Wandering Eyes

Willie Browne's unbeaten Port Augusta (GB), who racked up wins over six and seven furlongs at Dundalk over the winter, has been sold for “proper money” to Hong Kong. The legendary breeze-up handler has described his recent upsurge of form on the track as “a breath of fresh air” and, while the 77-year-old admitted to being sorry he couldn't hold on to a horse as talented as Port Augusta, he revealed the son of Zoustar (Aus) fulfilled what he was bought to do by getting sold. A 75,000gns Book 1 yearling, Port Augusta missed his engagement in last year's Craven Breeze-Up Sale back at Tattersalls after pulling out of the pre-breeze with a small splint. After being given the necessary time to recuperate, the colt went some way to proving his ability by landing back-to-back races at Dundalk, providing Browne with plenty of enjoyment in doing so. He explained, “I would think he will suit Hong Kong very well. He is a very sound horse and rattles off quick ground. He has a lot of pace and he stays. We haven't seen the best of this horse, not by a long way. I feel we have only been scratching the surface with him over six and seven furlongs at Dundalk and, if he got a fast pace to aim at over a mile, he could be a serious horse. He's out of a very good race mare [Ship Of Dreams (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire})] and he's very good-looking himself. “I thought I might be able to hold on to him and take him to Dubai but he wasn't bought for that and came to me to get sold rather than to race. I got my days in the sun with him and it's good money to get. Proper money.” Browne added, “He went to the Craven and did the preliminary canter but was slightly lame that evening. We couldn't figure it out. We thought he had given himself a little twist or something. On the morning of the breeze proper, he was still a little off and we discovered that he had a tiny splint halfway down the inside of his shin. We had to withdraw him and give him time. It's probably been a blessing in disguise for this horse.” Browne may be best known for his breeze-up exploits but his Tipperary stable has been represented by some classy performers in recent times. Spirit Gal (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), winner of the Listed Star Appeal S. at Dundalk, famously took Browne to the Breeders' Cup in 2022 before transferring to Andre Fabre. In the past three seasons, Browne has sent out a hugely respectable tally of 15 winners domestically. “To say I am enjoying it would be putting it mildly now,” the veteran operator chuckled. “It's been a breath of fresh air. We've been terribly lucky to get a half dozen nice horses at the same time over the winter. Sure I didn't know myself. They've all done their job and the next trick is to try and replace a few of them, which isn't easy.” Asked if would consider buying a few more yearlings specifically to race rather than to breeze, given how much he has enjoyed his trips to the races in recent times, Browne replied, “I'd say not, to be honest, and there's two reasons why. Number one, I am too old to start doing that and number two, it's very hard to separate the two in terms of deciding that this yearling is for racing and this one isn't. You would only complicate the thing too much and then you would become known as a trainer. It could affect the main business, which is the breeze-ups. “No is the short answer. I wouldn't buy specifically to go down the road of racing but what I would love is for somebody else to send me a horse. But I'm not stupid enough to think that, at 77 years of age, there'll be a queue of people wanting to send me a horse. For me to go buying yearlings and start putting them into different boxes wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be good for business.” At 77 years of age, Browne has made it clear that he is not going to go reinventing himself or anything crazy like that. But one thing's for sure, the man who has blooded many top-notchers under the banner of Mocklershill still gets as big a kick out of the game as ever before. He concluded, “It's not that easy to explain what the kick of training winners is because it's very different to breezing horses. Once you breeze them, okay you follow them for their new connections, but your input is finished. When you're training them and get them ready for a race and go out the next morning and look at them in the box and admire them, it's a great feeling. There's huge job satisfaction when you can prepare your horse to go and win a few nice races. That's my idea of heaven.” The post Willie Browne’s Unbeaten Port Augusta Sold For “Proper Money” To Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Through a major grant awarded by Humanities Nebraska and a partnership with author Jennifer S. Kelly, Born To Rein documentary film co-producers, Jody L. Lamp and Melody Dobson, have organized a statewide authors' tour celebrating the 150th Kentucky Derby, the pair said in a release Friday. The programs slated for Apr. 18-24 will launch in eastern Nebraska the evening of Thursday, Apr. 18 in historic downtown Ashland, Nebraska at the Willow Point Gallery; and conclude in western Nebraska with an afternoon authors' book signing event Thursday, Apr. 25 at the Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford. “While the Kentucky Derby is not historically associated with Nebraska and the state's Thoroughbred horse racing industry, our desired outcome for the authors' tour is to give the audience an awareness, knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the individuals who credit their Nebraska upbringing to overcome the insurmountable odds they mastered in America's oldest sport,” the producers said in the release. Click here for more information about the tour. The post Nebraska Grant Funds Celebration Of Derby History With Authors’ Tour appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New York Thoroughbred Breeders is pleased to announce the nominees for the New York-bred divisional champions of 2023.View the full article

New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) named their nominees for the Empire State's divisional champions of 2023, the organization said in a Friday morning release. A panel of New York turf writers, broadcasters, handicappers, racing analysts and photographers will vote on each division and for the New York-bred Horse of the Year. The winners will be announced at the NYTB Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund on Monday, May 13 from 6-9 p.m. ET. at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville. Former jockey and NYRA TV personality Richard Migliore will again serve as host. “Our organization is excited to celebrate this year's nominees. All are deserving and represent the best in New York breeding and racing. This year's awards will be a special night at an exciting new location,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M. Tickets are available–$150 for NYTB Members and $175 for non-members–for purchase by clicking here or by calling the NYTB Office at (518) 587-0777. “The New York-bred Divisional Championship Awards is a special night because it recognizes the very best in Thoroughbred breeding and racing in New York,” said Brian O'Dwyer, Chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission and New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund. “On behalf of the New York State Gaming Commission and Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund we are proud to work with NYTB and look forward to celebrating the connections of New York-breds who achieved success representing the New York-bred program last year.” Also to be honored at the Awards Dinner with 2023 awards will be Broodmare of the Year, Champion Steeplechaser, Trainer, Champion Jockey and Outstanding Breeder. “NYTB's annual awards is our marquee event. This year's nominees are no exception reflecting the quality and strength of the New York-bred program,” said NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson. A list of the 2023 New York-bred divisional championship nominees by category follows: Champion 2-Year-Old Male: Antonio of Venice (Laoban), El Grande O (Take Charge Indy), The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso), Wynstock (Solomini). Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Brocknardini (Palace Malice), Caldwell Luvs Gold (Goldencents), Cara's Time (Not This Time), My Mane Squeeze (Audible). Champion 3-Year-Old Male: Allure of Money (Central Banker), Eye Witness (City of Light), Hejazi (Bernardini), Maker's Candy (Twirling Candy). Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Downtown Mischief (Into Mischief), Gambling Girl (Dialed In), Maple Leaf Mel (Cross Traffic), Stonewall Star (Flatter). Champion Older Dirt Male: Bankit (Central Banker), Dr Ardito (Liam's Map), Sherriff Bianco (Speightster), Straight Arrow (Arrogate). Champion Older Dirt Female: Classy Edition (Classic Empire), Know It All Audrey (Shackleford), Timeless Journey (Verrazano), Venti Valentine (Firing Line). Champion Turf Male: City Man (Mucho Macho Man), Red Knight (Pure Prize), Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro), Therapist (Freud). Champion Turf Female: New Ginya (Tonalist), Runaway Rumour (Flintshire {GB}), Silver Skillet (Liam's Map), Whatlovelookslike (English Channel). Champion Male Sprinter: Bold Journey (Hard Spun), Today's Flavor (Laoban), Rotknee (Runhappy), Thin White Duke (Dominus). Champion Female Sprinter: Funny How (Overanalyze), Maple Leaf Mel, Rossa Veloce (Girolamo), Sterling Silver (Cupid). The post 2023 New York-Bred Divisional Championship Nominees Released By NYTB appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Feb. 10 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs is a points race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Tampa Bay Derby (G3) prep. View the full article

