Wandering Eyes

Champion jockey stretches his lead in this season’s title race to 15 and David Hall nominates Group Three event as his youngster’s next assignmentView the full article

The Sunday victories of Mugen, Aestheticism and Jumbo Fortune maintain the second-season trainer’s winning streak that began on November 5View the full article

Prominent trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior have another promising youngster on their hands, after Otago (NZ) (Ocean Park) registered a dominant debut victory at Bendigo on Sunday. Purchased in a deal brokered by bloodstock agent Phil Cataldo after a trial win in New Zealand, Otago had shown solid ability in the lead-up to his first start, winning both of his jumpouts at Cranbourne. The three-year-old son of Ocean Park was sent off as the favourite for the Drake Maiden over 1300m and settled in the second half of the field under Beau Mertens. He then loomed ominously approaching the home turn and while the leader Sparkling provided some resistance to his challenge, he was too classy in the final 100m, scoring by over two lengths on the line. Mertens noted that Otago gave him a similar feel on debut to what he had done in his jumpouts. “He’s exactly the same at the trials, he gave me a really good feel whilst probably still being a bit green and inexperienced, which we expect,” Mertens said. “Even today, it felt like he put them away nicely, but he was doing it a touch wrong, so the horse has got a lot of upside.” The Group 1-winning jockey suggested that Otago won with a bit left in hand. “I think he’s got a lot more to give,” Mertens said. “I think he’s a nice horse, like I said, he’s still not 100 per cent wound up and I think when he gets there, he’s going to progress into a really nice horse.” View the full article

Driver Penalties F Schumacher | Manawatu 12 December; out of position at start; fined $100. S Dickson | Manawatu 14 December; use of whip; fined $300. N Delany | Manawatu 14 December; use of whip; fined $250. W House | NZ Metropolitan 15 December; contacted track markers; fined $100. Trainer Penalties P Kerr | NZ Metropolitan 15 December; incorrect gear; fined $100. B Butt | Rangiora 17 December; failed to affix gear so as not to come adrift; fined $100. Horse Penalties COURAGE REACTOR | Manawatu 12 December; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. HIGHLIGHT | Winton 14 December; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. BRIENNE | Auckland 15 December; broke in running; must complete trial. CALL THIS FUN | NZ Metropolitan 15 December; bled; stood down for 30 days with veterinary clearance including scope required and must complete trial. BORRISOKANE | NZ Metropolitan 15 December; broke in running; must complete trial. GOLD NUGGET | Rangiora 17 December; broke in running; must complete trial. HE’ S A BAY | Rangiora 17 December; bucked in running; must complete trial. Protests IN EXCESS | Auckland 15 December; excessive galloping during race; disqualified from 3rd. RAGAZZO MAJOR | NZ Metropolitan 15 December; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. HOLLY HIGHLANDER | NZ Metropolitan 15 December; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 11-17 December 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Dog Penalties GOLDSTAR BRODIE | Christchurch 13 December; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. DOUBLE HEADER | Waikato 14 December; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. OPAWA QUINN | Christchurch 15 December; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. MAYFIELD MINX | Christchurch 15 December; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. GOLDSTAR PHOENIX | Christchurch 15 December; failed to pursue the lure (2nd offence); stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. OPAWA CANNON | Christchurch 15 December; fell after hitting rail; clearance from eye specialist required and must complete trial. General The Christchurch GRC meeting scheduled for 14 December was abandoned due to an unsafe track. The post 11-17 December 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is back in work as Ben, Will & JD Hayes prepare their stable star to win a second All-Star Mile which will be run at Caulfield in 2024, with a trip to Hong Kong still very much on the table. The four-time Group One winner of more than A$11 million in prize money will likely have his first three runs of his preparation at Caulfield, targeting the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) and Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) before the All-Star Mile third-up. Mr Brightside was beaten in both the C F Orr and Futurity Stakes last year before winning the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley and co-trainer JD Hayes says all has gone to plan for the six-year-old gelding. “He’s freshened up beautifully, he’s basically done a carbon copy of what he did last time so hopefully it leads to a third-up All-Star Mile win,” Hayes said. Mr Brightside won twice at Group One level last preparation and went agonisingly close to winning the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), beaten a nose by Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, and a step out to 2000m after the All-Star mile is a possibility. “It’s a bit of an open book, whether we go Australian Cup (Gr.1, 2000m) which is his most likely option at this point, and there’s also possibly a trip to Hong Kong but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” JD Hayes said. A tilt at the Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile, won for the third time last Sunday by Golden Sixty, was on the cards but the stable opted to spell Mr Brightside after a six-run preparation that netted three wins and three second placings. If Mr Brightside were to venture to Hong Kong in the Autumn it would likely be for the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) on April 24, a race that Golden Sixty has won three years in a row, with the Gr.1 QEII Cup (2000m), won by Romantic Warrior two years running also a possibility. View the full article

