Wandering Eyes

Grail Seeker will contest the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Photo: Race Images While all eyes were on Molly Bloom on Boxing Day at Pukekohe, stablemate Grail Seeker put on a performance worthy of near-favouritism in Saturday’s Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. Grail Seeker has established a solid record in her brief career to date, with five top-four finishes in as many starts, including a runner-up finish in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m) before a game third behind her Group One-winning stablemate in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day. The daughter of Iffraaj will be the sole Wexford Stables representative in the feature fillies’ event on Wellington Cup Day, and co-trainer Andrew Scott is hopeful she will have her time in the spotlight. “She certainly brings a strong form line, and her work leading into this race has been the best of her preparation thus far,” he said. “We’re hopeful she can produce a strong performance, she’s a lovely filly with a good bit of scope, and she’s travelled down well. “Obviously Molly Bloom has been there, done it, and won well, but this filly is still growing in confidence. Every race she’s gotten that little bit better, and we’re hoping that will be reflected on Saturday.” Scott’s faith in the filly has been shared with punters, who have punted Grail Seeker from +380 into +260 with top horse racing bookmakers, snapping at the heels of a key racerival in Sudbina at +230. More horse racing news View the full article

Fashion Icon will contest the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Fashion Icon will be looking to turn the tables on Sudbina when the pair meet in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Sudbina just got the better of Fashion Icon in the closing stages of their 1400m contest at Hastings earlier this month to win by a half-length, and the market with top horse racing bookmakers for the fillies feature on Saturday reflects that result, with Sudbina a +230 favourite ahead of Grail Seeker at +260, with Fashion Icon on the third line of betting at +550. Trainer Peter Didham was pleased with Fashion Icon’s run and believes it could have been a different result on a firmer surface. “It was a good run, but we did all of the donkey work,” he said. “Like Michael (McNab, jockey) said, if the track had been a little better, she would have sprinted away a bit quicker, Sudbina came out in the better part of going and got us late.” The daughter of U S Navy will be tested at stakes level, and over a mile, for the first time this weekend, and Didham is confident of a bold showing despite it being her seventh start this preparation. “She will stretch out to a mile and it’s her seventh start, which isn’t a worry, it’s exciting to have her in there and she will let me know when she has had enough,” he said. “She has worked well, she has done well in every start, and has never let us down. She is a really exciting filly, she just tries so hard. “She deserves her place on Saturday and have a go at some black-type. We are lucky to lease a nice filly off Kylie Bax, so it would be good to get them some black-type.” Didham will wait and see the outcome of Saturday’s race before making any future plans but highlighted the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham in March as a potential target. “We just don’t know her level yet,” he said. “There are a few options, including the Wellington Guineas, but she has been up a while and deserves a break shortly. “I think next year we are going to have a really exciting mare. This is only her first prep with all of these races. She is not over-raced, her races have been well-spaced, but she just tries hard and is an experienced racehorse.” Fashion Icon will be ridden by Australian-based jockey Daniel Stackhouse, and Didham is excited to have secured the talented hoop for five of his six runners on Saturday. “It is always good to get good jockeys on,” he said. “We are fortunate to get him on, especially when McNab and Opie (Bosson) are out this week. I have got him for five, so I am pretty lucky. His manager rang up and said he was coming over so I grabbed him for as many as I could.” More horse racing news View the full article

Voyage Bubble winning the 2023 Hong Kong Derby. Ricky Yiu is hopeful Voyage Bubble can become Hong Kong’s newest Group 1 champion with victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (January 21) and enhance prospects of potential overseas assignments. The winner of 2023 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Voyage Bubble was a last-start second to Golden Sixty in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) to confirm undisputed class, but Yiu believes the Deep Field five-year-old still has scope for further improvement. “Let’s see how much this horse can give. The impression I have is there is another level,” Yiu said of Voyage Bubble, who reunites with James McDonald and starts from barrier three in a field of eight. “I would say (I am) optimistic. He will definitely perform again.” Rated 113, Voyage Bubble has emerged as an elite miler, building a formidable reputation in the process by posting five wins and six minor placings from 14 starts for prizemoney of HK$33.7 million. Referencing suggestions Voyage Bubble had initially been under-rated, Yiu said: “Yes, but that was from last season. This season is another story – there is no doubt about it (the horse’s class). “We’ll see how he goes on Sunday and then we can definitely think about possible races for him to run overseas. Dubai and one of the races in Australia, maybe – there are a few options there.” Voyage Bubble (126lb) will