Wong at the beginning of June when the A sample returned a positive finding for Metformin. The HISA Authority subsequently announced that it had modified the rules surrounding provisional suspensions. Under the revised provisions, responsible parties who request B Sample confirmation following a positive test for a banned substance would no longer face a provisional suspension until the B sample findings are returned. In Wong's case, he was notified on Aug. 9 that the B Sample confirmed the Metformin positive. Though Wong was technically permitted to return to training for a brief period while the B sample was being processed, he explained at the time that his owners did not wish to transfer the horses back with the B Sample results expected imminently, and effectively has not trained since July 2. Metformin ranks as the nation's third-most-prescribed human medicine, according to the consumer healthcare website Healthgrades, with more 20 million patients taking it. As a banned substance under HISA, a metformin positive comes with a possible two-year suspension and $25,000 fine. Because of the possible severity of the sanctions and its ubiquity in the environment, metformin has been at the heart of several cases since HISA's anti-doping and medication control program went into effect that have led some to question whether HIWU is deploying too strict an enforcement approach to the drug. In justification of its stance, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus told the TDN last month that “we do have intelligence that metformin is being used intentionally to enhance performance.” Furthermore, in October HIWU announced that internal reviews of its six contracted laboratories uncovered different limits of detection in blood for metformin, triggering a process of testing harmonization in blood across the labs for the drug. Until that point, all the metformin positives originated from just the one lab. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) has posted a detailed explainer of the ruling on its website. The report details how the A sample was sent to the HIWU-accredited Industrial Laboratories in Denver Colorado, while the B sample was sent to the Chicago Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois, for confirmatory analysis. According to the report, the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis, conducted “Further Analysis” on the A blood sample “received from Industrial,” and on the “remainder of the B urine sample” received from the Chicago lab. “Apparently, they can swing till they're happy,” said Malmstrom, when asked about that development. Though Wong mentioned only his appeals process in his statement, he has detailed in the past the impacts from the ongoing case on his personal and professional life. “It brings a lot of stuff into perspective,” he said, last August. “I've a wife, a 13-year-old, a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 10-month-old. I miss so much of their life by putting work first and them second, for it all to be literally thrown away in a day over something I didn't even do.” The TDN has reached out to HISA and HIWU for comment. The post Wong Suspended Two Years and fined $25,000, Says He’ll Appeal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

El Catolico, now 3, broke his maiden on second asking at Camarero in Puerto Rico last October. For his career, the Kentucky-bred colt is 3-1-2 from six starts and has banked $59,519.View the full article

A halter worn by Triple Crown winner Justify is one of the items available during the 2024 Bourbon and the Bayou online silent auction, which benefits CASA of Lexington. Also available are halters worn by champions Gun Runner and Monomoy Girl. Bidding on the halters is open at bandb2024.givesmart.com. CASA of Lexington is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy for hundreds of abused and neglected children in central Kentucky every year. The auction, which concludes with an in-person gala, closes at 9:45 p.m Feb. 23. Buyers do not have to attend the gala and items will be available for pick-up at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Drive, beginning 10 a.m. Feb. 26 or may be shipped at buyer's expense. The post Justify Halter Among Offerings at CASA Online Charity Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The farm noted, "The condition came on suddenly & was unrelated to his retirement. Despite immediate veterinary (intervention) his condition deteriorated to a point where we were unable to keep him comfortable. He will be greatly missed."View the full article

The $800,000 allocated to the Ontario Thoroughbred Improvement Program's Mare Purchase and Recruitment Programs has been exhausted for the year. The program provides Ontario residents with 50% of the purchase price–up to a maximum of C$25,000–per in-foal mares purchased either online or in person at a recognized public auction outside of Ontario, with progeny of 2024 to foal in the province. “It's a good incentive,” David Clancy, a long-time owner and breeder, and owner of Toronto-based accounting firm Clancy CPA & Co, said of the Mare Purchase Program. “Some of my better mares are getting a bit older now, so I was looking to upscale my mares a bit with some younger stock, so that's why I decided to [make use of the program] this year.” Clancy purchased three mares in two Kentucky sales, with help from the Mare Purchase Program. He acquired Carta de Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) for $170,000 and Marge Takes Charge (Empire Maker) for $92,000 at the 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, and Daddy Issues (Scat Daddy) for $48,000 at last week's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale. Owners from across North America shipped mares to Ontario to foal as part of the Mare Recruitment Program, taking advantage of the “Ontario Bred” status foaling in the province confers. “Ontario, I think, is a good place to breed,” said Clancy. “And, ultimately, the horse will run at Woodbine, and Woodbine has pretty good purses overall, I think.” The post Ontario Mare Purchase Program 2024 Funds Fully Dispersed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article