Commentator George Simon summed up what many were thinking at the finish of the first race at Te Rapa when he uttered the well-known catch cry ‘there’s only one Opie Bosson’. Bosson had just guided the raging hot favourite Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) to a seemingly effortless debut victory over 1100m, in the process lodging win number 2000 in New Zealand in a superlative career where he has been readily acknowledged as one of the very best to grace a saddle. The 43-year-old was typically understated when questioned about his achievement, preferring to shower praise upon the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained colt who he believes could prove to be a very special horse in the future. “That was pretty cool really,” Bosson said. “I knew he was the horse I could get it (2000 wins) on today and to do it for David (Ellis) and the whole Te Akau Racing team is just an extra bonus. “Any milestone in a career is good and it is an elite club to be a part of. “I think this horse is a superstar in the making. “He just has the right attitude and you would think he has been doing this for years. “He takes things in his stride and there are better things to come.” Co-trainer Mark Walker shares a similar opinion of the son of I Am Invincible, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for A$525,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast earlier this year and had been unbeaten in three trials prior to his first outing on raceday. “The colt is such an amazing customer with such a good brain on him, we think he has a big future,” he said.” Walker suggested Move To Strike may contest the $225,000 Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on 1 January at Pukekohe, while also on the radar is the A$2m Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) on 24 February at Caulfield. Opie Bosson with his family. Photo: Trish Dunell He also paid tribute to Bosson who commenced his association with Walker and Te Akau Racing as an apprentice back in the late 1990’s. “This will give him (Bosson) a real thrill and it is quite an achievement for someone who has struggled with his weight throughout his career,” he said. “He won on Integrate for us when he was a 16-year-old and he had a postage stamp as a saddle and to still be there after all these years is a real credit to him. “It was good for him to do it on such an exciting horse and one he has thought a lot of for some time.” Bosson, who has constantly battled weight issues during a career that commenced in 1995 with a win at Gisborne when he was a fifteen-year-old apprentice, becomes the eighth member of the 2000-win club with other riders to have achieved the rare feat being Chris Johnson, David Walsh, Lance O’Sullivan, Noel Harris, David Peake, Bill Skelton and Michael Coleman. He was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his contribution to the thoroughbred industry in June this year. View the full article

Former northerner Diamond Girl (NZ) (Rock ‘n’ Pop) announced her arrival on the South Island scene with a remarkable front-running performance in Saturday’s $50,000 Shoe Clinic Handicap (1400m) at Ascot Park. The daughter of Rock ‘n’ Pop began her career in the Ruakaka stable of Chris Gibbs, for whom she recorded four wins and six placings between 2020 and August of this year. Bought by her new connections for just $1,400 on Gavelhouse.com in early September, Diamond Girl is now trained by John Blackadder at Rangiora and began her southern career with unplaced finishes at Riccarton on November 11 and Cromwell on December 3. But the seven-year-old turned her form around in spectacular style on Saturday. Ridden by northern apprentice Kendra Bakker, Diamond Girl jumped from the outside gate and rolled forward to take the lead in the early stages of the race. But then she kept on rolling, opening up a margin of at least eight lengths coming down the side of the track. Those efforts began to take their toll after rounding the home turn, and Henry Hubber and The Good Shepherd rapidly ate into Diamond Girl’s margin with plenty of the Ascot Park straight remaining. But Diamond Girl fought for all she was worth, winning over the bumper Ascot Park crowd as she bravely turned back the challengers and clung on to win by half a length. Blackadder was delighted with the result and paid tribute to Bakker, who recorded the second win of her riding career and had never previously ridden in the South Island. “That was quite a performance,” Blackadder said. “It probably wasn’t really our plan to go out to as big a lead as that, but Kendra came back and said she’d never ridden a horse that fast. It was either going to be a brilliant ride or something not quite so good, but it worked out really well in the end. “I’m very pleased for Kendra. She hadn’t ridden down south before and travelled a long way for just that one ride, so it’s good that her commitment was rewarded with that result. “This mare had a reasonable record in the north before she came down to us, and she’s off to a good start down here with this win. Some of the owners are from Kurow, so I think the Kurow Cup (1400m, December 30) might be a nice target to work towards.” Diamond Girl earned $28,750 with Saturday’s heroics, lifting her career earnings to $113,769 from a 28-start career that has produced five wins and six placings. A front-running formula also paid dividends in Saturday’s other Ascot Park feature, the $50,000 Tim Yeo Contracting Southland Crystals (2200m). The race was won for the second year in a row by Riviera Rock (NZ) (Road To Rock), who led all the way in the hands of jockey Brandon May. The nine-year-old is trained and part-owned by Riverton’s Graham Eade, and his 64-start career has produced seven wins, 19 placings and $248,300 in stakes. View the full article

