Wandering Eyes

Talented galloper Louisville (NZ) (Redwood) notched his third career victory when successful over 1800m at Rosehill on Saturday, much to the delight of favourite backers. The Chris Waller-trained son of Redwood had started firm in the market at his previous three outings when finishing second on each occasion, having commenced his campaign with a win at Canterbury. Punters stuck fat with the five-year-old gelding who was sent out the $2.40 elect and confidence was bolstered as soon as the handy galloper was able to take a more forward position in midfield from barrier one under jockey Sam Clipperton. “It was just a matter of navigating a path and presenting him at the right time. The step up in distance certainly assisted and the nice draw helped,” Clipperton said. “He has been racing very well but has been the victim of wide draws. It was nice to be able to utilise the soft draw today. “I had to navigate him into the clear and he got to the front too soon, with relative ease. “It was just a matter of him lacking confidence. He didn’t quite know how to put them away, but it felt like he still had a bit there. “He won very well first-up and put another win on the board today and that will do his confidence the world of good. “He is a talented horse; he’s just got a few creases that needed to be ironed out and fortunately I could iron them out today.” Clipperton is confident that Louisville will be suited over slightly further. “He relaxes very well,” Clipperton said. “He is very economical within himself, and he doesn’t burn any excess fuel. The way that he was to the line and through the line would suggest that 2000m would probably be a bit of a sweet spot for him.” Bred and raced by Gerry Harvey, Louisville is by Westbury Stud stallion Redwood and is out of the Rock Of Gibraltar mare Edie, who is in turn out of Melbourne Cup winning heroine Jezabeel (NZ) (Zabeel). Louisville was placed on three occasions in New Zealand when trained by Shaun and Emma Clotworthy at Byerley Park and transferred to Waller after being narrowly defeated by quality mare It’s Business Time (NZ) (Turn Me Loose). Redwood will be represented by 14 yearlings at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka, with two in Book 1 and 12 in Book 2. View the full article

Trainer Patrick Payne will hold bragging rights over brother Andrew, as the siblings supplied the first two runners home in The Stud and Stable Staff Awards (2000m) at Flemington when Bold Soul (NZ) (Embellish) held sway over Crossoverkid (Alpine Eagle) on Saturday. In a slowly-run race, it was the mid-race move of jockey Daniel Stackhouse that ultimately paid dividends on the three-year-old son of Embellish. Bold Soul settled third last before Stackhouse made a mid-race move to sit in second spot and he held a strong gallop in the straight to defy his opposition. “He was just starting to get a bit aggressive when the tempo came out of the race and no one really wanted to go,” Stackhouse said. “Instead of fighting my bloke – I was probably using more carrots doing that than making up ground and doing no work. We got to the outside of the leader very easily without spending any pennies and he found a lot better rhythm and he was able to flow into it. “He took a while to build through his gears but I always felt I had the horse to the inside of me covered and he is going to be a nice horse when he gets over further too. “He’s still a young horse and is very green and raw and needs to learn to switch off a bit more but that was his first time at 2000m and that tempo was pretty ridiculous to be honest, hence he was a bit keen. “He has looked like he was a bit green at his last couple of starts but he was really switched on today and he travelled strongly to the gates. He knew his job and I think with more racing, the better he will be and Patrick Payne will put the x-factor on him.” Bold Soul has now won two of his four starts, having won at Donald on debut before having excuses on both occasions when finishing third at consecutive starts at Caulfield prior to the Flemington win. Payne has now won the last three editions of the Flemington race, with subsequent Group One winner Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel) successful last year, while handy stayer The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man) won in 2022. By Cambridge Stud’s Group One winning son of Savabeel Embellish, Bold Soul is the last foal of the now retired Singspiel mare Twin Soul and was bred by Lou Te Keeti. Bold Soul was sold at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 2 Yearling Sale for $20,000 to Wanganui horseman Hamish Auret and subsequently relocated to Payne’s Victorian operation. Embellish is represented by 17 yearlings at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, with one Book 1 representative and 16 in Book 2. View the full article

Te Akau Racing’s dominance of the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) continued at Trentham on Saturday with Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) clinging on in an unforgettable finish. Those familiar tangerine colours have towered over the $500,000 three-year-old feature in recent times, collecting five wins since 2017 including all of the last three in a row. Former Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards provided the first three of those victories with Hall Of Fame (NZ) (Savabeel) in 2017, Age Of Fire (Fastnet Rock) in 2018 and Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) in 2022. Imperatriz headed an extraordinary first four for Richards that year, with On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau), I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) and Mohawk Brave (Extreme Choice) filling the minor placings. Mark Walker has since picked up where Richards left off, saddling Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) and Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) for a stable quinella in 2023 and striking again with Quintessa on Saturday. Quintessa started as a $2.70 favourite and brought impeccable form into the race. She won all of her first three starts including the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September, then returned from a spring freshen-up with strong-finishing seconds behind Pendragon (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) and the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m). The Shamus Award filly stepped up to 1600m for the first time on Saturday and produced another exceptional performance to prevail in one of the Levin Classic’s tightest finishes. Quintessa took up a perfect position in sixth spot, with rider Opie Bosson keeping a close eye on the second favourite Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) (third) and third favourite Impendabelle (Impending) (fifth). Michael McNab pushed the button on Impendabelle and pounced at the top of the straight, with Bosson and Quintessa following them every step of the way. Quintessa quickened smartly and thrust her head in front with more than 200m remaining, but her job was far from over. Mary Shan, Impendabelle and Leroy Brown (NZ) (Ace High) kept fighting for all they were worth on her inside, while Zabmanzor (NZ) (Almanzor), Sinhaman (NZ) (Tivaci) and Certainly (NZ) (Savabeel) charged home wider out on the track. In a blanket finish with only three-quarters of a length separating the first six, it was Quintessa who dug deepest of all and snatched a thrilling win. Her margin was a long head over the fast-finishing Zabmanzor, with a half-head back to third-placed Impendabelle and Mary Shan another neck away in fourth. Sinhaman was a nose behind in fifth, with a short head back to Certainly. “As soon as I got on the back of Impendabelle, I knew that she’d take me right into the race,” Bosson said. “I was giggling turning for home. Michael thought he was going alright on Impendabelle, but I just snuck up behind him. “My filly did start easing up a little bit once she hit the front, but she’s tough. I could see them coming out wide, I didn’t even know who they were, but I was just hoping she’d put her head down at the right time. “She doesn’t show much at home – the lead pony could probably beat her on the training track. But she really shows up on raceday.” Quintessa brought Bosson closer to a major career milestone, giving him his 96th win at Group One level. “I’m just blessed to have this job that I’ve got with Te Akau,” he said. “David Ellis buys amazing horses for me to ride.” Quintessa certainly fits that description. Ellis paid $170,000 to buy her from the draft of Wentwood Grange at Karaka 2022. Her six-race career has now produced four wins, two second placings and $444,650 in stakes for the Te Akau Awarded Racing Partnership. “It was another gun ride by Opie, who just gets it right so many times,” said Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. “So does David, going and buying these lovely fillies that can win races like this. “We had a team talk and decided to prioritise this race over the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). That race was obviously an attractive option, but we just felt a Group One beside her name would be great. “We never make decisions on raceday, so we’ll let the dust settle and see how she comes through this before deciding what we do next.” Quintessa was bred by Peachester Lodge and is out of the High Chaparral mare Chaquinta (NZ), who herself won five races in Australia over distances ranging from 2000m to 2700m. View the full article

