Wandering Eyes

A field of 17 2-year-olds looks for a good finish to the year and expectations of later stardom in the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1) Dec. 17 at Hanshin Racecourse.View the full article

FX, a division of Disney Entertainment, has announced that its series “The New York Times Presents” will feature a documentary called “Broken Horses” that will examine “the systematic issues, questionable practices and urgent calls for change that have shaken horse racing to its core.” The series will air sometime in 2024 and will be shown on FX and Hulu. FX has posted a short video on-line featuring Arthur Hancock, who says: “We've got to get rid of the bad actors in the sport and we've got to get rid of all these drugs.” That is followed up by a recording of two individuals discussing how a horse “galloped” after given a substance that one of the individuals admitted was a doping agent. Over the last several years, The New York Times's coverage of horse racing has been extremely negative and focused on breakdowns and doping, so the sport should be prepared for the FX documentary to pick up on the same themes and to cast a harsh light on the sport. According to press release issued by FX, New York Times reporters Joe Drape, Melissa Hoppert, Rachel Abrams and Liz Day investigated the period surrounding this year's Triple Crown races when an unusually high number of horses broke down. The press release continues: “With confidential documents and recordings and exclusive interviews, “Broken Horses” provides a vivid tour of the business and political forces that control the Sport of Kings and resist measures to implement changes that could decrease horse deaths. It is a story of reckless breeding and doping, of compromised veterinarians and trainers, and of fans who are drawn to the sport's beauty and pageantry but increasingly wonder how long one of America's oldest sports can continue to have its social license renewed.” Executive Producers are Esther Dere, Jason Stallman, Liz Day, Sam Dolnick, Stephanie Preiss, Ken Druckerman and Banks Tarver. Dere also serves as the Showrunner of “The New York Times Presents.” Rachel Abrams is Senior Producer. The post FX And New York Times To Team Up On Documentary Series That Will Focus On Racing’s Problems appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has renewed its sales and marketing partnership with John Deere for an additional three years, the association said in a release Friday. The agricultural giant will continue in its role as the exclusive equipment supplier to the NTRA and also maintain its participation in the NTRA Advantage group purchasing program. “John Deere tractors and horse racing go hand in hand,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with this great American company for another three years.” As part of the agreement, NTRA members will continue to be able to purchase or lease John Deere agricultural tractors, equipment, and implements with preferred member discounts, warranty programs and competitive financing packages. In 2022, the NTRA Advantage program topped the $1 billion sales mark with savings to the horse industry approximately $180 million since the inception of the NTRA's group purchasing arm just over twenty years ago. The post NTRA Renews Partnership Deal With John Deere appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint heroine Caravel (Mizzen Mast) was retired to Kentucky's Hunter Valley Farm by the ownership group of Qatar Racing, Madaket Stables and Marc Detampel, and will be bred for the 2024 season to Justify, as first reported on the Lancaster Farming website by Mid-Atlantic Horse correspondent Sam Cavalieri. Bred by Elizabeth Merryman and raised on her farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Caravel is heading to the breeding shed after she RNA'd for $2.4 million at the Keeneland November Sale. “The ownership group has very much kept me in the loop and it's been a lot of fun enjoying her successes,” said Merryman, speaking to Cavalieri. “I'm so glad that she's at Hunter Valley because I know the way she has wintered there the last few winters. She's loved it there.” Caravel earned nearly $2 million as a 15-time winner, which included her longshot performance in the 2022 Breeders' Cup at Keeneland. The ownership group decided to race her as a 6-year-old this year, and she rewarded them with three more stakes wins, including another Grade I victory against the boys at Belmont Park in the Jaipur S. “Caravel always has been a little bit of a freak of nature,” Merryman told Cavalieri. “She's incredible. She puts so much into her racing but from day one she had so much personality and talent. She's a once in a lifetime horse.” Her dam Zeezee Zoomzoom (Congrats) was also set to be sold at the same Keeneland November, but Merryman couldn't part with her life-changing mare. “It might not be the best business plan, but it was the right move for me,” Merryman told the publication. “The mare owes me nothing and she is really, really happy where she is. I didn't want to put her through the stress of shipping somewhere new. I was worried she might not take it that well and it might be really hard on her. I promised her a good life and didn't want to go back on it.” The 11-year-old is currently in foal to Justify and has also produced the MSW Witty (Great Notion), who is bred, owned and trained by Merryman. The post MGISW Caravel Retired, Date With Justify Scheduled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was announced just Thursday that American Classic winner Palace Malice (Curlin) would be joining the Japanese stallion ranks at Darley beginning in 2024, and Shadai Race Horse Co.'s US-conceived Jantar Mantar (Jpn) can provide his sire with a timely boost in Sunday's G1 Asahi Hai Futurity S. going a right-handed 1600 metres at Hanshin Racecourse. A son of American Grade III winner India Mantuana (Wilburn) and bred on a variant of the wildly successful cross of Curlin over A.P. Indy-line dams, the dark bay colt debuted with an impressive 2 1/2-length victory going 1800 metres at Kyoto Oct. 8 and overcame a penchant to overrace with a fast-finishing defeat of Enya Love Faith (Jpn) (A Shin Hikari {Jpn}) and Namura Hooker (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}) to win the G2 Daily Hai Nisai S. over this distance Nov. 11 (see below, SC 2). Leading jockey Yuga Kawada takes over in the saddle Sunday afternoon from a low draw. “There have been no problems with him, and his responses at the finish in training have been good, and he's moving well,” said trainer Tomokazu Takano. “He's had the same four-week period of time between races as he had before his last race. I'm not worried about it being his first time at the Hanshin track.” Carrot Farm's Strauss (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), whose dam Blumenblatt (Jpn) (Admire Vega {Jpn}) won the G1 Mile Championship S., demolished a field of Toyko newcomers by nine lengths in soft ground June 3, but was not seen again for four months, resuming with a third in the G3 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup at headquarters in October. He stepped out to nine furlongs in the G2 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai S. Nov. 18 and returned to winning ways with a 1 1/2-length victory. Tom Marquand has the riding assignment from barrier 17 of 17 Sunday. “He might be a 2-year-old, but he feels quite mature,” the jockey said. “He stood out among the other horses in his last race, so I hope he can run in a similar way to how he did last time.” Danon McKinley (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), a ¥220 million (£1.22 million/US$1.62 million) purchase out of last year's JHRA Select Sale, tries the mile for the first time, having easily won his 1400-metre unveiling over the Hanshin course Sept. 30 before overcoming a tardy dispatch to easily scoop a 1-win class conditions test over the same trip Nov. 19. His time of 1:20.7 was 0.6 seconds quicker than the 1400-meter split of the Mile Championship S. a few races later. With Strauss drawn widest, it seems fitting that Ecoro Waltz (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}) jumps from the inside box as he looks to make it three-from-three in his young career. He most recently carried Yutaka Take to a six-length victory in an 1800-metre conditions test at northern Sapporo Aug. 13. The post Jantar Mantar Looks To Remain Unbeaten In Asahi Hai Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to suefinley@thetdn.com “The best moment from 2023 was the confirmation that the state of New York would be loaning NYRA nearly half a billion dollars to build a modern Belmont Park. I'd rate this occurrence as possibly the most positive development in the sport since the founding of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The seeds of this were planted in the years before VLT revenue started flowing in New York and it was decided NYRA wanted a slice of that revenue to go to a capital expenditure fund instead of just diverting it all to purses. That foresight was so very necessary. The future of the sport in New York is bright and that's monumentally important for every other stakeholder in the sport.” -Pat Cummings, National Thoroughbred Alliance The post What Was Your Favorite Moment Of 2023: Pat Cummings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michelle Cuozzo Borisenok, a longtime Thoroughbred owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist in the Capital region, and Najja Thompson, the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., have been named to the Board of Directors of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, the organization said in a release Friday morning. “Michelle and Najja both have a deep appreciation for the mission of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and they are widely admired throughout the Thoroughbred industry,” said Ramón Dominguez, the President of the NYRTC. “We are honored to have them as board members and we look forward to working with them.” Borisenok has supported women's leadership throughout her career and operates Brown Road Racing, a boutique Thoroughbred racing organization which aims to empower women, foster a sense of camaraderie and give back to the community. Thompson joined the Chaplaincy in 2020 and as the head of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, he works to enhance the status of New York-breds and promote the economic impact that breeders and racing can have on the state. The post Borisenok, Thompson Named to NY Race Track Chaplaincy Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Egan is the latest jockey to have been snapped up as the number one rider for Amo Racing, with Kia Joorabchian saying the 24-year-old will help bring “long-term stability” to the team. At just 24, Egan has already scaled some of racing's peaks. He won the Saudi Cup, the world's richest race, aboard Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) in 2021 and more recently enjoyed great success with trainer Roger Varian, for whom he has partnered Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}}) to St Leger successes in Britain and Ireland. Joorabchian said, “I'm very pleased to announce David as our first jockey. We have had a brilliant ongoing relationship over the years and used David consistently on our horses, going back to Mojo Star's brilliant second in the [2021] Derby. We now feel it's the perfect time to consolidate our team and having David on board will be a valuable addition. “David is a talented, ambitious jockey with experience at the top of the sport having won races of the highest calibre all over the world, and growing up as Roger Varian's stable jockey has given him invaluable experience and maturity. Aware of the size of our organisation, we must implement systems to ensure longevity and I have tremendous confidence in this decision.” He added, “Having David on board for the next two years will help us develop long-term stability as a team. I would also like to thank Roger for his tremendous support, confidence and blessing in this decision.” Egan was crowned champion apprentice in 2017 and has also ridden as the retained jockey to Prince AA Faisal. He takes over as Amo Racing's new number one rider one a two-year deal from Kevin Stott, who was removed from his post in September just one season after taking over from Rossa Ryan. Egan commented, “I'm delighted to have signed a two-year contract with Amo Racing. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Roger and Hanako Varian, and all the Varian Stable team. “They have been like family to me since I first started in racing, and I'd just like to thank them for their friendship and support over the last seven years.” The post Amo Racing Announces David Egan As New Number One Rider appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising Southern mare Madam Dubai has given the extended Anderton family something to celebrate over recent months, and she will aim for a hat-trick of victories at Ascot Park on Saturday. The daughter of Pride Of Dubai commenced her career in Australia under the care of Philip Stokes, recording a win on debut and one further minor placing from six starts before being purchased on an Inglis Online Auction by Jack Stewart. Stewart plays a key role in the running of his grandfather and late grandmother, Brian and Lorraine Anderton’s White Robe Lodge, and identified Madam Dubai as an exciting racing and broodmare prospect, with her dam being a A$500,000 Inglis 2YO Classic (1200m) winner in Danehill Smile. Stewart, alongside wife Emma, combined with parents and Stud Managers Wayne and Karen Stewart in the ownership of the mare, and have been well rewarded, winning two of her three starts on Kiwi soil. Stepping up over the mile on Saturday, Madam Dubai will contest the Nigel Robertson Building Handicap (1600m), with Kylie Williams retaining the ride after guiding the four-year-old in her last two victories, including last start at their home track on November 7. “She’s going well, she’s bred to be a sprinter but she took the whole 1400m at Wingatui to get to the front,” said Shane Anderton, who trains in partnership with his father Brian. “We scratched her at Cromwell because of the barrier draw she got. We’ve got no excuses this time (drawing barrier two) so hopefully she’ll be competitive.” Madam Dubai is currently rated a $4.50 favourite with TAB bookmakers for the Racing 75 event, while stablemate Burgie sits atop of the feature event on the card at $3.20 for the Tim Yeo Contracting Southland Crystals (2200m). A winner of the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) as a three-year-old, Burgie has recorded three wins and a further six minor placings in a successful 19-start career. The five-year-old daughter of Ghibellines was a creditable fourth in the Cromwell Cup (2030m) last-start, with Corey Campbell taking the ride on Saturday after claiming the Cup aboard classy stablemate Capo Dell Impero. “We were happy enough at Cromwell, but she’s just being a mare in taking a wee while to come up this year. We’re expecting a nice run from her,” Anderton said. “You do always need a bit of luck around the Invercargill track though.” Also flying the flag for White Robe Lodge’s sire Ghibellines will be Exchange, the six-win gelding completing the Anderton trio at Ascot Park when contesting the Shoe Clinic Handicap (1400m). Coming off an eighth-placed resuming run at Cromwell, four-kilo claiming apprentice Ruvanesh Muniandy will retain the ride giving weight relief to 56kg. “He’s probably looking for a wee bit further, he was slow out last time so if he can get out and put himself into the race he should be a good chance,” Anderton said. “He was going to be carrying 60kg, so getting the four kilograms off puts him at quite a competitive weight.” View the full article