Underrated three-year-old Pendragon (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) upset the Te Akau Racing party when he downed favourites Tokyo Tycoon and the previously unbeaten Quintessa over 1200m at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained son of U S Navy Flag had opened his winning account at Te Aroha at his most recent start and backed that up with a stylish on-pace effort in the hands of apprentice Niranjan Parmar Allowed to dictate terms in front after jumping well from an inside barrier draw (1), Pendragon shot clear early in the run home and despite being pursued valiantly by the Te Akau Racing stablemates, he comfortably held them at bay by just on two lengths in a tidy 1.10.31 for the 1200m journey. Gerard was rapt with the performance of both horse and rider, with the pair having strung together back-to-back victories. “Hats off to Parmar as he has come and ridden this horse quite a bit and he (Pendragon) has learnt to settle now,” Gerard said. “We’ve had him all the way through and he has tended to get a bit hot and sweaty. “He has a pretty quick turn of foot but he always wanted to go quite hard, so it was a brilliant ride. “We will probably reassess now as there are some nice races coming up including the Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) or we might stick to 1200m at Ellerslie.” Gerard was referring to the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day with either a three-year-old 1200m contest at Ellerslie on the 14th of January or the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) there on 27 January as other possible options. Purchased for $110,000 by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables from the Valachi Downs Book 2 draft at Karaka in 2022, Pendragon hails from an extended family that features a number of European stakes winners including Gr.1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) winner Solemia. Leanach Lodge will offer a half-brother by Time Test as Lot 790 during the Book 2 session at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka which commences on 28 January. View the full article

What Bathurst Races Where Bathurst Racecourse – 55 Eleven Mile Dr, Bathurst NSW 2795 When Monday, December 18, 2023 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing heads to Bathurst Racecourse on Monday afternoon where a competitive seven-race meeting kicks off another week of racing. With clear skies forecast on raceday, and with favourable conditions leading into the meeting, the track will remain in the Good range throughout. The rail comes out 2m from the 1200m-250m, with the cutaway in play for racing commencing at 1:50pm AEDT. Best Bet at Bathurst – Maz Kanata Maz Kanata was only grabbed late upon resumption at Wyong on November 29 in a much tougher race than what she faces on Monday. The Va Pensiero mare hit the front inside the final furlong, only to having Smiling Prophet blouse her on the winning post. From barrier two under Alysha Collett, Maz Kanata should have no issue in landing the plumb spot just off the pace, and when asked to quicken, we expect Jason Coyle’s mare to put this race to bed in convincing fashion. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Maz Kanata (2) 4yo Mare | T: Jason Coyle | J: Alysha Collett (57.5kg) -117.65 with Dabble Next Best at Bathurst – Zoukeeper Zoukeeper was rolled as an odds-on favourite at Hawkesbury on December 3, but we expect the Zoustar gelding to bounce back in impressive style on Monday. The four-year-old from the Edward O’Rourke barn has continually looked like a maiden win isn’t too far away, but keeps finding on or two better on the day. There should be no excuses at Bathurst, having drawn barrier three under Mitchell Bell. The pair can stalk the speed throughout, and with a swift turn of foot, Zoukeeper should be winning. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Zoukeeper (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Edward O’Rourke | J: Mitchell Bell (59kg) +240 with Picklebet Next Best Again at Bathurst – Kosciuszko Bound Michael Mulholland’s Kosciuszko Bound blew her chances of winning at Orange when resuming on December 12 having missed the start, but the mare showed plenty late to suggest she was worth following. The Bon Hoffa mare settled last and worked to the line nicely under Shayleigh Ingelse who sticks on board for this, claiming 2kg. If she can be a touch cleaner from the stalls, she should gain a perfect run in transit from barrier two. From there, Kosciuszko Bound should prove too tough to hold out in the opening event. Next Best Again Race 1 – #5 Kosciuszko Bound (2) 5yo Mare | T: Michael Mulholland | J: Shayleigh Ingelse (a2) (57kg) +290 with Neds Monday quaddie tips for Bathurst Bathurst quadrella selections Monday, December 18, 2023 1-2-3-4-7-8 1-3 1-2-3-4-5 1-3-6-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

