Wandering Eyes

As we approach the opening of the 2024 breeding season, the TDN staff is once again sitting down with leading breeders to find out what stallions they have chosen for their mares, and why. Today we caught up with Imad Al Sagar of Blue Diamond Stud, who added a Kentucky base, Stonereath Farm, in August. “The acquisition of Stonereath Farm in Kentucky last summer has allowed us great opportunity to diversify,” Al Sagar said. “A handful of Blue Diamond mares already resided in Kentucky but with the addition of Stonereath, which covers 252 acres near Paris, we have increased that number; several have been sourced specifically with an eye on breeding and racing in the US while others will continue to switch to and from our base in Newmarket in order to take advantage of the differing bloodlines available in Kentucky. We are lucky to have an excellent team of people overseeing Stonereath, including farm manager Jenn Laidlaw, office manager Erin Dilger and Walter Nathaniel Lobato.” DAWN OF HOPE (IRE) (11, Mastercraftsman {Ire}–Sweet Firebird {Ire}, by Sadler's Wells), in foal to Lope De Vega (Ire) and visits Justify Dawn Of Hope was a high-class filly for us, winning the Listed Prix Petite Etoile, and her first three foals are winners. Her first foal, Kind Gesture (GB) (Decorated Knight {GB}), came close to gaining black-type in Britain and is currently running well in Australia, and we are hopeful there is more to come from her 3-year-old Blown Away (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) with John and Thady Gosden. We have retained her 2-year-old Sea The Stars (Ire) filly Gaugamela (GB), who goes to Andre Fabre. Like everyone else, we have been impressed with what Justify has achieved with his first two crops–we bred one of his early stakes winners, Wonderful Justice (GB). It is notable how well he has done with Danehill line mares, particularly in Australia–Storm Boy (Aus), Learning To Fly (Aus) and Legacies (Aus) spring to mind. Dawn Of Hope's family goes back to Native Street via the Fire The Groom branch, so it has had its share of success in America as well. With so much currently going on in the family and her own talent to take into account, we took the decision to ship Dawn Of Hope over from Newmarket specifically to send to Justify. Also going to Justify is Floret (Ire), a Galileo (Ire) half-sister to Moonlight Cloud (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) from the Doff The Derby family. She is in foal to Blame and by sending her to Justify, we are repeating the Galileo cross responsible for City Of Troy, Unless and Buchu among others. Dawn Of Hope and her '23 Pinatubo (Ire) colt | Equuis Images FREE LOOK (4, Tapit–Wild Mint, by Medaglia d'Oro) to be bred to Gun Runner Tapit is such a good broodmare sire and we were trying for some time to add a daughter to our broodmare band. Free Look was second in the GII Miss Grillo S. and fifth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies' Turf as a 2-year-old, plus she's a very good-looking individual from the immediate family of Violence. So we were delighted to buy her at the Fasig-Tipton July Sale and she went on to win on her first start for us on dirt. We were keen to start her off with a proven stallion at the highest level and Gun Runner fits the bill with his immense success with Tapit in mind–even allowing for the level of opportunity given the fact both are Winchell horses, it's very notable that Gun Runner already has six stakes winners out of Tapit mares. I'M WONDERFUL (8, Giant's Causeway–Rebridled Dreams, by Unbridled's Song), had a colt by Blame and visits Tapit I'm Wonderful is out of Coffee Pot Stable's excellent producer Rebridled Dreams and therefore a sister to Carpe Diem. One of our first mares to be based in Kentucky, her first foal, Wonderful Justice (Justify), won last year's Black Gold S. for us at Fair Grounds. She just had a colt by Blame as part of our strategy to tap into Roberto blood and now heads to Tapit. This mating produces inbreeding to Unbridled, similar to the pattern found in the backgrounds of Tapit's Grade I winners Unique Bella, Sweet Loretta, Valiance and Tapit Trice. However, the key here is to also make use of Tapit. He's become such an important influence, both through his sons and daughters, and we are keen to utilise him while we can. MANASAROVA (11, More Than Ready–Manaahil, by Mr. Greeley), in foal to Not This Time and visits Blame From the Ballade family, Manasarova was listed-placed as a 2-year-old and has already produced a really good filly in France called Sicilian Defense (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), who won a pair of listed races and was Group 2-placed. We have retained her 3-year-old filly by Zoustar (Aus), Yusra, and she is with Andre Fabre. Manasarova is one of three mares we are sending to Blame this season. We hold the Roberto line, with its propensity for throwing sound and talented horses, in high regard. So one of the ideas behind using Blame is to tap into one of the remaining Kentucky-based representatives of that sire line and hopefully produce some fillies for the broodmare band down the line. Also heading to Blame is Jousi (GB), a homebred Dubawi (Ire) granddaughter of Irish 1000 Guineas winner Classic Park (GB) who won an Ascot maiden as a 2-year-old for us, and Star Of Bristol, a Speightstown half-sister to Mastercraftsman (Ire). Star Of Bristol's first two foals have both won and we have retained her Wootton Bassett (GB) 2-year-old filly, who goes to Christopher Head. Given Blame's affinity with mares carrying Mr. Prospector, we hope that she will be a good fit. OCEAN SAFARI (5, Temple City–Media Access, by Devil's Bag) to be bred to Not This Time One of two stakes-winning Temple City mares we bought last November, Ocean Safari won the Honey Ryder S. Not This Time has been extremely impressive to date and his progeny seem versatile as well, which suits an operation like Blue Diamond that races on turf and dirt. We have two mares due to foal to him this year in Grade I winner Abscond, who is back in Newmarket ahead of a visit to Frankel (GB), and Manasarova. In the case of this mare, Not This Time has already been effective with the Hail To Reason/Roberto line, to whom Ocean Safari is inbred; Cogburn, Simplification, Midnight Stroll, Howling Time being examples. The cross also produces inbreeding to Ballade, a pattern which we've seen behind several stakes winners by Giant's Causeway and his brother Freud. Not This Time is very much on the rise, with his versatility in the mould of his sire Giant's Causeway; all things considered, he should be a very good starting point for a young mare like Ocean Safari. QUEEN OFTHE TEMPLE (6, Temple City–Queenameina, by Read The Footnotes) to be bred to Uncle Mo Another hard-knocking daughter of Temple City who won the Santa Barbara S. and was multiple graded stakes-placed. Like Ocean Safari, we were keen to start her off with a proven sire. Uncle Mo is so reliable, he's a good option for starting off a young mare, and he's also versatile when it comes to dirt and turf. Although he's out of an Arch mare, he's had good results when bred back to the Hail To Reason/Roberto line–runners like Bast, Bye Bye Melvin, Mo Ready and Royal Mo