Wandering Eyes

Trainer enjoys a double but is left devastated when Global Harmony refuses to leave the gatesView the full article

While there’ll never be another Golden Sixty, the future is in safe hands thanks to Ricky Yiu’s dynamic miler: ‘He’s going to be a force to be reckoned with’View the full article

Curraghmore principal Gordon Cunningham is quick to share what drives him as he prepares to present another quality draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale when it kicks off at Karaka at 10am this coming Sunday. The name Curraghmore is synonymous with some of the best Australasian racetrack performers of the past three decades with horses such as Efficient, Unforgotten, Mighty Boss, Tofane, First Seal, Ruthless Dame, No Compromise, Kovalica and Kahma Lass just some of the many elite level winners that have been associated with the iconic brand. It is a record that Cunningham is justifiably proud of and one that he strives to better with every Sale draft. “We presented our first draft in 1995 and I believe our offering this year will be as big and as good as ever,” Cunningham said. “Breeding and raising horses that win races is what gets me up in the morning and I can honestly say that desire is as strong as it has ever been. “I believe our record does speak for itself but there is always something to learn, to improve on and that is vitally important to maintaining your standards and lifting your game each year.” Cunningham is delighted with the depth and quality of his draft and in particular, the variety of stallions and buying options he will present across the 27 individuals that will represent Curraghmore in 2024. “I think we have some excellent variety to provide buyers with a number of younger sires mixed with more established stallions and progeny from some exceptional families,” he said. “Our first Lot will be a Hello Youmzain Filly (Lot 15) out of the stakes winning mare Distinctive Lass who is the dam of four stakes winners including Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Kahma Lass. “Also, further back in her pedigree is triple Group One winner Special, who broke the Flemington track record for 1000m when she won the Gr.1 Lightning Handicap (1000m). “Colin Hayes said she was the quickest he ever trained and this filly is a real looker, one who is physically strong and would be an elite filly in any catalogue. “Lot 227, is a Snitzel colt out of a daughter to Distinctive Lass, so he is closely related to the Hello Youmzain filly and he is also bred to perform at the highest level.” With the progeny of Rich Hill Stud resident stallion Proisir stamping their mark on Australasian racing, Cunningham is keen to offer Lot 287, a filly from Ocean Park mare Pacific. “To my eye Lot 287 has the length and stamp of all the good Proisir fillies like Levante, Legarto and Prowess,” he said. “Her granddam is former top juvenile filly Good Faith and she also has multiple Group One winner Aegon in her extended family, so there is plenty to like about her. “She is out of an Ocean Park mare and we have had good success with his progeny so I’m also expecting big things for Lot 366 who is a colt that is a half to Group One winner Ruthless Dame. “He is another outstanding youngster and has a pedigree to match. “Lot 513 is a filly by Wootton Basset from a Fastnet Rock mare who has been popular during out on-farm parades while So Risque won again at Flemington on Saturday and he is in the extended family of Lot 423, our Wootton Bassett colt. “We also have three Super Seth youngsters who have attracted lots of attention and especially after Shiny New Deal, who is a half to the Super Seth filly (Lot 427), won very well at Pakenham on Thursday. “It is a nervous time now as the countdown to Day One approaches but I’m confident we have what buyers are looking for.” The full Curraghmore draft will travel to Karaka on Monday morning and will be available for inspection from their traditional location at Barn G at the picturesque Karaka sales ground. View the full article

If there were two runners in Wexford Stables deserved of a maiden victory, Smokeshow and Tempest have certainly put their hands up through their recent performances. Andrew Scott, who trains the consistent duo in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan, has the unfortunate scenario that only one can break through at Matamata on Wednesday, as both line up in the Karaka 2024 (1400m). The younger of the pair, three-year-old gelding Smokeshow (NZ) (Contributer), has done himself few favours in his three race-day appearances, finishing second in each despite over-racing and hanging significantly in the closing stages. Joe Doyle has partnered the promising gelding in two of those three starts and will be tasked with overcoming a tough outside barrier on Wednesday, while Tempest will jump from much closer to the inside rail under Warren Kennedy. A five-year-old daughter of Frankel, Tempest (NZ) (Frankel) has followed her stablemates’ lead this preparation with three consecutive runner-up results, with six in total from her nine career attempts. “They are certainly hard to split, with Warren on Tempest, and Joe Doyle on Smokeshow, we’ve got good jockeys on both as well,” Scott said. “Smokeshow is a very promising horse, he’s been racing well and we think a win is very close. “But Tempest’s last three starts have been three seconds, so