Wandering Eyes

Molly Bloom winning the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Scott Eagleton might not have had the best seat in the house to watch Molly Bloom’s latest success, but it didn’t detract from the satisfaction derived from the star filly’s return to winning ways. The Seaton Park principal bred and sold the high-class daughter of Ace High whose victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa may have been her final appearance in New Zealand. “It was another huge result for the farm, even though we couldn’t get there,” Eagleton said. “We were on a horse trek (at Katikati) and in the middle of the bush trying to watch the race on the phone. “It was a huge thrill after the way the Karaka Millions ($1.5 million, 1600m) panned out for her, and it was nice to see her bounce back. “It all continues to help the pedigree as she’s the first foal out of the mare, so it was great stuff.” Molly Bloom was purchased out of Seaton Park’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft by trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott for $150,000. She has now won four of her eight starts, including the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). High-profile Australian owner Ozzie Kheir bought into the ownership group of the filly ahead of her Te Rapa success and she will remain with Wexford Stables for the remainder of her three-year-old preparation. She is likely to chase Australian black-type with potential targets including the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney and the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) in Brisbane before she joins a yet to be decided Australian stable. Molly Bloom is out of the Iffraaj mare Dancilla, a half-sister to the dual Group 3 winner Decorah from the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Rough Habit. “Dancilla was born here and was owned and raced by Alan and Colleen Jackson, who were one of my very first clients,” Eagleton said. “Alan was slowly but surely phasing down his breeding operation and said to me ‘what am I going to do with her?’ and I said I’ll take her, so he effectively gifted her to me.” Dancilla was a one-race winner before a setback forced her retirement and was sent to High Chaparral’s son Ace High for her first covering. “I had bought a share in Ace High and really liked the fact that he had won his Group 1s as a spring three-year-old and loved the sire line, it made sense,” Eagleton said. “When the foal was born, she was one of the tidiest I had bred and just stood out in the paddock. “We took the full sister to Karaka last year, she is much bigger and was in Book 1 and failed to get a bid so we have retained her and she’s with Fraser Auret at Marton. “The reason being is that the other two directors in the company, my stepfather and uncle Gary and Alan Thomas, are accountants in Taihape where I grew up and it’s nice to keep them involved. “They love their racing and can go and see her and with Molly going so well it keeps it all ticking over nicely.” Molly Bloom currently heads the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year series and Eagleton is hoping she can hang on to her lead. “Hopefully, she has done enough to be the Filly of the Year and further the family,” he said. “Dancilla was in foal last season to Proisir, but unfortunately absorbed and she’s in foal now to Contributer so it’s all really exciting.” Horse racing news View the full article

Naxos (centre) winning at Tauranga on Sunday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) It was a day of doubles for Ballymore Stables and owner Sir Peter Vela, of Pencarrow Stud, at Tauranga on Sunday, with the pair combining to score in the Pure Lighting Maiden (1200m) with debutant Naxos. The three-year-old son of Harry Angel was having her first raceday start and first public outing since finishing third in a close three-way finish in his 850m heat at Te Awamutu in December. While he came off third best in that contest, he wasn’t to be outdone in another close finish in his first raceday appearance. After settling in the trail behind leader My Girl Candy, jockey Billy Jacobsen had to navigate Naxos three-wide to find clear running room when My Girl Candy began to tire when turning for home. Naxos continued to lift and hit the front in the final 50m and held on to score by a long head over Grand Cru, with a further half head back to Letsbringthebling in third. “It was good to finally get him to the races, after taking him to Hastings (last month) and having the meeting abandoned, and we’d been waiting for a race to suit him,” said Pam Gerard, who trains in partnership with Michael Moroney. “He’d come such a long way in this preparation and now looks like a racehorse – has the right attitude to want to be out there and try, and I thought he could be thereabouts if everything went his way. “Billy (Jacobson) gave him a beautiful trip and the horse does everything right, likes to be competitive, honest, and tries hard.” Jacobsen was just as pleased with the winning performance after being impressed with the gelding at the trials. “I knew coming into the straight that I had a good shout, he gave me a nice kick, and held on well,” he said. “Pam’s done a great job with him. At the trials he showed me a bit, so I fancied him from there and rode him positively. “It was a tight finish, but we were in for the