Wandering Eyes

Indy Bay kept the momentum rolling Friday night for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., giving him his second stakes win on the card with a pace-stalking win in the GII Charles Town Oaks. The daughter of Take Charge Indy kicked off her career with a pair of Oaklawn starts for trainer Thomas Vance before selling privately and shipping south to join Saffie Joseph's Gulfstream string in early spring. A winner in her first Florida try stepping up to seven furlongs March 1, she made the return trip to Arkansas and added a second win facing allowance horses Apr. 25. A well-traveled filly, she was next brought up to New York where she became a stakes winner in the Jersey Girl Stakes at the Spa June 8 before settling for third in the GIII Victory Ride when last spotted July 3. Rail-drawn Friday in West Virginia, the 5-2 second choice, racing in the colors of C2 Racing Stable, broke sharply to the front but let stablemate Andrea go by passing the wire the first time around. That runner cleared down in front of her leaving Indy Bay stuck to the rail with favored Vodka With a Twist keeping her boxed in two wide. At odds of 8-1, Andrea, who was coming off a front-running win in the Azalea Stakes at Gulfstream July 12, looked to do much the same Friday, pacing the field through fractions of :23.57 and :47.72. Vodka With a Twist was the first to make a move from second, surging alongside the frontrunner midway around the far turn with Indy Bay left move three-wide to follow that jump. The top three spread across the track at the quarter pole and though Indy Bay failed to corner efficiently, she had plenty of gas left to blow by the dueling runners to her inside and score nicely under Irad Ortiz Jr. It was the second stakes win of the night for Saffie Joseph Jr and C2 Racing Stable silks who took the Misty Bennet Pink Ribbon Stakes earlier on the card with Mystic Lake (Mo Town). Pedigree Note: One of 23 stakes winners and the fourth graded winner for Take Charge Indy, Indy Bay is out of a winning Speightstown mare named Discovery Bay who is a half-sister to SW/MGSP Armistice Day (Declaration of War) and GSW Stratford Hill (A.P. Indy). Yet another half-sister, Letchworth (Tiznow), produced GIII Peter Pan Stakes winner We The People (Constitution). Her second dam is GISW Harmony Lodge (Hennessy) who brought seven figures as a 2-year-old in training back in 2000 when selling for $1,650,000 to Eugene Melnyk. Indy Bay herself went through the ring twice at Keeneland, selling first for $40,000 as a weanling in 2022 and as a yearling the following September for $19,000. Last a Texas 2-year-old RNA, also for $19,000, the filly is a half to one other winner in Why Em Sea Ay (Mucho Macho Man). Discovery Bay sold for $17,000 at KEENOV in 2024 to Alabdullatif Bloodstock and was exported to Saudi Arabia shortly after. Her last reported foal is the now 2-year-old More Than Ready colt Aziz who brought $35,000 from HRH Prince Mohammed bin Saisal Al Saud at EASMAY and was also exported to Saudi Arabia. INDY BAY ($7.00) circled the field under @iradortiz to best favored Vodka With A Twist in the $750,000 Charles Town Oaks (G2) at @RaceCharlesTown. Trainer @SaffieJosephJr gets another one home in front for owners @C2RacingStable. The Classic is next: https://t.co/Z6nlbZ5RHr pic.twitter.com/qip5Uq3vBi — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 23, 2025 Friday, Charles Town CHARLES TOWN OAKS-GII, $750,000, Charles Town, 8-22, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:25.82, ft. 1–INDY BAY, 120, f, 3, by Take Charge Indy 1st Dam: Discovery Bay, by Speightstown 2nd Dam: Harmony Lodge, by Hennessy 3rd Dam: Win Crafty Lady, by Crafty Prospector 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($40,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $19,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $19,000 RNA 2yo '24 TTAAPR). O-C2 Racing Stable LLC, Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch; B-Frankfort Park Farm (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $426,000. Lifetime Record: 7-4-1-2, $675,000. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Vodka With a Twist, 118, f, 3, Thousand Words–Bourbon and a Kiss, by Sky Mesa. ($2,500 Ylg '23 FTKOCT; $90,000 RNA 2yo '24 KEEAPR). O-BlackRidge Stables LLC, Medallion Racing, Schwing Thoroughbreds, Omar Aldabbagh and William Strauss; B-Pillar Property Services Inc (KY); T-Philip D'Amato. $142,000. 3–Andrea, 120, f, 3, Thousand Words–Photoplay, by Tiznow. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($30,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $105,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Mark Corrado and G. Chris Coleman; B-Scott K. Pierce (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. $71,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 1, 2 1/4. Odds: 2.50, 1.80, 8.20. Also Ran: Paradise City, Not Too Late, Volleyballprincess, Zip Start, Secret Faith, Top, Luvumorgan. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Indy Bay Picks Up Charles Town Oaks For Saffie Joseph Jr. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Banishing (Ghostzapper) spoiled a bid by Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) to win the GII Charles Town Classic for the third year in a row when he successfully shipped in for West Virginia's biggest night at the races on Friday. The veteran who is co-owned by trainer David Jacobson scored his biggest triumph in the GIII Oaklawn Mile in Hot Springs Mar. 29 when he dueled and then defeated GISW Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming). Banishing was bested by First Mission (Street Sense) in the GII Oaklawn Handicap the next month, but he did finish one better than Skipplongstocking. The gelding continued to take on divisional foes and was game in defeat when Mindframe (Constitution) rallied in the GI Churchill Downs Stakes to get his picture taken by a neck. Banishing was the runner-up in a dead heat with 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist). The chestnut was last seen winning the Jefferson Hill Memorial Stakes by a nose over 'TDN Rising Star' Booth (Mitole) at Ellis Park July 20. Tabbed as the 5-2 second choice on the tote behind favorite Skippylongstocking, Banishing dropped back and appeared a touch rank shifting off the rail heading into the first turn of three. Meanwhile, the chalk made the front and began to serve as the controlling pace as the field moved past the grandstand for the first time. With Tyler Gaffalione at the controls, Banishing suddenly accelerated around the entire field up the backstretch and took control as Skippylongstocking faded. That jump by the 5-year-old made the difference since no one could mount a successful charge down the lane–though Willy D's (Lookin At Lucky) tried valiantly. Pedigree Notes: Banishing's sire (by Awesome Again) claims Canadian Horse of the Year Moira, current sire Mystic Guide and dual GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint heroine Goodnight Olive among his many graded winners. The Jacobson trainee is on the same Ghostzapper-A.P. Indy cross as another Charles Town Classic victor, Moreno. Dowager is responsible for current 2-year-old filly in-training Take the Helm (Astern {Aus]) and she foaled a colt by Speaker's Corner earlier this year. Banishing's second dam is MGSW Marietta (Machiavellian) and his extended female family includes GSW Watershed (Bernardini). Friday, Charles Town CHARLES TOWN CLASSIC S.-GII, $1,000,000, Charles Town, 8-22, 3yo/up, 1 1/8m, 1:53.26, ft. 1–BANISHING, 121, g, 5, by Ghostzapper 1st Dam: Dowager, by A.P. Indy 2nd Dam: Marietta, by Machiavellian 3rd Dam: Minister Wife, by Deputy Minister ($80,000 4yo '24 FTKHRA). O-Lawrence P. Roman and David Jacobson; B-Godolphin (KY); T-David Jacobson; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $582,000. Lifetime Record: 23-9-5-2, $1,890,709. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Willy D's, 119, g, 4, Lookin At Lucky–Boston Mine, by Mineshaft. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($60,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Paradise Farms Corp.; B-Beau Lane (KY); T-Michael Maker. $194,000. 3–Gould's Gold, 119, c, 4, Goldencents–Goose Martini, by Bernardini. ($100,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). O-4 G Racing LLC, Lance Gasaway and Magdalena Racing; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $97,000. Margins: 2 1/4, 3, HF. Odds: 2.70, 4.90, 9.50. Also Ran: Awesome Aaron, Komorebino Omoide (Jpn), Trademark, Alexander Helios, Skippylongstocking. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. BANISHING ($7.40) exiled the rest in the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) at @RaceCharlesTown. @Tyler_Gaff gave a masterful ride on the Ghostzapper gelding trained by David Jacobson. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/U0p2BxLhbw — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 23, 2025 The post Banishing’s Backstretch Move The Difference In GII Charles Town Classic On Friday Night appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Backed into 2.45-1 favoritism for his career debut in the Saratoga lid-lifter on Travers Day, Dahman's BOTTAS (c, 2, Vekoma–Iadorakid, by Lemon Drop Kid) became the second 'TDN Rising Star' for his dam as he was ridden quietly from the back of a six-horse field by Flavien Prat and exploded through the final furlong and a half to defeat the well-meant Franklin Delano (Liam's Map) by 2 1/4 comfortable lengths in solid time. A $300,000 OBS April breezer (see below), the dark bay–a 7-2 chance on the morning line and bet down–was taken in hand right from the break by Flavien Prat and was put to sleep at the tail, as Ambassador Blue (Charlatan) railed through inside of a wayward Amador (Constitution), as Franklin Delano took the 'worst' of it into the turn before angling back down to the inside. Ambassador Blue was by the half-mile in a moderate :47.43, and all the while, Bottas traveled smoothly from behind, waiting for his cue. Prat had a fistful of horse on the turn and when he asked Bottas to sprint in upper stretch once produced off the heels of the debuting Quiet Power (Tapit), he accelerated sharply, confronted Franklin Delano inside the final furlong and shot clear despite racing on his incorrect lead through the line. Franklin Delano held for second. Bottas joins the undefeated Parenting (Justify), a $750,000 OBS April grad and winner of the 2024 Affirmed Stakes, as 'Rising Stars' out of Iadorakid. Sales history: $300,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. O-Dahman; B-BCS Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Miguel Clement Bottas is a last-to-first winner on debut in the opener at Saratoga! @clementstable trains the son of Vekoma and Flavien Prat was in the saddle. pic.twitter.com/tEc636K1HC — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 23, 2025 The post Vekoma Colt Bottas ‘Races’ To ‘TDN Rising Star’ Honors With Last-To-First Dash appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 15:50, SUMBE PRIX MORNY-G1, €350,000, 2yo, c/f, 6fT Field: Outfielder (Speightstown), Coppull (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Wise Approach (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Imperial Me Cen (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Venetian Sun (Ire) (Starman {GB}). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Outfielder makes his eagerly awaited return, coming back off a 6 1/4-length debut rout at Churchill Downs in May, in a mouthwatering renewal of a race Wesley Ward has already plundered with No Nay Never, Lady Aurelia and Campanelle. All five rivals have black-type wins in the books with G2 Coventry Stakes victor Gstaad, G2 Richmond Stakes winner Coppull and G3 Albany Stakes and G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes victrix Venetian Sun lining up to make it a Prix Morny for the ages. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 17:00, SUMBE PRIX JEAN ROMANET-G1, €400,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Survie (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal), Quisisana (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Royal Dress (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Grand Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Start Of Day (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Cankoura (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Verdict: Sunday's stellar stakes card at Deauville is embellished by this distaffers' contest with G1 Falmouth Stakes heroine Cinderella's Dream setting the standard in heat won by the Gosden yard with Izzi Top in 2012 and Coronet in 2019. Francis Graffard trainee G1 Prix de Diane third Cankoura is one of the Godolphin representative's main threats and regained the winning thread in this month's G3 Prix de Psyche over this course and distance. Prix de Diane second Bedtime Story failed to fire in Goodwood's G1 Nassau Stakes when last seen, while last term's Diane runner-up Survie is another with claims. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 13:58, SUMBE PRIX KERGORLAY-G2, €164,600, 3yo/up, 15fT Field: Goya Senora (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Columbus (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Sevenna's Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Presage Nocturne (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}). TDN Verdict: Sunday's pattern-race extravaganza opens with a marathon annexed last year by dual Group 1 winner Double Major. Andre Fabre has won this five times and sends forth the ultra-consistent dual Group 1-placed Sevenna's Knight, who comes back off a third here in this month's G3 Prix de Reux. Presage Nocturne was a head behind Sevenna's Knight when third in May's G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, while Columbus was a half-length adrift of Double Major when fourth in last month's G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 14:33, SUMBE PRIX DU CALVADOS-G2, €119,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: True Test (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Nandita (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Fitzella (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), My Highness (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Polly Shelby (Fr) (Space Blues {Ire}), Arkansas (Fr) (Sottsass {Fr}), Ceramic (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Fitzella, from the in-form Hugo Palmer yard, made all to account for G2 Lowther Stakes third Staya in last month's G3 Princess Margaret Stakes and steps up in trip here. Andre Fabre seeks a record-equalling fourth edition and is represented by dual winner My Highness, who comes back off a course-and-distance conditions defeat of Ceramic earlier this month. Ceramic is also held by Polly Shelby on their running in a Listed heat at Vichy last month, while Scuderia Scolari's Mario Baratti trainee Arkansas is an interesting contender coming back off a three-length debut score at Chantilly last month. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Goodwood, post time: 15:35, THE VIRGIN BET CELEBRATION MILE-G2, £158,500, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Balmacara (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Ice Max (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Make Me King (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Persica (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Arisaig (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Saqqara Sands (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). TDN Verdict: After two tries at shorter, the Greenham winner Jonquil returns to the trip over which he was second in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and appears the obvious class act on that evidence. The fact that connections reverted in distance after the ParisLongchamp Classic suggests they harbour stamina doubts and any vulnerability will be exposed at this stiff track with the likes of the Diomed winner Persica in attendance. The Listed Eternal Stakes winner Saqqara Sands dead-heated in the Oak Tree last time and is dangerously unexposed. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Goodwood, post time: 14:25, THE VIRGIN BET PRESTIGE FILLIES' STAKES-G3, £80,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Aylin (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Jennifer Jane (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Moon Target (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Orion's Belt (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Spinning Lizzie (GB) (Kameko), Stimulative Trip (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Sukanya (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). TDN Verdict: Sir Mark Prescott rarely has precocious two-year-olds, but in Moon Target he has one who also has the capacity to turn into a future star. Successful in her maiden and novice by a combined margin of 13 lengths, the relative of Inspiral bids to provide Heath House with a second renewal after Red Camellia won for the same owner-breeders in 1996. Ballydoyle have reputation in the Cork maiden winner Precise and she obviously has significant upside along with the Goodwood maiden scorer Aylin. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Naas, post time: 15:25, TALLY-HO STUD IRISH EBF BALLYOGAN STAKES-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 5f 205yT Field: Bellaphina (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}), Dance Night Andday (Ire) (Buratino {Ire}), Gutsy Girl (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Miss Attitude (GB) (Cityscape {GB}), Navassa Island (Ire) (Territories {Ire}), Queen Of Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Vespertilio (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Carla Ridge (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Lady With The Lamp (Ire) (King Of Change {GB}), Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Zuheila (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Last year's Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte and Firth Of Clyde winner Sky Majesty comes back to the course and distance of her confidence-restoring win in last month's Listed Yeomanstown Stud Irish EBF Stakes. Unlike her, Vespertilio has yet to race at this track and it could be that the Listed Dash Stakes winner relishes its nature. Interestingly, Johnny Murtagh pitches in Zuheila despite her defeat in a course-and-distance conditions event last time but as a The Aga Khan Studs homebred with only two runs under her belt remains open to much improvement. [Tom Frary]. Monday, Ripon, post time: 15:15, THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF RIPON CHAMPION TWO YRS OLD TROPHY-Listed, £40,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Al Shaham (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Amorim (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Anaisa (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Awraad (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Lam Yai (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Saucy Jane (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Temple Of Athena (GB) (Magna Grecia {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Seemingly trained specifically for this by the Crisfords, who have won three of the last five runnings, the £200,000 Goffs UK Breeze-Up purchase Al Shaham will be a warm order after two course-and-distance novice wins by a cumulative margin of 6 3/4 lengths. Amorim may have been well-beaten by the Prix Morny-bound Wise Approach when third in Newbury's Listed Rose Bowl Stakes, but that form looks a lot better after the runner-up Rock On Thunder went so close in the Gimcrack on Friday. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: American Outfielder Challenges European Contemporaries In Morny appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Completing The Curragh's Futurity-Debutante double on Saturday for Aidan O'Brien and Wayne Lordan, Composing (Wootton Bassett) justified 4-5 favouritism without any hint of concern in the Group 2 contest. Always happy tracking Suzie Songs (Starspangledbanner) in second, the Silver Flash winner took control two out and forged a straightfoward 2 1/2-length success from that Moyglare filly to bring up a 15th renewal for her stable. “She's a lovely straightforward filly and when she got there she was very laid-back and very professional,” the master of Ballydoyle said. “If all is well, the Moyglare is the plan.” The exciting Composing (Wootton Bassett) makes it three on the bounce with victory in the Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes for @waynemlordan and Aidan O'Brien @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/Oeae0u6g6a — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 23, 2025 The post Wootton Bassett’s Composing Takes The Debutante To Complete O’Brien Curragh Double appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Making it win number 18 for Aidan O'Brien in Saturday's G2 Coolmore Stud Wootton Bassett Tom Cooper Irish EBF Futurity Stakes, Constitution River (Wootton Bassett) dominated the Curragh contest from start to finish to stake his Classic claims for 2026. Sent on by Wayne Lordan, the 5-6 favourite who had followed an encouraging debut second at Newmarket with a win at Galway turned it on two out to dismiss Geryon (Lope De Vega) by two lengths. “He's a lovely colt and was good and professional,” Lordan said of the stable's fifth straight winner of this always-important staging post and ninth in the last ten runnings. “He has a high cruising speed and hits the line good, so a mile will be no problem. He will probably better at it.” Constitution River is an exciting one as he runs out the ninth winner in the last 10 runnings of the @coolmorestud Wootton Bassett Tom Cooper @IrishEBF_ Futurity Stakes for Aidan O'Brien @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/QseWSA1Wih — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 23, 2025 The post Wootton Bassett’s Constitution River Dominates To Give O’Brien 18th Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Britain's first seven-furlong Group 1 proved a humdinger on Saturday as Never So Brave (No Nay Never) found the line first in a thrilling four-way go for the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes. Like Saturday's Hungerford winner More Thunder a former member of the Sir Michael Stoute equine academy, Saeed Suhail's Summer Mile winner relished the furious pace to ultimately outstay specialists at this trip under Oisin Murphy. At the line, the Andrew Balding-trained 7-2 second favourite had half a length to spare over Lake Forest for a one-two for No Nay Never, with Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) and the even-money favourite Rosallion (Blue Point) also in the blanket two head margins away in third and fourth respectively. Never So Brave lands the newest Group 1 contest in the calendar, the @SkyBet City Of York Stakes! @yorkracecourse @AndrewBalding2 | @oismurphy pic.twitter.com/5NF3gKqKGr — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 23, 2025 The post Never So Brave Leads One-Two For No Nay Never In The City Of York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Six-year-old gelding Hard To Cross (NZ) (Hard To Cross) was aided by the three-kilo claim of Rose Hammond as the Kiwi bred landed his first victory of the preparation when landing the Ascend Sales Trophies Handicap (1523m). Prepared by Patrick and Michelle