3rd-Meydan, AED175,000, Nov., 2-9, NH & SH 3yo, 1400m, 1:23.77, ft. FALCON OF ARABIA (c, 3, Speightstown–Lawn Party {SP-US}, by Medaglia d'Oro) made a winning debut over the main track on Friday. The colt led pillar-to-post and coasted home to win by 1 1/4 lengths. He was pressed by Auto Bahn (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg}) the entire way around. It was 10 1/4 lengths back to the third-place horse, King Of Luck (GB) (New Bay {GB}). After selling twice as a yearling, the chestnut was offered by Top Line Sales at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale and caught the eye of trainer Bhupat Seemar after breezing an eight of a mile in :10 3/5. Falcon Of Arabia is a half-brother to Stellar Agent (More Than Ready), who was third in both the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and the GII Miss Grillo S., as well as the stakes-winning Anaconda (Pioneerof The Nile). His dam was covered by Epicenter last spring. Second dam Fiery Pursuit (Carson City) won the GII Louisville Breeders' Cup S., while third dam Engaging (Private Account) was a half-sister to the outstanding Eclipse Champion Juvenile Filly Flanders (Seeking The Gold), who would go on to produced Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Surfside to the cover of Seattle Slew. Sales history: $95,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $80,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $150,000 2yo '23 FTIMAY. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, AED105,000. O-Falcon Racing Team, LLC. B-Sandra Sexton & Silver Fern Farm (KY). T-Bhupat Seemar. Lovely effort $150,000 purchase Falcon Of Arabia (Speightstown) makes a winning debut in the We One Presented by DP World@BhupatSeemar | @OsheaTadhg pic.twitter.com/MPcuCmPSGy — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 9, 2024 The post Speightstown Colt Soars To Debut Win At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Deep Impact (Jpn), who died in 2019, has to some degree gone out in a blaze of glory with the dual Derby, Irish Champion S. and Breeders' Cup winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) among his final truncated crop of just 14 foals. What then of his old friend, the 12-time champion sire Galileo (Ire), with whom he has blended so well, and members of whose own last crop enter their juvenile season in 2024? There are just 13 Galileo two-year-olds and, according to the Weatherbys' sire report, only one of the baker's dozen appears to have been named so far. That colt has the moniker of Last Galileo (Ire), although he was actually the first of this last crop to be born, on February 13, 2022. Bred by Coolmore, he is out of Bye Bye Birdie (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), whose dam Slink (GB) (Selkirk) is a half-sister to James Wigan's dual Grade I winner Dank (GB) (Dansili {GB}). The colt was bought through BBA Ireland for Yulong for €200,000 at last year's Goffs Orby Sale and is currently in England in pre-training. BBA Ireland was also the buying agent, again for Yulong, of the filly out of Gold Lace (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who was sold as a weanling for €290,000 in 2022. The half-sister to the Listed-placed Gold Filigree (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) was bred by Newstead Breeding and is now in training with Jessica Harrington, who trained another Galileo filly, the G1 Irish Oaks winner Magical Lagoon (Ire), for the same owner. Nowhere will Galileo's eventual absence as a sire be more keenly felt than within the walls of Ballydoyle. The horse's own stellar racing career was crafted there back in the early years of this century, and legions of his classy offspring have subsequently been trained on those same gallops. Aidan O'Brien's final intake numbers three, two of which are colts: one out of the Listed-placed Bounce (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}) and another out of the Australian G1 Thousand Guineas winner Amicus (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), making him a brother to Royal Ascot winner Okita Soushi (Ire) and the G2 Beresford S. runner-up Chief Little Rock (Ire). Foaled on May 13, the latter was one of seven members of Galileo's final crop to be bred by Coolmore, including the last of his fillies to enter Ballydoyle. She is a daughter of Anna Karenina (Ire) (Green Desert) and her full-brother Battle Of Marengo (Ire) was fourth in the Derby as well as winning twice at Group 2 level. Donnacha O'Brien has taken charge of two juvenile colts by Galileo in the Lynch-Bages-bred son of Aegean Girl (Ire) (Henrythenavigator) and a son of the Listed winner Chanting (Danehill), who has produced two black-type earners among her four winners by Galileo. Five of Galileo's last batch of foals were born within a week in May, and we've all seen what May foals can do. The Coolmore-bred colt out of Charlotte Bronte (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) arrived on May 8, and the last Galileo ever born, on May 15, 2022, was bred by Phoenix Thoroughbred Ltd. The colt out of Take Me With You (Scat Daddy), herself an $800,000 two-year-old purchase, has subsequently left Ireland and has been exported to America. He is now in pre-training with his eventual trainer still to be decided. Another three members of the final crop are in training or pre-training in England. Richard Hannon is listed as the trainer of the Westerberg-bred filly out of Perfect Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Jayne McGivern, owner of the Overbury Stud stallion Golden Horn (GB) and a select group of horses in training, is a sworn jumps fan who often jokes that she is going over to the dark side when she has a runner on the Flat. She may soon come to view it as the bright side, as McGivern is the owner of the two-year-old Galileo filly out of Darsan (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}). Bred by Frank Hutchinson, she was bought for 325,000gns from Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Sale and her owner says, “She was a bit backward but she caught up with a good holiday. I have just sent her to Malcolm Bastard for breaking and pre-training.” It's a great buzz to have a horse like him, especially being the last of a dynasty like Galileo's – Roderic Kavanagh Newmarket-based Belgian Kevin Philippart de Foy has recently moved his string to Induna Stables, which was the former base of Chris Wall, and he is looking forward to welcoming a Galileo colt out of Wind Chimes (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), whom he bought with the assistance of Mark McStay of Avenue Bloodstock for €140,000 at Goffs. “He's in pre-training at the moment and is arriving next week,” says the trainer of the May-born colt who was another bred by Coolmore. “He was quite a backward horse when we saw him at the sales but he has improved a huge amount physically. He has got a lot bigger and a lot stronger in a very short space of time. “He's a horse who has been very straightforward in pre-training. He was good to break in, he's a good mover and he has a very good mind on him. He's showing a lot of professionalism and I am delighted with him. Fingers crossed he can follow in the footsteps of his pedigree.” There remains a chance to buy one of the last Galileos at public auction as breeze-up pinhookers Roderic Kavanagh and Cormac O'Flynn of Glending Stables signed up the colt out of Manderley (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale for 125,000gns. The team behind the Craven Breeze-up Sale topper and dual Group 1 winner Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) plans to return to that same auction with the three-part-brother to Listed winner Hidden Dimples (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). He too was bred by Coolmore and is a May 13 foal. “We haven't done anything serious with him at all but I'm very fond of him,” Kavanagh told TDN. “I haven't dealt with too many Galileos but he has a beautiful mind and he's enjoying his work. “It's a great buzz to have a horse like him, especially being the last of a dynasty like Galileo's. Just as an individual he seems to be a good model with a good mind and has taken it it all well. With his birthday he might be more of an Arqana horse, but we're going to try for the Craven. There's a bit of prestige there with Vandeek last year. We're dreaming at the minute anyway.” It has been a privilege to have been following racing and breeding through the era of Galileo. His name may be gradually receding in pedigrees but it will endure for generations yet. And with 93 three-years-olds from his penultimate crop and the juveniles detailed above, we can but hope for a last hurrah or two. The post The Last of the Galileos appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Patrick Payne has claimed his third successive Listed Graham Family Funerals Tasmanian Derby (2200m) when Bold Soul (NZ) (Embellish) dug deep to prevail from fellow Kiwi bred Gold Wolf. The son of Embellish was sent out a $1.45 favourite on the back of a stunning last-to-first victory in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2100m) and defeated a similar field in Friday’s Derby, with the exception of the runner-up. Ridden by Jake Noonan, Bold Soul raced fifth on the fence for the majority of the contest before coming deepest to round up his opposition. The son of Embellish looked likely to prevail with ease, but the David and Coral Feek-trained Gold Wolf rallied late, with the son of Tivaci getting within a short head, with a length and three-quarters back to Stardealt in third. Payne was represented on-course by siblings Michelle and Stevie. “He had to dig deep but he got there and that’s all that matters,” Michelle Payne said. “It’s great for Patrick and all of his owners. We’re just thrilled and it was a really good ride from Jake Noonan here today.” With a sedate tempo and smaller field, Bold Soul was at stages in an awkward position in shades of 12 months ago when the Payne-trained Dunkel took out the three-year-old feature. “He probably doesn’t help himself with the way he missed the start a little bit today and he gets a bit keen mid-race but he switched off half-way through and was able to get to the outside and it was smooth sailing from there. It was nice to see him get over the line in front,” Payne said. Jake Noonan, whose grandmother lives in Tasmania, was delighted to take out the Hobart feature on a progressive type. “The key to him is trying to get the first half right,” Noonan said. “It is not about where you are positioned but what sort of rhythm you’re in. They probably stacked up a little bit quick coming down the hill and he did a really good job today because he was quite fierce for a good three furlongs there. That is hard to do over these sort of trips. “He presented at the right time, looked to win and whether that early work just took its toll late or whether he had a think about it, I’m not sure. But his class rose the occasion and credit to the horse, he did a great job.” Payne has now prepared The Nephew, Dunkel and Bold Soul to win the last three Tasmanian Derbys, with Dunkel going on to win the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) last year. “He is in great hands with Patrick, Michelle and Stevie and he has been down with the Trinders, they have done a great job with him. He looks a picture and hasn’t lost a nick of condition which is hard to do with these three-year-olds,” Noonan said. By Cambridge Stud’s Group One winning son of Savabeel, Embellish, Bold Soul is the last foal of the now retired Singspiel mare Twin Soul and was bred by Lou Te Keeti. Bold Soul was sold at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 2 Yearling Sale for $20,000 to Wanganui horseman Hamish Auret and subsequently relocated to Payne’s Victorian operation. Payne was in New Zealand recently, where he purchased six yearlings at Karaka across Books 1 and 2 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. View the full article

