Wandering Eyes

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

GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day) and GI Pegasus World Cup victor National Treasure (Quality Road) departed Santa Anita for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Tuesday in advance of their expected next starts in the Saudi Cup Feb. 24. Per Santa Anita Stable Superintendent Jeff Metz, Richard Mandella will send Forbidden Kingdom (American Pharoah) and potentially Planetario (Brz) (Il Doge {Brz}) for starts on the Saudi Cup undercard. After spending nearly 12 hours in the holding barn at Santa Anita, the Saudi-bound contingent will leave for Los Angeles International Airport at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning. They will go first to Miami via Mersant International where they will be joined by a group of Eastern-based horses for the 13-hour trip to Riyadh. The post White Abarrio, National Treasure Depart Santa Anita For Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's GIII Las Virgenes S. at Santa Anita was a big test for the Bob Baffert-trained filly and 'TDN Rising Star' Kinza (Carpe Diem). She was coming off a scintillating maiden win in which she got a 96 Beyer, but was facing a much stronger challenge in the one-mile stakes. Not only did she have to prove she could go two turns, but she was facing another potential star in the undefeated Kopion (Omaha Beach), the winner of the GIII Santa Ynez S. On paper, this was a match race. But Kinza turned it into a one-horse show. She only won by two lengths, but at no point did it look like Kopion could pass the front-running Baffert filly. Kinza got a 93 Beyer to cement her status as the fastest 3-year-old filly in training. Under normal circumstances, this performance would have stamped Kinza as the clear early favorite for the GI Kentucky Oaks. But there is nothing normal about this year's Oaks or, for that matter, the GI Kentucky Derby. Kinza, a New York-bred, won't be allowed to run in the Oaks because Baffert was banned by Churchill Downs shortly after Medina Spirit (Protonico) tested positive for betamethasone after crossing the wire first in the 2021 Derby. The same goes for his colts. A week earlier, the Baffert-trained Nysos (Nyquist) looked like Triple Crown-winning material when crushing his opposition in the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. Baffert also has 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic), the winner of the GII San Vicente S. and runner-up in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Nysos and Muth are one-two in the NTRA's 3-Year-Old poll. He also has 'TDN Rising Star' Maymum (Frosted), an impressive maiden winner who was entered in Sunday's sixth race at Santa Anita. In past years, most of Baffert's owners turned their horses over to other trainers, most notably Tim Yakteen, which made them eligible to run at Churchill. But this year, in a surprising display of loyalty, not one Baffert owner took a horse away from him. They put their loyalty to Baffert over their dreams of winning the Kentucky Derby. This wasn't supposed to happen. Baffert's Churchill ban was originally for two years, which meant he was supposed to be free and clear to run horses there this year. But on July 3, 2023, out of the middle of nowhere, the company announced that it was extending Baffert's ban at least through the end of 2024. It was a shocking development and it was unfair. Baffert's original penalties, which also included a 90-day suspension from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and a one-year ban from NYRA, were extremely harsh as it was considering the worst thing Baffert had done was to have positives that stemmed from overages of medications that in no way could be considered performance-enhancing. Since being handed the various suspensions and bans, Baffert has done nothing wrong. He has not had any more positives. He even went so far as to announce on Jan. 22 that he and Medina Spirit's owner Amr Zedan had dropped all legal actions regarding the Derby disqualification. It was an obvious peace offering, but one that was quickly and decisively dismissed by Churchill, which announced that the dropping of the lawsuits changed nothing. Baffert was still banned for, at the very least, all of 2024. This time, Churchill had gone too far. There's no doubt that their battle with Baffert had turned personal and when that happens, fairness and reason get tossed out the window. Punishing the trainer remained the priority. But now the script has flipped. That no Baffert horses, no Kinza, no Nysos, no Muth, no Maymum, will appear in Derby week stakes at Churchill will hurt Churchill a lot more than it will hurt Baffert. These will be races that will require asterisks because they did not include some of the best 3-year-old talent in the country. One theory was that the ban was extended because Churchill didn't want Baffert's return to overshadow the festivities being planned to celebrate the 150th running of the race. It looks like Churchill never imagined that the Baffert owners would effectively boycott the Derby. But that's exactly what has happened. And one of the results of that is the very situation Churchill had hoped to avoid is now going to happen. The major storyline all week will not be the 150th renewal of the race or whoever emerges as the main contenders. It will be all about the missing stars from the Baffert barn, the impact that will have on the race and how it has weakened this Kentucky Derby and this Kentucky Oaks. There's nothing anyone can do about it now. It's too late for Churchill to reconsider, not that they ever had any intention of doing so. The shot has been fired and it hit squarely in the corporate foot of Churchill Downs Inc. This was all so unnecessary. All they had to do was let Baffert back after the two-year ban ended. Instead, they kept moving the goal posts and double downed on what was a dubious punishment in the first place. This Derby and this Oaks will not be what they should be and Churchill has no one to blame but itself. Oh, well. At least it should be a good GI Preakness S. Maymun | Benoit John Pimental Doesn't Get a Break HISA/HIWU resolved its case against small-time trainer John Pimental last week. He has been handed a 15-month suspension and a fine of $10,000 for possession of banned thyroid medication, Thyro-L. Pimental also has an outstanding case against him for a methamphetamine positive. So he may be facing still more serious penalties. You can read more about his story and his case by clicking here. Yes, the rules are the rules and Pimental was not careful and did not properly dispose of the thyroid medication, even though he had a prescription to administer it to a stable pony. As for the methamphetamine positive, it almost