Payne, the New Zealand bred son of All Too Hard was a well-supported second favourite and sat just behind a solid tempo set by Run Harry Run (Written Tycoon) and runner-up Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit) to power over the top late. Hard To Cross carried just 51kgs with the claim. “Patrick and Michelle did discuss at length running in the Benchmark 84,” stable representative Neil Grieve. “But even with Tom Prebble’s two-kilo claim he would have had to carried 58kgs and they reasoned that it was quite a competitive race, which it turned out to be. “Whereas with the race the thinking was they might catch a few of the others on the hop a bit as he was fit and ready whereas they were aimed at different races and fortunately for the large group of owners who turned up today he got the job done thanks to a great ride from Rose Hammond. “She was patient and was aware that you needed to be somewhere near the rail and I think carrying the light weight in the end made all the difference.” Connections have had to be patient with Hard To Cross, who spent 12 months sidelined after a positive swab to Formestane, a drug used to treat breast cancer, resulting in a stewards ban from racing. Bred by Cambridge Stud’s Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, Hard To Cross is out of their two-race winning Commands mare Egyptian Cross and is the older half-brother to Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) runner-up Red Sea (NZ) (Pierata). Hard To Cross has now won seven of his 25 starts and $494,855 in prizemoney. View the full article

Six-year-old gelding The Creator (NZ) (Wrote) led throughout to claim the Ladbrokes Top 2/3/4 Betting Handicap (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday under a perfect Logan Bates ride. Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr put their faith in the two-kilo claimer who elected to take up proceedings from the inside barrier and rated the son of Wrote to perfection kicking off the bend to score by just over a length from Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock). “He doesn’t want it firm but he doesn’t want it really heavy like it was last start and I thought it was a good play by the team to come up in grade and right down in the weights, and Logan rode him beautifully,” Kent Jnr said. “We said to have him comfortable. We didn’t say to lead. But I thought he made a good call just to hold it, he got a few mid-race breathers and the horse was always there for him, so full credit, he has won six races now and done a great job. “He has come back off a little wind correction, so that has clearly been a success, we have a great bunch of owners in the horse and I am rapt for all of them.” Bates, who was crowned leading country apprentice for season 2024/25 is a jockey with a bright future. “It was pretty simple. I just got the horse to bounce and he had a light weight,” Bates said. “We weren’t sure if we were going to lead but Mick just alluded to me that he has a bit of a wind issue so I just wanted to keep it free flowing on him. “Once there was no pressure early, I just let him come up underneath me and he travelled good. I let him build from the 700 with the lightweight and he kicked off the corner and put the race to bed. It was quite impressive in the end and it was good to get the win for the OTI team. “I reckon he suits The Valley he corners really well and he is that free rolling sort of horse and this track suits that. He does have a good turn of foot too, so hopefully he comes back here.” The son of Highview Stud stallion Wrote, The Creator is out of the Guillotine mare Go Teena (NZ) and was an impressive winner of his two starts in New Zealand for trainer Chad Ormsby, before his purchase by OTI Racing. View the full article

Sterling Express (NZ) (Shamexpress) stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs. Gloria Macrae and Brian McKeagg’s homebred son of Shamexpress had already racked up seven wins from a promising 18-race career, with three smart victories as a three-year-old followed by another four last season. His last start had produced his biggest win yet, storming home from the back of the field to take out the $60,000 Winter Championship Sprinters’ Final (1400m) at Ruakaka in late June. However, the Foxbridge Plate is a completely different challenge to a winter open handicap. Sterling Express had finished last in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Memorial (1500m) at Te Rapa in December 2023 in his only previous start in black-type company, and now he found himself in a $150,000 season-opening Group Two, taking on high-class opposition at weight-for-age. That challenge was made even tougher by the way the race was run. Sterling Express was slow to leave the starting gates and had to come from last in a race dominated by those racing on or near the pace. The first four horses around the home turn all finished in the first six, headed by Lhasa (Hellbent), who sat outside the front-running Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) before taking command early in the straight. But what Sterling Express did in the final 350 metres of the Foxbridge showed that he could be a rising star of New Zealand’s weight-for-age ranks. He flew down the outside, passing 12 horses in the straight and powering to victory by a length in the hands of Masa Hashizume. Lhasa held on for second in a career-best performance, and the same could be said for $51 outsider Dusty Road (NZ) (Shamexpress) who flashed home late for third. Twain (NZ) (Per Incanto), Gospodin (NZ) ( Proisir) and Sacred Satono stuck on solidly to round out the top six. Sterling Express is trained by Mark Brosnan at Matamata. That training centre has now produced four consecutive Foxbridge winners, with Sterling Express following on from Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) (2024), Dragon Leap (Pierro) (2023) and Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) (2022). “That’s very satisfying,” Brosnan said. “I thought he was pretty good, but he’s actually even better than I thought. “I wasn’t too worried after his slow start. He’s done that before and shown that he can run home. But I was a bit surprised how well he did it against such a strong field. Masa rode to the plan we thought up, and the horse did the rest. It’s a good result. “We obviously have to go to the Proisir Plate (Gr.1, 1400m) now. That’s going to be a stronger field again, but we’ve got to go there after that run.” The TAB reacted to Saturday’s performance by cutting Sterling Express from $61 into $16 for the Proisir Plate, which will be run at Ellerslie on September 6. Legarto and the defending champion Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) remain the equal favourites at $4. Sterling Express has also been a big mover in the markets for the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m), where he is now rated a $16 and $18 chance, respectively. Saturday’s win continued a strong run of form for Brosnan, who won 10 races from only 93 runners last season including a recent big-race win by Diamond Jak (NZ) (Jakkalberry) in the $100,000 Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m) at Te Rapa on July 26. “We’ve got a couple of good horses around us at the moment, and that makes it easy,” Brosnan said. Saturday’s win marked a triumphant return for Hashizume, who has been back riding for two weeks after almost four months off the scene. “I’m very emotional,” he said. “Mark has been a big supporter in my career. This is a top horse. He came from an unbelievable place today. I’m very happy. “He was sitting in the gate. He was fresh and he was getting a bit toey. But we were always going to go back anyway, and I just wanted to follow Michael (McNab, riding Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca)) – a good jockey riding a good horse. “I wanted to come out and give him a chance in the straight, and he responded very well. “He’s definitely competitive in weight-for-age now. He’s proved that. Fresh up today, he’s definitely going to improve from this.” Sterling Express added a second mention of the Foxbridge Plate to his pedigree page. His granddam Jennibegood (NZ), who won five times up to Listed level, finished fourth behind O’Malleys Boy (NZ), La Bella Dama (NZ) and Millennium (NZ) in the 2002 edition of the race. View the full article