Sam Spratt teamed up with arguably New Zealand’s most improved racehorse to land a boilover victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham – her third time triumphing in a meeting that once came close to claiming her life. Saturday’s Telegraph heroics aboard Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) came some 21 years after Spratt suffered severe head injuries in a shocking fall in an undercard race on Telegraph Day on January 25, 2003. She not only recovered but later made a triumphant return to the saddle, going on to join New Zealand’s 1000-win club and boasting 20 Group One wins and counting. Spratt is now a three-time Telegraph winner, with Mercurial following in the footsteps of her old favourite Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire) (2009 and 2011). “It’s 21 years ago almost to the day that I had my fall on this day at this track, so it was good to tick this one off,” Spratt said. “I don’t have any memory of it – it’s basically a year of lost memory, so it’s just what people say. I wasn’t really supposed to be riding again after it, but I’m too stubborn for that!” Mercurial arrived at Trentham on Saturday as a last-start Group One placegetter, having finished third behind Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) in the Sistema Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day. But the five-year-old flew under the radar as an $18 outsider in a field headed by Bonny Lass ($2.90) and Dragon Leap (Pierro) ($4.20). Spratt showed her customary front-running prowess aboard Mercurial, recovering from an awkward start to charge forward and take up a position on the outside of Express Yourself (NZ) (Shamexpress). The pace came right out of the race through the middle stages, causing significant interference to several runners in the chasing pack and leading Lincoln’s Kruz (Kuroshio) to dislodge jockey Jonathan Riddell. Mercurial stayed well out of trouble and was full of running as he threw down the gauntlet to Express Yourself at the top of the straight. That rival rose to meet the challenge, and the pair went to war at the 300m. Favourite Bonny Lass regathered herself after a rocky run and found the line strongly late in the piece, but it remained a two-horse battle to the line and Mercurial won it by a nose. Bonny Lass finished third, a neck behind the first pair. “That was really good,” Spratt said. “He knuckled a little bit at the start, but he showed plenty of pace to get back up there. We managed to get some easy sectionals after that. “He’s so tough. The more they came at him, the more he stuck his head out. I thought I might have had my nose in front on the line, but I wasn’t totally sure. I didn’t want to get too confident and excited. It was awesome to see the photo finish confirm that we’d won it.” The Telegraph was the sixth win of a 27-start career for the Stephen Marsh-trained Mercurial, who has also had 11 minor placings. He has now earned more than $514,000 in stakes for an ownership group that includes his five breeders. Mercurial was a Rating 75 winner at the equivalent meeting 12 months ago, and his first start in open company was in only March of last year. In his 11 starts since then, he has recorded two wins and six placings and established himself among the country’s top-flight sprinters. “This is a massive thrill,” Marsh said. “If you’d asked me even six months ago whether this horse could win a Telegraph or a Railway, I wouldn’t have said he could. “But he’s just so tough. A couple of people even said to me before the race that he’s so laid-back and such a good doer, it almost looks like he needs another run. He’ll go home tonight, he’ll eat up, and he’ll probably end up going around again on Karaka Millions night. He really is the man. “He’s just one of those horses that works, eats, sleeps and performs. Every run this time in has been unbelievable. “We got a beautiful run outside the leader today. They were clipping heels and in all sorts of trouble behind us, but Sam put him into a good spot and he’s just so tough. I actually thought we’d run second on the line, but we got the win. “It’s a great team of owners. They bred him and have still got the mare. They all came to the Railway and they’re all here again today, so it’s a real thrill for them. I actually only got this horse because another trainer didn’t answer his phone, so I was only their second choice! But we’ve got them in the team and I think we’ll have them for life now. “They don’t give Group Ones away, and there’s just nothing that beats it. It’s a great buzz.” View the full article

Tony Cruz’s swooper storms down the Sha Tin straight once more, strengthening his claims for next month’s Classic MileView the full article

Sghirripa ridden by Craig Newitt wins the Standish Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) In the wake of his triumphant victory in the Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, Sghirripa has posed an interesting question for his connections. Jockey Craig Newitt, who expertly guided the South Australian sprinter to his first Group win, suggested a straightforward solution to the impending decision regarding Group 1 autumn features such as the Oakleigh Plate or Newmarket Handicap. “We don’t they run in both?” Newitt proposed confidently, emphasising the horse’s prowess in the race. “I actually thought mid-race because I was that confident that far out, I’d give him a test over the 1200 metres. “He’s obviously a really good short-course horse, but I exposed him early and the last 300 metres, he was dead-set floating around and waiting for the competition. “I don’t think I got anywhere near the bottom of him. We’ll take it one step at a time, but he’s pretty exciting.” 2024 Group 3 Standish Handicap Replay – Sghirripa The Group 3 victory, worth $250,000, marked a career highlight for trainers Shane and Cassie Oxlade, based in Woodchester near Strathalbyn in South Australia. Shane Oxlade expressed his elation after Sghirripa’s convincing three-length win as the warm $2.05 favourite with top horse racing bookmakers, calling the achievement “the top of the tree.” “It’s not very often you get to the 400 and they start over-racing on you. That’s when I had to come out and give him a bit of room,” Newitt added, commending the horse’s sensible demeanour during the race. Sghirripa dominated the field, leaving Crosshaven ($8) and Curran ($8) trailing three lengths behind on the line. Even the highly regarded The Astrologist could only manage a fifth-place finish. More horse racing news View the full article

