Wandering Eyes

Windsor Park Stud’s ‘Rugby, Racing and Beer’ South Island Sale has proven to be a fruitful initiative for the Cambridge thoroughbred nursery over the last couple of years, which was further enhanced over the weekend when sales graduate Collect Your Cash took out the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui. The Shankar Muniandy-trained gelding became the first stakes winner from the sale, adding to its previous black-type performer in Kikimora, who placed in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). Collect Your Cash was purchased out of the sale in May 2022 by Ben Kwok, under his Lionrock Bloodstock banner, for $15,000 and was subsequently sold to a client of trainer Shankar Muniandy, for whom he has now won two and placed in one of his four starts to date and earned more than $80,000 in prizemoney. Windsor Park Stud principal Rodney Schick was pleased to get the stakes result ahead of the next edition of the sale in May. “He was a lovely horse and we sold him at our ‘Rugby, Racing and Beer’ sale in the South Island. He was bought by Ben Kwok at that sale and was subsequently sold to Shankar, and I am rapt for Shankar because he is a really enthusiastic guy and has supported us. It was a good win,” Schick said. “We will be running it (sale) again this year in May where we will be selling nine or 10 (yearlings). “I have always wanted to do a sale like that. It is like a Hong Kong-style sale. We take the horses down, but they are not in the auction room, Steve Davis (auctioneer) comes down and we always get an All Black guest speaker. We have a big lunch and then sell them off the big screen. “It has been really good – we have taken 18 horses down there and sold 18. Kikimora has come out of it, we have sold some nice winners, and to have a stakes winner now is really good.” Bred by Windsor Park Stud, Collect Your Cash’s stakes win was also the first for his ill-fated sire Rageese, who has also produced stakes performer Nebuchadnezzar. “We imported the mare (Prompt Payment) a number of years ago. We have had quite a lot of success bringing those European mares down,” Schick said. “We haven’t got much of the family, but it is always good to breed a stakes winner.” Fresh off New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka last week, Schick said he was happy with the farm’s Book 1 results but expects to see a stronger sale next year. “Book 1 held up really well and I think we saw the effects of the economy in the second sale,” he said. “I just think the way the economy is at the moment, it was tough and people are finding it a bit tough. “With all the initiatives going on at the moment with Entain, I think we are going to see a far better sale next year.” Meanwhile, Schick is looking forward to heading to Te Rapa on Saturday where he will watch Imwonderfultonight carry Windsor Park Stud’s Silks in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). Trained by Sam Mynott, Windsor Park Stud race the four-year-old mare in partnership with Ben Kwok, and have enjoyed plenty of success with her of late. The daughter of I Am Invincible has placed in the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) for the partnership, and they are hoping she can break through for an elusive stakes win this weekend. “She has been going well and she has put in some very good runs,” Schick said. “I think she found the track a bit tricky the other night (at Ellerslie in the Concorde), changed legs and it was the first time right-handed. She had a huge run down at Trentham (for fourth in the Gr.1 Telegraph, 1200m). Back at Te Rapa, she has won there, and Sam Weatherley is on and he has won on her. If she gets the right run, she will be very competitive.” Schick is also pleased to be giving 26-year-old Mynott the opportunity to train the exciting mare. “Sam was a very accomplished horsewoman before she came into training thoroughbreds. We like to give young trainers opportunities and she has grabbed it with both hands,” he said. “She went out and bought some nice horses at Karaka, which is always nice to see young people doing. I think she has got a big future in the racing game.” View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – 2 Hume Hwy, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, February 7, 2024 First Race 2:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing heads to Warwick Farm on Wednesday afternoon for a competitive seven-race program from 2:20pm local time. With a speck of rain expected across the region, we could be racing on a Soft 5 surface. The rail moves out +5m from the 1000m to winning post and then sits out +2m for the remainder, which should allow for a fair afternoon of racing. Best Bet: Tartaglia Follow Files readers would know how impressed we were with the debut of Tartaglia at Rosehill on January 20, and we’re keen to stick with him second-up. The son of Too Darn Hot produced some of the fastest closing sectionals of the day, careering through the wire to be defeated by 3.3 lengths. He steps up in trip to the 1300m in this maiden contest, and although barrier seven does present a tricky task for Sam Clipperton, we think Tartaglia will prove too classy for this lot. Best Bet Race 1 – #6 Tartaglia (7) 2yo Colt | T: James Cummings | J: Sam Clipperton (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: Stylised Stylised did enough first-up at this course on January 26 to suggest he can turn the tables on Romeo’s Choice in this BM72 contest. The James Cummings-trained gelding missed the start before stealing rails runs in transit, surviving a protest to maintain his runner-up finish. It was a solid return by the son of Kermadec, and his record seems to suggest he takes dramatic improvement second-up into the preparation. He maps well from barrier six, and provided the breaks fall his way, Stylised will be finishing off best in the penultimate. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Stylised (6) 4yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Again: Introducing After a 20-week spell to go along with a gelding operation, Introducing makes his way back to the races for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn. He was competing against some classy three-year-old company in the spring before being sent to the paddock, and although the stable felt the need to geld this son of Trapeze Artist to keep his mind on the job, he was far from disgraced. His two barrier trials in the lead-up have caught the eye, and with Warwick Farm being the only course where Introducing has found success, we’re hopeful he can make it career win number two this week. Next Best Again Race 7 – #2 Introducing (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Nash Rawiller (60.