she certainly deserves one as well. She’s by Frankel and we’d love to win a race for owners Sir Peter (Vela, owner of Pencarrow Stud) and Coolmore.” Wexford will present a further seven runners at their local Matamata meeting, with Scott highlighting Jaffira, Trump Card and Toko Ono as key contenders in their respective events. After competing in multiple Group-level three-year-old races last season, Iffraaj gelding Jaffira has produced a trio of solid performances this campaign, including a close-up third behind subsequent Remutaka Classic (2100m) winner The Odyssey at Te Rapa. Stepping out of premier Saturday company, the four-year-old will contest the Save The Date Breeders Feb 24th (1600m). “He ran on New Year’s Day in a premier field, Opie (Bosson, jockey) got off him and said he’d improve with the run, which we believe he has,” Scott said. “Being back on his home track will take him a long way in being competitive, he ran in some good races last year without a lot of luck.” Craig Grylls collected both the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham last Saturday, and the in-form hoop has been retained aboard Trump Card in the Premier Horse Transport 1600. Also figuring in the Wellington Cup Carnival features was Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m)-winning jockey Sam Spratt, who will guide stablemate Toko Ono in the same event. “We like Trump Card in the Maiden Mile, he’s a promising staying horse, and then Toko Ono who had the best sectionals of the race last start, he’s close to a win too,” Scott said. “We’re hopeful of a strong day on our home track.” View the full article

Ben Foote never doubted the ability of The Odyssey (NZ) (Zacinto), and his faith in the gelding was rewarded when he claimed the inaugural running of the $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m). The innovation race was introduced by TAB and Entain last year, aimed at gallopers with one win or less prior to the 2023/2024 racing season. A fourteen-horse field was assembled at Trentham on Saturday, including five runners that had recorded victories in the six qualifying races across the country. Foote’s gelding was one of the remaining runners rated highly enough to gain a start, the four-year-old carrying 59.5kg under the set-weight conditions having recorded three wins in his last four starts this campaign. Despite The Odyssey’s recent form line, the son of Zacinto started a $21 chance on the TAB tote, a late market surge for South Island mare Betty Spaghetti saw her jump the $3.90 favourite ahead of Nereus at $4.70. In the hands of Courtney Barnes, The Odyssey was fairly away from the ace draw, but secured prime positioning early three-back the fence. While My Maebelline Girl maintained a solid tempo in front, The Odyssey travelled comfortably midfield as the field spread out during the mid-stages, before compressing ranks near the home turn. As the 14-strong field spread wide across the Trentham straight, The Odyssey emerged through the middle and soon started a two-horse battle with Nereus, Barnes driving her charge to the line to triumph in the Classic by a head. Final Return and Roulade were eye-catching in third and fourth, indicating the qualifying system was an effective aspect with the pair securing their place at separate Wanganui entry races. Foote has been largely occupied of late with yearling sales and preparations, and credited The Odyssey’s performance to son Ryan, who joined him in partnership this season. “Ryan’s done a great job, I’ve been away at the sales a bit recently and he’s been keeping his finger on the pulse. I’m really happy for him,” he said. “This horse only had the one start over ground and he won, so when the odds came out I was a bit surprised. I don’t usually have a bet, but I did have a few dollars on him.” Northern-based Barnes travelled to Trentham solely to partner the gelding, and Foote was delighted to see her consistency with the stable rewarded. “She’s come down here for one ride, so I’m over the moon for her. She’s doesn’t get the best of rides, but she’s been doing a really good job for me so it’s a great result,” he said. The victory was Barnes’ 20th for the season thus far, one that has seen her guide home two black-type winners in Matscot (Listed Spring Classic, 2000m), and the Foote’s Group Two-winning sprinter Babylon Berlin (Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint, 1200m). Having piloted The Odyssey to all three of his career successes, making the journey down to take the ride was an easy decision for Barnes. “It was hard not to come down with the form he’s been in, but even better to get the job done,” she said. “He did it very tough last start and still managed to pull it off, so I was confident he could go a really good race. “From barrier one, we got a nice trip three-back the fence. He travelled really well, I knew Chris (Dell)’s horse (Final Return) was going to take me far enough into the race, and luckily it did. When we came out in the straight he was just too good. “I’m very grateful to Ben and Ryan, I’ve had a lot of luck as of late, so hopefully it continues. It’s good to win a nice race on a big day.” The $175,000 winner’s purse will be largely distributed to The Odyssey’s part-owners and co-breeders Gareth Downey and Mel Gamble, with Downey a former General Manager at Kevin Hickman’s Valachi Downs Stud. “Gareth worked everything out and we decided to go into this race a little bit fresh, so credit and thank you to him as well. He’s got the rewards,” Foote said. The now Victorian-based couple bred the gelding out of their Group One-winning mare Macavelli Miss, a $8000 purchase out of Sydney in 2003. View the full article