The 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas was a race defined by both high drama and an impressive performance by the eventual Robert Heathcote-trained winning filly Abounding. After a near-tragic incident involving John O’Shea’s promising runner Sydney Bowler who reared in the barriers and became trapped, the event was delayed for over an hour, leaving hearts racing both on and off the track. Thankfully, the gelding escaped serious injury and was transported to the equine hospital for recovery. Once competition resumed, it was Heathcote’s outstanding filly Abounding ($7) who stole the show. The classy Rich Enuff daughter, kept fresh for this $3 million feature after a last-start Black-Type win in December, displayed her talent with a powerful late charge under jockey Martin Harley. Heathcote’s strategy of giving Abounding a month between runs paid off handsomely, as Harley guided the $175,000 purchase to an impressive victory. “We made that call not to run her two weeks ago,” the elated trainer declared, citing her lack of experience going beyond 1400m and his desire to give her optimal preparation. The win marked Heathcote’s third Magic Millions Day victory on the Gold Coast. He heaped praise on his “cranky” champion in the making, stating, “She’s got a lot of crankiness in her and I think that’s what makes her a really special filly.” While the margin of victory was narrow, Abounding’s dominance in the final furlong was undeniable. Peter & Paul Snowden’s 30/1 outsider Sovereign Fund, ridden with panache by Tommy Berry, finished strong for second, just a head behind the winner. Gary Portelli’s 40/1 roughie Flying Trapeze also impressed, taking third in a photo finish to add further value to the Magic Millions Guineas trifecta. This victory secures Abounding not only a place in the hearts of racing fans, but also a guaranteed start in Melbourne’s 2024 All-Star Mile at Caulfield on March 16. With her talent and fighting spirit on display, the future looks bright for this rising star of the Australian racing scene. 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 13 ABOUNDING Robert Heathcote Martin Harley 9 54.5kg $7 2 3 SOVEREIGN FUND Peter & Paul Snowden Tommy Berry 0.2L 4 56.5kg $31 3 8 FLYING TRAPEZE Gary Portelli Tyler Schiller 0.5L 18 56kg $41 4 18 PURE PARADISE Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Craig Williams 0.6L 20 54kg $61 5 4 ROYAL TRIBUTE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 1.1L 11 56.5kg $8 6 14 INFATUATION Bjorn Baker Ms Jamie Kah 1.3L 12 54kg $14 7 6 DEFIANT SPIRIT Stuart Kendrick Robbie Dolan 1.6L 23 56kg $26 8 15 TRIFLING Helen Page Michael Rodd 1.7L 1 54kg (cd 55kg) $18 9 1 CIFRADO Rex Lipp Damien Thornton 2.7L 7 58kg $7 10 5 VANQUISHED Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 2.8L 22 56kg $18 11 16 SUNSET DREAMING Tony & Calvin McEvoy Harry Coffey 3.2L 14 54kg $31 12 12 THE KING Peter & Paul Snowden Mark Zahra 3.7L 13 56kg (cd 56.5kg) $21 13 2 CHRYSAOR Chris Waller James McDonald 3.8L 8 58kg $4.40F 14 7 WEIGALL TIGER Kelly Schweida Ms Cejay Graham (a) 4.3L 15 56kg $18 15 9 VEECEE Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Michael Dee 10.1L 10 56kg $13 16 17 ZOUPHORIA Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 22.9L 6 54kg $26 SB 11 DEEP RESPECT Kelly Schweida James Orman 0 56kg SB 10 SYDNEY BOWLER John O’Shea Jason Collett 0 56kg 22e KING OF DUBAI Jason Coyle 0 23e HELLFIRE EXPRESS Annabel Neasham 0 21e GLASS OF ROSE Jeff Dunn Ms Rikki Jamieson 0 19e SHOW ME MERCY Stuart Kendrick Ryan Maloney 0 20e KEENAN Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. The post Drama and Domination: Abounding Wins 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in After Lengthy Delay appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Abounding surges to victory in the 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. Photo: Darren Winningham Robert Heathcote & Martin Harley have combined with Abounding (+600) to claim their maiden Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, with their three-year-old filly defeating Sovereign Fund (+3300) and Flying Trapeze (+5000). Before the race actually got underway, there was drama in the barriers as the John O’Shea-trained Sydney Bowler got himself cast in the gates and the runners were returned to the mounting yard for a lengthy period of time. Fortunately for connections, it appears as though Sydney Bowler will come through it fine and will head off to the vet to spend the night as a precaution. However, once the horses returned to the racetrack over an hour late, and the gates opened, it was Defiant Spirit (+2500) and Royal Tribute (+700) who set a hot tempo out in front, which set the race up for the swoopers. There was a little scrimmage on the home turn, which saw the race favourite Chrysaor (+320) and a few of the favoured runners knocked around but it didn’t stop Harley and his mount, as the daughter of Rich Enuff pushed her way into the clear at the 250m mark. Once Harley pushed the button on his filly, she let down with her customary finishing burst and claimed Sovereign Fund in the final 50m to win by a long neck on the line. Not only will Abounding’s connections take home the the $1.7 million winners cheque, they will have to weigh up whether the filly will go to the All-Star Mile, as the Guineas was a qualifier for the $5 million race at Caulfield in March. 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Replay – Abounding | T: Robert Heathcote |J: Martin Harley Robert Heathcote was very pleased with the win of his star filly, and Martin Harley’s ride post-race. “It’s a very special achievement,” Heathcote said of the win. “Martin, you wanted to say thank you to me, well thank you to you mate, you gave her a pearler. “You call it determination, but she has got a lot of crankiness in her and that what makes her a really good filly. “She’s taken me to a level… I’ve had some wonderful horses in my career and I have been so lucky, I always seem to get another good one coming through.” The win on Abounding was Martin Harley’s first at the Magic Millions Carnival, and he spoke about the trials and tribulations that he went through to get back to this year’s edition of the meeting. “Unbelievable! This time last year, four days away from the Magic Millions I broke my neck, so by god someone was up there looking down on me,” Harley said. “It was nice to get a bit of redemption. “Obviously with the delay and everything, everyone had to cope with it, not just me but everyone else and her. “We got a lovely split into the straight, and by god she has a heart of gold.” More horse racing news View the full article

Louisville is well clear of his rivals when winning at Rosehill. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Talented galloper Louisville notched his third career victory when successful over 1800m at Rosehill on Saturday, much to the delight of favourite backers. The Chris Waller-trained son of Redwood had started firm in the market at his previous three outings when finishing second on each occasion, having commenced his campaign with a win at Canterbury. Punters stuck fat with the five-year-old gelding who was sent out the $2.40 elect with top horse racing bookmakers and confidence was bolstered as soon as the handy galloper was able to take a more forward position in midfield from barrier one under jockey Sam Clipperton. “It was just a matter of navigating a path and presenting him at the right time. The step up in distance certainly assisted and the nice draw helped,” Clipperton said. “He has been racing very well but has been the victim of wide draws. It was nice to be able to utilise the soft draw today. “I had to navigate him into the clear and he got to the front too soon, with relative ease. “It was just a matter of him lacking confidence. He didn’t quite know how to put them away, but it felt like he still had a bit there. “He won very well first-up and put another win on the board today and that will do his confidence the world of good. “He is a talented horse; he’s just got a few creases that needed to be ironed out and fortunately I could iron them out today.” Clipperton is confident that Louisville will be suited over slightly further. “He relaxes very well,” Clipperton said. “He is very economical within himself, and he doesn’t burn any excess fuel. The way that he was to the line and through the line would suggest that 2000m would probably be a bit of a sweet spot for him.” More horse racing news View the full article

