Wandering Eyes

Adam Houghton picks out 10 once-raced three-year-olds with the potential to make an impact in Pattern races in 2024. INISHERIN (GB), c, 3, by Shamardal 1st Dam: Ajman Princess (Ire), by Teofilo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Reem Three (GB), by Mark Of Esteem (Ire) 3rd Dam: Jumaireyah (GB), by Fairy King Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Trainer: Kevin Ryan Bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Inisherin is the second foal out of the G1 Prix Jean Romanet winner Ajman Princess (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), one of seven black-type performers and six black-type winners for the remarkable Mark Of Esteem (Ire) mare Reem Three (GB). Ajman Princess's siblings include the G1 Queen Anne S. winner Triple Time (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein winner Ostilio (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), plus the unraced Rosaline (Ire), a full-sister to Ostilio who is perhaps best known as the dam of last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). Inisherin didn't scale anything like the same heights as Rosallion as a two-year-old, but his sole run when finishing second in a Newmarket maiden in September was full of promise, faring best of the newcomers as he passed the post just half a length Bellum Justum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who was able to put his experience to good use on his fourth start. G1 Irish 2000 Guineas entry Inisherin should stay at least 10 furlongs and it will be no surprise if he becomes just the latest in a long line of black-type performers in his illustrious family. LOVE DYNASTY (FR), f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Geisha Girl (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Multicolour Wave (Ire), by Rainbow Quest 3rd Dam: Echoes (Fr), by Niniski Owner: Clipper Logistics Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited Trainer: William Haggas Bought for 190,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Love Dynasty sports the familiar Clipper Logistics colours and did so with distinction when making a winning debut in a seven-furlong fillies' novice event at Newmarket in November. In a race run in very testing conditions, Love Dynasty could hardly have created a better impression as she tanked into contention from the rear of the field before drawing right away in the final furlong to win by two and a half lengths with plenty in hand. By Dubawi (Ire) and out of the unraced Galileo (Ire) mare Geisha Girl (Ire), Love Dynasty is thus bred on the same cross as the multiple Group 1 winners Ghaiyyath (Ire) and Night Of Thunder (Ire). For good measure, Geisha Girl is a half-sister to the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) and it's not out of the question that Love Dynasty could follow in that one's footsteps by developing into a Classic contender herself, such was the promise of that debut victory in the autumn. MAP OF STARS (GB), c, 3, by Sea The Stars (Ire) 1st Dam: Bateel (Ire), by Dubawi (Ire) 2nd Dam: Attractive Crown, by Chief's Crown 3rd Dam: Attirance I (Fr), by Crowned Prince Owner: Al Asayl France Breeder: Al Asayl France Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard Al Asayl France's homebred Map Of Stars is the second foal out of the Dubawi (Ire) mare Bateel (Ire), a classy performer who won the Listed Fred Archer S. at Newmarket as a four-year-old when trained in Britain by David Simcock. She later joined the Francis-Henri Graffard stable and became a prolific pattern-race winner in France where her wins included the G1 Prix Vermeille and G2 Prix de Pomone as a five-year-old and the G2 Prix Corrida as a six-year-old. By Sea The Stars (Ire), a trusty source of high-class middle-distance performers, Map Of Stars is bred more for stamina than speed–his dam was Group 3-placed over nearly two miles–and he was never stronger than at the finish when powering home to beat his fellow newcomers in a nine-furlong maiden at Longchamp in October, ultimately winning by a length. Graffard looks to have another smart one on his hands in this colt and a tilt at something like the G1 Prix du Jockey Club could well be on the cards if he progresses as expected during the coming months. MEYDAAN (IRE), c, 3, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Nezwaah (GB), by Dubawi (Ire) 2nd Dam: Ferdoos (GB), by Dansili (GB) 3rd Dam: Blaze Of Colour (GB), by Rainbow Quest Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Breeder: Godolphin Trainer: Simon and Ed Crisford Late-season maidens run on the all-weather at Newcastle are always worth a second look these days, a breeding ground of future champions and where the likes of Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) gained their first career wins. Meydaan clearly has a long way to go before we can start mentioning him in that illustrious company, but he made the best possible start to his career when winning a 10-furlong maiden at Gosforth Park in November, just needing to be pushed out by Jack Mitchell to win by a length and three-quarters. Simon and Ed Crisford won the same race in 2022 with Chesspiece (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire})–subsequently Group 3-placed as a three-year-old–and Meydaan looks another black-type performer for the stable in the making, in keeping with his regal breeding. By Frankel (GB) and out of the Dubawi (Ire) mare Nezwaah (GB)–who won the G1 Pretty Polly S. as a four-year-old–Meydaan is bred on the same cross as Classic winners Adayar (Ire) and Homeless Songs (Ire), plus the multiple Group 1 hero Mostahdaf (Ire). NIGHT RAIDER (IRE), c, 3, by Dark Angel (Ire) 1st Dam: Dorraar (Ire), by Shamardal 2nd Dam: Dorrati, by Dubai Millennium (GB) 3rd Dam: Bahr (GB), by Generous (Ire) Owner: Clipper Logistics Breeder: Linden Bloodstock Ltd Trainer: Karl Burke Few all-weather winners during the winter raised as many eyebrows as Night Raider, who could hardly have been more impressive when running away with a seven-furlong novice event on his debut at Southwell in December, easing clear throughout the final furlong, under a motionless Danny Tudhope, to win by nine lengths. Together with G1 Moyglare Stud S. winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and the aforementioned Love Dynasty, Night Raider features in an exciting group of three-year-olds the Clippers Logistics team has put together for 2024 having been brought into the fold when bought for 155,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. He is the fourth foal out of the winning Shamardal mare Dorraar (Ire), who now has a record of three winners from as many runners, with the others including the G3 Palace House S. winner Far Above (Ire) (Farhh {GB}). Far Above was an out-and-out sprinter–and so too are most of the better horses produced by Dark Angel (Ire)–but G1 Irish 2000 Guineas entry Night Raider should stay a mile and isn't one to underestimate when he steps up in grade. PURPLE LILY (IRE), f, 3, by Calyx (GB) 1st Dam: Boca Raton (Ire), by Approve (Ire) 2nd Dam: Kaaba (GB), by Darshaan (GB) 3rd Dam: Konigsalpen (Ger), by Second Set (Ire) Owner: Zinlo Syndicate Breeder: B O'Neill Trainer: Paddy Twomey Purple Lily made her debut at the Galway Festival in August, lining up in what is typically one of the strongest fillies' maidens run in Ireland all year, with Classic winners such as Legatissimo (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), Hermosa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Tahiyra (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) all having got off the mark in the race in the last decade. Sent off favourite against some well-credentialed runners from the stables of Dermot Weld, Jim Bolger, Aidan O'Brien and Joseph O'Brien, Purple Lily is clearly held in some regard and her connections will have been pleased by what they saw in the race itself as she overcame greenness to run out a ready winner, finishing strongly once the penny dropped to beat Weld's subsequent winner Tannola (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) by a neck. A first-crop daughter of Calyx (GB) and out of a half-sister to the G1 Irish Oaks third Lady's Secret (Ire) (Alzao), Purple Lily was a €155,000-purchase at the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-up Sale having previously sold for €17,500 as a foal and €24,000 as a yearling. She's entered in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and G1 Irish Oaks and her future looks very bright indeed for the Paddy Twomey yard which continues to go from strength to strength. ROADSHOW (IRE), c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Acapulco, by Scat Daddy 2nd Dam: Global Finance, by End Sweep 3rd Dam: Friendly Wave, by Pentelicus Owner: Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor and Mrs John Magnier Breeder: Coolmore Stud Trainer: Andre Fabre Coolmore homebred Roadshow is the second runner out of Wesley Ward's flying filly Acapulco (Scat Daddy), who memorably won the G2 Queen Mary S. before filling the runner-up spot when taking on older horses in the G1 Nunthorpe S. as a two-year-old. Acapulco later joined Aidan O'Brien for whom she won her only start in the Listed Sole Power Sprint S. as a four-year-old