Wandering Eyes

Maiden Watch: Week of Jan. 29- Feb. 4View the full article

The TDN's popular annual series 'Mating Plans, presented by Spendthrift,' continues today in a conversation with Mulholland Springs' John Mulholland. MEAL TICKET (10, Malibu Moon–Rainbow's Song by Unbridled's Song) to be bred to Into Mischief Second in the GII Royal Heroine S. at Santa Anita and the listed Golden Poppy S. at Golden Gate, we purchased this mare privately after her final start of her career. Meal Ticket was bred her first year to Into Mischief and produced an absolutely stunning colt that we sold to BC Stables for $850,000 at the Fasig Tipton Saratoga Sale last August. She produced a filly last year by the same sire and is currently pregnant to Gun Runner for this foaling season. After the success of her first foal and again so pleased with her now yearling filly, we booked Meal Ticket back to Into Mischief for this year. Some additional exciting news for this pedigree is that Meal Ticket's half-brother El Grande O is now a multiple stakes winner in New York and was just recently a strong second in the Jerome S. We will continue to strongly support Meal Ticket in her breedings and we are so excited about all the recent stakes activity in the immediate family. Hopefully, her own foals will run to their exceptional looks! TOUCHY FEELY (12, Bernardini–Touched by Touch Gold) to be bred to Gun Runner This is a family near and dear to our collective hearts for over 30 years. From the immediate family of Grade II winner Indian Firewater, Touchy Feely herself was debut maiden special weight winner. She had a minor injury and subsequently became a member of the broodmare band. Her first two foals were modest winners but her daughter Life Talk (Gun Runner) has truly resurrected this family with her smashing victory in the GII Demoiselle S. Going back four generations in this pedigree have all called Mulholland Springs home. Touchy Feely has a 2-year- old filly by Maclean's Music that was a $140,000 Keeneland January short yearling purchase and a yearling filly by Bolt D'Oro that just recently sold for $250,000 at the Keeneland November sale. Touchy Feely is carrying a Cyberknife in the belly and is booked back to Gun Runner for this breeding season. With Life Talk clearly cemented on the Kentucky Oaks trail, we are beyond excited to see new life breathed into a pedigree that has so richly rewarded us for over three decades. MIDNIGHT UNION (10, Union Rags–Midnight Visit by Henny Hughes) to be bred to Cody's Wish A recent $350,000 Fasig Tipton November purchase for the farm, Midnight Union is the dam of Grade I placed and multiple graded-placed Awake At Midnyte, who sold for $825,000 to Japanese interests at the same sale. This is a family that we have a lot of direct experience with in recent years. Awake At Midnyte was sold by Mulholland Springs (on behalf of longtime clients) as a yearling and Midnight Union has resided at Mulholland Springs for several past breeding seasons. Midnight Union | Sarah Andrew Midnight Union has a Tapit yearling filly, is pregnant to Jackie's Warrior and will be bred back to Cody's Wish this season. After having foaled and raised several of Midnight Union's foals, we are so excited at the opportunity to have acquired this mare and we will continue to strongly support this pedigree that we believe in so much. We were the direct under-bidders (on behalf of clients) when Awake At Midnyte recently went through the auction ring. She was just absolutely stunning to look so we know very well what this mare can produce both commercially and at the race track. REINA MARIA (15, Songandaprayer–Maria's Pride by Maria's Mon) to be bred to Into Mischief We acquired this mare privately several years ago and she truly rewarded us to say the least. A half-sister herself to Grade I winner Secret Compass, Reina Maria is the dam of Grade II winner and young leading sire Maximus Mischief. Reina Maria is due to foal an Into Mischief this year and is booked right back to the perennial leading sire again. She has a very precocious 2-year-old colt by Into Mischief that will undoubtedly resurface at one of the spring sales in Ocala. This mare has been so good to us and we firmly believe she has another superstar up her sleeve. BLAME IT ON ALPHIE (10, Blame–Miss Alphie by Candi's Gold) to be bred to Cody's Wish Purchased for $200,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November sale, this mare was a very high caliber winner and stakes performer on the west coast. We had originally purchased her with the plan to breed to City Of Light his first season at stud but those hopes were dashed late in the summer when she slipped the foal. So, we decided to keep the mare and it has been a great decision overall. Blame It On Alphie's 3-year-old named Nullify (American Pharoah) was a $325,000 Fasig Tipton Saratoga graduate and her 2-year-old filly by Into Mischief was a $350,000 Keeneland September purchase. Her yearling filly, also by Into Mischief, was a recent $600,000 Keeneland November purchase. This foal was absolutely stunning and one of the most balanced and athletic babies that we have ever bred and raised. Blame It On Alphie is currently pregnant to Life Is Good and is booked back to Cody's Wish for this breeding season. Lots to be excited for with this young mare. SISTER (7, Fort Larned–Langara Lass by Langfuhr) to be bred to Elite Power We purchased this mare a few years ago because she is a half-sister to our Grade I-placed mare Battlefield Angel, the dam of Grade II winner and multiple graded-placed Manny Wah. This has been such a great family to us for over 10 years now. Unfortunately, we lost Battlefield Angel to colic a few years ago so we naturally jumped at the opportunity to get right back into this highly-productive family. When we bought Sister, she was carrying an Arrogate in the belly. That foal went on sell for $200,000 at the Fasig Tipton Saratoga sale and was eventually named Saratoga Secret. The filly would go on to be a smart debut winner and followed up with a second in the GII Schuylerville S. at Saratoga. She is being pointed to the Martha Washington S. at Oaklawn. Sister has a beautiful Maclean's Music yearling filly, pregnant to Jack Christopher at the moment and booked back to Elite Power. BICAMERAL (5, Constitution–Humble Song by Songandaprayer) to be bred to Bolt d'Oro Bicameral was a $375,000 Keeneland November purchase in 2022. She was second on debut and then subsequently placed third in the Del Mar Debutante. Bicameral selling at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale | Keeneland She would go on to break her maiden at Santa Anita and win an allowance at Del Mar. Bicameral is a tall, powerful mare with great balance and loads of class. She is carrying her first foal by Uncle Mo and is booked back to Bolt D'Oro for this season. HEAR MY PRAYER (7, Big Beast and out of Additional Prayer by Songandaprayer) to be bred to Cody's Wish Purchased privately last spring, Hear My Prayer is a listed stakes winner at Gulfstream and Grade III-placed at Santa Anita. She is an absolutely stunning mare with a powerful shoulder, beautifully balanced top line and a strong hind end. Here My Prayer was bred last year to Gun Runner and is booked back to Cody's Wish for this season. We feel this drop dead mare could make a wonderful addition to our broodmare band long term. ASK BAILEY (7, Run Away and Hide and out of Puype's Dream by Kris S.) to be bred to Taiba A $255,000 2021 Keeneland November purchase, we tried to send her right back into training but she got sick on us, so we sent her immediately to the farm to join the broodmare band. Ask Bailey was second at Kentucky Downs as a juvenile and then subsequently third in the GII Jessamine S. at Keeneland. Ask Bailey would go on to win a listed stakes at Canterbury Park. We bred Ask Bailey her first year to Medaglia D'Oro and got a rather strong and handsome colt. I'm very pleased with this foal. She is currently pregnant to Life Is Good and is booked back to Taiba for this breeding season. We feel both Life Is Good and Taiba complement Ask Bailey very well physically. This is an exciting mare for us and we will support her strongly to get her breeding career off and running. Interested in sharing your own mating plans? Email garyking@thetdn.com. The post Mating Plans, Presented by Spendthrift: Mulholland Springs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As if ranking the contenders for the GI Kentucky Derby isn't enough of a challenge in and of itself, the crystal ball-gazing becomes even more hazy when you factor in the ban imposed by Churchill Downs, Inc., on trainees from Bob Baffert's stable (click here for a more detailed writeup on this subject). Even though the official Derby qualifying points leaderboard omits those horses, TDN's Top 12 will continue to include them for the time being on the basis that 1) the situation could change; 2) the performances of those horses represent significant benchmarks in establishing the pecking order for everyone else, and 3) there is no point at this still-early stage of the Triple Crown campaign to dismiss the accomplishments of the nation's top colts, regardless of whether they end up in the Derby or not. 1) NYSOS (c, Nyquist–Zetta Z, by Bernardini) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Baoma Corp; B-Susie Atkins (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $130,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $150,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $550,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $216,600. Last start: WON Feb. 3 GIII Robert F. Lewis S. Undefeated kingpin Nysos (Nyquist) extended the already sizable gap back to his next closest competitors with a thorough and professional clock-cleaning of six overmatched rivals in Saturday's GIII Robert Lewis S. at Santa Anita. The effort stood out because it was delivered in a scintillating style that underscored both the colt's level of self-assurance and his athletic prowess. This 3-for-3 'TDN Rising Star' from trainer Bob Baffert's barn has now scored at six, seven and eight furlongs, winning by a combined 26 3/4 lengths while earning Beyer Speed Figures of 96 and 97 at age two prior to uncorking a wowza 105 for his sophomore debut. The light-on-his-feet Nysos ($130,000 KEENOV, $150,000 FTKOCT, $550,000 OBSAPR) glided under the wire by 7 ½ lengths. Flavien Prat could have nudged that margin into double digits had he not begun the gearing-down process more than a sixteenth of a mile before the finish. After breaking a beat slowly then opting not to go into chase mode to reel in a breakaway pacemaker, Prat's only taxing tactical decision came on the far turn when he opted to slice Nysos to the inside of one rival then come around the other tiring two. A hustling hand ride between the five-sixteenths and eighth poles was all it took to elicit the desired gear without Nysos needing to demonstrate how much torque might remain in reserve. “He stumbled a bit leaving there, but he was in a good spot,” Baffert said. “Prat rode him with a lot of confidence, he knows the horse well. I love the fact that he has speed and he proved he can do two turns. He has a great mind. He is a really good colt. You can just sit there and push the button at any time. It makes it so much easier for the riders, but I still get a little nervous.” 