Wandering Eyes

After upsetting his maiden field at 5-1 odds Nov. 24, Otello shipped south from Aqueduct to Gulfstream to make a successful jump into stakes company Monday, taking the Mucho Macho Man S. under Luis Saez. Favored this time around at 8-5 for Christophe Clement, the newly-turned 3-year-old executed a very similar race plan than that of his debut, sitting off the pace in fifth as longshot Everdoit (Gary D) was intent on the early lead. In a field that remained rather tightly bunched, Otello sat patiently through a :46.63 half before splitting horses to make a late bid. In a driving finish, the son of Curlin got up just ahead of both First World War and Sea Streak to win. “He won first time out in New York, and he won well, got into a lot of trouble,” admitted Clement. “The same applied today, so I guess he likes to be in trouble. But he won well, and he got out of the trouble. He was good enough to overcome it. I'm not exactly sure what he beat today. I know that they liked the second horse. I'm thrilled. I don't train too many Curlins, so it's nice when it works out.” “He's had two starts and he's had plenty of schooling,” Clement continued. “We'll see how he comes out of it. As you know, Elliott Walden is very involved, so we'll speak with him and have a plan. We'll enjoy this for a day or so and go from there. He'll have to go two turns next time, obviously, the question is: where? We've got time to think about that.” The 101st stakes winner for Curlin, Otello is out of successful race mare Isabella Sings who has produced three winners from as many to race. His 2-year-old Into Mischief half-brother brought a final bid of $650,000 from Repole Stable and Spendthrift Farm last September at Keeneland and Isabella Sings reported a Gun Runner filly last year before visiting Life Is Good for 2024. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #3 OTELLO ($5.40) gets loose late to get up and win a thrilling $150,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The son of Curlin is now a perfect 2 for 2. Luis Saez was in the irons for Christophe Clement. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/AP6p5ETjll — TVG (@TVG) January 1, 2024 MUCHO MACHO MAN S., $150,000, Gulfstream, 1-1, 3yo, 1m, 1:37.76, ft. 1–OTELLO, 118, c, 3, by Curlin 1st Dam: Isabella Sings (MGSW-USA, GSP-Can, $648,170), by Eskendereya 2nd Dam: Isobel Baillie (GB), by Lomitas (GB) 3rd Dam: Dubai Soprano (GB), by Zafonic 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC; B-Siena Farms LLC (KY); T-Christophe Clement; J-Luis Saez. $92,070. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $138,820. 2–First World War, 118, c, 3, War Front–Sundaysatthebeach, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Qatar Racing LLC and Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. $29,700. 3–Sea Streak, 118, g, 3, Sea Wizard–High Noon Nellie, by Silver Deputy. O/B-Holly Crest Farm (NJ); T-Eddie Owens, Jr. $14,850. Margins: HF, NK, 3/4. Odds: 1.70, 3.80, 9.00. Also Ran: Inveigled, No More Time, Everdoit. Scratched: Boy Magic, Orb Alpha. The post Otello A Narrow Winner In Mucho Macho Man appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Dec.25-Dec.31View the full article