A well-judged front-running ride by Daniel Stackhouse has aided five-year-old gelding Navy King (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) to claim the lion’s share of the prize in the MSC Signs Handicap (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday. The Symon Wilde-trained son of US Navy Flag was able to take the role of pacemaker from a wide draw without too much pressure and despite laying out slightly in the home straight, had half a length to spare over runner-up Bur Dubai (Night of Thunder). Having shown good potential as a three-year-old, Navy King won one race as a four-year-old and has been building towards another win including a last-start fourth placing over the course and distance. “Daniel said last time that he probably should have got going a bit earlier on him,” Bill Wilde said. “I think the race today was a similar sort of race and we did expect a forward showing. He wasn’t beaten far last time. “It was a great ride by Daniel and congratulations to the team. “He had a pretty decent blow after his last start so we expected a bit of improvement from him again, even though it’s his fourth or fifth run in. “We’re very pleased and it’s good to see him back in the winner’s circle again. The peripheral races for him around the spring will suit him.” Navy King has now won four races from 20 starts and advanced his career earnings to A$237,400. A son of The Oaks Stud stallion U S Navy Flag, Navy King was bred by Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The dam of Navy King is the O’Reilly mare Eliza Blues (NZ), who won two races and was runner-up behind Quintessential (NZ) in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) in 2012. View the full article

A Naval Crown colt and a Ten Sovereigns filly have been supplemented to next week's Goffs Doncaster Premier Yearling Sale. Set for Doncaster on Wednesday, August 27 and a Thursday, August 28, the sale features over 400 yearlings with sessions beginning at 10 a.m. The colt, consigned by Coulonces Sales as lot 191A, is out of the Shamardal mare Glamour Queen, herself a daughter of the Group 1 winner Be Fabulous and a full-sister to listed winner and multiple group-placed Sublimis. Lot 354A, offered by Baroda Stud, is a half-sister to £410,000 Donny Breeze-Up Sale graduate Novelette, who was purchased by MV Magnier. Novelette has won her last two starts and the duo are from the family of talented sprinter Moonlight Cloud (Invincible Spirit). All yearlings will be eligible for the £500,000 Harry's Half Million at York in 2026. The post Pair Of Supplements For Donny Premier Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner It should be straightforward for one of Phil Williamson’s rising stars, but not as easy for another in the finals of the Southern Surge. Southern harness racing’s newest series is set to finish with a bang with eight outstanding finals set down to be run at Gore on Sunday. The Williamson-trained Rangitata could claim the title of being New Zealand’s best handicapped horse when he starts in the first final of the Southern Surge. The three-year-old was a powerful winner of his first start in the first round of series heats, crushing his rivals despite sitting parked throughout. As part of the series, Rangitata will race many of the same maiden rivals he conquered at Winton on level marks as a one-win horse. With the excellent manners and big motor he showed in his debut victory, the trotter is likely to start the shortest-priced favourite in all of the Southern Surge Finals. It is not quite so simple for star three-year-old Tarragindi in his Southern Surge Final. His challenge at Gore will be to overcome a 10m handicap over 2200m, starting from the outside of the second row. On Sunday, Tarragindi will reunite with Matthew Williamson who has been itching to get back in the sulky behind the progressive three-year-old. When they last combined, the pair produced outstanding form which included a second at Group 1 level at Addington to Meant To Be. Tarragindi will clash with Clotilde Wainwright who beat him fairly and squarely in the first round of Southern Surge heats. The trotter is part of a powerful squad Nathan Williamson starts on Sunday. Always Dreaming looks to be one of the trainer-driver’s strongest winning hopes on the strength of his heat win. The three-year-old was too good for the same field that he meets in his final at Gore, when resuming at Ascot Park. Williamson also starts the unbeaten She’s Crunchy in another Southern Surge Final. The filly made it two-from-two when clearing out to win her heat at Ascot Park. She’s Crunchy clashes with Saucy Delight, the only horse to win in both round one and two of the Southern Surge heats. Jonny Turner’s Five to Follow Tarragindi – Race 7 (3.06pm) He’s big and bold and he’s got the chance to show us how good he can be on Sunday. Tarragindi was beaten fairly and squarely in his last outing at Winton, but there were enough excuses there to give him a pass mark. Aimed at this series and with the final on the line, Sunday is crunch time. Tarragindi has mixed it at Group 1 level and he is on a path to do that again later in the year. If he is as good as many of us think he is, he should be stepping out and winning his Southern Surge Final. That’s not to disrespect his opposition, as there are some handy horses in there. But if he really is all class, trotting fans would love to see it when it counts. She’s Crunchy – Race 8 (3.44pm) She’s unbeaten and she’s classy. The three-year-old will put that unbeaten record on the line in her Southern Surge Final on Sunday. She’s Crunchy is in a match-race with key rival Saucy Delight who has gone two from two in his Southern Surge heat assignments. Though the winning chances certainly don’t end with just these two, what happens early between the pair will be crucial. She’s Crunchy has drawn inside Saucy Delight who has proven in his short career he’s an out-and-out leader. It should be a great battle and a fascinating race, and going into it, She’s Crunchy deserves to be the number 1 seed. Share A Dream – Race 10 (4.54pm) Share A Dream is fast, really fast. And the Gore straight is long, longer than most in Southland. It sounds like a great combination and it should be. The four-year-old has been outstanding recently including claiming another big race prize – a Winter Rewards Final. This time it is harder, though with Share A Dream racing horses realistically around two grades higher. And he hasn’t drawn perfectly in barrier 7. Despite those factors against him, he should be rushing home especially if Sunday’s final is run at a genuine clip. Rangitata – Race 3 (12.44pm) Rangitata is as close as fans will find to a good thing on Southern Surge Finals Day. She’s already beaten the same field of rivals in her brilliant debut win in the first round of heats at Winton. The problem for her rivals is that she’s only likely to be better for that first test under raceday pressure. While it will be hard for many to get too excited about her $1.35 win odds, she’ll have plenty of supporters in multi, quinella and trifecta takers. Trotting purists can also watch on and assess whether Rangitata has the capability to go on to the quality three-year-old trotting fillies races ahead in the spring and summer. Right now, she looks capable of doing just that. Always Dreaming – Race 11 (5.18pm) Sometimes harness racing isn’t that hard, from a form perspective. I have already written this week about how Always Dreaming beat all of his Southern Surge Final rivals when he won his heat at Ascot Park. He even did it from the same draw over the same distance. Why can’t he come to Gore fitter and ready to do it again? The only surprise building into his final is that he opened at a $2.40 win price, when there was a case to have him much shorter. He’s racing quality horses and it’s not just a turn up and win job, but he’s a deserving top pick. View the full article