before retiring to the paddocks. Acapulco's first runner, a full-sister to Roadshow named So Beautiful (Ire), also went into training at Ballydoyle but failed to get off the mark in four starts. Roadshow, on the other hand, had little trouble in opening his account at the first attempt for Andre Fabre, easily winning a maiden at Saint-Cloud in October as he drew clear in the closing stages for a three-and-a-half-length success, with his beaten rivals including the subsequent dual winner Yoox (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). That race was run over seven and a half furlongs and Roadshow will be suited by at least a mile as a three-year-old, like so many sons and daughters of Galileo (Ire) out of sprinting mares. He couldn't be in better hands and will be one to look out for in a Classic trial in the spring. RUBIES ARE RED (IRE), f, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Red Evie (Ire), by Intikhab 2nd Dam: Malafemmena (Ire), by Nordico 3rd Dam: Martinova (GB), by Martinmas (GB) Owner: Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, Mrs John Magnier and Westerberg Breeder: Coolmore Stud Trainer: Aidan O'Brien The aforementioned Galileo remains on the brink of a major milestone as the sire of 99 individual Group/Grade 1 winners, already having smashed the all-time record of 84 previously held by Danehill. There isn't necessarily a standout candidate among the older horses to take Galileo into three-figures in 2024, so it could come down to a penultimate crop of three-year-olds which includes a whole host of promising sorts, many of whom we've only scratched the surface with. Rubies Are Red is a perfect case in point, a Coolmore homebred out of the G1 Matron S. and G1 Lockinge S. winner Red Evie (Ire) (Intikhab), already the dam of four black-type winners by Galileo, including the GI Breeders' Cup Turf and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Found (Ire) and the G3 Give Thanks S. winner Best In The World (Ire), perhaps best known as the dam of the multiple Classic winner Snowfall (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). Rubies Are Red caught the eye on her only two-year-old start over a mile at Galway in October, finishing a staying-on third having been hampered at a crucial stage of that fillies' maiden, and she looks the type to leave that form well behind when tackling middle-distances as a three-year-old. SONS AND LOVERS (GB), c, 3, by Study Of Man (Ire) 1st Dam: So In Love (GB), by Smart Strike (Can) 2nd Dam: Soft Morning (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 3rd Dam: Summer Night (GB), by Nashwan Owner: Mr and Mrs H Morriss and Miss K Rausing Breeder: Miss K Rausing Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam Lanwades Stud resident Study Of Man (Ire) had nine individual winners in Europe from his first crop of juveniles in 2023, headed by the G2 Beresford S. winner Deepone (GB). His progeny can be expected to improve with time and distance given that he raced only once as a two-year-old himself before going on to win the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at three, so it bodes well for the future prospects of Sons And Lovers that he was able to emulate his sire by winning his sole juvenile start, in a seven-furlong maiden at Newmarket in October, despite looking far from the finished article. Sons And Lovers was held up in the early stages and it was only in the final strides that he edged ahead to get the verdict by a head and spring a mild surprise at odds of 33/1. Bred by Kirsten Rausing, the owner of Lanwades, Sons And Lovers was bought by trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam for €40,000 at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale. Rausing retained a share and races the colt in partnership with her friend Hugo Morriss and his late wife Maya, who was at Newmarket for the colt's victory and died the following month. He is out of the Smart Strike (Can) mare So In Love (GB), who was Listed-placed in France on multiple occasions and is herself out of the Listed winner/Group 3-placed Soft Morning (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). TRUE CYAN (IRE), f, 3, by No Nay Never 1st Dam: Realtra (Ire), by Dark Angel (Ire) 2nd Dam: Devious Diva (Ire), by Dr Devious (Ire) 3rd Dam: Dawn Chorus (Ire), by Mukaddamah Owner: KHK Racing Ltd Breeder: Barronstown Stud Trainer: Roger Varian The Dark Angel (Ire) mare Realtra (Ire) proved herself a tough and consistent performer over four seasons of racing at a high level, initially with Richard Fahey before joining Roger Varian halfway through her three-year-old campaign. She went on to win six times for Varian, notably landing the G3 Sceptre S. at three before returning to win twice more at that level at five having missed most of her four-year-old season. Realtra's first foal, Divinitus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), failed to win either of her two starts for Andre Fabre, but True Cyan immediately looked a filly cut from the same cloth as her dam when making a successful debut for the Varian yard in a seven-furlong fillies' maiden at Newmarket in September, quickening smartly from rear to win by a length and a half from a pair of next-time-out winners who completed the frame. Sporting the colours of KHK Racing having been bought for £150,000 at the Goffs UK Doncaster Breeze-up Sale, True Cyan has the potential to live up to that price tag and more, with a Guineas trial likely to be her first port of call in the spring. The post Ten Three-Year-Olds To Follow in 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

A stunning display of resilience and courage in the heat of battle was on display at Tauherenikau on Tuesday as progressive mare Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) claimed the Listed Clubs NZ @ The Races Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in a torrid three-way tussle. The Roydon Bergerson-prepared six-year-old was one of the main fancies in the contest after finishing third in the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham last month. Rider Craig Grylls was content to sit outside surprise pacemaker Flower Of Wanaka (NZ) (Burgundy) during the early running before taking control of the race rounding the home bend. That lead was short-lived as she was immediately headed by Sugah Sweet (NZ) (Zacinto) while Matamata visitor Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) was also joining issue further out. The trio set down to a stirring battle as Town Cryer kicked back under vigorous riding from Grylls to reclaim the lead at the 100m and hold out Sugah Sweet by a head at the line with Snazzytavi just a long head back in third at the winning post. Bergerson paid tribute to the determination of his mare who he believes should have an even better record in recent weeks including in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) where she was one of the many hindered by the false start to the race. “She is such a tough mare and she never knows when she is beaten,” Bergerson said. “Gryllsy said all the way down the straight she kept lifting and he thought she could have gone another 400m and still held them out. “When she got headed, I did think we might be running for the minors, but she doesn’t know when to give up and got the lead back and the win. “She has been a model of consistency in some good fields and even when she ran seventh in the Thorndon at Trentham, she should have finished closer as she picked the start brilliantly before they had to pull up and go again and that exertion probably told on her the second time around but she still wouldn’t give in.” Bergerson will now focus on the upcoming Auckland Cup Carnival at Ellerslie where the $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m) for horses from stables not in the top 10 on the National Trainers’ Premiership ladder on March 2 is the first target. “She holds a nomination for the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m) at Ellerslie and we are toying with starting her there as I think she isn’t really a two-miler but you need a bit of brilliance to win an Auckland Cup and she has that,” he said. “The race on the first day over 1500m for trainers not in the top 10 is also very attractive, although I’m not sure what weight she will get or whether you can get an apprentice claim. “If she can get conditions like that to suit then it is an attractive proposition. “No matter what we do I would like to pay tribute to my staff as I’ve been away at the sales and they have done a super job with all our horses and that makes life so much easier when you have good people putting in the hard yards like they do.” Town Cryer is a daughter of former Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock and is out of the Volksraad mare The Speaker (NZ), a three-quarter sister to Gr.1 Wellington Cup (3200m) winner Willy Smith (NZ) (Volksraad), who also finished runner-up in the 2008 Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie. She has now won seven of her 31 starts, with three of those at stakes level and over $307,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Local Opaki mare Ruby Rocks (NZ) (Burgundy) put her best foot forward as she dominated the closing stages when taking