Local star Humbucker (NZ) (Iffraaj) provided a poignant result on Saturday with a successful defence of his title in the $50,000 MLT Gore Cup (2000m). Winning rider Jasmine Fawcett wore a black armband following the loss of part-owner Alison Hazlett on the morning of the race. Fawcett proceeded to give the $2 favourite a picture-perfect ride on Saturday afternoon, cruising around in midfield and never panicking despite chief rival The Buffer opening up a huge lead down the back of the Gore track. Fawcett began to make her move coming down the side, and Humbucker rapidly ate into The Buffer’s advantage. Humbucker took command at the home turn and romped clear, opening up a winning margin of four and three-quarter lengths – a stark contrast to his nose victory over Wannabe ‘N’ Paris in last year’s edition of the race. “It was really good to get the win today, and especially after the sad loss of Alison,” trainer Ellis Winsloe said. “The Hazletts have been such a huge part of my life for a long time. We’ve won Great Northerns together and things like that. It’s been a fantastic relationship. I don’t know what else to say really, but it was very special to get this result.” Humbucker has put together an exceptional record at Gore, with nine starts at his home track producing three wins and six placings. Overall, the seven-year-old son of Iffraaj has had 39 starts for six wins, 13 placings and $223,345 in stakes. “He’s been a pretty good horse, and especially since we got him from the North Island for Alison,” Winsloe said. “Stuart Hale originally bought him at Karaka (for $47,500), and when he started his career he was owned by Sir Patrick Hogan and a couple of others. My old mate Peter Williams used to train him in the north. “He has a few quirks and isn’t the easiest horse to do things with, but he’s hardly been out of the money since he’s been down here and has competed against the best. He really deserves this win.” Winsloe is in no rush to make any firm plans for Humbucker, but will consider a shot at the $100,000 Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui on February 3. “I don’t really have anything in mind at the moment,” Winsloe said. “I’ll have a talk to Kylie Williams, who usually rides him but is up at Trentham today. Depending on how he comes through this, we could potentially think about the Dunedin Gold Cup.” View the full article

Track Phantom was able to easily fend off Nash on the final turn and then maintain a comfortable lead in the stretch en route to a decisive 2 3/4-length win over Nash in the Jan. 20 Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Tuesday, January 23, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Victorian horse racing heads to the Sale Turf Club on Tuesday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race card is set down for decision. With not much rain forecast prior to Tuesday, we expect the track to come up a Good 4 on raceday, despite the track being a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances. The rail comes out 5m the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sale: Goodes Anthony & Sam Freedman are set to unleash three-year-old colt Goodes for the first time since being well beaten in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (1100m) on February 11, 2023. The son of Written Tycoon comes to this on the back of a handy Werribee jumpout win on January 12, and this looks to be a race the stable has had picked out for a while. He took up the running and quickened nicely to score over 1100m at Werribee, with seemingly a couple of gears left up his sleeve. Damian Lane will have this bloke settled up on speed, and when asked to quicken, Goodes should prove too good for his rivals upon return. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Goodes (6) 3yo Colt | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Damian Lane (58kg) +100 with Picklebet Next Best at Sale: I Am Caviar I Am Caviar returned from a 29-week spell when defeated 1.2 lengths by Miss Icelandic, but we expect Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman’s gelding can turn the tables on his rival. Having settled up on speed at Cranbourne on January 5, the I Am Invincible progeny found his rivals a bit fitter than what he was over the concluding stages, but with the run under his belt, he looks poised to bring up a third career win. Luke Nolen will have I Am Caviar settled outside of Miss Icelandic throughout, and with a win when second-up in his career already under his belt, I Am Caviar should prove hard to beat in the second leg of the quaddie. Next Best Race 6 – #2 I Am Caviar (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Luke Nolen (60.5kg) +210 with Neds Best Value at Sale: Ithacan Following a first-up third for new trainer Charlotte Littlefield at Mornington on January 1, Ithacan looks to have found a BM58 affair that he can break a winless drought that stretches back to December 2021. Having gone down by 1.8 lengths over the 2025m, the son of Roman Emperor steps back to the 1736m on Tuesday, the distance range of his only career win through 13 starts. In-form hoop Liam Riordan hops on board, and from barrier four, he can have the six-year-old gelding stalking the speed throughout. With Blinkers on for the first time, we’re confident it will sharpen him up and hopefully prove to be the winning manoeuvre. Best Value Race 8 – #8 Ithacan (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Liam Riordan (59kg) +1000 with Playup Tuesday quaddie tips for Sale races Sale quadrella selections Tuesday, January 23, 2024 1-2-3-4 1-2 1-2-3-4-5 2-7-8-9-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Latest horse racing news View the full article