for example. Stonereath Farm in Kentucky was acquired in August of last year and is now an American base for the operation | Blue Diamond Stud ANGLE OF ATTACK (7, Maclean's Music–Bourbon Warfare, by Colonel John) to be bred to Bolt d'Oro It's hard not be impressed by Bolt d'Oro's early results, especially his statistics. Angle Of Attack, a young stakes-winning mare who is owned in partnership with Kuwait Racing Syndicate, already has a yearling filly by him and we've decided to send her back; Bolt d'Oro's early success with the mares from the Distorted Humor line, highlighted by Major Dude, certainly adds weight on paper. Joining Angle Of Attack on a return trip to Bolt d'Oro is New Jazz. She is a winning daughter of Scat Daddy and that particular cross has already produced Bobby O. ARWA (IRE) (10, Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}–Another Storm, by Gone West) to be bred to Elite Power Arwa is a winning half-sister to six stakes horses including Order Of St George (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and out of a daughter of Storm Song so it's a versatile family with championship form on dirt and turf under the first two dams. For us, Elite Power is an extremely appealing package; a brilliant sprinter who retired sound with the looks and pedigree to support his talent. We are looking forward to supporting him at Juddmonte. DANCING KIKI (7, Blame–Justenufappeal, by Exchange Rate), in foal to Medaglia d'Oro and visits Violence A tough stakes-winning daughter of Blame who was effective on dirt and turf. She is in foal to Medaglia d'Oro and we are staying on the same theme by sending her to Violence, who of course sired Forte out of a Blame mare. Interested in sharing your own mating plans? Email garyking@thetdn.com. The post Mating Plans, Presented By Spendthrift Farm: Blue Diamond’s Stonereath Mares appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new Spring Series of median sires races has been added to the Irish Flat racing calendar for 2024 and beyond in what is a significant boost to the three-year-old programme for middle-distance horses. In an announcement made by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the Irish European Breeders' Fund (Irish EBF) and Gowran Park Racecourse on Monday, the Spring Series will conclude with the €200,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic–the richest race ever held at Gowran Park–on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3. Three-year-olds with a median price of no more than €75,000 will be able to take part in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic, with entries for the race, run over nine and a half furlongs, set to close on Wednesday, March 13. The winner will receive an automatic free entry into the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday, June 30. This applies to both colts and fillies. Six races, each worth at least €25,000, make up the series which offers total prize-money of €330,000. The Curragh, Navan and Cork will host four maiden races between them–two for fillies only–and each of these races will be restricted to three-year-olds whose sires achieved a median price of not more than €50,000 in 2022. A median price of €75,000 will apply to runners in the €30,000 Irish Stallions Farms EBF 3yo Spring Series Race held at Roscommon on Monday, May 13. The same median price restriction will apply to runners in the €200,000 series finale. There will be free entry, sponsored by Irish Stallion Farms, for all racegoers at Gowran Park on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3 and the racecourse's manager, Eddie Scally, said, “Gowran Park are really excited to host the inaugural €200,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic, the region's richest Flat race. “This race will form part of an action-packed day both on and off the track this June Bank Holiday Monday with live music and a massive family fun day. We hope the Gowran Classic will attract all the top trainers and riders from both Ireland and abroad and see for themselves the warm Kilkenny welcome.” Joe Foley, chairman of the Irish EBF, added, “Irish Stallion Farms already sponsor two successful series for two-year-olds, the auction and median series with 27 races in each and a combined value of nearly €850,000. “We felt it important to develop a similar series for later developing middle-distance three-year-olds; hence the Spring Series was initiated with the valuable €200,000 race at Gowran as its centrepiece. We look forward to seeing this three-year-old series grow and develop and are delighted to support Gowran Park racecourse in particular, who are investing heavily in their facilities.” The post Richest Race Ever Run at Gowran Park Headlines New Spring Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Santa Anita stewards on Sunday issued trainer Dan Blacker a 90-day suspension and a $15,000 fine for 527 separate incidents of failing to undertake the necessary pre-workout veterinary examination reporting process for horses in his care. The three-month suspension is scheduled to run from Feb. 26, 2024, to May 25, 2024. During that time, Blacker will be denied access to all licensed premises in California. Last October, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) charged Blacker with failing to comply with regulations requiring that a horse undergoes a veterinary exam within 72 hours of a workout and that the work is entered into a CHRB database. The 527 incidents occurred over a period of a year and a half. In a statement last October, Blacker took “full responsibility” for the rules violations. The issue came to light when an unraced Blacker-trainee named Animae (Speightstown) suffered a fatal injury after a July 1 workout at Santa Anita. The CHRB investigated and found that no pre-workout report on Animae had been filed within three days of the work and that veterinary reports were also not filed for two of three of the filly's workouts prior to the July 1 work. “During a horse-fatality investigation for the horse Animae, it was found the horse did not have an examination by his attending veterinarian entered into EquiTAPS database during the 72 hours immediately preceding an official workout,” the CHRB complaint read. “Three out of the four official workouts listed for Animae did not have a veterinarian exam listed, including the official workout when the horse suffered the fatality.” As part of a subsequent broader investigation, the CHRB discovered that from Jan. 1, 2022–when the rule requiring horses to undergo a vet's inspection prior to a workout went into effect–to July 1, 2023, Blacker-trained horses worked 789 times, but veterinary reports were not filed for 527 of those workouts. In his October statement posted on social media, Blacker wrote that he had always been careful to make sure his horses were properly examined before working. “I want to make it clear that I am in contact with my veterinary team daily,” Blacker wrote. “We jog up every horse, every day before they go to the track. The horses in training are thoroughly evaluated by myself, my team and my veterinarian on a daily basis.” The post Blacker Handed Three-Month Suspension, $15,000 Fine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