out the TAB Bonus Back Wairarapa Cup (2050m) at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. To the cheers of the large crowd on hand, the seven-year-old daughter of Burgundy raced away to win by two lengths as she recorded the biggest win of her 40-start career. Rider Sam Weatherley was content to sit well back in the early running as tearaway pacemaker Love For All set up a torrid speed out in front. Weatherley and the rest of the field began to get urgent at the 600m and started chasing down the leader with Ruby Rocks swooping to the front around the home bend. Weatherley kept her up to the mark as she maintained a strong gallop to defeat race favourite Achieve (NZ) (Pierro) and Lincoln Star (NZ) (Savabeel) who both battled on bravely in the run home. Trainer Roger Allen was delighted the mare he co-bred with wife Ann had bounced back from a pair of midfield efforts at Trentham where she hadn’t received a lot of luck in the running. “It was a very tough win and great to get her back on a firm track,” Allen said. “She doesn’t like it shifty and her last two starts at Trentham really didn’t suit the way the track was there. “It was also a perfect ride by Sam as he got her settled and put her in the race like we had asked him. “She seems to be thriving now at a middle distance, so I think there is a rating 75 2200m at Otaki in a couple of weeks which is where she is likely to go next.” Allen was looking forward to heading home with the mare and enjoying a cold beer and a dip in the pool after battling the stifling heat on-course. “It’s stinking hot here today so it will be good to get home, feed up then settle in for a beer and a swim,” he said. “We’ve got a few mates coming around and some who are in her ownership, so it will make for a good night. “It’s a pretty big group of owners in her including plenty of locals and some friends of my daughter from up Waiuku way so I’m sure they would all have got a kick out of the result today.” Ruby Rocks is out of the Black Minnaloushe mare Rapidpower (NZ) and has an extended family that includes Australian stakes performers Voli Dream (NZ) (Silver Dream) and Shankhill Lass (NZ) (Star Way). She has now won seven of her 40 starts and more than $132,000 for her owners, the Bindy One Syndicate. View the full article

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Steve Jobar was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in April 2022. Shocked to discover that there wasn't a cure or any form of effective treatment for his illness, he set about raising funds for research into a cure for future generations. With the assistance of his committee, Jobar, who won the 1980 Triumph Hurdle for David Elsworth aboard Heighlin, has organised a fundraising lunch and race for the MND Association at Newbury on March 22. “You will not be surprised to hear that we have received some amazingly generous support from racing folk,” said committee member Jonathan Powell. “We have sold all 45 tables of ten at the lunch, have sponsors for his race and the wine and have been given dozens of tempting items for the auction conducted by the comedy duo of John Francome and Richard Phillips. “Steve's Justgiving page has already raised over £7,000. In addition, we are raffling a new car at £20 a ticket. If the winner does not want the car he or she will collect £13,000. “Every penny goes to the MND Association and to our surprise and delight we are on course to raise over £100,000 on March 22. Half will go to research into a cure for MND, the other half to the local branch of association who have provided invaluable support and pastoral care for Steve and his wife Dottie from day one.” Powell added, “Steve is losing weight, survives on liquids now and it is impossible to understand his speech but he remains wonderfully defiant at what lies ahead.” You can donate to Steve Jobar's campaign via his JustGiving page. The post Steve Jobar on Fundraising Mission for MND appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While Zac Purton, Brenton Avdulla and Karis Teetan have all been victorious aboard the leading Hong Kong Derby hope, trainer John Size calls upon the star EnglishmanView the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Thursday, February 8, 2024 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse is set to host another eight-race meeting on Thursday night, with two further heats of the Pakenham Future Stars series headlining affairs. With clear skies forecast, the track should remain a Good 4, with the rail out 9m for the entire circuit. Racing is set kick off at 5:45pm local time. Best Bet at Pakenham: French Flirt There is little doubt that the Robbie Laing-trained French Flirt should have finished closer over the Pakenham 1600m on February 1. Having run up plenty of backsides in the home straight, the Epaulette mare only saw clear air with 50m to go and went through to the line under a hard hold. She is yet to hit the frame in seven career starts, but with even luck against a field like this, French Flirt should be more than good enough in the opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #8 French Flirt (3) 4yo Mare | T: Robbie Laing | J: Craig Williams (57.5kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Barefoot Tora The Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock-trained Barefoot Tora was a dominant maiden winner at the Pakenham 1600m on January 25 and looks set to go on with it as she steps into BM58 company. The Magnus mare put 2.3 lengths on her rivals in an all-the-way triumph, and in a field where she can dictate terms once again, or at worst be outside the lead, she is going to prove extremely hard to pass. Damian Lane sticks on board, and with the rail out 9m, the track could favour those up on speed. Next Best Race 7 – #8 Barefoot Tora (10) 4yo Mare | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Damian Lane (60kg) +270 with Picklebet Best Value at Pakenham: Entremet Entremet has been consistent without winning in three starts this campaign. The Magnus mare beat all bar Fast Star on January 18 but was hitting the line with great intent over the 1200m. The Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock-trained mare stays at the distance, fourth-up from a spell, and from barrier three under Jye McNeil, she draws to settle closer to the speed than usual. With a well-timed finishing burst and even luck in the home straight, Entremet can salute at a nice price with top horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 5 – #10 Entremet (3) 4yo Mare | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Jye McNeil (57.5kg) +900 with Playup Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, February 8, 2024 4-10-11 2-3-6-7 2-8 3-6-8-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Exciting young Kiwi pacer Don’t Stop Dreaming will have a new driver at Menangle on Saturday night. Co-trainer Mark Purdon opted to run the four-year-old again this week after he came through a slashing second to Leap To Fame in the Hunter Cup in good order. “Brooke (Wilkins) said he travelled well up to Sydney (from Melbourne),” Purdon said. “I was absolutely thrilled with his Hunter Cup run. It was a big effort to come wide and make up the ground he did on a horse as good as Leap To Fame.” With Purdon back home, NSW young gun Jack Callaghan will be stand-in driver in Saturday night’s $50,000 Hondo Grattan (1609m) at Menangle. It’s a big gig as Don’t Stop Dreaming will be favourite for the race which is a qualifier for his next big target, the $200,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire (1609m) at Menangle on March 2. While Don’t Stop Dreaming will dominate betting and is drawn quite well in gate six, he faces some strong and fascinating rivals. One of the key ones is fellow Kiwi entire Sooner The Bettor, but has to contend with a wide draw (nine). The emerging Captains Knock, who ran a good third to Frankie Ferocious in the 4YO Bonanza at Melton last Saturday, draws to use his gate speed and a be a big player from gate three. Last year’s star NSW three-year-old Better Be The Best, who boasts 16 wins from just 22 starts, returns from a spell in gate four. His talented stablemate On Deadline is next door (five). Talented former Victorian pacer Our Vinnie has gate two at his first run for Jason Grimson and has impressed at the trials. Another classy former Victorian, Dougs Platter, has been sold to US interests and resumes from a spell for new trainer Kevin Pizzuto of Tiger Tara fame. He has gate 10. Later in the night, former Victoria Cup and Len Smith Mile winner Rock N Roll Doo returns from a freshen-up for trainer-driver Mick Stanley in a 2300m free-for-all. The six-year-old turned plenty of heads with a blazing Melton trial win where Stanley cut him loose in front and beat champion mare Ladies In Red by more than 30m last Wednesday. View the full article