2nd-GP, $89k, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 12:39p.m. ET RABDAH (Constitution), a half-sister to GSW-Eng Toro Strike (Toronado {Ire}), debuts here for Todd Pletcher and Al Shaqab Racing. Hailing from the immediate female line of Scarlet Tango (French Deputy), who tallies GISW Tara's Tango (Unbridled's Song), herself dam of GSW Capensis (Tapit); GISW Visionaire (Grand Slam); and the dam of SP Ignitis (Nyquist), among others, Rabdah has been given an 8-1 morning line appraisal with jose Ortiz in the irons. To her outside is Segesta (Ghostzapper), a homebred for Juddmonte, who is out of GI Just A Game victress Antonoe (First Defense). Hailing from a busy European family, and trained by Chad Brown, the filly picks up the riding talents of Irad Ortiz Jr.. TJCIS PPs. 10th-GP, $89k, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 4:36p.m. ET Racing in the colors of John Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock, TIME STONE (American Pharoah) debuts for the Cherie DeVaux barn in the second of two turf maidens on the card. Out of an unplaced daughter of G1SW-Eng Timepiece (GB) (Zamindar), she's been working steadily at Palm Meadows and before that at Keeneland, albeit over the main track. Time Stone will break from the rail and is 12-1 on the morning line. This is the female family of European champion Twice Over (GB). On the other end of the gate will go Investment Process (English Channel) for the powerhouse Klaravich-Chad Brown combination. A full-sister to SW Malleymoo, she was a $210,000 FTKOCT yearling purchase in 2022, and her two other siblings to start on the turf have also been winners. This is the family of two-time European champion, and multiple Highweight New Approach (Ire) through his unraced half-sister Park Heiress (Ire). TJCIS PPs. 4th-SA, $65k, Msw, 4-5yo, 6f, 5:05p.m. ET Late for his debut, but on the cusp of finally getting his career started here, PROSPER (City of Light) will go to post for John Sadler and the ownership group of Talla Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing. A $1.7-million KEESEP pick up three years ago, the 4-year-old has a hefty worktab to his credit and all of them at this track. A half-brother to GSW Abaan (Will Take Charge) and GSP Chip Leader (Giant's Causeway), Prosper is 5-2 on the morning line. This is the family of MGSW & GISP Broken Vow, a leading broodmare sire in Korea since his export, and champion grass mare MGISW Forever Together (Belong to Me). TJCIS PPs. 7th-SA, $65k, Msw, 3yo, f, 6f, 6:41p.m. ET Carrying the colors of Natalie Baffert and trained by Bob Baffert, BONAQUA (Tonalist) will open her career in this main track dash. A $250,000 KEESEP buy, the filly has been putting up noteworthy efforts in the morning with her most recent being a 4 panel work from the gate in :48 flat (4/91) with the notes describing it as 'handily'. Her dam Ma Mo (Uncle Mo) is a half-sister to MSW Swag Daddy (Scat Daddy) as well as GSP What a Tale (Tale fo the Cat) and SP Anjorie (A. P Jet), herself the dam of SW Fierce Lady (Competitive Edge) and SP Bluegrass Jamboree (Bluegrass Cat). To the outside of that one will be Show Card (Into Mischief), the Juddmonte homebred hailing from the extended 'TDN Rising Star' family of two-time champion MGISW Malathaat (Curlin) and her full-sister GSW & GISP Julia Shining. The second dam SP Dream Sweeper is a half-sister to Dream Rush, the start of that remarkable line, and Show Card's winning dam is herself a half-sister to MSP Dreams to Reality (Lookin at Lucky). Book-ending the field is MyRacehorse or Platts's runner Simply Enchanting (Byquist), a $475,000 KEESEP buy who is a half to MGSW & MGISP Envoutante (Uncle Mo). TJCIS PPs. The post Jan. 21 Insights: From Florida to California, Big Pedigrees Galore appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Arizona-bred Desert Dawn swept to the front at the top of the lane and staved off a late run from Coffee in Bed to take the $100,000 La Canada Stakes (G3) for older fillies and mares at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Saudi Crown performed a tour de force in the $169,750 Louisiana Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Jan. 20 in his tune-up for the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) Feb. 24.View the full article