Campionessa and Opie Bosson stride to a dominant victory in the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A commanding victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa completed a rare fillies and mares’ feature double for Campionessa. The Te Akau Racing mare became only the fourth horse to win the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and the Cal Isuzu in the same season, joining Just Apollo (1995), Calveen (2004) and Ruud Van Slaats (2008). Campionessa was bought by David Ellis for A$60,000 on the Gold Coast as a yearling in 2019, and her 26-start career has now produced nine wins, eight placings and more than $677,000 in stakes for the Te Akau Campionessa Syndicate. 2023 Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes Replay – Campionessa “She’s come back from a short freshen-up in fantastic form,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the six-year-old in partnership with Mark Walker. “She’s back in the groove. “She was aided by a fantastic ride from Opie (Bosson), who got her into a lovely spot. She relaxed beautifully, was presented at the right time and was strong to the line.” Campionessa was runner-up in two Group One races last season, chasing home Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Prowess in the New Zealand Stakes (2050m). Now the Contributer mare’s connections are keen to try to go one better, with the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) on Boxing Day firmly in their sights. “It’s all systems go for the Zabeel Classic now,” Bergerson said. “As long as she comes through today well, we’ll press on for that. Going up to 2000m will be ideal for her and she finished so strongly today, so all being well, she should be bang on.” Saturday’s Cal Isuzu was viewed as a two-horse race, with Campionessa facing off against the well-credentialled Pencarrow Stud homebred Pearl Of Alsace. But from the moment the gates opened, it was all Campionessa. Wearing blinkers for the first time, Pearl Of Alsace was slow to leave the starting gates and settled near the tail of the field behind a pedestrian tempo. Her task was an uphill one from the outset, and it was close to insurmountable by the time she reached the home straight. In contrast, Campionessa landed in third behind Pride Of Aspen and Madame Le Fay. Bosson settled the six-year-old into a smooth rhythm, and she cruised up to the turn breathing down the necks of the first pair and poised to pounce. Bosson released the brakes soon after straightening, and the $175,000 race was all over within a few powerful bounds. Campionessa exploded away with a quality turn of foot, and by the time she reached the finish line, she was still two lengths clear of the strong-finishing Zaila and Polygon. “We got into a good spot and she travelled beautifully throughout the race,” Bosson said. “Mark and Sam have done a great job with this mare. She lost her mojo there for a little bit, but that win in the Auckland Breeders’ Stakes the other day gave her a lot of confidence. “Even in her trackwork, she’s been stepping up and really wanting to do it. Today she came out and showed how good she is. “This was a perfect trial for the Zabeel Classic. She’s on the way up, full of confidence and you can’t knock her on that win today.” Campionessa is now rated a $3 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Zabeel Classic at Pukekohe, sharing favouritism with Aegon. Aquacade is the third favourite at $6, followed by One Bold Cat ($8) and Desert Lightning ($10). More horse racing news View the full article

Zecora snatches victory on the line in the Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Promising mare Zecora made a welcome return to the winners’ enclosure at Te Rapa when she stormed home out wide to secure a thrilling victory in the Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m). The six-year-old mare looked to have any amount of ability when winning three of her first nine starts before a fractured cannon bone intervened and saw her spend over a year away from the track for trainers and part-owners Russell and Robyn Rogers. A quiet run for second in a 1000m trial at Taupo last month preceded her return to racing at Te Rapa earlier in the month, where she battled on nicely to finish midfield over 1100m. That fitted her nicely for her stakes mission and she didn’t disappoint in the hands of Lynsey Satherley who was content to sit back off a hot speed in the early stages of the contest. Satherley began to wind her up at the 600m and she produced an irresistible late burst to snatch victory from runner-up Tevere by a nose at the line with race favourite Romancing The Moon fighting strongly for third just a neck from the first two. 2023 Group 3 J Swap Sprint Replay – Zecora Robyn Rogers sported a smile a mile wide as she spoke about the winning effort as well as the injury that kept the mare away from racing. “I thought she ran second and we were stoked with that as it was a huge run, so when they said she had won it was just so exciting,” Rogers said. “She is a beautifully bred mare and her form was outstanding but she had her last bit of work at this time last year when we were preparing for a stakes race on Boxing Day and she pulled up sore. “We had her x-rayed and she had fractured a canon bone, so that was the end of that and we thought it might be the end of her career. “She had three rods and plates put in it, but she was an awesome patient and coped with the rehab. “This was very much a roll of the dice as we were thinking if we could get some black type it would be huge for her and with the race being just down the road we gave it a crack and it is just amazing.” Rogers wasn’t sure where the mare would go next as they had been concentrating exclusively on her immediate mission. “She is just so tough and Lynsey is a huge part of it as she rides her in all her trackwork,” she said. “She is not the easiest but she gives 120 per cent. “I don’t know where she will go next and we hadn’t even looked anywhere else so we will have to go home and have a rethink.” More horse racing news View the full article