2) MUTH (c, Good Magic–Hoppa, by Uncle Mo) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Zedan Racing Stables Inc; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $190,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $2,000,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 5-3-2-0, $716,600. Last start: WON Jan. 6 GII San Vicente S. With three wins and two seconds from five lifetime races and a classy, all-business style, Muth ($190,000 KEESEP and $2 million OBSMAR) is in the top tier among the Bob Baffert's per-usual loaded stable of sophomores. Oddly enough, this son of Good Magic's best race Beyer-wise (a 95 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile) was his least visually impressive performance. Even with a Santa Anita home-track advantage and a no-excuse stalking trip, this 'TDN Rising Star' had to be driven hard in an unsuccessful attempt to match strides in upper stretch with eventual divisional champ Fierceness. But Muth's co-lowest career Beyer of 90 in the Jan. 6 GIII San Vicente S. is the opposite, with the effort seeming better to the eye than the speed figure it earned. The San Vicente could turn out to be an extremely useful seven-furlong speed sharpener for Muth, who shadowed two early leaders before running up the score at will while ridden out under the wire. That effort whets the appetite for another two-turn engagement. But since Baffert's style is generally not to disclose stakes engagements until at or just before entry time, we're left to guess-although we do know that preps at Santa Anita and Oaklawn have historically been his most-preferred options. Prior to running second in the Breeders' Cup, Muth was already a winner over 1 1/16 miles against Grade I company. He scored in the Oct. 7 American Pharoah S. by forcing the issue from fourth, then tipping out to accost the leaders off the turn without needing much encouragement to wrest control of the race. 3) SIERRA LEONE (c, Gun Runner–Heavenly Love, by Malibu Moon) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael B Tabor, Derrick Smith Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing LLC & Peter M Brant; B-Debby M Oxley (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $2,300,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $96,750. Last start: 2nd Dec. 2 GII Remsen S. 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) is targeting the GII Risen Star S. for his 2023 debut. That nine-furlong New Orleans race will be the first of two projected Derby preps at age three for trainer Chad Brown, which would give this colt three straight 1 1/8 mile races prior to attempting 10 furlongs in Louisville This FTSAUG $2.3 million sales topper looked like the winner in the closing stages of the Dec. 2 GII Remsen S. at Aqueduct when he rallied seven wide against the teeth of a sealed-track speed bias. But Sierra Leone lugged in late and lost the lead to Dornoch (Good Magic), who prevailed by a nose. That two-turn try was Sierra Leone's only other race after winning his one-turn-mile debut Nov. 4 at Aqueduct. After a slight bobble at the break, this colt settled next to last, overcame several minor momentum stalls on the backstretch and turn, swung five wide off the bend, then started to rally with authority. Despite twice shifting off the heels of rival runners, Sierra Leone was motoring late once he got straightened out. The on-paper strength of that maiden win has been validated by short-priced, next-out wins by the second- and fourth-place finishers: Runner-up Change of Command is currently parked at No. 9 on the TDN Top 12 list after winning two subsequent starts at Gulfstream, while Tuscan Gold (Medaglia d'Oro) was named a fellow 'Rising Star' after a 6 1/4-length maiden romp at Gulfstream Jan. 31. 4) TRACK PHANTOM (c, Quality Road–Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief) O-L & N Racing LLC, Clark O Brewster, Jerry Caroom & Breeze Easy LLC; B-Breeze Easy LLC (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales history: $500,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-1, $285,000. Last start: WON Jan. 20 GIII Lecomte S. Track Phantom will celebrate his Feb. 17 birthday by riding a three-race win streak into the Risen Star S. at Fair Grounds for trainer Steve Asmussen. This $500,000 KEESEP colt by Quality Road is on a path that could end up shadowing the career arc of another Asmussen trainee, Epicenter, who displayed a similar speed-centric style in 2021-22 while winning three of four stakes (barely losing the fourth by a head) on the New Orleans prep path. On the strength of his GII Louisiana Derby victory, Epicenter ended up starting favored in the Kentucky Derby, where he had the race won in the shadow of the wire before 80-1 shocker Rich Strike blew by from out of nowhere in the final few jumps. Epicenter later won the 10-furlong GI Travers S. and was crowned champion 3-year-old colt. Like Track Phantom seems to be doing now, Epicenter didn't wow anyone early on with flash and panache. But by the first Saturday in May, Epicenter had earned respect for his steady, reliable way of always showing up. Track Phantom owns a Beyer progression 74, 81, 88, 89 and 90 in five starts, all at a mile or longer, and in his trio of two-turn scores he's showed a knack for deploying gate speed without being fazed by rail-running rivals trying to disrupt his rhythm with keyed-up tactics. This colt's 2 3/4-length wiring in the GIII Lecomte S. might seem like an artifact of a tepid tempo. But the visual at the quarter pole of Track Phantom easily opening up while an all-out favorite was under futile urging and not making up ground behind him speaks strongly in support of Track Phantom's ability to settle into a comfortable cadence, then fend off anyone who makes a serious run at him. Fierceness | Benoit 5) FIERCENESS (c, City of Light–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Repole Stable (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-1, $1,127,250. Last start: 3rd Feb. 3 GIII Holy Bull S. You can pick among a variety of excuses for Fierceness's failed-to-fire third in the GIII Holy Bull S., and some of them might even be valid: His break from the gate wasn't ideal. He had to be used harder than expected while losing ground on the first turn just to stay in touch with a very slow pace. He wasn't fully cranked for the effort off a three-month layoff. The bottom line, though, is that this 'TDN Rising Star' by City of Light is the 2-year-old champ, and based on the way the Holy Bull came up on paper, the betting public had hammered him to 1-5 odds because he was supposed to throttle competition of this caliber, even if he was having an “off” day. (As a public-service announcement for horseplayers who might want to save money next year–or next month, the two 1 1/16-miles graded stakes at Gulfstream are among the biggest money-burning races for favorites on the entire Derby prep calendar. Holy Bull faves have now gone down in flames in seven of the last eight runnings, and the fave in the GII Fountain of Youth S. has lost 12 of the last 17 editions.) But back to Fierceness: This is not a “toss the baby out with the bathwater” type of disappointment that gets this colt voted off the Top 12 island. The Repole Stable homebred reportedly exited Saturday's race none the worse for wear, according to trainer Todd Pletcher. Based on the rip-roaring display of power Fierceness unleashed in the Breeders' Cup last November, it's conceivable that he rebounds in his one remaining prep (yet to be determined) and coasts into Louisville as a formidable force. It's still early enough in the Derby season to be forgiving. But that will get more difficult as the prep-race cadence quickens and the plot thickens. 6) DORNOCH (c, Good Magic–Puca, by Big Brown) O-West Paces Racing LLC, R A Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Two Eight Racing LLC & Pine Racing Stables; B-Grandview Equine (KY); T-Danny Gargan. Sales history: $325,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, $257,400. Last start: WON Dec. 2 GII Remsen S. Because Dornoch is the full brother to last year's Derby winner, Mage, this son of Good Magic is destined to be saddled with outsized, and perhaps unfair, expectations. But if Dornoch's focus ever manages to catch up with his large, brawny frame, this colt is going to be a legitimate Triple Crown threat. This $325,000 KEESEP trainee for Danny Gargan kicked off his career with a pair of runner-up efforts before wiring a 1 1/16-mile maiden field Oct. 14 at Keeneland by 6 1/2 lengths. Tasked with nine-furlongs and a sealed, muddy surface at Aqueduct in the Remsen S., Dornoch outgunned five rivals for the lead, took pressure from a 27-1 shot, swatted back bids from fresh challengers on the far bend, then brushed the rail and re-surged to steal the lead late from No. 3-ranked Sierra Leone. The Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream will be next, and Dornoch is two breezes back into his training routine at Palm Meadows for that Mar. 2 stakes. 7) MAYMUN (c, Frosted–Handwoven, by Indian Charlie) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Vision Racing & Sales LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $50,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $900,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $39,000. Last start: WON Jan. 20 Santa Anita MSW. Maymun ($50,000 KEESEP, $900,000 OBSAPR) split horses early, shot straight to the lead, and set a spirited pace under pressure before shrugging off three wilting rivals at the quarter pole and cantering home by 7 1/2 easy lengths in his Jan. 20 unveiling over 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita (93 Beyer). This son of Frosted out of an Indian Charlie mare earned 'TDN Rising Star' status for the effort. He was no secret to the betting public, as evidenced by 9-10 favoritism. Maymun had been on the radar of many who had pegged him as a horse of interest after seeing him breeze a furlong in :9 3/5 prior to the Ocala auction. “He was ridiculously fast,” trainer Bob Baffert had said of the colt shortly after the sale. “This was one of the best horses in the sale, I thought,” bloodstock agent Donato Lanni said last spring. “He deserved to bring that kind of money.” 