Albaugh Family Stables' Catching Freedom (c, 3, Constitution–Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile), the 8-5 favorite, kicked off his sophomore campaign in style with a late-running victory in the Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park Monday. The bay colt was unhurried early and settled well off the pace behind fractions of :23.02 and :47.01. He inched closer along the rail on the far turn, tipped out for running room approaching the stretch and rolled up four wide into the lane. Just to his inside off the turn was Just Steel (Justify), who grabbed command at midstretch, while Catching Freedom dawdled while racing greenly in the center of the track. Catching Freedom straightened out and quickened powerfully to inhale Just Steel late and strode clear to a two-length victory. He completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.59 and earned 10 points towards a berth in the GI Kentucky Derby. A $575,000 Keeneland September yearling, Catching Freedom debuted with a 3 3/4-length victory going one mile at Churchill Oct. 1 and was coming off a troubled fourth-place effort in a 1 1/16-mile optional claimer in Louisville Dec. 9. He is a half-brother to last year's GII Ohio Derby runner-up Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo). Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0. O-Albaugh Family Stables LLC. B-WinStar Farm LLC (Ky). T-Brad Cox. The post Constitution’s Catching Freedom Stylish in Smarty Jones Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing fans didn't have to wait long for the New Year's first 'TDN Rising Star' as Juddmonte homebred Impel (Quality Road) sat off hot early fractions and pounced into the lane to graduate at first asking Monday. Facing a field of mostly first-time starters, all making their 3-year-old debuts, Impel took money into the teeth of race favorite Tipsy Tammy (Arrogate), breaking at 7-2 and going right out to be three wide with that rival along with Golden Degree (Goldencents) on the rail. That trio sped through an opening quarter in :21.89 and Impel had work to do to keep up around the far turn. Patiently handled under Florent Geroux, the homebred got back onto even terms passing the quarter pole and, as the rest of the field faded behind him, took Tipsy Tammy into the final sixteenth before clearing away to hit the wire alone. The first two fillies were nearly 11 lengths clear of the rest of the group which included fellow first-timer Who's Ticket (Quality Road). Impel is the first foal out of SW/GSP Your Love, who was purchased by Juddmonte for $480,000 out of the 2019 Keeneland November Sale in foal to More Than Ready. Your Love is a full-sister to GSW/GISP Economic Model and a half to MSW/GSP Jimmy Simms (Lost Soldier), GSW/GISP Happy American (Runhappy) and GSW/GISP Well Monied (Maria's Mon), who herself produced the dam of GSW/MGISP Will's Secret (Will Take Charge) and GSP Ben Diesel (Will Take Charge). After losing her 2022 War Front foal, Your Love produced a Curlin filly last year and was bred to Not This Time for 2024. 6th-Fair Grounds, $52,000, Msw, 1-1, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:10.15, ft, 3 1/4 lengths. IMPEL, f, 3, Quality Road 1st Dam: Your Love {SW & GSP, $335,000}, by Flatter 2nd Dam: Queen of America, by Quiet American 3rd Dam: Our Dear Ruth, by Bladski Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $31,200. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree. The post Quality Road’s Impel The First ‘Rising Star’ Of 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Freddie McKibbin has established himself as one of the most recognisable auctioneers at Tattersalls in a short space of time. The achievement is impressive enough given McKibbin is just 25 years of age. But the fact that he didn't set out to be an auctioneer in the first place is all the more creditable. McKibbin sat down with Brian Sheerin during the December Mares Sale to discuss his career to date and hopes for the future for the latest TDN Q&A. It's hard to believe that you've only been auctioneering for two years. I started in August 2021 but it feels like I have been doing it for a good while now. Auctioneering at Book 2 this year was nerve-wracking but, since then, it just feels like it is second nature for me. That is encouraging but it took a while to get here. And you didn't set out to be an auctioneer, either. No, that's true. I started bid spotting for Tattersalls during my gap year to try and earn a little bit of extra money on the side. I was working as a pupil assistant with Simon Crisford at the time. I'd always looked at the auctioneers and thought, 'God, I could never do that.' A couple of years later, after I'd done the Irish National Stud course and worked in Australia, I came back and applied for the Tattersalls internship. Luckily, I got that, but it wasn't until I sat down with Ollie Fowlston that I thought about becoming an auctioneer. When you think of auctioneering, you think of the American and Australian way of doing things, where the numbers just roll off the tongue. Obviously at Tattersalls, we have a more traditional way of doing things, where you make out what everyone is saying and the figures the auctioneer is asking for. I initially thought I'd be too boring–and just say numbers, numbers, numbers–but I practiced a lot and Ollie came up to the ring with me quite a bit at the start. He was my mentor, not just with auctioneering, but all things Tatts–he took me out on inspections and showed me the ropes here. He was the guy who honed in on me and said, 'right, if you want to give auctioneering a go, this is what you need to do.' It was a good year of practicing pretty much three or four times a week before I got the hang of it. I play quite a bit of rugby in my free time and it's the same with anything. If you're the kicker for a rugby team, you have to just practice, practice, practice. There's no substitute for it. What does that unseen practice consist of? So, we'd do it in sections. The ring would be completely empty but for me and Ollie. We'd start with the figures, going from one thousand, to two thousand and three thousand, and just get into a patter from there. Next we'd add in the fillers, which would be, 'bid again,' for example and then we could concentrate on the intros, which would be introducing the lot. We'd do it all in different parts before pieceing it all together in the empty ring. When Ollie would come up with me, he would put his hand up and I would take the bid from him. I wasn't allowed to go on to the next bid until he took his hand down. I was like, 'right, this is a live situation,' and I had to stay on that figure and work as though it was a real sale. Essentially, counting is the easy part, but it's when you haven't got any bid and you have to fill the time, that's when it becomes tricky. Even for me watching on as a journalist, I find it hard to track who's bidding so I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to maintain your rhythm as well as everything else. It is difficult and, here at Tattersalls, we can't take a bid unless we have seen it. At other sales houses, they have bid spotters who can make noises to signify a bid has been taken, but we don't do that here. The bidder has to bid to the auctioneer at Tattersalls for it to be accepted. There's a lot going on but, it's really enjoyable and, the more you do something, the more confident you get. My confidence is growing but, again, there's still lots to be working on and I still try and come up to the ring maybe once or twice a week to refresh my patter. I do a lot of charity gigs as well. People will write to Tattersalls to see if we have any auctioneers willing to help out with auctions and, for example, I did the Leger Legends auction at Doncaster which raises money for the Injured Jockeys and I actually did a hunt ball as well. They're great fun to do because it's a completely different kettle of fish. You need to be sharp as you are selling different items and you're not trying to be funny but, on the other hand, it shouldn't be boring. They're definitely good to do. Does it ever become daunting? For a lot of sellers, how their horse gets on in the ring can make or break their year and, if it doesn't go right, you could be an easy person to blame. Exactly. You're in control of the room and, no matter what the vendor has done or what the purchaser is planning on doing, you're the bridge, you're the broker. It is high pressure stuff and I try not to think about it like that. When I tend to think about a high valued lot or a lot where I know the vendor is expecting to get well paid, that can sometimes hold you back in a way, so I try to treat every lot the same, no matter the status. Obviously I do take it all into account but, in general, I try to treat them all the same in a bid to alleviate the pressure and it's something that works well for me. My hope is to always come off the rostrum after giving it everything I can and hopefully there's a happy vendor at the end of it all. In terms of satisfaction, I'd say selling I'm A Gambler for 850,000gns at the horses-in-training sale last year and taking bids from some of the biggest players in the game from the rostrum outside would rank pretty highly? During Book 1, I was out on the podium. You've got some big players outside and some of them can be discreet bidders so it's all about knowing when they're bidding and being careful not to miss a bid. Thinking about it, it's actually brilliant practice for what I will hopefully in time encounter up on the rostrum at Book 1 and in the Sceptre Sessions. That is the main aim; to sell at Book 1 and the Sceptre Sessions in time. Looking back at the Sceptre Sessions, when I was watching it, I was thinking, 'jeez, this is nerve-wracking.' I don't care who you are but, to get up in that packed auditorium, it must be similar to playing rugby for England. It's high pressure stuff. Along with I'm A Gambler, are there any other moments that stick out in the memory bank? Well the I'm A Gambler one is funny because, when you watch the video back, it looks as though I've pulled my hamstring atop of the rostrum. When Najd Stud bid again, I dropped down as though I'd pulled my hamstring, as I wasn't expecting it. It got circulated widely on social media and, while it was funny, I'm not sure it was the most professional moment! That sticks out but there have been a few slips of the tongue at times as well. I'm sure there are a few things you probably couldn't write, too! Of course, auctioneering is not the only string to your bow here at Tattersalls. You've climbed the ladder pretty fast and have become a recognisable and friendly face of the company. You say fast, I see it more as a grind to progression. It is going well. I do the stabling for the yearling sales and other sales bar December, where I do a lot of organising and help run the Sceptre Sessions, for example. That is great. We target the high-quality fillies and mares in training and try to give people an incentive to sell at the Sceptre Sessions. I have enjoyed that and it can be rewarding. I look after online sales and bidding as well. There's lots to the role and I try to get over to other sales to represent the company. Yearling and breeze-up inspections are another big part of it. That's a process I'm looking forward to doing more of next year. You touched on the fact you've spent time with Simon Crisford, did the Irish National Stud Course and have worked in Australia as well. You've crammed a lot in for a 25-year-old. I spent a year with Simon as a pupil assistant and learned all things hands on. That was great and there were a few great guys there, including Les Reynolds, the travelling head lad. He basically showed me the ropes. Simon was great for giving me advice. I had the opportunity of going to University or kicking on and gaining more experience in this industry. I don't come from a hands-on background in horses–my Dad is in equine insurance and my grandfather is Tim Richards, who was a racing journalist–but the passion was always there. The hands-on experience is what I was keen to get. Simon said, 'you can go to University and get three years of drinking under your belt or you can kick on and try get on the Irish National Stud course' . It made sense to me to kick on, plus the Irish National Stud course was great fun and I met some great mates there. That was my university. After that, I went to work for Arrowfield Stud in Australia, so it was all packed into a short space of time. You're obviously very ambitious. I was never very good at school but always loved sport and rugby was my thing. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't a disgrace in school or anything like that, but it was just never my thing. It just didn't click. But I was always very driven and, when I find a passion or something I want to do well at, I can be quite competitive. I've got a younger brother and I used to beat him at everything. It could be FIFA on the Playstation, it could be anything. Golf is the latest thing we play together. He brings out my competitiveness and I suppose I have channeled that into my professional career. With that in mind, where would you see yourself in five years' time? Hopefully selling at Book 1 and the Sceptre Sessions and being a senior inspector for Tattersalls. Then we could take it from there. I don't know what will come after that but I will continue to work on honing my craft as an auctioneer and working within the company at Tattersalls. Did you ever think of race commentating? It's funny you say that because Richard Pugh, the race commentator who works with Tattersalls Ireland, said the same to me and Matt Hall. He said that the two of us had the voice for it and that we should think about giving it a go. Look, I wouldn't say no to it. I can remember being put on the spot to commentate on the Hennessy, or races like that in front of friends, and it's mind-blowingly difficult. But, it's like everything, if you do your preparation, and practice away, it's not something I'd rule out. In terms of theatre and drama, I'd imagine there are few better places to work than at Tattersalls. It's an amazing place. Everybody goes back to Marsha or Alcohol Free selling here but even some of the smaller lots are fascinating. I'll never forget Alastair [Pim, fellow auctioneer] selling the Kingman half-sister to Chaldean for a million. The way he got to a million was seriously impressive. Sometimes that theatre is seriously engrossing. Being an auctioneer yourself, you can probably appreciate the craft better than anyone on the big days. Definitely. I can remember coming up to Tattersalls even before I wanted to be an auctioneer and just thinking how impressive these guys were. Not only were these guys good at their job, but they were also entertainers. At the end of the day, it is theatre, and I try to bring that into what I do on the rostrum. I'm constantly leaning over and am here, there and everywhere. That's what I'd say my style is; lots of energy. I like to point and let people know who has bought the horse as well. I'm just trying to be an entertainer as well as everything else. The post Freddie McKibbin Q&A: ‘My Auctioneering Style Is Lots Of Energy’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The year 2024 could be a defining season for Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa stallion Violence. Not only must he continue to make his mark as a sire with a limited book of 125 mares, but the son of Medaglia d'Oro will now take the first steps towards becoming a sire of sires. He got off to a fast start doing just that last year as his young son Volatile made headlines with his first crop of yearlings. From just a $17,500 initial stud fee, the Grade I-winning Three Chimneys sire saw sales of $1.15 million, $700,000 and $600,000. This year Volatile stands for $15,000 as his first crop takes to the starting gate. Forte, Violence's leading earner to date, will launch his stud career this year at Spendthrift Farm. The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile champ and four-time Grade I winner stands for $50,000. A third son of Violence joins the stallion ranks this year and offers a welcomed bit of value for breeders. Dr. Schivel (Violence – Lil Nugget, by Mining for Money), a Grade I winner at two and three who was just a nose short of claiming the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, represents the Taylor Made stallion roster as he launches his stud career at $12,500. “From what I've been told by numerous breeders and from what we think as well is that it's just tremendous value for a horse at $12,500,” said Taylor Made's Travis White. “He's a son of Violence, a good-looking horse, a multiple Grade I winner and he was precocious. It's everything the commercial breeders and buyers are looking for. The Violence line is known for throwing good-looking, good-sized commercial horses and I think Dr. Schivel could be the next in line to follow suit.” White explained that the Taylor Made scouting team has had their eye on Dr. Schivel nearly since the start of his career. After breaking his maiden by nearly six lengths, Dr. Schivel got his first Grade I score in the 2020 Del Mar Futurity. He returned at three to face older horses and win the GI Bing Crosby S., defeating GISW Eight Rings (Empire Maker), and then got a fifth straight win in the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship S. The Mark Glatt trainee's only loss as a 3-year-old came in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, where he just missed in a photo finish with Aloha West (Hard Spun). Dr. Schivel gets up to win the 2021 GI Bing Crosby S. | Benoit As an older horse, Dr. Schivel was third after a trip abroad for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, placed again this year in the GI Bing Crosby S., and added another win in the GI Santa Anita Sprint Championship S. In his 15 career starts, he placed in all but three. “For him to remain consistent and sound and be competitive and have that drive to win for four years, I think that says a lot for the horse,” said White. “If he can throw that, I think that's something that will pay dividends in the long run.” Breeders seem to agree, as White said the horse is nearly booked full for his debut season. “He's been very well received so far,” explained White. “We've put together a very good group of shareholders to support the horse and people who have been out to the farm to see him have really liked what they've seen. To me, you can look at Dr. Schivel and see why he was a racehorse. He's got great angles. He's got a very good neck, good shoulder and a good length of body. He's also got this really long, sleek walk to him that we all like to see when we're buying horses. He's a very good-looking horse and I think he fits our customer base really well.” The post Dr. Schivel Next Son of Violence to Join Stallion Ranks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Part six of BloodHorse's inaugural year-end survey.View the full article

