Wandering Eyes

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

Cylinder will return in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning or the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in the coming weeks. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) James Cummings is contemplating Cylinder’s next move after the colt’s impressive jump-out at Flemington on Friday, weighing up the options of either sending him to Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes or aiming for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following week. The son of Exceed And Excel displayed a strong performance, leaving the gates smoothly and comfortably striding alongside The Astrologist before hitting the line together. Cummings expressed his satisfaction, stating, “There are good trials, and there are good trials, and I think this was one of those,” Cummings said of Cylinder. “It was beautiful work, he just popped away nicely, his last 400 metres was excellent. “Stylish work against an older horse who’s up and fit in The Astrologist. Only a small heat, Espiona also appeared to be travelling well.” Highlighting the significance of winning a Group 1, Cummings emphasized, “It has to be of paramount importance to his career, but he’s a really exciting horse and he’s placed in some of the big races already. “It’ll be great to see him advance again and that’s what he’ll need to be doing to be beating the older horses this prep. “He’ll get his opportunity … whether we kick him off in the Lightning or the Oakleigh Plate might just depend on how we feel about the horse next week. “If he does line up in the Lightning, he’ll be running well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Bella Nipotina will return to the racetrack in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes on Saturday. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher has expressed his excitement as Bella Nipotina, the six-year-old mare sired by Pride Of Dubai, gears up for her upcoming campaign, starting with Saturday’s Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. The talented mare, who spends most of her time at Maher’s Fingal property on the Mornington Peninsula, showcased her form by finishing second in a Cranbourne trial over 800 metres last week. Reflecting on Bella Nipotina’s preparations, Maher revealed, “She was trained at a farm when she was in Sydney when she beat the Joe Pride horses (Private Eye and Think About). “She was trained on the beach up there and she trains down at Fingal, which is our beach place down here. “She likes that softer environment. “She ran a slashing race last year and she’s just an honest mare. “I’m rapt with her. She looks as good as she ever has, if not better and she trialled up pretty well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Aurora’s Symphony claimed the Group 3 Hobart Cup on Sunday afternoon. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Aurora’s Symphony, trained by Symon Wilde, clinched yet another cup victory in Tasmania by triumphing in yesterday’s Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m). The seven-year-old gelding, sired by Glass Harmonium out of Aurora’s Hot by Fantastic Light, showcased his dominance once more, adding to his previous wins in the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) in 2022 and 2023, as well as consecutive triumphs in the Colac Cup (2000m). Aurora’s Symphony asserted his superiority by a comfortable margin of two and three-quarter lengths over Wyclif, with Grand Pierro just a nose further behind in third place. “It worked out perfectly for us, there was really good speed early, we were able to get into a nice spot just off the fence when passing the winning post for the first time,” jockey Jordan Childs said post-race. “He got into a lovely rhythm and from the 600 metres I was able to build into it and once I let him go he really quickened up well. “Simon and the team have certainly got this horse flying.” Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, February 12. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for February 12, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 25% Boosted Winnings All Races at Bathurst & Geraldton 25% Boosted Winnings in Bonus Cash. Max bonus $250. First bet only (including SRM). Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Neds Toolbox Check your Neds Account for Price Boosts, Bet Backs, Back Ups & much more. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for February 12, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimize your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Jess's Dream (Curlin), the first foal out of Hall of Fame mare Rachel Alexandra, succumbed to laminitis Sunday. The news, reported by Stonestreet Farm, was posted to social media. A maiden special weight winner and 'TDN Rising Star' at Saratoga in his first and only start, Jess's Dream entered stud in 2017 and stood for several years at Ocala Stud in Florida. From 240 foals of racing age, he sired 100 winners. He was pensioned from stud for reasons unrelated to the laminitis in Oct. 2023 and was being pointed towards a third career under saddle as a track pony for Stonestreet Farm. His progeny include Suncoast S. winner Dreaming of Snow and stakes winners Beth's Dream and Intrepid Daydream. This story will be updated. We are saddened to share that we lost Jess's Dream to laminitis. The condition came on suddenly & was unrelated to his retirement. Despite immediate veterinary invention his condition deteriorated to a point where we were unable to keep him comfortable. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/SMhVXdCAGU — Stonestreet (@StonestreetFarm) February 11, 2024 The post Jess’s Dream, Son Of Rachel Alexandra, Succumbs To Laminitis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $150,000 Royal Delta Stakes (G3) headlines Gulfstream's Feb. 17 race card, the 1 1/16-mile dirt test will have Honor D Lady breaking from slot six for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who will saddle three others in the race.View the full article

Senor Buscador, who finished a neck behind National Treasure while running second in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 27, breezed four furlongs Feb. 11 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article