Wandering Eyes

Jeff Smith's unbeaten G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S. winner Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is pleasing trainer Clive Cox in his early preparation towards a potential start in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas back at the Rowley Mile. “He's done really well, he had a super break and he's been back cantering for three or four weeks,” Cox said. “We're thrilled with the way he's developed over the winter, he's looking even stronger. “We were delighted with the campaign we enjoyed with him last year and we're all looking forward to this season.” Ghostwriter made a winning debut over seven furlongs on Newmarket's July Course last August and backed it up with success at Ascot in a novice event over the same trip. He took the extra furlong in his stride when asked to go a mile in his first start in Pattern company in late September. “I'm very much hoping to go to the Guineas, the first week in May is uppermost in our minds, especially with him winning on the track at Newmarket, on the July course, of course, but crucially the Rowley Mile,” Cox added. “We would be very excited about him with those Classic races in mind.” Smith's colours were most recently carried to Group 1 glory by Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) on four occasions. Through the owner is also a renowned breeder through his Littleton Stud, both Alcohol Free and Ghostwriter were bought as foals, selected by stud manager David Bowe. Ghostwriter, bred in partnership by Norelands Stud and the Irish National Stud, is out of the Champs Elysees (GB) mare Moorside (GB), and was bought at Tattersalls for 100,000gns. The post Unbeaten Ghostwriter has Guineas Aim appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

C Z Rocket (City Zip-Successful Rocket, by Successful Appeal) has been retired from racing, according to trainer Peter Miller. The 10-year-old was last seen finishing sixth at Oaklawn Monday. An $800,000 OBS juvenile purchase by Arkansas businessman Frank Fletcher, C Z Rocket had lost 11 consecutive starts when he moved to Miller's barn in April of 2020 after he was claimed on behalf of Tom Kagele for $40,000 at Oaklawn. For his new connections, which subsequently included Altamira Racing and Madaket Stables, the Florida bred won 13 races, finished second nine times and was third on seven occasions from 46 starts, before retiring with earnings of $2,144,691. Highlighting his victories, he annexed the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship S., GII Pat O'Brien and GIII Count Fleet S. in addition to finishing runner-up in two renewals of the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, held at Keeneland in 2020 and 2022. “One of the all-time great claims,” the California-based Miller said by phone Monday afternoon. “Made over $2 million, second in the Breeders' Cup twice and retires sound and happy. If that's not a success, I don't know what is.” Third in his seasonal debut in a Santa Anita allowance Jan. 19, the bay was sixth facing starter allowance company in Hot Springs Feb. 19. “The last thing I want to see is him get hurt,” Miller said. “He's very sound, but he's lost a step or two and now's the time.” Miller said C Z Rocket's post-racing life could begin in a Kentucky equine retirement facility. “If we can get him into Old Friends or Kentucky Horse Park, we'd do that,” Miller said. “And if not, we'll bring him home.” The post Millionaire C Z Rocket Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The TDN's popular annual series 'Mating Plans, presented by Spendthrift,' continues today in a conversation with Pin Oak Stud's Clifford Barry “Planning matings is always fun, putting all the tools you have available to make the best decision for your mare in hope of breeding the next champion,” said Barry, a long-time advisor to the late Josephine Abercrombie and now serving the farm's current owners, Jim and Dana Bernhard. “As a team, we sit around the table and make the best decisions we can to help our mares achieve the best outcome. Here is a sample of our choices.” SWEET SAMI D (8, First Samurai–Treaty of Kadesh, by Victory Gallop) She is a young graded-stakes mare and earner of over $250,000. Her first foal is now a yearling by Gun Runner, and she is currently in foal to Flightline. She will return to Gun Runner in 2024, as the yearling is very nice and the cross has already produced two Grade I winners in Echo Zulu and Gunite. Welcome to the world, little one! Sweet Sami D foaled this Flightline (@LanesEndFarms) colt last night. #FoalFriday #Foalsof2024 pic.twitter.com/GdE5wbakGU — Pin Oak Stud (@PinOakStud) February 9, 2024 QUERELLE (8, Violence–Orbital Affair, by El Corredor) A very attractive young mare by Violence who earned $187,000, she has a very racy yearling filly by Constitution and is in foal to Tapit. We plan to send her to Street Sense this year. The team thinks the size and substance of Street Sense will help this mare–what a solid sire he has become, and he gets a top horse yearly. The cross has produced four stakes winners in 16% with a Grade III winner in First Mission. OMA THE GREAT (5, Tapit–Rise Above, by Violence) We bought this mare in foal to Candy Ride (Arg) at Keeneland November ($60,000). She is a winning daughter of Tapit from the family of Grade I winner Twilight Eclipse and Grade III scorer Grand Contender. She will visit the very underrated sire, American Pharoah. A very similar mating has produced the Grade I-winning filly Harvey's Lil Goil, and the American Pharoah over Tapit cross is yielding 30% stakes winners. MIND OUT (7, Tapit–Kid Majic, by Lemon Drop Kid) She is another Tapit mare that we bought in 2021 ($1.2m KEENOV). A 'TDN Rising Star', she is half-sister to graded stakes-placed Miss Mischief and is multiple stakes-placed herself. The mare seems to have a lot of her family coming through and needs some refinement and athleticism. That is the reason we have chosen Gun Runner for her in 2024 and look to illuminate the success of Gun Runner with Tapit mares (Grade I winner Society, Grade II winner Wicked Halo). GLITTER AND GOLD (9, Bodemeister–Expo Gold, by Johannesburg) A winning half-sister to champion and GI Preakness S. winner Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil), her first foal is now a 2-year-old by Curlin named Cajun Curls who is pre-training at the farm. She has an excellent Tapit yearling colt, so that is the main reason for Glitter and Gold to visit Tapit again this year. DIAMOND SPARKLES (7, War Front–Diamondsandrubies {Ire}, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}) She is a winning graded stakes-placed mare from an amazing prolific family–that of Group 1 winners Diamondsandrubies, Quarter Moon (Ire) and Yesterday (Ire). We have had a nice update in the 3-year-old half-sister with Aidan O'Brien named Pearls and Rubies (No Nay Never), showing a lot of promise (second in the 2023 G1 Cheveley Park S.) and will be one to watch this year. The mare will visit the sire of the moment, Not This Time. She looks a lot like her sire, War Front, and we believe this mating will offer her some size and scope. There are four very amazing broodmares up close in this mating: Mariah's Storm, Miss Macy Sue, Starry Dancer and Quarter Moon. CORE VALUES (6, Honor Code–Sweet Awakening, by Street Cry {Ire}) A very attractive daughter of Honor Code (a broodmare sire of the future), she is a multiple stakes and graded stakes-placed winner of over $220,000 and half-sister to Are You Kidding Me, a champion in Canada with earnings over $1 million. The mare is currently in foal to Curlin and will visit Candy Ride (Arg) this year. This cross has produced 20 stakes winners to date, including Grade I winners Game Winner, Ollie's Candy and Mastery. COMPETITIVE SPEED (6, Competitive Edge–Shopped Out, by Mineshaft) A nice, young stakes-winning and graded stakes-placed mare of $191,000, this mare was purchased in November 2022 and produced a Maxfield colt last year. She is in foal to Justify and will visit Constitution this year as the cross has produced two Grade I winners. The team at Pin Oak really likes the sire; we have a 3-year-old, 'TDN Rising Star' Parchment Party, that is 2-for-2, and we bought two yearlings in September that we like a lot and are pre-training at the farm. BROADWAY LADY (7, Constitution–Livi Makenzie, by Macho Uno) She is a young Grade III-placed mare we purchased in 2022 ($500,000 KEENOV) from the family of GIII Ohio Derby winner Tawny Port and Grade II winner Surf Cat. She will visit Candy Ride (Arg) this year. Constitution is a young broodmare sire, so we are hoping his sire's Tapit's affinity for Candy Ride comes into play. Broadway Lady | Keeneland SUMMERTIME