In Europe, the TDN Rising Stars are awarded by Sean Cronin and Tom Frary, and no amount of begging, bleating or bribery from other members of the editorial team or external forces can persuade this duo to award one if they are not in agreement. Their decisions are based on performance, pedigree and, as the award title suggests, the likelihood of that individual becoming a stakes winner. Following the first five selections published yesterday, Tom Frary selects his five to keep an eye on in 2024. This could prove a very big year for the TDN Rising Stars, with a headlining colt who could emerge as one of the very finest in more than two decades of its existence. CITY OF TROY, c, 2, by Justify 1st Dam: Together Forever (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Green Room, by Theatrical (Ire) 3rd Dam: Chain Fern, by Blushing Groom (Fr) Owner: Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Breeder: Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY) Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Introduced in the Curragh's seven-furlong Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden in July which Aidan O'Brien used for the Galileo stars Rip Van Winkle (Ire), Gleneagles (Ire), Roderic O'Connor (Ire) and Australia (GB), as well as for Danehill's high-class Duke Of Marmalade (Ire) and Horatio Nelson (Ire), City Of Troy had immediate star appeal and one start later had already put himself in that bracket. With his highly advantageous stride and innate turbo, this is a colt with serious upside, and that is understating his potential. It will be disappointing if he doesn't win the Guineas and there is no reason he won't add a Derby to that. He's not far off Frankel already and he doesn't have the headstrong tendencies of that great at the same stage of their careers, so a mile and a half is easily within his range. Then we can dream of the St Leger! Early signs are that Justify could become very big news very soon, with his other TDN Rising Star last term being the high-class Ramatuelle. HENRY LONGFELLOW (IRE), c, 2, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Minding (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Lillie Langtry (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 3rd Dam: Hoity Toity (GB), by Darshaan (GB) Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier Breeder: Coolmore (IRE) Trainer: Aidan O'Brien There are no apologies for including another from the Aidan O'Brien squad here, such is the power of their 2023 juvenile crop, and this second foal out of the brilliant Minding, closely related to Galileo's Tuesday (Ire) and Empress Josephine (Ire), could be an able deputy for City Of Troy if the ground gets too soft. His G1 Vincent O'Brien National S. win was reminiscent of his sire's in 2004 and were it not for his stablemate the noise around him would be much louder. AZADA, f, 2, by Siyouni (Fr) 1st Dam: Azmiyna, by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Asmara, by Lear Fan 3rd Dam: Anaza (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) Owner: H H Aga Khan Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan's Studs SC (IRE) Trainer: Dermot Weld Siyouni's 10th TDN Rising Star was able to overcome deep ground on her Leopardstown debut in October and as a half-sister to The Autumn Sun (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), the Dermot Weld project, who is from the same cross as Sottsass (Fr) and St Mark's Basilica (Fr), has plenty to come. The sire was responsible for the same connections' Tahiyra (Ire) and while this one hasn't the same level of precocity she has all the potential. TASK FORCE (GB), c, 2, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Special Duty (GB), by Hennessy 2nd Dam: Quest to Peak, by Distant View 3rd Dam: Viviana, by Nureyev Owner: Juddmonte Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB) Trainer: Ralph Beckett At last, Special Duty seems to have a good one. Juddmonte's mare, who holds the rare distinction of having been promoted from second to first in two Classics, had so far failed to channel her precocity and star quality into her progeny but this exciting colt is a case of better late than never. Second in a high-class renewal of the Middle Park despite being the least experienced in the line-up, he should stay further than six furlongs given that his dam's previous best Elegant Verse (GB), by Frankel's sire Galileo (Ire), won over a mile and a half. As the family features Sightseek (Distant View) and Tates Creek (Rahy), it could be that Task Force is one who could shine in the States one day. MATRIKA (IRE), f, 2, by No Nay Never 1st Dam: Muravka (Ire), by High Chaparral (Ire) 2nd Dam: Tabdea, by Topsider 3rd Dam: Madame Secretary, by Empire Maker Owner: Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/Westerberg Breeder: Barronstown Stud Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Another Ballydoyle special, although Matrika wasn't seen after winning the Airlie Stud S. in July having been second in Royal Ascot's Albany days earlier. A full-sister to the dual Group 3-winning and G1 Takarazuka Kinen runner-up Unicorn Lion (Ire) and a half to The Wow Signal (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), the Barronstown-bred was described after her debut by Aidan O'Brien as being “totally asleep all the time” and that is always a good thing where this stable is concerned. Related to the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Ta Rib (Mr. Prospector), Matrika could be one for that Classic if her lengthy absence has nothing serious behind it. The post TDN Rising Stars to Follow: Part II appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jetting off for different reasons, the superstar riders trade blows at Sha Tin and deliver David Hayes an exciting doubleView the full article