Patience was rewarded at Tauranga on Friday for the connections of talented four-year-old Hasstobeawinner, who cleared maiden ranks with a performance that was well worth the wait. The Vadamos gelding has shown ability from the beginning of his career, producing eye-catching finishes in his first two starts last season before running third behind subsequent Group Two performer Warsaw. In his first two starts as a four-year-old, Hasstobeawinner finished second behind First Five at Ruakaka and second again at Te Aroha on November 29 – beaten by a mere head by Choose ‘Em Big. Friday was finally Hasstobeawinner’s day, and he romped to a runaway victory in the Icon Security Systems Maiden (1400m). Ridden by Craig Grylls for Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, Hasstobeawinner settled in second behind Ready Eddie Go, who was sent forward from a wide gate to set the pace. Hasstobeawinner took command at the home turn and quickly put the result beyond any doubt. The $2.10 favourite changed gears and pulled away, opening up a winning margin of four and a quarter lengths over runner-up Sparkles. There was another three and a quarter lengths back to the third-placed Loose Change. Hasstobeawinner has now had seven starts for a win and three placings, earning $24,470 in stakes. “It was really pleasing to have such a good win today for some really long-standing clients of the stable,” Wellwood said. “The Hassalls have had quite a number of horses with us over the years and have had good success with horses like The Hassler. We’ve got four or five in work for them at the moment and it’s always a great thrill to have a win with that Hassall name in the book. “This horse was quite impressive today. He’s been thereabouts in his last two, so it was lovely to see him put everything together and score such a convincing win. “I think we most definitely have a fair bit more to look forward to with him. He’s by Vadamos, whose progeny usually get at least a mile, so we’re looking forward to stepping him up over a bit more ground in time. He’ll go to a mile next start and we’ll take it from there.” Hasstobeawinner was bred by Colin and Irene Thompson, parents of Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson. One of a dozen winners in New Zealand this season for Rich Hill stallion Vadamos, Hasstobeawinner is out of the seven-race-winning Keeper mare Keepereel, who is also the dam of the stakes performer He’s Got Power. Notably, Keepereel is a half-sister to The Hassler, who won four races for the Hassall family including the Gr.2 Championship Stakes (2100m) before being sold to Hong Kong, where he scored another three wins. Hasstobeawinner was offered by Rich Hill Stud in Book 2 of Karaka 2021, where he was bought by the Robt Dawe Agency for $45,000. View the full article