face California Spangle (126lb), Straight Arron (126lb), Russian Emperor (126lb), Beauty Eternal (126lb), Beauty Joy (126lb), Healthy Happy (126lb) and Fantastic Treasure (126lb). Douglas Whyte views Sunday’s contest as a launching pad for Russian Emperor as the champion stayer begins a preparation which will potentially include a defence of the Group 1 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) in Doha on February 17. To be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Russian Emperor has not raced since finishing eighth behind Straight Arron in the Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on November 19. “He’s come a long way and done everything I’ve asked of him. I sat on him for a turf gallop this week and he feels amazing,” Whyte said. “I think the break has done him the world of good but beside that, he’s aggressive and he wants to attack the races – he’s missed it and he’s feeling good. “I think it’s a forgone conclusion that 1600 metres is way short of his true distance but he’s got to have a starting point and get some miles in and some racing rustiness out of the way, so it’s a good starting point. “From the horse’s health perspective and from what I see, he’s doing fantastically well and I’m happy with him.” Whyte indicated Russian Emperor would leave for Qatar early next month providing everything goes well in the Stewards’ Cup. More horse racing news View the full article

Weneedashock (inside) will contest the inaugural $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Howie Mathews dared to dream of competing in this year’s $300,000 Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) with Weneedashock, and while that plan didn’t come to fruition, the talented gelding has ended up qualifying for a race on the undercard worth $50,000 more in prizemoney. The $350,000 Remutaka Classic (1600m), a race eligible for horses that have won one or fewer races as at the start of the season, will have its inaugural running at Trentham on Saturday, and Mathews is delighted to have snuck into the field. Weneedashock’s last start win at Wanganui put him 15th in order of entry for the race capped to 14 runners, and he found himself sneaking into the race late in the week following the scratchings of Iffididit and Mehzebeen. “I did an early nomination for the Wellington Cup with that horse, but unfortunately, he had a couple of hiccups,” Mathews said. “He raced at Wellington and went poorly and pulled up sore after it in the middle of December. I was really worried about him, and it took nearly two weeks for a bruise to come out. “He was about 95 percent right and I ran him at Otaki. He didn’t get much of a run and lost his chance in the race. He progressively got better and better, so I thought I would have a throw at the stumps and go around Wanganui and if he pulled through that well and won, I would pay up in the Remutaka. “He raced extremely well at Wanganui and his sectionals were amazing, two or three seconds faster than the other staying races on the day. It prompted me to chuck him in as a nomination and see what happens.” Mathews has now found himself in the rich innovation race and can’t believe his luck. “It is pretty exciting stuff. It’s amazing prizemoney for that class of horse,” Mathews said. “He was a gavelhouse buy and he has been a blessing to Lorraine (wife) and I. He has just kept performing all the time. When he is on song, he is a tough customer. “I feel very fortunate to be in the race, it is a bit of a dream really. We knew we had an outside of chance (of making the field) but when I went through the horses that had qualified for it and knew were going for it, I thought if we got into the top 20 we would be quite rapt. To be number 15 and to get in is a bit of a dream come true. I have only got one in work, so it is quite a thrill.” Weneedashock will carry topweight of 61kg, alongside Jon Ol Rocco and Sir Albert, and jump from barrier four with jockey Elen Nicholas aboard. “He jumps on the pace and he likes to run forward, so that gate suits us fine,” Mathews said. “Every time he got back midfield on the fence things just don’t go right for him. If he can jump and hold the outside ones out and take up a nice early position, I think he will be a good runner’s chance.” Mathews said the introduction of the innovation races has been a great concept and gives the smaller trainers a big carrot to aim for. “The small guys in racing are the backbone of racing. Let’s take our hats off to the big teams and the people who go to the sale and pay the big money, but there are a lot of small people, like myself, that can now get a chance,” he said. “It could be a gamechanger for some people and they could be at the sales next week with $50,000 to buy a nice horse, so everyone can get a bit. “I have never looked like winning lotto, but being in a race like this and having a chance is great. It would be a life changer for Lorraine and I.