By Mike Love Rakaia trainer Stuart Sutherland takes two runners to the Rangiora meeting on Sunday, both of whom look each way chances. Sabi Sands ($4.40FF), in Race 2, the Barnsy’s All Trade Services Pace (1.10pm) over 2000m, is backing up from last Sunday’s debut effort at the Kurow meeting where he ran third. “He’s come through the run well. He’s eating up and seems a happy horse,” said Sutherland. The big four-year-old gelding by Sunshine Beach, who will be driven by Kimberley Butt, has had his fair share of issues along the way, but Sutherland is confident of another good showing – especially if the pace is on over the 2000m trip. “He’s a big horse, and with that come a few problems. But he’s really come right in the last four or five weeks. He’s a bit one-paced, so if they sit and sprint it won’t really suit him – but you never know.” Hi Life ($3.60FF), fresh up for new trainer Geoff Dunn, is current favourite with Riley Harrison in the sulky after a winning trial at Rangiora on August 7. The Sky Major mare has not raced since October last year. Later on the card in Race 8, the Paddy McDaddy Horse Of The Year Trot over 2000m (4.38pm) John Morrison will drive Millie Let Loose. The four-year-old Superfast Stuart mare was a fresh-up winner at Addington on June 29 and has since not had things go her way while still running very respectable races. “She worked really well on Thursday. She’s been bucking and kicking in her paddock, so she seems pretty well,” says Sutherland. Millie Let Loose is generally a good beginner and Sutherland suggests she may try to use that to her advantage though wary of other slick beginners drawn inside her. “We are expecting a good run. She usually steps well, so the 2000m suits her. “It’s a drop in grade, but Fred’s horse (Royal Yankee, $5.00FF) and Matthew (Williamson)’s one (Granny Rose, $3.00FF) also go well from the stand. All going to plan, she’ll step and run that first bit pretty well.” The aforementioned Granny Rose is current race favourite, along with Ruthless Emma ($4.80FF) for trainer and driver Anj Mugford, as well as the Fred Fletcher-trained, Alan Beecroft-driven Royal Yankee. Sutherland trains from his base at Rakaia with friend and trainer Kevin McRae. “We both work our horses together. We work about eight between us at the moment. So it’s quite good to be able to work in with each other.” Race 1 gets underway with the amateur drivers in action at 12:34pm. View the full article

The Queen Returns: Via Sistina Wins Thrilling Winx Stakes The reigning queen of the Australian turf, Via Sistina, has made a triumphant return, securing her 10th Group 1 victory in a stunning first-up performance in the 2025 Winx Stakes. The soon-to-be-crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year showed all her class on a Heavy (10) track […] The post Winx Stakes 2025 Winner Is Via Sistina appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Goulburn Cup Day 2025 Where Goulburn Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Sunday, August 24, 2025 First Race 12:20pm AEST Visit Dabble The $200,000 Goulburn Cup (1400m) headlines the competitive eight-race meeting at the Goulburn Race Club on Sunday afternoon. Following a stack of rain, the track has come up a Heavy 10 for the club’s marquee raceday, whilst the rail will be in its true position the entire circuit. The opening event is set to jump at 12:20pm AEST. Goulburn Cup Tip: Wootton Verni Wootton Verni looks the right replacement. He’s a lightly raced Waller import with Group form in France and a strong wet profile (Heavy: 1:1-0-0), and he’s been tuned with a sharp Randwick trial on Heavy 9 this month before a tick-over synthetic hit-out. From barrier four, Kerrin McEvoy can park just off the speed and blend into the three-wide line if the inside chops up on the Heavy 10. With 58kg under handicap conditions, his class and late strength at 1400m should carry him a long way. Goulburn Cup Race 7 – #7 Wootton Verni (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58kg) Best Bet at Goulburn: Above The Law Loved the way Above The Law attacked the line on debut when runner-up on a Heavy 10 at Kembla Grange, and the Waterhouse & Bott polish usually sees them bounce second-up. He draws to stalk the speed and Adam Hyeronimus can slide off heels and build momentum from the 500m on the bend. With race fitness, a proven handle on heavy ground, and a set-up to control his own luck, this Super Maiden looks an ideal kill before he heads to town. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 Above The Law (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (58kg) Next Best at Goulburn: Dubai Centre The old boy Dubai Centre is flying, and his wet-track stats are elite. Topweight is never ideal, but Dubai Centre offsets that with a bulletproof pattern: rolls handy, sustains a strong gallop, and keeps lifting when others paddle. The 1600m is his sweet spot, and he draws to be in the first four without burning petrol. If the fence is still okay by the last, he’ll be there a long way; if they’re edging wider, he can slide off and stay balanced. On a day where wet feet win races, his profile is tailor-made. Next Best Race 8 – #1 Dubai Centre (6) 8yo Gelding | T: John Rolfe | J: John Kissick (63.5kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Goulburn Goulburn quadrella selections August 24, 2025 3-4-7-8 3-8-11 3-5-7 1-3-4 Horse racing tips View the full article

Via Sistina holds out Aeliana to claim the Group 1 Winx Stakes. (Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au) Via Sistina returned from a four-month break and handled a sodden Randwick to retain her crown in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m), fending off a fierce late surge from stablemate Aeliana. First-up since her Queen Elizabeth Stakes triumph in April, the champion mare settled within striking distance, quickened when James McDonald asked, and then had to lift again when the Australian Derby winner dove along the inside. The margin was a neck, with Sydney Cup winner Arapaho closing for third and Ceolwulf rattling home into fourth on the Heavy 10 surface. The win arrived on testing ground that had trainer Chris Waller publicly uneasy on race morning. He stressed he was willing to run but wanted certainty that his stars would come through the day and into the spring intact. Afterwards he likened the heart-in-mouth stretch to the “Foxplay moment” from Winx’s 2017 Warwick Stakes, when a stablemate nearly caused an upset before the champion surged again. McDonald’s ride was all tempo and timing. He nursed the mare into the race, angled clear before the 200m, and kept her balanced as the inside run presented for Aeliana. Post-race, he praised the four-year-old runner-up’s effort while noting that Via Sistina tends to improve deeper into a campaign — a tantalising thought given how sharp she was fresh on bottomless ground. Horse racing bookmakers reacted instantly, trimming Via Sistina’s Cox Plate quote from around $2.30 to even money on the back of the win. The performance also pushed the mare’s Group 1 tally into double figures — a 10th top-level success — and added another piece of history: no mare her age has won a Group 1 in Australia since Tranquil Star some eight decades ago. For connections, the bigger picture remains the same as last spring: keep her happy, pick the right targets, and keep Melbourne in view. Waller signalled a familiar path towards the Cox Plate while keeping options open for Aeliana, whose first-up run suggested she’ll have her own day in the sun. Context matters with champions, and this was more than a seasonal pipe-opener. Via Sistina won this race last year, hit a snag on heavy ground in the Makybe Diva, and then reeled off a three-race streak capped by the Cox Plate. To return from April, dive straight into a Randwick bog, and still out-duel a rising stablemate underlines why she sits atop the pecking order. If she progresses as McDonald expects, the spring narrative again runs through her. 2025 Group 1 Winx Stakes Replay – Via Sistina https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Randwick-2025-Group-1-Winx-Stakes-23082025-Via-Sistina-Chris-Waller-James-McDonald.mp4 Horse racing news View the full article