The Queen of Australian racing, Gai Waterhouse, cemented her place in Gold Coast lore with a masterful display in the 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic by her fifth champion Storm Boy. 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Storm Boy was enormous late saluting for the punters in the $3 million showdown. Photo: Steve Hart. Enjoying her first success in the prestigious event with co-trainer Adrian Bott, Waterhouse’s classy Justify colt under the riding of Adam Hyeronimus orchestrated a two-and-a-half-length demolition job. The aptly named Storm Boy was too strong in the $3 million showdown saluting for the punters as the $2.50 top elect in betting. “The thrill is unbelievable,” Waterhouse declared to the media. Storm Boy, undefeated in two prior outings, had already hinted at his prowess with a debut win at Rosehill and a dominant Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes victory in Brisbane last time out. On Magic Millions Day, he lived up to the hype. Jockey Hyeronimus navigated a perfect ride, positioning Storm Boy midfield before strategically taking second on the outside of leader Mishani Ego. As the field turned for home, Storm Boy unleashed a scintillating turn of speed, leaving rivals gasping for air in his wake. While Michael Freedman’s Highness, fresh from last month’s Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic win, managed second, the margin was significant. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace’s Spywire rounded out the podium in third, further highlighting Storm Boy’s dominance. Despite facing pressure early on, Storm Boy showcased an unyielding strength and a captivating finishing burst, writing his name onto the Magic Millions honour roll. With this victory, his path now seemingly leads to the coveted Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill in March, a $4.92 million prize within touching distance. Capitalist in 2016 remains the last juvenile to conquer both the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Golden Slipper. Ladbrokes, and likely many racing enthusiasts, now see Storm Boy as the clear $5 favourite to replicate that feat this upcoming Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. Track Storm Boy’s journey as he seeks to add another jewel to his burgeoning crown by checking the pre-field Golden Slipper markets at Ladbrokes. 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 STORM BOY Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 10 57kg $2.50F 2 4 HIGHNESS Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 2.5L 4 57kg $4.40 3 2 SPYWIRE Ciaron Maher & David Eustace James McDonald 4.8L 12 57kg $8.50 4 11 ERNO’S CUBE Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jason Collett 4.9L 7 55kg $11 5 8 ARABIAN SUMMER Tony & Calvin McEvoy Harry Coffey 5.2L 9 55kg $5.50 6 10 POSTER GIRL Chris Munce Robbie Dolan 7.2L 6 55kg $26 7 9 MISHANI ALOHA Les Ross Ben Thompson 7.7L 8 55kg $151 8 12 JENNI’S MEADOW Ben, Will & JD Hayes Declan Bates 8.7L 5 55kg $31 9 13 TERRITORY ASH Liam Birchley Michael Rodd 9.2L 14 55kg $101 10 15 MISHANI EXPRESS Les Ross Jake Bayliss 12.5L 16 55kg $201 11 6 VIANARRA Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young John Allen 13.8L 15 57kg $51 12 16 SHEZA CHIQUITITA Kevin Kemp Damien Thornton 13.9L 11 55kg $201 13 17e SPIRITED Chris Munce Martin Harley 14.7L 3 55kg $201 14 14 MISHANI EGO Les Ross Ms Samantha Collett 15.2L 13 55kg $201 15 5 WOLFGANG Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Blake Shinn 26.7L 2 57kg $19 7 MISHANI HERCULES Les Ross Mark Du Plessis 0 3 PARKOUR James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Waterhouse Reigns Supreme at Gold Coast, Storm Boy Storms to 2024 Magic Millions Classic Glory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Adam Hyeronimus had Storm Boy in splendid isolation when claiming the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Photo: Darren Winningham Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have taken out the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with the race favourite Storm Boy +150, who was given a great ride by Adam Hyernonimus out in front. Although the son of Justify didn’t jump well from the barriers, Hyeronimus gave him a dig in the ribs to push forward and settle outside the leader, Mishani Ego +25000, with the two leading the field into the home straight. The second and third favourites in the betting, Highness +340 and Arabian Summer +450, settled behind the speed and received the best runs in the race; however, they bumped going around the home bend and ultimately cost themselves any winning chance. Nevertheless, Storm Boy and Hyeronimus were off with the prize with 200m to go, as the colt kicked clear and won eased down by 2.5-lengths on the line. After the interference, Highness ran on strong to finish second, while the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained gallopers, Spywire +800 and Erno’s Cube +1000, ran into third and fourth. 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Replay – Storm Boy | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark Gai Waterhouse picked up her fifth win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic since the turn of the century, but this is Adrian Bott’s first for his career, training in partnership with Waterhouse. “It was an impressive performance once again, he’s gone from strength to strength and really put it together today,” Bott said post-race. “Today he paraded beautifully, showed a great attitude and he was strong late to put them away. “He looks a three-year-old already… he’s that much of a mature horse and I think that’s the upside with him. “Scary to think if he can continue to improve into that three-year-old profile, he’s going to be a top class prospect for us. “He (Storm Boy) has a big autumn campaign ahead, as you said a Golden Slipper first and foremost.” Adam Hyeronimus gave the winner a great ride and he picked up his first Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner of his career. “I can, I can (believe it) because the horse is loaded with ability,” Hyeronimus said of Strom Boy. “He raced in the B.J. McLachlan, and he won it well, so I can believe it. “He has such a beautiful attitude and that’s what takes these two-year-old, especially the colts, to another level. “It was a terrible start, but the way they have made the track now, I wasn’t too bother because I was always going to end up outside the leader. “I’m very, very happy to get a Magic Millions winner for Gai and Adrian. “I think its probably the biggest win and ride of my career being on an unbeaten colt in such a prestigious race.” Storm Boy is now the outright favourite at $5 with online bookmakers in the Golden Slipper futures market. More horse racing news View the full article

Times Ticking and Joe Doyle stride to victory the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Popular Opaki trainer Alby MacGregor was full of emotion as he welcomed his stable favourite Times Ticking back to the winners’ enclosure after a thrilling victory in the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m). MacGregor, who is in his mid-seventies, hasn’t enjoyed the best of health in recent times but was on hand to see his pride and joy register his eleventh career success with a determined finish in the hands of Joe Doyle. The well fancied Sagunto and rider Lisa Allpress set a hectic pace out in front and was more than a dozen lengths in front mid-way through the contest. The pair were still five lengths clear as they headed for home in the middle of the track as Allpress went in search of better footing despite the Good 3 track rating. At this stage Times Ticking and Doyle were still well back but winding up nicely as they hunted a run closer to the inside rail. Times Ticking burst through to head Sagunto at the 100m and held nicely to win by a long neck with Waisake flashing home late to snatch third from Nom De Plume. 2024 Group 3 Trentham Stakes Replay – Times Ticking MacGregor had a tear in his eye as he spoke with pride about his charge. “I won my first race here back in 1974, but I can’t take all the credit for this one as my son (Dean) has had him down south for a day or two and has been doing the job,” MacGregor said. “He’s a pretty handy horse and he is part of the family. “I will have to talk to the boss (Dean) about where to next but he is taking him home tonight.” Doyle was full of praise for the horse and his connections. “He is the type of horse every small stable dreams of having,” Doyle said. “To go and put it to them in a good race and bring home a fine bit of prizemoney, he is just a fantastic old horse. “I was kind of comfortable where he was early on and they had said to me to have him where he was comfortable. “When we turned in I was able to spy Sagunto and I was confident we could get him so well done to the horse. “He is proven on all ground and at a mile to a mile and a quarter and I’m very grateful to have got the call to ride him.” More horse racing news View the full article

Bold Soul delivers to win at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Brett Holburt, Racing Photos Trainer Patrick Payne will hold bragging rights over brother Andrew, as the siblings supplied the first two runners home in race five at Flemington when Bold Soul held sway over Crossoverkid on Saturday. In a slowly-run race, it was the mid-race move of jockey Daniel Stackhouse that ultimately paid dividends on the three-year-old son of Embellish. Bold Soul settled third last before Stackhouse made a mid-race move to sit in second spot and he held a strong gallop in the straight to defy his opposition. “He was just starting to get a bit aggressive when the tempo came out of the race and no one really wanted to go,” Stackhouse said. “Instead of fighting my bloke – I was probably using more carrots doing that than making up ground and doing no work. We got to the outside of the leader very easily without spending any pennies and he found a lot better rhythm and he was able to flow into it. “He took a while to build through his gears but I always felt I had the horse to the inside of me covered and he is going to be a nice horse when he gets over further too. “He’s still a young horse and is very green and raw and needs to learn to switch off a bit more but that was his first time at 2000m and that tempo was pretty ridiculous to be honest, hence he was a bit keen. “He has looked like he was a bit green at his last couple of starts but he was really switched on today and he travelled strongly to the gates. He knew his job and I think with more racing, the better he will be and Patrick Payne will put the x-factor on him.” Bold Soul has now won two of his four starts, having won at Donald on debut before having excuses on both occasions when finishing third at consecutive starts at Caulfield prior to the Flemington win. More horse racing news View the full article