Peter and Dawn Williams have had an outstanding strike rate over the last few weeks, and the Byerley Park trainers will try to continue their high-flying form with a single shot at Group Two success at Te Rapa on Saturday. Volare will be the only runner all weekend for the Williams team, lining up in the Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) for fillies and mares. The TAB rated her a $7 third favourite on Friday afternoon in a market headed by Pearl Of Alsace ($2.40) and Campionessa ($2.70). Leading into Saturday, the Williams stable has recorded five wins from just their last 16 runners, culminating in Desert Lightning’s win in the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham last Saturday. Peter Williams is upbeat about Volare’s prospects of continuing that run in this weekend’s $175,000 feature. The Proisir mare has been admirably consistent throughout her 11-race career, collecting three wins, four placings and three fourths. She knuckled at the start in a 1400m Rating 75 at Pukekohe on November 7, but recovered impressively to finish into second place behind Flamebird. In her only appearance since then, Volare won a 1600m Rating 75 at Pukekohe on November 25, beating Reputation and Cal Isuzu Stakes rival Polygon. “She’s done really well in those last couple of starts and we’re very happy with her,” Williams said. “We’ve always liked her, and we decided to have a crack at this race because it’s a stakes race for fillies and mares and it’s not far away from us. “We were originally working towards the Dunstan Stayers’ Championship Final (2400m), but we decided to throw in a nomination for this race and see what else was there. As it turns out, if you take the top couple of mares out of it, it’s probably a Rating 75 race. Outside of those two favourites, the rest of them seem to be pretty even, so it’s a nice opportunity to run for a bit of black type and see how we go. “We’re very happy with the mare. Everything’s fine with her and she’s been working really well.” Volare has the chance to extend an outstanding run of success for owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle, whose colours have also been carried by standout three-year-old Crocetti through a perfect six-from-six career that includes victories in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). A daughter of the stakes-performed Pins mare Sans Souci, Volare was bred by Nakhle in partnership with his father Elias. Nakhle’s co-owners include the Sundgren Trust and former prime minister Sir John Key. View the full article

The well-performed Waisake will take a big step towards his sixth Wellington Cup Carnival with a run in Saturday’s Majestic Horse Floats (2200m) at Trentham. The winner of eight races overall from a 44-start career, the Zed gelding has saved some of his very best for Wellington’s summer showpiece meetings. He began his annual tradition of heading to Trentham every January with a pair of Rating 65 appearances, winning in 2019 and finishing a luckless eighth a year later. The 2021 carnival was Waisake’s big breakthrough, romping home by four lengths in a Rating 74 before powering to victory in that year’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m). He was the favourite to defend that crown after an outstanding win in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) on the opening day of the 2022 carnival, but was forced out of the Cup and sidelined for 10 months with a tendon injury. Waisake made it back to Trentham again in January of this year, finishing third in the Trentham Stakes before struggling in Heavy10 ground in the Cup. The nine-year-old’s trainer and part-owner Allan Sharrock is hoping to add to that record in January, and he sees Saturday’s $50,000 race as an ideal stepping stone. Waisake brings strong form into Saturday’s race. He produced an eye-catching finish from last to run fourth behind subsequent Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) winner One Bold Cat in the Feilding Gold Cup (2100m), then picked up a third placing in last month’s Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). “He’s going well,” Sharrock said. “He was a bit unlucky in the New Zealand Cup. I thought I had him right that day, but he just didn’t quite get the rub of the green in the running. We were still pretty happy with his performance.” The TAB rates Waisake a $4.20 favourite on Saturday, but Sharrock warns that he is likely to benefit from this hit-out. “He came back and had an easy week after the New Zealand Cup,” Sharrock said. “He’s definitely going to improve off the race on Saturday, but it’s a nice starting point in a campaign that will probably see him go to the Trentham Stakes next, then hopefully carry on to the Cup a week later.” Stablemate Sumi is the $1.60 favourite for Saturday’s JAPAC Homes (1400m). The daughter of Atlante has won five of her 22 starts, including a first-up success over Belardo Boy in a 1340m race at Wanganui on November 5. Apprentice jockey Jess Allen’s 3kg claim will reduce Sumi’s weight to 52.5kg on Saturday, and Sharrock is hoping this race will put the mare on a path towards black-type features through the summer months. “She’s coming up really well,” Sharrock said. “She’s a pretty tidy mare and it was a good win first-up. I’m happy with her. “Safely through this weekend, we’ll probably look at a race like the Anniversary Handicap (Gr.3, 1600m) during the Wellington carnival. Another option could be the Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes (Listed, 1600m) in February. It would be good to add a bit more black type to her record this season if we can.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand in each of the three stakes races at Te Rapa on Saturday. Leading their charge will be a four-pronged attack in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), where Romancing The Moon ($3.30), Cognito ($5.50), and Aris Aris ($6) fill the first three lines of betting. Romancing The Moon heads into the weekend off the back of a third placed run behind Sacred Satono and Babylon Berlin in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe last month, and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson believe she will be suited by the step up in distance on Saturday. “I thought Romancing The Moon was good at Pukekohe over 1100m, which we think is short of her best,” Bergerson said. “She gets in very nicely in the weights (54kg) and Kozzi (Asano, jockey) knows her well. I am sure she will run a really good race.” Cognito has been in terrific form this preparation, winning one and placing in three of his four starts, including a last start third in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m). He was subsequently given some time in the paddock ahead of summer targets. “We gave him a little freshen following his last run. He has got a good record at 1400m, but in saying that he is probably more suited to the mile and potentially a little further over summer,” Bergerson said. Aris Aris was disappointing when finishing last in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) first-up last month but bounced back last start when finishing runner-up behind Waitak over 1300m at Te Rapa. “Aris Aris ran much better last start,” Bergerson said. “She was first-up in the Legacy Lodge and was ridden upside down and faded, but she was much better last time and hit the line strongly. “She has drawn well (1) and Warren (Kennedy, jockey) was pretty keen to stick with her. She is another that has trained on really well and keeps improving in the coat and fitness-wise as well.” Te Akau’s fourth representative in the race is Wolverine, who has failed to fire in her first two runs back in New Zealand and is being kept safe in the market at $12. “Wolverine has been a touch disappointing since we got her back,” Bergerson said. “She trialled super and she wasn’t beaten far first-up. We thought she had taken good improvement into her second-up run and it just went all wrong. We half missed the kick and then Opie (Bosson) sent her forward and was trapped wide and faded late. We are scratching our heads a little bit. “Drawn seven, we will probably go back and we just want to see her relax a bit better and hopefully see her flash home. “We have four really nice chances. We just need the right runs and I am sure they will be there or thereabouts.” Campionessa will be the stable’s sole representative in the Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), with the daughter of Contributer vying for back-to-back Group Two wins following her victory in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last month. “She is in super form,” Bergerson said. “Earlier in the spring, her track work was only okay heading into Hawke’s Bay. She picked up a little bug following the Group One (Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m), so we had to give her a freshen-up and look after her. “Since she has come back she has been in fantastic form. She trialled only fair leading into her first-up run. At 1400m we thought she may have been a bit vulnerable, but she was aided by a gun ride. “She is pretty classy, especially last year racing in those Group Ones. She seems to have found that groove again because her track work has been super. “Opie rode her on Tuesday at Matamata and said she was in great form. We are really happy with her. “Pearl Of Alsace is in fantastic form as well. It looks a really nice race and she gets in well at the weights with her rating. It looks the perfect stepping stone to the Zabeel Classic (Gr.1, 2050m) on Boxing Day.” Campionessa is a $2.70 second favourite with TAB bookmakers behind Pearl Of Alsace at $2.40. New Zealand’s leading stable also feature prominently in the market for the Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m), with Aromatic the fancied runner of the 10-horse field at $3, while Prise De Fer has been marked a $12 winning chance. Aromatic has finished runner-up in her last two outings, the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) and Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m), and Bergerson is hoping she can go one better on Saturday. “Aromatic is in great form and has been running fantastic,” he said. “She gets out there and tries so hard. “Unfortunately, she has just been pipped in her last two so hopefully she can get a result on Saturday. She seems in good form at home – she is fit, happy and healthy.” Prise De Fer was runner-up in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa two starts and was given no favours in the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham last start. “Prise De Fer went down to the Group One and had the starting gates fiasco,” Bergerson said. “He has never looked better at home, he is bouncing around the stable. It is a step up in trip and we have taken the blinkers off. “It is a bit of a throw at the stumps, but it is probably not the strongest rendition of the race. He has to lug around topweight, but in saying that it is only 58kg, so he is giving some of them only five kilos when he is a proven Group One performer. “We are happy with both of them. We are leaning towards Aromatic and would be fantastic to see her get a result because she deserves it.” View the full article

The Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) holds fond memories for Te Akau Racing in recent years, having won two of the last four editions of the race, and they will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday. They will be represented in the Trentham feature by Mazzucato, My Lips Are Sealed, and Vivacious. The Fortuna Syndicate-raced Vivacious broke through for her maiden win at Te Aroha last start after placing on debut at the Waikato track last month, and heads the market at $5 alongside the Chrissy Bambry-trained Chantilly Lace. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson hold a high opinion of Vivacious and they believe she is up to the task of securing black-type this weekend. “Vivacious is one we have always liked and it was good to see her get a result last time,” Bergerson said. “She is very lightly raced still and whether that counts against her I don’t know, and the barrier draw (12) is a bit niggly, so we will just have to leave it up to Parkesy (Johnathan Parkes, jockey) and see how the pattern plays and go from there. “We are leaning towards her being the strongest of the three. Going forward we think she is pretty exciting and is one to watch over summer.” Tivaci filly Mazzucato will make her first North Island appearance of the season on Saturday, having campaigned in Canterbury over spring, where she picked up two victories, including last start at Riccarton over 1400m. “Mazzucato went south for a Guineas campaign and was disappointing. We had a throw at the stumps at the three-year-old 1400m race on the middle day and she was super,” Bergerson said. “If she ran up to that performance, I am sure she can be in it. She is a bit of an enigma. She is a bit naughty in the barriers and tends to still do a few things wrong. “She has stayed down at our Riccarton base and Hunter (Durrant, Riccarton stable foreman) has been happy with the way she has come through that run and her work leading into Saturday.” Te Akau’s final representative in the race will be My Lips Are Sealed, who will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin from gate eight. “I thought My Lips Are Sealed went a great race at Wanganui (for fourth last start). It was a pretty breakneck speed,” Bergerson said. “She has travelled back up to Matamata and has done really well since the race. Joe knows her really well and hopefully we can get a bit of cover. It would be nice to see her relax, she can tend to overdo it at times, but if she relaxes I am sure she can see out the mile and run a nice race.” View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, December 17, 2023 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon with a massive 10-race program set to get underway at 1pm local time. There is a mix of turf and all-weather races lined up, with the rail moved to the B position on the turf circuit. The track should be a Good 4, although warm weather and high humidity will provide testing conditions for all participants. Best Bet: Invincible Sage Invincible Sage has skyrocketed into Class 2 company after kicking off his campaign with back-to-back wins. Both victories have come at this course and distance — the latest on November 11, when the son of Thronum saluted in the shadows of the post after a checkered run. It was a stunning performance to the eye, and with 6.5kg less in the saddle, Invincible Sage will take a power of beating. Best Bet Race 7 – #7 Invincible Sage (7) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Zac Purton (54.5kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best: Karma Karma was tested at Happy Valley for the first time on November 15 and briefly looked the winner before an airborne Chill Chibi took over in the closing stages. Although he was defeated by a length on the wire, the Turn Me Loose gelding seemed to appreciate the step up in trip, so the mile back at his favoured track should be no issue. Vincent Ho sticks from a soft draw in barrier four, and with a genuine tempo to sprint off, watch for Karma to be finishing best. Next Best Race 9 – #6 Karma (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Vincent Ho (56.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value: Celestial Colours Formerly known as Ringmaster in Australia, Celestial Colours made his Hong Kong debut for the Jamie Richards barn on November 19 and gave every indication he’s settled in nicely. He was urged to sit outside the lead on that occasion, with the son of Zoustar knocking up late on a strong tempo throughout the 1200m journey. They smashed the clock that day, and with the quinella pair franking the form last weekend, Celestial Colours can give each-way players a bold sight second-up. Best Value Race 10 – #2 Celestial Colours (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Lyle Hewitson (60kg) Bet with PlayUp Sha Tin Sunday quaddie tips – 17/12/2023 Hong Kong quadrella selections Sunday, December 17, 2023 7-8 2-3-5-11-12 3-4-5-6 1-2-6-7-10-11 More horse racing tips View the full article