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Warwick Farm quaddie tips – Wednesday, February 7 Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, February 7, 2024 4-5-7 2-3-7-8-10 5-7-8-10 2-3-5-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Top industry judges David Cox, Derek Veitch Mark Dreeling and Paschal Kellaghan have put on record their support for Derrinstown Stud-based stallion Minzaal (Ire) off the back of the arrival of his first foals. Minzaal's foals have come in for high praise from their breeders, including Rosetown Bloodstock's filly [pictured] out of the winning Exceed And Excel (Aus) mare, Loquace (Ire), a granddaughter of champion two-year-old, Pas De Reponse. “I'm very happy with her,” reported David Cox of Baroda Stud, where the mare and foal are boarding. “She's a very strong first foal with great bone; correct and very sharp-looking. She's the spitting image of her sire.” Mark Dreeling was full of praise for his colt out of Laciredeski (Ire), a multiple winning Toronado (Ire) half-sister to Flying Five S. runner-up Erosandpsyche (Ire) (Sepoy {Aus}) and Listed scorer Some Respect (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Dreeling said, “He's an absolute belter of a foal. He really is something else. He's exactly what we hoped for; big, strong and compact, with great width and bone. He's very correct and a lot like his sire.” Paschal Kellaghan and Brian Gravin have welcomed a filly out of highly-rated three-time winner Dilawara (Fr), a Dream Ahead half-sister to three winners and related to Capri (Ire) and Commissioning (GB) (Kingman {GB}). “She's an absolutely stunning filly,” said Kellaghan. “Just pure class, with great strength and depth. This speedy-looking filly is one for the future.” Ringfort Stud, where Minzaal was bred, welcomed a filly out of Shenoya (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}), a winning and Listed-placed half-sister to classy filly Like A Charm (Fr) from the family of Group 1 winner Bay Bridge (GB). The operation's Derek Veitch commented, “She's a big strong foal and a lovely bay colour. She's very correct, with great bone. She looks very much like her sire. We're absolutely thrilled with her.” Minzaal, the top-rated produce of Mehmas, won the Group 2 Gimcrack S. at two before developing into the best sprinter of his generation, winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at four. He covered 161 mares in his first season at stud, with 16% of his opening book stakes winners, the highest percentage of any first-season sire standing in Ireland last year. The post Breeders Row In Behind Minzaal On The Strength Of First Foals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

D J Stable LLC and Robert Cotran's Hades took a lot of bettors and heavy favorite Fierceness by surprise with his 9-1 upset victory in the $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Sugah Sweet has been acquitting herself well, despite having little luck in strong company this preparation, and she looks well-placed to turn her fortunes around at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. The patiently handled six-year-old will represent trainer Bryce Newman in the Listed Clubs NZ @ The Races Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) while stablemate Love For All also looms as a strong hope in the TAB Bonus Back Wairarapa Cup (2050m). Sugah Sweet opened her current campaign with a Rating 75 sprint win and has subsequently run fourth in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m), both times from outside gates. “We’ve been rapt with her, and it’s just been the draws that have held her up. It’s been a hard gig for her to overcome but she’s still gone great,” Newman said. “She’s rock hard fit now, she didn’t do much in the spring and we’ve brought her up for these races. “She is as good as we can get her and with a nice draw at seven it’s up to the mare now. Hopefully, Ryan (Elliot, jockey) can get a nice trip on her.” The Zacinto mare has fashioned a tidy record with four wins and 10 placings from her 18 appearances. “She’s a homebred horse and didn’t start off early, she was an immature filly and she didn’t do too much at three,” Newman said. “She was late to get going and she doesn’t do off tracks either, she won on a Soft 6 one day but she’s not comfortable on it and definitely better on firm ground. “We don’t need to keep pumping races into her, she’s very honest and goes well every time we’ve presented her. “We have protected her a bit as she’s a mare we want to get some more black type with and then breed from her.” Newman is also keen to step Sugah Sweet out over more distance this time around. “There’s quite a few options coming up for mares at this time of the year, possibly this could be her last run at a mile,” he said. “She’s never run at 2000m so maybe we might finish off in the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 2000m) or the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m).” Meanwhile, Love For All will take a major step back in class in the Cup after finishing a last-start eighth, but only three lengths off the winner, in the Anniversary. A good surface will further boost her prospects, as will rider Jim Chung’s 3kg allowance. “We’re really happy with her and she just can’t handle any wet ground at all,” Newman said. “This is the first time that Love For All has been in this grade for two years, obviously she’s topweight (60kg) so we’ve claimed back a bit. “She’s not at the elite level at a mile and she went awesome in the Breeders last year in her first run at 2000m so it’s a good opportunity for her. “She is in the twilight of her career, but she has been a super mare and has a couple of pieces of black type.” Love For All is also a four-time winner and along with her Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes third she also finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) in her younger days. View the full article