Mercurial edges out Express Yourself to claim Group One glory in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Sam Spratt teamed up with arguably New Zealand’s most improved racehorse to land a boilover victory in Saturday’s Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham – her third time triumphing in a meeting that once came close to claiming her life. Saturday’s Telegraph heroics aboard Mercurial came some 21 years after Spratt suffered severe head injuries in a shocking fall in an undercard race on Telegraph Day on January 25, 2003. She not only recovered but later made a triumphant return to the saddle, going on to join New Zealand’s 1000-win club and boasting 20 Group One wins and counting. Spratt is now a three-time Telegraph winner, with Mercurial following in the footsteps of her old favourite Mufhasa (2009 and 2011). “It’s 21 years ago almost to the day that I had my fall on this day at this track, so it was good to tick this one off,” Spratt said. “I don’t have any memory of it – it’s basically a year of lost memory, so it’s just what people say. I wasn’t really supposed to be riding again after it, but I’m too stubborn for that!” Mercurial arrived at Trentham on Saturday as a last-start Group One placegetter, having finished third behind Waitak and Bonny Lass in the Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day. But the five-year-old flew under the radar as an +1700 outsider with horse racing bookmakers in a field headed by Bonny Lass (+190) and Dragon Leap (+320). Spratt showed her customary front-running prowess aboard Mercurial, recovering from an awkward start to charge forward and take up a position on the outside of Express Yourself. The pace came right out of the race through the middle stages, causing significant interference to several runners in the chasing pack and leading Lincoln’s Kruz to dislodge jockey Jonathan Riddell. Mercurial stayed well out of trouble and was full of running as he threw down the gauntlet to Express Yourself at the top of the straight. That rival rose to meet the challenge, and the pair went to war at the 300m. Favourite Bonny Lass regathered herself after a rocky run and found the line strongly late in the piece, but it remained a two-horse battle to the line and Mercurial won it by a nose. Bonny Lass finished third, a neck behind the first pair. 2024 Group 1 Telegraph Replay – Mercurial “That was really good,” Spratt said. “He knuckled a little bit at the start, but he showed plenty of pace to get back up there. We managed to get some easy sectionals after that. “He’s so tough. The more they came at him, the more he stuck his head out. I thought I might have had my nose in front on the line, but I wasn’t totally sure. I didn’t want to get too confident and excited. It was awesome to see the photo finish confirm that we’d won it.” The Telegraph was the sixth win of a 27-start career for the Stephen Marsh-trained Mercurial, who has also had 11 minor placings. He has now earned more than $514,000 in stakes for an ownership group that includes his five breeders. Mercurial was a Rating 75 winner at the equivalent meeting 12 months ago, and his first start in open company was in only March of last year. In his 11 starts since then, he has recorded two wins and six placings and established himself among the country’s top-flight sprinters. “This is a massive thrill,” Marsh said. “If you’d asked me even six months ago whether this horse could win a Telegraph or a Railway, I wouldn’t have said he could. “But he’s just so tough. A couple of people even said to me before the race that he’s so laid-back and such a good doer, it almost looks like he needs another run. He’ll go home tonight, he’ll eat up, and he’ll probably end up going around again on Karaka Millions night. He really is the man. “He’s just one of those horses that works, eats, sleeps and performs. Every run this time in has been unbelievable. “We got a beautiful run outside the leader today. They were clipping heels and in all sorts of trouble behind us, but Sam put him into a good spot and he’s just so tough. I actually thought we’d run second on the line, but we got the win. “It’s a great team of owners. They bred him and have still got the mare. They all came to the Railway and they’re all here again today, so it’s a real thrill for them. I actually only got this horse because another trainer didn’t answer his phone, so I was only their second choice! But we’ve got them in the team and I think we’ll have them for life now. “They don’t give Group Ones away, and there’s just nothing that beats it. It’s a great buzz.” More horse racing news View the full article