Bold Soul pictured at a previous win at Flemington. Photo: Brett Holbut (Racing Photos) Trainer Patrick Payne has claimed his third successive Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) when Bold Soul dug deep to prevail from fellow Kiwi bred Gold Wolf. The son of Embellish was sent out a -222.22 favourite with leading horse racing bookmakers on the back of a stunning last-to-first victory in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2100m) and defeated a similar field in Friday’s Derby, with the exception of the runner-up. Ridden by Jake Noonan, Bold Soul raced fifth on the fence for the majority of the contest before coming deepest to round up his opposition. The son of Embellish looked likely to prevail with ease, but the David and Coral Feek-trained Gold Wolf rallied late, with the son of Tivaci getting within a short head, with a length and three-quarters back to Stardealt in third. Payne was represented on-course by siblings Michelle and Stevie. “He had to dig deep but he got there and that’s all that matters,” Michelle Payne said. “It’s great for Patrick and all of his owners. We’re just thrilled and it was a really good ride from Jake Noonan here today.” With a sedate tempo and smaller field, Bold Soul was at stages in an awkward position in shades of 12 months ago when the Payne-trained Dunkel took out the three-year-old feature. “He probably doesn’t help himself with the way he missed the start a little bit today and he gets a bit keen mid-race but he switched off half-way through and was able to get to the outside and it was smooth sailing from there. It was nice to see him get over the line in front,” Payne said. Jake Noonan, whose grandmother lives in Tasmania, was delighted to take out the Hobart feature on a progressive type. “The key to him is trying to get the first half right,” Noonan said. “It is not about where you are positioned but what sort of rhythm you’re in. They probably stacked up a little bit quick coming down the hill and he did a really good job today because he was quite fierce for a good three furlongs there. That is hard to do over these sort of trips. “He presented at the right time, looked to win and whether that early work just took its toll late or whether he had a think about it, I’m not sure. But his class rose the occasion and credit to the horse, he did a great job.” Payne has now prepared The Nephew, Dunkel and Bold Soul to win the last three Tasmanian Derby’s, with Dunkel going on to win the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) last year. “He is in great hands with Patrick, Michelle and Stevie and he has been down with the Trinders, they have done a great job with him. He looks a picture and hasn’t lost a nick of condition which is hard to do with these three-year-olds,” Noonan said. Horse racing news View the full article

Skyman will contest the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) European import Skyman will be aiming to record his first New Zealand win when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). Previously based with Champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller, Skyman has won nine races, including four at stakes level, and more than A$1 million in prizemoney. Earlier this season he finished runner-up behind subsequent A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) runner-up Pericles in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and third in the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) and Listed Ladies Day Cup (1500m). He joined Stephen Marsh’s Cambridge barn in December last year and made his New Zealand debut in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham last month, carrying syndicator Go Racing’s silks to fifth, and in the process became eligible to chase the $500,000 Summer Series bonus. He will head to the third leg of the series at Te Rapa on Saturday to try and add to the two series points he accrued in Thorndon Mile, and Marsh believes he will be suited by the 2000m. “I really liked his last run,” Marsh told TAB NZ. “He wasn’t at home on the wettish track, but he has come on brilliantly. I think the 2000m should really suit. “He looks really good, he has just thrived since that run. I think it has brought him on nicely. His condition looks great. I think he looks a lot better going into this race than he did the Thorndon.” Marsh will also line-up the Waikato Stud-bred and raced Mazzalino who will shortly head to the broodmare paddock after being confirmed in-foal to Waikato’s resident sire Super Seth. The impeccably bred daughter of Savabeel is a full-sister to Go Racing’s multiple Group One-winner Atishu, and the Chittick family would dearly love to get a Group One result with their mare before her raceday retirement. The Group Three winner came close when fourth in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) and Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m). Mazzalino has since finished seventh in the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) last month and Marsh is expecting an improved result in Saturday’s $600,000 feature. “She looks outstanding,” Marsh said. “Last start in the Trentham Stakes I think they ran so hard, it didn’t really suit her. It had her out of her comfort zone the whole way. “Usually in these races at weight-for-age they don’t usually run anywhere as quick. She should get a much better run. “The start before at Group One weight-for-age was great running fourth. “It is obviously a very good field but these two are top quality and deserve their chance.” Horse racing news View the full article