8) CATCHING FREEDOM (c, Constitution—Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile) O-Albaugh Family Stables LLC; B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $575,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $237,350. Last start: WON Jan. 1 Smarty Jones S. Add Catching Freedom to the list of Top 12 colts aiming for the Risen Star S. at Fair Grounds. Trainer Brad Cox envisions that Feb. 17 start as a springboard to the Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby as the final Kentucky Derby prep for this son of Constitution. Cox has won the Arkansas Derby in each of the last two seasons, with Cyberknife and Angel of Empire. After breaking his maiden in a one-turn mile and running a decent fourth in a 1 1/16-mile allowance (both at Churchill), this $575,000 KEESEP colt rode the rail near the back in the Jan. 1 Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn before unwinding with a long, grind-down rally. Catching Freedom finished up with head cocked out to the grandstand, and it took him a while to swap leads in the lane, but those aren't major concerns at this still-early point in his development. Catching Freedom's form got a boost over the weekend when the fifth- and second-place finishers out of the Smarty Jones came back to run one-two in the GIII Southwest S. 9) CHANGE OF COMMAND (c, Into Mischief–Moi, by Medaglia d'Oro) O-Courtlandt Farms (Donald Adam); B-OXO Equine LLC (KY); T-Shug McGaughey. Sales history: $570,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $1,050,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-1, $113,300. Last start: WON Jan. 5 Gulfstream AOC. Change of Command is expected to be entered Wednesday in the GIII Sam Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs. He'll be well regarded in the betting, but be aware that the Davis is another Florida winter prep stakes with a reputation for being a black hole for favorites. They've lost five of the last six runnings. This Shug McGuaghey-trained son of Into Mischief ($570,000 FTKNOV, $1.05 million KEESEP) debuted in the slop at Saratoga when fourth over six furlongs behind eventual 2-year-old champ Fierceness (a race that produced three next-out winners). Then he led to mid-stretch, got passed by a flying 4-to-5 fave, and was necked for the place spot over the same distance Oct. 1 at Aqueduct. In start number three at the Big A Nov. 4, this colt shot straight to the lead over a one-turn mile only to be reeled in by the No. 3-ranked Sierra Leone. Coming off that second-place try, he tried seven furlongs at Gulfstream Dec. 17. Change of Command broke alertly, conceded the lead while stalking inside, edged up from third to second a half-mile out, then cut to the two path to go after the leader. Clearly in front by the five-sixteenths pole, Change of Command opened up under light encouragement to win by 6 1/2 lengths (77 Beyer). Change of Command followed that up with an 83-Beyer allowance score Jan. 5 over 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream, capitalizing on a trouble-free stalking trip to wear down a pesky pacesetter. Conquest Warrior | Lauren King 10) CONQUEST WARRIOR (c, City of Light–Tea Time, by Pulpit) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Courtlandt Farms (Donald Adam); B-Betz/B&K Canetti/J.Betz/CoCo Equine/D.J. Stables (KY); T-Claude R. McGaughey III. Sales history: $1,000,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $52,200. Last start: WON Jan. 13 Gulfstream MSW. The massive-framed Conquest Warrior (City of Light) got sandwiched at the break, shuffled to last, then repeatedly ran into traffic while trying to uncoil in his maiden win in a Gulfstream one-turn mile Jan. 13. Although his 84 Beyer for the first-time-Lasix effort didn't exactly leap off the charts, the victory was notable more for the “how he did it” factor rather than “how fast.” Its visual impression alone was worthy of 'TDN Rising Star' honors. “I was surprised he broke the way he did,” McGuaghey said of the $1 million KEESEP colt. “I knew he'd be back and then finish. I was surprised by the effort he put in today with the trip he had for a young horse.” McGuaghey's next-race preference for maiden-breaking 3-year-olds at this stage of the season is generally an allowance race at either Gulfstream or Tampa rather than a stakes. 11) MYSTIK DAN (c, Goldencents–Ma'am, by Colonel John) O/B-Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby & 4G Racing, LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-0, $510,110. Last start: WON Feb. 3 GIII Southwest S. Mystik Dan's 11-1 splashdown win by eight lengths in the Southwest S. represented a tactical turnaround that trainer Kenny McPeek had been trying to bring about via morning training after four previous starts in which this Goldencents colt had raced on or near the lead. “He needed to learn how to rate,” McPeek said. “He needed to learn how to settle off horses and maintain that late punch, and we've been doing that in the morning every day.” But considering the muddy, sealed track conditions at Oaklawn, it was a dicey gamble for jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. to intentionally take back and tuck in after Mystik Dan had broken alertly and attained good early position into the first turn. “I was fortunate enough, my horse left there quick enough, but not overly quick, to where I was able to get behind the leaders and make my way over to the fence,” Hernandez said. “We were able to save ground on both turns. When we got to the second turn, I called on him and he picked it up. I was able to kind of just wait for a spot. When a seam opened up barely on the inside, he shot through there and did the rest for us.” It helped that the two pacemaking favorites had already capitulated and that Mystik Dan only had to reel in the stretch leader with no other foes firing from the back of the pack. But even though the pace setup was ideal, this homebred for Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby, and 4G Racing finished up under his own power with a final sixteenth timed in 5.93 seconds, an eye-catching fractional clocking considering Hernandez had dialed him down late. The Beyer came back as 101, which is 19 points higher than Mystik Dan's last effort, but within range of the 96 this colt earned when sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs Nov. 12 at Churchill. 12) TIMBERLAKE (c, Into Mischief–Pin Up (Ire), by Lookin At Lucky) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC; B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Sales history: $350,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-0, $475,600. Last start: 4th Nov. 3 GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile S. Timberlake (Into Mischief) got crowned a 'TDN Rising Star' in start number two on July 21, a nine-length blowout over seven furlongs at Ellis Park that yielded three next-out winners. His beaten-favorite try in the GI Hopeful S. at Saratoga was hallmarked by a horror trip in which this Brad Cox trainee broke to the back, rushed up, then was continually boxed and blocked before bulling through to seize the lead at the eighth pole, only to get collared by a 54-1 shot in the final stages. Bettors let him drift up to 4.9-1 odds in the GI Champagne S., and although the narrative of that race has unfairly evolved as Timberlake winning because odds-on Fierceness threw in a clunker, Timberlake was no slouch on his own merits. He edged up into a fast pace, swung eight wide for the drive, then put away a pesky foe at the eighth pole over a sloppy, sealed track. Timberlake's trip to California for the Breeders' Cup was not a memorable one. He resisted efforts to settle on the first turn, then had no true response when urged for run on the second bend. He managed a no-factor fourth and has been freshened since. Cox said last week the Feb. 24 GII Rebel S. at Oaklawn is a possible target for the Fair Grounds-based Timberlake. “He's pointing for it,” Cox said. “We've got to see how our works go over the next several weeks, but he's doing well. The other race in play for him would probably be the [one-mile Mar. 2 GIII] Gotham [S.] at Aqueduct,” Cox said. “He did win up in New York.” The post TDN Derby Top 12: Ace On Top, Rest of Deck Gets a Good Reshuffling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Woodend beach trainer Bob Butt heads to the annual Amberley meeting at Rangiora today with a trio of each way chances. Included in his chances is Get Up N Dance ($12.00FF) in the $25,000 Rangiora Equine Services Amberley Cup. After eight months away from racing, Get Up N Dance headed north to tackle the Marlborough Cup a couple of weeks ago after some slick workouts. However the six-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding found himself a little undone and on the fresh side. “Being fresh up he just got a bit worked up on the day, and didn’t give his best. But put a line through that. “Hopefully he can bounce back to his best.” He has had one start on the grass at Rangiora for one win, coming in the Rangiora Grass cup back in December 2022. “It’s a very even field. He’s a good beginner and hopefully we can get a bit of a head start on some of the main dangers.” Other chances in the event are rising star of the south Da Vinci, the four pronged Robert & Jenna Dunn attack of Mighty Looee, Dashing Major, Double Time, and Dalton Shard, along with the likes of Wheels Of Fortune and Franco Marek. Earlier on in the card in race 4 Butt lines up his 1,000th starter to the races in stable newcomer Lil Miss Muscles ($4.50FF). The now six-year-old Muscle Mass mare, formerly trained by Mark Jones, was sent to Butt for a crack at beach training. “She seems good. She goes good on the grass. Hopefully the beach work has helped her out a bit. “She’s a solid each way chance.” Ready Set Jet ($5.00FF) lines up in race 7, the Glenn Scott Memorial Trot, fourth up after a luckless run at Addington last week. Butt expects the four-year-old Quaker Jet gelding to be competitive with manners. “He just needs a bit more practice to become a racehorse. But the motor is definitely there. Hopefully he can trot away and do the job for the Scott’s.” Ready Set Jet was bred by Glenn Scott and is raced by Jan Scott and the Scotty’s Leftover Syndicate. Racing commences from 12:07pm. View the full article

This day 6th February in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | February 6, 2023 Horse Racing on Monday, February 6 will feature four meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Phelan unveils promising staying 3YO Three-year-old gelding Humboldt made a winning debut at Tauranga and looks to have a bright future over ground. Despite being … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Honest mare provides Beck with stakes triumph A textbook ride from in-form jockey Jasmine Fawcett aided eight-year-old mare Honesty to land the prize in the Listed Dunedin … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Senor Toba too strong for Group 3 Centenary Vase foes Senor Toba landed a plucky victory in the HK$3.9 million Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin under … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Lucky Sweynesse thunders to Centenary Sprint Cup glory Crowning a perfect week for veteran trainer Manfred Man, rising star Lucky Sweynesse’s redemptive victory in the HK$12 million Group … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Tuesday’s Kembla Grange racing tips & quaddie | 7/2/2023 Racing heads to the Illawarra Turf Club this Tuesday for a seven-race program out of Kembla Grange Racecourse. See our … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago La Crique confirmed on Derby path Impressive three-year-old filly La Crique has had her immediate future confirmed as she gets set to tackle the boys at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Spate of abandonments curtail weekend racing Inclement weather across the country has forced the abandonment of two further race meetings with both the Tauranga meeting on … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Benalla tips, best odds & quaddie selections | Monday, February 7 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the betting preview for Benalla races on