The Gold Coast heats up for Magic Millions Day on Saturday, featuring two $3 million showdowns, including the highly anticipated Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m). A full field of hopefuls charge off for this prestigious race, with Chris Waller’s Chrysaor holding narrow favouritism at $5.50 in the latest markets at Ladbrokes. Chrysaor heads current Magic Millions 3YO Guineas 2024 betting markets for the Gold Coast feature this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart. This Better Than Ready colt rose to fame last spring, claiming an upset victory in Randwick’s $1 million Group 2 Callander-Presnell. He followed up with a close second in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate at Doomben, cementing his form heading south. Top jockey James McDonald takes the reins from barrier seven, giving Chrysaor a strong chance to conquer the Gold Coast. His last-start victor, Cifrado, also looms large at $6.50. Damien Thornton guides the Encryption gelding from one closer the fence in barrier six, setting the stage for an exciting rematch. Undefeated Sydney Bowler ($6.50) adds another layer of intrigue, aiming to extend his winning streak to four under Jason Collett from wider out in gate 16. His recent commanding victory at Randwick showcases his potential. Rounding out the single-figure fancies are Robert Heathcote’s in-form Queenslander Abounding ($7.50) aiming to upset the boys and Royal Tribute ($7.50) who is the early market mover from Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stables fresh off a Gosford Guineas win. With a diverse field featuring rising stars, proven contenders, and exciting form lines, the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas promises a thrilling battle. Don’t miss the action as these hopefuls battle for glory at 4:20pm (AEST) on Saturday. 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Key Runners: Chrysaor ($5.50): Formidable favourite, top jockey, strong recent performances. Cifrado ($6.50): Last-start winner, rematch with Chrysaor, Damien Thornton aboard. Sydney Bowler ($6.50): Undefeated, wide draw but strong form. Abounding ($7.50): In-form Queenslander taking on the boys. Royal Tribute ($7.50): Early market mover, recent Gosford Guineas winner. 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 13116×4061 CIFRADO Rex Lipp Damien Thornton 7 58kg 92 2 x137x981x2 CHRYSAOR Chris Waller James McDonald 8 58kg 89.5 3 0x594x54x4 SOVEREIGN FUND Peter & Paul Snowden Tommy Berry 4 56.5kg 70 4 2x144x1 ROYAL TRIBUTE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 11 56.5kg 82 5 44×3231 VANQUISHED Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 22 56kg 65 6 121×3391 DEFIANT SPIRIT Stuart Kendrick Robbie Dolan 23 56kg 73 7 34×11112 WEIGALL TIGER Kelly Schweida Ms Cejay Graham (a) 15 56kg 75 8 2125×61853 FLYING TRAPEZE Gary Portelli Tyler Schiller 18 56kg 74 9 120x7x3 VEECEE Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Michael Dee 10 56kg 73 10 111 SYDNEY BOWLER John O’Shea Jason Collett 17 56kg 72 11 121×404 DEEP RESPECT Kelly Schweida James Orman 21 56kg 69.5 12 00×2221414 THE KING Peter & Paul Snowden Mark Zahra 13 56kg 56.5kg 73 13 241223×121 ABOUNDING Robert Heathcote Martin Harley 9 54.5kg 82 14 14x9838x22 INFATUATION Bjorn Baker Ms Jamie Kah 12 54kg 75 15 4350×96231 TRIFLING Helen Page Michael Rodd 1 54kg 55kg 80 16 1215510 SUNSET DREAMING Tony & Calvin McEvoy Harry Coffey 14 54kg 71 17 69×2115 ZOUPHORIA Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 6 54kg 72 18 22x48x2x2 PURE PARADISE Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Craig Williams 20 54kg 19e 1x131x36 SHOW ME MERCY Stuart Kendrick Ryan Maloney 16 56kg 72.5 20e 3213×4 KEENAN Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 2 56kg 70 21e 22x5530x89 GLASS OF ROSE Jeff Dunn Ms Rikki Jamieson 3 54kg 62 22e 372×142 KING OF DUBAI Jason Coyle 5 56kg 66 23e 12×4111 HELLFIRE EXPRESS Annabel Neasham 19 56kg 72 Table Credit: Racing Australia. All odds quoted are provided by Ladbrokes and subject to change. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Chrysaor Leads 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Betting Markets appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Gold Coast race fans eagerly await Saturday’s 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott‘s unbeaten Storm Boy ruling as top pick amidst a fierce field in the now $3 million feature. Unbeaten colt Storm Boy chases a third win on the trot in the 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic this Saturday at the Gold Coast. Photo: Steve Hart. The Justify colt boasts a flawless resume: a dominant Rosehill debut and a commanding Group 3 win last time out in Brisbane’s BJ McLachlan Stakes. Drawn wide but full of early pace, Storm Boy, ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, looks hard to topple. He sits as the short-priced $2.40 favourite in the latest Magic Millions 2YO Classic odds at bookmaker Ladbrokes. But challengers loom. Michael Freedman‘s Highness, a rising Snitzel colt with early market buzz, aims for the interstate Classic double after claiming the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic title earlier this prep. Tommy Berry guides his charge from a favourable barrier four draw. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace counter with Spywire, a consistent Trapeze Artist colt seeking his third win at start number four. Sydney ace James McDonald takes the reins, eyeing redemption after a close second in Wyong and a subsequent Gold Coast victory a fortnight back. Fillies join the fray, led by Tony & Calvin McEvoy‘s on-fire Ballarat Magic Millions 2YO Classic champ Arabian Summer. Two wins already in her pocket, she drops weight against the boys off her last start Gold Coast success, with Harry Coffey aiming for further glory. Other last-start winners like James Cummings‘ Parkour and the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans‘ Wolfgang add spice to the mix both coming off good lead-up victories. With the rain-affected track adding an extra twist, the Magic Millions 2YO Classic promises a heart-pounding clash. Watch as raw talent meets experience, jockey skills are tested, and potential champions emerge under the Queensland sun. This is a race where legends are made – don’t miss a second! Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2024 Key Points: Storm Boy, Highness, Spywire, and Arabian Summer in the spotlight heading the betting markets. Diverse field features plenty of unbeaten colts, rising fillies, and last-start winners. Rain-affected track adds unpredictability. Gold Coast Race 8, 3:35pm (AEST). Magic Millions 2YO Classic Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 11 STORM BOY Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 10 57kg 2 121 SPYWIRE Ciaron Maher & David Eustace James McDonald 12 57kg 3 21 PARKOUR James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 17 57kg 4 6×1 HIGHNESS Michael Freedman Tommy Berry 4 57kg 5 5×11 WOLFGANG Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Blake Shinn 2 57kg 6 7432 VIANARRA Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young John Allen 15 57kg 7 4545 MISHANI HERCULES Les Ross Mark Du Plessis 1 57kg 8 2311 ARABIAN SUMMER Tony & Calvin McEvoy Harry Coffey 9 55kg 9 4115 MISHANI ALOHA Les Ross Ben Thompson 8 55kg 10 122 POSTER GIRL Chris Munce Robbie Dolan 6 55kg 11 812 ERNO’S CUBE Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jason Collett 7 55kg 12 1 JENNI’S MEADOW Ben, Will & JD Hayes Declan Bates 5 55kg 13 2714 TERRITORY ASH Liam Birchley Michael Rodd 14 55kg 14 231246 MISHANI EGO Les Ross Ms Samantha Collett 13 55kg 15 8233325 MISHANI EXPRESS Les Ross Jake Bayliss 16 55kg 16 1747 SHEZA CHIQUITITA Kevin Kemp Damien Thornton 11 55kg 17e 3 SPIRITED Chris Munce Martin Harley (late alt) 3 55kg Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. The post 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Field & Betting: Battle Royale on the Gold Coast appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Opie Bosson guides Te Akau filly Quintessa to a deserved Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) victory. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Te Akau Racing’s dominance of the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) continued at Trentham on Saturday with Quintessa clinging on in an unforgettable finish. Those familiar tangerine colours have towered over the $500,000 three-year-old feature in recent times, collecting five wins since 2017 including all of the last three in a row. Former Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards provided the first three of those victories with Hall Of Fame in 2017, Age Of Fire in 2018 and Imperatriz in 2022. Imperatriz headed an extraordinary first four for Richards that year, with On The Bubbles, I Wish I Win and Mohawk Brave filling the minor placings. Mark Walker has since picked up where Richards left off, saddling Romancing The Moon and Skew Wiff for a stable quinella in 2023 and striking again with Quintessa on Saturday. Quintessa started as a +170 favourite and brought impeccable form into the race. She won all of her first three starts including the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September, then returned from a spring freshen-up with strong-finishing seconds behind Pendragon in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) and the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m). The Shamus Award filly stepped up to 1600m for the first time on Saturday and produced another exceptional performance to prevail in one of the Levin Classic’s tightest finishes. Quintessa took up a perfect position in sixth spot, with rider Opie Bosson keeping a close eye on the second favourite Mary Shan (third) and third favourite Impendabelle (fifth). Michael McNab pushed the button on Impendabelle and pounced at the top of the straight, with Bosson and Quintessa following them every step of the way. Quintessa quickened smartly and thrust her head in front with more than 200m remaining, but her job was far from over. Mary Shan, Impendabelle and Leroy Brown kept fighting for all they were worth on her inside, while Zabmanzor, Sinhaman and Certainly charged home wider out on the track. In a blanket finish with only three-quarters of a length separating the first six, it was Quintessa who dug deepest of all and snatched a thrilling win. 2024 Group 1 Levin Classic Replay – Quintessa Her margin was a long head over the fast-finishing Zabmanzor, with a half-head back to third-placed Impendabelle and Mary Shan another neck away in fourth. Sinhaman was a nose behind in fifth, with a short head back to Certainly. “As soon as I got on the back of Impendabelle, I knew that she’d take me right into the race,” Bosson said. “I was giggling turning for home. Michael thought he was going alright on Impendabelle, but I just snuck up behind him. “My filly did start easing up a little bit once she hit the front, but she’s tough. I could see them coming out wide, I didn’t even know who they were, but I was just hoping she’d put her head down at the right time. “She doesn’t show much at home – the lead pony could probably beat her on the training track. But she really shows up on raceday.” Quintessa brought Bosson closer to a major career milestone, giving him his 96th win at Group One level. “I’m just blessed to have this job that I’ve got with Te Akau,” he said. “David Ellis buys amazing horses for me to ride.” Quintessa certainly fits that description. Ellis paid $170,000 to buy her from the draft of Wentwood Grange at Karaka 2022. Her six-race career has now produced four wins, two second placings and $444,650 in stakes for the Te Akau Awarded Racing Partnership. “It was another gun ride by Opie, who just gets it right so many times,” said Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. “So does David, going and buying these lovely fillies that can win races like this. “We had a team talk and decided to prioritise this race over the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). That race was obviously an attractive option, but we just felt a Group One beside her name would be great. “We never make decisions on raceday, so we’ll let the dust settle and see how she comes through this before deciding what we do next.” More horse racing news View the full article

Top apprentice Lily Sutherland celebrates Churchillian’s victory in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Cambridge trainer Tony Pike made a flying start to racing at Trentham on Saturday when he produced the winners of the first two stakes races on a day featuring five black-type events. Just one race after promising filly Archaic Smile dominated her two-year-old rivals in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m), underrated mare Churchillian produced a dogged effort to take out the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m). Rider Lily Sutherland had the four-year-old daughter of Churchill positioned on the heels of pacemaker Sergio throughout after beginning well from barrier 12 and loomed up to make her challenge shortly after turning for home. Left a sitting duck as Sergio dropped off quickly, Churchillian found a good kick to draw two lengths clear before repelling a stern challenge from Apostrophe in the final few strides, winning by an ever reducing long head margin with Town Cryer battled on strongly to take third. 2024 Group 3 Anniversary Handicap Replay – Churchillian It was the first win at the elite level for Churchillian and one that Pike found particularly satisfying. “She deserved that as she has been consistent all season,” Pike said. “Things didn’t completely go her way as she was taken off the track at the top of the straight when things got a bit tight, but she is a good honest mare. “She was always travelling well and despite getting some buffeting she is a pretty hard horse to get past when she gets in front.” Pike was non-committal on a programme for the mare over the summer months but indicated a brief spell could be on the cards. “We will just wait and see how she comes through this but she has been up quite a while with some tough racing,” he said. “She is a promising mare going forward and I think she will only get better as she gets a bit of age on her.” Sutherland was also quick to praise the attitude of her mount. “She is just so tough,” she said. “There was a lot of speed in the race but she crossed over easily and although the horse inside her (Sergio) ran her out a bit she was too tough. “She tried really really hard and I was lucky to be on her. “I’m very lucky to be on horses for the stable and they are going very well.” More horse racing news View the full article