Grebeni (centre) surges forward to claim the win at Randwick. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Smart four-year-old gelding Grebeni recorded his sixth career victory when running out a strong winner at Randwick on Saturday. The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained son of Ocean Park had previously finished midfield in the Festival Stakes (1500m) a fortnight ago and bounced back with a gritty performance on Saturday. Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Grebeni carried 53kgs to victory as he came from midfield to defeat Glory Daze and King Of The Castle, in a field that featured quality gallopers Kirwan’s Lane and Stockman. “He gets his head out and has a crack and when things go the right way, he always runs well,” Ryan said. “He had to do a bit of buffeting at the top of the straight to get out and get in the clear but a better barrier today, he paraded better with two weeks between runs and not four, and Kerrin knows him and rode him terrific. “He’s a big tall skinny horse who doesn’t carry a lot of weight, but fat horses can’t run.” A raucous bunch of owners greeted Grebeni, with 57 people sharing in the ownership. “He has taken them on a terrific journey and they’re a good bunch of people with Tim Boland. He got them into it and away we go,” Ryan said. Ryan and Alexiou will now look to pick off another A$160,000 race in the Maroubra Mile. “I was thinking about going 2000m but watching that race myself, I don’t think so,” he said. “There were a couple of races that we aimed him at this prep that he never got into and small fish are sweet. There is another mile race here on the 30th, the Maroubra Mile, which is BenchMark 100. “So we might keep him running in that and we wont go pushing him out too far this preparation.” More horse racing news View the full article

Commander Harry wins at Caulfield. Photo: Colin Bull Handy stayer Commander Harry returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in more than 800 days when winning at Caulfield under a perfect Jamie Mott ride. These days prepared by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, the five-year-old gelding hadn’t won since breaking maiden ranks over 1450m at Kilmore in September 2021 when trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young. The son of Reliable Man finished runner-up in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) won by Forgot You and campaigned against a number of likely types in his Classic season including placings behind the likes of Jungle Magnate and Detonator Jack. Fast-forward two seasons, and the SCT Syndications-raced galloper relished the strong tempo set in Saturday’s contest to prevail by a length and a quarter. Stable representative Jack Turnbull said the variety of facilities at the disposal of the Ciaron Maher Racing team played a key role in the return to form, including the Fingal base on the Mornington peninsula. “It has been a long-time coming. It is well-documented he has been through nearly every set-up we have. He currently lives at Fingal and full-credit to the team down there,” Turnbull said. “He has been doing a lot of jumping and a lot of alternative work. He doesn’t actually gallop a lot these days. He does a lot of bowling and surging work out there and it seems to be working. “Typically, we would bring them in once or twice a week to speed-up on grass but horses like him are educated and they don’t need to be worked at speed. They do a lot of half-pace and three-quarter pace work at Fingal which is left-handed and right-handed and we have just recently set-up a few jumping and schooling arenas. “It is effective and we’re learning and we are seeing him put it into practice with Track Kat (Head of Ciaron Maher Racing’s Sports Science Katrina Anderson, or Track Kat, as she is more commonly known in racing circles) who likes to pioneer that.” Turnbull admitted Commander Harry was the beneficiary of the strong tempo set by free-going import Blue Cup. “The race was set-up for him today with Blue Cup running along but to the horse’s credit he kept galloping,” Turnbull said. “I think he will get a solid ten furlongs like he did today and maybe even a mile and a half now that he is a bit more seasoned and more mature. “A big thanks to the patient ownership group that is here today, including Stephen and Tash at SCT Syndications, it is a great result.” More horse racing news View the full article