MAGIC (5, Carpe Diem–Tap Softly, by Tapit) We purchased this mare in November ($225,000 KEENOV). She is a stakes winner in Canada and from the family of Silver Prospector, winner of the GII Kentucky Jockey Club. She is currently in foal to the exciting young sire Jackie's Warrior and visits Twirling Candy in 2024. A similar cross has produced Grade I winners Pinehurst and Rombauer. CHECKERED EMPIRE (6, Empire Maker–Checkered Past, by Smart Strike) This young mare is a recent purchase and is a very elegant filly by Empire Maker with size and substance. She is the full sister to multiple Grade II winner and Grade I-placed Messier. She will visit Twirling Candy and this mating has inbreeding to the great mare Toussaud. We are hoping we can have some of that Juddmonte magic rub off on her. The post Mating Plans, Presented By Spendthrift: Pin Oak Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero White Abarrio (Race Day), who leads Team USA in Saturday's 1800-metre $20-million G1 Saudi Cup, drew the rail in a field of 14 during the Saudi Cup draw ceremony in Saudi Arabia Wednesday. Trained by Richard Dutrow, Jr., the gray defeated Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) (stall 13) in the Classic, and will face the starter for the first time since in Saturday's contest at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh in just a handful of days. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has yet to win the Saudi Cup, but his runners have performed well at the meeting, which will celebrate its fifth edition in 2024. In fact, Baffert runners have finished second each of the past three years–Charlatan (Speightstown) (2021) and Country Grammer (Tonalist) (2022/2023). This term, Baffert will saddle GI Preakness S. hero National Treasure (Quality Road), who will leave from gate seven. The bay defeated Grade II winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) (stall four) in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. at the end of January. Other American Saudi Cup starters will leave from gates eight and five, respectively, in Grade II winner Hoist the Gold (Mineshaft), fourth in the Pegasus; and GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming). The latter triumphed in the GIII Louisiana S. at Fair Grounds on Jan. 20. The aforementioned Derma Sotogake, a winner of the G2 UAE Derby last year, is not the only Japanese runner in the 14-horse field, as fellow Breeders' Cup Classic competitor Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) (stall 11) has also returned for another crack at his Santa Anita foes. Already the winner of the 2023 G1 Dubai World Cup, the 7-year-old entire won his second G1 Tokyo Daishoten at Oi on Dec. 29 and has been pleasing connections in his training. Japan's attempt to take home the hardware for the second consecutive year is supported by the trio of Japanese Champion Dirt Horse Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) (gate three) and MGSWs Crown Pride (Jpn) (Reach The Crown {Jpn}) (gate six) and Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro) from stall 12. GI Awesome Again S. and GI Hollywood Gold Cup S. victor Defunded (Dialed In), formerly raced in America from the Baffert barn. Campaigned by new connections beginning on Saturday, he exits stall nine. The other Saudi contenders are Power in Numbers (Girvin), who sports a 4-0 record at Riyadh to date, and the winning Carmel Road (Quality Road) (stall 14). Quality Road's Saudi-based Emblem Road won the 2022 edition of the Saudi Cup. They leave from stalls 10 and 14, respectively. The UAE's Isolate (Mark Valeski), booked in stall two, is riding a two-race winning streak, and was last seen winning the G2 Al Maktoum Mile in December. The full field in post position order is as follows: The Saudi Cup-G1, $20,000,000, 4yo/up, 1800m 1-White Abarrio (Race Day) 2-Isolate (Mark Valeski) 3-Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) 4-Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) 5-Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) 6-Crown Pride (Jpn) (Reach The Crown {Jpn}) 7-National Treasure (Quality Road) 8-Hoist The Gold (Mineshaft) 9-Defunded (Dialed In) 10-Power In Numbers (Girvin) 11-Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) 12-Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro) 13-Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) 14-Carmel Road (Quality Road) The post White Abarrio Draws Rail, National Treasure Booked In Seven For The 2024 Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Al Shaqab Racing has appointed Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Mansour as its news Chief Operating Officer. A statement released by the Qatari-based operation on Wednesday read, “Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Mansour brings extensive experience in the world of horse racing, being closely involved with the developments of this field, making him an excellent addition to Al Shaqab Racing's team.” With extensive interests in Europe as well as Qatar, including a roster of nine stallions at Haras de Bouquetot in Normandy, Al Shaqab Racing has also enjoyed success in the Arab racing sphere of late, with Al Ghadeer landing the Triple Crown when winning the G1 (PA) HH The Amir Sword in Doha last weekend. This third leg of the Arabian Triple Crown follows the Qatar International S. at Goodwood and the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp. The post Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Mansour Named Al Shahab COO appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, in conjunction with the Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FLHBPA), announces purse increases totaling $500,000 for the upcoming 2024 racing season.View the full article

Connections of Copartner Ambition and Tomodachi Kokoroe walk away with a bonus of HK$675,000 each after a competitive finaleView the full article

An increase in purses, totaling $500,000, have been approved for the 2024 racing season at Fingers Lakes, according to the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Wednesday. Pending New York State Gaming Commission approval, the 63rd season is slated to kick off Monday, Apr. 29 Beginning with the first condition book, $5,000 claimers that are non-winners of the year or non-winners of four lifetime races will compete for $14,000, a $1,400 or 11% increase over 2023 levels. A total of 127 races took place last year in those conditions. Additionally, maiden $11,000 claimers will now run for $17,000, a $1,000 increase, while $11,000 claimers that are non-winners of the year or non-winners of four races will run for $18,100. Allowance purses will range from $26,000 for non-winners of two to $26,800 for non-winners of four. State-bred allowance races range from $24,500 for the preliminary condition to $26,000 for the third state-bred condition. Purse levels for the Maiden Special Weight races, contested 88 times in 2023, will remain at $32,100. The lowest purse will be $13,500 for the Maiden $5,000 claimers. “We're thrilled to be able to raise purses for our hard working and dedicated horsemen and women,” said Finger Lakes Racing Secretary Jerry Richards. 'We thank the Finger Lakes HBPA on working with us to make this possible.' Anyone in need of a stall application should contact Richards at 585-924-3232. The deadline to return them is Feb. 26. The post Purses Increased at Finger Lakes for 2024 Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Sara Gordon and Katie Petrunyak PARIS, KENTUCKY–Citizens of Bourbon County, Central Kentucky and beyond are banding together under a newly founded nonprofit organization to combat a proposed expansion of Bluegrass Station. Many are concerned that this project could involve the use of eminent domain, the government's power to purchase private property for public use, and local farmers and horsemen fear it would cause irrevocable damage to their environment and community. A 63-page report on the proposed expansion, which calls for the acquisition of an initial 2,000 acres for the construction of an airfield and airpark with the potential to double in size in the future, was presented to the Kentucky General Assembly in November of 2022. However, members of the public were not made aware of the plans until just last week when a private citizen discovered it in the most recent proposed version of the state's budget, which includes $320 million allocated for the expansion. Bluegrass Station, once an army depot, is currently a 780-acre site near the Fayette/Bourbon county line and is Kentucky's only state-owned industrial park, employing over 2,000 Kentuckians. Lockheed Martin, a private government contractor specializing in aerospace and