Monday, February 5. See the top tips, value bets & … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | February 6, 2022 10 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections here at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Deserved Dunedin Gold Cup win for Kilowatt After more than three years as a star of the South Island’s country cups, under-rated stayer Kilowatt stepped up to … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago New Plymouth meeting abandoned after first race A nasty slip on the home turn that saw rider Bridget Grylls part company with her mount Madam Sass has … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Palmetto strides to Dunedin Guineas victory Underrated three-year-old Palmetto defied a betting drift to claim the Listed Positive Signs Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui with a … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Bargain Buy Upstages Stars To Win Sprint The David Pfieffer-trained Rocketing By has upstaged his higher-profile rivals to deliver his owners a rich pay day in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Spain Seizes Group One Chance On Streets Journeyman jockey Zac Spain couldn’t contain his excitement after scoring his first Group One win on his favourite horse, Streets … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Peltzer Maintains Perfect Randwick Record Up-and-coming colt Peltzer has opened his autumn campaign on a winning note, chasing down barn mate The Face to win … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Profiteer Demolishes Millennium Rivals Victorian colt Profiteer has lived up to the hype, trouncing his Inglis Millennium rivals in a scintillating performance at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Poland Set To Conquer Australian Guineas Mike Moroney admonished himself after Poland’s first-up win in the Autumn Stakes as he said he should not have run … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Moodie Weighs Up Late Diamond Entry Again Leading owner and breeder David Moodie has to decide whether it’s worthwhile to pay a $55,000 late entry fee for … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Slipper Conundrum For Tilianam’s Owners She boasts a pedigree more akin to an Oaks-type filly but juvenile Tilianam is showing herself to be a natural … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk : Massive day of racing to fix yesterday’s blows! Sick beats on a Friday is not ideal! It’s back punters! Group 1 racing is back in Australia for another … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Ingear Set to Solidify Rodd & Gollan Strike Rate At Eagle Farm Ingear is getting better with every start, and is right on track ahead of Saturday’s 1200m assignment according to Michael … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rapid Racing set for Flemington racecourse VRC official Leigh Jordon is happy with the fields for the Rapid Racing meeting at Flemington which comprises seven straight … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Band in doubt but stablemate ready to Run Kris Lees will keep an eye on the weather before deciding if three-year-old Regimental Band will resume at Warwick Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Laming charged after Cup day inspection A Melbourne Cup day stable inspection that led to a horse being scratched has resulted in Richard Laming and two … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Dunn to ride for Kangaroo Island appeal Bushfires have ravaged Kangaroo Island where Dwayne Dunn grew up with the jockey to donate his prize money from Rapid … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Redzel tunes up for Lightning in trial Redzel has warmed up for his return in the Lightning Stakes with a barrier trial win at Randwick … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Another Van Niekerk double Jockey Grant van Niekerk has maintained his good form since the start of the year, and, after a double on … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Methane sparks for Hewitson Lyle Hewitson has found a loyal ally in trainer David Ferraris and the pair teamed up with Methane to land … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Ho hits 300 with a night-capping hat-trick Vincent Ho collected his 300th Hong Kong win at Happy Valley last night (Wednesday, 5 February) when he delivered Massive … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Fidelia makes autumn return at Caulfield Trainer Robbie Griffiths is hoping for a change of fortune during the autumn with Fidelia who makes her return at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Stewards on weather watch for Warwick Farm Racing officials admit they are at the mercy of nature as they continue to monitor Sydney’s weather ahead of the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Lockwood on the attack at Eagle Farm Handy stayer Art Attack has been sold to a client of trainer Barry Lockwood and will take the first step … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Kemp sticks with Wishart at Eagle Farm Trainer Kevin Kemp has given apprentice Madeleine Wishart a chance to ride her first city winner on In Your Element … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Star three-year-olds set for Farm return Star Thoroughbreds will welcome back two high-class three-year-olds when Accession and Kubrick resume in separate races at Warwick Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Begood Toya Mother ready for Orr challenge Trainer Daniel Bowman believes the C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield will show whether his stable star Begood Toya Mother … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Paul Gillard new senior Gold Coast steward The experienced Paul Gillard will return from North Queensland to be the new senior steward on the Gold Coast … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cummings finds a bright spark in Sunborn Edward Cummings will chase the biggest pay day of his fledgling career when he saddles up Sunborn in the $2 … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bellissimi continues beautiful friendship Bellissimi Amici is expected to live up to her family reputation when she gets on the big Eagle Farm track … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Busuttin-Young chase Diamond Prelude wins The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable is represented in both divisions of the Preludes at Caulfield as the youngsters … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Kendrick to play key role at Eagle Farm Stable star Eric The Eel is near a comeback but trainer Stuart Kendrick will rely on another three-year-old Playthefield at … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Kempton Racecourse saved from development Racing at Kempton could be assured for the foreseeable future after the Jockey Club submitted plans for a smaller-scale residential … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Overweight Tilley suspended at Kilcoy Queensland’s leading rider, Les Tilley, has been suspended for a week after being overweight for four rides at Kilcoy … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Doomben washed out by heavy rain The Doomben twilight meeting has been abandoned with more than 50mm of rain falling in three hours … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago What Else But You, Moreira shines with Chinese New Year treble Joao Moreira and What Else But You thrilled a huge crowd at Sha Tin this afternoon (Thursday, 7 February) with … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ballarat trainers rally behind Weir staff Trainer Dan O’Sullivan says Darren Weir was responsible for a lot of the improvements at Ballarat as a training centre … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Former Weir horses to race for new stables A star-studded field is set to compete in the Group One C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield, including four horses … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Huddy’s faith in Lucas Cranach pays off Owner Linda Huddy’s faith in sire Lucas Cranach was rewarded again when Advance Warning scored at Ipswich … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Former Weir horses entered for Caulfield A host of horses formerly trained by now disqualified Darren Weir are set to race for new stables on C … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 5 years ago The Emirates Racing Authority Stewards complete inquiry The Emirates Racing Authority Stewards inquired into a report received from the Dubai Equine Forensic Unit, that the prohibited substances … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Speedster Super Too poised to bounce back Trainer Marc Conners is happy to start afresh with Super Too after a spring campaign that didn’t go as planned … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Perry in $2 million throw at the stumps Despite being billed as a two-horse race between Accession and Dawn Passage, the Inglis Millennium has attracted a handy field … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Vic racing isn’t rotten: industry chief Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson would rather be talking about the Festival Of Racing than recent scandals in the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Verry Flash on target for two-mile feature Trainer Nick Bishara is confident his progressive four-year-old stayer Verry Flash will put in a good performance in the Rating … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago The rise and fall of trainer Darren Weir Darren Weir has gone from zero to hero and back again in the most dramatic rise and fall in the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Flamingo flies in Breeders’ Stakes Foxton-trained mare Flamingo produced a career-best performance when she took out the Listed Property Brokers Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Field of 16 for Group One C F Orr Stakes A full field of 16 has been declared for the Group One C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield which includes … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jiggers located in Weir’s master bedroom Three devices known as jiggers were found in the master bedroom of the home at trainer Darren Weir’s training property … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Four-year ban for disgraced trainer Weir Trainer Darren Weir has been disqualified for four years after three devices known as jiggers were found in the bedroom … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Shotmaker on trial for Diamond in Prelude The Mick Price-trained colt Shotmaker will try to cement Blue Diamond Stakes plans when he makes his debut in one … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Cambridge raider too strong in Wairarapa Cup Cambridge visitor Artiste added another tick in her career win column when she capitalised on a perfect run in transit … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago RAD Board to hear case against Weir Trainer Darren Weir will appear before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board with stewards to seek a 4-year penalty after … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jiggers