Fans of the New Zealand thoroughbred will get a special treat at Te Rapa this Saturday when the Waikato Racing Club host their aptly named Legends Raceday. While the action on the track will see a number of the current crop of superstars ply their trade in races like the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), there will no doubt be considerable interest in a line-up of past champions who will parade and lead the horses out for each of the races on the programme. Highden Park principals Libby and Sam Bleakley are eagerly looking forward to travelling north with their two former champions in dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Ping Hai Star, as they take a day off from their on-farm exertions at the lush Palmerston North property. Both horses have been retired to a life of comfort at Highden Park and Bleakley is thrilled to be able to provide them with that opportunity. “It goes without saying just how proud and delighted we are to have Sardine (Werther) and Ping here at Highden Park and living their best life,” Libby Bleakley said. “Looking out at them in their paddock each morning brings a smile to my face and to be able to give them a loving forever home is our pleasure. “They are here for the rest of their days and they share a paddock with a pair of well-known broodmares in Strictly Maternal and Bagalollies (dam of Werther). “They all get on well and the two boys are absolute gentlemen with the girls. “In fact, Ping is extremely protective of Strictly Maternal, who is 23 now, and makes sure she always gets her feed or hay first and he frets a little if they are taken away for any length of time during the day.” Whilst they may be in retirement from their racing activities, both Werther and Ping Hai Star are naturals when it comes to a second career as “nannies” at the property while also providing a companion for any horses undergoing rehabilitation from injuries. “Both of them love to be around the younger horses and are great at teaching the foals once they have been weaned off their mothers,” Bleakley said. “Werther likes working with the colts while Ping is superb with the girls and the young ones learn so much. “It’s quite comical when you see Werther leading them in from the paddock or the like as they tend to fall into line behind him like a row of ducks and just toddle along after him. “They also make great companions when we have horses that have to be boxed during rehab. “It’s amazing though how the old boys’ personalities change when they leave the company of the two mares. In that paddock they mooch around without a care in the world but put them in with the young ones and they are bucking and kicking like two-year-olds.” Bleakley said that one of the guilty pleasures for the family is to replay some of the many racing highlights of both horses. With Werther having won four races in New Zealand prior to a stint in Australia and Hong Kong, where his victories included the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m), 2016 Hong Kong Derby and three additional Group One races plus a runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in Japan, there is plenty to choose from. “Just looking at some of those highlight videos with Ping’s Derby win and Werther doing what he did, it gives me goosebumps,” Bleakley said. “We all laugh when we watch the replay of the race in Japan as there are all these magnificent Japanese thoroughbreds and then there is plain old Sardine, but boy did he show them what he was made of and did us all proud.” The competitive spirit is still more than alive in the pair with Bleakley knowing she and Sam will have their hands full at Te Rapa in the raceday environment. “This is the second year they are heading to Te Rapa and last year was a real eye opener,” she said. “They got on course and a switch just flicked and they were there to perform. “They asked me to take Werther out on the track for the race he was leading out and I had to say no as he would have been off and gone, he was that full of himself. “Ping was exactly the same so we know we could be in for a pretty torrid time, but it’s an experience you just wouldn’t miss as you see just how much they love it.” The nine legends involved in the promotion are Seachange, Mufhasa, Xcellent, The Bostonian, Sacred Star, Ping Hai Star, Werther, Gingernuts and Sir Slick, with racing to commence around midday. View the full article

Mick Price is aware there are more suitable immediate options for Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) than this Saturday’s C F Orr Stakes, but he thinks it is the right Group One race to have a crack at. Waiting for him will be star miler Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), but the A$750,000 weight-for-age Group 1 event is run at Ayrton’s favourite circuit – the Caulfield 1400m. The six-year-old’s four most recent wins have been over that course, including a last-start win in the Listed Barton Stakes on January 26, which convinced Price to have a throw at the stumps. “It’s the perfect track, perfect trip, Jamie Kah on, so it is his best opportunity (to win a Group 1),” Price said. “He should be in a 1400m Listed race a week after but, who cares? We want to have a go at a Group 1. “He’s doing a good job in the correct grade and now we’re going to a Group 1 weight-for-age so he does have to run a personal best to win.” Ayrton took his record to eight wins from 21 starts in the Barton Stakes, which was his first start since finishing down the track in the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) in Perth on December 16. The son of Iffraaj was unlucky in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) and Group 2 The Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington the two starts before that, which followed a first-up win in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes. “I had a better opinion on him with his potential before he got sick to now and, OK, we went to Perth, which didn’t work, but apart from that his form’s been pretty nice,” Price said. “He’s been placed correctly to now, but I just thought he’s got enough credit in the bank to have a go at a Group 1.” Aims are also high with another horse Price and Kent train for Roll The Dice, the undefeated Otago (NZ) (Ocean Park), who continues his path towards the Gr.1 Australian Guineas with a trial win at Cranbourne on Monday morning. The 800m workout was his first public appearance since victory at Flemington on January 13 and kept the Ocean Park gelding up to the mark ahead of the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 17. “We gave him a little break in the paddock and this was a tick over trial for him and then we use the C S Hayes to get him into the mile and then hopefully he’s still got enough energy about him as a young horse to do the job.” View the full article

Robert Dennis is enjoying being back training in the deep south and is excited about the prospects of his growing stable. The Ascot Park horseman spent a stint working as an assistant to Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman last year, but the lure of family proved too strong and Dennis returned to Southland with his family last November. “It is much better for my family and I, our families are down here and there is no place like home,” Dennis said. “We have got a young daughter and another child on the way too. Racing is quite demanding, it is long hours and early starts, and when you don’t have that network of support it does make it tough. “We made the decision reasonably early to come back, but we are both comfortable with the decision we made.” Formerly training out of Woodlands, Dennis set up his new operation at Ascot Park and one of the first horses to enter his barn was the Waikato Stud-bred and owned filly Missoni (NZ) (Ocean Park). Dennis has been a long-time friend of Waikato Stud General Manager Mike Rennie, and his relationship with the Matamata nursery was further enhanced during his time in the north. “I have had a bit of success with horses by their sires and I am very grateful for the support and sending a horse all the way down to Invercargill to race,” Dennis said. “I have always had a good relationship with Mike Rennie at Waikato, but when you are up in Waikato in the thick of things, your face gets out and about a bit more and it is a lot easier to strengthen those connections. “She (Missoni) was on the first truck to arrive down in mid-November.” Dennis has been pleased with Missoni’s progression and is excited to see her make her raceday debut in the McCallums Group Maiden (1200m) at Ascot Park on Thursday, however, he said whether she takes her place in the field will be reliant on the weather. “It is going to be track dependent,” he said. “There is some rain forecast and if it is too wet then she won’t run. I imagine it will be a bit of a learning curve for her. She is a nice enough filly that will improve with a bit of time.” Dennis will also line-up Hasstobeyou (NZ) (Darci Brahma) in the Southland Honda Handicap (1200m), The Royal Diva (NZ) (The King) in the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m), and The Royal Jester (NZ) (The King) in the Marquee & Party Hire Maiden (1600m). “Hasstobeyou is backing up from Saturday where she was disappointing,” Dennis said. “We don’t feel she was 100 percent genuine, so here on our home track, back to 1200m, hopefully she can put in because she is very well. “The Royal Diva and The Royal Jester are a couple of horses for the Dennis brothers. The wet track will help both of them, but they both need to show good improvement.” Dennis has received plenty of support since his