defense manufacturing, is Bluegrass Station's largest employer. According to the report from 2022, preliminary research shows that this proposed expansion would require an upfront investment of $55 million in the state's bond money for land acquisition and pre-development costs, as well as an estimated $88 million for roadway improvements. For the majority of the funding, the project would be launched as a Public-Private Partnership (P-3). Map of proposed expansion | Bluegrass Station Airport Implementation Path report The report states that the completed project would create 3,000 to 6,000 permanent jobs and generate $12 million to $20 million in annual, recurring state and local tax revenues. It would include more than $1.4 billion in private investment for airfield and airpark infrastructure and development. On a technical basis, the report proposes an initial runway length of 7,800 feet-the longest in Central Kentucky-and a runway width of 150 feet, plus paved shoulders. At this length, the runway would be able to accommodate single engine aircrafts, corporate jets, smaller cargo aircrafts and military aircrafts, while also serving as backup to commercial traffic and larger cargo activity needs in the area. It is noted that the runway would be designed with potential for future extension. As the news of this proposed plan has spread, so too has the dreaded feeling of deja vu for many Bourbon County residents. Back in 2017, a similar proposal to expand Bluegrass Station was pitched at the local level but ultimately killed by Bourbon County Fiscal Court. This time around, citizens are frustrated by the lack of transparency. “The whole thing has been cloaked in secrecy,” said Lynn Hancock, whose family's Stone Farm is located just four miles from Bluegrass Station. “There has been no information, as far as I know, no environmental studies, no community engagement, and they haven't spoken to any of the people whose properties they would be threatening to use eminent domain in order to seize. The whole thing just seems like it's been done with no regard for the people who are actually going to be affected by it. “Not only does it threaten our business in terms of the Thoroughbred industry and a lot of other people as well, but it would definitely change the way of life.” She pointed out a portion of the report that reads: It is possible that the Commonwealth's use of eminent domain to acquire significant property for the Project could inspire public resentment, especially if the Commonwealth is not transparent with its actions, the benefits for community or the need for the Project. “I think it's funny, because how could it not [inspire public resentment]? It's a sizable project and again, no one thought they should discuss with the community. These elected officials don't care to discuss with their constituents whether it's something we want. Ultimately, it's the state taking our taxpayer dollars to heist private property from people unwilling to sell.” Hancock questioned the promise of job opportunity, while also pointing out how detrimental the pollutants could be to the overall environment and the land considered by most to be the best in the world to raise horses on. “How many people working there are actually coming from Bourbon County? I think it's going to be a lot of people moving here from out of state and they're going to live in Lexington. And even if it does create jobs, how many other jobs are going to be lost if it has such a negative impact on some of the industries that we do have here?” she said. “What's it going to do to the environment, to the well water? We raise all of our mares on well water. Are we going to have mares breathing in soot? I mean, is there going to be soot on Secretariat's grave? It will have a massive impact any time you have the size of plane they're talking about bringing in. “This is not some developmental area where people are seeking to sell their land and make a profit. I think it sets an extremely scary precedent for private property rights. I don't know how as an elected official you can sleep at night knowing all of the backdoor dealing that has been going on. They know it's not what the people that elected them want.” Bill Dickson, a seventh-generation farmer whose Glen Oak Farm neighbors Stone Farm, echoed Hancock's concern. Though both Stone Farm and Glen Oak Farm are not at immediate risk of being purchased under eminent domain, Hancock and Dickson said they have no doubt the effects will be felt far outside of the Bluegrass Station borders. “My ancestors started in 1792 and were pioneers at a local station here. I operate a 500-acre farm and we've got Thoroughbreds, a cattle herd, and we raise commercial hay and row crops as well,” he said. “They'd be coming in and taking off over my land and I just don't think that's a healthy place to raise livestock and all the other things I do on my farm. Central Kentucky is an agriculture-based location. It's how we've made our money, it's how we've made our mark on the world. I understand it's going to grow as our population grows, but [this plan] infringes on what we're known for. You're taking some of that away from one of our signature industries. “I'm supportive of progress, but we need to do it in a way that's advantageous to both of us and not just push eminent domain and have this government land grab. Let's be constructive about where we do these things.” Ellie Stilson is a nurse at UK Hospital and the owner of Daisy Acres Farm, which is within the designated area for future development in the proposal. Her 50-acre property is home to several dozen Thoroughbreds, both broodmares and retirees. Although Stilson would receive fair market value if she is forced to give up her property due to eminent domain, with current market rates she does not believe that she could afford another farm in Central Kentucky with a similar amount of acreage. “I don't think I'm going to get anything like this again,” she explained. “It's 50 acres. What about the animals that live here? What am I going to do with them? But I'm only 50 acres out of 2,000. At the end of the day I won't be homeless, but there are people down the road living in trailers that will be. That's my concern. I don't know where these people are going to go.” A 501(c)(4) formed by local citizens, 'Citizens for Bourbon County' hosted a town hall meeting on Sunday, Feb. 18 to discuss the implications of this proposal and how they plan to fight it. Around 300 citizens gathered to discuss the ramifications not only for those whose land might be taken from them, but for the entirety of the local community. The meeting was hosted by Rebecca Rigney, whose family has lived on their sport horse farm just down the road from Bluegrass Station for 20 years. Her land is also at risk of being taken over if the plan goes through. Rebecca Rigney welcomes crowd gathered for Feb. 18 town hall meeting | Katie Petrunyak “I call for a burden of proof to be placed on our elected officials,” Rigney told attendees gathered in her indoor riding arena. “Proof that this will work instead of stating that it will. Proof of how this will impact the environment with studies. Proof that there is not another location that will provide jobs elsewhere while preserving our farms and the most precious soil in the world. Proof that your tenants won't be temporary. I want a guarantee that the sacrifices my neighbors and my family make are for more than just a multi-million dollar corporation.” Mark Offutt, a local landowner and former county magistrate, voted against the expansion in 2017. “Secrecy and lack of transparency has followed this project for the last seven years,” Offutt said. “The same corporate bullying and tactics that they are using now with the threat of Lockheed pulling 2,000 jobs out is exactly the same rhetoric that they used in 2017 and the jobs are still here…Their model of empty promises and secret meetings behind closed doors hasn't changed at all.” Some of the attendees expressed their belief that elected officials purposefully kept the project from public eye because of the overwhelming opposition from the community during the 2017 proposal. “What's extremely clear is that our government, knowing our opposition from 2017 and 2018, tried to hide the movement of this project from us,” said Ike Van Meter, a cattle farmer and Thoroughbred owner and breeder based near Bluegrass Station. “Our elected officials have happily kept us in the dark until the money had been signed off on by the legislature and government.” Van Meter, whose family farm would be part of the acreage acquired through eminent domain, said he has tried to get in touch with several elected officials including Governor Andy Beshear, but