Nimble Nimbus (NZ) (Sacred Falls) powered to success in the HK$4.2 million Group Three Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Jumping from barrier five, Nimble Nimbus advanced to his sixth win from at his 27th start after Atzeni took the gelding to the outside of the field before denying Five G Patch by a head with Straight Arron an impressive third. “He’s an amazing horse, he never gets beaten far and is very consistent no matter the distance,” Ricky Yiu said. “I always thought that this horse would go well over 1800m and Sha Tin is a better course than Happy Valley for him as it’s a longer straight. He was drawn wide last time and had a much better draw this time.” Nimble Nimbus was sold from the draft of Waikato Stud at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale for $100,000 to trainer Yiu and became the eighth individual stakes for his late sire Sacred Falls. Jockey Andrea Atzeni said: “I think the horse (Nimble Nimbus) deserved it – he’s been knocking on the door. He’s not had the best of luck with the draws and when I looked at the draw and we’d drawn five, I thought ‘Thank God, we’ve finally got a decent draw with him.’ “Ricky was very confident and he put no pressure on. He told me to ride him quiet and challenge as late as I could.” Another winner on Sunday was Baby Crystal (NZ) (Per Incanto) for trainer Francis Lui in the Class 3 Cineraria Handicap (1000m). He was sold by Little Avondale Stud at the 2020 Karaka Book 2 Sale for $160,0000 to John Foote Bloodstock. View the full article

What Grafton Races Where Clarence River Jockey Club – 284 Powell St, Grafton NSW 2460 When Tuesday, February 6, 2024 First Race 2:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Grafton is the destination for NSW racing on Tuesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program set for decision. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and with the forecast suggesting improving conditions in the lead-up, expect a significant upgrade from the Heavy 8 rating at the time of writing. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 2:10pm AEDT. Best Bet: Cool Shalaa Cool Shalaa was able to cling to victory on debut at Coffs Harbour on September 18 before being tipped out for a spell. It’s been 141 days since we’ve seen the three-year-old filly, and she appears wound up for her return after an eye-catching barrier trial at the same course on January 22. She has tactical speed to utilise from gate four, and if she can ping the lids to lead as she did on debut, Cool Shalaa will take plenty of chasing down. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Cool Shalaa (4) 3yo Filly | T: Brett Dodson | J: Adin Thompson (55kg) +210 with Bet365 Next Best: Per Capita Per Capita found the minor money in two of his four starts as a three-year-old and returns to the track after a 276-day spell. His most recent effort came at Kembla Grange on May 6, with the Stephen Lee-trained galloper narrowly defeated on the wire. The two barrier trials in the lead-up have allowed the gelding by Per Incanto to race under his own steam, cruising through the winning post with plenty left in hand. Braith Nock gets 1.5kg off his back after the claim, and with Per Capita returning with an element of class, we’re confident he can find the winner’s enclosure for the first time. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Per Capita (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Stephen Lee | J: Braith Nock (a1.5kg) (60.5kg) +300 with Neds Best Value: Nickelback Nickelback was awful first-up at Eagle Farm on January 20 and was simply outclassed in BM72 company. He went forward over the 1400m and faded back towards the rear of the field to be defeated by 7.7 lengths. We want to put a pen through that effort and look back to his form last preparation, where the son of Nicconi produced one victory and three minor placings in his six starts, many of which were in Highway grade. Jake Bayliss will have no choice but to drag back from gate 11, but watch for Nickelback to be doing his best work late. Best Value Race 6 – #3 Nickelback (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Stephen Lee | J: Jake Bayliss (60kg) +850 with PlayUp Tuesday quaddie tips for Grafton races Grafton quadrella selections Tuesday, February 6, 2024 1 8-12 1-2-3-5-10 1-3-4-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Pushing the right buttons has trainer Kenny McPeek closer to a career milestone after he swept 1 1/16-mile qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) Feb. 3 at Oaklawn Park with Mystik Dan and Band of Gold, respectively.View the full article

The New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission announced Feb. 4 that Barn 15 at Belmont Park has been placed under a 21-day quarantine after test results confirmed a case of EHV in that barn.View the full article

Helios Express triumphs over Helene Feeling. Delivering on lofty pre-race expectations with convincing victory in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, Helios Express will next attempt to emulate Golden Sixty with success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 3. Golden Sixty (2020) and Rapper Dragon (2017) stand alone as the only horses to sweep the series with victory in all three legs, culminating in Hong Kong Derby (2000m) success, and Size hopes Helios Express can continue a blazing ascent after showcasing unmistakable talent with his fifth win from seven Hong Kong starts. By Toronado, Helios Express provided Size with his fourth Hong Kong Classic Mile win after Sun Jewellery (2016) – who also snared the Hong Kong Classic Cup – Nothingilikemore (2018) and Excellent Proposal (2021), while Hugh Bowman slotted his first Hong Kong Classic Mile victory since Furore in 2019. Given a patient ride by Bowman behind a moderate pace set by Chancheng Glory, Helios Express forged into clear running over the final 400m to down Helene Feeling by 1.75-lengths, while Star Mac charged from the rear of the field to be third, a further neck back. Speed Dragon, who struggled for clear running late, finished fourth. 