return, which gave him the confidence to head to Karaka last week to purchase four fillies at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. “I bought a really nice Darci Brahma filly (lot 560 for $85,000) out of Alagant Satin. She has got a strong South Island pedigree with Noble Bijou and Mellay the damsires of the second and third dams,” Dennis said. “I bought a Per Incanto filly (lot 228 for $80,000) out of a stakes winner (Mini Pearl), an El Roca filly (lot 916 for $35,000) that is a half to a stakes performer (Serein), and a client of mine bought a nice Turn Me Loose filly (lot 160 for $60,000). “They are four very nice fillies that I will be targeting two and three-year-old races with going forward. I am very excited to get them into the stable. “I was a bit more active than usual, but that is a reflection on the ownership base and support I have. “The support is still coming. There are 12 horses in the stable at the moment and the week up at Karaka there was certainly plenty of interest from people wanting to send horses down and taking shares in yearlings that I bought.” While enjoying establishing his own stable at Ascot Park, Dennis has also enjoyed ownership success with three fillies he entrusted to Riccarton trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong when he made his initial move north. “When I shifted away I sent those horses to Anna (Furlong) and she has done a terrific job with Betty Spaghetti (the winner of four races and runner-up in Listed NZB Insurance Stakes), Miss Layla (winner of the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes and placed in Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes and Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m), and Quintabelle (two wins and sixth in Listed Dunedin Guineas). “They have all been competing in great races and run to their ability each time. I couldn’t be happier with them. A lot of people joke ‘when am I taking them back?’, but how could you take them back when they are going so well.” Dennis has also been buoyed by the recent prizemoney announcements and said it can only be a good thing for Southland racing. “It is all positive,” he said. “Stake money is going up and in the latest announcement there is the new feature day at Wingatui in March. There is also going to be a trickledown effect from the top to reach us down here. “I am not afraid to travel, I am not afraid to send a horse anywhere. If I have a horse good enough it will be going as far as it needs to run in the races it should be running in.” View the full article

Wexford Stables have enjoyed a myriad of success in the three-year-old age group ranks this season but will turn to an exciting juvenile prospect in Zelezniak (Hellbent) on Wednesday in pursuit of home-track success. Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan, prepared the Hellbent colt to an eye-catching trial win at Taupo in late January, and will present him on debut in the C W Cole Racing (1100m) under Craig Grylls. “His educational trials have been very encouraging, he continues to work on really well and he’s certainly a focussed colt,” he said. Although optimistic about his chances on Wednesday, Scott is mindful of the importance a positive raceday experience for the longevity of their two-year-olds. “The main thing with our two-year-olds that we are apprehensive about is them clearing the barriers well,” he said. “It’s so important for them to have a confidence-building experience where they learn to enjoy it and learn to hit the line. “We’ll certainly be taking that approach on Wednesday with Zelezniak, but we do think he’s a horse with a good load of ability and talent.” The Matamata stable will prepare a further eight runners at the meeting, including Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock), who continues his preparation towards a tilt at the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on March 9. Asterix provided the stable with their second successive Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at just his fourth start two years ago and also finished fourth in last season’s Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m). The lightly-raced son of Tavistock will contest the ICIB Brokerweb (2070m), a final conditioning run before lining-up in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m) 10 days later. “He’s had two nice conditioning runs over the mile, both that we’ve been pleased with. He lacked a bit of luck last time, but in his fresh-up run he closed really well to the line,” Scott said. “Up to 2000m is a bit more suitable for him, there’s still a fair bit of improvement to come post-Wednesday but he’s certainly getting closer to his peak fitness, which should see him be spot-on for the Avondale Cup. “He’s drawn out wide (10) so he may have to settle back, but he’ll certainly be running on. We couldn’t be more pleased with how he’s coming to hand.” Smokeshow (NZ) (Contributer) broke through for a deserved maiden victory last-start at the course and will partner with regular rider Joe Doyle in the Richardson Racing Stables (1400m). “He had his best experience at the races thus far last time out and ran really well, he took a good load of confidence from that,” Scott said. “He does have a tendency to be slightly wayward, but the trackwork riders have said he’s becoming more settled in his work since that win. “He’s drawn a nice barrier (3) so he’ll have the opportunity for a nice run, we’re respectful of the opposition in a strong 65 but he should show a strong turn-of-foot in the finish and he’s in good form.” Looking to post his first raceday success is Trump Card (NZ) (Ace High) in the Majestic Horse Floats (2000m), a promising stayer Scott has regarded highly in his three starts to date. “We’ve been pleased with his progression around the mile, and his last run really indicated he’s looking for further now,” he said. “On his home track, over the 2000m with a slightly better draw (7), should see him be very competitive on Wednesday. He’s certainly one of our better winning chances on the day.” Grylls will partner the son of Ace High, while stablemate Wolf Rayet (NZ) (Vadamos) will be tasked with a tough outside draw in the same event under Masa Hashizume. “His last run was really good, he came home well from the back. But he’s been plagued with bad barriers, which has made it hard for him to be in a competitive place in the race turning for home. “He’s dealing with that again on Wednesday, he’s obviously going to be in the second half of the field so hopefully there will be a good load of speed up-front to set it up for the backmarkers. If he gets any luck from that gate, he’ll be right there in the finish. Wexford will have a further two three-year-old representatives on debut in Baggio (NZ) (War Decree) and Varallo (NZ) (Eminent) in the Te Akau Racing Stable (1400m), while in-form pair Let It Ride (NZ) (Sacred Falls) and Ever Charm (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) will go head-to-head attempting to claim the stables’ named event in the Wexford Stables (1600m). “Baggio and Varallo are both promising young staying horses that we’ve been patient with,” Scott said. “Varallo looks to be the better chance of the two based off his trials and the way he’s worked in, he’s certainly taken things to another level and should be a strong chance, but Baggio’s trial at Taupo was good, he hit the line well late, and we do expect him to be running on well. “Let It Ride was just caught in the shadows of the post last time, he’s another that took a good bit of confidence and fitness from the race. “Ever Charm just got slightly interfered with when going to run into the placings last time out, he had been away from the races for a while so he’ll be close to a winning chance on Wednesday with further fitness under his belt.” View the full article

With the opening Group 1 of 2024 just around the corner, the racing has continued to heat up in Victoria and New South Wales as their respective autumn carnivals draw near. We have found runners from the Caulfield and Rosehill meetings last Saturday that we think are worth putting in your blackbook with one of the many bookmakers that offer the service. Caulfield Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R3) Rail position: +9m entire circuit Race 1: Benchmark 70 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:09.83 Horse to follow: Barby’s Doll (3rd) Barby’s Doll broke her maiden in a heat of the Future Stars Series at Pakenham before stepping out in Benchmark 70 grade against her own sex, where she ran home nicely to finish third behind Diamond Decorator. The three-year-old filly settled near the rear of the field and ran home strongly out wide, which turned out to be the inferior part of the track. The times back up how good her run was, as this daughter of Fighting Sun clocked the second-fastest 400m section (22.04s) and the third-fastest 200m section (11.23s) of the meeting. When to bet: If Jerome Hunter and his team can find a similar class of race over 1200m on a fairer track, we expect Barby’s Doll will return to the winner’s circle in no time at all. Race 6: Benchmark 100 Handicap (2400m) | Time: 2:29.50 Horse to follow: Monbaher (2nd) Monbaher’s return to the racetrack after 