Otago makes it two from two with a win at Flemington. Photo: Darry Sherer Talented three-year-old gelding Otago remains undefeated after a narrow victory at Flemington on Saturday. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained son of Ocean Park had been a dominant maiden winner at Bendigo last month, defeating a pair of subsequent winners. Despite being far from the finished article, the raw Kiwi import set a new class record of 1:22.46 for three-year-old BenchMark 70 gallopers as he chased down the leaders, Valois and Very Sewreel. Jockey Beau Mertens had Otago perfectly positioned in third throughout, and despite showing a few signs of greenness, he dug deep to land the spoils in the manner of a horse that will appreciate getting over further. Mertens is a fan of the youngster, whom he also rode to victory at Bendigo. “Coming into the straight I sort of gave him a little bit of a niggle and those horses in front of me kicked into the straight quite nicely,” Mertens said. “I had to do a little bit of work to get them actually. I sort of got to them and struggled to fight them off. He got there and probably had a bit of a think about it. He is a raw horse and he did a good job to win. “He had to fight a bit and he had to work to get past better horses than he met in his maiden. He has got ability this horse and I really, really like him. As he matures, he is only going to get better.” Otago sports the colours of syndicators Roll The Dice Racing, and Director Steve Travaglia was relieved to see the well-tried -133.33 favourite with top horse racing bookies claim the narrow victory. Pre-race there had been talk of a tilt at the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 2, a race Price has won previously on three occasions with Light Fantastic (2008), Heart Of Dreams (2009) and Grunt (2018). “Horses can get over-hyped a little bit and you always worry that it can go the other way, but this guy is pretty new and green but got the job done,” Travaglia said. “I will leave it up to Mick and Junior to work out whether an Australian Guineas is on the radar. You’d love to think so but that’s a bit of a dream and he has obviously still got a fair bit of learning to do. “He switches on and off and Beau had his hands full for a while. We will see what happens.” More horse racing news View the full article

Micheal McNab guides classy juvenile Archaic Smile to victory in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Victory in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) is becoming a force of habit for Michael McNab as the northern hoop claimed a third-straight win in the two-year-old feature at Trentham with impressive filly Archaic Smile. McNab guided two classy juveniles to Wellesley glory in 2021 and 2022 with Hanalei and Codigo respectively, and on this occasion partnered with the Tony Pike-trained daughter of Saxon Warrior, who was having her third race-day appearance. After racing greenly on debut at Te Rapa in November, a much-improved Archaic Smile breezed to victory second-up at Otaki and announced herself as the leading contender for the Wellesley, starting a warm +120 favourite with top horse racing bookmakers. Jumping from barrier four, McNab settled Archaic Smile in behind a strong tempo set by Macaluso as the eight-strong field descended down the Trentham chute. McNab eased the filly between horses at the top of the straight and only placed pressure on her approaching the 300m, Archaic Smile showing a professional turn-of-foot to dash away by two lengths. Te Akau debutant Nebuchadnezzar showed promise in striding into second position under Warren Kennedy, edging out pacemaker Macaluso who fought well for third. Pike had spoken highly of Archiac Smile leading into her maiden stakes-level challenge and was pleased to see a dominant display. “She’s just a filly that’s kept on improving, her work through the week has been outstanding especially at Ellerslie on Monday and I thought she’d be extremely hard to beat when taking a sit behind the speed,” he said. Pike revealed post-race that Archaic Smile had remained at his Cambridge stable due to the impending closure of the Singapore Turf Club, with the filly’s owner Masa Otani a prominent supporter of New Zealand-bred horses in recent years. “Yoshi Manawa, who works for me, looks after a few horses for Mr Otani from Japan. This filly was bought here from Singapore for her early education, but with Singapore closing he’s left her here which is a huge boost for us,” he said. Archaic Smile is ineligible for the much-awaited $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in a fortnight, but elite-level two-year-old events such as the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) on March 9 now become a target for the filly. “We’ll just work our way through the targets, there’s a few Group One two-year-old races for her,” Pike said. “We’ll get her home from Wellington, she’ll have a short break after this then we’ll work out a programme towards those races. It’s just good to get a stakes win on the board as a filly,” Pike said. “This filly has probably got a bit more precocious ability than Impendabelle had, she’s a really natural two-year-old and very professional.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Sunday, January 14, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to the Sale Turf Club on Sunday afternoon where a competitive eight-race meeting awaits punters. Despite plenty of rain throughout the week, the track has come up a Soft 5, however, with drying conditions forecast in the lead-up, we expect to be racing on a Good 4 come raceday. The rail will stick in the true position the entire circuit, with action commencing at 1:10pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sale: Skywriter Our best bet of the day comes up in the opener as the Chris Waller-trained Skywriter returns from a five-month spell. The four-year-old mare has proven to be a costly conveyance for punters so far in her five-start career, finishing second three times, and has been rolled as a $1.80 and $2.70 favourite too. However, on Sunday, she has seemingly struck a weak maiden, and if she does not break maiden ranks here, we’re willing to give up on her. She has shown plenty of ability in her career and brings strong form lines into the race. Beau Mertens will look to have her settled midfield with cover, and as long as the Written Tycoon mare is in clear air at the top of the straight, Skywriter should prove too tough to hold out. Best Bet Race 1 – #12 Skywriter (10) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Beau Mertens (57.5kg) +240 with Picklebet Next Best at Sale: Lukan Lukan showed enough on debut at Geelong to suggest he should be disposing of his rivals in this maiden on Sunday. The son of Sweet Orange clearly has the most upside in a race like this, with a lot of his key rivals with top horse racing bookmakers seemingly having plenty of convictions. Having settled towards the rear of the field in a small line-up on debut, Lukan was hitting the line strongly inside the final 100m on a Heavy 8, suggesting the firmer deck and the 1600m should suit. Next Best Race 2 – #4 Lukan (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Jordan Childs (59.5kg) +280 with Neds Best Value at Sale: Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Sweet ‘N’ Spicy is a tricky runner to catch; however, on her day, she can produce a strong finish. If the four-year-old mare from the Lyn Tolson & Leonie Proctor can produce her best, she is right in contention for the BM58 that she faces on Sunday. The Thornum mare was hitting the line nicely third-up at Mornington when finishing on the heels on the placegetter’s and fourth-up from a spell; she should be primed for this. From barrier 11, Luke Cartwright will have Sweet ‘N’ Spicy settled towards the rear of the field, but with Cartwright’s 3kg claim aiding her chances, we’re happy to side with Sweet ‘N’ Spicy as she looks to blouse her rivals. Best Value Race 6 – #8 Sweet ‘N’ Spicy (11) 4yo Mare | T: Lyn Tolson & Leonie Proctor | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (60kg) +900 with Playup Sunday quaddie tips for Sale races Sale quadrella selections Sunday, January 14, 2024 1-4-5-9 4-5-8 4-7-10-11 3-5-6-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Latest horse racing news View the full article