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Sunday, January 21, 2024 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to Mornington Racecourse this Sunday afternoon for a competitive eight-race meeting on a track rated a Soft 5. Overcast conditions are forecast, and despite it not being the warmest summer day, we expect to be racing on a Good 4 for the card. The rail comes out 8m the entire circuit, which could lead to on-pace runners gaining an advantage over their rivals. Action from Mornington is to commence at 1:20pm AEDT. Best Bet at Mornington: Stupendous Stupendous is having her second start for the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans barn, and we expect she will make it a winning one. Formerly with Chris Bieg in South Australia, the Trapeze Artist filly finished second on stable debut over 1300m, and despite travelling three wide with no cover throughout, stuck on well to comfortably hold the rest of the field at bay. From barrier nine, Blake Shinn will look to have this girl settled either outside lead or in the one-one, and with a touch more luck this time around, Stupendous should be breaking maiden ranks at start eight. Best Bet Race 2 – #9 Stupendous (9) 3yo Filly | T: Lloyd Kennwell & Lucy Yeomans | J: Blake Shinn (56kg) +160 with Picklebet Next Best at Mornington: Inordinate Inordinate has finished second in each of his last three starts, and gets his chance to go one better on Sunday. There is little doubt that he should have won two starts back at Yarra Valley on December 22 before running in to one better at Cranbourne on January 12. The son of Onemorenomore steps up to the 2460m from 2080m and it should suit him perfectly as he looks to be quite a dour stayer. Joe Bowditch will have this guy settled on the heels of the leaders throughout, and as long as he sees out the trip, Inordinate should prove to be the superior stayer. Next Best Race 6 – #5 Inordinate (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Gavin Bedggood | J: Joe Bowditch (58kg) +280 with Neds Best Value at Mornington: Jehbenti Jehbenti was a dominant maiden winner at Werribee on January 6 when managing to lead throughout over the 1006m, and on a day where it could suit on-pace runners, we’re happy to side with him in the quaddie opener. The Shane Nichols-trained runner hadn’t hit the frame in six prior starts but had been running in much tougher races than the one he broke his maiden in. The Class 1 affair doesn’t seem to be the toughest event going around, and if Zac Spain can have him either leading or outside the lead from the get go, we’re confident Jehbenti can run a bold race at a nice price with top horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #5 Jehbenti (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Shane Nichols | J: Zac Spain (56.5kg) +900 with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Mornington races Mornington quadrella selections Sunday, January 21, 2024 1-2-3-5-6 2-5 2-3-7-9 1-3-6-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, January 21, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) is the feature event on Sunday afternoon, as Sha Tin gets set to host a bumper 10-race program. A quality field of eight runners has accepted for the race, which has been made more intriguing after Golden Sixty withdrew pre-nominations, suffering a setback after securing victory in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile. The rail is in the A position for the meeting, and with no signs of rain on the radar, we should be racing on a fair Good 4 surface. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Steward’s Cup Tip: Straight Arron Straight Arron was impressive in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 10 and was only defeated by less than a length by Romantic Warrior. The son of Fastnet Rock is the only galloper engaged from that form-line dropping back in trip to the 1600m, which would normally be a concerning setup, however, with the speed influence in this race, we’re willing to take the risk over an unsuitable trip. The five-year-old should get a soft run just in behind the speed, and with Vincent Ho making some bold comments after his luckless run last start, the implication seems to be that Straight Arron is a Hong Kong Group 1 winner in waiting. Steward’s Cup Race 7 – #3 Straight Arron (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Vincent Ho (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Bet at Sha Tin: Ka Ying Rising Ka Ying Rising was denied back-to-back wins courtesy of James McDonald and Wunderbar on New Year’s Day. It was an outstanding match-race as the pair cleared out on their rivals, with Wunderbar escaping with a nose margin success. We’re taking Ka Ying Rising to turn the tables on Sunday. With a minor swing in the weights and a lack of tempo engaged compared to last start, we think Zac Purton will adopt tactics to lead from barrier 10. If he can ping the lids and cross to the rail ahead of his key rival, we believe Ka Ying Rising can hold off Wunderbar in what’s sure to be another ding-dong battle down the straight. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Ka Ying Rising (10) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (55.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Storm Rider It was hard not to be impressed with Storm Rider’s last start, as the son of Dracarys proved far too strong for Class 4 company. This three-year-old gelding got a perfect steer from Zac Purton on that occasion, settling in the one-one position throughout running before bolting clear of his rivals over 1200m. He only drops 3.5kg while heading to the 1400m for the first time, and if he can replicate a similar effort to last time out, Storm Rider will take a power of beating in the Sha Tin finale. Next Best Race 10 – #13 Storm Rider (11) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (55.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Sha Tin: The Best Peach The Best Peach continues his trend of having no luck from the barrier draw, copping gate 13 on Sunday afternoon. It’s less than ideal; however, we’re quietly confident the five-year-old can overcome the tricky scenario. He’s been crying out for a staying trip, with the gelding by Twilight Son unable to reel in his opposition over the shorter trip, getting too far out of his ground against some classy types. Hugh Bowman likely has no choice but to drag him back towards the rear of the field again, but if he can put in the big strides over the journey, watch for The Best Peach to be making strong inroads down the centre of the course. Best Value Race 8 – #2 The Best Peach (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Tony Cruz | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Hong Kong Sunday quaddie tips – 21/1/2024 Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, January 21, 2024 2-3-5-6 2-4-5-11-13 2-6-7-10-12 1-2-13 More horse racing tips View the full article