17 months off the scene has gone as well as Matt Cumani could have hoped for his six-year-old gelding. The son of Muhaarar finished fifth at Moonee Valley over 2040m before an impressive performance second-up at Caulfield last Saturday, where he ran home strongly into second place behind Herman Hesse over 2400m. Fortunately, the sectionals back up what we witnessed, as Monbaher clocked the 10th-fastest last 200m (11.41s) of the meeting. When to bet: Considering that Monbaher was last seen winning the Banjo Patterson over 2600m before his lengthy layoff, there is no doubt that another rise in distance third-up will be the perfect recipe for this gelding. The Benchmark 84 Handicap over 2500m at Flemington on March 9 looks like the ideal race next for this talented stayer. Rosehill Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R3) Rail position: +6m entire circuit Race 10: Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:09.38 Horse to follow: Stefi Magnetica (3rd) Although Stefi Magnetica finished 2.4 lengths off the winner, she was one of the worst beats of last weekend as she was blocked for a run and had to change tracks twice before eventually letting down with a blistering finish. This three-year-old filly has gone to another level this preparation, winning at Orange before flashing home to finish second at Flemington prior to the weekend’s unlucky start at Rosehill. The Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter has produced eye-catching runs in her last two, and she is very close to notching her third win. When to bet: With limited options in Sydney over the next few weeks, Bjorn Baker could potentially send Stefi Magnetica back down to Flemington to compete in a Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1100m, which should suit her perfectly next start. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Latest horse racing tips View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Thursday, February 8, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to the Central Coast of NSW as Wyong gets set to host a competitive eight-race program this Thursday. The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with a minor chance of showers hitting the course, we anticipate the track sitting at a Soft 5 rating. The opening race is scheduled for 1:15pm local time. Best Bet: Bo Katan Bo Katan returns after a 210-day spell and looks prepared for a first-up assault for the Richard Litt barn. The son of Impending was unfortunate not to remove the maiden tag at the end of last preparation, going down by less than a half-length at Canterbury on July 12. He was crowded for room when trying to get clear and was hard held on the inside running rail. His barrier trials since have caught the eye, and with Chad Schofield likely to find a one-off spot from gate two, Bo Katan should get every chance to make amends. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Bo Katan (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Richard Litt | J: Chad Schofield (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: Counter It’s hard to believe Counter is still yet to break his maiden status after 11 attempts, finding the minor money on seven occasions. His latest effort at Newcastle on January 27 was luckless as the four-year-old was cast wide throughout the 1850m, leaving him vulnerable in the concluding stages. Chad Schofield will have his work cut out for him from barrier eight in this compact field, but provided Counter can get any much-deserved luck in transit, this guy can finally finish off best at start 12. Next Best Race 3 – #3 Counter (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Chad Schofield (57.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again: Jack Of Aces Jack Of Aces was slowly away at Kembla Grange on December 30 and didn’t seem to appreciate the Heavy 10 conditions. It was still a bold effort when closing off into the minor money, but we were more impressed with his barrier trial since. It was a terrific piece of work at Warwick Farm on January 30, with the son of Xtravagant powering through the wire to score by a half-length. He only needs to recapture that form heading back to the races in order to figure in the finish. Next Best Again Race 5 – #2 Jack Of Aces (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Dylan Gibbons (59kg) Bet with Neds Thursday quaddie tips for Wyong races Wyong quadrella selections Thursday, February 8, 2024 2-5-6-11 1-2-4-6 1-2-3-5-8 1-2-3-4-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Odinson will be seeking back-to-back victories in the Inglis Race Series when he contests the Inglis Millennium on Saturday. (Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos) The sixth edition of the Inglis Millennium will be run at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a full field of 16 two-year-olds expected to take their place in the $2 million race. As a Restricted Listed contest, all the runners must have been purchased from the Inglis sales and nominated for the lucrative Inglis Race Series, worth around $12 million in prize money and bonuses. With several two-year-old winners hailing from their stable at the back end of 2023 and early in 2024, the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yard will have two runners compete in this race. Fully Lit (+250) has opened as the favourite with online bookmakers after his dominant debut victory at Rosehill on January 20, where the son of Hellbent led every step of the way and defeated King Of Roseau by 2.8 lengths. Trunk (+550), who is owned by Yu Long Investments, finished second on debut behind Stay Focused at Geelong on January 6, and he appears to be the Waterhouse & Bott stable’s second seed. Ciaron Maher’s Odinson (+380) will be seeking back-to-back victories in the Inglis Race Series after the Night Of Thunder colt was a narrow winner in the $500,000 Inglis Nursery at Randwick on December 9. Rue De Royale (+550) sits on the third line of betting after the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained colt finished second behind Shangri La Express in the $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill last start. Following a tough and impressive win down the Flemington straight on debut last month, Zestiman (+650) rounds out the single-figure chances in the Inglis Millennium betting market. 2024 Inglis Millennium field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Odinson Ciaron Maher TBC 4 56.5kg 2 Rue De Royale Tony & Calvin McEvoy Chad Schofield 10 56.5kg 3 Beer Baron Neil Osborne Tommy Berry 1 56.5kg 4 Fully Lit Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 17 56.5kg 5 Zestiman Ben, Will & JD Hayes Ben Melham 12 56.5kg 6 Cerons Brett Cavanough Mitchell Bell 13 56.5kg 7 Trunk Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 5 56.5kg 8 Thundering Soul Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons 11 56.5kg 9 El Morzillo Kelly Schweida Zac Lloyd 7 54.5kg 10 Nymphadora Stephen O’Halloran Tom Sherry 14 54.5kg 11 Express Yo’self Amy & Ash Yargi Kerrin McEvoy 18 54.5kg 12 Rag Queen David Payne Jason Collett 6 54.5kg 13 Winning Proposal Kristen Buchanan TBC 9 54.5kg 14 Art’s Alive Brad Widdup Reece Jones 15 54.5kg 15 Bella Khadijah Brad Widdup TBC 8 54.5kg 16 Tequila Baby Brad Widdup TBC 16 54.5kg 17 Mic Drop (1E) Todd Howlett TBC 2 54.5kg 18 Catonahotinroof (2E) Anthony Cummings TBC 3 54.5kg More horse racing news View the full article

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Benedetta ridden by Daniel Stackhouse wins the Inglis Sprint at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Benedetta, the talented four-year-old mare trained by Jason Warren, is poised to make her mark in the upcoming Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 24, with her sights potentially set on the prestigious Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 9. Warren, speaking with Racing.com about Benedetta’s prospects, revealed, “I think she’s come back bigger and stronger. I’m really happy with her.” With an impressive track record boasting six victories out of ten starts, including a notable win in September’s Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), Benedetta is no stranger to success. Despite her last outing resulting in a fourth-place finish in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) in October, Warren remains optimistic about her prospects. In preparation for her upcoming races, Benedetta recently took part in a jump out at Balnarring, where she finished second to Anthony and Sam Freedman’s speedy mare, Hypothetical. “She was there for a soft one. She’ll have another one in another ten days and then she will go straight to the Oakleigh Plate,” said Warren. Top horse racing betting sites have Benedetta listed as a +1400 chance for the Oakleigh Plate. More horse racing news View the full article