2024 Hong Kong Classic Mile Replay – Helios Express Acknowledging the soft tempo and an overall time of 1:34.44, Size has no doubts over Helios Express’ class after the gelding stamped telling authority. “It was a slow run race and he was able to adapt to a very slow tempo, which is a good thing in a racehorse. He was able to overcome that and still win the race,” Size said. “Of this generation of horses, he seems to be the quality horse amongst the ones he’s competing against, and it was a very convincing win.” Size confirmed plans to head to the Hong Kong Classic Cup and is confident in Helios Express’ adaptability. “There’s always some concern (about the step up in distance) because the circumstances of the races can change dramatically from one race to the next. The good horses overcome a different style of running and they win. He has to do that – he has that in front of him. “It’s always very exciting, and a bit of a relief actually to have another good horse come along. You look forward to it and hope it happens. You can’t design the stable to achieve that, but it’s always gratifying to see another good horse come along in this age group, and hopefully he has a good career.” Bowman said: “The critical side of me says I would have liked for him (Helios Express) to settle a bit better in the run but it was a very sedate tempo which encouraged him to travel the way he did – but that’s the sign of an exceptional horse – and when I gave him room and asked him for an effort, that’s exactly what we all saw. I’m excited to be riding such a magnificent individual.” More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, February 5 will feature two meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the Dubbo meeting. Monday Racing Tips – February 5, 2024 Dubbo Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 5, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

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Trainer Paul Nicholls has led the tributes to Keagan Kirkby, the amateur rider who tragically died after a fall at Charing point-to-point on Sunday. In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund, the 14-time Champion National Hunt trainer, with whom Kirkby was based, described Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads.” Nicholls said, “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly, Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at Team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.” According to the IFJ, the incident occurred on the second circuit of the final race, when the rider's mount ran out through the wing of a fence. Despite immediate attention by the on-course medical team as well as additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, Kirkby could not be saved. Kirkby joined Nicholls's operation in 2019 and had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was also shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category for 2024. “We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential,” said British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chief Executive Julie Harrington. “The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category. The nomination spoke of Keagan's qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard. We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan's family and the Paul Nicholls yard.” The post Keagan Kirkby Dies After Fall At Charing Point-To-Point in Kent appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile third Locked (Gun Runner) will scratch from an expected start in Saturday's GIII Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs due to a temperature, according to a report from the Daily Racing Form's David Grening. “We felt like if we breezed him and spiked a more significant temperature that could set us back a couple of weeks or so,” trainer Todd Pletcher told Grening. “One of the good things about being ready for some of the early preps is it gives you a window on the other side to call an audible.” Last year's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity winner has yet to make a start as a 3-year-old for Pletcher and owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Locked To Scratch From Saturday’s Sam F. Davis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) uncorked the type of “Wow!” performance in the GIII Robert Lewis S. on Saturday that rightfully should be the big story out of a weekend that featured four prep stakes for the GI Kentucky Derby. This 3-for-3 son of 2016 Derby winner Nyquist from trainer Bob Baffert's barn has now won at six, seven and eight furlongs by a combined 26 3/4 lengths while earning upward-trending Beyer Speed Figures of 96 and 97 (at age two), plus a sizzling 105 for his sophomore debut. In addition to those impressive metrics, this Baoma Corporation (Susan and Charles Chu) colorbearer has displayed an on-track flair and a powerful fluidity that not only passes the eye test, but dwarfs the visual aesthetics of any efforts we've seen from his next-closest competitors on the Triple Crown trail. All this, by the way, from a colt who won't reach his actual third birthdate until four days after this year's Derby. Nysos's 7 1/2-length blowout in the Lewis overwhelmingly whets the appetite for what he'll be capable of delivering in subsequent starts. But like it or not, it's impossible to look too far into the future without coupling this colt's potential for brilliance with last week's news that no top sophomores out of Baffert's stable were transferred to other conditioners in time to meet a Jan. 29 deadline imposed by Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI). Such a move would have allowed those horses to earn Derby qualifying points and compete in the 150th edition of the race. After Medina Spirit (Protonico) tested positive for the medication betamethasone following the 2021 Derby, CDI banned Baffert from its tracks. The corporate suspension was separate from Medina Spirit's Derby disqualification and a fine and suspension imposed upon Baffert by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. CDI's exclusion initially was supposed to last only for two years. But on July 3, 2023, the corporation announced it would be extending the ban through at least 2024, citing “continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing [Baffert] poses to CDI-owned racetracks” by allegedly “continu[ing] to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit.” The timing of that announcement was curious, and for the most part unexpected. Reading between the lines, it almost