Race 7 MODE TECHNOLOGY TRENTHAM STAKES (G3) 2100m MATSCOT (M McNab) – Trainer Ms. S Robertson advised Stewards, that on Monday 15 January, the gelding was examined by the stables farrier which revealed tenderness to the left-fore foot with the gelding having hoof pads put on both front feet and was also examined by a physiotherapist on Friday 19 January, which confirmed muscle soreness to the left-fore shoulder area which was treated with acupuncture. S Robertson further advised the gelding has now started back with light track work. Race 8 JR & N BERKETT TELEGRAPH (G1) 1200m LINCOLN’S KRUZ (J Riddell) – Trainer Ms. L Latta reported to Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, and it is her intention to carry on with LINCOLN’S KRUZ current preparation. The post Wellington Racing Club @ Trentham, Saturday, 13 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The precarious, up-in-the-air future of California racing and whether or not the state can continue to support two geographic year-round circuits was made no clearer after Thursday's California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) meeting. The 3 1/2-hour session was dominated by discussion of competing North-versus-South plans that both tried to carve a sustainable path forward while underscoring the dire circumstances that face the industry with the June 9 closure of Golden Gate Fields looming like an unavoidable asteroid. Although the CHRB concluded the meeting–which featured testimony that was at times emotional, hopeful, angry, and even ominous–without taking any voting action on the situation, proponents behind ideas that would turn one of the NorCal fairs locations into a venue capable of hosting nearly year-round Thoroughbred racing had a decided edge in turnout and vocal support. In part, that's because those NorCal-based supporters enjoyed a home-track advantage, because the Jan. 18 CHRB meeting was held at Cal Expo in Sacramento, the preferred location for a year-round venue as outlined in a presentation by the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF). But the locale wasn't the only factor, as much of the back-and-forth debate also came across as a referendum about larger racing entities allegedly trying to trump smaller ones, whether or not 1/ST Racing and Gaming–which owns both Golden Gate and Santa Anita Park–will be good for the state in the long run, and whether or not the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) organization speaks for all the stakeholders in the state or just the higher-end stables based in SoCal. Yet it was telling that no fewer than 26 industry stakeholders spoke before the board on this wide-ranging, controversial North/South topic during the public commentary period, and not a single one voiced support for an alternate plan proposed by TOC in conjunction with executives from Santa Anita Park and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. That TOC-backed concept would consolidate all commercial-track racing in the state at SoCal. The goal would be to maintain level purses there under a simulcast revenue “redirect” plan that would also try to accommodate displaced Golden Gate outfits by creating more opportunities for lower-level horses to race at Los Alamitos Race Course, dropping the “claiming floors” at both Santa Anita and Del Mar, and establishing “relocation allowances” for stables that had to pack up and move. The TOC's takeaway message was that even though it is in support of any “feasible and viable” plan to keep year-round racing afloat in NorCal, a danger exists in the form of increasing economic pressures in the South that, in turn, could contribute to millions of dollars in purse overpayments at Santa Anita and Del Mar that would likely erode the overall California product. “With the closing of Golden Gate, can we continue to support two full-time circuits? This is a fair question,” said Bill Nader, the TOC's president and chief executive officer. “We are running tout of time,” Nader continued. “If there is agreement on one point, I think it would be that the latest possible decision on the allocation of 2024-25 race dates would be at the CHRB meeting in March. This would help re-establish stability and certainty for the many who are looking for answers.” Nader's tone was largely somber and straightforward as he discussed the TOC's rationale with executives from 1/ST Racing and Del Mar presenting alongside. But at times his comments were met with derision and catcalls from opponents, who greatly outnumbered the supporters of the TOC's plan. Many of those same folks also cheered and applauded any mentions of trying to save year-round NorCal racing. At one point, CHRB chairman Gregory Ferraro, DVM, asked audience members to respect decorum so that the outbursts wouldn't bog down the meeting. But his request to “stop the clapping and the booing” went largely unheeded. Larry Swartzlander, the executive director for CARF, detailed his organization's work-in-progress plan to install a seven-furlong track inside the current main mile oval at Cal Expo, which for years has largely hosted Standardbred racing outside of the short season that the Thoroughbred fair races in Sacramento. Swartzlander said Cal