LEXINGTON, KY – The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale defied what has appeared in recent months to be a weakening sales market with a strong opening session in Lexington Monday. “It was a very encouraging start,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “There was lots of activity throughout the day, really from start to finish, at all level of horses and at all price ranges and all types of horses. Yearlings sold very well, mares in foal sold very well, broodmare prospects sold very well. The place was crowded very much from start to finish. And there was lots of activity at every level, which was very encouraging. I think we all had a little fear and trepidation about where the middle market is and is there going to be a market for some of the horses that are perceived to be the lesser expensive ones, and I thought the trade was good there today.” A total of 196 horses sold Monday for a gross of $7,925,500. The average was $40,436 and the median was $16,000. Those figures were significantly up from the auction's 2023 opening session when 182 horses sold for $5,524,300, for an average of $30,353 and a median of $10,500. With 41 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 17.3%. It was 20.5% a year ago. Bloodstock agent Steve Young made the highest bid of the day when securing the Grade I-placed broodmare prospect Home Cooking (Honor Code) for $500,000 on behalf of Ramona Bass, who continues to acquire mares to support her recently retired stallion Annapolis. A colt by Constitution was the day's top-priced yearling when selling for $300,000. The 22-year-old Jes Sikura signed the ticket on behalf of a pinhooking partnership in the name of Discovery Bay. During Monday's session, 25 horses sold for six figures. Up for 13 to hit that mark a year ago. The Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale concludes with a session beginning Tuesday at 10 a.m. The session is expected to be dominated by offerings from the dispersal of Lothenbach Stables. Young Continues Buying for Annapolis Bloodstock agent Steve Young and breeder Ramona Bass, who were busy buying mares to support Bass's recently retired Grade I-winning stallion Annapolis (War Front) at last month's Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, continued their buying spree at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, going to $500,000 to acquire Home Cooking (Honor Code) (hip 68) Monday in Lexington. The Grade I-placed broodmare prospect was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. “She is a wonderful mare,” Young said. “She was a very fast horse at OBS. She was unlucky not to win the Grade I as a 2-year-old and, if she had won that, I don't know what she would have cost, but she would have cost more than that. And she still has the same genes, the same balance and the same mechanics. So, I think she was bought at a very good price.” Home Cooking, a daughter of Olympic Avenue (Hard Spun), is a half-sister to multiple stakes-placed Gold for Kitten (Kitten's Joy) and from the family of Valid Expectations. She sold to Three Amigos for $260,000 after working a furlong in 9 4/5 at the 2022 OBS March sale. Racing for Mike Pegram, Paul Weitman and Karl Watson and trained by Bob Baffert, the bay graduated by 9 1/4 lengths at Del Mar that August. She stumbled at the break before coming up just a head short when second as the heavy favorite in the GI Del Mar Debutante (video). On the board in four of eight career starts and with two wins, Home Cooking retired with earnings of $176,180. Of Home Cooking's appearance in the February sale, Young said, “In the last decade, there are a lot of people who would rather be a big fish in a smaller pond. She's got quality to sell in any sale. She's a serious horse.” Young purchased four mares to support Annapolis at the Keeneland January sale: Bridlewood Cat (Street Sense) (hip 267) for $750,000; Kaling (Practical Joke) (hip 387) for $650,000; Juniper's Moon (Galileo {Ire}) (hip 419) for $625,000; and Pure Pauline (Curlin) (hip 490) for $160,000. “We don't have a set number, but we are going to support him for real,” Young said. “We don't necessarily have to have a full roster by the start of the breeding season–there are going to be horses who either retire or come up privately on the way. So we are just methodically buying horses that he deserves.” Annapolis, winner of the 2022 GI Coolmore Turf Mile, will begin his stud career this month at Claiborne at a fee of $12,500. Constitution Colt Gets Sikura on the Board Jes Sikura, flanked by Chris Baccari and Randy Hartley in the upstairs balcony of the sales pavilion, signed the ticket at $300,000 to acquire a colt by Constitution (hip 242) in the name of Discovery Bay. Sikura said the colt was purchased for a pinhooking partnership, but the partnership did not include Baccari or Hartley. “He was a really nice, smooth-moving Constitution,” Sikura said. “I bought him for a partnership. It's a new partnership–a guy from down south. We are going to wheel him back as a yearling. And we are pretty excited to see what happens.” Consigned by Four Star Sales and bred by Cypress Creek Equine, the chestnut colt is out of Special Thanks (Broken Vow). The mare, in foal to War Front, was purchased by Cypress Creek for $200,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton February sale. Carrying this Constitution colt, she RNA'd for $170,000 at the 2023 Keeneland January sale. Her War Front colt sold for $210,000 at Fasig-Tipton the next month. “He is probably going to be a late bloomer–he's a late May foal–so I thought he had good angles and proportional,” Sikura said of the yearling's appeal. “I think he can develop into something big, strong and attractive.” Asked if this was the highest-priced ticket he has signed, the 22-year-old Sikura, son of Hill 'n' Dale's John Sikura, said, “In the U.S., yes.” Wade Strikes for Justify Filly David Wade, still in an ebullient mood after adding Endorsed to the roster at Northview Stallion Station, restocked for a return trip to the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale later this year when purchasing a filly by Justify (hip 224) for $290,000 at Newtown Paddocks Monday. “She will go to the Saratoga sale,” Wade said of the short yearling. “We've been pinhooking some horses there for the last couple of years. She'll be another one that we will take there.” Consigned by Padraig Campion's Blandford Stud, the bay filly was bred by Paget Bloodstock. She is out of the unraced mare Shannon Faith (Discreet Cat) and her third dam is Felicita (Rubiano), who produced Take Charge Lady. Take Charge Lady is the dam of Will Take Charge, Take Charge Indy and As Time Goes By. Shannon Faith was purchased by Shannon Bloodstock for $27,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton February sale. Speaking of fillies by red hot Justify, Wade said, “They are nice, robust horses and most of them are pretty correct. And they've got bone. This one looks like an athlete. She is a nice walker and an attractive type horse that we think is going to develop very well by August.” At last year's Saratoga sale, Northview Stallion Station sold a colt by Good Magic (hip 150), purchased for $225,000 at Keeneland January, for $350,000, and a colt by Gun Runner (hip 220), purchased for $400,000 at Keeneland January, for $650,000. Asked for his impression of the foal/short yearling market this year, Wade said, “At that end of the market, it is always competitive. I know people like to make comments about how the market is this year as opposed to last year, but it's always competitive when you are trying to buy a good horse. Everybody is here for the same ones.” A Date for Mage Mage (Good Magic) took co-owner and bloodstock agent Ramiro Restrepo on the ride of a lifetime when he won the GI Kentucky Derby last May. Restrepo was in action at Fasig-Tipton Monday purchasing mares for Jose Aguirre's JR Ranch to support the stallion who begins his stud career this month at Airdrie Stud. Restrepo signed the ticket at $290,000 to acquire multiple stakes winner and multiple graded placed R Adios Jersey (Adios Charlie) (hip 191) from the Gainesway consignment. “We were looking for speed, so we got R Adios Jersey for him,” Restrepo said. “She ran some really impressive figures. She was running at our home track at Gulfstream, so we had an up close and personal look at her. She is a beautiful filly with really nice conformation. So we are over the moon and really happy to get her.” Bred by Ocala Stud and Michael O'Farrell, Jr., R Adios Jersey is out of Marion Theatre (Montbrook) and sold for $12,000 at the 2020 OBS March sale. She was a four-time stakes winner against fellow Florida-breds and last year was third in the GIII Hurricane Bertie S. and GIII Princess Rooney S. On the board in 12 of 15 starts, she won seven times and earned $393,245. Earlier in Monday's session of the winter sale, JR Ranch acquired multiple stakes winner Luna Belle (Great Notion) (hip 119) for $100,000 from Bill Reightler's consignment. “Size and speed,” Restrepo said of what he looks for in potential dates for Mage. “Fillies that were able to win at a black-type level. I've always thought that, with the mares, you look for speed, and the stallion will give them the class that they need to take them over the top. Mage was a horse that naturally was an exceptional seven furlong to a miler and [trainer] Gustavo [Delgado] got him to go the 1 1/4 miles. But he was a horse with a lot of heart and a lot of fight. These mares show those similar qualities. If those two things can come together, we'll have some nice pieces.” Of JR Ranch, Restrepo said, “They