seemed like CDI executives suddenly realized that Baffert's return would coincide with the big 150th anniversary celebration the corporation is planning for the 2024 Derby, and that they didn't want his presence to overshadow the festivities. The press release announcing Baffert's extended ban was rolled out in the middle of last summer's long Independence Day weekend. Holiday weekends are an extremely slow time of the news cycle that news-issuing entities have long tried to leverage as opportunities to “bury” announcements they think might generate adverse headlines. The racing world took notice though, and the news of Baffert's dis-invitation to Derby 150 simmered through last summer and deep into the Breeders' Cup season. On Jan. 22, 2024, the script was flipped when Baffert made his own announcement via social media: The Hall-of-Fame trainer said he had instructed his attorneys to dismiss any remaining legal actions related to the 2021 Derby disqualification appeal, adding that he has “decided that it is best to positively focus on the present and future that our great sport offers.” As TDN colleague Bill Finley wrote at the time, “It was not clear why [Medina Spirit's owner, Amr] Zedan and Baffert apparently changed their minds and decided to drop their case. It is possible that their dropping the case was a peace offering in what has been an ugly battle between Churchill Downs and Zedan and Baffert that at times took on a personal tone.” CDI stood firm, countering with an immediate rebuttal that stated Baffert's dismissal of his appeal “does not change the current suspension or deadline to transfer horses for the upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby.” One week later, as the Jan. 29 owners deadline to transfer horses to another trainer came and went without a single reported defection among Baffert's top clients, the narrative shifted substantially. Now CDI's anti-Baffert strategy could backfire. The corporation is facing the prospect of Baffert appearing to have offered an olive branch, his owners lining up behind him in solidarity and his top 3-year-old rocketing to the top of the totem pole among Derby contenders. The very story line that CDI wanted to avoid for Derby 150 will now likely become the focal point of pre-Triple Crown coverage. For the next three months, you can expect an ever-intensifying stream of stories about the prospect of another “Dysfunctional Derby” in which a corporate edict might keep the best colt(s) from competing in America's most important horse race. In the last five editions of the Derby, we've seen one DQ of a winner for an in-race foul, another for a post-race drug violation, and one Derby moved from May to September because of the pandemic. At this rate, we'll soon run out of asterisks to affix to the history of our nation's most iconic race. Despite not budging from Baffert, some of his clients are still holding out hope for a change in CDI's policy. Zedan, who owns 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic), another top sophomore, is one of them. “Would we love to run in the Derby? Absolutely, yes,” Zedan told DRF.com's David Grening last week. “Would we love to run, especially this being the 150th Derby? Absolutely, yes. Are we hoping to run in the Derby? Absolutely, yes. Do we think we will be there? It's in God's hands.” Barring the unlikely prospect of CDI reversing its stated course, the courts–again–are another option. Even though Baffert in '22 and '23 failed to persuade judges to grant him injunctions that would have allowed him to compete in the Derby, and even though he has dropped his current legal appeal, that doesn't preclude any of his clients from going to court on their own to try and overturn CDI's ban on behalf of their horses. Remember, it only takes one judge to say yes to an injunction request, and the closer any potential plaintiff waits until the May 4 Derby itself, the more of a wild card that scenario becomes from “time is of the essence” type of pressure. Our nation's courts typically listen long and hard when properly licensed individuals allege that private entities are unfairly keeping them from plying their chosen professions, so it's not out of the question that some aggrieved owner of a Baffert-trained Derby prospect might try that avenue. Even more fascinating is what to expect in terms of race targeting from Baffert's stable. Will he point his top sophomores to the final late March/early April round of coast-to-coast Grade I preps and then have an arsenal of top-notch stock ready for the GI Preakness S. after being forced to sit out the Derby with all of them? The Preakness has been the weak link in the Triple Crown over the past few seasons, and would certainly benefit from the infusion of horsepower. But this scenario, too, could produce unwanted downstream effects. The Preakness already has trouble luring any other Derby entrants besides the winner. How many also-rans from the Derby are going to be keen on heading to Baltimore knowing a handful of fresh Baffert trainees have been specifically pointing for the middle jewel of the series? The post The Week In Review: Nysos Rockets To Derby Relevance, Unaware His Trainer Is Dis-Invited From The Big Bash appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, which gives breeders one last chance to buys mares at auction before the breeding season opens later this month, begins its two-day run at Newtown Paddocks Monday morning with the first of 300 catalogued hips scheduled to head into the sales ring at 10 a.m. A further 235 head have been catalogued for Tuesday's second session, which is largely dominated by supplemented offerings from the dispersal of the late Robert Lothenbach's Lothenbach Stables. The auction added some late fire power to its catalogue Sunday when Zetta Z (Bernardini) (hip 536) was supplemented to the catalogue a day after her sophomore son Nysos (Nyquist) dominated the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. at Santa Anita. The 14-year-old broodmare, who is in foal to Cyberknife, will be offered through the Grovendale Sales consignment. “Nysos has been brilliant in each of his starts,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “His numbers lead all 3-year-old colts and his potential is unlimited. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer his dam, who is in foal to the exciting first-year stallion Cyberknife.” The winter mixed sale brings a close to a season of breeding stock auctions which featured plenty of money for top offerings and a mixed reception for horses under that level. Consignors expect those same trends to continue this week in Lexington. “I think it will be the same as all of them,” said Vinery Sales' Derek MacKenzie. “The top will be strong, the bottom probably not so much and the middle, probably a little polarized back and forth. The catalogue is smaller than it has been and with this big group of Lothenbach horses getting added, thinking positively, I think it will be a good sale.” Vinery and Taylor Made Sales Agency will each be consigning horses as part of the dispersal, which will bring increased interest to the winter catalogue. “It's been a few years now and not quite this quality, but when we had the Rockin' Z dispersal a few years ago at this sale, I remember, it really drew a lot of people in,” MacKenzie said. “And this one should bring even more.” Taylor Made's Marshall Taylor agreed the buying bench at Fasig-Tipton might be deeper this year due to the dispersal. “Anytime there is a dispersal, the first thing that people think of is 'no reserve' and opportunity is the first word that comes to your mind as a buyer, especially when you look at the type of roster that Mr. Lothenbach and his team accumulated and what they've got on the roster. That drives people to the sale. So I think you're going to see a lot more people at the sale than traditionally come to the February sale because of the dispersal.” Its placement directly ahead of the opening of the breeding season gives the Winter sale a pivotal spot on the calendar. “If you look at the February sale from the past, it's always a really solid, good sale,” Taylor said. “I think every year, you see these young fillies selling well, young fillies with page or a little bit of race record. They tend to really sell well because I think everyone is looking for a nice young mare to breed.” MacKenzie said, “I think it is good timing. A lot of these mares that are empty are maidens that can go straight to the breeding shed almost. So, they don't have carrying costs. The timing is probably perfect.” During last year's Winter Mixed sale, 402 horses sold for $14,105,200 for an average of $35,088 and a median of $15,000. The broodmare prospect Lemieux (Nyquist) topped the auction when selling for $400,000 to Nice Guys Stables. Bred to Not This Time just after the auction, she produced her first foal, a colt, Jan. 26. The post With Breeding Season Right Ahead, Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale Opens Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light), a disappointing third in his 3-year-old debut in Saturday's GIII Holy Bull S., exited the race in good order, reports owner Mike Repole. “He's perfectly fine,” Repole said in a text message. Fierceness, the 2023 2-Year-Old male Eclipse champion, was coming off an overpowering win in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and most believed he would pick up right where he left off in the Holy Bull, where he was the 1-5 favorite. Instead, he finished third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths. When asked why he thought Fierceness came up short, Repole pointed to his trip. “It was nothing more than the obvious,” Repole wrote. “Hit on both sides coming out of the gate. Wide. Bumped again at the top of the stretch. Flattened out. Last time he ran bad [when seventh in the Champagne], his next race was pretty good.” When asked if the GI Florida Derby was still the next target for Fierceness, Repole replied: “Can't say for sure. Plenty of options on the table.” The race was won by 9-1 shot Hades (Awesome Slew). A Florida-bred, he is undefeated in three starts and won the Holy Bull by two lengths under Paco Lopez. “He came out of the race great,” said trainer Joe Orseno. “No decision on our next race but I am leaning towards the Florida Derby.” The post Fierceness Comes Out Of Holy Bull In Good Order appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All of the major runners in Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby preps have come out of their respective races well according to releases by Aqueduct, Oaklawn and Gulfstream Park. GIII Holy Bull S. winner Hades (Awesome Slew) still had his connections flying high the morning after his upset win over 'TDN Rising Star' and Eclipse champion Fierceness (City of Light). “He galloped out really strong [yesterday],” trainer Joe Orseno told Gulfstream Park media Sunday morning. “I don't think we got to the bottom of him yet. We're real happy with him, especially the way he looked this morning.” As for future starts, Orseno added, “There's no question it will be the Fountain of Youth or the Florida Derby. I think it will be only one, but I don't know which one it will be yet. He's lightly raced. He's only run 5 1/2 [furlongs] and 7, and [Saturday] two turns. I think that being said, we have the opportunity to have a fresh horse on the first Saturday in May.” Trainer Todd Pletcher also reported that Repole Stable runner Fierceness came out of the race 'in good order'. In New York, the Pennsylvania-bred Uncle Heavy (Social Inclusion), winner of the GIII Withers S., also responded well following his efforts Saturday. “He came out of it very well, and I'm very happy with him,” said trainer Butch Reid, Jr. “He was very sharp and bouncing around the barn last night. He'll get a few days of rest on the farm, which will be nice.” Reid Jr. indicated that, while future plans regarding a next start are still up for discussion, connections are considering the GII Wood Memorial S. April 6. At Oaklawn Park, the GIII Southwest S. winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) is, per trainer Kenny McPeek, already being pointed at the GI Arkansas Derby after previously finishing fifth in the Smarty Jones S. Jan 1. “We had a good feeling before the race,” said owner/breeder Lance Gasaway. “He wasn't ready for the long race, the Smarty Jones. He needed the race, so we felt pretty confident coming into the race. He [McPeek] can do it.” Southwest runner up Just Steel (Justify) will make his next start in the GII Rebel S. Feb. 24 according to his trainer D. Wayne Lukas. “He's still carrying a little weight,” Lukas