found in Weir bedroom at Ballarat The three electrical devices known as jiggers were found in the master bedroom at trainer Darren Weir’s training property at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sky Boy to miss Doncaster Mile with injury Villiers Stakes winner Sky Boy will be unable to take his guaranteed place in the Doncaster Mile after suffering a … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago A snapshot of trainer Darren Weir’s career Darren Weir has risen from humble beginnings as an owner-trainer to become Australia’s leading trainer … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Racehorse trainer Weir banned for 4 years Trainer Darren Weir has been disqualified for four years over three devices known as jiggers found in the bedroom of … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago KIlcoy Race Club to take higher profile The Kilcoy Race Club wants a higher profile on the TAB circuit after receiving a near $1 million grant for … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Urban Ruler prepares for All-Star Mile bid Urban Ruler will have the first of two Brisbane runs at Doomben before heading to Melbourne for the All-Star Mile … Read More Australia horse racing news, Japan horse racing news, United Arab Emirates horse racing news, USA horse racing news 6 years ago Dubai World Cup raceday receives 739 noms including Winx Nominations for the $10,000,000 Group 1 Dubai World Cup closed on January 11th with 136 of the globe’s premier Thoroughbreds … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago RADB sets tentative date in Lovani case The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hold a second directions hearing before the Lovani case is heard … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Pakenham night racing tips for Thursday, February 8 PAKENHAM racing is back this Thursday night. The night racing fixture is always a favourite of punters and Thursday’s card … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Nature Strip to clash with She Will Reign at Warwick Farm Jockey Ryan Maloney can’t fault Melbourne sprinter Nature Strip ahead of the gelding’s clash with dual Group One winner She … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Wait almost over for bulked up Nettoyer A more mature and heavier Nettoyer makes her return from injury at her home track for trainer Wendy Roche in … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Brandon Stockdale suspended for 2 weeks by RAD Board The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board has suspended and fined apprentice Brandon Stockdale following an inquiry at Caulfield … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Apprentice Fred Kersley back from injury Apprentice Fred Kersley is set to ride at his first city meeting in seven weeks at Sandown after recovering from … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Royal Witness on trial for Golden Slipper Trainer John Sargent will soon discover whether Royal Witness can realise his ambition of qualifying a runner for the Golden … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Mission Hill & Mongolianconqueror firm in NZ Derby markets Mission Hill and Mongolianconqueror have tightened in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) market after bold showings at Te … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Happy Valley Vase winner Marvel Hero stands out under Moreira Marvel Hero will attempt to make good on the promise of a series of consistent efforts this term when he … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Xbox wins Group 2 Waikato Guineas Graeme Richardson went to Te Rapa looking for an answer from Xbox and the talented three-year-old gave him an emphatic … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Darscape Princess wins Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes The well-related Darscape Princess went to another level at Tauherenikau where she led home an Auret family quinella in the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Warrnambool tips & form, Wednesday, February 7 THE ‘Bool is back this Wednesday and a great eight race card awaits. Warrnambool is Darren Weir country, and we’re … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Ascot full form & tips for Wednesday, February 7 ASCOT is hosting racing in the nation’s west today as the state’s premier rack delivers seven races this hump day … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Abbey Marie kicks off autumn in CF Orr Stakes Group One winner Abbey Marie will begin her campaign in the Orr Stakes at Caulfield with trainer Mick Kent also … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Wildcard Wednesday roughie bets for February 7 WEDNESDAY racing is upon us once again, which means Wildcard Wednesdays is back. We have four double figure runners we … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Rubiton Stakes return for Merchant Navy Group One-winning colt Merchant Navy is set to make his return from a spell in the Group Two Rubiton Stakes … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Kembla Grange market movers for Tuesday February 6 KEMBLA Grange is the sole NSW meeting this Tuesday and the punters have responded. An entertaining eight race awaits and … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Winx to bypass Apollo Stakes, Resumes in Chipping Norton Stakes Winx will not run in the Apollo Stakes with connections opting to wait for the Chipping Norton Stakes after jockey … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Demonetization out of New Zealand Derby through injury Injury has ruled Demonetization out of the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) with the leading colt unlikely to run … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Ballarat market movers for Tuesday, February 6 BALLARAT is back this Tuesday and we have taken a look at the market movers. The punters have made their … Read More Australia horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago UK bookies bracing themselves for Winx Despite being none the wiser about her potential presence at Royal Ascot, UK bookmakers are already bracing themselves for the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Organisers hammered as Hobart Cup attracts underwhelming crowd PUNTERS have blasted the organisers of Tasmania’s marquee race day after just 5,000 patrons turned up for Sunday’s Group 3 … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Strong entries taken for The Championships The Championships in Sydney has attracted a total of 1371 nominations across the 10 feature races … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winx could face full field in Apollo Champion Winx has opened the $1.20 favourite for her return in the Group Two Apollo Stakes which has attracted 17 … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Michael Walker called up for NZ Group One Michael Walker will head home to New Zealand to ride Kawi in the Group One NRM Sprint at Te Rapa … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Star-studded nominations for C F Orr Stakes The C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield has attracted 17 nominations including 10 individual Group One winners … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winx could face 16 opponents in Apollo The Group Two Apollo Stakes has attracted 17 entries including champion Winx who will be having her first start since … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Orr Stakes return for Awesome Rock Emirates Stakes winner Awesome Rock has feature races at home and abroad in the pipeline this preparation, beginning with the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago She Will Reign rules barrier trial Equal Golden Slipper favourite She Will Reign has blitzed her opposition in a 900m-barrier trial at Warwick Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Can Winx be beaten in the 2017 Apollo Stakes at Randwick? CHAMPION mare Winx resumes in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick this Saturday and bookmakers believe she can’t be … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Azazel, Roomooz to run in Diamond Preludes The Blue Diamond hopes of the Tony McEvoy-trained Azazel and Roomooz will be put to the test when they run … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Paul Hammersely to ride Junction in Sydney Gold Coast jockey Paul Hammersley will ride the Bryan and Daniel Guy-trained two-year-old Junction in the $250,000 Inglis Classic at … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Bookies: Weir’s star to turn table on Malaguerra in CF Orr Stakes FOR those who thought Winx’s return to the race track on Saturday will be the sole focus of Australian racing, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Warwick Farm betting form and free tips, Wednesday February 8 MIDWEEK racing returns this Wednesday at Warwick Farm where punters can dig into a seven-race card. Autumn racing is starting … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Cranbourne trials put back 24 hours Heavy rain has forced a set of Cranbourne barrier trials, scheduled to feature several Group One winners, to be postponed … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago She Will Reign rules barrier trial Equal Golden Slipper favourite She Will Reign has blitzed her opposition in a 900m-barrier trial at Warwick Farm … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Magic Millions purchase returns a Supreme Profit in Hong Kong SUPREME Profit was purchased from the 2012 Magic Millions Yearling Sale by Hong Kong International Sale Executive Mark Richards, and … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago 2016 Hobart Cup – free betting tips and latest news A quality field has assembled for the $200,000 Hobart Cup on Monday including the well-performed Metaphorical and last start winner … Read More View the full article