Expo would likely race 103 Thoroughbred dates in the future (on the outer oval), with cards scheduled roughly twice weekly when the other NorCal fairs weren't in season. “We are looking at funding from horsemen, CARF, and potential grants,” Swartzlander said, admitting that his plan is just in its initial stages because horsemen in California have only known since July about 1/ST Racing's plan to close Golden Gate. As a result, Swartzlander was light on specifics such as firm costs and a timeline. Swartzlander said next up is a Jan. 26 meeting with the Cal Expo board of directors seeking conceptual approval. “If the board does decline to approve racing at Cal Expo, we will move to Pleasanton,” as a potential year-round NorCal racing home, Swartzlander said. “The Pleasanton board is very strongly in support of racing, and if I have to make one commitment to you, Pleasanton will race.” When CHRB executive director Scott Chaney pressed Swartzlander for cost details, Swartzlander gave an estimate for state-owned Cal Expo's overhaul in the $1- to 1.5-million range. Chaney expressed surprise at such a low figure. “I'm not going to lie. I think you're very low,” Chaney said. “One of the things that concerns all of us is uncertainty right now,” Chaney said. “We're, I'm sure, bleeding horses every day because there's no clear plan. We don't know what we're doing in the future [and] I am concerned about timeline and cost at Cal Expo. I just think it's unrealistic. I know it's unrealistic, to be honest.” Commissioner Wendy Mitchell said she appreciated CARF's efforts at coming up with a plan, but also expressed doubts. “I don't see how any of this lines up,” Mitchell said. “And I guess my concern from a regulatory or from the industry perspective is I don't want to create false expectations for people that are really unattainable…. I don't mean to be negative or a doubter, but I'm trying to be realistic and pragmatic about what the industry is facing.” Commissioner Damascus Castellanos said that the time crunch and uncertainty was caused by 1/ST Racing, not CARF. “The industry was kind of slow to get going on this whole thing,” Castellanos said. “We would be so further along if [1/ST Racing] came to us with proper notice [and] the groups in this room today probably could have gotten together and been done with this plan.” Ian McLean, an owner and breeder, said during the public commentary session that the CHRB itself is partly to blame. “If I'm not mistaken, this board works for us. We don't work for you,” McLean said. “The one thing that I've asked this board for years and years is to give us more attention in NorCal. Give us more time. Make us more important. Listen to what we have to say, and make us feel like we matter. And I don't think that's been done.” McLean said the CHRB's response to CARF's proposal is too focused on negativity and “looking for the holes” in the plan. “And I agree that you should look for the holes,” McLean continued. “But you should also look for 'How could we patch those holes?'” Jamey Thomas, a third-generation NorCal trainer, advocated for the CHRB taking a slower approach. “CARF needs time to get all this situated and done,” Thomas said. “It's kind of been a rush job. They're rushing us, forcing us, to get this stuff done faster than it can be done. Again, if they had let us know a year ago, by now everything could have been in place, we would have had a place to run. And we will have a place to run. The thing is, we just need the time.” Tom Bachman, who said he's been breeding and selling Thoroughbreds in California for 40 years, underscored that the state's bloodstock industry works on a different timeline. “My concern as a breeder is that the decisions I make today, the results are three or four years away when I've got to sell,” said Bachman. “So it's very difficult to have faith that three or four years from now there's sustainable racing in California. So my breeding now has moved to Kentucky.” Johnny Taboada, who was a TOC director until last Sunday, when he was one of three directors to resign in protest over the TOC's proposed statewide consolidation, told the CHRB that the NorCal fairs are in jeopardy without a year-round track in the region. “If you rush into the decision without giving the chance for the NorCal [entities to come up with an plan for a] circuit, you're going to not only put people out of work, you're going to be closing the fairs as well,” Taboada said. “If we don't have the dates assigned to the North and therefore the money goes to the South, that will be the end of not only NorCal racing, but also the fairs.” CHRB chairman Ferraro wrapped up the session by saying that this is only the first major discussion on an enormously important topic. “We needed your information. We need your input,” Ferraro said. “I'm telling you, it's not easy sitting in this chair looking at this situation. It is almost a no-win situation for this board. We're going to do the best we can to do right by everybody. But obviously, we have no decision-making [Thursday], so we will have to end this meeting without a decision, and we'll see what happens over the next couple of months.” The post Vocal Two-Circuit Supporters in Cali Come Out Firing in First of Many Expected North/South Skirmishes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A battle over Northern California race dates and a proposal to redirect funds to bolster Southern California purses yielded no action from the California Horse Racing Board during its monthly meeting Jan. 18.View the full article

Superstar Kiwi jockey will look to continue his remarkable run in Sha Tin Group Ones aboard Voyage Bubble in Sunday’s Stewards’ CupView the full article