fight, and he proved the best in winning.” Naxos made it consecutive wins for Sir Peter Vela after Bonifleur won the STE Industrial Electrical Maiden (1200m) for trainer Paul Richards. Sir Peter Vela’s racing manager Garry Cossey was trackside to witness the winning double. “Paul (Richards) told me the first winner for Sir Peter, Bonifleur, probably could have done with another trial, but she got away with it and looked professional, so it’ very pleasing to get a double,” Cossey said. “Sir Peter will be very pleased with getting a double on the day at Tauranga, and we’re very pleased with the way the horses are being prepared and the feedback we get. “I spoke with Pam after Naxos trialled, trying to find somewhere he’d be competitive. They were patient and found a lovely race at Hastings, and they were called off which was frustrating, but we’ve been rewarded today. It just goes to show that there’s always something around the corner. “She placed him very well and had a good handle on him.” Ballymore secured a double of their own when Madame La Fay took out the last event on the eight-race card, the Tauranga Crossing Fashions In The Field 1600. “She’s held her condition right through this campaign,” Gerard said. “If it wasn’t for striking a few wet tracks and a jockey losing his stick at a vital stage, she probably should have won a couple more times.” Horse racing news View the full article

Vera Rose will head to next month’s Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Tony Pike’s classy pair of Harlow Rocks and Vera Rose put their hands up for loftier targets after playing the bridesmaid role at Te Rapa on Saturday. Harlow Rocks, a daughter of Roc De Cambes, had shown early promise including a strong maiden victory in late November, before a switch to the right-handed track at Pukekohe was not to her liking in a first attempt at black-type on Boxing Day. Cambridge-based Pike opted to scratch the filly from the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) in deteriorating New Plymouth conditions on February 3 in favour of contesting several headliners of the three-year-old fillies’ ranks in the Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m). Starting a $35 outside chance, Harlow Rocks was ridden positively out of barrier three by Ryan Elliot and took up the pace making role. She remained in the leading position to the 200m mark, fighting bravely to be surpassed only by Molly Bloom in the closing stages, with a further 1-1/2 lengths to Livid Sky in third. “I was very pleased with her, she’s a filly we’ve really liked and she’s kept improving all the way through this preparation,” Pike said. “We had scratched her off the wet track at New Plymouth the week before which was the easier race, it was a very strong field on Saturday with high-quality fillies and she really put her hand up. “She’s a lot better left-handed, she got quite awkward last start at Pukekohe going right-handed, so we were reasonably confident we would see an improved run back left-handed at Te Rapa.” Following Saturday’s performance, the Oaks Stud-bred and owned filly shortened into $12 in a widening futures market for the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Pike indicating the Trentham feature now being her main target. “She looks like she’ll stay, so at this stage she’ll progress through to the Lowland Stakes (Group 2, 2100m) at Hastings on the 28th, and all going well, she’ll progress onto the Oaks.” Another representing Dick Karreman’s Cambridge nursery was Vera Rose, the tough Fiorente filly finishing a highly-creditable third in the inaugural $350,000 Karapiro Classic (1600m) later on the Te Rapa card. In the hands of new Swedish arrival Per-Anders Graberg, Vera Rose tracked eventual second-placegetter Hasstobeawinner throughout on the fence before maintaining a solid sprint to the post, the pair only denied late in a sensational late dash by Wallen. “We decided to leave her at the mile again, as well as being the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic for the first time, we wanted to support the race with great prizemoney on offer,” Pike said. “She was given a great trip by Per-Anders, it was a big run against some seasoned older horses.” The filly also holds a nomination for the Oaks on March 16, but Pike will test her staying abilities first in the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie on March 2. “She’s definitely heading the right way, but it’s a bit of a question mark whether she’ll stay. Being by Fiorente (former Melbourne Cup winner), she should, but she’s out of quite a fast family. “We’ll probably head to the Sunline Vase next, that will tell us if she’ll get the Oaks trip or not. If not, there will probably be some nice options for her in Australia as well, back in trip slightly.” Pike will head to Ellerslie on Saturday with a talented team, including consistent four-year-olds Rudyard and Churchillian, the latter returning after a brief fresh-up following her Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) triumph at Trentham in mid-January. A son of Charm Spirit, Rudyard topped five top-four finishes this campaign with a third-placing behind Group 1-winning pair Desert Lightning and Legarto in the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) on Karaka Millions Night. Both horses will contest the Open 1500m on Saturday, with the Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) a