Wuddzz powers through the heavy track for a commanding win at Randwick. (Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au) Handy stayer Wuddzz came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land success at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The eight-year-old son of Complacent relished the heavy conditions as he came from well beyond midfield to defeat Cormac T and Bluestone. The victory continued a stellar 24 hours for Ballarat trainer Henry Dwyer, who saddled Asfoora to win the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1000m) at York on Friday. “He conserved all of his energy in the first half of the race,” Clark said. “He went to sleep and relaxed beautifully. “He liked the ground, and I was able to edge out down the side and get on the back of the horses that were going take me into the race. “When the gap appeared he really built into it nicely and he was full of running through the line, so it was a good win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Jennivamoose records back-to-back victories at The Valley. (Photo: Bruno Cannatelli) Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at Moonee Valley on Saturday when winning in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue. Prepared by Ciaron Maher for Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Racing, Jennivamoose was dropped out to near the rear of the field by Harry Coffey and looped the field to narrowly get the better of Muktamil. The daughter of Vadamos has now won five races from 14 starts and will now step up to stakes company. “She’s on skates at the moment this mare, she is running awesome,” stable representative Tom Gerrard said. “Harry has got a great relationship with her and she’s certainly heading places. “That is how she tends to run best, she loves to spot a few leaders, she loves closing and having something to aim at.” The Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on September 13 now looms as the next step for the mare. “We had it penciled in for a few of our runners today. I think Jennivamoose is the pick of them and will potentially be the one to go there,” Gerrard said. Winning rider Harry Coffey said the victory was good especially with the rail out 5 metres. “Even though she didn’t win by a big margin, there is plenty of merit there,” he said. “As she goes up in grade we might not be able to give them as much start as we did today. “When they started to bunch up I knew I would have the best turn of foot, it was just about timing that. Tony (Ottobre) believes that she uses the bend really well here at The Valley, so I utilised that and accelerated off it and she got the job done.” Coffey drew parallels with former stablemate High Emotion, who went on to win a Bendigo Cup and place in a Melbourne Cup. “At the moment she is doing everything right. I think the race that’s coming up that everyone likes to have a go at is The Archer, so we will see how she fits in, but with today’s win she will definitely get in the race,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Australian speedster Asfoora returned to her brilliant best to win a thrilling Group One Nunthorpe Stakes (1,000m) at York on Friday. The 17-runner dash was wide open on paper, but Henry Dwyer’s mare turned the race into a procession under Oisin Murphy to win her second top-level race in Britain. Asfoora always travelled ominously well just behind the leaders and, when others were rowing away, Murphy was just gently coaxing his mount along and the writing was quickly on the wall. She took up the...View the full article

Handy stayer Wuddzz (NZ) (Complacent) came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) at Randwick. The eight-year-old son of Complacent relished the heavy conditions as he came from well beyond midfield to defeat Cormac T (Nathaniel) and Bluestone (NZ) (Reliable Man). The victory continued a stellar 24 hours for Ballarat trainer Henry Dwyer, who saddled Asfoora (Flying Artie) to win the Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1000m) at York on Friday. “He conserved all of his energy in the first half of the race,” Clarke said. “He went to sleep and relaxed beautifully. “He liked the ground, and I was able to edge out down the side and get on the back of the horses that were going take me into the race. “When the gap appeared he really built into it nicely and he was full of running through the line, so it was a good win.” Originally prepared in New Zealand by Winton trainer Kara Dickson, Wuddzz was purchased privately after winning at Riverton in 2022 for former Otago and Central Districts cricketer Ian Rutherford, who retains an ownership interest. The venerable gelding has now amassed A$323,637 in prizemoney with six wins and a further 12 placings to his credit. By former Mapperley Stud stallion Complacent out of the Danehill mare Princess Uno, Wuddzz is a half-brother to Group Two winner Yearn (NZ) (Savabeel) and was bred by Clyde and Pat Buckingham under their Emblem Ltd banner. View the full article

Smart staying mare Jennivamoose (NZ) (Vadamos) recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue. Prepared by Ciaron Maher for Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Racing, Jennivamoose was dropped out to near the rear of the field by Harry Coffey and looped the field to narrowly get the better of Muktamil. The daughter of Vadamos has now won five races from 14 starts and will now step up to stakes company. “She’s on skates at the moment this mare, she is running awesome,” stable representative Tom Gerrard said. “Harry has got a great relationship with her and she’s certainly heading places. “That is how she tends to run best, she loves to spot a few leaders, she loves closing and having something to aim at.” The Gr.3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on September 13 now looms as the next step for the mare. “We had it penciled in for a few of our runners today. I think Jennivamoose is the pick of them and will potentially be the one to go there,” Gerrard said. Winning rider Harry Coffey said the victory was good especially with the rail out 5 metres. “Even though she didn’t win by a big margin, there is plenty of merit there,” he said. “As she goes up in grade we might not be able to give them as much start as we did today. “When they started to bunch up I knew I would have the best turn of foot, it was just about timing that. Tony (Ottobre) believes that she uses the bend really well here at The Valley, so I utilised that and accelerated off it and she got the job done.” Coffey drew parallels with former stablemate High Emocean (NZ) (Ocean Park), who went on to win a Bendigo Cup and place in a Melbourne Cup. “At the moment she is doing everything right. I think the race that’s coming up that everyone likes to have a go at is The Archer, so we will see how she fits in, but with today’s win she will definitely get in the race,” he said. Purchased as a yearling at Karaka by Ottobre from the draft of Rich Hill Stud for $110,000, Jennivamoose is out of the High Chaparral mare So Ard Bred by Brisbane-based Rick Hill, So Ard is domiciled at Rich Hill Stud near Matamata and the mare is a half-sister to Gr.1 Irish Oaks (2400m) winner Even So and comes from a Group One winning family that features English Derby winner Dr Devious, The Oaks winner Dancing Rain, Guineas winner Saxon Warrior, and Takamatsunomiya Kinen winner Suzuka Phoenix. Jennivamoose is a half-sister to the five-win mare Bozo (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), who finished fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) in her Classic year. View the full article