has to be the result of human contamination. The bottom line is that the punishment does not come anywhere close to fitting the crime. John Pimental is not a cheat or a horse doper. At the very worst, he's guilty of not being careful when it came to the Thyro-L. Yes, HISA/HIWU is a work in progress and since HIWU got off and running last May, they have altered some of their policies and have been less draconian when it comes to catching and penalizing people for drug violations. But they haven't come far enough and the Pimental case is a prime example. By no means did he do anything to warrant a 15-month suspension and a $10,000 fine. HISA needs to hire a Vice President of Common Sense, someone who understands racing, understands what is cheating and what is not, and can put the brakes on the organization when they go after people like John Pimental. A Loaded Risen Star With the exception of Mandaloun (Into Mischief), who was awarded the win in the Kentucky Derby after Medina Spirit was disqualified, the GII Risen Star S. at the Fair Grounds has never produced a Kentucky Derby winner. That could easily change this year as the 2024 edition is loaded with talent. Trained by Chad Brown, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) is a $2.3 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga purchase and will be favored. He was last seen closing from last to just miss by a nose in the GII Remsen S. He is clearly Brown's best chance yet to add a Derby win on to his record. He'll have to come into New Orleans ready to run as the competition includes Hall of Fame (Gun Runner), also bought at Saratoga as a yearling for $1.4 million, who is coming off an impressive maiden win for Steve Asmussen. Then there's GII Kentucky Jockey Club winner Honor Marie (Honor Code); Smarty Jones winner Catching Freedom (Constitution) and GIII Lecomte S. Winner Track Phantom (Quality Road). The post The Week In Review: It’s Not Just The Derby; Now Baffert Has Top Oaks Candidate As Well appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Oaklawn, $115,000, Msw, 2-11, 3yo/up, f/m, 1m, 1:39.82, sy, 3 lengths. MERASOL SUGAR (f, 3, Constitution–Chanel Number Mine, by Value Plus) put in a solid final work Feb. 3 (:48, 4f, 1/63) in preparation for her debut with Lasix here. As a 6-1 shot, the lone first timer in the field cruised to the lead heading into the first turn, and continued to set all the fractions up the backstretch and around the far turn. The homebred had plenty in reserve down the lane and she splashed home by three lengths over Happy Happy (Uncle Mo). The winner is a half-sister to Chanel's Legacy (Dominus), MSW & GSP, $413,144, and is her dam's last registered foal. Chanel Number Mine visited both Lookin At Lucky and McKinzie for the spring. Sales History: $95,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-H. Allen Poindexter (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. #2 MERASOL SUGAR ($15.20) wins the opener at Oaklawn in front-running fashion. This was the first start for the Poindexter Thoroughbreds homebred, who was ridden by @keithasm7 for trainer John Ortiz. pic.twitter.com/BDwmuUjQPC — TVG (@TVG) February 11, 2024 The post Constitution Filly Skims Slop To Break Maiden At Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Driver Penalties R Close | Amberley 6 February; careless driving; suspended 10-17 February inclusive. R May | Amberley 6 February; contacted track marker; fined $100. S Thornley | Amberley 6 February; careless driving; fined $250. B Hope | Amberley 6 February; careless driving; fined $300. J Stormont | NZ Metropolitan 2 February (heard NZ Metropolitan 9 February); use of whip; fined $400. C De Filippi | NZ Metropolitan 9 February; failed to drive horse to finish; suspended 12 February – 6 March inclusive. W House | NZ Metropolitan 9 February; out of position at start; fined $200. P Nairn | NZ Metropolitan 9 February; out of position at start; fined $200. R May | Hororata 11 February; out of position at start; fined $100. K Green | Northern Southland 18 January (heard Wairio 11 February); careless driving; suspended 12-22 February inclusive. Trainer Penalties S & A Telfer | Auckland 9 February; incorrect gear; fined $100. K Green | Wairio 11 February; incorrect gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties CASITA BELLA | Amberley 6 February; broke in running; must complete trial. JOHANNA ARDEN | Amberley 6 February; atrial fibrillation; veterinary clearance including ECG required and must complete trial. NAZARETH | NZ Metropolitan 9 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. BEAT THE COVID | NZ Metropolitan 9 February; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. ON REPORT | Hororata 11 February; bled; stood down for 30 days and must complete trial with veterinary clearance including endoscopic examination required. KOWHAI SUMMIT | Hororata 11 February; slow recovery and lame; veterinary clearance required. VINCENT VEGA | Hororata 11 February; slow recovery and lame; veterinary clearance required. CHRIS KYLE | Hororata 11 February; reared at start; must complete standing start trial. HERE COMES JANE | Hororata 11 February; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. QUERCUS REBRA | Wairio 11 February; broke in running; must complete trial. SCOTT | Wairio 11 February; broke in running; must complete trial. Protest STYX JEWEL | NZ Metropolitan 9 February; excessive galloping in home straight; disqualified from 4th. The post 5-11 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Dog Penalties HOMEBUSH DELIGHT | Southland 7 February; turned in boxes; must complete trial. HOMEBUSH RICHIE | Southland 7 February; unsatisfactory performance; veterinary clearance required and must complete trial. PRYOR BALE | Christchurch 8 February; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. MEGA PARTY | Christchurch 8 February; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. Protests OPAWA CONAN | Christchurch 2 February 2023; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 7th. OPAWA CONAN | Christchurch 16 March 2023; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. OPAWA CONAN | Christchurch 30 March 2023; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 7th. General Race 10 at Christchurch GRC meeting of 9 February was declared a No Race due to a fallen runner running back towards the field. Race 11 at Auckland GRC meeting of 11 February was declared a No Race due to a fallen runner being unable to be removed from the track. The post 5-11 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Champion Stakes (G1) winner King of Steel will return to Roger Varian's Newmarket yard this month after enjoying a three-month winter break at owner Amo Racing's base in Ireland, with big targets for 2024 in mind.View the full article