While for a time trainer Douglas Whyte thought his stable star’s racing days might be over, now he’s hoping the seven-year-old will run in the Stewards’ Cup later this monthView the full article

Taj Dragon defies his rating to produce a sparkling victory under Andrea Atzeni in Monday’s Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) at Sha TinView the full article

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A stirring win by Not An Option (Not A Single Doubt) in the A$175,000 Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington was the icing on the cake of a spectacular New Year’s Day for his part-owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The Cambridge Stud couple’s black and gold colours had previously been carried two a pair of Group Two successes at Pukekohe. About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah) delivered a fitting victory in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m), which was previously known as the Royal Stakes and has this year been renamed in honour of the legendary former owner of the world-renowned stud. Habana (Zoustar) later added a thrilling last-stride victory in the Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Just like Habana earlier in the afternoon, Not An Option had to dig deep in a tight finish to earn his spoils at Flemington. After sitting in behind the front-running Struck By (Barbados), Not An Option and jockey Michael Dee moved away from the fence at the home turn and began to lodge a challenge. Not An Option built up his momentum and surged past Struck By just inside the 200m mark, but Who Dares (Deep Field) and Jye McNeil were coming with him in between the pair. The two set down to fight out a head-bobbing battle to the finish, and Not An Option called on all his fighting qualities to just prevail. “It was lucky that my horse had the real will to win,” Dee said. “At the end of the day, Jye would have outridden me in that race, so it was lucky that my horse was able to get his head over the line in front. “At the top of the straight, I could see that Jye was starting to come through quite quickly inside me. I was a bit slow to get across and shut the gate. When you’re in that position, you’re always in two minds – whether to try and keep your horse balanced, or whether to shut the gate. I ended up half-pie doing both. “Once Jye got the run, it was a matter of keeping my horse at his peak and keeping him balanced. He won well.” The Mike Moroney-trained Not An Option has now had 33 starts for seven wins and four placings, earning A$638,296 in stakes. He is now a three-time winner over 1400m at Flemington. “I rode him at Caulfield a couple of starts ago, behind the pace, and he just didn’t have a strong turn of foot that day,” Dee said. “When he’s won here, he’s been able to find his top gear at the top of the straight. That’s probably why he goes well here – it’s not sit-sprint, and he’s allowed that time to go through his gears, find his peak and keep running strongly to the line.” A son of Not A Single Doubt, Not An Option commenced his career for trainer Tony Pike in New Zealand, for whom he was a Group Two-winning juvenile. Pike went to $240,000 to purchase Not An Option from the draft of Curraghmore at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. Not An Option is out of Chintz (NZ) (Savabeel), who Pike trained to six wins including the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m), backed up by placings in the Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). View the full article