Unbeaten mare Elle Sourit (NZ) (Ocean Park) kept her winning record intact with an eye-catching performance to take out the Super Seth 1500 (1500m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Andrew Forsman-prepared four-year-old opened her raceday account with a smart effort to win a maiden 1400m event at Hawera back in March before overcoming a tardy beginning to race clear over a similar distance in rating 65 company at Pukekohe a month later. Forsman gave the daughter of Ocean Park a breather before contesting an 1100m trial at Taupo earlier this month to fit her for Saturday’s assignment, where she stepped up to rating 75 grade against some handy older horses in the hands of Joe Doyle. Doyle had her away safely from an inside barrier where she settled nicely in midfield as race favourite Elle McFab set up a leisurely clip out in front. Doyle eased Elle Sourit into a challenging position approaching the home bend, where she began to make her run out in the middle of the track with eventual runner-up Solidify on her inner. Just as Solidify (NZ) (Redwood) looked to have the race won Elle Sourit put in three huge bounds to hit the front in the shadows of the post to claim a long neck victory. Forsman was thrilled to see his charge perform fresh-up as he believes she still has plenty of development in her. “It was a good effort today as they only went steadily in front and she looked to hit a bit of a flat spot halfway down the straight,” Forsman said. “It was a game effort as Joe timed it perfectly and she hit the line well. “Physically there is still not a lot of her as she is taking her fair time to mature but she is a winner and hopefully she can keep doing that.” While Forsman wouldn’t be drawn on the next step along the campaign path for the mare she does hold a nomination for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) which will be held at Ellerslie on Saturday 18 October. Elle Sourit is a daughter of the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) winner Bel Sorriso (NZ) and hails from an extended family that includes outstanding sayer Smiling Like (NZ), who numbered the Gr.1 Wellington Cup (3200m) and Gr.2 New Zealand Cup (3200m) amongst her seven career wins, while Group One winners Coventina Bay (NZ), Nimue (NZ) and Sirstaci (NZ) also feature. View the full article

Consistent galloper Drop of Something (NZ) (Telperion) made full use of a perfectly judged front-running ride from apprentice Sam McNab to triumph in a thrilling four-way finish to the Savabeel 2100 (2100m) at Te Rapa. The nuggety chestnut gelding was having his first run since being narrowly denied victory in the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m) at the venue late last month and looked a good chance with McNab’s 4kg apprentice claim reducing his carded weight down to a competitive 56kgs. With no clear pacemaker in the event, McNab took to bull by the horns and crossed to the lead, leaving the straight on the first round to set up his own terms at the head of affairs. On and off the accelerator throughout, McNab shot the Wayne Hillis-trained six-year-old clear by two lengths rounding the home bend and had his rivals under pressure at that stage. Drop of Something clung to a dwindling advantage as Tregor (NZ) (Reliable Man), Pacheco (NZ) (Makfi) and Gigi (NZ) (Ghibellines) all closed rapidly at the 100m and managed to find enough to deny Tregor by a short head, with no more than half a length separating the quartet at the winning post. Hillis was delighted to hear his stable favourite get the judge’s call and add an eighth victory to his career record. “It was a great run although I was a bit worried with him being in front as you have to hold them all off, but he did it so well,” Hillis said. “He has been up a long time with a few little breaks in between although it probably doesn’t look like it. “He is a lovely, quiet horse and I ride all his trackwork so no-one else gets to ride him at home. “There is a race at Ellerslie next month which will suit but there hasn’t really been a lot around for him.” Bred by the late Emma Evans and racing under the Evans Breeding Ltd banner, Drop Of Something is a son of the Don Eduardo mare Nothing Moore (NZ). He has now won eight of his 44 starts, with another 14 placings, including finishing third in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) and has earned over $271,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Dorothy’s Daughter and Verry Flash (NZ) (Zed) delivered a winning double for Wanganui stables in the two jumping races at Hawera on Saturday. The first cab off the rank was the Niall Quinn-trained Dorothy’s Daughter (NZ) (Roc de Cambes), who brought up her first win over jumps in the Julian Family Maiden Hurdle (3100m). The daughter of Roc De Cambes had shown ability on the flat, recording a win and three placings from 27 starts, and she had placed in two of her three attempts over hurdles. She broke through in style on Saturday, racing in midfield and jumping nicely throughout the race for Irish jockey Jordan Hart. Dorothy’s Daughter pounced at the top of the straight and soon stamped her authority on the race, pulling away to win by three lengths. Quinn had also entered Dorothy’s Daughter for Saturday’s G & A Hill Trust Rating 60 (2100m) on the flat, but pulled the right rein in opting for the hurdle event. “When you’re able to book a good Irish rider, you know you can trust them to do a good job,” Quinn said, having given his compatriot Hart his first win in New Zealand. “I was really happy with this mare’s last run, and her two previous races over hurdles were very good too. “I’ve been very happy with her jumping and it’s good to finally get the result today. I think she can kick on next season. She’ll take a lot of improvement out of this and keep going forward, hopefully.” The Heather D Yaxley Maiden Steeplechase (3900m) was won by the Kevin Myers-trained Verry Flash, who now has a steeplechase win to his name alongside his 11 wins on the flat and four over hurdles. Verry Flash was meant to be ridden by Kylan Wiles, who was stood down after suffering an arm injury in a fall during the hurdle race. The mount was snapped up by Emily Farr, who had brought up the 100th and 101st wins of her career with a jumps double at Woodville last Sunday. Farr played her part to perfection as Verry Flash’s fill-in jockey, settling in fourth before cruising into contention approaching the home turn. Verry Flash’s superior ability on the flat shone through late in the race and he opened up a winning margin of six and a quarter lengths. Verry Flash was bred by the late Don Goodwin and is raced by his estate in partnership with Nick Bishara. The Zed gelding is a full-brother to Goodwin’s pride and joy, the 11-time Group One winner Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed). Verry Flash has carved out a highly successful career of his own with 85 starts for 16 wins, 13 seconds, nine thirds and $443,219 in stakes. Saturday’s maiden steeplechase was marred by Our Daymo’s (NZ) (Zed) heavy fall in the home straight. His rider Ellie Callwood escaped serious injury, but Raymond Connors’ talented seven-year-old gelding was sadly unable to be saved. View the full article