Piaggio strikes at Caulfield for Celine Gaudray. Photo: Colin Bull Six-year-old gelding Piaggio landed a breakthrough metropolitan victory for trainer Greg Eurell when successful at Caulfield on Saturday. Ridden by Celine Gaudray, Piaggio sat outside eventual runner-up Montather for the majority of the contest, before pulling away from his rivals inside the final furlong to score by half a length. A son of Vespa, Piaggio commenced his career with trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard in New Zealand, where he placed in the Group 3 Taranaki Classic (1200m) as a two-year-old before being sold to Hong Kong. After five unsuccessful performances in Hong Kong where he raced as Good Health, Piaggio was sent to Eurell, where he has returned to form, winning three of his nine starts for the Cranbourne conditioner, with a further three placings. “It was a bonus what he did (when finishing second) first-up this time in over 1400m. He was up for the fight and probably indicated from that run that he was heading in the right direction to have a good prep,” Eurell said. “There is not a lot of him. He is only a little horse, but he has got a big heart. “I think a mile is probably the optimum trip at this stage but a bit deeper into the prep he might get over a little bit further but we will sit around the 1600m for now. “It’s his second preparation with us and the horse is absolutely enjoying life and we are happy to keep racing him. Being in Hong Kong didn’t really suit him and he is happy to be here.” More horse racing news View the full article

Alice Springs apprentice Ianish Luximon celebrating after winning the Darwin Turf Club’s feature race at Fannie Bay on Saturday aboard the Phil Cole-trained four-year-old mare Tubthumper. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) Darwin trainer Phil Cole secured the feature at Fannie Bay on Saturday, but fellow trainer Gary Clarke landed a treble. Cole, who had two wins for the day, celebrated when Darwin Guineas winner Tubthumper ($4.40) made it back to back wins when she basically led throughout over 1200m (BM76). Returning from a four-month spell on December 1, Tubthumper ($14), ridden by Alice Springs apprentice Ianish Luximon, posted a narrow upset win against decent opposition over 1200m (BM75). The four-year-old mare faced quality yet again on Saturday and although little separated the seven runners for the duration of the contest it was Tubthumper, with Luximon as the pilot, who would go on to seal victory and make it five wins from seven starts since arriving from Queensland. The daughter of Zoustar, who won the Guineas (1600m) in July, misbehaved in the barriers, but led with 200m to go before overcoming courageous stablemate El Magnificence ($9.50), who eye-balled Tubthumper for a major portion of the race, by half a length. El Magnificence was second behind Rising Sphere over 1000m (0-70) eight days ago, while Cielo D’Oro ($4.60) – second behind Tubthumper two weeks ago – powered home from the rear after sitting five deep to be 1.3 lengths adrift in third place thus making it a Cole trifecta. Angela Forster’s Volatore ($8.50), returning from a 10-month break after three wins from 14 starts in Victoria, was making his NT debut and impressed with an eye-catching fourth. Cole’s other win was achieved with four-year-old mare Fly Nice ($1.14 fav), partnered by ever-reliable apprentice Emma Lines, who made it two straight with the former Victorian galloper prevailing by 2.7 lengths over 1100m (Class 2). The daughter of Impending, third in her first two Darwin starts, found a gap along the fence approaching the home turn a fortnight ago before saluting over 1200m (Class 2). Lines employed similar tactics on Saturday, although the rails run appeared once leaving the back straight. After sharing the lead with Wolf Queen passing the 700m, Fly Nice edged clear at the 400m and once turning for home it was all over with Dick Leech’s Gold Is Luming and Kerry Petrick’s fast-finishing Flash Fiorente, both starting at $31, filling the minor placings. For the third straight meeting, Clarke won the opening race when Tanaawol ($1.75 fav) also made it back to back wins by rolling Forster’s Spielberg ($8.50) and Peter Stennett’s New Enterprise ($2.70) by 2.2 lengths over 1300m (0-64). Missing the start in a five-horse field, Tanaawol – making only his second NT start after racing in Victoria and SA – settled third behind the leaders New Roman and New Enterprise before making ground at the 400m. Turning for home and with 350m to go it was a three way go before six-year-old gelding Tanaawol raced clear to seal victory after getting the cash over 1200m (BM54) on November 18. Jarrod Todd rode the son of Savabeel before ending the day with three winners after saluting aboard Clarke’s pair Prince Ruban ($2.05 fav) over 1300m (0-58) and Henestrosa ($6) over 1200m (BM54). Prince Ruban, a six-year-old gelding by Pride Of Dubai, was having his fifth start back in Darwin after a brief Victorian campaign during the year and despite jumping from the inside gate he looked vulnerable in fourth place passing the 500m. Having to swing four deep once turning for home, Prince Ruban swooped at the 100m to make it seven wins from 24 starts in the Top End by toppling Tom Logan’s likely prospect Queen In The North ($8.50) and Patrick Johnston’s Ankle Rolex ($3.80) by 1.2 lengths. Henestrosa, a five-year-old gelding by Written Tycoon, again proved how hard he is to catch when he leads after beating Chole Baxter’s To The Point ($2.70 fav) by a length with Kerry Petrick’s Real Divine ($8.50), who finally ran a decent race in Darwin, third. Jumping from a wide gate, Henestrosa was in front by the 1200m before becoming the fourth horse on Saturday to seal back-to-back wins. Trainer Jason Manning ended a drought stretching back to July when four-year-old gelding Bon’s Pride ($2.15 fav), who debuted at Fannie Bay on Melbourne Cup Day, picked up his first win at the third attempt by decimating his rivals by 8.2 lengths over 1300m (0-58). More horse racing news View the full article