By Jonny Turner Ben Hope hopes class will take Mossdale Ben a long way in today’s Marlborough Cup Prelude. Mossdale Ben goes into the 2400m handicap with clear top billing given the elite races he has contested this spring and summer. With two strong trial efforts to warm up for his trip north, Mossdale Ben looks primed to run a big race on Friday. But Hope knows the pacer will need to call on his class to win from his 30m handicap. “He has trialled well and we are expecting him to run a nice race,” Hope said. “The 30m handicap over the 2400m won’t be easy but he is a horse that has raced at the very top level.” “I think a horse of his class can probably do some things that others in the race probably can’t.” “So even if he has to sit back he should be able to be going pretty close.” “The 2800m of the second day will definitely suit him better, but we still expect him to go pretty good on Friday.” The Greg and Nina Hope barn also starts another Mossdale on Friday in Mossdale Margaret. The mare impressed when powering home from well off the pace to run fourth in her last start on grass. “She went great last start, she is a nice wee filly that we have a bit of time for,” Hope said. “She is in great form and she loves the grass so hopefully she can go another nice race.” Anna’s Boy goes into race 8 after being freshened since his last start on the West Coast Christmas circuit. The trotter sits third in Seddon Shield Summer Trotters’ Series and the Hope team is hopeful the horse can rack up more points. “He is right in the Seddon trotting series and hopefully he can go another good race, he loves the grass and he has been working well.” Krystal Delight, starting in race 11, rounds out the Hope team. The mare looks in need of some luck when starting from the outside of the second row. View the full article

Oaklawn Park, forced to cancel a number of race dates this month–including this coming weekend's live racing–due to winter weather, has moved the entire GIII Southwest S. card to Saturday, Feb. 3. A GI Kentucky Derby points race, the $800,000 Southwest is worth 20 points to the winner and points on a scale of 10-6-4-2 to the second- through fifth-place finishers. Although the Southwest was originally scheduled for Jan. 27 and racing is currently scheduled for that date, several stakes races have been reshuffled at the Hot Springs oval due to the cancellations. All three Southwest undercard black-type events have also been moved to Feb. 3. They include the Martha Washington S. for 3-year-old fillies offering points on a 20-10-6-4-2 basis toward the GI Kentucky Oaks, as well as the American Beauty S. for filles and mares three and up and the King Cotton S. for horses three and up. “The Southwest and Martha Washington are important preps for our 3-year-old stakes program,” said Oaklawn President Louis Cella. “They are also important points races for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. It is important for our horsemen to have ample opportunities to train their horses properly for the races. Not only has this winter weather forced us to cancel racing, but our horsemen have also missed some training days.” The Southwest will join three other 20-point Derby preps also scheduled for Feb. 3: the GIII Withers S. at Aqueduct, the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. at Santa Anita, and the GIII Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream. The entire Southwest card will be drawn Sunday, Jan. 28 with the same races originally listed in the condition book for Jan. 27. The GIII Bayakoa S., originally scheduled for Feb. 3, has been bumped back to Feb. 2 to accommodate the new schedule. In addition, the listed Fifth Season S., originally set for this Saturday, Jan. 20, will now be run Jan. 27. It will be redrawn. Live racing at Oaklawn is scheduled to resume next Friday, Jan. 26 with a first post at 12:30 p.m. CST. The post Oaklawn Shuffles Cards Due to Cancellations; Southwest Now Scheduled Feb. 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, January 19 promises an exciting day of horse racing with six meetings scheduled across Australia. Our dedicated team of racing analysts at horsebetting.com.au has curated the top bets and provided quaddie numbers specifically for the upcoming Canterbury & Sunshine Coast meetings. Friday Racing Tips – January 19, 2024 Canterbury Racing Tips Sunshine Coast Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For January 19, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $30.96 odds return: Friday, January 19, 2024 Sunshine Coast – Race 1 #1 Luvarchie Sunshine Coast – Race 7 #1 Sacred Mission Canterbury – Race 2 #5 Setombe Geelong – Race 8 #9 Capulet | Copy this bet straight to your betslip For avid Australian racing fans, numerous promotions await your exploration. Be sure to peruse the offerings from top online bookmakers, as daily promotions can enhance your horse racing experience. If you’re in search of a new bookmaker to elevate your horse racing ventures on January 19, 2024, consult our comprehensive guide to the finest online racing betting sites. We’re committed to keeping you informed and enhancing your horse racing betting journey. More horse racing tips View the full article

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Race 4 BRIAN FM 1340m BOZO (L Sutherland) – Trainer Mr. K Myers reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, and it is his intention to carry on with BOZO’S current preparation. Race 7 RACE IMAGES MAIDEN 2040m ZABORACI (M Hashizume) – Co-trainer Mr. R Wellwood advised Stewards, ZABORACI underwent a veterinary examination on Friday 12 January which revealed no obvious abnormalities. R Wellwood further advised it is the stables intention to continue on with the gelding’s current preparation and at ZABORACI next race day start will be ridden off the pace. The post Wanganui Jockey Club @ Wanganui, Thursday, 11 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