said. “He's a big, powerful horse and I think with racing, he'll drop some of that weight and he'll be a little bit better at finishing. I look forward to the next one [Rebel]. That one should be starting to get us where we want to be. I think he needs racing.” Trainer Robert Medina noted that Saturday's third-place finisher Liberal Arts (Arrogate) will join Mystik Dan in bypassing the Rebel and likely going straight to the Arkansas Derby. The post Saturday’s Derby Prep Runners Look Ahead appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For nearly 20 years, trainer Neil Pessin didn't have to worry about filling up his barn. His principal owner, Bob Lothenbach, kept sending horses his way. That included a Grade I winner in Bell's the One (Majesticperfection) and several useful allowance horses. Pessin was training a 22-horse stable and 19 of them were owned by Lothenbach. “Bob was an excellent owner,” Pessin said. “He knew our field of expertise was training horses and his was the paper business. Anytime I asked for anything that involved the welfare of the horse he was on board for it.” Everything changed in November when Lothenbach died suddenly at the age of 64. With the Lothenbach horses headed to a dispersal sale, Pessin was down to three horses and faced with the task of having to rebuild his stable, practically from scratch. The only thing he knew for certain was that panicking was not the answer. “I'm not nervous about my future,” Pessin said. “You can't worry about stuff you can't control. You just do what you can and hope for the best. I've learned that worrying doesn't do a whole lot except give me ulcers. Just take it in stride and see what happens. More people are worried about this than I am. We'll just see what happens. If an opportunity arises we'll take it. If it doesn't we'll see what the future holds. I'm not sure at the moment. Hopefully, we can survive. If not, we'll do something else.” It doesn't look like Pessin will have to “do something else.” Out of the dispersal sale, which was done digitally by Fasig-Tipton, Pessin signed for five horses. They ranged in price from the $340,000 paid for Grade III stakes winner Happy American (Runhappy) to the $18,000 paid for maiden Hogslayers R I P (Union Rags). The horses will be owned by a five-member syndicate that Pessin put together in order to buy some horses out of the dispersal sale. “Buying Happy American was pretty self explanatory,” he said. “There's a race coming up here at the Fair Grounds, the Mineshaft Stakes. The purse is $250,000 and the winner gets $150,000. He'll be one of the favorites. The $150,000 the winner will get would pay for almost half of him. He's worth it. He can compete in all the stakes around here. He can't beat the top horses, but if you spot him around he can be a very useful horse all year long.” He also retained the gelding Kiss The Moon (Malibu Moon), who was bought by Anthony Spinazzola, who decided to keep the horse with Pessin. That has left Pessin with nine horses. The Lothenbach 2-year-olds will sell as part of Fasig-Tipton's Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale on Feb. 5 and 6. “It's possible that I might buy some of the 2-year-olds,” he said. “If anyone is interested I'll go take a look at them. I bought 14 of them myself at the yearling sales. But if I don't have the money behind me to do it then I'm not going to be able to buy anything.” He's had some feelers from owners interested in giving him horses and hopes some new horses will come his way from owners looking to compete at the Keeneland spring meet. But he's not going to go begging. “I've never asked anybody for any horses and I'm not going to start now,” Pessin said. “Right now we have these five horses that we bought and three others in barn. I'll just have to go forward and see what happens. One way or another I'll be fine. You can't worry about what you can't change.” The post After Lothenbach Dispersal, Pessin Looks To Regroup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cute Curls (Tapiture), a filly trained by Danny Gargan, was euthanized Saturday after displaying acute neurological symptoms. Cornell University has since returned a positive test result for EHV in Barn 15 at Belmont Park, the New York Racing Association announced Sunday. Barn 15 is now under a 21-day quarantine but no other horses have thus far presented symptoms. NYRA's veterinary department, headed by Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe, will oversee quarantine procedures and the 24 horses stables in Barn 15 will continue to be monitored. The post Test Confirms Positive EHV Case At Belmont; Barn Quarantine Extended To 21 Days appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Driver Penalties L Chin | Waikato Bay of Plenty 29 January; careless driving; suspended 30 January – 9 February inclusive. N Balle | Waikato Bay of Plenty 29 January; breach of push out rule; fined $200. M White | Hawera 2 February; careless driving; fined $300. M Smolenski | Methven 28 January (heard NZ Metropolitan 2 February); use of whip; suspended 3-11 February inclusive. L McCormick | NZ Metropolitan 2 February; careless driving; suspended 17-22 February inclusive. L Hibell | Hawera 2 February (heard Hawera 4 February); use of whip; fined $300. R Fensom | Hawera 4 February; careless driving; suspended 5-15 February inclusive. B Mangos | Hawera 4 February; use of whip; suspended 10-15 February inclusive. D Grundmann | Hawera 4 February; careless driving; fined $300. M Love | Waikouaiti 4 February; careless driving; suspended 5 February – 17 March inclusive. A Edge | Waikouaiti 4 February; use of whip; fined $250. Trainer Penalty K Kelly | Waikouaiti 4 February; failed to advise horse showing signs of being in season; fined $200. Horse Penalties IDEAL ARTS | Waikato Bay of Plenty 29 January; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. MEDINA MAGIC | Waikato Bay of Plenty 29 January; lame; veterinary clearance required. HENRY WINKLER | NZ Metropolitan 2 February; soft palate displacement; veterinary clearance required. CYREN SHARD | NZ Metropolitan 2 February; broke in running; must complete trial. MOMENTS LIKE THIS | NZ Metropolitan 2 February; lame; veterinary clearance required. IMPERIAL COMMAND | Waikouaiti 4 February; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. MOA MOJITO | Waikouaiti 