Mary Shan will contest the Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Molly Bloom has had the measure of Mary Shan in two of their three meetings to date, and the latter’s trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping the step-up to 2000m in Saturday’s Group 2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa will help even the ledger between the pair. “She (Molly Bloom) has had the better of us to this point, so we are hoping when we get beyond a mile that will change,” Forsman told TAB NZ. The fillies first met in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) last October, where Mary Shan finished runner-up to Impendabelle, while Molly Bloom was fourth. They clashed again in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton a few weeks later where Molly Bloom showed her class when capturing the Classic, while Mary Shan finished fifth. The pair then went on to put on a gutsy display at Pukekohe on Boxing Day in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), where Molly Bloom just got up to secure a head victory over her arch-rival. Molly Bloom went on to finish seventh in the Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie last month, while Mary Shan ran fourth behind Quintessa in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham a fortnight prior. Forsman was pleased with Mary Shan’s Trentham performance and said she has enjoyed the month between runs. “It was a very good run (in the Levin Classic),” he said. “It’s hard to be exposed that far out at Trentham and I thought she was very game to the line to finish as close as she did. It was full of merit. “We gave her a pretty quiet week post Trentham and then she has built up steadily toward this. “She has had a good gap between races, which will be a little bit of a query going to the 2000m, but we didn’t feel we could run in everything and have her competitive in an Oaks (Group 1, 2400m). “Mary Shan has got brilliance, but now she has got to prove that she can take that to 2000m.” Mary Shan will be joined in Saturday’s contest by stablemate Positivity. The daughter of Almanzor has won one of her three starts to date and finished seventh in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham last month, but Forsman said the track conditions weren’t to her liking. “I think it (step up to 2000m) will suit positivity,” he said. “She is a big, rangy type who just struggled on a shifty track at Trentham last start. She really never got going in the ground. She will be better suited on a firmer deck on Saturday.” Horse racing news View the full article

Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson with six-year-old grey gelding Mighty Murt following their win at Pioneer Park in Alice Springs on January 27. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography Mighty Murt will be out to continue his great form in the NT at Alice Springs on Saturday. The six-year-old gelding, who is owned by Darwin trainer Garry Lefoe, arrived back from the Top End and was victorious over 1200m at BM76 level a fortnight ago when he toppled last year’s Pioneer Sprint (1200m) winner Supreme Attraction. The son of Murtajill faces a high-quality field over 1100m (BM76) this weekend – with most of the seven runners stepping up their preparations for the Pioneer Sprint on April 6. Terry Gillett’s Great Buy, Dick Leech’s Kerioth and Ray Viney’s Kickatorp pose serious threats to Mighty Murt, while Leech’s Madam Mischief, Gillett’s Brat and Will Savage’s Broad Outlook complete the field. Mighty Murt saluted for Lefoe on January 27, but as is normally the case he represents the Lisa Whittle stable in Alice Springs. Top End apprentice Jade Hampson retains the ride on Mighty Murt on Saturday after partnering the horse for the first time when a narrow third behind Tubthumper Cielo D’Oro over 1200m (BM75) at Fannie Bay in early December. In his past six starts, the gelding has managed four wins, a second and a third. Hampson agrees that Mighty Murt faces a solid test this weekend, but she can’t fault his form. “It looks to be a strong race, but he’s going good and I think he’s going to continue that way,” she said. “Between Garry, Lisa and Tayarn, they’ve just worked him out. “He’s also just a tough little horse, he’s got so much speed. “He just jumps and runs – they’ve got him going really well.” After dealing with Supreme Attraction, who spotted Mighty Murt 5.5kg late last month, Great Buy, a last start winner over 1200m in open company on December 17 will keep Hampson on her toes. “Great Buy is going to be hard to beat, he was in good form last prep,” Hampson said. “I definitely respect Kerioth, he impressed last year when he arrived in Alice, and I hear he is going well as he prepares to return from a spell. “Kickatorp has got good form as well, and I have also won a couple of races on Madam Mischief. “Mighty Murt doesn’t need to lead, so we’ll just see what they all want to do.” The cards fell Mighty Murt’s way against Supreme Attraction, so Hampson hopes history will repeat itself against Great Buy. It’s unlikely Great Buy will give Mighty Murt a six-length start passing the 800m, which was the case with Supreme Attraction, who couldn’t bridge the gap despite winding up in the home straight. “He jumped really quick that day, a lot quicker than he normally does, and we shared the early lead,” Hampson added. “From barrier five, we just came across and it worked out super for us. “Supreme Attraction didn’t run on as good as it normally does, while Mighty Murt just kept batting away. “He’s just in a different mindset at the moment, he’s going really well. “I think he’s definitely on the right track heading to the Pioneer Sprint.” Mighty Murt has returned to the Red Centre to prepare for the revamped Alice Springs Cup Carnival which starts on March 17. “The way that the races are panning out, it made more sense to send him to Alice Springs early,” Hampson said. “There were just no races for him in Darwin and the prizemoney is going to be better in Alice Springs soon, so he’ll stay there for the Carnival. “We’ll have to see what happens, but it would be nice to ride Mighty Murt in the Pioneer Sprint. “I’m definitely chasing that race this year after coming second last year on Expert Witness.” Horse racing news View the full article

Progressive stayer The Underbelly commenced what could be a highly successful weekend for Robbie Patterson and underrated sire The Bold One. Patterson’s stable has been a force to be reckoned with in stakes company this season, with several of his top performers flying the flag for the Grangewilliam Stud stallion, including this Saturday’s Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) contender One Bold Cat. Before travelling north for the Waikato feature, the New Plymouth horseman prepared a warm $2.30 TAB favourite in The Underbelly to complete a hattrick of winning performances at Wanganui on Friday. Contesting the Wanganui Function Centre R79 2060 in the hands of stable number-one hoop Craig Grylls, the five-year-old settled comfortably midfield in the six-horse affair, while a strong tempo was established up-front by Chikira Lass. The Underbelly drew level with the pacemaker and powered into the home straight, proving too strong easing to a 2-3/4 length win from Final Return, who had dominated the late market closing a $2.60 second-favourite. Patterson was thrilled to see a dominant step-up in grade from the gelding, who had impressed with two Rating 75 victories on Boxing Day at Otaki, and Trentham’s Telegraph Day. “He’s really starting to mature, he was a bit of a handful early on but he’s really come into his own now. Craig was pretty chuffed with him and said he had it won a long way out,” Patterson said. “He’s a beautiful big animal with a good set of lungs, and he’s destined for better things going forward I think.” With next season’s major Cup races now in mind, Patterson indicated The Underbelly would be sighted twice more this preparation, in the New Zealand St Leger Trial (2300m) at Otaki on February 24, and the New Zealand St Leger (2600m) on Oaks Day at Trentham. “He really needs good ground, so we’ll put him aside for a spell after those two and aim for the Waikato Cup (Gr.3, 2400m) later in the year, followed by the bigger Cup races,” he said. The Underbelly has now earned more than $114,000 for his connections, including co-breeder and part-owner Eddie Bourke, whose silks will be carried aboard One Bold Cat in chasing the lucrative $600,000 stake on offer at Te Rapa. One Bold Cat made a significant impression in claiming the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) in late November in strong northern company, which was followed by a tidy fifth-place finish in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) behind race-rival Campionessa. While all eyes were on a dominant display from stablemate Puntura in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) last-start, the five-year-old closed strongly into fourth place, a position Patterson felt could’ve been improved with the jockey dropping his whip near the 300m. “He went super in the Thorndon, he can be a bit lazy, and the jockey dropped his whip so with a bit more encouragement he probably would’ve been a lot closer,” he said. “But he was only really there to have a run to prepare for this race, and the horse is super well, I can’t fault him. He was bucking in his box this morning after he worked. “He’s got a bit of a tricky draw (9), but a nice run midfield one-off the fence would be ideal if possible. “Whichever way the weather goes, he’ll go a good race, but there is a shower forecast so that would really help his chances. Any easing in the track will help him immensely.” The TAB has essentially predicted a one-horse race in the Herbie Dyke with Legarto at $1.75, with One Bold Cat sitting at $11 in clear fifth-favouritism. “Obviously Legarto is virtually unbeatable from her draw (1) on paper if she gets a nice run, but this horse will be getting home, he’s very honest, and Gryllsy knows him really well. I can see him being right in the thick of it,” Patterson said. Redwood mare The Dutch Dame will complete Patterson’s duo at Te Rapa, contesting a competitive Peter Kelly – Bayleys Real Estate 2100 following a last start third to The Underbelly at Trentham. “She gets in well at the weights (54.5kg), she’s a very honest mare and will get the trip well,” Patterson said. “She was unlucky last time, she ran third to The Underbelly but she got blocked at the top of the straight, and would’ve run second. If she gets the rub of the green, she will be thereabouts on Saturday.” View the full article