potential aim for Rudyard, while an attempt at Group 1 level next month may arise for Churchillian. “If she keeps stepping up, we may give her a chance at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Group 1, 1600m) at Te Aroha,” he said. Pike will also have two representatives in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) with High Country and City Gold Ready, both geldings potential hopes for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on March 2. “They both look like nice staying three-year-olds in good form, so they’ll head to the Guineas,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Randwick-Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, February 14, 2024 First Race 2.20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to the Kensington circuit at Randwick on Wednesday afternoon for a competitive seven-race program. The rail is out +5m for the entire circuit, and with scattered showers predicted in the lead-up, the Soft 5 rating at the time of writing should hold. The opening event is set to get underway at 2:20pm AEDT. Best Bet: Xidaki Xidaki has found the minor money in all four career starts and now gets the ultimate opportunity to finally break his maiden. The son of Zoustar has simply found one better in his two most recent starts, his latest being a nose behind a gallant Ironton at this course on January 31. He draws to get a soft run in transit, and with the 1400m an optimal trip for Xidaki, he can finally jag his first win for the Snowden team. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Xidaki (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Kerrin McEvoy (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best: Chateau Miraval Chateau Miraval makes her debut for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yard on the back of two eye-catching barrier trials. She was cruising through the wire in her latest jump-out at Warwick Farm on January 30, holding off all challengers when asked by Adam Hyeronimus. Tim Clark gets the nod on Wednesday and will look to employ front-running tactics from gate six, which will make Chateau Miraval hard to chase down. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Chateau Miraval (6) 2yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (55kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again: Balkans Balkans makes his return in BM72 grade on the back of two barrier trials and a gelding operation. The Godolphin runner was a two-time winner before heading to the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m), where he was no match for the likes of King’s Gambit on October 7. His trials since appear to have the son of Lonhro ticking over nicely, and with a bit more focus and maturity on his side, Balkans can be competitive in the penultimate. Next Best Again Race 6 – #7 Balkans (4) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Wednesday quaddie tips for Randwick-Kensington races Randwick-Kensington quadrella selections Wednesday, February 14, 2024 1-9 2-3-7-8 1-2-7-8-9 2-3-5-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jonny Turner’s selections for Wairio Race Jonny Turner Racing Journalist Race 1 12.55pm 4 Ukraine 2 Music Mistress 1 Duchess Of Kent 5 Wild East Race 2 1.20pm 4 Dignify 1 Quercus Rubra 3 Wattle Hill 5 Our Superfund Race 3 1.48pm 2 Gunner Andy 11 Frankie 5 On Top Of The World 3 Oh Micky Race 4 2.19pm 1 Nek Delight 9 Warrior Easton 4 Sherwood Maggie 12 Olives Dream Race 5 2.59pm 3 Blithe 6 Bill Bootit 2 Night Watch 5 Switch On Race 6 3.30pm 8 Miraculous 7 Song Sung Blue 6 Built For Glory 1 Jaccka Evan Race 7 3.51pm 5 Vanessa Marie 3 Zamperini 2 La Bamba 7 Shuffle Up Race 8 4.19pm 5 Tartan Raider 4 Haley Robyn 10 Sinai Sermon 2 Jenny Gump Race 9 4.53pm 5 Ruby Roe 1 Misty Blue 6 All You Need is Me 7 Flying Ellie Race 10 5.23pm 7 Tact McLeod 8 Sand Wave 3 He’s A Meister 4 Deceptive Lee Race 11 5.53pm 6 Itoje 4 Beach Flybye 1 Micaitlen Denario 10 Teddy Baker Race 12 6.21pm 6 Bizzie Lou 10 Beach Day 4 Westar Molly 12 Magnetic Beckers View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Winton. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Tuesday, February 13, 2024 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to Hawkesbury on Tuesday afternoon for a quickfire seven-race program kicking off at 1:50pm AEDT. Despite some improving conditions on the forecast, the track rating is expected to sit in the Soft range. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit and should play fairly throughout. Best Bet: Countyourblessings Countyourblessings couldn’t have been more impressive when breaking her maiden first-up at Goulburn on January 30. The John O’Shea-trained filly did it comfortably, pulling away from her rivals to win by 1.7 lengths. She should get similar favours in the run on Tuesday afternoon, and with Chad Schofield electing to stick in the saddle, it gives us confidence Countyourblessings can replicate her first-up romp. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Countyourblessings (2) 3yo Filly | T: John O’Shea | J: Chad Schofield (58.5kg) +150 with PlayUp Next Best: Diddle Dumpling Diddle Dumpling looks prepared for a debut assault for the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou barn after a fantastic piece of work at this course on February 1. The daughter of Deep Field led all the way in that jump-out and did it under her own steam with very little urging by Jean Van Overmiere. With the experienced Kerrin McEvoy taking the reins for race-day, Diddle Dumpling will prove hard to chase down when asked for the ultimate effort. Next Best Race 1 – #5 Diddle Dumpling (6) 2yo Filly | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Kerrin McEvoy (55kg) +180 with Bet365 Best Value: Rose Code Rose Code has produced two eye-catching barrier trials heading into her debut. The three-year-old Godolphin filly appeared sharp when coasting through the wire in her most recent jump-out at Hawkesbury on February 1, barely asked to make inroads under the in-form Zac Lloyd. She should get a lovely run just behind the speed in this maiden contest and should be in the mix when the whips are cracking, so it is hard to ignore the price on offer with the top online bookies. Best Value Race 5 – #11 Rose Code (6) 3yo Fillet | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57kg) +700 with Neds Tuesday Hawkesbury quaddie tips – 13/2/2024 Hawkesbury quadrella selections Tuesday, February 13, 2024 1-2-3-5-7-9-13 1-5-10-11-12 1-3-4-12 1-7-8-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips 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

Maymun left eyes widened three weeks ago when he scored a 7 1/2-length maiden victory. Wheeling back against first-level allowance company, and facing a salty stablemate in Imagination, the colt delivered another winning performance on Feb. 11. View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, February 12 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 Sha Tin (HK). Monday Racing Tips – February 12, 2024 Sha Tin Racing Tips 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 12, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Sghirripa ridden by Craig Newitt wins the Standish Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Sghirripa, the emerging South Australian sprinter sired by Lonhro, is primed for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate following a convincing victory in a 1000m barrier trial at Morphettville last week. Trained by Shane and Cassie Oxlade, the four-year-old has demonstrated his potential by winning four of his previous five outings, including a notable triumph in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m). “Kayla (Crowther, jockey) was happy, he did what he had to do,” Shane Oxlade said of Sghrippa’s trial. “He had seven or eight days in the paddock and had a bit of evens and then a half-mile gallop by himself, so it was to get him moving again and gives me a few weeks to do a bit more with him. “He had a blow but not a big blow, so he pulled up pretty good.” Expressing confidence in Sghirripa’s potential, Oxlade remarked, “You can rate a horse but then they have to show you they are that good, and you’ve got to get them there, and so far we’ve been able to do that. “He has to take the next step, but I don’t think there’s any issues that he will. “I am pretty happy and getting pretty excited to get to these races.” Horse racing news View the full article

Cylinder will return in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning or the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in the coming weeks. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) James Cummings is contemplating Cylinder’s next move after the colt’s impressive jump-out at Flemington on Friday, weighing up the options of either sending him to Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes or aiming for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following week. The son of Exceed And Excel displayed a strong performance, leaving the gates smoothly and comfortably striding alongside The Astrologist before hitting the line together. Cummings expressed his satisfaction, stating, “There are good trials, and there are good trials, and I think this was one of those,” Cummings said of Cylinder. “It was beautiful work, he just popped away nicely, his last 400 metres was excellent. “Stylish work against an older horse who’s up and fit in The Astrologist. Only a small heat, Espiona also appeared to be travelling well.” Highlighting the significance of winning a Group 1, Cummings emphasized, “It has to be of paramount importance to his career, but he’s a really exciting horse and he’s placed in some of the big races already. “It’ll be great to see him advance again and that’s what he’ll need to be doing to be beating the older horses this prep. “He’ll get his opportunity … whether we kick him off in the Lightning or the Oakleigh Plate might just depend on how we feel about the horse next week. “If he does line up in the Lightning, he’ll be running well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Bella Nipotina will return to the racetrack in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes on Saturday. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher has expressed his excitement as Bella Nipotina, the six-year-old mare sired by Pride Of Dubai, gears up for her upcoming campaign, starting with Saturday’s Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. The talented mare, who spends most of her time at Maher’s Fingal property on the Mornington Peninsula, showcased her form by finishing second in a Cranbourne trial over 800 metres last week. Reflecting on Bella Nipotina’s preparations, Maher revealed, “She was trained at a farm when she was in Sydney when she beat the Joe Pride horses (Private Eye and Think About). “She was trained on the beach up there and she trains down at Fingal, which is our beach place down here. “She likes that softer environment. “She ran a slashing race last year and she’s just an honest mare. “I’m rapt with her. She looks as good as she ever has, if not better and she trialled up pretty well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Aurora’s Symphony claimed the Group 3 Hobart Cup on Sunday afternoon. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Aurora’s Symphony, trained by Symon Wilde, clinched yet another cup victory in Tasmania by triumphing in yesterday’s Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m). The seven-year-old gelding, sired by Glass Harmonium out of Aurora’s Hot by Fantastic Light, showcased his dominance once more, adding to his previous wins in the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) in 2022 and 2023, as well as consecutive triumphs in the Colac Cup (2000m). Aurora’s Symphony asserted his superiority by a comfortable margin of two and three-quarter lengths over Wyclif, with Grand Pierro just a nose further behind in third place. “It worked out perfectly for us, there was really good speed early, we were able to get into a nice spot just off the fence when passing the winning post for the first time,” jockey Jordan Childs said post-race. “He got into a lovely rhythm and from the 600 metres I was able to build into it and once I let him go he really quickened up well. “Simon and the team have certainly got this horse flying.” Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, February 12. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for February 12, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 25% Boosted Winnings All Races at Bathurst & Geraldton 25% Boosted Winnings in Bonus Cash. Max bonus $250. First bet only (including SRM). Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Neds Toolbox Check your Neds Account for Price Boosts, Bet Backs, Back Ups & much more. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for February 12, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimize your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Jess's Dream (Curlin), the first foal out of Hall of Fame mare Rachel Alexandra, succumbed to laminitis Sunday. The news, reported by Stonestreet Farm, was posted to social media. A maiden special weight winner and 'TDN Rising Star' at Saratoga in his first and only start, Jess's Dream entered stud in 2017 and stood for several years at Ocala Stud in Florida. From 240 foals of racing age, he sired 100 winners. He was pensioned from stud for reasons unrelated to the laminitis in Oct. 2023 and was being pointed towards a third career under saddle as a track pony for Stonestreet Farm. His progeny include Suncoast S. winner Dreaming of Snow and stakes winners Beth's Dream and Intrepid Daydream. This story will be updated. We are saddened to share that we lost Jess's Dream to laminitis. The condition came on suddenly & was unrelated to his retirement. Despite immediate veterinary invention his condition deteriorated to a point where we were unable to keep him comfortable. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/SMhVXdCAGU — Stonestreet (@StonestreetFarm) February 11, 2024 The post Jess’s Dream, Son Of Rachel Alexandra, Succumbs To Laminitis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $150,000 Royal Delta Stakes (G3) headlines Gulfstream's Feb. 17 race card, the 1 1/16-mile dirt test will have Honor D Lady breaking from slot six for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who will saddle three others in the race.View the full article

Senor Buscador, who finished a neck behind National Treasure while running second in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 27, breezed four furlongs Feb. 11 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Top U.S.-based Saudi Cup (G1) contenders White Abarrio and National Treasure are each set to depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Santa Anita Park Feb. 13. The $20 million Saudi Cup will be contested Feb. 24.View the full article

GI Pegasus World Cup runner up Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) got in his final Gulfstream preparation Sunday ahead of an expected start in the G1 Saudi Cup. The release noted that the 6-year-old worked four furlongs in :50.41 under jockey Junior Alvarado who will be aboard the Todd Fincher runner for the Saudi Cup as well. “It went just the way Todd and I wanted,” said Alvarado. “He went out there and stretched his legs. We wanted to keep him happy. He went around the track very happy, enjoying his workout and gallop out on his own.” Work of the Day from @GulfstreamPark—Senor Buscador worked 4 Furlongs in 50.14 on February 11th, 2024, for trainer @ToddFincher. pic.twitter.com/85OJ3UwecC — XBTV (@WatchXBTV) February 11, 2024 The post Senor Buscador Breezes In Advance Of Saudi Cup Start appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Winning by a neck at 'The Great RIP' on Sunday afternoon, 'TDN Rising Star' Maymun (Frosted–Handwoven, by Indian Charlie) was up for his first two-turn test, but it ended up being a match race against his Bob Baffert stablemate. In his second career start after he blew the doors off his debut by 7 1/2 lengths at