Bellatrix Star winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on Monday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Consistent filly Bellatrix Star showed she will be a force to be reckoned with in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) later his month as she took out the first black-type event for the new year, the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on Monday. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson took a powerful two-pronged attack into the race with Bellatrix Star (+970) and her stablemate Move To Strike (-333.33) and the pair ended up fighting out a torrid three-way finish to the contest with second favourite Velocious (+340). Velocious had beaten the daughter of Star Witness at their first meeting last month and looked likely to do it again when rider Sam Spratt shot her through an inside gap at the 300m to hit the front. Bellatrix Star and Move To Strike were winding up further out and at the 100m they joined issue with Velocious before edging clear in the final stages as Bellatrix Star took the decision by a long head from Move To Strike, with Velocious a length back in third. 2024 Group 2 Eclipse Stakes Replay – Bellatrix Star Walker was pleased with both of his runners and felt a change in racing luck for the filly had played a major role in the victory. “Last start she didn’t quite have all favours but ridden back a little further allowed her to show a really good turn of foot today,” Walker said. “She is peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions which has always been the target. “I think the track conditions (Soft7) favoured her while the second horse (Move To Strike) also went really well. “We will let the dust settle before we decide what to do with him, but she will go straight to the Karaka Millions.” Rider Warren Kennedy felt the move to track Move To Strike into the race had played a big part in the success for his mount. “I got shuffled back early on and probably would have gone the inside if I could have but I saw Opie (Bosson) on Move To Strike go wider and make a bit of room so I tracked him through,” he said. “She had good momentum when I pulled her to the outside and she gave me a lovely kick. “She has been a bit fierce in the past but was lovely and relaxed today which was the key as it gave her plenty for the finish. “It was a lovely win, very courageous and now she is doing things right she will be a good chance for the Karaka Millions if she can reproduce what she did today.” The victory resulted in Bellatrix Star now sitting at a Fixed Odds quote of +450 for the Karaka Millions 2YO with horse racing bookmakers behind another of her stablemates in Cool ‘N’ Fast who heads the market with Velocious at +300. More horse racing news View the full article

Krementz brought up her second consecutive win when successful at Flemington on Monday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Promising New Zealand-bred filly Krementz collected the second win of her four-start career with a determined performance at Flemington on New Year’s Day. The daughter of El Roca was unplaced in her only appearance as a two-year-old at Geelong in July, but she has made giant strides since. She resumed with an unlucky second at Seymour on November 17, then cleared maiden ranks in style at Sandown on December 6. Flemington on New Year’s Day was another step up, and Krementz was up to the task. Well ridden by Michael Dee, Krementz repeated the front-running tactics that produced her maiden win at Sandown last month. She again dictated terms in front, kicked hard after rounding the home turn and refused to let any of her rivals pass her in the straight. She fought off the challenge of Ginger ‘N’ Pink and prevailed in a tight finish. “That was very similar to Sandown,” Dee said. “She jumped well again and went to the front. She probably had to do a bit more work to get the lead today, but once we got there, we were able to control it. “It felt like she didn’t have a whole lot left coming into the straight, but to her credit, she’s very tough, she tries hard and she really wanted it today.” Krementz has now had four starts for two wins, a second and A$71,340 in stakes for prominent syndicators OTI Racing. She was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is out of Cashenti, a winning half-sister to the Group Two-winning mare Riva De Lago. Krementz was offered by Westbury Stud at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale, where trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr teamed up with Phill Cataldo to buy her for $70,000. They were suitably impressed with the filly and returned 12 months later to buy his full-brother for $80,000. “She was up in grade today and had to improve, and she did that,” Kent said. “She was given a very good ride. “She’s an improving filly. She’s still raw and immature, so it’s all ahead of her. We’ll see how she comes through this, but if we can give her another one or two while she’s in such terrific form, we will. “Timing is everything – there’s a full-brother online on our website at the moment, so we encourage people to jump on board!” More horse racing news View the full article

by Bridget Solomon The North Island welcomes in the New Year with grass track racing at Tauherenikau Racecourse tomorrow featuring the Connie Stewart NZSIR Wairarapa Cup Handicap Pace. From their Auckland base, Steve and Amanda Telfer bring five horses to the meeting with some good form behind them. Prince Miki is the first of the Telfer runners in Race 1, the Homegrown Butcher, Deli & Pantry Mobile Pace over 2000m. The three year old gelding was 2nd behind Yourdoinamazinsweety on debut at Alexandra Park on the 15th December when finishing off strongly. “He’s come a long way in a short time and his works improved since he’s been to the races” says Telfer “Josh Dickie drives him and he’s a good pacer so I expect he will handle the grass no issues and be a good chance.” The stable has two horses contending in Race 2, the Hilton Delegat Painting & Decorating Mobile Pace over 2000m. Starting from the ace position is Carbon, driven by Dickie, who has run third at Alexandra Park at both his two race day appearances to date. Stable mate Rockin Roman, driven by Junior Driver Alicia Harrison, makes his race debut. Medina Magic starts in the Wairarapa Cup, Race 4, with Dickie driving. The gelding has displayed good performances with two wins and a 2nd in his last four starts and can be forgiven his last run after sustaining a punctured tyre with 700m to run. “Medina Magic is such an honest horse and stepped away fairly well when qualifying from stands a couple of weeks ago so with all going to plan he should go a good race” says Telfer. The final runner for Team Telfer is Cassius Clyde Race 6, the Liquorland Masterton Mobile Pace. “He’s a big strong horse and with him having turned 4 he’s eligible for a penalty free win with Junior Driver Alicia Harrison driving which was a draw card” says Telfer. “It will be the first time on the grass for all our runners today but they are all lovely pacers and I expect they should handle it well with most being solid each way chances.” The Cup will be a hotly contested race with several runners looking to have claims including last year’s winner Santanna Mach for the in form Michael House Stable, and Artful Living for trainer David Jones who finished 3rd behind Bad Medicine in the Manawatu Cup at his last start. Race 1 gets under way at 11:25am with the Wairarapa Cup at 12:40pm. View the full article