European import Skyman will be aiming to record his first New Zealand win when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). Previously based with Champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller, Skyman has won nine races, including four at stakes level, and more than A$1 million in prizemoney. Earlier this season he finished runner-up behind subsequent A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) runner-up Pericles in the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and third in the Gr.3 Craven Plate (1800m) and Listed Ladies Day Cup (1500m). He joined Stephen Marsh’s Cambridge barn in December last year and made his New Zealand debut in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham last month, carrying syndicator Go Racing’s silks to fifth, and in the process became eligible to chase the $500,000 Summer Series bonus. He will head to the third leg of the series at Te Rapa on Saturday to try and add to the two series points he accrued in Thorndon Mile, and Marsh believes he will be suited by the 2000m. “I really liked his last run,” Marsh told TAB NZ. “He wasn’t at home on the wettish track, but he has come on brilliantly. I think the 2000m should really suit. “He looks really good, he has just thrived since that run. I think it has brought him on nicely. His condition looks great. I think he looks a lot better going into this race than he did the Thorndon.” Marsh will also line-up the Waikato Stud-bred and raced Mazzalino who will shortly head to the broodmare paddock after being confirmed in-foal to Waikato’s resident sire Super Seth. The impeccably bred daughter of Savabeel is a full-sister to Go Racing’s multiple Group One-winner Atishu, and the Chittick family would dearly love to get a Group One result with their mare before her raceday retirement. The Group Three winner came close when fourth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) and Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m). Mazzalino has since finished seventh in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) last month and Marsh is expecting an improved result in Saturday’s $600,000 feature. “She looks outstanding,” Marsh said. “Last start in the Trentham Stakes I think they ran so hard, it didn’t really suit her. It had her out of her comfort zone the whole way. “Usually in these races at weight-for-age they don’t usually run anywhere as quick. She should get a much better run. “The start before at Group One weight-for-age was great running fourth. “It is obviously a very good field but these two are top quality and deserve their chance.” View the full article

Top Melbourne-based jockey Michael Dee has had the call up for dual Group One winner Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.1 Orr Stakes (1400m). Michael Dee is unsure how long his association with Atishu will last, but the top jockey is happy to team up with her in this Saturday. The six-year-old will have her first start since winning the $750,000 Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in November at Caulfield. The 1400-metre event will be Dee’s first ride aboard Atishu, who has been ridden to Group One success by James McDonald and Nash Rawiller, and delighted to be entrusted with the ride by champion trainer Chris Waller. “I suppose if the likes of ‘J-Mac’, Nash and those guys could come down they would be first port of call for a ride like this, but if I’m the next one in line to be called up after that it’s a good position to be in and I’m happy to take what I can get,” Dee said. The first of Dee’s 12 Group One wins was for Waller, aboard Shillelagh (NZ) (Savabeel) in the 2017 Cantala Stakes (1600m), while he has also won a Caulfield Cup (Durston), Victoria Derby (Manzoice) and Coolmore Classic (Espiona) for his fellow ex-pat New Zealander. Dee is not sure if the Orr Stakes can be elite-level win number five, with Atishu’s only first-up win from seven attempts coming in a 1400m BM88 at her first start for Waller in August 2021, but he expects her class to carry her a long way. “Obviously it’s a strong race and she’s first-up, but a lot of those top-line chances are first-up as well,” Dee said. “The 1400 is probably on her sharp side, but I she’s run well first-up before over 1400m.” Atishu’s spring campaign started with a fifth in the Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m), but she launched last year’s autumn campaign with a second placing in the Gr.2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) before winning the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m). Dee and Atishu will start from barrier seven in the nine-horse Orr Stakes and is a $13 chance in the market headed by odds-on favourite Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars). View the full article

Molly Bloom has had the measure of Mary Shan in two of their three meetings to date, and the latter’s trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping the step-up to 2000m in Saturday’s Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic at Te Rapa will help even the ledger between the pair. “She (Molly Bloom) has had the better of us to this point, so we are hoping when we get beyond a mile that will change,” Forsman told TAB NZ. The fillies first met in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) last October, where Mary Shan finished runner-up to Impendabelle, while Molly Bloom was fourth. They clashed again in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton a few weeks later where Molly Bloom showed her class when capturing the Classic, while Mary Shan finished fifth. The pair then went on to put on a gutsy display at Pukekohe on Boxing Day in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), where Molly Bloom just got up to secure a head victory over her arch-rival. Molly Bloom went on to finish seventh in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie last month, while Mary Shan ran fourth behind Quintessa in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham a fortnight prior. Forsman was pleased with Mary Shan’s Trentham performance and said she has enjoyed the month between runs. “It was a very good run (in the Levin Classic),” he said. “It’s hard to be exposed that far out at Trentham and I thought she was very game to the line to finish as close as she did. It was full of merit. “We gave her a pretty quiet week post Trentham and then she has built up steadily toward this. “She has had a good gap between races, which will be a little bit of a query going to the 2000m, but we didn’t feel we could run in everything and have her competitive in an Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m). “Mary Shan has got brilliance, but now she has got to prove that she can take that to 2000m.” Mary Shan will be joined in Saturday’s contest by stablemate Positivity. The daughter of Almanzor has won one of her three starts to date and finished seventh in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham last month, but Forsman said the track conditions weren’t to her liking. “I think it (step up to 2000m) will suit positivity,” he said. “She is a big, rangy type who just struggled on a shifty track at Trentham last start. She really never got going in the ground. She will be better suited on a firmer deck on Saturday.” View the full article