After six years of equine fatality decline in California, the total number of equine deaths (racing and training, all breeds) increased to 82 in 2023. Regulators hope return to stricter policy on injections helps in 2024.View the full article

Led by the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes, Monmouth Park is set to offer $8.05 million in stakes races when the track kicks off its 79th season on Saturday, May 11.View the full article

Race 5 FEDERATION MINING MAIDEN 1400m YAK SHA (C Lindsay) – Stable representative Ms. L Young advised Stewards, that on Saturday 13 January, YAK SHA underwent a veterinary examination which included an endoscopic examination with results showing a flicking palate. L Young further advised it is the stables intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation and have also added a nose band to YAK SHA’S training and race day gear. The post Reefton Racing Club at Reefton, Tuesday, 9 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Juddmonte's Mandaloun (Into Mischief–Brooch, by Empire Maker) was represented by his first foal over the weekend, according to a representative for the farm Thursday afternoon. The foal, a filly, was born at Jay Goodwin's Kentucky-based Goodwin Farm out of a mare not named in the release. The mare is reported to be “out of a stakes-producing Gone West mare whose dam is a full-sister to [Canadian] Horse of the Year Dance Smartly and half-sister to the breed-shaping stallion Smart Strike.” The bay filly is “big and strong with a ton of class,” said Goodwin. Winner of the GI Haskell S. and two other graded events, Mandaloun was also promoted to first from a runner-up finish in the 2021 GI Kentucky Derby. He will stand in 2024 for a fee of $20,000 LFSN. The post First Foal Reported for Dual GISW Mandaloun appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

These are busy times for Alan Foreman, who is the general counsel to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, a member of Maryland's Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) and serves as an ombudsman for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU). He took time out of his schedule to join the TDN Writers' Room Podcast, sponsored by The Green Group. It is his work with the MTROA that has received the most attention of late as the Authority recently issued a plan that would completely overhaul Maryland racing. Pimlico will be rebuilt and when that is done, racing will cease at Laurel. The Stronach Group will turn the tracks over to the state, which will become the new operator, but will maintain the rights to the GI Preakness S. and the GII Black-Eyed Susan S. A new training center will be built. This is the evolution of a 2020 plan which called for the rebuilding of both Laurel and Pimlico. A total of $375 million was put together for that project, which eventually stalled because of a number of factors. Those same funds will be used to for a new Pimlico. “Pimlico became the hub property for this project, and working with the Maryland Stadium Authority and other experts that we worked with over the past six months, we have a plan to go forward and it is within range of the cost of the bonds that were initially authorized by the Maryland General Assembly,” Foreman said. “So that's the genesis of this project going forward. It's a mountain of work that's been done in the last six months. But now the rubber hits the road.” It is still not clear what the agreement means, which allows The Stronach Group to retain the rights to the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan. Major questions remain, like, how will the revenue from those two days of racing be divided up? “There's a framework for an agreement that is now being negotiated between the state and Stronach,” Foreman said. “It's estimated that agreement will be finalized within the next 30 to 60 days. It's critical that the agreement be finalized because we have started the legislative session. Legislative leadership and the governor are going to be very interested in the outcome of those negotiations. But I think both sides are confident that they will come to a final written agreement because the ink is not dry on this deal and there are still matters to be negotiated. But the framework is that because Stronach owned the rights to the Preakness, they will license the event to the state of Maryland and the state of Maryland will, as a not-for-profit, run the Preakness. The division of revenues is being negotiated. It will be a fair agreement to both sides.” As far as his work with HISA/HIWU goes, Foreman admits that there have been problems, particularly when it comes to trainers receiving hefty fines and suspensions for infractions that may be the result of environmental contamination. He says work is being done to make a fair system. “I've never seen an intentional administration of a cocaine or a methamphetamine to a horse, and there wouldn't be a reason to do it,” he said. “The industry pre-HISA did a very good job of handling these cases. This was something that was not broken and needed to be fixed. And somehow in the new system it got broken. Fortunately, it's being fixed under new rule changes that we're waiting for the Federal Trade Commission to approve that will give HIWU the discretion to determine that it is more likely than not that the positive was a case of contamination or inadvertent exposure, as we like to call it, and not an intentional administration. The penalties have been substantially reduced per this rule change that's coming.” This week's look at a Coolmore sire focused on champion 2-year-old (Quality Road). He was undefeated as a juvenile with wins the GI American Pharoah S. and the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He was purchased for $1.5 million at the 2021 Ocala April Sale by a team that included TDN Writers' Room regular Zoe Cadman, who recalled how she was blown away the first time she saw the horse. Standing for $25,000, Corniche's first foals are arriving this week. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by WinStar Farm, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association,1/ST Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds and XBTV.com, the team of Randy Moss, Cadman and Bill Finley looked back at the impressive maiden win at Gulfstream by 'TDN Rising Star' Conquest Warrior (City of Light) who overcame a ton of trouble to post the victory. A $1 million Keeneland September purchase, he's one to keep an eye on as the road to the GI Kentucky Derby progresses. The team was united in its praise of Churchill Downs for raising the purse of the Derby from $3 million to $5 million, while also calling on the two other Triple Crown tracks to match Churchill's move. Cadman also brought up the point that the GI Kentucky Oaks goes for $1.25 million and is deserving of a substantial purse hike. To watch the Writers' Room podcast video, click here. To listen to an audio version, click here. The post Alan Foreman Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GSW Magic on Tap (Tapit) is celebrating his first foal–a filly out Sea Gazer (Tiznow)–who arrived just after midnight Jan. 17 for breeder Scott Miller, Pleasant Acres Stallions said in a Thursday release. Sea Gazer's dam Seafree (Chief Seattle) collected four wins including the GII La Canada S. and was third in the GI Santa Margarita Invitational H. She produced MSW Interest Free (Exchange Rate) who is responsible for SW Market Analysis (Honor Code). Seafree is a half-sister to GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S. runner-up Fly Down (Mineshaft). Magic on Tap began his stallion career at Pleasant Acres Stallions last year and stands for $5,000. His dam, GISW Aubby K (Street Sense), brought the fourth highest return–$2.4 million–at the '15 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale when she was purchased by Summer Wind Equine with him in-utero. “The moment Magic on Tap stepped off the van upon his arrival at Pleasant Acres Stallions we knew he would produce exceptional foals,” said Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones. “His very first foal is a filly with good bone, great conformation, and looks to be very racy! She is everything we expected!” The post GSW Magic On Tap’s First Foal A Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will host the second annual “Countdown to the Triple Crown” fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 3, the repository said in a release Thursday. Scheduled exactly three months prior to the 150th GI Kentucky Derby, the museum benefit will feature dozens of silent auction items. An online auction full of unique pieces and experience packages will also be offered. Guests can attend the event in person at the museum from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. or bid on special packages online. The early-bird event will feature beer, wine, soda, light refreshments and entertainment. The cost to attend is $15 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Click here to purchase tickets and here to preview the online auction. For more information about the event or donating an item or experience, please contact Maureen Pasco at (518) 584-0400 ext. 109 or mpasco@racingmuseum.net. The post Museum of Racing Hosts Silent Auction and Online Fundraiser Feb. 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GSW Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) led the 2023 list of champions, as he was named the top 3-year-old colt by the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, according to a press release from 1/ST Racing on Thursday. The FTHA annually recognizes horses who compete year-round in South Florida. All winners raced and won during the non-championship meets from April to November. Based at Gulfstream with trainer Antonio Sano, Il Miracolo amassed $465,025 in winnings last year. He is joined by Time Passage (Tunwoo), who was named champion 3-year-old filly after winning five of nine starts in 2023. Top 2-year-old male honors went to Bentornato (Valiant Minister), who has raced exclusively at Gulfstream where he reeled off four consecutive wins, while R Harper Rose (Khozan) was selected top 2-year-old filly after she won three of four starts. Champion older male honors went to GSW/GISP Dean Delivers (Cajun Breeze). The top older female was GSW Three Witches (Into Mischief). Amstrong (Tapwrit), winner of three stakes races, and Battle Cry (Prospective), who went five-for-nine, were named top Tapeta colt and filly, respectively. The post GSW Il Miracolo Tops List Of 2023 FTHA Champions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Steve Asmussen trainee will need to once again defeat rising star Nash from the Brad Cox barn as well as grade 2 winner Can Group, a top performer on the turf who takes his talents to the dirt in the chance to join the Kentucky Derby (G1) fray. View the full article

The bill passed by a 35-1 vote Jan. 8 with the expectation that Murphy would sign the bill into law. But Drazin said that Murphy expressed his reluctance to pass anything that was approved during lame-duck session. View the full article