by Jonny Turner Tim Williams hopes he can be on the right side of the battle of tactics set to play out in the Group Three Central Otago Cup at Omakau on Tuesday. The reinsman knows he will need to be on his game in the first Group race of 2024 when he combines with the talented Ohoka Connor. Ohoka Connor is precariously placed in the small but select field for Omakau’s big annual feature, having drawn outside a last start Group One winner in American Me despite being a rookie in the open class area. While Williams would rather it was the other way round, he is well up for the challenge in front of him. “It is definitely going to be a really tactical race,” the reinsman said. “We have drawn outside a horse that has won a group one and just run fourth in the New Zealand Cup.” “It will be interesting to see how it pans out; I am sure there will be a few pushing forward early.” “The best thing about my horse is that he is versatile; he has worked in his races and gone well, and he is also very fast.” “So if he is close enough to them, I am sure they will know he is there.” While he has full confidence in Ohoka Connor’s ability, it is the horse’s lack of experience in free-for-all company, which is Williams’ only slight concern going into the Central Otago Cup. “He has only had ten starts and he is pretty new to this kind of race.” “He hasn’t had much experience against these older horses that have had a lot of racing.” “While he has the ability, it is a different kind of race for him taking on these hardened older horses.” American Me will be out to add to his brilliant spring and summer form following his recent win in the Group One Invercargill Cup. The pacer relished the 3200m of his last start but faces a much different test in Tuesday’s 2000m mobile. Going in the opposite direction looks the key to Smokin Bandar’s chances in the feature trot at the big Omakau meeting. The grey trotter worked hard to find the lead before fading late when taking on New Zealand’s best trotter in Oscar Bonavena in the recent David Moss Stakes over 2700m. Reverting back to a 2000m mobile and landing a workable draw would be a much better scenario for the Craig Ferguson trained Smokin Bandar on Tuesday if he was on his game. And Ferguson thinks the horse is right up to the mark. “He feels as good to me as he ever has; he is trotting really well,” the trainer-driver said. “Last start I had to drive him hard over that longer trip and I knew it probably wasn’t ideal.” “But back to the shorter distance, it suits him a lot better, he can do that work and still run it out strongly.” Smokin Bandar again clashes with Majestic Man, who ran a strong third in the David Moss Stakes after sitting parked. Drawing inside Majestic Man (8) in barrier 5 looks a key tactical advantage for Ferguson and Smokin Bandar on Tuesday. View the full article

Not An Option gives his all to claim the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli A stirring win by Not An Option in the $175,000 Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington was the icing on the cake of a spectacular New Year’s Day for his part-owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The Cambridge Stud couple’s black and gold colours had previously been carried two a pair of Group Two successes at Pukekohe. About Time delivered a fitting victory in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m), which was previously known as the Royal Stakes and has this year been renamed in honour of the legendary former owner of the world-renowned stud. Habana later added a thrilling last-stride victory in the Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Just like Habana earlier in the afternoon, Not An Option had to dig deep in a tight finish to earn his spoils at Flemington. After sitting in behind the front-running Struck By, Not An Option and jockey Michael Dee moved away from the fence at the home turn and began to lodge a challenge. Not An Option built up his momentum and surged past Struck By just inside the 200m mark, but Who Dares and Jye McNeil were coming with him in between the pair. The two set down to fight out a head-bobbing battle to the finish, and Not An Option called on all his fighting qualities to just prevail. “It was lucky that my horse had the real will to win,” Dee said. “At the end of the day, Jye would have outridden me in that race, so it was lucky that my horse was able to get his head over the line in front. “At the top of the straight, I could see that Jye was starting to come through quite quickly inside me. I was a bit slow to get across and shut the gate. When you’re in that position, you’re always in two minds – whether to try and keep your horse balanced, or whether to shut the gate. I ended up half-pie doing both. “Once Jye got the run, it was a matter of keeping my horse at his peak and keeping him balanced. He won well.” The Mike Moroney-trained Not An Option has now had 33 starts for seven wins and four placings, earning A$638,296 in stakes. He is now a three-time winner over 1400m at Flemington. “I rode him at Caulfield a couple of starts ago, behind the pace, and he just didn’t have a strong turn of foot that day,” Dee said. “When he’s won here, he’s been able to find his top gear at the top of the straight. That’s probably why he goes well here – it’s not sit-sprint, and he’s allowed that time to go through his gears, find his peak and keep running strongly to the line.” More horse racing news View the full article

Warren Kennedy has stamped an indelible mark on New Zealand racing with the ex-pat South African jockey dominating proceedings at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day with seven wins, including four of the five feature events on the card. Fresh off a suspension that cost him riding on Boxing Day, Kennedy made every post a winner and produced one of the rides of the day on the Lance Noble-trained Habana (Zoustar) in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Fresh off taking the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) with a last-to-first performance on Waitak (NZ) (Proisir), Kennedy produced an almost carbon copy of that effort as he lifted the race topweight Habana (58kgs) across the line to snatch victory in the very last stride from a gallant Saint Bathans (Maurice). Swedish native Ulrika Holmquist was giggling when she turned for home on the Andrew Forsman-prepared runner-up as he travelled sweetly and quickly established a two-length break on her rivals. Still in front at the 100m she began to get desperate as Kennedy and Habana loomed large in her peripheral vision and her heart must have sunk as the goal of winning her first stakes race in New Zealand was taken from her as the favourite thrust out his head and snatched the victory. Kennedy was at his typically understated best as he paid tribute to the horse, Noble and winning owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. “That was absolutely fantastic and especially for Cambridge Stud as they are huge supporters of mine,” Kennedy said. “To Lance and the whole team just a big thank you and there really are so many people to thank. “It has been such a great day and I just couldn’t ask for anything better. “Everything has come together and I actually thought I had got beaten, so luck was definitely on my side. “He didn’t get that luck last time and coming in here he was topweight and the class horse of the field and with him class has prevailed.” Noble was a picture of uncertainty as he waited to hear the judge’s call on the finish and was relieved when it went in his favour. “A lot of satisfaction out of that as he is such a genuine horse although he has a few quirks and makes you work for it,” he said. “Topweight and winning like that gives me a lot of satisfaction. “He doesn’t have the greatest feet so it’s a big thank you to our farrier Blair and all our crew at home that do such a tremendous job with the horses. “You don’t have to give him (Kennedy) too many instructions and when I told him where the best part of the track was he said he knew as he had won a few today.” By Zoustar, Habana is out of four race winner Jeter (Mossman), who is a half-sister to Group Three winner Fast ‘N’ Famous (Redoute’s Choice), with Habana’s granddam Zalinda (NZ) (Zabeel) a daughter of Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) winner Alynda (Nassau). He has now won eight of his 16 starts and over $402,000 in prizemoney, with six of those wins coming from seven starts at Pukekohe. The seven victories by Kennedy sets a new mark for most wins on a raceday in New Zealand with five other riders having achieved six including Lance O’Sullivan, who now as a trainer in partnership with Andrew Scott provided Kennedy with three of his winning mounts in Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo), Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie) and Waitak. View the full article