What Narooma Cup Day Where Moruya Jockey Club – 100 Donnelly Dr, Moruya NSW 2537 When Sunday, December 17, 2023 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The $30,000 Narooma Cup (1300m) headlines a competitive eight-race program at Moruya on Sunday. The rail sits in the true position all the way around, and with the forecast predicting only a minor chance of rain, the track rating is expected to stay in the Good range. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm AEDT. Narooma Cup Tip: Miss Ostend Miss Ostend should get conditions to suit after a luckless effort at Canberra on December 8. She drew barrier three but still manage to get cast wide early in the 1200m contest, blunting her regularly dynamic turn of foot. She drops 3.5kg courtesy of apprentice Coriah Keatings’ claim, and with Miss Ostend continuing to prove a model of consistency this preparation, she must be considered a winning hope. Narooma Cup Race 7 – #1 Miss Ostend (4) 5yo Mare | T: Norm Gardner | J: Coriah Keatings (a2kg) (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Bet at Moruya: Sassen Sassen heads to the races after one official barrier trial at Hawkesbury on October 16 and looks ready for this first-up assignment. The impressive jump-out was for the Edward O’Rourke stable before being transferred to the Paul Murray barn, but with the new team happy to send her straight to the races, we are willing to take Sassen on trust heading into her debut. Best Bet Race 1 – #6 Sassen (1) 4yo Mare | T: Paul Murray | J: Jean Van Overmeire (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Moruya: Incentive Newly acquired by the Keith Dryden stable, Incentive cruised to victory first-up at Sapphire Coast on November 27. The son of Capitalist was allowed to stride to the front under James Innes Jnr and gave his rivals no chance of chasing him down. He drops 3kg going up in grade to contest the Narooma Town Plate (1010m) on Sunday, and as the designated leader in this event, Incentive will look to pinch a break when turning for home. Next Best Race 5 – #2 Incentive (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Keith Dryden | J: James Innes Jnr (55.5kg) Bet with Dabble Narooma Cup Day quaddie tips – 17/12/2023 Moruya quadrella selections Sunday, December 17, 2023 1-2-3 1-2-3-5 1-2-3-4-6 2-5-6-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Brian & Shane Anderton will prepare three competitive runners at Ascot Park on Saturday including stakes-winning mare Burgie. Photo: Race Images South Promising Southern mare Madam Dubai has given the extended Anderton family something to celebrate over recent months, and she will aim for a hat-trick of victories at Ascot Park on Saturday. The daughter of Pride Of Dubai commenced her career in Australia under the care of Philip Stokes, recording a win on debut and one further minor placing from six starts before being purchased on an Inglis Online Auction by Jack Stewart. Stewart plays a key role in the running of his grandfather and late grandmother, Brian and Lorraine Anderton’s White Robe Lodge, and identified Madam Dubai as an exciting racing and broodmare prospect, with her dam being a A$500,000 Inglis 2YO Classic (1200m) winner in Danehill Smile. Stewart, alongside wife Emma, combined with parents and Stud Managers Wayne and Karen Stewart in the ownership of the mare, and have been well rewarded, winning two of her three starts on Kiwi soil. Stepping up over the mile on Saturday, Madam Dubai will contest the Nigel Robertson Building Handicap (1600m), with Kylie Williams retaining the ride after guiding the four-year-old in her last two victories, including last start at their home track on November 7. “She’s going well, she’s bred to be a sprinter but she took the whole 1400m at Wingatui to get to the front,” said Shane Anderton, who trains in partnership with his father Brian. “We scratched her at Cromwell because of the barrier draw she got. We’ve got no excuses this time (drawing barrier two) so hopefully she’ll be competitive.” Madam Dubai is currently rated a $4.50 favourite with bookmakers for the Racing 75 event, while stablemate Burgie sits atop of the feature event on the card at $3.20 for the Tim Yeo Contracting Southland Crystals (2200m). A winner of the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m) as a three-year-old, Burgie has recorded three wins and a further six minor placings in a successful 19-start career. The five-year-old daughter of Ghibellines was a creditable fourth in the Cromwell Cup (2030m) last-start, with Corey Campbell taking the ride on Saturday after claiming the Cup aboard classy stablemate Capo Dell Impero. “We were happy enough at Cromwell, but she’s just being a mare in taking a wee while to come up this year. We’re expecting a nice run from her,” Anderton said. “You do always need a bit of luck around the Invercargill track though.” Also flying the flag for White Robe Lodge’s sire Ghibellines will be Exchange, the six-win gelding completing the Anderton trio at Ascot Park when contesting the Shoe Clinic Handicap (1400m). Coming off an eighth-placed resuming run at Cromwell, four-kilo claiming apprentice Ruvanesh Muniandy will retain the ride giving weight relief to 56kg. “He’s probably looking for a wee bit further, he was slow out last time so if he can get out and put himself into the race he should be a good chance,” Anderton said. “He was going to be carrying 60kg, so getting the four kilograms off puts him at quite a competitive weight.” More horse racing news View the full article

Hasstobeawinner breaking through for their maiden win at Tauranga on Friday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Patience was rewarded at Tauranga on Friday for the connections of talented four-year-old Hasstobeawinner, who cleared maiden ranks with a performance that was well worth the wait. The Vadamos gelding has shown ability from the beginning of his career, producing eye-catching finishes in his first two starts last season before running third behind subsequent Group Two performer Warsaw. In his first two starts as a four-year-old, Hasstobeawinner finished second behind First Five at Ruakaka and second again at Te Aroha on November 29 – beaten by a mere head by Choose ‘Em Big. Friday was finally Hasstobeawinner’s day, and he romped to a runaway victory in the Icon Security Systems Maiden (1400m). Ridden by Craig Grylls for Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, Hasstobeawinner settled in second behind Ready Eddie Go, who was sent forward from a wide gate to set the pace. Hasstobeawinner took command at the home turn and quickly put the result beyond any doubt. The $2.10 favourite changed gears and pulled away, opening up a winning margin of four and a quarter lengths over runner-up Sparkles. There was another three and a quarter lengths back to the third-placed Loose Change. Hasstobeawinner has now had seven starts for a win and three placings, earning $24,470 in stakes. “It was really pleasing to have such a good win today for some really long-standing clients of the stable,” Wellwood said. “The Hassalls have had quite a number of horses with us over the years and have had good success with horses like The Hassler. We’ve got four or five in work for them at the moment and it’s always a great thrill to have a win with that Hassall name in the book. “This horse was quite impressive today. He’s been thereabouts in his last two, so it was lovely to see him put everything together and score such a convincing win. “I think we most definitely have a fair bit more to look forward to with him. He’s by Vadamos, whose progeny usually get at least a mile, so we’re looking forward to stepping him up over a bit more ground in time. He’ll go to a mile next start and we’ll take it from there.” Hasstobeawinner was bred by Colin and Irene Thompson, parents of Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson. One of a dozen winners in New Zealand this season for Rich Hill stallion Vadamos, Hasstobeawinner is out of the seven-race-winning Keeper mare Keepereel, who is also the dam of the stakes performer He’s Got Power. Notably, Keepereel is a half-sister to The Hassler, who won four races for the Hassall family including the Group 2 Championship Stakes (2100m) before being sold to Hong Kong, where he scored another three wins. Hasstobeawinner was offered by Rich Hill Stud in Book 2 of Karaka 2021, where he was bought by the Robt Dawe Agency for $45,000. More horse racing news View the full article