Damien Oliver ended his career in style, winning The Damien Oliver Gold Rush aboard Munhamek. (Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) Damien Oliver capped off his illustrious career with a remarkable triple triumph, notching three wins in his final three rides at Ascot. The legendary jockey showcased his skill one last time, expertly guiding Nick Ryan’s Munhamek to victory in the $1.5 million Damien Oliver Gold Rush. Exiting the saddle with a total of 3189 victories, Oliver’s career concluded in spectacular fashion. Overcoming a challenging draw of 17, Munhamek faced adversity, but Oliver strategically manoeuvred his mount back on the rail, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to his racing journey. In the pivotal moments of the race, Ripcord and Clint Johnston-Porter seemed poised for victory, but Oliver, with his trademark precision, created openings. Munhamek responded with a powerful late surge, prompting an exuberant victory salute from the racing legend. 2023: The Damien Oliver Gold Rush Replay – Munhamek Reflecting on the momentous win, Oliver expressed, “Dreams do come true, aye. That was unbelievable.” Acknowledging the relief and the overwhelming reception from the Ascot crowd, he described the race as “death or glory at the top of the straight.” Ryan, Munhamek’s trainer, expressed his astonishment at Oliver’s performance by saying, “Mate, I’m speechless. What a ballsy ride – could you have scripted it? I don’t know. They talk about racing Gods – he is a God.” Oliver’s earlier victories aboard Devine Belief and Magnificent Andy added to the day’s spectacle. In the seventh race, he delivered a flawless ride on Devine Belief, followed by a close-run triumph with Magnificent Andy. The latter, trained by longtime friend Stephen Miller, impressed with its ability to overcome a topweight of 61.5kg. Expressing his joy for the victories, Oliver said, “Great to get a winner for SJ [Stephen Miller]. We go back a long way, he’s a great fella and a great horseman, and wonderful to get a winner for him.” Miller, emotional after the races, remarked, “One of my best days at the racetrack – words can’t describe it. He’s a jet. He’s a jet.” More horse racing news View the full article

Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson celebrates victory in the 2023 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) at Pioneer Park in April aboard the Dick Leech-trained Write Your Name. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography It’s official, the 2024 Alice Springs Turf Club’s Cup Carnival has been revamped. The possibility of rescheduling the Red Centre’s showpiece event was discussed at the Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory board meeting in August during the Darwin Cup Carnival. Changes have since been endorsed with the Carnival – which will accommodate five meetings at Pioneer Park – starting on Sunday, March 17 and culminating with Alice Springs Cup Day on Sunday, April 7. Historically, Cup Day was the first Monday in May. It was following the TRNT board meeting that Andrew Maloney, the ASTC Chairman, wrote to Alice Springs trainers advising them of the proposed remodelling of Cup Carnival. “The decision made was based upon all the feedback received from trainers, including taking into consideration the previous concerns of Alice Springs trainers about the long break over the December and January period and to enable NT trainers to better target the Alice Springs and Darwin Carnivals,” Maloney said. Previously, Day 1 of the Carnival never had a feature race, but that’s now changed with the $35,000 St. Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m). The Day 2 feature on Saturday, March 23 is the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m), but there’s also the Open Handicap (1900m) and Lightning Handicap (1000m). Winners of the Guineas and Open Handicap are exempt from the ballot for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m), while the winner of the Lightning is exempt from the ballot for the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m). Day 3 on Easter Saturday – March 30 – will accommodate two weight-for-age events – the $40,000 Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) and a 1200m race for the sprinters – both winners qualifying for the Alice Springs Cup and Pioneer Sprint. The Pioneer Sprint is on Day 4 – Saturday, April 6, while the Alice Springs Cup and $35,000 Queen of the Desert (1200m) for the fillies and mares takes place the following day on Day 5. Since 2020, the Cup and Sprint were held on Day 5 on the Sunday. Up until 2019 and before Covid-19, the Sprint took place on the Saturday – two days before Cup Day. The Queen of the Desert was part of Cup Day, but in 2022, it became the Day 4 feature on the Friday. Eight races have been scheduled for Cup Day in 2024, with $325,000 up for grabs. The other six races will each have a purse of $30,000. The reaction was mixed when the ASTC changed their Carnival format in 2020, so it will be interesting to see how Sprint Day on Saturday and Cup Day on Sunday is received next year. Tony McGovern, the interim ASTC general manager, agreed that only time will tell if the new format proves a success adding that there had been a mixed response by bringing the Carnival forward. “First of all, it gives the three-year-olds that run in the Guineas the chance to have a break and then attack the Darwin Guineas and NT Derby,” he said. “In the past, those horses have had two or three runs in Alice and if they had a let up it was for a short period of time – it’s been difficult for them to back up.” The big lead up races in Darwin start in June with Cup Carnival commencing in July. The Alice Springs Cup now forms part of the “Triple Crown” in the NT with the winner of Central Australia’s biggest race in line to pick up a $100,000 bonus with victory in the Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) and Darwin Cup (2050m) at Fannie Bay. Before this year, victory in the Darwin Guineas, NT Derby and Darwin Cup formed the “Triple Crown” – only Brinney (1989) and Ventilago (1996) achieved the feat. Another new concept introduced during the 2023 Darwin Cup Carnival was the “Darwin Double” with a $50,000 bonus on the table with victory in the Guineas and Derby. That has also attracted the interest of Red Centre trainers, so with adjustments to the Alice Springs Cup Carnival now in place local horses will have additional rest before heading north. “The pre-Carnival meetings and lead up races have all been moved forward a month,” McGovern added. “Racing starts early in January and then it’s weekly from February 10. “Further to the Saturday and Sunday format, it’s now a four-day extravaganza. “You’ve got the Racing Minister’s Reception and Cocktail Party, as well as the Cup and Sprint draw on Thursday night. “There’s the Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon, Tried Horse Sale and Calcutta on Friday. “It leaves Saturday and Sunday free for racing – Ladies Day this year is on Saturday. “The other aspect in 2024 compared to past years – where at least one event took place at Lasseters Casino – is that every function during Carnival will be held at Pioneer Park. “We can utilise the facilities where plenty of money has been spent over the years, including the air-conditioned marquees.” More horse racing news View the full article

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Frontrunning Wynstock exchanged bumps in the stretch with Stronghold and survived an inquiry to win the $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Dec. 16. He gave Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 14th victory in the race.View the full article

The Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional, the most prestigious race in South America, is the first Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In race of the 2024 season.View the full article

Frontrunning Wynstock exchanged bumps in the stretch with Stronghold and survived an inquiry to win the $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Dec. 16. He gave Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 14th victory in the race.View the full article

Wynstock (c, 2, Solomini–Timberlea, by Flatter), one of three entered for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in Saturday's GII Los Alamitos Futurity, survived a stewards' inquiry and lit up the board at 13-1. Stronghold (Ghostzapper) was second; heavily favored 'TDN Rising Star' Coach Prime (Quality Road) was third. Ridden for speed from his rail draw in the scratched-down field of five, Wynstock showed the way through fractions of :23.53 and :47.90. Racing under pressure at the top of the stretch, he dug down gamely after bumping with Stronghold near the sixteenth-pole and forged clear late to take it by 3/4 of a length. The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.53. Wynstock becomes the first graded winner and second stakes winner on the afternoon for his freshman sire (by Curlin), who was home first in the 2017 Futurity before being disqualified to third. This is the eighth win in 10 years for Baffert in the Los Alamitos Futurity. Wynstock broke through at third asking with a runaway wire-to-wire maiden win in his two-turn debut going a mile at Santa Anita last time Oct. 15. Sales history: $50,000 yrl '22 KEESEP; $700,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-0. O-Allred, Edward C. & Liebau, Jack; B-Empire Equines, LLC (NY); T-Bob Baffert #2 WYNSTOCK ($29.40) and jockey @FreytheF comfortably led the field for 3/4 of a mile then battled #3 Stronghold down the stretch to win the G2 Los Alamitos Futurity for trainer @BobBaffert and owners Edward “Doc” Allred and Jack Liebau. pic.twitter.com/HZS2VtKenY — TVG (@TVG) December 17, 2023 The post Another ‘Wyn’ for Baffert in Los Alamitos Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They braved an arctic Nakayama night in their thousands and were serenaded to the strains of 'Music of the Night' as Equinox was given the starry sendoff his abundant talent deserved in a retirement ceremony following the end of racing Dec. 16.View the full article

Seizing upon an opening on the inside entering the second of two turns, War Campaign took command and captured the $200,000 Tinsel Stakes Dec. 16 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article