was directed to Steve Collins, the executive director of Bluegrass Station. “This project is a massive bait and switch with the false pretense of military support, but it's really an illegal use of eminent domain to try and benefit a few multi-billion dollar companies at the expense of prime Kentucky farmland,” he said. The TDN reached out to Bourbon County Judge Mike Williams, Senator Stephen West who represents the 27th District that includes Bourbon County, and Representative Matthew Koch who represents Bourbon County as part of the 72nd District, but did not hear back. TDN did get in touch with Collins, who suggested that citizens may feel as though they've been blindsided because the project has not yet advanced to the outreach point in the project's timeline. “The next step will be sending a request for information to the possible P-3s [Public-Private Participants],” Collins said. “This $55 million [in bond money] is about 20% of the buildout, so it's all private. We will go out into the P-3 community with an RFI [Request for Information] probably in April or something like that. It will take them a while to respond to that. They'll tell us in their response if what we're doing fits that model, so it will change shape a bit at that point. People feel like they got steamrolled by some of these processes, but it's very deliberate. We're out of sequence because after the RFI is when the outreach is supposed to start.” Collins also countered against what many people have stated regarding the purpose behind the expansion. “This has never been about economic development,” he said. “That's an outcome or a result. This need is national defense and state strategic obligation, state financial obligation and regional aviation needs. There's a lot of people involved in the need, thousands of people that could become one. There was no due diligence the first time [in 2017]. We knew it was somewhat unpopular back then, but they were using local financing that just wasn't going to work. This is not a local project. It affects local people but this is a national, even global, project.” Collins has estimated that there will be six military planes per month and 10 to 20 private planes per day utilizing the runway. When asked about why a facility like this cannot be built elsewhere, Collins said it goes back to the “core customer” of Bluegrass Station. “Bluegrass Station was invented to serve this customer, ” he said. “…we've created a response model for this customer that we can provide what they need to accomplish their mission faster and cheaper than anybody else. They're using this model to bring in more work. The kind of work they do can't be talked about, so to speak.” Outlined in an overview of the report, the project timeline estimates four to six months for the RFI phase to be completed, which includes drafting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and conducting title exams. It isn't until the next phase, when the RFQ would be issued, that public engagement would begin. It is within that second task, estimated to span six to 10 months, that they would also shortlist teams, issue Request for Proposals (RFP) and enter the P-3 Agreement. Also included in the overview is a project outline, which estimates that if the budget to fund this project is passed, land acquisition would be completed within a two-year timeframe followed by the development of the airfield and airpark over the next two years. At the town hall meeting, Van Meter expressed the importance of citizens residing in Bourbon County and beyond to contact their elected officials and express their disagreement with the proposed expansion of the former army depot. “This is not a done deal,” he said. “We will fight. We will fight to keep this out of the budget and if it goes through we will continue fighting. I encourage each of you here to tell your neighbors, have your neighbors tell their neighbors and we will continue to fight.” As it stands, the House has already passed its version of the budget and it now goes to the Senate. Arthur Hancock III, a fourth-generation horseman and owner of Stone Farm, shared his perspective during Sunday's meeting. Based on the reaction from the crowd, his words were an overarching sentiment shared and felt by all. “I would hate to think that our representatives were aware of this all along and never even told their neighbors that something was coming to take their land and their heritage. If that is the case, it's downright un-American and most certainly un-Kentuckian,” he said. “I hope the rest of the people in our state will take notice of what's happening in Bourbon County and will always remember those who came secretly and slyly, like thieves in the night, to rob us of our way of life, from those who instigated this plan to those who are now trying to carry it out. And we should all remember that this may well be the tip of the iceberg of what could come next. “To those behind this: if you want to try and stab me, at least be man enough not to stab me in the back.” The post Citizens Speak Out Against Proposed Bluegrass Station Airport appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Philip Oliver died Feb. 19 in Indiantown, Florida. Born on June 6, 1970, he is survived by his wife, Victoria Oliver, brother Chris Oliver, sister Toni Blinkhorn, and his mother Alison Oliver. Oliver was preceded in death by his father, Alan. Oliver, who was born and raised in Chipping Norton, England, began riding at the age of three years old. Prior to moving to the U.S. at the age of 18, he worked for champion jump jockeys and trainers, Stan Miller and Lester Piggott. He began his U.S. training career as an assistant with Ian Jory and was instrumental in the development of Video Ranger and Best Pal. He subsequently served as an assistant trainer to Bruce Headley-who was responsible for champion Bertrando–and Elliott Walden, who conditioned Menifee, Victory Gallop, and Distorted Humor. In 1999, Phil launched his career as a trainer, achieving his own success with a bevy of Grade I/graded stakes winners, including Autonomy, Closing Range, First Lieutenant, Last Full Measure, and Middie. Along with his career with horses, he was an avid reader and had a passion for hunting and his dogs. “Philip was a kind and compassionate soul, known for his warm smile and humor. He touched the lives of many with his charismatic personality. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him,” reads a release from the family. “In his lifetime, Philip Oliver made a lasting impact on those around him, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in peace, and his memory continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.” A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in Lexington, Kentucky in April on a date to be determined shortly. Donations can be made to Dunklin Memorial Church (https://www.dunklin.org/donate ) or The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (https://donorbox.org/trf-make-a-gift). The post Trainer Philip Oliver Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fixed-odds horse racing wagering has been approved in Colorado. The deal was forged between SIS Content Services, part of the SIS (Sports Information Services) Group, and long-time operator partner bet365 to deliver its global horse racing content to bettors in Colorado. The approval of horse racing fixed-odds wagering on Colorado sportsbooks is intended to attract a wider range of casual bettors, who will be offered the same type of betting as all other sports. SIS offers a horse racing vast portfolio of international and domestic events, including the upcoming Saudi Cup Day Feb. 24 and Dubai World Cup meeting Mar. 30. Additionally, year-round racing is available from 14 countries, including Ireland, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. “This is a great first step in expanding the horse racing audience and I commend the Colorado horse racing stakeholders, Colorado Division of Gaming and bet365 for their vision and support,” said Michele Fischer, Vice President, SIS Content Services. “Horse racing provides sportsbooks with exciting year-round 24/7 content throughout the world. It will take time in the US, but I expect that more sports wagering operators and states will include horse racing on their sports catalogs.” The SIS platform also includes live-streamed video with betting triggers, race day data, and an extensive range of markets and odds prices. Shannon Ruston, Executive Director of Operations & Racing at Bally's Arapahoe Park, said: “We are thrilled to be able to put horse racing on Colorado sportsbooks for fixed-odds wagering. Working with SIS, we crafted a commercial framework that benefits local racing, while giving sportsbooks access to thousands of races. Our belief is that this development will secure a better future not only for Arapahoe Park, but also for the racing ecosystem as a whole in Colorado.” For more information, click here. The post Fixed-Odds Horse Racing Wagering Debuts in Colorado appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a landmark move for United States race wagering, Bet365 in Colorado is the first mobile platform to offer fixed-odds betting on horse racing side by side with its other sports offerings.View the full article