South African rider produces expert front-running performance aboard Parterre in the second section of the Class Four Good Fortune Handicap (1,200m)View the full article

California Voce breaks through in the city with victory in Monday’s Class Three Red Packet Handicap (1,600m)View the full article

More than 80,000 people descend on Sha Tin for Monday’s meeting, the biggest crowd Hong Kong has seen since the pandemicView the full article

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Red Lion digs deep to see off red-hot favourite Mugen in Monday afternoon’s feature at Sha TinView the full article

Tony Pike’s classy pair of Harlow Rocks and Vera Rose put their hands up for loftier targets after playing the bridesmaid role at Te Rapa on Saturday. Harlow Rocks, a daughter of Roc De Cambes, had shown early promise including a strong maiden victory in late November, before a switch to the right-handed track at Pukekohe was not to her liking in a first attempt at black-type on Boxing Day. Cambridge-based Pike opted to scratch the filly from the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) in deteriorating New Plymouth conditions on February 3 in favour of contesting several headliners of the three-year-old fillies’ ranks in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). Starting a $35 outside chance, Harlow Rocks was ridden positively out of barrier three by Ryan Elliot and took up the pace making role. She remained in the leading position to the 200m mark, fighting bravely to be surpassed only by Molly Bloom in the closing stages, with a further 1-1/2 lengths to Livid Sky in third. “I was very pleased with her, she’s a filly we’ve really liked and she’s kept improving all the way through this preparation,” Pike said. “We had scratched her off the wet track at New Plymouth the week before which was the easier race, it was a very strong field on Saturday with high-quality fillies and she really put her hand up. “She’s a lot better left-handed, she got quite awkward last start at Pukekohe going right-handed, so we were reasonably confident we would see an improved run back left-handed at Te Rapa.” Following Saturday’s performance, the Oaks Stud-bred and owned filly shortened into $12 in a widening TAB Futures market for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Pike indicating the Trentham feature now being her main target. “She looks like she’ll stay, so at this stage she’ll progress through to the Lowland Stakes (Gr.2, 2100m) at Hastings on the 28th, and all going well, she’ll progress onto the Oaks.” Another representing Dick Karreman’s Cambridge nursery was Vera Rose, the tough Fiorente filly finishing a highly-creditable third in the inaugural $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) later on the Te Rapa card. In the hands of new Swedish arrival Per-Anders Graberg, Vera Rose tracked eventual second-placegetter Hasstobeawinner throughout on the fence before maintaining a solid sprint to the post, the pair only denied late in a sensational late dash by Wallen. “We decided to leave her at the mile again, as well as being the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic for the first time, we wanted to support the race with great prizemoney on offer,” Pike said. “She was given a great trip by Per-Anders, it was a big run against some seasoned older horses.” The filly also holds a nomination for the Oaks on March 16, but Pike will test her staying abilities first in the Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie on March 2. “She’s definitely heading the right way, but it’s a bit of a question mark whether she’ll stay. Being by Fiorente (former Melbourne Cup winner), she should, but she’s out of quite a fast family. “We’ll probably head to the Sunline Vase next, that will tell us if she’ll get the Oaks trip or not. If not, there will probably be some nice options for her in Australia as well, back in trip slightly.” Pike will head to Ellerslie on Saturday with a talented team, including consistent four-year-olds Rudyard and Churchillian, the latter returning after a brief fresh-up following her Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) triumph at Trentham in mid-January. A son of Charm Spirit, Rudyard topped five top-four finishes this campaign with a third-placing behind Group One-winning pair Desert Lightning and Legarto in the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) on Karaka Millions Night. Both horses will contest the Open 1500m on Saturday, with the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) a potential aim for Rudyard, while an attempt at Group One level next month may arise for Churchillian. “If she keeps stepping up, we may give her a chance at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) at Te Aroha,” he said. Pike will also have two representatives in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m) with High Country and City Gold Ready, both geldings potential hopes for the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on March 2. “They both look like nice staying three-year-olds in good form, so they’ll head to the Guineas,” he said. View the full article