Grade 1 winner and live Cheltenham festival contender Caldwell Potter will continue his career for trainer Paul Nicholls after lighting up the Caldwell Construction Dispersal at Tattersalls Ireland on Monday when selling to Highflyer Bloodstock's Anthony Bromley for a National Hunt record of €740,000. The Gordon Elliott-trained Caldwell Potter, who won the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and is as short as 10-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, will race for a partnership comprising John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done. Bromley commented, “You just don't get these rare commodities come on the market. My heart was skyrocketing when I was watching El Fabiolo jumping at Leopardstown yesterday, but this was far more nerve-wracking! “I have bought him for great clients John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done, who have a lovely horse in Kalif Du Berlais and this horse will join him at Paul Nicholls.” Elliott put up a determined fight to keep Caldwell Potter at Cullentra House Stables and finished up as underbidder on the horse who was spoken about as a potential Gold Cup prospect by Bromley. The agent continued, “He is a standout, a lovely horse, I loved him as a youngster as a store. I have watched his career closely – he has only been running over two miles yet he looks a stayer. He may potentially be a Gold Cup horse, long term. “I can't say what plans Paul will have for the horse and we will see how it all works out, obviously there are the Cheltenham entries and Aintree would be a consideration, but he has been bought really as a chaser of the future.” The session turnover of €5,290,000 for the 29 lots on offer was a record-breaking aggregate for a one-day boutique National Hunt Sale. The average price for the session was €182,414. Staffordshire Knot finished the afternoon's trade as the most expensive horse that Elliott managed to keep a hold of on €510,000. Elliott also signed for Sa Fureur, Doctor Elvis and Chemical Energy, bringing his total spend to €1,315,000, while prominent buyers for the stable such as Mags O'Toole stepped in to buy other smart prospects on behalf of current owners within the stable. Elliott commented, “I was disappointed to lose the big horse, but that is the way it is – hopefully he will be lucky for the new owners. Pied Piper is coming back and we have got all the ones we wanted apart from Caldwell Potter. “Staffordshire Knot is an exciting six-year-old and we are delighted we have bought him. The horses all looked great – we only had a week's notice for this sale and it is a credit to the staff.” Simon Kerins, chief executive at Tattersalls Ireland, described staging the dispersal as an honour before labelling the sale as “a phenomenal success.” He said, “First and foremost, I extend my sincere gratitude to Andy and Gemma Brown, as well as Joey Logan, for entrusting us with their dispersal sale, it has been an honour. “I would like to express my appreciation to Gordon Elliott and his team – every single horse in this draft has been produced looking in superb order and, finally, the Tattersalls Ireland team for turning this sale around at such speed. It is testament to the team's professionalism and hard work, proof of the flexibility that we have and ability to act as the industry requires. “The sale has been a phenomenal success and the figures paid have been mind blowing. We knew these horses would be in high demand given their proven level of form, and all the big players were here today. “We look forward to watching today's sales horses going on to achieve great things on the racecourse, and we hope to see the Browns return to the racing scene in the near future. “We now look ahead to the National Hunt Store season and inspections, which, of course, will be highlighted by the 50th year of the industry-leading Derby Sale on June 26-27th.” The post Grade 1 Winner Caldwell Potter Off To Paul Nicholls For Record 740k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The winner of each category, along with Canada's Horse of the Year for 2023, will be announced during the 49th Annual Sovereign Award ceremony, which will be held the evening of April 18 at Paramount Eventspace in Woodbridge, Ontario.View the full article

With over 18 years experience in government affairs and stakeholder engagement, Bethany Erb has been appointed to serve as Director of Public Affairs at the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), the organization announced via press release Monday. In the position, Erb will manage HISA's engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and around the country, which includes representatives from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as the various advocacy groups inside and outside of the industry. Erb's prior positions include within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and the Land Trust Alliance as well as two appointments to the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council. “I deeply respect the important work HISA is doing to protect equine athletes, jockeys, and the future of the sport,” said Erb. “Horses and equestrian sports have been an integral part of my life since childhood and I am excited to be part of this organization and help further its mission.” HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus praised the appointment of Erb, calling her experience with large-scale and local advocacy groups an 'excellent choice' for the position. “Bethany's experience on Capitol Hill and with leading national-level and grassroots advocacy efforts make her an excellent choice for this role; we are confident that her skills will be invaluable in advancing HISA's mission. She shares HISA's core values and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Thoroughbred racing, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.” The post HISA Appoints Bethany Erb To Director of Public Affairs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) have launched a full review of the death of Keagan Kirkby Sunday. A member of the Paul Nicholls team in Ditcheat, the 25-year-old was riding at a meeting at Charing in Kent when his horse ran through the wing of a fence in the final race of the day. “The necessary steps in response to this tragic incident commenced immediately after the race on Sunday and have continued [Monday],” stated a joint-statement from the BHA and PPA. “The BHA are visiting the site and will work with the PPA, the racecourse and attending medical teams to ensure that the incident is fully reviewed. All of the relevant bodies will also assist the police and/or Environmental Health Officer with any enquiries they wish to make.” The statement continued, “The medical facilities and teams at Charing racecourse on Sunday were fully compliant with the required standards and included two racecourse doctors and three fully equipped ambulances with paramedic crews.” “The medical team attended Mr. Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall. Further support was provided by 999 road and air ambulances. Despite the immediate medical attention, the injuries were of such an extent that it was not possible to save Mr. Kirkby's life. It is important that, with any incident such as this, we do all that we can to understand what caused it, and whether there is anything we can learn from it.” “There is a risk attached to racing which can never be entirely removed, but we are committed to ensure that we assess every incident and use any findings to help continually improve our safety record.” “Our thoughts remain with Keagan Kirkby's family and his many friends and colleagues from within the racing industry and beyond. The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) are coordinating support for the Kirkby family, his places of work and any staff member or participant at the event.” Tributes Pour In.. “Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan's family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat.”–-Sir Anthony McCoy “Every now and then, things happen that make you regain perspective. A very sad day for racing. Love to those who lost a friend.”-Trainer Fergal O'Brien “A terrible tragedy. Keagan loved his job and was an integral part of Team Ditcheat.”--Nicholls' stable jockey Harry Cobden “A heartbreaking day, Keagan was as kind and enthusiastic a guy you could meet. We started at Paul's on the same day four and a half years ago and became great friends. I am and always will be proud to be your friend and will miss you greatly.”–Assistant trainer Charlie Davies “Heartbroken is an understatement, to have you as a best friend has been the biggest privilege life has given to me. Such a kind soul and an absolute gentleman and to know that I won't be able to give you a hug and catch up with you anymore tears me up.”–Ditcheat team member Scott Sainsbury The post Racing Authorities Initiate Full Review into Keagan Kirkby Death appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The winner of each category, along with Canada's Horse of the Year for 2023, will be announced during the 49th Annual Sovereign Award ceremony which will be held on the evening of April 18, 2024 at Paramount Eventspace in Woodbridge, Ontario.View the full article

Top breeze-up handlers Antonio Da Silva and Nikki Scallan of A&N Bloodstock had a lucky escape on Friday evening when, the horse box that they were driving on the way home from Dundalk races caught fire with the Jenny Lynch-trained Late Night Talking (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) inside it. But for their quick thinking, the couple's Late Night Talking, who had finished third in the mile maiden just a few hours earlier, could have met a horrific end when the vehicle burst into flames on the M50 motorway in Dublin. Sharing the terrifying account of what happened, Da Silva said, “First there was smoke and then there was fire. Nikki was driving and she pulled over as quickly as she could and then I jumped into the back of the lorry to get the horse out of there. Nikki tried to take a few things out of the box but there was just fire everywhere.” It's not every young horse who would stand quiet as a lamb as the horse box they had been standing in just a few minutes previously threatened to explode but Late Night Talking took the nightmare experience in his stride. Scallan recalled, “I could get this smell of burning and then, before we knew, it was up in flames. We were between the Ballymun and Finglas turnoff on the M50. We couldn't do anything. We knew it was just going to go boom.” She added, “It's a good job the horse was quiet, that's all I will say. It just happened so quickly. We were very lucky. Junior, who drives for Thomond O'Mara, happened to be passing and thankfully he had space for the horse in his lorry so we loaded him up and got him home safely, but he had been standing on the side of the road for at least 20 minutes or so. “If it had been the filly, Milliethemollie (Ire), who we also have in training with Jenny, it could have been a different story.” Antonio Da Silva and Nikki Scallan with a Bungle Inthejungle colt who is breeze-up bound | Brian Sheerin Like Milliethemollie, Late Night Talking was put into training with Lynch, the pair's neighbouring handler on the Maddenstown side of the Curragh, after he failed to sell at the breeze-ups. Milliethemollie has proved the venture to be worthwhile by winning at Dundalk in December while Late Night Talking has shaped with distinct promise in each of his three starts for the trainer. That shouldn't come as any great surprise as the A&N team have built up a reputation for selling a lot of winners in just a short space of time. So, what's the secret to their success? Hard work, it would seem. Scallan said, “First lot goes out at five in the morning here. Sometimes they could go out even earlier. I get up and feed them all at four. Some guys come in and ride out a couple of lots before they go to work and then they come back to us at lunchtime to ride a couple more.” She added, “We have around 20 breeze-up horses and another 10 in pre-training so 30 all together. We've had some nice horses for Takashi Kodama, the likes of Tosen Wish (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) and Pineapple Island (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), and we have built up a good relationship with Airlie Stud as well. “They have sent us one to breeze almost every year and we sold a nice Starspangledbanner (Aus) filly on behalf of Airlie Stud at the Tattersalls Guineas Sale last year for 120,000gns. They're