Ping Hai Galaxy is chasing successive Sha Tin wins. With five winners from the past four Sha Tin meetings, Alexis Badel hopes Ping Hai Galaxy can extend the Frenchman’s productive streak at Sha Tin on Sunday. One of Hong Kong’s fastest horses, Ping Hai Galaxy led throughout last start to land the Class 2 The Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m) on Sha Tin’s dirt course on December 3, defeating Flying Ace by a short head. “He was great last time, that was a very good win,” Badel said. “He’s always been a very fast horse out of the gate, great early speed. He’s a lovely horse, strong body type, so I’m hoping he can carry on this way. “I think he has the ability to do well over 1000 metres. It’s more about having the race that suits him – he likes to run free, he likes to do his own pace so if you can get him into a nice rhythm, I think he’s going to run well.” Trained by John Size, Ping Hai Galaxy carried 126lb last start, but rises to 132lb when he faces Kurpany (135lb), Whizz Kid (128lb), We Are Hero (125lb), Astrologer (124lb), Carroll Street (120lb), Invincible Sage (120lb), Dream Winner (118lb), Wonder Kit (116lb) and Ima Single Man (115lb) in this weekend’s speed contest. With a pair of Class 3 victories, David Hall’s Invincible Sage rises to Class 2 for the first time and will jump from barrier seven under six-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton. “He seems fine, and we’ll find out how he handles Class 2 at the weekend,” Hall said. “He’s two from two, he’s ready, and the programme is there for him to run in that race. It’s a straight track 1000m again so let’s see what he’s made of. “The Class 3 races are a bit shallow at the moment, but the Class 2 contests are a bigger hurdle to jump. He’s done what he’s had to do and he’s ready to go back to the races, so it’s good that he’s got this Class 2 1000 (metres) to do it.” Hall will also saddle Ka Ying Victory when the talented gelding clashes with Wunderbar, who is also unbeaten after two starts. “His (Ka Ying Victory’s) trials have been good enough and he’s ready to go back to the races. He’s a three-year-old running in Class 3 and coming out of Griffin form, so it can be a bit questionable,” Hall said. “It looks like a strong race, so it will be interesting to see what he can do.” Ka Ying Victory will be partnered by Purton, while Size-trained Wunderbar will be ridden by James McDonald. “He (Wunderbar) is very promising, he gave me a beautiful feel. He feels like he’s very untapped and what he’s done so far, he just feels like he’s scratching the surface. He’s doing everything with plenty in hand – he’s got a bit up his sleeve from what he’s been doing,” McDonald said. “This is a big step up, being six furlongs for the first time and facing some very tough, competitive horses but he’s got good potential and he’s very well educated.” Unbeaten in two starts on Sha Tin’s dirt surface, Smokey Bear will attempt to provide Michael Chang with his stable’s sixth win of the season under Keagan De Melo. “He found a good field last time and he put them to bed quite easily, he’s on the improve on the dirt and you just don’t know how good he is yet. Maybe he can improve a little bit more – which I think he would have to – and we can see another good run,” the South African said. “Hopefully he can make the step up in class. His work has been pretty good going into the race.” More horse racing news View the full article

Volare will represent Peter & Dawn Williams’ in-form stable in the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Peter and Dawn Williams have had an outstanding strike rate over the last few weeks, and the Byerley Park trainers will try to continue their high-flying form with a single shot at Group 2 success at Te Rapa on Saturday. Volare will be the only runner all weekend for the Williams team, lining up in the Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) for fillies and mares. Bookmakers rate her a $7 third favourite on Friday afternoon in a market headed by Pearl Of Alsace ($2.40) and Campionessa ($2.70). Leading into Saturday, the Williams stable has recorded five wins from just their last 16 runners, culminating in Desert Lightning’s win in the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham last Saturday. Peter Williams is upbeat about Volare’s prospects of continuing that run in this weekend’s $175,000 feature. The Proisir mare has been admirably consistent throughout her 11-race career, collecting three wins, four placings and three fourths. She knuckled at the start in a 1400m Rating 75 at Pukekohe on November 7, but recovered impressively to finish into second place behind Flamebird. In her only appearance since then, Volare won a 1600m Rating 75 at Pukekohe on November 25, beating Reputation and Cal Isuzu Stakes rival Polygon. “She’s done really well in those last couple of starts and we’re very happy with her,” Williams said. “We’ve always liked her, and we decided to have a crack at this race because it’s a stakes race for fillies and mares and it’s not far away from us. “We were originally working towards the Dunstan Stayers’ Championship Final (2400m), but we decided to throw in a nomination for this race and see what else was there. “As it turns out, if you take the top couple of mares out of it, it’s probably a Rating 75 race. Outside of those two favourites, the rest of them seem to be pretty even, so it’s a nice opportunity to run for a bit of black type and see how we go. “We’re very happy with the mare. Everything’s fine with her and she’s been working really well.” Volare has the chance to extend an outstanding run of success for owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle, whose colours have also been carried by standout three-year-old Crocetti through a perfect six-from-six career that includes victories in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). A daughter of the stakes-performed Pins mare Sans Souci, Volare was bred by Nakhle in partnership with his father Elias. Nakhle’s co-owners include the Sundgren Trust and former prime minister Sir John Key. More horse racing news View the full article

What Bendigo Races Where Bendigo Jockey Club – Heinz St, White Hills VIC 3550 When Sunday, December 17, 2023 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble A competitive eight-race meeting awaits at Bendigo on Sunday afternoon. With the rail set true and clear skies forecast over the weekend, each runner should get their chance if good enough. Racing is set to get underway at 1:20pm AEST. Best Bet at Bendigo – Flamin’ Romans Flamin’ Romans chased home Interlinked on debut at Kyneton on November 26 when finishing second, and that horse went on to win impressively at Caulfield on Thursday to frank the form. The full brother to Group 1 winner Smokin’ Romans should only get better as he steps up in trip, so the 1500m should suit him down to the ground. He didn’t show much early speed on debut, so Dylan Browne McMonagle will need a touch of luck from barrier one, but Flamin’ Romans looks well placed to break maiden ranks at start two. Best Bet Race 3 – #3 Flamin’ Romans (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Dylan Browne McMonagle (59.5kg) +220 with Picklebet Next Best at Bendigo – General Firepower Mike Moroney’s General Firepower chased home the classy Jimmysstar first-up at Bendigo before finishing a narrow second at Wodonga last time out. He draws barrier one on Sunday under Jordan Childs and looks set to gain an economical run in transit over the 1400m. With speed drawn out wide, he will look to hold the rail throughout and land the plum spot. With even luck in the home straight, General Firepower should prove a touch too good for his rivals. Next Best Race 5 – #6 General Firepower (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Mike Moroney | J: Jordan Childs (58kg) +240 with Dabble Best Value at Bendigo – Lascars Lascars has tasted success just once from 16 starts, but he might have found the right race on Sunday. Now with Michael Jones, the formerly Godolphin-trained sprinter finished second at Moonee Valley last time out, and despite being well beaten, he showed enough to suggest a win wasn’t too far away. From barrier 11, Madison Lloyd will look to have him leading the field up, and if Lascars is anywhere near his best, he will be hard to run down. Best Value Race 8 – #5 Lascars (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael Jones | J: Madison Lloyd (56.5kg) +900 with Neds Sunday quaddie tips for Bendigo Bendigo quadrella selections Sunday, December 17, 2023 3-6-8 1-7-8-10 1-2-3-4-8 4-5-6-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