Star sprinter Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) has had her final piece of fast work at The Valley on Monday morning ahead of her autumn return in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m). Trainer Mark Walker was on hand to watch the gallop with in-form stablemate Sans Doute over 800 metres. The pair clocked 51.72 for the work and their last 400 metres in 23.94. Walker said despite last Monday’s underwhelming trial, it had always been the plan to bring Imperatriz to The Valley for the workout, where she will race second-up in the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) on March 23. “Get her out of her comfort zone a little bit … horses at their home tracks are a bit laidback sometimes, especially as they get a bit older,” Walker said. “Trials are different to race day and we’re looking forward to Saturday. “There was a lot of talk on the weekend Mr Brightside’s jumpouts weren’t that great and look what he did. “These good horses have checks and balances every week and there’s nothing that’s been out of place.” Given the warm week of weather in Melbourne, Walker said Imperatriz had extra fans installed in her box to cope with the heat. “She’ll be virtually the identical weight Saturday to what she won first-up in the spring,” Walker said of her condition. “We think she’s pretty ready … they don’t give Group 1s away so you have to have them pretty ready.” Imperatriz is $1.75 with Sportsbet ahead of Private Eye and I Am Unstoppable. Gallop partner Sans Doute, who has won her past two starts at Flemington, will return to Headquarters on March 2. View the full article

Exciting sprinter Master Fay is set to test his talents across the Tasman, with the six-year-old gelding booked to fly to Melbourne next week to chase elite-level targets. The former Hong Kong galloper repaid the faith of owner-trainer Chad Ormsby with his dominant display when winning the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie last month, and his post-race condition has given the Matamata horseman the confidence to press on toward bigger targets. “He is a lot better now than he was before the race,” Ormsby said. “I think he has gone to another level.” Orsmby resisted the temptation of backing up Master Fay in last Saturday’s Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in favour of testing the waters in Australia and attempt to gain a place in one of the best feature sprints in the world. The Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) remains the ultimate goal, however, Ormsby said with Master Fay’s relatively low rating of 80, he is in talks with Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper David Hegan to gauge the best options for his charge. “He is going to fly to Melbourne on the 25th (of February) and then we will assess what race we will have a go at,” Ormsby said. “We would like to have a go at the Newmarket, but it’s just whether or not he gets in with his rating. Hopefully being a last start Group Three winner might sneak him in as I would like to have a crack at some of the bigger ones. “We are waiting on the handicapper to see whether he sneaks into that Newmarket, but there are plenty of other sprint races before the end of March that he can have a go at. If we are not looking like we are making those Group Ones we can change tack and try at one of those other sprint races.” Master Fay, who was originally purchased by Ormsby as a yearling before he was subsequently sold to Hong Kong as a juvenile, is undefeated in his three starts to date, having won his sole outing in Hong Kong before returning to Ormsby’s care, for whom he has won both starts this preparation. Ormsby is looking forward to campaigning Master Fay in Melbourne, and the magnitude of the opportunity has not been lost on the Waikato horseman. “I know there is plenty in-store for him going forward but we are trying to get him over there and give him a taste of it,” he said. “I have been doing this game a long time and it is not often I come across a horse like this. We are pretty excited to go over and have a go. “He is not going to lack any of the ability. It is still only early days for him, it is his first prep back from Hong Kong. “It is pretty exciting to think that we might be able to have a go at a Group One in Australia in his first prep.” View the full article

Scott Eagleton might not have had the best seat in the house to watch Molly Bloom’s latest success, but it didn’t detract from the satisfaction derived from the star filly’s return to winning ways. The Seaton Park principal bred and sold the high-class daughter of Ace High whose victory in Saturday’s Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa may have been her final appearance in New Zealand. “It was another huge result for the farm, even though we couldn’t get there,” Eagleton said. “We were on a horse trek (at Katikati) and in the middle of the bush trying to watch the race on the phone. “It was a huge thrill after the way the Karaka Millions ($1.5 million, 1600m) panned out for her, and it was nice to see her bounce back. “It all continues to help the pedigree as she’s the first foal out of the mare, so it was great stuff.” Molly Bloom was purchased out of Seaton Park’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft by trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott for $150,000. She has now won four of her eight starts, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). High-profile Australian owner Ozzie Kheir bought into the ownership group of the filly ahead of her Te Rapa success and she will remain with Wexford Stables for the remainder of her three-year-old preparation. She is likely to chase Australian black-type with potential targets including the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney and the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) in Brisbane before she joins a yet to be decided Australian stable. Molly Bloom is out of the Iffraaj mare Dancilla, a half-sister to the dual Group Three winner Decorah from the family of the multiple Group One winner Rough Habit. “Dancilla was born here and was owned and raced by Alan and Colleen Jackson, who were one of my very first clients,” Eagleton said. “Alan was slowly but surely phasing down his breeding operation and said to me ‘what am I going to do with her?’ and I said I’ll take her, so he effectively gifted her to me.” Dancilla was a one-race winner before a setback forced her retirement and was sent to High Chaparral’s son Ace High for her first covering. “I had bought a share in Ace High and really liked the fact that he had won his Group Ones as a spring three-year-old and loved the sire line, it made sense,” Eagleton said. “When the foal was born, she was one of the tidiest I had bred and just stood out in the paddock. “We took the full sister to Karaka last year, she is much bigger and was in Book 1 and failed to get a bid so we have retained her and she’s with Fraser Auret at Marton. “The reason being is that the other two directors in the company, my stepfather and uncle Gary and Alan Thomas, are accountants in Taihape where I grew up and it’s nice to keep them involved. “They love their racing and can go and see her and with Molly going so well it keeps it all ticking over nicely.” Molly Bloom currently heads the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year series and Eagleton is hoping she can hang on to her lead. “Hopefully, she has done enough to be the Filly of the Year and further the family,” he said. “Dancilla was in foal last season to Proisir, but unfortunately absorbed and she’s in foal now to Contributer so it’s all really exciting.” View the full article