Larry Smith won his 1,000th race as a trainer Feb. 20 when Come See About It raced to victory in the fourth race at Mahoning Valley Race Course.View the full article

The 2024 Wanamaker's February Sale catalogue is available for viewing at www.wanamakers.com. Horses of racing age, open broodmares, in-foal broodmares, mares and foals and stallion seasons are all catalogued. Bidding opens at 8:00a.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 29, with the first listing set to close at 5:00p.m. Subsequent listings will close in three-minute increments. Highlights of the catalogue include: A 2024 NG season to Great Notion, the leading Maryland sire six years running. Afleet Fairy (Afleet Express-Alozaina {Ire}), by Perugino), a 9-year-old broodmare with a Maryland-bred Friesian Fire filly by her side. Judi Blue Eyes (Cal Nation-Sassy Love, by Valley Crossing), an 8-year-old multiple stakes-placed broodmare and an earner of over $270,000. A Maryland bred yearling colt from the second crop of Tiz the Law. His direct female family includes five winners from six starters. For more information on the buying, click here. The post Wanamaker’s February Sale Catalogue Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, has been named deputy executive director of The Jockey Club, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club James L. Gagliano announced Wednesday. In this added role, Haydon, who will be responsible for industry engagement, will report to The Jockey Club Executive Vice President and Executive Director Matt Iuliano. Haydon will engage with the industry on initiatives of the company and foster collaboration among industry organizations on health, safety, and promotion of the Thoroughbred. Among his field duties, he will seek feedback from customers of The Jockey Club's commercial subsidiaries regarding products and services. “Because of his work with our industry initiatives and as president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Jamie has been engaged with people from every facet of the sport,” said Gagliano. “He will be an excellent advocate for The Jockey Club and for racing as a whole, and we look forward to furthering The Jockey Club's engagement with other stakeholders through his efforts.” Haydon, who assumed his position as president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 2019, joined the organization in April 2018. He joined The Jockey Club in 2008 as the manager of Industry Initiatives after stints with Breeders' Cup, Ascot Racecourse, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Four Star Sales, and Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. The post Haydon Named Deputy Executive Director of The Jockey Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is set to visit Dubawi (Ire) for the third year in a row, according to plans released by Juddmonte for its European broodmare band. The 11-time Group 1 winner's dam Concentric (GB) (Sadler's Wells) will be covered by Frankel (GB) after foaling to Dubawi. Enable's first foal, the two-year-old colt by Kingman (GB) named Encompass (GB), will be trained by John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables, the former home of both his sire and dam. Enable's two-year-old full-brother Concert Tour (GB) has not yet been allocated to a trainer. Juddmonte's champion sire Frankel (GB) can naturally rely on plenty of support from his home camp, with 27 of the operation's stakes winners and/or producers on his book for 2024. These include the Group 1 winners Announce (GB) (Selkirk), Emollient (Empire Maker), who is the dam of Frankel's stakes-winning daughters Raclette (GB) and Ardent, Juliet Foxtrot (GB) (Dansili {GB}), Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Proviso (GB) (Dansili {GB}), Viadera (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), and Special Duty (GB) (Hennessy), whose Frankel colt Task Force (GB), trained by Ralph Beckett, is a potential Classic campaigner for this season. Juddmonte purchased Teona (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) at Tattersalls in December for 4.5 million gns when carrying to Frankel and she will return to him this year. Bird Flown (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), the dam of Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Siskin (First Defence), is another on the list for Frankel along with Portodora (Kingmambo), the dam of GI Arlington Million winner Set Piece (GB) (Dansili {GB}), and Repose (Quiet American), who has produced the treble Group 1 winner State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). Frankel's winning full-sister Chiasma (Ire) (Galileo {Ire) returns to Dubawi, and his Listed-winning half-sister Joyeuse (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) heads to Ireland to be covered by Wootton Bassett (GB) at Coolmore. She is the dam of the 2023 G2 Mill Reef S. winner Array (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is trained by Andrew Balding and is her fourth black-type performer. Strong Book for Kingman Kingman's intended mates for 2024 will include return visitor Helleborine (GB) (Observatory), who has already produced the G2 Coventry S. winner and sire Calyx (GB) and Listed winner Coppice (GB) from previous matings with him. The Group 1 winner and Group producers African Rose (a sister to Helleborine) and Passage Of Time (GB) (Dansili {GB}) are also booked to Kingman, along with Scuffle (GB) (Daylami {Ire}) and Nimble Thimble (Mizzen Mast), the dams of Group 1 winners Logician (GB) and Quadrilateral (GB) respectively. Group winners Brostaigh (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Dandhu (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Fount (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Pocket Square (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) are also on the list along with Midday's Group 3-winning half-sister Sun Maiden (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Trojan Queen (Empire Maker) is another returning to Kingman having producing the Group 3 and dual Listed winner Sangarius (GB) to him. Seventeen for Chaldean Banstead Manor Stud's new recruit to the stallion ranks, Frankel's 2,000 Guineas-winning son Chaldean (GB), will receive 17 mares from the Juddmonte broodmare band. Twelve of these are black-type performers or producers, while the other five are either half-sisters to Group 1 winners or daughters of Group 1 winners. Exemplify (GB) (Dansili {GB}), the dam of the GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Expert Eye (GB), will visit Chaldean, along with proven producer Deliberate (GB) (King's Best), whose five black-type performers include the Group 2 winners Projected (GB) and Headman (GB), and Shared Account (GB) (Dansili {GB}), the dam of dual Group 3 winner Pocket Square. Flare Of Firelight (Birdstone), the dam of G2 Gimcrack S. winner Threat (Ire), is also in his first book along with Group winners Timepiece (GB) (Zamindar), Hot Snap (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and Modern Look (Zamindar), who is already the dam of Group 3 winner Grand Jete (GB). Venturing Farther Afield A hallmark of Juddmonte's matings, and indeed its success over the years, has been the operation's strong support of its own roster of stallions, which also includes Oasis Dream and Bated Breath. A selection of the Juddmonte mares to be venturing outside the fold this year includes Emulous (GB) (Dansili {GB}), who visits Camelot (GB) to replicate the mating that produced the G1 Irish Oaks runner-up Bluestocking (GB). Grade I winner daughter Capla Temptress (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) visits Dark Angel (Ire), and Frankel's G1 Fillies' Mile winner Quadrilateral will be going to Wootton Bassett. Romantica (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), a Group 1-winning daughter of Banks Hill (GB), will visit Zarak (Fr) at the Aga Khan Studs, where the G3 Aston Park S. winner Haskoy (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) and her dam Natavia (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) are both set to be covered by Siyouni (Fr). Sacred Shield (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}), the dam of GI Matriarch S. winner Viadera, will become the first Juddmonte mare to visit Whitsbury Manor Stud's Havana Grey (GB). Group 3 winner Juliet Sierra (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) heads to Darley's Too Darn Hot (GB) while multiple Group winner Zarinsk (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) will be covered for the first time at Coolmore by No Nay Never. The post Enable Returns to Dubawi as Juddmonte Outline 2024 Matings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Lindsay Park operation of Ben,Will and JD Hayes are sticking to their plans with Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) in their chase of a second All-Star Mile victory. Mr Brightside heads to the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, looking to maintain a perfect record over that trip at that track. Saturday’s race will complete Mr Brightside’s program for the defence of his All-Star Mile title that he won at Moonee Valley last year. The All-Star Mile will be run at Caulfield on March 16 this year. Mr Brightside returned with a fighting effort to nail Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) first-up on the line in the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes on February 10. The gelding’s first two 1400m races at Caulfield resulted in success in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes last August followed by victory in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes two weeks later. The only time Mr Brightside has tasted defeat at Caulfield was his first attempt at 2000m when he finished fourth to Anamoe (Street Boss) in the Gr.1 Might And Power in the spring of 2022. Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside felt his first-up run when landing the prize in the C F Orr but has appreciated getting out in a day paddock at the stable’s Euroa property between runs. “He’s came through the race no problems,” Hayes said. “He was in the paddock later in the week, rearing up and running around like a lunatic like he does, and we like to see it. “He’s spot on to head towards the Futurity.” Hayes said Mr Brightside had an incredible will to win which was evident in his first-up victory. He said there was a moment during the C F Orr where he doubted whether Mr Brightside would be able to pick up Pride Of Jenni. “That was an incredible win,” Hayes said. “At the 500 (metres), you are thinking ‘Jenni’s got us again’ but he really dug deep and hit the line and when you go back and watch the replays, he won quite soft on the line. “The best part is he looks to have come through it well.” Mr Brightside is opposed to seven rivals on Saturday, including Buffalo River (Noble Mission) who finished third behind the gelding in the C F Orr. The Lindsay Park galloper opened the $1.50 favourite in betting after drawing barrier five on Saturday. View the full article

Archaic Smile will contest the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Two younger members of Tony Pike’s team will spearhead the stable’s representation at Matamata with higher honours beckoning the duo if they race up to expectations. The Cambridge trainer will chase a two-year-old feature double on Saturday with Archaic Smile in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and Poetic Champion in the Group 2 Matamata Slipper (1200m). Archaic Smile was a debut fifth at Te Rapa before she trekked south to win at Otaki in November and returned to the Central Districts in January to add the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) at Trentham to her record. “She is a very progressive filly and has obviously been impressive in her last two runs,” Pike said. “She’s always showed ability and drew a wide gate in her first start and got a bit lost and was green, so it was a pretty good run in what has turned out to be a good form race.” The Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m) was won by subsequent Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner Velocious while third placegetter Bellatrix Star has since won the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and run fourth in the Millions. “Archaic Smile took good improvement from Te Rapa and she has been dominant in her last two,” Pike said. “If she wins at the weekend or runs extremely well, then she would probably press on to the Sistema (Group 1, 1200m), that’s the logical option.” That thinking also applies to Poetic Champion, who romped home on debut at Hawera and placed in the Challenge Stakes and the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) before he was a gallant sixth from the outside gate in the Millions at Ellerslie. “The barrier draw (14) was a bit of a nightmare and we decided to go back, but he still couldn’t get in and sat four wide for the trip,” Pike said. “Considering the way the track was playing that night and the run he had, you couldn’t have asked for anymore. It was a very genuine effort. “He had a week in the paddock after that and has come back in really good order and worked well on Tuesday morning.” Horse racing news View the full article

Manifique will contest the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Regally-bred mare Manifique is already assured of a broodmare career, however, trainer Peter Didham is keen to gain some black-type with her before she heads to the breeding barn. A daughter of New Zealand Champion Sire Savabeel and four-time Group One winner Shez Sinsational, Manifique is also a half-sister to Group One performers Sinarahma and House Of Cartier, and Didham believes his mare is just as capable. The five-year-old mare has won four of her starts to date and while she finished last in her maiden stakes outing in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) at Trentham in December, she bounced back to finish fourth in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau earlier this month. Didham has been pleased with the way she has progressed and will head north with her on Saturday to tackle the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) at Matamata. “It was a great run at Tauherenikau over a mile,” Didham said. “Another 20m and she would have got up. She is a 2000m horse with a turn of foot. I am excited with the way she has come back, we still don’t know what went wrong at Wellington in the Manawatu Cup, but she seems to be over that. “It was a great run at Tauherenikau and I expect her to go really well.” Didham believes his mare is still on the way up and thinks she will peak next season as a six-year-old. “We have started to aim for that (black-type). Next year will be her year, she has just been a year behind all the time. She is not the biggest Savabeel but she is very talented,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

First Innings on his way to winning at Pukekohe on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Classic assignments could be in the offing for promising stayer First Innings following his impressive maiden win at Pukekohe on Wednesday. The three-year-old son of Contributer had pleased trainer Andrew Forsman in his three prior outings, including a runner-up effort over 2100m at Te Rapa last month. The three-year-old gelding settled midfield on the fence for leading hoop Opie Bosson in the midweek fixture and enjoyed an economical passage throughout. Down the home straight, Bosson was able to find a gap between runners, and First Innings began to chase down leader Northern Raider, got on even terms with his rival at the 100m mark, and powered away to a 1.25-length victory. Forsman was pleased with the winning performance and the manner in which First Innings closed out the 2100m. “He has done quite well in a pretty short career to date. He is lightly tried but every start he has been impressive,” Forsman said. “He is an out-and-out stayer, he will just get better with time. He is doing it all on one preparation, which is the hard part at this stage. He seems to be handling everything well so far.” First Innings holds a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday-week, and Forsman said a decision on whether his gelding tackles the Classic will be made in the coming days. “We will see how he comes through it first and foremost and then have a talk with the owners and see what they want to do,” Forsman said. “There are different arguments to be made for doing it either way, but firstly we will leave it up to the horse to decide and then work it out in the next couple of days. “He is promising, he is going to end up a nice open-class stayer and it is always nice if they can do something as an age group horse as well. That is what we will be trying to do, and whether that is next Saturday or we are a little more patient, we will work it out.” Forsman has a good association with the New Zealand Derby, having won it on two prior occasions when training in partnership with Murray Baker, including Mongolian Khan in 2015 and Vin De Dance in 2018. Horse racing news View the full article