Former champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan captured five Gr.1 Railway (1200m) successes in the saddle and on Monday he finally got his hands on the silverware as a trainer, courtesy of Waitak’s (NZ) (Proisir) explosive victory in the Sistema-sponsored feature. As expected, Johny Johny (NZ) (Charm Spirit) set a breakneck speed upfront, while at the opposite end of the field, in-form hoop Warren Kennedy switched Waitak off at the back of the pack. The son of Proisir was still well off the pace at the top of the straight, but he responded to the urgings of Kennedy in the final 200m, bursting through a gap that opened up when Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) ran out, checking Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy), and Waitak continued his momentum to score a 1-1/4 length victory over Bonny Lass, with Mercurial a further three-quarters of a length back in third. O’Sullivan was duly jubilant with the result. “Out of all the races that I personally wanted to be a part of winning as a trainer, it was certainly the Railway, and it has eluded me. This is Andrew’s third,” said O’Sullivan, speaking of co-trainer Andrew Scott’s previous two training victories in the race. O’Sullivan said the win was also a great tonic for Waitak’s breeder-owner Colin Devine. “Also (it’s great) for Colin Devine and all his family, it is great to have him onboard. He is not keeping the best of health, but I am so delighted for him,” O’Sullivan said. Waitak was given a Derby preparation as a three-year-old, where he ran fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and 14th in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) last year, and O’Sullivan is pleased they changed tack with their charge this campaign after he won first-up over 1300m last month. “After his first-up win for the season we said he may just be a short track horse and took a punt today, and it came off,” he said. “Trying to make him run in a Derby last year, we certainly got that wrong.” O’Sullivan was also pleased for jockey Warren Kennedy, who with the win equalled O’Sullivan’s previous New Zealand record of riding six winners at a meeting, before surpassing it a race later aboard Habana (Zoustar) in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). “I rode six many years ago on Derby Day. He is a fantastic jockey and his rides on all three of ours today were exceptional. I am very happy to have him on as opposed to against us,” O’Sullivan said. Kennedy was openly surprised by the result, believing his charge may have been outclassed by his fellow sprinters prior to the race, but he was glad to have been proven wrong. “Everyone, myself included, believed the six furlongs with these type of sprinters in the race, they might run a bit too quick for him,” he said. “He jumped out really well and he was out the back where I thought he would be, but he was really comfortable in his run. They split open like the red sea in front of me and when I really asked him to run, he knuckled down and sprinted home. He gave me a really good sprint home, he ran past them like they weren’t there.” It was a career-best haul for the expat South African, who is pleased he made the move to New Zealand and is grateful for the support he has received. “All the support that I am getting makes this possible, so without that support I couldn’t be doing the things am doing,” he said. “I am very grateful and it has been a great start to the year.” View the full article

Promising New Zealand-bred filly Krementz (NZ) (El Roca) collected the second win of her four-start career with a determined performance in the Australian Trainers’ Association Plate (1400m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day. The daughter of El Roca was unplaced in her only appearance as a two-year-old at Geelong in July, but she has made giant strides since. She resumed with an unlucky second at Seymour on November 17, then cleared maiden ranks in style at Sandown on December 6. Flemington on New Year’s Day was another step up, and Krementz was up to the task. Well ridden by Michael Dee, Krementz repeated the front-running tactics that produced her maiden win at Sandown last month. She again dictated terms in front, kicked hard after rounding the home turn and refused to let any of her rivals pass her in the straight. She fought off the challenge of Ginger ‘N’ Pink (Zoustar) and prevailed in a tight finish. “That was very similar to Sandown,” Dee said. “She jumped well again and went to the front. She probably had to do a bit more work to get the lead today, but once we got there, we were able to control it. “It felt like she didn’t have a whole lot left coming into the straight, but to her credit, she’s very tough, she tries hard and she really wanted it today.” Krementz has now had four starts for two wins, a second and A$71,340 in stakes for prominent syndicators OTI Racing. She was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is out of Cashenti (NZ) (Conatus), a winning half-sister to the Group Two-winning mare Riva De Lago (Encosta De Lago). Krementz was offered by Westbury Stud at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale, where trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr teamed up with Phill Cataldo to buy her for $70,000. They were suitably impressed with the filly and returned 12 months later to buy her full-brother for $80,000. “She was up in grade today and had to improve, and she did that,” Kent said. “She was given a very good ride. “She’s an improving filly. She’s still raw and immature, so it’s all ahead of her. We’ll see how she comes through this, but if we can give her another one or two while she’s in such terrific form, we will. “Timing is everything – there’s a full-brother online on our website at the moment, so we encourage people to jump on board!” View the full article