It was a day of doubles for Ballymore Stables and owner Sir Peter Vela, of Pencarrow Stud, at Tauranga on Sunday, with the pair combining to score in the Pure Lighting Maiden (1200m) with debutant Naxos. The three-year-old son of Harry Angel was having her first raceday start and first public outing since finishing third in a close three-way finish in his 850m heat at Te Awamutu in December. While he came off third best in that contest, he wasn’t to be outdone in another close finish in his first raceday appearance. After settling in the trail behind leader My Girl Candy, jockey Bily Jacobsen had to navigate Naxos three-wide to find clear running room when My Girl Candy began to tire when turning for home. Naxos continued to lift and hit the front in the final 50m and held on to score by a long head over Grand Cru, with a further half head back to Letsbringthebling in third. “It was good to finally get him to the races, after taking him to Hastings (last month) and having the meeting abandoned, and we’d been waiting for a race to suit him,” said Pam Gerard, who trains in partnership with Michael Moroney. “He’d come such a long way in this preparation and now looks like a racehorse – has the right attitude to want to be out there and try, and I thought he could be thereabouts if everything went his way. “Billy (Jacobson) gave him a beautiful trip and the horse does everything right, likes to be competitive, honest, and tries hard. “We bought another Harry Angel yearling (Lot 508) for $55,000 at the Karaka sales, out of a Group One-winning mare, and we’ve got shares available. He’s bred to be fast and I love him.” Jacobsen was just as pleased with the winning performance after being impressed with the gelding at the trials. “I knew coming into the straight that I had a good shout, he gave me a nice kick, and held on well,” he said. “Pam’s done a great job with him. At the trials he showed me a bit, so I fancied him from there and rode him positively. “It was a tight finish, but we were in for the fight, and he proved the best in winning.” Naxos made it consecutive wins for Sir Peter Vela after Bonifleur won the STE Industrial Electrical Maiden (1200m) for trainer Paul Richards. Sir Peter Vela’s racing manager Garry Cossey was trackside to witness the winning double. “Paul (Richards) told me the first winner for Sir Peter, Bonifleur, probably could have done with another trial, but she got away with it and looked professional, so it’ very pleasing to get a double,” Cossey said. “Sir Peter will be very pleased with getting a double on the day at Tauranga, and we’re very pleased with the way the horses are being prepared and the feedback we get. “I spoke with Pam after Naxos trialled, trying to find somewhere he’d be competitive. They were patient and found a lovely race at Hastings, and they were called off which was frustrating, but we’ve been rewarded today. It just goes to show that there’s always something around the corner. “She placed him very well and had a good handle on him.” Ballymore secured a double of their own when Madame La Fay took out the last event on the eight-race card, the Tauranga Crossing Fashions In The Field 1600. “She’s held her condition right through this campaign,” Gerard said. “If it wasn’t for striking a few wet tracks and a jockey losing his stick at a vital stage, she probably should have won a couple more times.” View the full article

Master Fay winning the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie last month. Photo: Race Images Exciting sprinter Master Fay is set to test his talents across the Tasman, with the six-year-old gelding booked to fly to Melbourne next week to chase elite-level targets. The former Hong Kong galloper repaid the faith of owner-trainer Chad Ormsby with his dominant display when winning the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie last month, and his post-race condition has given the Matamata horseman the confidence to press on toward bigger targets. “He is a lot better now than he was before the race,” Ormsby said. “I think he has gone to another level.” Orsmby resisted the temptation of backing up Master Fay in last Saturday’s Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in favour of testing the waters in Australia and attempt to gain a place in one of the best feature sprints in the world. The Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) remains the ultimate goal, however, Ormsby said with Master Fay’s relatively low rating of 80, he is in talks with Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper David Hegan to gauge the best options for his charge. “He is going to fly to Melbourne on the 25th (of February) and then we will assess what race we will have a go at,” Ormsby said. “He hasn’t got the highest rating yet, so whether he goes straight into those fields or he has to go over there and win a race at a lower grade. “We would like to have a go at the Newmarket, but it’s just whether or not he gets in with his rating. Hopefully being a last start Group 3 winner might sneak him in as I would like to have a crack at some of the bigger ones. “We are waiting on the handicapper to see whether he sneaks into that Newmarket, but there are plenty of other sprint races before the end of March that he can have a go at. If we are not looking like we are making those Group Ones we can change tack and try at one of those other sprint races.” Master Fay, who was originally purchased by Ormsby as a yearling before he was subsequently sold to Hong Kong as a juvenile, is undefeated in his three starts to date, having won his sole outing in Hong Kong before returning to Ormsby’s care, for whom he has won both starts this preparation. Ormsby is looking forward to campaigning Master Fay in Melbourne, and the magnitude of the opportunity has not been lost on the Waikato horseman. “I know there is plenty in-store for him going forward but we are trying to get him over there and give him a taste of it,” he said. “I have been doing this game a long time and it is not often I come across a horse like this. We are pretty excited to go over and have a go. “He is not going to lack any of the ability. It is still only early days for him, it is his first prep back from Hong Kong. “It is pretty exciting to think that we might be able to have a go at a Group 1 in Australia in his first prep.” Horse racing news View the full article