Straight Arron is chasing his first Group 1 score. Hugh Bowman hopes Straight Arron can continue an upward career trajectory with victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Third in the G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) under 135lb on 4 February, Straight Arron faces the elite of Hong Kong’s middle-distance ranks this weekend with five-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Group 1 Stewards’ Cup victor Voyage Bubble headlining the entries. Bowman is optimistic Straight Arron can build on his impressive fourth in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior on December 10, when he was beaten only three-quarters of a length. “I think Straight Arron proved on international day that he’s not far behind these horses and I think he’s going well and I think he’s a genuine top-three chance and we’ll see how he goes,” Bowman said. “I was really happy with his last run (in the Centenary Vase). He had the 135 (pounds) and history will tell you that if they run well with that weight, it’s a very good sign albeit against horses not of the same calibre that he will meet this weekend. “We’re not oblivious to the fact that he’s taking on Romantic Warrior, who I rode myself in trackwork (Tuesday, February 20) and he’s going very well, but it is what it is – my horse is not far behind him.” Bowman, 43, resumes from suspension eager to build on the 35 wins he has accumulated in a season punctuated by injuries and suspensions. “It’s good to be back. It’s been a bit of a frustrating period for me. I’ve had the ball bounce against me a little bit with a couple of injuries but I’ve also made my own mistakes so that’s something I really want to focus on and rectify and settle back into the season with some consistency,” the Australian said. With five Hong Kong Group 1s among his 105 elite victories world-wide, Bowman previously won the Hong Kong Gold Cup on Werther for John Moore in 2017. Apart from five-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior, fellow Hong Kong Derby winner Voyage Bubble and Straight Arron, entry for this Sunday’s feature also includes Beauty Joy, Champion Dragon, Encountered, Five G Patch, Nimble Nimbus, Money Catcher, Senor Toba and Sword Point. Andrea Atzeni, who won Centenary Vase on Nimble Nimbus, will search for his first Hong Kong Group 1 score aboard Ricky Yiu’s consistent charge. “He’s a Group 3 winner the last day, obviously carrying quite a low weight (115lb) and he’s meeting top-class horses here at level weights (126lb), so we’re under no illusions that we’re up against it,” the Sardinian said. “But hopefully he’s the sort of horse that if the gets a good draw, we should be able to give him a chance like we did on the last day and he can finish off quite nicely – I can see him running a big race.” Horse racing news View the full article

Linebacker on his way to winning at Hawkesbury on debut. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Waikato Stud’s Super Seth has struck a significant offshore blow with the Group One-winning son of Dundeel siring his first juvenile winner in Australia. The race day covers came off his highly regarded son Linebacker at Hawkesbury this afternoon and the John O’Shea-prepared colt didn’t disappoint, coping admirably with a heavy track to romp to an effortless victory over 1300m. “I like the Super Seths, they’ve got great minds and the ones I have got have been great to train,” O’Shea said. “I’m quite bullish on this colt and I don’t want to overtax him as a two-year-old, he’ll be much better at three.” Sent out a hot favourite off the back of a Randwick trial success, Linebacker was quickly into stride to make the running for Kerrin McEvoy and didn’t need to find top gear in the run home to be out on his own by four lengths at the post. “He’s always showed promise and had performed really well at the trials and showed that out there again today. He is very much above average,” McEvoy said. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Linebacker was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $160,000 by O’Shea and Suman Hedge Bloodstock. He is a son of the English-bred Oasis Dream mare Garden Of Swans, who is a half-sister to the Group 1 Sandown Eclipse Stakes winner and sire Mukhadram. Linebacker’s brother was also secured by O’Shea with James Bester Bloodstock for A$80,000 at this year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Super Seth has been represented in New Zealand by the winners Poetic Champion, also placed in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes and the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes, and Diablo Blanco from just six representatives. His progeny were keenly sought after at the recent New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale with a top Book 1 price of $700,000 paid by Patella Bloodstock for Pencarrow Stud’s half-brother to Group winners Pearl Of Alsace and Zourion. Horse racing news View the full article

What Oakleigh Plate 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 Prizemoney $750,000 Distance 1100m Conditions Group 1 2023 winner Jacquinot (4) | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Damian Lane (55.5kg) Visit Dabble Sparks are set to fly in Saturday’s Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield Racecourse. A massive field of 15 sprinters are set to clash over the 1100m, and with just one previous Group 1 winner in the field, there is plenty on the line in the co-feature on Blue Diamond Stakes Day. Can the three-year-old colt King’s Gambit overcome barrier one and salute with just 50kg on his back, or will one of the smart up-and-coming four-year-olds get the job done? 2024 Oakleigh Plate odds Outside of the top two in the market — King’s Gambit (+320) and Asfoora (+450) — there looks to be plenty of meat on the bone in terms of value with horse racing bookies for the 2024 Oakleigh Plate. Sghirippa, Rey Magnerio, Benedetta, Hypothetical, Kallos, Queman and Recommendation are all between a +800 and +1500 quote for Saturday’s Group 1 sprint, showing just how even the Oakleigh Plate field is outside of the two at the top of betting. 2024 Oakleigh Plate speed map Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen — this is going run at a frantic speed. Najem Suhail and Hypothetical will look to cross from middle barriers and take up the running, while the likes of Brudenell, Recommendation and Queman will all look to kick up underneath them and hold the rail. Add in the fact that the likes of Asfoora and Sghirippa from wide draws will want to land in the first four or five, and we’re met with a logjam trying to hold a spot upon settling. It leaves the race perfectly setup for the likes of Benedetta, Skew Wiff and King’s Gambit to all take a sit just off the pace, while Kallos and Rey Magnerio will be launching late from a rearward position. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Oakleigh Plate. Oakleigh Plate 2024 preview & form We will be looking to strike some value with Benedetta as she comes to the Oakleigh Plate first-up from a spell. Jason Warren’s mare hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth in the Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on October 14, but her run the start prior when beaten a half-head by Star Patrol and King Of Sparta in Group 2 company at Flemington reads perfectly. Any rain that comes will not deter her winning chances, having won both of her starts on Soft going in her career. Daniel Stackhouse will have the mare settled just off the speed, and armed with a strong sprint, Benedetta can blouse the leaders at a nice price. Sghirippa is the form sprinter of the Victorian summer and gets his chance at Group 1 glory on Saturday. The Shane & Cassie Oxlade-trained sprinter has been nothing short of dominant in his last two starts, winning in Listed company and at Group 3 level. Craig Newitt will need to be at his best to get the son of Lonhro across to the front of the field without using up too many tickets, but if he can land either outside the lead or a pair back with cover, Sghirippa brings race fitness and quality form into the time-honoured sprint. Kallos could not have been any better when toppling Asfoora in the Group 1 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at this track and trip on his return. Despite being given 58kg — some 8kg more than the race favourite — he showed in the Rubiton he can handle the weight and sprint quickly. Blake Shinn will have him smoking the pipe out the back while the speed is on early. With a well-timed sprint and a bit of class on his side, Kallos is the one from the rear of the field who will most likely prove hardest to hold out. King’s Gambit drawing barrier one is hardly ideal considering he will need a stack of luck. However, if the gaps come, he is sure to take some beating. Asfoora was quite plain on return, and with 57.5kg and barrier 11, she looks to have the odds stacked against her. Outside of those mentioned, a case can be made for all but maybe one or two of the contenders in the Oakleigh Plate. Oakleigh Plate 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 8 BENEDETTA 4 SGHIRRIPA 1 KALLOS 15 KING’S GAMBIT $100 betting strategy $100 win Benedetta (#8) @ +900 with Picklebet Horse racing tips View the full article