Santa Anita Jan. 20, the 'Rising Star' faced a field of four others, which included Baffert trainee Imagination (into Mischief). Seizing the lead into the first turn, Maymun set the pace and continued to enjoy the top spot up the backstretch. However, his shedrow partner joined him heading into the far turn and the pair hooked up in a pitched battle. Just when the heavy favorite looked beaten in the final jumps, the $900,000 OBS April grad surged ahead and got the win. The final running time was 1:36.65. Sales History: $900,000 '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Zedan Racing Stables; B-Vision Racing & Sales LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. What a battle between the Baffert trainees! #2 MAYMUN ($2.60) found more late to best stablemate Imagination in the 6th at Santa Anita, keeping his record a perfect two-for-two. Maymun, a son of @DarleyAmerica's Frosted, was ridden by @JJHernandezS19 for @ZedanRacing. pic.twitter.com/IBSsqxfXYk — TVG (@TVG) February 11, 2024 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Maymun Wins Pitched Optional Claimer Battle Over Stablemate At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Top U.S.-based Saudi Cup (G1) contenders White Abarro and National Treasure are each set to depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Santa Anita Park Feb. 13. The $20 million Saudi Cup will be contested Feb. 24.View the full article

3rd-Oaklawn, $140,000, Alw (NW1$X), Opt. Clm ($100,000), 2-11, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.81, sy, 4 1/4 lengths. BOOTH (c, 3, Mitole–Sophia's Song {SW & GSP, $155,892}, by Bellamy Road) earned the 'TDN Rising Star' badge with a towering 5 1/4-length debut success at Keeneland Oct. 7, good for a 96 Beyer that was a few points faster than the one posted by Locked (Gun Runner) in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity two races earlier, the different distances notwithstanding. The chestnut was accordingly sent off at 62 cents on the dollar to take the next step in the Nov. 25 Ed Brown S. at Churchill, but he dropped away in the final furlong to finish fifth behind Just Steel (Justify). The barn elected to send Booth to the Fair Grounds to train in an effort to avoid the wintry weather that plagued Hot Springs last month, but he was returning here as the 3-5 chalk with Lasix on for the first time. Booth was not the quickest away, but Keith Asmussen was content to take the trail on the back of the pacesetter into the turn. Momentarily short of room in upper stretch, he shifted across heels into the three path at the three-sixteenths and was in a race of his own from there. A half-brother to last year's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup hero Bright Future (Curlin), $836,940; and to Musical Mischief (Into Mischief), $145,384, third in the 2023 GI American Oaks, Booth was a $120,000 KEESEP yearling and $225,000 OBS March breezer. Hailing from the deep female family of two-time Eclipse Award winner Housebuster (Mt. Livermore), Booth has a 2-year-old half-brother by Tiz the Law and a yearling half-brother by Maxfield. Sophia's Song was purchased by Shadai Farm for $1.35 million in foal to Jackie's Warrior at last year's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Sales history: $120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $225,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $147,942. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-L William & Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm & Whispering Oaks Farm LLC; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Steven M Asmussen. #2 BOOTH ($3.20) blows by the field to win race 3 at Oaklawn Park in impressive fashion. This is the second win in three career starts for the Steve Asmussen trainee, who was piloted by @keithasm7. pic.twitter.com/mfIhA4KnFD — TVG (@TVG) February 11, 2024 The post Mitole’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Booth Makes a Splash On Seasonal Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Honor Marie makes his 3-year-old debut in the Feb. 17 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, it won't be trainer Whit Beckman's first involvement with preparing a horse for the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Sporting the distinctive gold square on the back of Luis Saez's silks, it was first time starter Amor Fati (Liam's Map–Mallory Street by Street Sense) who loved the lead and never relinquished it en route to becoming a 'TDN Rising Star' at Gulfstream Park on Sunday afternoon. The Keeneland September grad debuted as the 2-1 favorite and rocketed to the lead up the backstretch. Setting a strong pace up front, the 3-year-old continued to hold sway around the far turn and she opened up down the lane to win by 5 1/2 lengths over Tinki Abarrio (Runhappy). The final running time was 1:10.43. Sales History: $375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Gold Square LLC.; B-Hidden Brook Farm & Dan Quickel (KY); T-Brittany T. Russell. #2 AMOR FATI ($6.40) impressed in a front-running debut victory in race 6 at Gulfstream Park. The filly by @LanesEndFarms' Liam's Map was ridden by Luis Saez for @BTRracingstable and Gold Square LLC. pic.twitter.com/HT6Io8MHxW — TVG (@TVG) February 11, 2024 The post Daughter Of Liam’s Map Speeds To ‘TDN Rising Stardom’ At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article