Track Phantom (c, 3, Quality Road–Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief), winner of the Gun Runner S. Dec. 23, cleared his five rivals from his outside draw and led them at every pole at odds of 7-5 in Saturday's GIII Lecomte S. at Fair Grounds. It was 2 3/4 lengths back to favored 'TDN Rising Star' Nash (Medaglia d'Oro) in second; Lat Long (Liam's Map) was third. Track Phantom becomes the 39th graded/group winner worldwide for Quality Road. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-1. Sales history: $500,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. O-L and N Racing LLC, Brewster, Clark O., Caroom, Jerry and Breeze Easy, LLC; B-Breeze Easy, LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. #7 Track Phantom takes them gate-to-wire in the G3 Lecomte S. at Fair Grounds under @jrosariojockey for trainer Steve Asmussen! It's 20 Kentucky Derby points for the son of Quality Road! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/oJquMo3E4O — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) January 21, 2024 The post Quality Road’s Track Phantom Runs Away in Lecomte appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saudi Crown (c, 4, Always Dreaming–New Narration, by Tapit), winner of last term's GI Pennsylvania Derby, punched his ticket to next month's $20-million G1 Saudi Cup with a facile wire-to-wire victory as the 3-5 favorite in Saturday's GIII Louisiana S. at Fair Grounds. It was 5 3/4 lengths back to Red Route One (Gun Runner) in second; Happy American (Runhappy) was third. The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.20. Saudi Crown tired to finish 10th last time out in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Nov. 4. Lifetime Record: 7-4-2-0. Sales history: $45,000 yrl '21 KEEJAN; $240,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR. O-FMQ Stables; B-CHC Inc (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. #3 Saudi Crowns wins the Louisiana S. easy in his $-year-old debut for trainer @bradcoxracing with @flothejock in the saddle! Five wins today for Flo! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/3gzTs9Gqth — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) January 20, 2024 The post Saudi Crown Punches Ticket to Saudi Cup in Louisiana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton As the odds of champion Aussie trotter Just Believe contesting the inaugural TAB Trot at Cambridge shorten by the day, the aura around him continues to grow. The eight-year-old made it six wins from as many starts back from Sweden when he returned from a freshen-up in stunning style at Ballarat last night. Despite sitting parked in quick time, Just Believe won without being extended by 3.9m in a 1min57sec mile rate for 2200m. It was yet another arrogant display and he can only improve for the Great Southern Star on Saturday week. Connections are yet to show their hand beyond the Great Southern Star, but insiders say he is unlikely to return to Sweden this year. And that would make the TAB Trot slot race an absolutely given. The other eye-catcher from the race was the French-bred European import Callmethebreeze at his first run for Anton Golino and the Yabby Dams team. The $1.7mil earner began well, sat one-one on Just Believe, struggled around the final bend, but hit the line strongly for a good second. It was a terrific run in such hot company at his first Down Under run. With Yabby Dams having a slot in the TAB Trot, Callmethebreeze could find his way to Cambridge as well. Star Kiwi-owned mare Queen Elida drew wide, settled near last and ran some very shatp late fractions to finish just 12.6m from the winner in seventh spot. Mufasa Metro’s dashing front runner tactics didn’t seem to pay off as he tired late to run eighth. X X X It was workmanlike more than brilliant, but Leap To Fame returned from a let-up to win easily at Albion Park last night. First-up since his powerhouse Inter Dominion win, the five-year-old worked forward from a wide draw to take the lead and posted a slick 1min52.9sec mile rate for 1660m. Turn It Up came from three pegs to pull some ground off the winner late, but trainer-driver Grant Dixon was there just to give Leap To Fame a pipe opener for his hit-and-run Hunter Cup raid on Saturday week. Leap To Fame still ran home in 54.5 and 26.5sec. X X X Jason Grimson has a serious Miracle Mile contender in Hi Manameisjeff. The injury-plagued gelding made it eight wins from nine starts in Grimson’s care when he posted a career best 1min48.6sec mile winning at Menangle last night. Hi Manameisjeff worked to get the front and had to really roll along then fight-off a spirited late challenge from classy former Kiwi pacer South Coast Arden to win by a half-head. It was an outstanding performance and Grimson will keep him racing at Menangle where the big track suits his battle-scarred legs. Earlier, Grimson’s recent stable addition Illavabubbles sparked for the second week in a row at Menangle. This time the former Kiwi mare ran a 1min50.9sec mile and won by almost 14m. X X X Some brave runs through the Brisbane Inter Dominion series seem to have been the making of veteran pacer Kanena Provlima. The eight-year-old followed a terrific second in the Shepparton Cup with a dominant win in last night’s stronger $100,000 Ballarat Cup. Owned by well-known breeder Ben Settree, Kanena Provlima was driven by David Moran for KerryAnn and Robbie Morris. And he landed a huge plunge from $21 into $4. Moran took the gelding to the front, dawdled through an unthinkable 64.5sec middle half, and dashed home in 54.4 and 26sec flat to win by 5.7m. Beyond Delight ran second after trailing the leader, while Cya Art came from three pegs for third. The run of Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave was huge considering he came from near last, was three-wide without cover for the last 