What Blue Diamond Stakes 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, February 24, 2024 Prizemoney $2,000,000 Distance 1200m Conditions Group 1 2023 winner Little Brose (7) | T: Ben & JD Hayes | J: Mick Dee (57kg) Visit Dabble A capacity of 16 juveniles are set to duke it out for the $2 million on offer in Saturday’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. With five last-start winners amongst this lot, the 2024 edition of the Blue Diamond looks set to be one of the more memorable juvenile races in some time. 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes odds As always with Blue Diamond Stakes betting, there is no real standout at the top of the market. Matt Laurie’s Coleman sits on top at odds of +300 with top horse racing bookmakers. Sydney-sider Lady Of Camelot received a truckload of backing following the barrier draw, shortening from +650 into +380. Stablemates Bodyguard (+400) and High Octane (+500) from the Peter & Paul Snowden barn are the only other runners at a single-figure quote, with Eneeza the best of the rest at +1200. 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes speed map The Blue Diamond Stakes is traditionally a tricky speed map to work out, but this year’s edition looks pretty straightforward. Lady Of Camelot will use her low draw (4) to her advantage, with Spywire from gate 18 looking to come across and land outside lead. Stay Focused, Kuroyanagi and Coleman will all look to camp off the leader’s heels, with High Octane and Bodyguard looking to settle mid-field or better from middle barriers. Fearless, Matisse and Traffic Warden will all be at the rear of the field and charging home late. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes. Blue Diamond Stakes 2024 preview & form History may be against Lady Of Camelot as the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott runner looks to become the first filly since Lyre in 2019 to win the Blue Diamond Stakes. To go with that, only four of the last 20 winners have come from outside the Blue Diamond Series, and Waterhouse is yet have a winner in Melbourne’s premier juvenile event. However, first-up from a spell in the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m), Lady Of Camelot gave the 1100m Rosehill track record a nudge when leading from barrier to box in impressive fashion. The daughter of Written Tycoon draws to gain an uncontested lead from barrier four under Adam Hyeronimus, and with natural speed as her key asset, Lady Of Camelot will prove too hard to run down. Coleman could not have been any more impressive when claiming the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) first-up at Caulfield on February 3. The Pierata colt may have been left a touch flat-footed on the home turn as the leader kicked clear, but he showed his class with the quickest final 200m of the day in just his second career start. Ben Melham will look to land a spot in the first six from barrier seven, and as long as the Matt Laurie-trained runner finds clear air on the home turn, Coleman will be the one leading the charge to race down Lady Of Camelot. Based on his first two starts, Bodyguard looks to be every bit a Group 1 winner in waiting. Having won the Listed Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) on debut back in October, the I Am Invincible colt was a smart winner of the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) first-up from a spell on February 10 when getting the better of Stay Focused late on. The 1200m looks like it will be no issue for him, and drawn inside Coleman and outside Lady Of Camelot, Mark Zahra will have this bloke within striking distance at all times. Outside of High Octane, who was desperately unlucky last time out, the rest of the Blue Diamond field is quite an even bunch. Look for the likes of Matisse, Eneeza and Hayasugi to be flashing home and potentially adding some value to trifectas and first-fours. Blue Diamond Stakes 2024 selections & best bets Selections: 13 LADY OF CAMELOT 4 COLEMAN 3 BODYGUARD 8 HIGH OCTANE $100 betting strategy $100 win Lady Of Camelot (#13) @ +380 with Picklebet Horse racing tips View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, February 16, 2024 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Listed Torney Night Cup will headline an eight-race card at Moonee Valley this Friday night. With hot conditions forecast in the days leading up to the meeting, the track is expected to rate in the Good range for the entire program. The rail will return to the true position, which should allow the track to play as fairly as possible. The opening race at Moonee Valley is scheduled to jump at 6:15pm AEDT. Torney Night Cup Tip: Monbaher Monbaher was narrowly beaten at Caulfield over 2400m on February 3, when the Matt Cumani-trained gelding drove at Herman Hesse in the final strides but just missed. Stepping up in distance to 2500m is expected to suit this son of Muhaarar, and if he can get a solid race tempo, he will be running home strongly in the final 400m. Barrier 16 is a worry, but with Craig Newitt on board, he will take his medicine, settle near the rear of the field, and allow Monbaher to build into the race in the three-wide line. Torney Night Cup Race 7 – #5 Monbaher (16) 6yo Gelding | T: Matt Cumani | J: Craig Newitt (54.5kg) +900 with Picklebet Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Miss Take Anthony & Sam Freedman would have been very happy to see Miss Take return to the races with a narrow victory at this track and tip on January 27. The four-year-old mare settled on the fence behind a wall of runners, but thanks to a very good Luke Currie ride, she was able to pick her way through gaps to launch late and win. Although this daughter of War Decree is up in class, she should get a similar run in transit from barrier one. If Currie can replicate his smart ride from last start, Miss Take will get every chance to record back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 6 – #9 Miss Take (1) 4yo Mare | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Luke Currie (56kg) +500 with Playup Next Best at Moonee Valley: Kind Gesture King Gesture will drop back from Group 3 company to Benchmark 70 grade, where she will be seeking her first win since July 2022. The Mick Kent-trained mare struck interference two starts back and was upgraded to second place due to an upheld protest, then went on to run sixth, beaten 5.1 lengths by Yonce, in the Carlyon Cup. In her first start at Moonee Valley, this daughter of Decorated Knight will get every chance to break through for a win. With the aid of barrier four and Celine Gaudray’s 1.5kg claim, Kind Gesture gets conditions to suit and should be able to run on strongly from midfield. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Kind Gesture (4) 5yo Mare | T: Mick Kent | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (61.5kg) +340 with Dabble Best Value at Moonee Valley: Zamborghini Zamborghini is racing in career-best form this time in, recording two wins and two placings from five starts. The Matt Laurie-trained gelding was very unlucky when he finished third at this track and trip two starts back, then stuck on well to finish in the same position at Caulfield in Saturday grade over 1600m. This son of Zoustar will have to carry the top weight on Friday, but going off his recent form, he has earned the weight. Ben Melham will be legged aboard, and if he can have Zamborghini settled behind the speed in the first four or five runners, he will play a prominent role in the finish once again. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Zamborghini (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Matt Laurie | J: Ben Melham (61.5kg) Bet with Neds Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, February 23, 2024 2-3-4-6 2-4-9 1-2-3-4-5 2-4-7-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article