Alice Springs trainer Leah Walling-Denton with her dad Paul Denton, one of the leading jockeys in the Northern Territory for the past 40 years. It has been a longtime between drinks, but Alice Springs trainer Leah Walling-Denton makes her return at Pioneer Park on Sunday. Walling-Denton, the daughter of veteran Northern Territory jockey Paul Denton, will start eight-year-old gelding Future Dreams and six-year-old gelding Acres Midnight in the open handicap over 1000m. It’s the feature race on the Alice Springs Turf Club’s four-event program and with a $24,500 purse. Getting the cash this weekend won’t be easy for Walling-Denton as Kerry Petrick’s in-form Throw At Da Stumps – a $1.15 favourite on Friday – is flying after cleaning up the field by almost four lengths over 1000m (BM76) last Saturday as the $1.45 favourite with top horse racing betting sites. Throw At Da Stumps, tipped to make an impact during Cup Carnival, might be lumping 63kg on Sunday and spotting his four other rivals 8kg, but the five-year-old gelding will take some stopping. Since arriving from Victoria, Throw At Da Stumps has had 10 starts for Petrick in Darwin, Kununurra and Alice Springs. Top End jockey Adam Nicholls was the pilot when the son of Rich Enuff won on his NT debut at Darwin last June, but since then Denton has partnered the gelding for a further four wins, three seconds and a third. Denton is booked to ride Throw At Da Stumps once again on Sunday. Walling-Denton isn’t expecting any miracles from Future Dreams, who hasn’t raced since August 2022, and Acres Midnight, who hasn’t appeared since last April. Denton was in the saddle when last Walling-Denton saddled up both horses, but this weekend apprentice Lek Maloney will ride Future Dreams with Stan Tsaikos aboard Acres Midnight. Although Walling-Denton, who has been off the scene since Acres Midnight’s last race, has just the two horses in her stable she is very much looking forward to her return. “Yeah, I had a few months off and gave both horses a spell, but I was always going to return at some stage,” she said. “I don’t really go for holidays or have much of a break, so I just decided to have a few months off from training and now I’m back. “It’s been a longtime coming, but we’re finally back at the races. “We ended up in the bloody open handicap to help hold up the meeting. “They’re both just going around on Sunday to gather race fitness. “Because Future Dreams hasn’t raced for 12 months he had to barrier trial, so we’ve done that.” With five wins and 15 minor placings from 44 starts, Future Dreams’ last tasted success four starts ago over 1200m (0-58) in July 2022. Acres Midnight’s only win was in a 1000m Condobolin maiden in NSW in February 2022 for Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb, but in 25 other starts he has secured a minor placing on eight occasions. Walling-Denton, who had the opportunity to care for Roughly in 2022 in the absence of regular trainer Paul Gardner when the ageing mare enjoyed a period of success, has been training for almost eight years. Come Sunday, it’s unlikely her runners, as well as Petrick’s stablemates Kikuyu (Casey Hunter) and The Girl’s Party (Ianish Luximon), are going to thwart Throw At Da Stumps. “Take the likely winner away, Future Dreams and Acres Midnight are back in their own grade pretty much anyway,” Walling-Denton said. “Hopefully we might land a place, otherwise we’re just going around for fitness. “I’m not expecting too much, but you never know. “My pair aren’t probably Carnival horses, but if there’s a race there we’ll consider it.” More horse racing news View the full article

Magic Millions Day on the Gold Coast is one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar, attracting top-class thoroughbreds, enthusiastic spectators, and generous bookmaker promotions. As the excitement builds on the track, bookmakers join in the fervour by offering enticing promotions to enhance the betting experience. From enhanced odds on favourites to exclusive bonuses for Magic Millions races, punters can expect a thrilling mix of competitive odds and special deals. It’s a day where the worlds of elite horse racing and strategic wagering collide, providing both seasoned bettors and casual fans with an exhilarating opportunity to engage in the spectacle of Magic Millions while enjoying the added benefits of bookmaker promotions. Best Magic Millions Day 2024 Bookmaker promotions: Today’s best horse racing promotions Gold Coast All Races – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back if 1 leg fails up to $50 Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Gold Coast this Saturday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Rosehill, Flemington & Gold Coast Bonus Back 2nd & 3rd Place a bet in races 1-6 at Rosehill, Flemington & Gold Coast on Saturday and if your selection comes in 2nd or 3rd, you’ll get your money back in bonus bets. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Gold Coast Race 9 – Either Chrysaor, Cifrado or Sydney Bowler to win All Options must start. Max Stake $25. Singles Only. No Bonus Bets Playup T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Magic Millions Free Swing! Place a $20+ bet on Gold Coast Race 8 or 9 & get $20 BONUS CASH if it doesn’t win. Fixed Win Only. First Bet Only. Available Balance Only. Available Once Per Race. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at 3 Metro Meetings Finish 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Flemington, Gold Coast & Rosehill, get your money back as bonus bets. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo $3 (was $2.35) – Storm Boy (#1) to win the 2YO Magic Millions (Gold Coast R8) Saturday Racing Price Push. Price subject to change. Limits apply T&Cs Apply Login to UniBet to Claim Promo More horse racing promotions View the full article

By Jonny Turner The friends and family of the late Glenn Scott saw his colours shine in the Nelson sun as Ready Set Jet strode to victory on Friday. Bred by Scott, Ready Set Jet is raced by the late breeder-owner-trainer’s wife Jenny, along with his friends and family who make up the Scottie’s Leftovers Syndicate. A jubilant ownership group greeted Ready Set Jet in the birdcage following his debut victory in race 2. And Bob Butt was thrilled to be able to guide the promising trotter to victory in Scott’s colours. “It is sad – what happened to Scotty – but it is great that his friends and family can keep his colours and his horses going,” Butt said. “There were plenty of them there and they were rapt to see the horse win.” Ready Set Jet is one of five horses that have joined the Bob Butt’s stable following Scott’s passing in 2021. Butt thinks the four-year-old can go on with it following his debut win. “He is going to make a nice horse once he learns what it’s all about.” “He was pretty green today and was having a good look around at things, but he went good.” Ready Set Jet’s victory came five days after Take After Me won his 20th race in his 349th start at Motukarara for Scott’s mother and father Fred and Jan Scott. The dual-gaited iron horse is the last horse Scott prepared before his passing. Later on the Nelson programme, Bob Butt produced an outstanding training performance to double up with Ruakaka. The trotter strode to a strong victory following a massive break from racing, after last starting in May of 2022. “He had a few niggles so we put him out and tried to forget about him,” Butt said. “He was always such a lean bugger that time was always going to help him.” “He has come up good and his trials have been good; it’s good to have him back.” Ruakaka is raced by Butt, his grandparents Robin and Jackie Butt, as well as commentator Matt Cross. Cross called his horse home before making it down to the birdcage to greet Ruakaka following his victory. With both of his winners and the remainder of his team pulling up well immediately after their races, all of Butt’s runners are likely to back up at Sunday’s meeting at Nelson. A positive drive from Tim Williams saw Alta Meteor bag his second consecutive cup success in the Nelson Cup on Friday. Fresh up from their Motukarara Christmas Cup victory, Williams put Alta Meteor into the race with 1000m left to run and he was too slick for his rivals in the 3000m staying test. View the full article

Crazy Legs Hirsch and My Redemption, both owned by Bush Racing Stable and trained by Tim Kreiser, were impossible for Penn National placing judges to split, dead-heating for first in the second race there Jan. 11.View the full article