What a big week it has been in the racing world, and the team at Punt Drunk are ready to sink our teeth into a jam-packed weekend of racing, headlined by the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. With plenty of eye-catching news locally, this is sure to be a cracking edition of Punt Drunk. Storm Boy sells for an eye-watering price Coolmore, a prominent player in the global racing and breeding industry, has made a swift move to acquire Storm Boy, the current favourite for the Golden Slipper, in a deal that could be worth as much as $50 million. Storm Boy, who had previously been paraded at a pub by Gai Waterhouse, gained fame after his impressive win at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. With this sale announced by Coolmore on Wednesday night, Storm Boy’s future as a stallion is now secured. For the deal to reach $50 million, Storm Boy will need to complete the two-year-old triple crown — which means defying history and claiming the Golden Slipper, ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes throughout the Sydney autumn. The frontrunning juvenile is undefeated through three starts and hasn’t looked like getting beaten. From being a pub merchant to one of the most sought-after breeding prospects… the great game! Dubai Moon does it again Remember the horse Dubai Moon, who won three times in a week? Well, he is back in the winner’s circle once again. Fresh off a seven-day spell, the Frankie Stockdale-trained frontrunner was at his dashing best at Pakenham on Thursday night when smashing his rivals in another dominant all-the-way victory. A step up to 2500m at Moonee Valley on February 16 is next for the in-form galloper. From being purchased for $35,000 in 2019 to now earning over $200,000 for connections, Dubai Moon is certainly taking the racing world on one hell of an adventure. They don’t come much TOUGHER 4⃣ wins in 1⃣4⃣ days for hardy Australian horse DUBAI MOON pic.twitter.com/LbjmpZJxYH — World Horse Racing (@WHR) February 8, 2024 JMac chooses big money over recovery Before the James McDonald fans come at us with pitchforks, let it be known that we’d call out anyone who pulled off what JMac did during the week. McDonald was a mid-card scratching at Rosehill last Saturday, with Godolphin debutant Celerity stomping on his foot. JMac didn’t take any further rides at Rosehill on that day due to injury, but he still managed to jump on a plane and ride at Sha Tin the next day to take his ride on Howdeepisyourlove in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m). Upon his return to Australia, McDonald was ruled out of midweek action at Warwick Farm before also pulling out of the Canterbury Friday night card and thus being out of action at Randwick on Saturday. We’re not saying the travel caused him to miss this weekend’s racing, but we’re confident Racing NSW stakeholders are not too impressed their go-to guy is missing from Inglis Millennium day at Randwick. One to ponder… About Punt Drunk Welcome to Punt Drunk – our weekly column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump… If you have any stories that you want our Punt Drunk Team to cover or just want to say G’day send us a message on: Horse racing news View the full article

Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse is set for a thrilling showdown on Saturday as untapped two-year-olds battle it out in the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m). Fully Lit is tipped to take out the $2 million Inglis Millennium despite a wide draw at Randwick this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart. Fully Lit, trained by the powerhouse duo of Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, leads the charge at $3.50 through Ladbrokes after his impressive debut win. However, his hopes may be slightly dampened by his wide draw in barrier 17. The Waterhouse/Bott stable also fields Trunk ($8.50), who draws better in barrier 5 and finished second in his debut. Other contenders include early market mover Rue De Royale ($4.60), last-start winner Odinson ($6), and El Mozillo ($8.50), the best-fancied filly. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of young champions? Tune in to Randwick Race 7 at 4:00pm (AEDT) on Saturday! 2024 Inglis Millennium Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 31x ODINSON Ciaron Maher 4 56.5kg 2 42x RUE DE ROYALE (NZ) Tony & Calvin McEvoy Chad Schofield 10 56.5kg 3 2x BEER BARON Neil Osborne Tommy Berry 1 56.5kg 4 1 FULLY LIT Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 17 56.5kg 5 1 ZESTIMAN Ben, Will & JD Hayes Ben Melham 12 56.5kg 6 2x CERONS Brett Cavanough Mitchell Bell 13 56.5kg 7 2 TRUNK Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 5 56.5kg 8 1 THUNDERING SOUL Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons (a) 11 56.5kg 9 21 EL MORZILLO Kelly Schweida Zac Lloyd (a) 7 54.5kg 10 73x NYMPHADORA Stephen O’Halloran Tom Sherry 14 54.5kg 11 32 EXPRESS YO’SELF Amy & Ash Yargi Kerrin McEvoy 18 54.5kg 12 1 RAG QUEEN David Payne Jason Collett 6 54.5kg 13 1 WINNING PROPOSAL Kristen Buchanan Ashley Morgan 9 54.5kg 14 29x ART’S ALIVE Brad Widdup Reece Jones 15 54.5kg 15 3 BELLA KHADIJAH Brad Widdup Sam Clipperton 8 54.5kg 55kg 16 8 TEQUILA BABY Brad Widdup Jay Ford 16 54.5kg 17e MIC DROP Todd Howlett 2 54.5kg 18e CATONAHOTINROOF Anthony Cummings 3 54.5kg Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Two-Year-Old Stars Clash In $2 Million Inglis Millennium 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Australia’s elite racing season gallops into action at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday with the prestigious CF Orr Stakes 2024, boasting a star-studded field vying for the $750,000 prize. Mr Brightside is firm favourite to salute fresh in the 2024 C.F. Orr Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. The reigning All-Star Mile champion, Mr Brightside, heads the pack as the short favourite, chasing his fifth Group 1 victory. The six-year-old, known for his brilliant performances at weight-for-age and impressive $11.47 million earnings, looks primed for victory at his beloved Caulfield track. With Craig Williams onboard again, he jumps from barrier four, seeking revenge for his fifth-place finish in the Orr last year when the race ran at Sandown. Mr Brightside boasts an impressive record at Caulfield, having triumphed three out of four times, including a dominant win in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes last season first-up. He continued his winning streak with the Group 1 Memsie – Makybe Diva double, but faced frustrating runner-up finishes in the spring, most notably losing the coveted Cox Plate by a whisker. With a small field and a first-up advantage at his favourite track, Mr Brightside justifies his favouritism, currently offered at $2.05 through Ladbrokes. He faces stiff competition from Veight ($5.50), the early market mover trained for Tony & Calvin McEvoy. This progressive Grunt colt, ridden by Damian Lane, looks to repeat the three-year-old victory streak in the Orr after Jacquinot last autumn. Already a four-time winner, Veight impressed fresh with a narrow win in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley and boasts strong Caulfield form with a Group 3 win and a Caulfield Guineas second-place finish over the mile last campaign. Other major contenders include Pride Of Jenni ($6.50), seeking to extend her back-to-back Group 1 winning streak after dominating the Empire Rose Stakes – Champions Mile double back in the spring, and the James Cummings-trained Pericles ($7.50), a 1400m specialist boasting a near-perfect record at the Orr distance. With a mix of fresh horses and proven performers, the 2024 CF Orr Stakes promises an exciting start to the racing season. Don’t miss the action on Saturday as these thoroughbred champions battle it out for Group 1 glory at Caulfield. 2024 C.F. Orr Stakes Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 11x111222x MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) Ben, Will & JD Hayes Craig Williams 4 59kg 118 2 1292x1132x PERICLES James Cummings Mark Zahra 5 59kg 109 3 17x128x301 MUNHAMEK (GB) Nick Ryan Blake Shinn 9 59kg 106 4 0113×75144 BUSTLER Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 6 59kg 107 5 9x901410x3 BUFFALO RIVER (USA) Michael Moroney Ms Celine Gaudray (a) 1 59kg 100 6 x578x17601 AYRTON (NZ) Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ms Jamie Kah 8 59kg 104 7 16Px52021x ATISHU (NZ) Chris Waller Michael Dee 7 57kg 114 8 298x62611x PRIDE OF JENNI Ciaron Maher Declan Bates 3 57kg 115 9 114x1525x1 VEIGHT Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damian Lane 2 55.5kg 104 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Mr Brightside Seeks Fifth Group 1 Title in 2024 CF Orr Stakes Opener appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