4 February; broke in running; must complete trial. THE BETTOR MAJOR | Waikouaiti 4 February; broke in running; must complete trial. CODY BANNER | Waikouaiti 4 February; broke in running; must complete trial. Protest COURTNEY MAY | Waikouaiti 4 February; excessive galloping in home straight; disqualified from 4th. The post 29 January – 4 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Dog Penalties OPAWA VANESSA | Christchurch 29 January; marred; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. OPAWA KEITH | Christchurch 29 January; failed to pursue the lure; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. KNOW AUTHORITY | Christchurch 29 January; failed to pursue the lure; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. OPAWA TURN | Christchurch 29 January; marred; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. PRINCELY CROWN | Christchurch 2 February; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. The post 29 January – 4 February 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The Illinois Derby will be held April 21 at its former 1 1/8-mile distance and have a purse of $200,000. It also returns to the same spot on the racing calendar from before its hiatus, four weeks before the Preakness Stakes (G1).View the full article

Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) was crunched into $1.30 (3-10) favourtism for Sunday's HK$13-million Hong Kong Classic Mile, sat a perfect trip beneath Hugh Bowman and raced away late to take the first leg of the 4-year-old series in convincing fashion Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin. Alertly away from barrier six and carrying the number one saddlecloth signifying the highest-rated runner in the event, the John Size trainee allowed Chancheng Glory (Mor Spirit) and Helene Feeling (Ire) (Sioux Nation) do the heavy lifting and settled in the ideal spot while a fraction keen through the early exchanges. Poised to strike nearing the entrance to the straight, Helios Express eased out into the three path to deliver his challenge, gathered up Helene Feeling–who had taken over from Chancheng Glory just outside the 200 metres–and kicked home a comfortable winner. Star Mac (Aus) (Heroic Valour {Aus}), rated some 38 points inferior to the winner on 64, ran home gamely for third ahead of a troubled Speed Dragon (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). “It was a slow-run race and he was able to adapt to a very slow tempo, which is a good thing in a racehorse,” said Size. “He was able to overcome that and still win the race. Of this generation of horses, he seems to be the quality horse amongst the ones he's competing against, and it was a very convincing win.” Size confirmed that Helios Express would move on to the second leg of the series, the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800 metres Mar. 3 and believes his charge will handle the step up in trip without issue. “There's always some concern because the circumstances of the races can change dramatically from one race to the next,” said Size. “The good horses overcome a different style of running and they win. He has to do that–he has that in front of him.” For his part, Bowman–who now begins a five-meeting suspension–considers Helios Express an unfinished product. “The critical side of me says I would have liked for him to settle a bit better in the run, but it was a very sedate tempo which encouraged him to travel the way he did–but that's the sign of an exceptional horse–and when I gave him room and asked him for an effort, that's exactly what we all saw. I'm excited to be riding such a magnificent individual,” Bowman said. The master trainer, John Size, a dominant force in the Hong Kong Classic Mile! Sun Jewellery (2016) Nothingilikemore (2018) Excellent Proposal (2021) Helios Express (2024)#4YOSeries | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/NxbLbxquYv — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 4, 2024 Pedigree Notes: Helios Express was providing his sire with yet another big result in Hong Kong a week after Victor the Winner (Aus) caused an upset in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup. One of 18 winners in the jurisdiction for the stallion, Helios Express–who was victorious in a single Australian appearance for trainer Jamie Edwards at Benalla in Victoria while racing as Tex Mex (Aus)–is a third to succeed at stakes level (Senor Toba {Aus}). Helios Express is the fourth black-type winner produced by a daughter of Hinchinbrook (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Paris Texas passed away in September 2021 according to the Australian Stud Book, but has left behind Helios Express's unraced 3-year-old full-sister Isolation Ridge (Aus), who is in training with Lindsey Smith at Linton in Victoria. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong HONG KONG CLASSIC MILE-LR, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-4, NH/SH4yo, 1600mT, 1:34.44, gd. 1–HELIOS EXPRESS (AUS), 126, g, 4, by Toronado (Ire) 1st Dam: Paris Texas (Aus), by Hinchinbrook (Aus) 2nd Dam: Hialeah Star (Aus), by Luskin Star (Aus) 3rd Dam: Hialeah Gold (Aus), by Sovereign Red (NZ) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O-Andy Yung Ming Tai; B-C Wells (WA); T-John Size; J-Hugh Bowman. Lifetime Record: 8-6-1-1, HK$16,001,660. *Formerly Tex Mex (Aus). 2–Helene Feeling (Ire), 126, g, 4, Sioux Nation–Cynthia Calhoun (Ire), by Exceed and Excel (Aus). (€15,500 Wlg '20 GOFDEC; 40,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT). O-Helene Syndicate; B-A Sherwood & P Connell; T-Danny Shum; J-Zac Purton; HK$2,730,000. 3–Star Mac (Aus), 126, g, 4, Heroic Valour (Aus)–Marma Got Style (Aus), by Wicked Style. (A$15,000 Ylg '21 MMMAR). O-Adrian Hassan; B-D Reynolds (Qld); T-David Hayes; J-Karis Teetan; HK$1,495,000. Margins: 1 3/4, NK, 3/4. Odds: 3-10, 73-10, 45-1. Also Ran: Speed Dragon (NZ), Beauty Crescent (Ire), Chancheng Glory, Fallon (Ire), Howdeepisyourlove (Aus), Moments In Time (Chi). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. The post Helios Express Makes Light Work Of Hong Kong Classic Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Helios Express dominated the Hong Kong Classic Mile Feb. 4 at Sha Tin Racecourse, winning the first leg of the Hong Kong Derby series for 4-year-olds easily over eight rivals.View the full article