Vivacious will contest the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) holds fond memories for Te Akau Racing in recent years, having won two of the last four editions of the race, and they will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday. They will be represented in the Trentham feature by Mazzucato, My Lips Are Sealed, and Vivacious. The Fortuna Syndicate-raced Vivacious broke through for her maiden win at Te Aroha last start after placing on debut at the Waikato track last month, and heads the market at $5 alongside the Chrissy Bambry-trained Chantilly Lace. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson hold a high opinion of Vivacious and they believe she is up to the task of securing black-type this weekend. “Vivacious is one we have always liked and it was good to see her get a result last time,” Bergerson said. “She is very lightly raced still and whether that counts against her I don’t know, and the barrier draw (12) is a bit niggly, so we will just have to leave it up to Parkesy (Johnathan Parkes, jockey) and see how the pattern plays and go from there. “We are leaning towards her being the strongest of the three. Going forward we think she is pretty exciting and is one to watch over summer.” Tivaci filly Mazzucato will make her first North Island appearance of the season on Saturday, having campaigned in Canterbury over spring, where she picked up two victories, including last start at Riccarton over 1400m. “Mazzucato went south for a Guineas campaign and was disappointing. We had a throw at the stumps at the three-year-old 1400m race on the middle day and she was super,” Bergerson said. “If she ran up to that performance, I am sure she can be in it. She is a bit of an enigma. She is a bit naughty in the barriers and tends to still do a few things wrong. “She has stayed down at our Riccarton base and Hunter (Durrant, Riccarton stable foreman) has been happy with the way she has come through that run and her work leading into Saturday.” Te Akau’s final representative in the race will be My Lips Are Sealed, who will be ridden by Joe Kamaruddin from gate eight. “I thought My Lips Are Sealed went a great race at Wanganui (for fourth last start). It was a pretty breakneck speed,” Bergerson said. “She has travelled back up to Matamata and has done really well since the race. Joe knows her really well and hopefully we can get a bit of cover. It would be nice to see her relax, she can tend to overdo it at times, but if she relaxes I am sure she can see out the mile and run a nice race.” More horse racing news View the full article

Trentham has been a happy hunting ground for Waisake. Photo: Grant Matthew (Race Images Palmerston North) The well-performed Waisake will take a big step towards his sixth Wellington Cup Carnival with a run in Saturday’s Majestic Horse Floats (2200m) at Trentham. The winner of eight races overall from a 44-start career, the Zed gelding has saved some of his very best for Wellington’s summer showpiece meetings. He began his annual tradition of heading to Trentham every January with a pair of Rating 65 appearances, winning in 2019 and finishing a luckless eighth a year later. The 2021 carnival was Waisake’s big breakthrough, romping home by four lengths in a Rating 74 before powering to victory in that year’s Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m). He was the favourite to defend that crown after an outstanding win in the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) on the opening day of the 2022 carnival, but was forced out of the Cup and side-lined for 10 months with a tendon injury. Waisake made it back to Trentham again in January of this year, finishing third in the Trentham Stakes before struggling in Heavy 10 ground in the Cup. The nine-year-old’s trainer and part-owner Allan Sharrock is hoping to add to that record in January, and he sees Saturday’s $50,000 race as an ideal stepping stone. Waisake brings strong form into Saturday’s race. He produced an eye-catching finish from last to run fourth behind subsequent Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) winner One Bold Cat in the Feilding Gold Cup (2100m), then picked up a third placing in last month’s Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). “He’s going well,” Sharrock said. “He was a bit unlucky in the New Zealand Cup. I thought I had him right that day, but he just didn’t quite get the rub of the green in the running. We were still pretty happy with his performance.” Bookmakers rate Waisake a $4.20 favourite on Saturday, but Sharrock warns that he is likely to benefit from this hit-out. “He came back and had an easy week after the New Zealand Cup,” Sharrock said. “He’s definitely going to improve off the race on Saturday, but it’s a nice starting point in a campaign that will probably see him go to the Trentham Stakes next, then hopefully carry on to the Cup a week later.” Stablemate Sumi is the $1.60 favourite for Saturday’s JAPAC Homes (1400m). The daughter of Atlante has won five of her 22 starts, including a first-up success over Belardo Boy in a 1340m race at Wanganui on November 5. Apprentice jockey Jess Allen’s 3kg claim will reduce Sumi’s weight to 52.5kg on Saturday, and Sharrock is hoping this race will put the mare on a path towards black-type features through the summer months. “She’s coming up really well,” Sharrock said. “She’s a pretty tidy mare and it was a good win first-up. I’m happy with her. “Safely through this weekend, we’ll probably look at a race like the Anniversary Handicap (Group 3, 1600m) during the Wellington carnival. Another option could be the Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes (Listed, 1600m) in February. It would be good to add a bit more black type to her record this season if we can.” More horse racing news View the full article

Romancing The Moon will lead a quartet of runners for Te Akau in Saturday’s Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand in each of the three stakes races at Te Rapa on Saturday. Leading their charge will be a four-pronged attack in the Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), where Romancing The Moon ($3.30), Cognito ($5.50), and Aris Aris ($6) fill the first three lines of betting. Romancing The Moon heads into the weekend off the back of a third placed run behind Sacred Satono and Babylon Berlin in the Group 3 Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe last month, and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson believe she will be suited by the step up in distance on Saturday. “I thought Romancing The Moon was good at Pukekohe over 1100m, which we think is short of her best,” Bergerson said. “She gets in very nicely in the weights (54kg) and Kozzi (Asano, jockey) knows her well. I am sure she will run a really good race.” Cognito has been in terrific form this preparation, winning one and placing in three of his four starts, including a last start third in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m). He was subsequently given some time in the paddock ahead of summer targets. “We gave him a little freshen following his last run. He has got a good record at 1400m, but in saying that he is probably more suited to the mile and potentially a little further over summer,” Bergerson said. Aris Aris was disappointing when finishing last in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) first-up last month but bounced back last start when finishing runner-up behind Waitak over 1300m at Te Rapa. “Aris Aris ran much better last start,” Bergerson said. “She was first-up in the Legacy Lodge and was ridden upside down and faded, but she was much better last time and hit the line strongly. “She has drawn well (1) and Warren (Kennedy, jockey) was pretty keen to stick with her. She is another that has trained on really well and keeps improving in the coat and fitness-wise as well.” Te Akau’s fourth representative in the race is Wolverine, who has failed to fire in her first two runs back in New Zealand and is being kept safe in the market at $12. “Wolverine has been a touch disappointing since we got her back,” Bergerson said. “She trialled super and she wasn’t beaten far first-up. We thought she had taken good improvement into her second-up run and it just went all wrong. We half missed the kick and then Opie (Bosson) sent her forward and was trapped wide and faded late. We are scratching our heads a little bit. “Drawn seven, we will probably go back and we just want to see her relax a bit better and hopefully see her flash home. “We have four really nice chances. We just need the right runs and I am sure they will be there or thereabouts.” Campionessa will be the stable’s sole representative in the Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), with the daughter of Contributer vying for back-to-back Group 2 wins following her victory in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last month. “She is in super form,” Bergerson said. “Earlier in the spring, her track work was only okay heading into Hawke’s Bay. She picked up a little bug following the Group 1 (Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m), so we had to give her a freshen-up and look after her. “Since she has come back she has been in fantastic form. She trialled only fair leading into her first-up run. At 1400m we thought she may have been a bit vulnerable, but she was aided by a gun ride. “She is pretty classy, especially last year racing in those Group Ones. She seems to have found that groove again because her track work has been super. “Opie rode her on Tuesday at Matamata and said she was in great form. We are really happy with her. “Pearl Of Alsace is in fantastic form as well. It looks a really nice race and she gets in well at the weights with her rating. It looks the perfect stepping stone to the Zabeel Classic (Group 1, 2050m) on Boxing Day.” Campionessa is a $2.70 second favourite with bookmakers behind Pearl Of Alsace at $2.40. New Zealand’s leading stable will also be represented in the Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) by Prise De Fer, with stablemate and one-time race favourite Aromatic scratched from the feature on Friday. Prise De Fer was runner-up in the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa two starts and was given no favours in the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham last start. “Prise De Fer went down to the Group One and had the starting gates fiasco,” Bergerson said. “He has never looked better at home, he is bouncing around the stable. It is a step up in trip and we have taken the blinkers off. “It is a bit of a throw at the stumps, but it is probably not the strongest rendition of the race. He has to lug around topweight, but in saying that it is only 58kg, so he is giving some of them only five kilos when he is a proven Group One performer.” More horse racing news View the full article