Molly Bloom winning the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Scott Eagleton might not have had the best seat in the house to watch Molly Bloom’s latest success, but it didn’t detract from the satisfaction derived from the star filly’s return to winning ways. The Seaton Park principal bred and sold the high-class daughter of Ace High whose victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa may have been her final appearance in New Zealand. “It was another huge result for the farm, even though we couldn’t get there,” Eagleton said. “We were on a horse trek (at Katikati) and in the middle of the bush trying to watch the race on the phone. “It was a huge thrill after the way the Karaka Millions ($1.5 million, 1600m) panned out for her, and it was nice to see her bounce back. “It all continues to help the pedigree as she’s the first foal out of the mare, so it was great stuff.” Molly Bloom was purchased out of Seaton Park’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft by trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott for $150,000. She has now won four of her eight starts, including the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). High-profile Australian owner Ozzie Kheir bought into the ownership group of the filly ahead of her Te Rapa success and she will remain with Wexford Stables for the remainder of her three-year-old preparation. She is likely to chase Australian black-type with potential targets including the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney and the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) in Brisbane before she joins a yet to be decided Australian stable. Molly Bloom is out of the Iffraaj mare Dancilla, a half-sister to the dual Group 3 winner Decorah from the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Rough Habit. “Dancilla was born here and was owned and raced by Alan and Colleen Jackson, who were one of my very first clients,” Eagleton said. “Alan was slowly but surely phasing down his breeding operation and said to me ‘what am I going to do with her?’ and I said I’ll take her, so he effectively gifted her to me.” Dancilla was a one-race winner before a setback forced her retirement and was sent to High Chaparral’s son Ace High for her first covering. “I had bought a share in Ace High and really liked the fact that he had won his Group 1s as a spring three-year-old and loved the sire line, it made sense,” Eagleton said. “When the foal was born, she was one of the tidiest I had bred and just stood out in the paddock. “We took the full sister to Karaka last year, she is much bigger and was in Book 1 and failed to get a bid so we have retained her and she’s with Fraser Auret at Marton. “The reason being is that the other two directors in the company, my stepfather and uncle Gary and Alan Thomas, are accountants in Taihape where I grew up and it’s nice to keep them involved. “They love their racing and can go and see her and with Molly going so well it keeps it all ticking over nicely.” Molly Bloom currently heads the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year series and Eagleton is hoping she can hang on to her lead. “Hopefully, she has done enough to be the Filly of the Year and further the family,” he said. “Dancilla was in foal last season to Proisir, but unfortunately absorbed and she’s in foal now to Contributer so it’s all really exciting.” Horse racing news View the full article

Naxos (centre) winning at Tauranga on Sunday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) It was a day of doubles for Ballymore Stables and owner Sir Peter Vela, of Pencarrow Stud, at Tauranga on Sunday, with the pair combining to score in the Pure Lighting Maiden (1200m) with debutant Naxos. The three-year-old son of Harry Angel was having her first raceday start and first public outing since finishing third in a close three-way finish in his 850m heat at Te Awamutu in December. While he came off third best in that contest, he wasn’t to be outdone in another close finish in his first raceday appearance. After settling in the trail behind leader My Girl Candy, jockey Billy Jacobsen had to navigate Naxos three-wide to find clear running room when My Girl Candy began to tire when turning for home. Naxos continued to lift and hit the front in the final 50m and held on to score by a long head over Grand Cru, with a further half head back to Letsbringthebling in third. “It was good to finally get him to the races, after taking him to Hastings (last month) and having the meeting abandoned, and we’d been waiting for a race to suit him,” said Pam Gerard, who trains in partnership with Michael Moroney. “He’d come such a long way in this preparation and now looks like a racehorse – has the right attitude to want to be out there and try, and I thought he could be thereabouts if everything went his way. “Billy (Jacobson) gave him a beautiful trip and the horse does everything right, likes to be competitive, honest, and tries hard.” Jacobsen was just as pleased with the winning performance after being impressed with the gelding at the trials. “I knew coming into the straight that I had a good shout, he gave me a nice kick, and held on well,” he said. “Pam’s done a great job with him. At the trials he showed me a bit, so I fancied him from there and rode him positively. “It was a tight finish, but we were in for the fight, and he proved the best in winning.” Naxos made it consecutive wins for Sir Peter Vela after Bonifleur won the STE Industrial Electrical Maiden (1200m) for trainer Paul Richards. Sir Peter Vela’s racing manager Garry Cossey was trackside to witness the winning double. “Paul (Richards) told me the first winner for Sir Peter, Bonifleur, probably could have done with another trial, but she got away with it and looked professional, so it’ very pleasing to get a double,” Cossey said. “Sir Peter will be very pleased with getting a double on the day at Tauranga, and we’re very pleased with the way the horses are being prepared and the feedback we get. “I spoke with Pam after Naxos trialled, trying to find somewhere he’d be competitive. They were patient and found a lovely race at Hastings, and they were called off which was frustrating, but we’ve been rewarded today. It just goes to show that there’s always something around the corner. “She placed him very well and had a good handle on him.” Ballymore secured a double of their own when Madame La Fay took out the last event on the eight-race card, the Tauranga Crossing Fashions In The Field 1600. “She’s held her condition right through this campaign,” Gerard said. “If it wasn’t for striking a few wet tracks and a jockey losing his stick at a vital stage, she probably should have won a couple more times.” Horse racing news View the full article