have bought a couple of properties in Ocala and we've bought horses in Goffs and Arqana this summer with them in partnership. They are new to the game and very, very excited. We have some 2-year-olds running, a 3-year-old we bought at the Royal Ascot sale. So they are game and love the business.” At last year's Goffs London Sale, JR Ranch purchased Ocean Vision (Ire) (U S Navy Flag) (hip 25) for ₤250,000, while at Arqana last August, Restrepo's Marquee Bloodstock acquired a yearling by Siyouni (hip 279) for €700,000 on behalf of Aguirre. “They are racing, breeding, a little pinhooking, racing internationally,” Restrepo said of JR Ranch. “A little bit of everything.” Good Magic Colt Destined for Resale Marshall Taylor acquired a colt by Good Magic (hip 141) for $270,000 on behalf of his Castleton Way/Hard Five pinhooking partnership Monday at Fasig-Tipton. The Pennsylvania-bred short yearling, consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, was bred by Uptowncharlybrown Stud. “He is a beautiful colt with a lot of size and stretch to him for his sire,” Taylor said as several would-be buyers peered in to see who had acquired the popular colt. “He has a really nice walk on him. We are excited to have him. We plan on taking him back in a summer sale this year.” Out of the unraced Moonlight Serenade (Malibu Moon), the colt is a half-brother to Dixie Serenade (Uptowncharlybrown), winner of the 2018 GIII Victory Ride S. The mare's 2-year-old Not the First Time (Not This Time) RNA'd for $90,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. “We have a little bit of information on the 2-year-old, the Not This Time filly,” Taylor said. “I know she's training really well. So that gave me a little confidence right there that we might have an update.” Of the foal market last November and into the short yearling market this year, Taylor said, “I feel like this year, you've had to stretch more than in past years. I feel like it's been tough. November was really hard and it carried right over into January and now into February.” The post ‘Encouraging Start’ as $500k Home Cooking Tops Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Griff. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Griff, the promising colt trained by Ciaron Maher, is gearing up to kick off his autumn campaign in the highly anticipated Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick this Saturday. Maher’s confidence in the colt is evident, especially considering Griff’s impressive track record as a three-year-old, which included three consecutive victories culminating in a remarkable win in the prestigious $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in his last outing. “He’s come back well, he has furnished a little bit,” said Maher. “He’s going to campaign in Sydney and probably head to the Guineas at Randwick.” With the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) slated as the primary target for Griff, Maher is also keeping an open mind about potential race options. Should Griff’s form justify it, Maher is not ruling out the possibility of testing the colt against older competitors in the esteemed Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m). Online betting sites have Griff marked as a +1200 hope in futures markets for the Randwick Guineas on March 9. More horse racing news View the full article

Magic Time ridden by Michael Dee winning the 2023 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Magic Time, the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) victor in November, marked her return with a public trial at Cranbourne on Monday morning. Trained by Grahame Begg, the four-year-old mare secured the fifth position over 800 metres, finishing 2.75 lengths behind the winner Grand Impact. In response to the trial, rider Michael Dee commented, “She was great, she was only out there to have a soft hitout, and I think if I shook the reins at her, she would have really let down and finished off and would have gone close to winning that heat.” Magic Time is now gearing up for her first-up challenge in the $1.5 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) scheduled for March 9. Preparations include a likely straight-track jumpout at Flemington the week before the prestigious race. Magic Time is listed as a +1200 chance with horse racing bookies for the Newmarket Handicap. More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Tuesday, February 6 will feature three 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 Grafton. Tuesday Racing Tips – February 6, 2024 Grafton Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 6, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $13.06 odds return: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Grafton – Race 2 #1 Cool Shalaa Grafton – Race 3 #5 Per Capita Stony Creek – Race 2 #7 Atteindre | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 6, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Gillon McLachlan, the former chief executive of the Australian Football League (AFL), is on the brink of assuming the role of chairman at Racing Victoria (RV), concluding an extensive search to replace Brian Kruger. Although reports indicate that McLachlan, who led the AFL from 2014 until late last year, has not yet officially accepted the offer extended by Victoria’s racing minister Anthony Carbines, it is widely anticipated that he will do so in the near future. Since Kruger’s departure, Mike Hirst has been serving as the acting chairman since last July. However, both Hirst and longstanding director Greg Nichols are expected to step down from their positions prior to June 30, resulting in three vacancies. This turnover aligns with RV’s initiative to refresh its board, a move advocated for by critics of the principal racing authority, including Jonathan Munz. Tensions have been brewing among participant groups for over a year regarding the direction taken by the RV executive, particularly concerning prize-money reductions under the leadership of Andrew Jones. However, McLachlan’s impending appointment is anticipated to alleviate some of the unrest ahead of the Special General Meeting scheduled for February 28. More horse racing news View the full article

Warren Kennedy salutes aboard Crocetti after their win in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie last month. Photo: Race Images Leading jockey Warren Kennedy had a tough decision to make heading into Saturday’s Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, with the option of riding either Waitak or Crocetti, with the expat South African ultimately choosing the latter. Waitak showed a blistering turn of foot to take out the Group 1 Railway (1200m) under Kennedy at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, however, Kennedy said loyalty told in the end with his selection. Kennedy has become close with Crocetti’s breeder-owner Daniel Nakhle since his arrival in New Zealand, and he wanted to stay loyal to his friend this weekend. “It’s probably more mainly just to Daniel,” Kennedy told Weigh In. “He (Crocetti) is a good horse, he has done nothing wrong. I think he can step up to the (WFA) level. He has been very good to me, and Daniel has been very good to me, and I may as well keep it going.” The Danny Walker and Arron Tata- trained Crocetti remains undefeated in his seven starts to date, including victories in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). While he has chosen to ride Crocetti, Kennedy believes Waitak may be the better winning chance in the race, particularly given his last start heroics in the Railway. “The better chance I would probably lean towards Waitak – he has been there and done it over this distance as well. That is probably his niche, over 1400m, that’s where he wants to be,” Kennedy said. While leaning towards, Waitak, Kennedy said Crocetti has continued to develop and may be better suited to the 1400m as a result. “Crocetti has changed, he is developing still as a horse – he has got longer instead of getting taller, which has extended his stride which is very interesting because he has got a phenomenal stride on him already,” Kennedy said. “I would say his niche was 1200m, but that could have changed now. Because the way he has lengthened, the 1400m could be his best trip now.” Kennedy said Wednesday’s barrier draw will be a key factor in Saturday’s outcome. “The draw is going to be pivotal,” he said. “We know Waitak will probably get a bit back and if Crocetti draws well, he will get forward. He will have that advantage, but we know Waitak will be flashing home. “It is going to be a very interesting race, I am really looking forward to it, and hopefully I am on the right one.” Crocetti is a +150 favourite in the Futures Market with leading horse racing bookmakers for the BCD Group Sprint, ahead of Waitak at +400, with Bonny Lass and Quintessa at +700. Saturday will also dictate the autumn plans for Crocetti, with a potential Australian campaign in the offing. “It is going to be a test for him going against the older horses. It is going to be an acid test and I think from there they will decide whether they are going to Australia with him or not,” he said. More horse racing news View the full article

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