Although the recently reported purse cuts for the upcoming meets at Golden Gate Fields (25%) and Santa Anita Park (5%) were not on Thursday's official agenda for the monthly California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) meeting, the commission's vice-chairman, Oscar Gonzales, made it clear that the owner of both tracks, 1/ST Racing and Gaming, was going to face some tough questioning on the topic when the CHRB next convenes in January. TDN's Dan Ross had reported Dec. 9 that Golden Gate is overpaid to the horsemen's account by some $3.1 million as the Northern California track is set to start what is expected to be the final race meet there (Dec. 26-June 9). 1/ST Racing disclosed back in July that it would be ceasing racing at the lone remaining non-fairs track in that region of the state. In that same article last week, Bill Nader, the president and chief executive officer of Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), confirmed that Santa Anita's overnight purses are also scheduled to be lowered for the winter/spring meet that starts Dec. 26, with $2 million sliced from the track's stakes schedule. Gonzales particularly took umbrage on Dec. 14 with the Golden Gate reduction, noting that he has received “a lot of phone calls” about “this drastic purse cut here in Northern California that I would describe as being very unexpected.” “And that's really thrown a lot of the Northern California horsemen, [and] us commissioners, off guard,” Gonzales continued. “I had thought that there was a deal that [1/ST Racing had] put on the table, which was to extend racing [instead of closing at the end of 2023]. Then it appears as if this unexpected development, which is not a normal meet, but rather a [condition book that includes a] very drastic cut to the Northern California horsemen.” Beyond the cuts themselves, Gonzales said he had issues with how horsemen found out about them. “Process is everything,” Gonzales said. “And I just think that blatant disregard in terms of how it was communicated, if it wasn't for what appears to be a couple of news stories that were written, Northern California horsemen were just notified by the condition book. That's not how you do business. And I just feel that we have to remain vigilant when management comes before us, because I believe they are doing things that are detrimental to California racing. “We have Arizona that's getting ready to reopen with higher purses,” Gonzales said, referring to Turf Paradise, which is slated to start racing Jan. 29 after a nine-month closure, and appears to be luring California stables out of state. “Meanwhile, we're cutting them. I just don't think that there's anybody paying very close attention about how we make sure we're retaining quality horses and quality horsemen. “So I am concerned to say the least, and I cannot wait until we have representatives of that particular racetrack here before us, because I have a lot of questions for them,” Gonzales said. Reached via phone after the CHRB meeting, Craig Fravel, the chief executive officer at 1/ST Racing, declined an opportunity to respond to Gonzales's comments. But Fravel did want to make a statement about the Golden Gate purse cuts. “I think it's just useful to point out that for the last year and a half, we have been in discussions with the TOC relating to reducing purses so that the actual purse liability is met from purses generated,” Fravel told TDN. “And they have been resistant to those purse cuts, so we have advanced sums well in advance of the actual purse liability to horsemen in Northern California. And I don't think it's unreasonable at all for us to try to recuperate them in accordance with what the actual statutory obligations are.” At the CHRB meeting, when Gonzales asked the board's executive director, Scott Chaney, what power the board had to intervene, Chaney said the commission has few options beyond its obvious cudgel of compliance, which is control over the track's licensure. “It's an interesting question. The purse structure is something that is decided on between the TOC owners' group [and] the particular racetrack,” Chaney said, explaining that purse agreements are basically predictions about handle revenue that can sometimes result in under- or over-payments. When they occur, usually the tracks and horsemen agree to rectify the imbalance one way or another at the next scheduled race meet for that particular venue. “So an overpayment or underpayment can be corrected over time,” Chaney said. But in this instance, because of the wrinkle with 1/ST Racing slated to shutter Golden Gate, “there's not another meet that Golden Gate's going to have to correct it. So I think in many ways this in uncharted territory,” he added. “When Hollywood Park closed [10 years ago this month] it was a little bit different,” Chaney explained. Even though Hollywood was also shutting down after having overpaid the purse account, “Los Alamitos Race Course assumed a large part of that overpayment in exchange to take some of their racing dates. We don't have that same situation in Northern California. So needless to say, it's pretty difficult.” Chaney added that “with respect to the CHRB's role, it's somewhat limited.” Chaney pointed out that “TOC obviously has to develop their position. I think it's fair to say Northern California TOC members and Southern California TOC members probably view the purse cut differently. And so my understanding, at least, is that the TOC is not opposing the purse cut. So I think there's an internal dispute within the horsemen's group. “The second piece is [that] part of the race meet agreement allows the tracks unilaterally to cut purses up to 25%. Beyond that, obviously there would have to be negotiation,” Chaney said. “So I don't see a statutory, regulatory or legal role in settling this dispute,” Chaney said. “I would definitely say can use our 'influence' [with] both race-date allocation and licensure-granting. They are levers that the CHRB always has to kind of exact more fairness, if you will.” During the meeting's public commentary section, the Pleasanton, California-based horse owner and breeder George Schmitt went into detail about the alleged dissension within TOC that Chaney had alluded to. “The only group that are in the [TOC] bylaws that can negotiate for Northern California is [the TOC's] Northern California racing commission,” Schmitt said. “That committee voted unanimously not to accept the 25% reduction in purses. They were overruled by the management of the TOC. “It is likely that there will be lawsuits filed unless they fix the problems that they have,” Schmitt continued. “A number of us in the north, at this point in time, believe that to take care of horse racing in the north, we need to establish a Northern California owners' organization [so as not to be] simply overridden by people in Southern California who could care less about what happens in the north.” The post CHRB Vice-Chair: 1/ST Racing ‘Doing Things That Are Detrimental to California Racing’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article