800m and only beaten 7.5m in what was really just a 500m dash home. Kanena Provlima ran third, sixth and third in his Brisbane Inter Dominion heats before finishing seventh in the final. His Ballarat Cup win will ensure him a spot in Saturday week’s Hunter Cup field. X X X Champion driver Chris Alford continues to close in on an historic 8000th career win. Alford, 55, moved to 7991 wins when he teamed with Brent Lilley and former Kiwi trotting mare Simone Lindenny to win at Melton last Friday night. “I’m getting there,” Alford said. “It might take a week, two weeks or even three, but I’m getting there. “It’ll be a big thrill when I do get there and it would be great if it was on one of the big nights coming up.” The ultimate stage would be Victoria’s biggest meeting of the year, Saturday week’s Hunter Cup night at Melton. X X X The $1.25mil Nullarbor is still a few months away, but comeback pacer Ideal Agent threw his name in the mix with a stunning return at Gloucester Park last Friday night. The Kiwi-bred seven-year-old had been sidelined with injury since winning at Gloucester Park on December 30, 2022. Nursed back by Team Bond and with Deni Roberts aboard, Ideal Agent made light work of sitting parked outside favourite Talks Up A Storm to win in dominant style. The son of American Ideal ripped home in 55.6 and 28.1sec to win by two metres in a 1min55.7sec mile rate for 2130m. “He felt great. He’d had plenty of work at home, but we still knew he’d improve a lot on whatever he did tonight,” Roberts said. Earlier on the card, former Kiwi gelding Our Maestoso led throughout and easily won the feature of the night, the Group 3 Trotters’ Sprint, for trainer Barry Howlett and driver Chris Lewis. View the full article

A homebred for Gary and Mary West, West Omaha bagged 20 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with her Silverbulletday Stakes victory. View the full article

Repole Stable's 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light), who is expected to be named champion of his generation at Thursday's Eclipse Awards ceremonies, worked five furlongs in :59.48 Saturday morning at Palm Beach Downs, the fastest of 12 moves at the distance. It was the sixth timed workout for Fierceness since taking the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Nov. 3. The homebred is expected to make his sophomore debut in the GIII Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream Park Feb. 3. “Fierceness has trained super. He's such a terrific workhorse. He does everything effortlessly,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “I think with Fierceness we feel like the quality's there [and] the talent's there. Like everyone else we just need to keep moving forward and stay healthy.” Tentative plans call for Fierceness to use the Holy Bull as a steppingstone to the GI Florida Derby Mar. 31. Fellow 'Rising Star' Forte (Violence) won last year's GII Fountain of Youth S. and Florida Derby. “So far it's worked out really well,” Pletcher said. “We didn't have to let him down too much after the Breeders' Cup [and] kept him ticking over with the Holy Bull in mind. We kind of liked the spacing coming out of that to the Florida Derby and hopefully things continue on towards Kentucky.” The post Fierceness Fires Bullet For Holy Bull appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fresh off a second-place performance over course and distance in the Untapable S. Dec. 23, West Omaha managed to do one better and pick up an additional 20 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks Saturday with her win in the Silverbulletday S. With a total of 30 points, the homebred daughter of Gary and Mary West's young stallion West Coast now sits second behind GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Just F Y I (Justify) on the 2024 Oaks leaderboard. Never favored in any of her three prior starts, West Omaha finally earned the nod Saturday, breaking at 4-5 from the middle of the gate under Luis Saez. Despite lunging to the inside in her opening stride, the favorite quickly had her feet under her and was part of the speed into the first turn. Sitting just off pacesetters Accommodate Eva (Munnings) and Miss Code West (Code West), she tracked that pair while two wide up the backstretch through a half in :48.84. Given the cue from Saez midway around the turn, West Omaha responded readily and was up to challenge three wide as the top group swung into the stretch. With plenty of clear running room ahead of her into the final furlong, she kicked clear for home, leaving Perfect Shot to chase her to the wire while staying well clear for the win. From the extended family of GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner and late sire Tapizar (Tapit), West Omaha is the fourth stakes winner for Lane's End-based stallion West Coast and the third winner from as many to run for her dam. Birthday Bash has a 2-year-old Bernardini filly in the pipeline and produced a filly by Lookin At Lucky last year. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The favorite #6 WEST OMAHA ($3.80) was dominate in the $150,000 SIlverbulletday Stakes at the Fair Grounds. The daughter of West Coast earns 20 points on the road to the Kentucky Oaks. Luis Saez was in the irons for @bradcoxracing. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/fQgH8W6buB — TVG (@TVG) January 20, 2024 SILVERBULLETDAY S. PRESENTED BY FASIG-TIPTON, $145,500, Fair Grounds, 1-20, 3yo, f, 1m 70y, 1:43.48, ft. 1–WEST OMAHA, 122, f, 3, by West Coast 1st Dam: Birthday Bash, by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Twisted Tale, by Tale of the Cat 3rd Dam: Call Now, by Wild Again 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Luis Saez. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, $203,000. 2–Perfect Shot, 122, f, 3, Gun Runner–Meister Legend, by Bodemeister. ($135,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $285,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Whisper Hill Farm, LLC; B-Sierra Farm (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $30,000. 3–Sistina Chapel, 122, f, 3, Liam's Map–Addae Do Jaguarete (Brz), by Crimson Tide (Ire). O/B-Brownwood Farm (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $15,000. Margins: 5, 1HF, HD. Odds: 0.90, 2.00, 8.60. Also Ran: Miss Code West, Accommodate Eva, Noriskit Nobiscuit. Scratched: Ma Rae's Girl, Play Good Pay Good. The post West Omaha Adds To Oaks Points With Silverbulletday Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Coffs Harbour Races Where Coffs Harbour Racing Club and Function Centre – 62 Howard St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 When Monday, January 22, 2024 First Race 1:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble The new week of racing is set to get underway at Coffs Harbour on Monday afternoon, as they prepare to host a competitive seven-race program. The rail is placed in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and with no deluge of rain expected to hit the course proper, we anticipate the track to land somewhere in the Good range for race-day. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 1:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Coffs Harbour: My Mum’s Toyboy My Mum’s Toyboy is unfortunate not to be seeking a hat-trick of victories on Monday afternoon, after being narrowly denied last start at Taree on January 9. The son of Kobayashi attacked the line late but was unable to reel in the winning break of Emphatic Bel over the 1007m journey. A much-needed step up to the 1200m comes at the perfect time of the preparation for the three-year-old, and with the Brett Dodson-trained gelding likely to get an ideal run in transit, watch for My Mum’s Toyboy to be savaging the line again. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 My Mum’s Toyboy (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Dodson | J: Matthew Bennett (58.5kg) +100 with Picklebet Next Best at Coffs Harbour: Cool Machine Cool Machine was beaten a short-priced commodity first-up at this course on December 29 but warrants forgiving getting to the 1400m second-up into the campaign. The daughter of Lean Mean Machine couldn’t quite knuckle down to defeat Scotland on that occasion; however, the form looks strong, with that horse going on to produce another subsequent victory. Prior to that first-up effort, Cool Machine trialled in stylish fashion, beating home a Highway-quality galloper, and provided she can hold that form, Cool Machine will appear the winner at some stage. Next Best Race 3 – #13 Cool Machine (9) 3yo Filly | T: Brett Dodson | J: Jon Grisedale (58kg) +300 with Neds Best Value at Coffs Harbour: Cassie’s Lad Five career starts have left a lot to be desired by Cassie’s Lad, with the three-year-old yet to hit the frame. He returns from a 136-day spell on Monday, and we’re strictly taking him based on a strong jump-out at Muswellbrook on January 10. He couldn’t quite get there to score in the trial but just missed by a nose on the wire. We like the way he responded under the urgings of Aaron Bullock, and although he doesn’t stick aboard, electing to jump on the favourite, we’re willing to take on the hotpot at the current price with top horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 2 – #7 Cassie’s Lad (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Jay Hopkins | J: Andrew Gibbons (56.5kg) +800 with Dabble Monday quaddie tips for Coffs Harbour races Coffs Harbour quadrella selections Monday, January 22, 2024 1-2-3-5-7 1-2-5 1-4-8-9-10-12 2-3-4-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

After a runner-up finish in the 2023 Houston Ladies Classic Stakes (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park, Hidden Connection looks for redemption and a second consecutive stakes victory.View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' First Mission (Street Sense) breezed five furlongs in 1:00.40 (2/52) Saturday morning at the Fair Grounds in preparation for next Saturday's $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. at Gulfstream Park. The 4-year-old colt, who was put through his paces by exercise rider Kevin Perez, was clocked in 1:13.60 for six furlongs, according to trainer Brad Cox. “He's been doing very well week after week,” Cox said of the Godolphin homebred, a latest second to the re-opposing Trademark (Upstart) in the GII Clark S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 24. “We're excited about giving him a shot at a Grade I. We weren't looking for anything really different than he'd done the last few weeks. We were just giving him an opportunity to go out there and stretch his legs, see how he's doing. And he's telling us he's doing as well as he ever has.” First Mission is due to arrive at Gulfstream Monday afternoon. Luis Saez retains the mount. The Saffie Joseph, Jr.