Vera Rose will head to next month’s Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Tony Pike’s classy pair of Harlow Rocks and Vera Rose put their hands up for loftier targets after playing the bridesmaid role at Te Rapa on Saturday. Harlow Rocks, a daughter of Roc De Cambes, had shown early promise including a strong maiden victory in late November, before a switch to the right-handed track at Pukekohe was not to her liking in a first attempt at black-type on Boxing Day. Cambridge-based Pike opted to scratch the filly from the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) in deteriorating New Plymouth conditions on February 3 in favour of contesting several headliners of the three-year-old fillies’ ranks in the Group 2 Fillies’ Classic (2000m). Starting a $35 outside chance, Harlow Rocks was ridden positively out of barrier three by Ryan Elliot and took up the pace making role. She remained in the leading position to the 200m mark, fighting bravely to be surpassed only by Molly Bloom in the closing stages, with a further 1-1/2 lengths to Livid Sky in third. “I was very pleased with her, she’s a filly we’ve really liked and she’s kept improving all the way through this preparation,” Pike said. “We had scratched her off the wet track at New Plymouth the week before which was the easier race, it was a very strong field on Saturday with high-quality fillies and she really put her hand up. “She’s a lot better left-handed, she got quite awkward last start at Pukekohe going right-handed, so we were reasonably confident we would see an improved run back left-handed at Te Rapa.” Following Saturday’s performance, the Oaks Stud-bred and owned filly shortened into $12 in a widening futures market for the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Pike indicating the Trentham feature now being her main target. “She looks like she’ll stay, so at this stage she’ll progress through to the Lowland Stakes (Group 2, 2100m) at Hastings on the 28th, and all going well, she’ll progress onto the Oaks.” Another representing Dick Karreman’s Cambridge nursery was Vera Rose, the tough Fiorente filly finishing a highly-creditable third in the inaugural $350,000 Karapiro Classic (1600m) later on the Te Rapa card. In the hands of new Swedish arrival Per-Anders Graberg, Vera Rose tracked eventual second-placegetter Hasstobeawinner throughout on the fence before maintaining a solid sprint to the post, the pair only denied late in a sensational late dash by Wallen. “We decided to leave her at the mile again, as well as being the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic for the first time, we wanted to support the race with great prizemoney on offer,” Pike said. “She was given a great trip by Per-Anders, it was a big run against some seasoned older horses.” The filly also holds a nomination for the Oaks on March 16, but Pike will test her staying abilities first in the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie on March 2. “She’s definitely heading the right way, but it’s a bit of a question mark whether she’ll stay. Being by Fiorente (former Melbourne Cup winner), she should, but she’s out of quite a fast family. “We’ll probably head to the Sunline Vase next, that will tell us if she’ll get the Oaks trip or not. If not, there will probably be some nice options for her in Australia as well, back in trip slightly.” Pike will head to Ellerslie on Saturday with a talented team, including consistent four-year-olds Rudyard and Churchillian, the latter returning after a brief fresh-up following her Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) triumph at Trentham in mid-January. A son of Charm Spirit, Rudyard topped five top-four finishes this campaign with a third-placing behind Group 1-winning pair Desert Lightning and Legarto in the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) on Karaka Millions Night. Both horses will contest the Open 1500m on Saturday, with the Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) a potential aim for Rudyard, while an attempt at Group 1 level next month may arise for Churchillian. “If she keeps stepping up, we may give her a chance at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Group 1, 1600m) at Te Aroha,” he said. Pike will also have two representatives in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) with High Country and City Gold Ready, both geldings potential hopes for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on March 2. “They both look like nice staying three-year-olds in good form, so they’ll head to the Guineas,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Randwick-Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, February 14, 2024 First Race 2.20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to the Kensington circuit at Randwick on Wednesday afternoon for a competitive seven-race program. The rail is out +5m for the entire circuit, and with scattered showers predicted in the lead-up, the Soft 5 rating at the time of writing should hold. The opening event is set to get underway at 2:20pm AEDT. Best Bet: Xidaki Xidaki has found the minor money in all four career starts and now gets the ultimate opportunity to finally break his maiden. The son of Zoustar has simply found one better in his two most recent starts, his latest being a nose behind a gallant Ironton at this course on January 31. He draws to get a soft run in transit, and with the 1400m an optimal trip for Xidaki, he can finally jag his first win for the Snowden team. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Xidaki (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Kerrin McEvoy (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best: Chateau Miraval Chateau Miraval makes her debut for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yard on the back of two eye-catching barrier trials. She was cruising through the wire in her latest jump-out at Warwick Farm on January 30, holding off all challengers when asked by Adam Hyeronimus. Tim Clark gets the nod on Wednesday and will look to employ front-running tactics from gate six, which will make Chateau Miraval hard to chase down. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Chateau Miraval (6) 2yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (55kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again: Balkans Balkans makes his return in BM72 grade on the back of two barrier trials and a gelding operation. The Godolphin runner was a two-time winner before heading to the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m), where he was no match for the likes of King’s Gambit on October 7. His trials since appear to have the son of Lonhro ticking over nicely, and with a bit more focus and maturity on his side, Balkans can be competitive in the penultimate. Next Best Again Race 6 – #7 Balkans (4) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Wednesday quaddie tips for Randwick-Kensington races Randwick-Kensington quadrella selections Wednesday, February 14, 2024 1-9 2-3-7-8 1-2-7-8-9 2-3-5-6-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jonny Turner’s selections for Wairio Race Jonny Turner Racing Journalist Race 1 12.55pm 4 Ukraine 2 Music Mistress 1 Duchess Of Kent 5 Wild East Race 2 1.20pm 4 Dignify 1 Quercus Rubra 3 Wattle Hill 5 Our Superfund Race 3 1.48pm 2 Gunner Andy 11 Frankie 5 On Top Of The World 3 Oh Micky Race 4 2.19pm 1 Nek Delight 9 Warrior Easton 4 Sherwood Maggie 12 Olives Dream Race 5 2.59pm 3 Blithe 6 Bill Bootit 2 Night Watch 5 Switch On Race 6 3.30pm 8 Miraculous 7 Song Sung Blue 6 Built For Glory 1 Jaccka Evan Race 7 3.51pm 5 Vanessa Marie 3 Zamperini 2 La Bamba 7 Shuffle Up Race 8 4.19pm 5 Tartan Raider 4 Haley Robyn 10 Sinai Sermon 2 Jenny Gump Race 9 4.53pm 5 Ruby Roe 1 Misty Blue 6 All You Need is Me 7 Flying Ellie Race 10 5.23pm 7 Tact McLeod 8 Sand Wave 3 He’s A Meister 4 Deceptive Lee Race 11 5.53pm 6 Itoje 4 Beach Flybye 1 Micaitlen Denario 10 Teddy Baker Race 12 6.21pm 6 Bizzie Lou 10 Beach Day 4 Westar Molly 12 Magnetic Beckers View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Winton. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Tuesday, February 13, 2024 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to Hawkesbury on Tuesday afternoon for a quickfire seven-race program kicking off at 1:50pm AEDT. Despite some improving conditions on the forecast, the track rating is expected to sit in the Soft range. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit and should play fairly throughout. Best Bet: Countyourblessings Countyourblessings couldn’t have been more impressive when breaking her maiden first-up at Goulburn on January 30. The John O’Shea-trained filly did it comfortably, pulling away from her rivals to win by 1.7 lengths. She should get similar favours in the run on Tuesday afternoon, and with Chad Schofield electing to stick in the saddle, it gives us confidence Countyourblessings can replicate her first-up romp. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Countyourblessings (2) 3yo Filly | T: John O’Shea | J: Chad Schofield (58.5kg) +150 with PlayUp Next Best: Diddle Dumpling Diddle Dumpling looks prepared for a debut assault for the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou barn after a fantastic piece of work at this course on February 1. The daughter of Deep Field led all the way in that jump-out and did it under her own steam with very little urging by Jean Van Overmiere. With the experienced Kerrin McEvoy taking the reins for race-day, Diddle Dumpling will prove hard to chase down when asked for the ultimate effort. Next Best Race 1 – #5 Diddle Dumpling (6) 2yo Filly | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Kerrin McEvoy (55kg) +180 with Bet365 Best Value: Rose Code Rose Code has produced two eye-catching barrier trials heading into her debut. The three-year-old Godolphin filly appeared sharp when coasting through the wire in her most recent jump-out at Hawkesbury on February 1, barely asked to make inroads under the in-form Zac Lloyd. She should get a lovely run just behind the speed in this maiden contest and should be in the mix when the whips are cracking, so it is hard to ignore the price on offer with the top online bookies. Best Value Race 5 – #11 Rose Code (6) 3yo Fillet | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57kg) +700 with Neds Tuesday Hawkesbury quaddie tips – 13/2/2024 Hawkesbury quadrella selections Tuesday, February 13, 2024 1-2-3-5-7-9-13 1-5-10-11-12 1-3-4-12 1-7-8-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The farm noted, "The condition came on suddenly & was unrelated to his retirement. Despite immediate veterinary (intervention) his condition deteriorated to a point where we were unable to keep him comfortable. He will be greatly missed."View the full article