very loyal to us and we sold Lady Beano (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) for them two years ago as well so it's been a good relationship. We have another nice Starspangledbanner (Aus) colt for them this year so hopefully he goes well for them.” Da Silva, a former jockey in his native Brazil, has spent time working for Michael Halford and Aidan O'Brien. But it was in Mark Dwyer's, where he was based for four years, where he first met Scallan, with the pair deciding to take the plunge and go it alone in 2020. He said, “We started with one horse. We made a few bob and decided to get more. You need to keep investing. This is the job I love, breaking in the yearlings and watching them develop, and all of the sales companies have given us a chance to not only sell but to reinvest and buy some more. That's what you need to keep going and hopefully grow. “Sometimes I lose count of how many I ride in a day! It is great when the guys come in and we get a team of maybe five or six together in a lot. They all come in on a Sunday. That's our work day. We are glad of the help and everyone in this game, they are like family, you know? We all help each other out.” Da Silva added, “I was a jockey in Brazil and have a good few wins under my belt. I finished second in a big race on my final ride in Brazil before deciding to come to Ireland where I spent five years working for Mick Halford, five years with Aidan O'Brien and then four years with Mark Dwyer. When I met Nikki, we said we'd try to make it ourselves. The first horse worked and every year we have tried to improve. We have some nice clients as well, for breeze-up horses and pre-training, so that's a big help as well.” Coulthard (Ire) could be viewed as one of the first horses who first put A&N on the map. Sold for just £27,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale in 2020, the Coulsty (Ire) colt placed in four of his five maiden starts for Michael O'Callaghan in Ireland before winning twice and placing in Grade 3 company for Phil D'Amato in America. Scallan brings a different level of expertise to the outfit. A former amateur jockey, she has built up a wealth of knowledge on the sales circuit and also spent time with fellow breeze-up handler Katie McGivern before going to work for Dwyer. Speaking about her background, she said, “I used to work for Timmy Hillman at Castledillon Stud and did a lot of sales work as well. I actually used to ride in a few bumpers-the best I ever managed was a second back in the day. Honey Pie was the name of the horse. Philip Fenton actually bet me. It was down at Cork and I think I had Tony Martin behind me that day. That used to be great fun. “But it was Katie McGivern who got me into the breeze-ups. I'm from Wexford and, when she got engaged to her husband Tom, she moved her breezers down to Wexford and asked me to be her head girl. I did the breeze-ups with Katie that year and it was the following year that I went to Martin.” Da Silva is just one of many Brazilians to be making a name for himself on the breeze-up circuit in Ireland. Diego Dias, Robson Aguiar and more have confirmed themselves to be extremely sharp in unearthing top-notch talent at basement prices and Da Silva explained how he takes great pride in his fellow countrymen's success. He said, “I am very proud and we all try to help each other out when we can. Just because one guy is training in one place doesn't mean we can't all help each other out. We like to see each other get good results and we all work hard to go forward and be better each year. “Everything is different in Brazil. Even the way we break horses in is different. The horses in Brazil were always very sharp and, all of the Brazilian jockeys riding here in Ireland, they all learned how to ride on quarter horses, sprinting horses. You know, you start riding quarter horses at 10 years old in Brazil. You could be 28kg or 30kg on top of a horse that weighs 500kg. Everyone knows a bit of that and then they come here and see how the Irish people take their time with horses.” Scallan added, “The one thing I would say about the Brazilians is they all have a great clock in their heads. They also have a great eye for an athlete.” It is Antonio who can be credited for picking out Kingdom Of Riches (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) for just £38,000 at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale in 2022. The horse went on to make 220,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Sale last year, thus delivering the couple's greatest ever result in the ring. He recalled, “There was just something about that horse that kept catching my eye. He was a bit tall but he looked like a good horse. I had a guy willing to take half of the horse with me but, when I bought the horse, he said he no longer wanted him. I said, 'that's fine, I'll keep the horse myself.' Nikki and her daughter Megan took a leg and thankfully the horse turned out to be good and made 220,000gns. That made me very proud. “Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. A lot of time when I come home from the sales, Nikki says, 'why you buy this, why you buy that!' After two or three weeks, she might say, 'oh, this actually is a nice horse!'” So where is the next Kingdom Of Riches in the batch of 20 juveniles who have been pencilled into this year's breeze-up sales. The beauty is that nobody knows the answer but there is a certain colt by Bungle Inthejungle (GB) who has been putting his hand up recently to suggest he is a bit better than average. Scallan said, “There is a Bungle Inthejungle colt who looks a nice horse and, actually, Vandeek (GB) is in the second dam. We bought him off Kelly Thomas, the breeder of Vandeek, at Doncaster and he doesn't have a bad walk for a Bungle. He does everything so easily and we're thinking of the Craven or Donny with him.” On the remainder of the breeze-up squad, Da Silva added, “We have a nice Sands Of Mali (Fr) colt. He's a bit on the weak side but he should suit Donny or the Guineas Sale-something like that. There's another nice Acclamation (GB) colt there as well. He's a sharp, strong horse-a proper two-year-old. We also have a nice Havana Grey (GB) filly as well.” The post Lucky Escape For A&N Bloodstock Team After Horse Lorry Catches Fire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club of Canada unveiled the 2023 Sovereign Awards finalists Monday led by Kings Plate S. winner Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman) and Woodbine Oaks heroine Elysian Field (Hard Spun). The winners of each category, along with Canada's 2023 Horse of the Year, will be revealed during the Annual Sovereign Award ceremony held April 18 in Woodbridge, Ontario. Awards will also be given to Outstanding Groom and Outstanding Off-Track Worker along with the E.P. Taylor Award. The complete list of finalists in all categories can be viewed here. The post 2023 Sovereign Awards Finalists Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

11th-Kyoto, ¥42,190,000 ($284,065), Allowance, 4yo/up, 1900m, 1:57.4, ft. AWESOME RESULT (f, 4, Justify–Blossomed, by Deputy Minister), a maiden winner in a single juvenile appearance in 2022, was perfect in her three trips to the races last season, including a victory over 2100 metres at Tokyo Nov. 18. A touch unprepared at the break of this 4-year-old return, the bay was accordingly off a half-step slowly and was consigned to the latter third of the field for the run around the first turn. Yutaka Take slipped her some rein and asked her to improve into about midfield down the backstretch, and she sustained that rally to draw closer at the 600-meter pole. Forced to cover significant ground, Awesome Result nevertheless came to win the race a furlong from home and outslugged the SW & G1SP and second favorite Hapi (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) to remain unbeaten by 3/4 of a length while in receipt of nine pounds from the runner-up. “I did not ask her for much in the early stages and she had no problem handling the kickback,” said Take. “She responded very well when we turned for home, but she lost a bit of focus when she hit the front. With only five career starts, she has lots of room for improvement.” Gabriel Duignan's Springhouse Farm purchased the unraced Blossomed for $425,000 in foal to Honor Code at the 2018 Keeneland November sale a few months after the mare's 2-year-old daughter Sippican Harbor (Orb, $262,650) upset the GI Spinaway S. at Saratoga. She is also the dam of GSP Bodacious Babe (Mineshaft)–whose daughter Royal Spa (Violence) was second in the American Beauty S. Feb. 3–and Ju Taro (Arrogate), a three-time winner in Japan. Blossomed, a half-sister to Grade III winner Cinemine (Mining), is also responsible for a 2-year-old full-brother to Awesome Result. Lifetime Record: 5-5-0-0, $459,989. O-Insel Racing; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Yasutoshi Ikee. WATCH: Awesome Result makes it five in a row The post Justify’s Awesome Result Remains Perfect at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Endorsed (Medaglia d'Oro–Dance Card, by Tapit), the half-brother to Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), will stand the 2024 breeding season in Maryland at Northview Stallion Station for a fee of $5,000, the farm announced Monday. The 8-year-old MGSW, who retired after an injury while in training towards the GI Pegasus World Cup, last started in the GIII Steve Sexton Mile and finished his career with earnings of $970,133 and a record of 36-7-8-5. “Endorsed has been on our radar for quite some time and we're thrilled to present a horse of this quality to the Mid Atlantic region,” said David Wade, General Manager of Northview Stallion Station. The post MGSW Endorsed, Half To Cody’s Wish, Enters Stud At Northview Stallion Station appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first foal of the three-time Group 1 winner Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}) was born at Whatton Manor Stud on February 3, Darley announced on Monday. The bay filly is a daughter of the former Richard Fahey trainee Vaulted (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}), a half-sister to the multiple Group 2 winners Dimension (GB) (Medicean {GB}) and Spacious (GB) (Nayef). Whatton Manor's Ed Player described her as, “A big, strong filly, nice limbs and [we're] pretty pleased with the model we've got.” Perfect Power, who won the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. as a two-year-old before adding the G1 Commonwealth Cup to his tally at three, stands for £10,000 at Dalham Hall Stud this year. The post Filly Foal Is The First For Perfect Power appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this monthly BH interview, Karen M. Johnson profiles young racing personalities.View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, February 7, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing heads to the bright lights of the city circuit at Happy Valley for a massive nine-race program. The rail is in the B position, and with a chance of some showers hitting the course proper, there’s a possibility of the track rating falling into the Soft range at some stage. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT). Best Bet: Raging Blizzard Raging Blizzard tackled the Happy Valley circuit last start on January 17 and was only narrowly defeated by a half-head on the wire. He sat outside the leader for the duration of the journey and never settled under Karis Teetan. Racing ungenerously throughout blunted his usually electric turn-of-foot, and we think it was due to the lack of cover. This time the son of Per Incanto draws barrier 12, and although that would usually be a negative at this course, it should allow Zac Purton to drag Raging Blizzard back before scorching down the centre of the track to end the evening. Best Bet Race 9 – #3 Raging Blizzard (12) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (57kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best: Sharpen Bright We were taken by the most recent performance by Sharpen Bright at Sha Tin on January 28, and although he was no match for Nicholson Returns, we love the way he flashed home over 2000m. He finished a clear runner-up and put a significant 2.8-length margin back to third, suggesting that could be a strong form-line moving forward. Barrier two should allow Zac Purton to hold a closer position in transit, and with his growing association with the David Hall barn proving a profitable one, Sharpen Bright appears to be a solid play. Next Best Race 2 – #8 Sharpen Bright (2) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Zac Purton (55.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Again: Beauty Infinity Beauty Infinity was an impressive winner two starts back at this course and distance before finding no luck in his most recent effort on January 17. The son of Toronado was cast wide throughout the middle stages and was unable to accelerate to through the wire. The four-year-old was only having his third career start and will make dramatic improvement as the campaign goes on. Zac Purton gets the assignment this time, and as long as Beauty Infinity finds some cover, he will prove hard to beat. Next Best Again Race 4 – #1 Beauty Infinity (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Hong Kong quaddie tips – 7/2/2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1-3-10-11-12 1-2-3-5-8-9-10 1-2-4-5-6-8 3 More horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, February 7, 2024 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Sandown’s Lakeside track is the destination for metropolitan racing in Victoria once again on Wednesday afternoon. With a perfect summer’s day forecast, we expect to be racing on a Good 4 come the opening event, with an upgrade to a Good 3 likely at some point in the day. The rail comes out 3m the entire circuit, with action commencing at 3:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: Tahlequah Tahlequah has been nothing short of consistent so far in three runs this campaign, with minor placings under her belt at her last two runs. She was far from disgraced when forced to travel wide with no cover over 1800m on the Lakeside track on January 17, and looks poised to bounce back into the winner’s stall. She was beaten by 1.6 lengths on that day, and the horse who finished second, Nishino Crescent, has since come out and won in impressive fashion. From the wide barrier, if Blake Shinn can have Tahlequah settled outside lead without using up too many tickets, we’re confident she has what it takes to outstay her rivals. Best Bet Race 6 – #5 Tahlequah (9) 5yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Steel Impact Steel Impact beat all bar Flying Valley at Cranbourne on January 19, and the Real Steel filly can go one better in the opener on Wednesday. She looked like she took a while to get going on that occasion, so the longer straight at Sandown should be more to her liking. Jye McNeil will look to have Steel Impact one off the fence in a midfield position, and if she can build through the gears in clear air, we’re confident Steel Impact can break maiden ranks. Next Best Race 1 – #9 Steel Impact (9) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jye McNeil (57kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sandown: Lauding Lauding caught the eye when thundering home at Flemington on January 20, when finishing second behind Aramco. The four-year-old gelding was beaten by 2.3 lengths on the day, but the run was much better than it reads on paper. It was a severe rails bias on that day, and this son of Proisir made up a stack of ground from the back of the field to suggest he was worth following. In what looks set to be a genuinely run 2100m event, Lauding can absorb the pressure from the rear, and with a well-timed sprint he can blouse his rivals in the penultimate event. Best Value Race 7 – #6 Lauding (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (58kg) Bet with Playup Sandown Lakeside Wednesday quaddie tips – 7/2/2024 Sandown Lakeside quadrella selections Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1-6-8 2-5-6 2-6-7-9 1-2-4-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Former AFL boss Gillon McLachlan is in the box seat to be the new chairman of Racing Victoria. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The man with the most harness racing of names makes a race day comeback at Rangiora on Tuesday. Steve Trotter will drive his own trotter Hoffn It at Rangiora in Race 1, the Cavalier Trotting Products – North Canterbury Trotting Trot (12.07pm). It will be his first drive since the 2014 season. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?” the West Melton-based trainer-driver agrees. Trotter is very much a hobby trainer who mixes training with his day job as a builder and helping out at Graham Court’s Harcourt Lodge. His first, and so far only win, as a trainer-driver was with Orse M Jogmar at Nelson in 2009. The horse paid $72 to win that day, and it ended up being her only win in 72 career starts. Getting Hoofn It to the races hasn’t been easy. Trotter bred the horse (Ohoka Arizona – Orse M Tin Lis) and first went to the trials in February 2022, missing out on the qualifying time “by two tenths of a second.” “And then I took him onto the track at home and he wouldn’t move,” says Trotter, “I didn’t know what was wrong with him .. he just wouldn’t move.” “I spent hours and hours with him on the long reins.” And then in October last year they qualified at Ashburton and then in January this year he showed some promise by finishing second to Portelli at the trials. “And I see that horse got second and third at Blenheim so that got me a bit excited.” Those two placings were at Waterlea Raceway on January 19 and 21. Hoofn It will make his debut as an eight-year-old. It’s been a long haul even getting him to the races and Trotter is hopeful all the effort will be worthwhile. “I’d love for him to get away and if he could run a place…” At last look he was paying $8 and $2.80 on the fixed odds. As for a Trotter training trotters? “I get that a lot,” he says, “it’s a bit of a laugh though isn’t it?” View the full article

Last-start winner Watch Buddy contests the second section of the Class Three Victoria Park Handicap (1,200m) on Wednesday nightView the full article

Eight-time Group One winner Imperatriz put in an underwhelming trial performance when fifth in her 800m heat at Cranbourne on Monday, but the Te Akau Racing camp aren’t fretting ahead of her return in the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lighting Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday-week. “She was a little bit underwhelming and to the eye, it would have looked the same,” jockey Michael Dee told Racing.com. “But to be honest everything seemed to be perfect with her. Her action and breathing and her temperament was normal – but I would say just her being here at her home track she might have been just been a little bit casual. “I’d say she’s used to going out there and having a slow canter around whereas, if she was away from her home track, she would probably spark-up a little bit more and be her normal self. “That is all I could put that trial performance down to this morning – being at her home track and just being a little bit casual about things. “Everything seemed normal. She pulled up good, so we just have to trust she’s at where she needs to be. “I’ve galloped her here in the past and also over at the racecourse and she certainly seems to go better than when she’s away from home. “At Cranbourne racecourse, the first gallop this time in, she galloped extremely well and most of the times she goes to Moonee Valley she goes super as well, so I think she was a little bit casual about things today. “We were going to give her a decent hit-out anyway as it’s her last hit-out before she goes to the Lightning. “I gave her a little shake-up and she didn’t pick up like she usually does, but I am not concerned. Her action was great and she pulled up well.” Imperatriz was a standout in the spring for trainer Mark Walker, winning all four of her starts, including the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m), Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m), and Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m). View the full article

Leading jockey Warren Kennedy had a tough decision to make heading into Saturday’s Gr.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 Gr.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 Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and Gr.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 $2.50 favourite in the TAB Futures Market for the BCD Group Sprint, ahead of Waitak at $5, with Bonny Lass and Quintessa at $8. 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. View the full article

Kelly Coe could be set for another crack at elite-level if she performs well in the Listed Clubs NZ @ The Races Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. The six-year-old mare has been freshened since her sixth placed run in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day and trainer Ashley Meadows expects to see an improved result from his mare at the Waitangi Day meeting. “We freshened her up a bit after she went up north because the trip and the race did take a bit out of her,” Meadows said. “I thought it was a good effort in the Zabeel. It wasn’t ideal having to lead against that class of horse, but I don’t think she disgraced herself. “She has recovered well now, and while I am not expecting her to win, I am expecting her to run a good race.” If the daughter of Proisir performs up to expectations this week, a return north could be on the cards, with Meadows eyeing the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie next month. “2000m is probably her pet distance now. We might head north again and have a go at the Bonecrusher,” he said. Meadows will also head to Tauherenikau with McKhan, who will contest the TAB Bonus Back Wairarapa Cup (2050m). “He is a nice horse but he doesn’t help himself. He does a bit wrong and he goes a bit hard,” Meadows said. “I am putting earmuffs on him tomorrow to bring him down a peg or two, and if he settles, he will run out a strong 2000m.” Meanwhile, Meadows will head to Wanganui on Friday with Inmyshadow, with the Group Three performer set to enjoy a drop back in class. “He will go to Wanganui on Friday and then he will probably head to Otaki after that and then we will look at the St Leger (Listed, 2600m).” View the full article