-trained duo of GIII Harlan's Holiday S. hero O'Connor (Chi) (Boboman) and Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) got their final tune-ups during half-mile breezes up at Palm Meadows Saturday morning. Working on his own, O'Connor was timed in :48.55, while GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile runner-up Skippylongstocking went in the company of the stakes-winning Swirvin (Girvin) and was clocked in :47.55. Dynamic One (Union Rags), Crupi (Curlin) and Harlan's Holiday runner-up Grand Aspen (Dialed In) each turned in drills at Palm Beach Downs for trainer Todd Pletcher Saturday morning. Dynamic One and Crupi went in company, with Crupi going in :48.29 and Dynamic One :48.39. Dynamic One, who was equipped with blinkers for the first time, started two lengths ahead of Crupi, who finished the breeze 1 1/2 lengths behind his stablemate, who was ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. Grand Aspen went the same distance in :49.13. The post First Mission Completes Pegasus Preparations in Big Easy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's First Mission had his final major preparation for next Saturday's $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park while breezing five furlongs Jan. 20 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Bob Baffert had a pair of pricey 3-year-olds making their debuts over a rainy Santa Anita main track Saturday but it was the cheaper of the pair, MAYMUN (c, 3, Frosted–Handwoven, by Indian Charlie), who romped to 'TDN Rising Star' status with an impressive gate-to-wire performance. A $50,000 KEESEP yearling turned $900,000 OBS April 2-year-old, the 4-5 favorite had things all his own way on the front end, cruising through sizzling fractions of :21.72 and :43.91 and just opening up into the lane while his rivals were already under a drive. The final time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:15.59. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Vision Racing & Sales LLC; T-Bob Baffert. Sales History: $50,000 ylg'22 KEESEP, $900,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. The post Maymun As Good As Advertised In ‘Rising Star’ Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing on Sunday, January 21 will feature eight meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Mornington & Sha Tin (HK). Sunday Racing Tips – January 21, 2024 Mornington Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For January 21, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $23.44 odds return: Sunday, January 21, 2024 Mornington – Race 2 #9 Stupendous Mornington – Race 6 #5 Inordinate Hobart – Race 7 #1 Jaguar Stone Ipswich – Race 1 #1 Bloodhawke | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 21, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Sunday, January 21. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for January 21, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Hobart All Races – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back if 1 leg fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Hobart this Sunday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Scone Race 1 – Run 2nd or 3rd Score up to $100 in Bonus Cash Enter the Bonus Code BONUS100 on the Bonus Bets/Offers page, place a fixed win bet on Scone race 1 and if your selection runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $100 in Bonus Cash. One Bonus per week. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Sunday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Sha Tin Available from Sunday 12am AEDT. Promotional Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for January 21, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimize your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Hall of Fame (c, 3, Gun Runner–Flag Day, by Giant's Causeway), a $1.4-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase, ran to his lofty purchase price with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen at second asking at Fair Grounds. The 4-5 favorite was ridden early while passing the stands for the first time and secured a tracking trip in a joint second through a quarter mile in :23.30. He turned up the heat beneath Joel Rosario while racing on the inside of the leader heading into the far turn, hit the front approaching the quarter pole and opened daylight from there to win by 10 1/4 lengths over Sweetalkingbourbon (Twirling Candy). The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:44.27. Hall of Fame becomes the 10th 'Rising Star' for Gun Runner. Sales history: $1.4 million yrl '22 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0. O-Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B., Smith, Derrick, Westerberg, Gandharvi LLC and Rocket Ship Racing, LLC; B-Earle I. Mack LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. What a performance from #4 Hall of Fame in R5 at Fair Grounds! The Steve Asmussen trainee graduates impressively at second asking under @jrosariojockey! You may want to add this son of Gun Runner to your TwinSpires #StableAlerts! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/GhPvF6ArRI — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) January 20, 2024 The post Gun Runner Colt Romps to ‘TDN Rising Stardom’ at Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article