When is a maiden not considered a maiden for entry purposes? Pennsylvania-based owner Albert “Abby” Abdala III lost $5,331 in second-place purse money trying to find out after an “ineligible entry” ruling was imposed upon him and his trainer, Bernard Dunham, on Feb. 2 by the Turfway Park stewards. Abdala, who has owned Thoroughbreds for 10 years after getting started in horse ownership with Standardbreds, told TDN in a Feb. 8 phone interview that he still doesn't understand why Turfway officials accepted his entry for the 0-for-9 Magnolia Wind (Central Banker) in a $30,000 maiden-claiming race Jan. 4 if the stewards later deemed the 4-year-old filly to be ineligible. The eligibility issue arose after the Jan. 4 race when Magnolia Wind was going to be entered again, and Turfway stewards Barbara Borden, Ron Herbstreit, and Brooks Becraft III learned that Abdala had an appeal pending with the Maryland Racing Commission over Magnolia Wind's race-interference disqualification from first to second in a $30,000 maiden-claimer at Laurel Park Nov. 9. In that Laurel race, the 12-1 Magnolia Wind led all the way in a 5 1/2-furlong grass sprint. According to the Equibase chart, she “drifted out near the sixteenth pole, dug in and prevailed.” “She won the race,” Abdala said. “But the stewards said we were 'herding,' which I thought was ridiculous because both riders were riding to the wire, nobody checked, and we held on. I appealed it, but the hearing wasn't going to be until Feb. 6.” In the interim, after Magnolia Wind had gone nearly two months without a start, Abdala said he told Dunham, who has been a licensed trainer for 33 years, “She's good right now, we've got to race her.” Although Magnolia Wind trains at Fair Hill in Maryland, Abdala did not want to run her on the dirt somewhere closer to home, because that's not her best surface, he explained. “That's why I went out to Turfway, because she needs the Tapeta or the turf,” Abdala said. Because Magnolia Wind's record on Equibase clearly showed the she had zero lifetime wins, “I assumed that the horse was eligible as a maiden,” Abdala said. “I told my trainer to put her in, and he put her in. He entered her [electronically via] the computer. And we never said anything to anybody [about the Maryland appeal], because I didn't know we had to. They accepted the entry. Then we drove that filly nine hours to get to Turfway.” The long journey appeared to pay off. Magnolia Wind ran second at 5-1 odds. “And now they come after me saying that we knew she wasn't eligible, and that we're unlawful,” Abdala said. Abdala said that after being notified of the ineligibility, he didn't come away from a conversation with Borden, Herbstreit, and Becraft with a clear understanding of why the Turfway's racing office officials or the stewards didn't bear some responsibility for allowing the entry in the first place. TDN emailed Borden, the chief state steward, plus Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) executive director Jamie Eads, asking for some context behind the ruling and for clarification about why the Jan. 4 entry was approved by Turfway officials. A different KHRC spokesperson replied with an email that outlined some of the sequence of events on “background only.” Because what was disclosed in that email could not be attributed to a specific KHRC official, the entire explanation has not been provided here. A follow-up request by TDN asking if the KHRC wanted to provide any response for the record did not yield a reply prior to deadline for this story. The Turfway stewards' report for that date that is signed by all three stewards and posted on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website makes no mention of the ineligibility. But the subsequent Feb. 2 stewards' ruling disqualified Magnolia Wind from second place and ordered her $5,331 in purse earnings redistributed. “I'm an accountant, a CPA, and I have an accounting firm,” Abdala said. “We have a lot of horse racing people as clients. I've asked everybody, and they all told me, 'Abby, your horse was eligible.'” Abdala said he is no longer pursing any appeals in Maryland or Kentucky regarding his twice-DQ'd filly. “I didn't want to cause trouble or anything, and I want the filly to be able to race,” Abdala said. “So I just dropped everything–I dropped the hearing in Maryland, and I dropped the [potential appeal] at Turfway. I just want her to run. It's detrimental to her. After I dropped everything, they said they'll accept our entry now.” The post When is a Maiden Not a Maiden? It Cost this Owner $5,331 to Find Out appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Louisiana-based trainer Sarah Delany is recovering in a Houston, Texas, hospital after being kicked in the neck by a horse Feb. 7 at Delta Downs. View the full article