Ex-pat Kiwi jockey Jason Collett well and truly paid for a flying visit home from his Sydney base when he guided promising stayer Trust In You (NZ) (Sweynesse) to a gritty victory in the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day. On his old stomping ground at Pukekohe, Collett produced an inch perfect effort to bring the Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley-trained son of Sweynesse with a decisive late burst to reel in pacemaker Khan Hunter (NZ) (Mongolian Khan), who looked like he would steal the race after skipping clear on the home turn. Trust In You had already produced his credentials to run out an energy sapping 2400m when triumphing in the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Final at the venue on Boxing Day in the hands of Michael McNab and was the well-supported second favourite ($3.20) for the contest behind local runner Terra Mitica (Ulysses) ($2.50). Joe Doyle had Khan Hunter in front from barrier rise and looked to have his rivals in a heap of trouble when travelling comfortably approaching the home bend. At this point Trust In You was tracking Terra Mitica into the race and when Collett switched him to the outer to make his challenge he ate up the ground to collar Khan Hunter at the 100m as he went on to win by a neck, with Mary Louise (NZ) (The Bold One) shading Terra Mitica for third. Cooksley was confident his charge would handle the quick back-up from Boxing Day and was happy to be proven right in that assessment. “It was a very good run as he had pulled up well from last week and we didn’t do much with him, so he has won well,” Cooksley said. “Michael rode him last week but couldn’t do the weight (53kgs) this time so we put Jason on board and he rode him really well. “He will probably have a bit of a break now and then come back for the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m).” TAB bookmakers reacted quickly as they moved Trust In You to a $10 quote on the Fixed Odds market for the Auckland Cup behind One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One) ($8) Out of the six-win mare Shinko Bay (NZ) (Shinko King), who won at Listed level, Trust In You is a half-brother to stakes-placed mare Donna Anne Billy (NZ) (Tavistock) and comes from an extended family that includes other black-type performers in Flying Free (NZ) (Heroicity), Cool Storm (NZ) (One Cool Cat) and Matinee Idol (NZ) (Broadway Aly). Offered by Novara Park during the Book 2 Sale at Karaka in 2020, he was purchased by Wallace for $26,000 and has now won four of his 22 starts and just under $280,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

It was a fitting win in the inaugural Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m), formerly known as the Royal Stakes, at Pukekohe on Monday, with the Cambridge Stud-bred and owned About Time (American Pharoah) taking out the fillies feature named after the farm’s founder. Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay were trackside to welcome back their filly, and trainer Lance Noble said it was a sentimental win for the couple, who purchased Cambridge Stud off the legendary horseman. “He (Brendan) mentioned it beforehand of how fantastic it would be if he could win this race named after Sir Patrick, and he will get a huge thrill out of that,” Noble said. Slowest away, About Time settled towards the rear of the field for jockey Warren Kennedy, who gave his charge an economical trip throughout. The pair were the last to turn for home, but Kennedy was able to navigate his charge through an inside passage and found the lead with 200m to go. The Stephen Autridge-trained pair of Still Bangon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir) were descending on her late, but About Time was able to hold out Still Bangon to win by three-quarters of a length, with a head back to Livid Sky in third. It was the fourth win for the day from four rides for Kennedy, who was returning to ride from suspension, and Noble said he was glad to be a part of his purple patch of form. “The way he is riding I think he must have counted up what the percentages he missed out on Boxing Day and it made him a bit hungrier,” Noble quipped. About Time was backing up after a sixth placed run behind Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day and Kennedy was confident of a bold run after studying the race from the sidelines. “I thought her last run was pretty good, it was against the best three-year-old fillies around. She just looked like she hit a flat spot when they quickened up and she never really recovered from that,” Kennedy said. “The only thing was the quick back-up. but Lance has done a fantastic job, he has kept her really happy. “I thought 2000m would be right up her alley, I would switch her off and ride the last half of the race, which mapped out perfectly. She shot through very nicely, she hit a bit of a flat spot once she got through, but she had enough guns on her to power on to the line.” Noble said being based at Karaka was a huge advantage in helping About Time recover from her Boxing Day outing. “In this day in age not many back-up, but we are only 20 minutes away, so she recovered quickly and we were happy with her. We didn’t do a lot with her and she paraded really well today,” he said. The Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) looms as a major target, although Noble said they may now give her a break and focus on a Queensland Winter Carnival campaign. “I was thinking about giving her a bit of a break and maybe looking at Brisbane, that is a possibility,” Noble said. “We will get home and see, I am sure Brendan will have some ideas.” View the full article

Consistent filly Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) showed she will be a force to be reckoned with in the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) later his month as she took out the first black-type event for the new year, the Gr.2 SKYCITY Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on Monday. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson took a powerful two-pronged attack into the race with Bellatrix Star ($10.70) and her stablemate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) ($1.30) and the pair ended up fighting out a torrid three-way finish to the contest with second favourite Velocious (Written Tycoon) ($4.40). Velocious had beaten the daughter of Star Witness at their first meeting last month and looked likely to do it again when rider Sam Spratt shot her through an inside gap at the 300m to hit the front. Bellatrix Star and Move To Strike were winding up further out and at the 100m they joined issue with Velocious before edging clear in the final stages as Bellatrix Star took the decision by a long head from Move To Strike, with Velocious a length back in third. Walker was pleased with both of his runners and felt a change in racing luck for the filly had played a major role in the victory. “Last start she didn’t quite have all favours but ridden back a little further allowed her to show a really good turn of foot today,” Walker said. “She is peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions which has always been the target. “I think the track conditions (Soft7) favoured her while the second horse (Move To Strike) also went really well. “We will let the dust settle before we decide what to do with him, but she will go straight to the Karaka Millions.” Rider Warren Kennedy felt the move to track Move To Strike into the race had played a big part in the success for his mount. “I got shuffled back early on and probably would have gone the inside if I could have but I saw Opie (Bosson) on Move To Strike go wider and make a bit of room so I tracked him through,” he said. “She had good momentum when I pulled her to the outside and she gave me a lovely kick. “She has been a bit fierce in the past but was lovely and relaxed today which was the key as it gave her plenty for the finish. “It was a lovely win, very courageous and now she is doing things right she will be a good chance for the Karaka Millions if she can reproduce what she did today.” The victory resulted in Bellatrix Star now sitting at a Fixed Odds quote of $5.50 for the Karaka Millions 2YO behind another of her stablemates in Cool ‘N’ Fast (NZ) (Savabeel) who heads the market with Velocious at $4. Raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, the filly was an $80,000 purchase by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing from the Phoenix Park draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in January. She is the third foal of Exceed And Excel mare Alana’s Party, the daughter of Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) winner The Party Stand (NZ) (Thorn Park) and is closely related to triple Group One winner Callsign Mav (Atlante). Phoenix Park will offer a half-brother by Royal Meeting as lot 563 at the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales through their Book 1 draft. Victorian-based Royal Meeting is a Group One winning son of Invincible Spirit whose oldest crop are two-year-olds. View the full article

Among Franco's 28 NYRA stakes wins were Grade 2 scores in the Sheepshead Bay, Bowling Green, and Ballston Spa.View the full article