Maymun left eyes widened three weeks ago when he scored a 7 1/2-length maiden victory. Wheeling back against first-level allowance company, and facing a salty stablemate in Imagination, the colt delivered another winning performance on Feb. 11. View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, February 12 will feature two meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Sha Tin (HK). Monday Racing Tips – February 12, 2024 Sha Tin Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 12, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Sghirripa ridden by Craig Newitt wins the Standish Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Sghirripa, the emerging South Australian sprinter sired by Lonhro, is primed for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate following a convincing victory in a 1000m barrier trial at Morphettville last week. Trained by Shane and Cassie Oxlade, the four-year-old has demonstrated his potential by winning four of his previous five outings, including a notable triumph in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m). “Kayla (Crowther, jockey) was happy, he did what he had to do,” Shane Oxlade said of Sghrippa’s trial. “He had seven or eight days in the paddock and had a bit of evens and then a half-mile gallop by himself, so it was to get him moving again and gives me a few weeks to do a bit more with him. “He had a blow but not a big blow, so he pulled up pretty good.” Expressing confidence in Sghirripa’s potential, Oxlade remarked, “You can rate a horse but then they have to show you they are that good, and you’ve got to get them there, and so far we’ve been able to do that. “He has to take the next step, but I don’t think there’s any issues that he will. “I am pretty happy and getting pretty excited to get to these races.” Horse racing news View the full article