The brand-new $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) has received an enthusiastic endorsement from Matamata trainer Glenn Old, who will saddle a pair of promising four-year-olds in the inaugural running of the race at Te Rapa on Saturday. One of a series of innovation races added to the New Zealand calendar this season, the Karapiro Classic is restricted to horses that were maidens on July 31 last year. Old’s emerging star Adam I Am and lightly raced stablemate Choose ‘Em Big both tick that box. “It’s amazing money and a great race to target with horses that are coming through the grades,” Old said. At the time of that July 31 deadline, Adam I Am had been a placegetter in his only start – finishing third behind the subsequent Group One performer Luella Cristina at Tauranga in January. Adam I Am has had four further starts this season for three smart wins and a placing. The Almanzor gelding was a last-start winner of the Thames Cup (1600m) at Te Aroha on January 3. “I’m really looking forward to Saturday with him,” Old said. “He’s bouncing out of his skin and ready to go. “He got the job done pretty well last start, but sort of only did what he had to. He loafed a little bit once he got to the front. He still needs to learn to really knuckle down. “But I’m really happy with the progress he’s making. We gave him a week off after that race and he’s been going super ever since. He’s naturally fit, just like his mother (Group Two winner Our Famous Eve), so he doesn’t take much. He’s a very easy horse to train. It’s just a matter of keeping him eating and keeping him happy. “Michael McNab has come over to ride him in a couple of gallops before taking the mount on Saturday, and he says he feels like a lovely horse.” Stablemate Choose ‘Em Big made his debut in November, finishing fourth at Pukekohe behind the subsequent Group Two winner About Time. He won next time out at Te Aroha, then was badly blocked when unplaced at Te Rapa. The son of Preferment’s only subsequent start was a second at Te Aroha on January 3. “He’s a really nice horse too,” Old said. “He’s had some bad luck in a couple of his runs. “Unfortunately it’s not a good barrier draw (13) for his style of racing. He’s not a sit-sprint horse – he’s a massive horse, a bit like Adam. So we might have to roll up and hope we get a bit of luck. He’s definitely good enough to run in the top four, and in time I think he’ll make a very nice 2000m horse.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing has landed at least one of Legends Day’s major prizes in each of the last five editions of the showpiece Te Rapa meeting, and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have assembled another formidable contingent for Saturday’s 2024 version. Te Akau has a particularly stellar record in the weight-for-age Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), winning it in four of the last five years with Melody Belle (2019), Te Akau Shark (2020), Avantage (2021) and Imperatriz (2023). Their only BCD Group Sprint defeat during that period came when Levante won it in 2022, edging out Te Akau mare Entriviere by three-quarters of a length. But the Te Akau stable still collected a Group prize during the 2022 edition of the meeting with Self Obsession taking out the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) – a race they also won in 2021 with Amarelinha. High-quality fields throughout Saturday’s card will ensure the Legends Day spoils are as hard to win in 2024 as they have ever been, but the country’s leading stable will be out in force. Te Akau’s hopes of adding another BCD Group Sprint to their collection rest with three-year-old filly Quintessa. The daughter of Shamus Award has had six starts for four wins and two placings, headed by a last-start victory in last month’s Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham. Bought by David Ellis for $170,000 from Wentwood Grange’s draft at Karaka 2022, she has earned $444,650. Quintessa will attempt to become only the sixth three-year-old to win this sprint feature, and the first since Te Akau’s Xtravagant in 2016. The others were Western Red (1994), Abit Leica (1984), Pinson (1983) and the only three-year-old filly to win the race so far, Mop (1976). “We’ve had a bit of luck in this race in the last few years, but on paper it looks like it’s going to be a pretty tough one to win this year,” Bergerson said. “We’re going to need the right run and a bit of luck. “But one thing we can say about Quintessa is that she’s a winner. She doesn’t win by massive margins, but she knows how to win and does everything she can every time she races. “She was there to be beaten in the Levin Classic, but she kept kicking and was so tough to the line. She’s pretty lazy at home, but once she gets to the races, she knows her role. “She’s a three-year-old filly up against some seasoned Group One horses, as well as the new star in Crocetti, so it’s going to be tough. But we just hope that she runs another good race. It’s a nice stepping stone towards the Australian Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) in three weeks’ time.” Campionessa is Te Akau’s runner in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). The daughter of Contributer ran second behind Sharp ‘N’ Smart in last year’s edition of this race, then chased home Prowess in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m). A deserved Group One victory finally went Campionessa’s way in the Zabeel Classic (2050m) on Boxing Day. In her only appearance since then, the six-year-old finished ninth on a deteriorating track in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham. “The wet ground tripped her up that day, and she was drawn one,” Bergerson said. “They were scouting wide all day, and Matt (Cameron, jockey) said she just never got going in that ground. “She’s back at Te Rapa on Saturday, where she’s got a fantastic record. It’s another strong race with some top-quality gallopers, obviously Legarto is going to be the one to beat, but she’s going into the race in good order. “We gave her a quiet week after the Thorndon. She galloped in between races at Matamata on Wednesday, which was her one hit-out for the week, and she went really well. Niranjan Parmar rides a lot of her work, and he said she felt spot on.” The Fillies’ Classic is sponsored in perpetuity by Te Akau’s David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis. The stable’s representative in this year’s edition of the $175,000 feature is the promising Inspired By Art. This week marks a step up in class, taking on the likes of Group One winner Molly Bloom and eight other Group performers. But the daughter of So You Think has made a favourable impression on Walker and Bergerson, placing in both of her first two starts before stepping up to 1600m and scoring a strong last-start maiden win on January 24. “I’m probably sounding like a broken record, but it’s a very good field on Saturday,” Bergerson said. “A lot of different form lines are coming together for what’s going to be a fantastic race. But we’re confident the step up to 2000m will suit our filly, whereas it might be a query for a few of the others. We think Inspired By Art is looking for that distance and potentially further. “It was a really good effort to win her maiden last time. She found a bit of trouble, but managed to get herself out of it and was strong through the line. We think the key is to ride her cold. “She’s worked well this week. She has to improve, stepping up against some of these quality fillies, but we do have a good opinion of her. She’s a promising staying filly.” Te Akau also holds a strong undercard hand – most notably the Allied Security (1200m), in which Certainly is rated a $1.60 favourite. The Waikato Stud homebred ran second on debut behind the quality three-year-old Pendragon, then won impressively in her second start. In her only other race, the Savabeel filly flew home from last for a close sixth in the Levin Classic. “She’s definitely one that a lot of people are going to be watching early in the day on Saturday, and the TAB market reflects that,” Bergerson said. “She has so much upside. She was pretty unlucky in the Levin Classic. Warren (Kennedy, jockey) said she got on the wrong leg around that home bend and ended up getting wider than we would have liked, but her sectional times were fantastic. She was a close sixth in a real blanket finish, and we wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d won the race with a better draw and some luck in the running. “We’re excited to see her step out on Saturday. Our only worry would be going from the mile back down to 1200m, but we’ve deliberately kept her on the fresh side. “She had a hit-out on the course proper at Matamata before the races on Wednesday and went really well. “If she performs up to expectations on Saturday, she could head over to Australia and take on some good three-year-old racing over there. But she’d probably have to win to justify that.” View the full article

Nine-race winner Eptimum will make his first start in close to a year when he lines up in Saturday’s $50,000 C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup (1100m) at Riccarton. The well-travelled son of Snitzel was a Group Three winner at Moonee Valley as a spring three-year-old, then finished midfield in Merchant Navy’s Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. He later had an unsuccessful stint in Hong Kong before finding his way to the Rangiora stable of John Blackadder. The change of scenery worked wonders for the gelding, who has since won six races in New Zealand. He had a particularly strong campaign as an eight-year-old last season, winning races at Riccarton, Wingatui and Ascot Park along with a close fourth behind Buoyant in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui. He also finished seventh in the Gr.3 Stewards’ Stakes (1200m). But his productive season came to an abrupt halt after his fourth in a 1400m race at Riccarton on March 25. “He sprained a ligament, which couldn’t have happened at a worse time really,” said Blackadder, who also shares in the ownership of Eptimum. “He was really flying in that campaign and it was the best we’d had him. Being an older horse as well, it was quite unfortunate timing. “We put him out for nine months. It was a good, long break and he put a bit of condition on – like his trainer! But he’s coming along well now in this new preparation. “We gave him a nice, quiet trial at Ashburton the other day to help get him ready. He’s running over 1100m on Saturday and I think this race will improve him a lot. Then we’ll have a look at Wingatui on March 2, where there’s a $50,000 race over 1200m that I think will be a good race to target with him. “He’s a lovely old horse and a pleasure to have in the stable.” Blackadder’s team at Riccarton on Saturday also includes Star Formula in the Alistair Gray Memorial Maiden (1400m). The three-year-old gelding races in the colours of prominent industry supporter Terry Lines and was a placegetter at Riccarton on January 18 in his only start to date. Dropping back to 12th among a field of 16, he produced an eye-catching finish into third, beaten by a half-neck and a neck by Mogul and Movie Girl. “He ran a huge race first-up,” Blackadder said. “I was going to run him over 1200m again on Saturday, but it’s looking like it will be quite a fast track at Riccarton. It’s probably going to suit him better to step up to the 1400m. “There’s not all that many horses by Super One in New Zealand, and he’s out of a Zoustar mare, so he’s an interesting horse. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes on Saturday.” View the full article

Sarah Delany, who trains along with her husband Benny Martinez, was injured Wednesday morning at Delta Downs when she was kicked by a horse in the back of her neck, according to family friend and client Brian Poppenberg. The local Lake Charles hospital sent her via CareFlight to Houston, where she underwent emergency surgery. “She was kicked in the back of the neck, and had spinal surgery as well as fusion,” said Poppenberg, “and luckily enough she has feeling in all extremities but recovery will be lengthy. “Let me express that her and her husband are a small barn outfit, and absolutely love the horses, and this will be a difficult time for her as the trainer and her husband.” According to EquineLine's official statistics, Delany made her first start as a trainer in 2012. She has 280 wins from 1,941 career starts. A GoFundMe campaign has been established for Delany and can be accessed here. The post Trainer Sarah Delany Seriously Injured at Delta Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article