Wandering Eyes

Kylie Hoskin is hoping she has the luck of the Irish at Te Rapa on Saturday, having secured expat Samantha Wynne to ride Zaila (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m). With the jockey ranks thin on the ground at present, Hoskin was struggling to find a lightweight rider for Zaila’s 53kg impost, so took her search to the South Island to secure one. “We were struggling to get a jockey at that weight and Zaila’s owner came up with the idea of asking Sam Wynne, so I gave her a call and she was really excited to come up. We are grateful to have her onboard,” Hoskin said. Zaila was a last start fourth in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) after posting a second and first in her previous two starts, and TAB bookmakers have installed her as a $4.20 favourite for Saturday’s feature. “I said to her (Wynne) that she will probably go out favourite so no pressure, and Sam said ‘pressure is for tyres’,” Hoskin quipped. Zaila will jump from barrier four and Hoskin said she couldn’t be happier with her charge ahead of Saturday. “I am super happy with her – she is bright, fit and ready to go,” she said. “It is the perfect draw for her, I am really happy.” Hoskin will also line-up Chase ‘N’ Gold (NZ) (Belardo) in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers Championship Qualifier (2400m), with the son of Belardo vying for a berth in the Boxing Day contest. “Chase ‘N’ Gold is in the stayers’ race, we are just trying to get a few more points for the Dunstan Stayers’ final,” Hoskin said. “He is working well, I am really happy with him. There is a slight query with Te Rapa, he hasn’t run in the money there yet, but I am hopefully of a good run. “Billy Jacobson, who rode him at his last start, was pretty keen to stick with him, so hopefully we can make it his first winner.” View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, December 3, 2023 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing moves to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon for a competitive 10-race program from 1pm local time. There’s a mixture of all-weather and turf races lined up, with the rail moving into the C+3 position for all turf contests in order to protect the inside ground ahead of the Hong Kong International Races next Sunday. Warm conditions with no rain forecast over the weekend should keep the track at a Good 4 rating. Best Bet: Greenwich Greenwich makes his way to the Sha Tin all-weather circuit for the first time, and although he’s never seen race conditions on the surface, his trial suggests he will relish the opportunity. He had a jump-out on November 24 with Zac Purton making every post winner aboard the son of War Decree, scoring by a comfortable 1.3 lengths. He drops into Class 4 company for this 1200m event, and with gate one to aid his cause, Greenwich will take some chasing down. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Greenwich (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: Ka Ying Cheer Ka Ying Cheer is putting together a promising resume in his first Hong Kong campaign, with three starts for a win and two minor placings. He managed a third-place finish in his latest attempt in Class 3 despite being forced to chase, which didn’t suit the four-year-old frontrunner. He is drawn wide in this race, but provided Angus Chung can get across to lead on the rail, Ka Ying Cheer will give followers a bold sight. Next Best Race 9 – #1 Ka Ying Cheer (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Angus Chung (a2.5kg) (61kg) Bet with Unibet Best Value: Awesome Fluke Formerly known as Awesome John in Australia, Awesome Fluke will make his Hong Kong debut for the Caspar Fownes barn. His form prior to heading overseas was quite strong, with the son of Awesome Rock winning the Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m) at Ascot on April 8. First-up over 1400m may not be grand final day, with the Four-Year-Old Classic Series the likely target; however, Awesome Fluke has shown enough at the trials to warrant an each-way play. Best Value Race 10 – #1 Awesome Fluke (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Harry Coffey (54kg) Bet with Betfair Sha Tin Sunday quaddie tips – 3/12/2023 Hong Kong quadrella selections Sunday, December 3, 2023 1-2-4-5-6 1-8-9-11-13 1-6 1-3-4-5-11 More horse racing tips View the full article

What Armidale Cup Day Where Armidale Jockey Club – Barney St, Armidale NSW 2350 When Sunday, December 3, 2023 First Race 12:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble The $60,000 Armidale Cup (1900m) headlines a competitive eight-race program in the NSW’s Northern Tablelands on Sunday afternoon. The rail sits in the true position for the entire circuit, and with improving conditions forecast across the weekend, an upgrade from the current Soft 6 track rating is expected. The opening race at Armidale is set to get underway at 12:50pm AEDT. Armidale Cup Tip: Galaxy Belle Galaxy Belle brings the highest rating to the 2023 Armidale Cup, and provided the Kris Lees team sends her that way, she must be considered the one to beat. The daughter of Redwood has been crying out for more distance and gets to the 1900m for the first time this preparation after a terrific performance at Rosehill on November 15 where she closed off nicely behind an airborne Miss Hades. Galaxy Belle only needs to hold that form to secure victory in the feature. Armidale Cup Race 7 – #2 Galaxy Belle (8) 6yo Mare | T: Kris Lees | J: Aaron Bullock (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Bet at Armidale: Golden Point Golden Point makes his return from a lengthy 436-day spell in the Armidale Newmarket Handicap (1100m) and looks set to make an impression in the sprinting feature. The gelding by Bull Point went amiss towards the end of last preparation but appears to be much-improved based on his latest barrier trial at this course on November 12. He has a class edge on most of his opposition, and despite a long time off the scene, it would be shocking if Golden Point didn’t figure in this. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Golden Point (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Stirling Osland | J: Mikayla Weir (57kg) Bet with Betfair Next Best Bet: Evasive Nature Evasive Nature only had one start last preparation before being tipped out for a spell, but we like what we saw from the son of Rubick. On July 11, he held a stalking position behind Darkley but was unable to match motors with the winner, going down by three lengths. The blinkers go on for the first time, showing plenty of intent from the Brett Cavanough barn. After a terrific jump-out at Scone on November 22, Evasive Nature looks ready to peak. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Evasive Nature (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Braith Nock (a2kg) (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Armidale Cup Day quaddie tips – 3/12/2023 Armidale quadrella selections Sunday, December 3, 2023 4-5 2-8 1-2-3-6 2-3-6-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Highly-experienced NT jockey Paul Denton, a star in Alice Springs and Darwin for the past 40 years, is turning 60 and will ride the Kerry Petrick-trained Zoutellus in the race name in his honour at Pioneer Park on Saturday. It will be a special occasion on Saturday when the Alice Springs Turf Club honours jockey Paul “Dash” Denton and trainer Rene Taylor. Denton, who has spent 40 years riding in the NT, is celebrating his 60th birthday and the second race on the five-event program at Pioneer Park has been named after him. Kick-starting his career in Adelaide in 1979, Denton – who has also ridden in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and WA – had his first ride in the NT on January 1, 1983, in Alice Springs and currently sits on 1263 career wins. Taylor started her training career in 2020, but is sadly recuperating following surgery in Adelaide after injuring her back when dislodged from a horse on November 20, and the last race on Saturday has been named after her. Denton has had a successful NT career, winning every major race – he booted Anphina home in the NT Derby (2050m) in July for trainer Kerry Petrick during the Darwin Cup Carnival. He will partner Petrick’s Zoutellus in his race and is booked to ride Petrick’s Real Divine and Flash Fiorente, as well as Lisa Whittle’s The Chaplain, this weekend. Taylor, who has three horses in work, was working a horse along the banks of the Todd River behind the stable block located along Pioneer Park’s back straight when she had her accident. With the help of Whittle, fellow trainer Carrol Hunter, and the ASTC, Taylor’s Tycoons Dior features in the opening race under the injured trainer’s name. “There’s really no way to describe Paul’s impact on NT racing,” interim Alice Springs race-caller Shane Green said. “He’s just a terrific fellow, a gentlemen, good company, very affable and approachable – I can’t speak highly enough of Paul Denton. “He’s a wonderful rider – that was evident last week when he went up on Throw At Da Stumps and served it up to the in-form Red Wraith. “Paul realised early that if he let Sonja Logan and Red Wraith have a soft run in front then it would just win, so he was quick to get up outside them and apply a heap of pressure. “That proved to be a winning move – that was the experience of Dash coming to the fore. “Rene, a long-time Alice Springs racing participant, had a nasty accident when she came off a young horse that she was educating. “We’re all wishing Rene the very best. “Hopefully, Paul and Rene can both get a win on Saturday.” Looking at Saturday’s meeting, Green’s best are Ginger Creek (Race 2) and Great Buy (Race 4). “Ginger Creek has had two runs back from a spell,” he said. “Looked a little fat first up, but for its third run back he should be cherry ripe and good to go. “Great Buy is going tremendously at the moment. “He used to race in Victoria as Yulong Savings, but he’s now come to the Territory as Great Buy and he’s really hit his straps for the Terry Gillett stable. “I think Real Divine can win the opening race – he was good first up last weekend when he ran fifth and if he has taken no harm he’ll be hard to beat. “Macer’s Razor is racing well and can most certainly win the maiden. “Took on some big guns two starts ago and was only beaten by four and a half lengths when third behind Supreme Times, who is an outstanding galloper. “We’ll see Supreme Times go around on the weekend against Great Buy. “Iknowhatyouredoing is a big hope in the last – he’s the top weight, but he’s a quality horse. “I was a bit concerned first up in October following his Darwin campaign when he got way out the back. “You wouldn’t have shot him with a 303 at the 600m mark, but he picked up ground late and with that run under his belt he should improve.” Green, the Pioneer Park race-caller from 2006-2017, will continue to assist the ASTC until they find a permanent replacement for Dylan Bairstow. “Dylan vacated the position at the end of the Carnival this year and relocated back to WA where he has taken up a role as one of the prime country race-callers,” Green said. “He’s also taken over the training role from his father Mark, the former Geelong captain. “I’m happy to fill in, but I’m in Darwin where I’m working – the lifestyle is too good up here. “Chris Edwards called three or four meetings a couple of months ago, but decided the Alice Springs lifestyle wasn’t for him. “There was a guy from Queensland who was thinking about coming over, but he also pulled the pin. “Anybody that thinks they can call a race – of course you’ve got to have some ability – get in touch with the ASTC as they’re absolutely on the look out for a race-caller.” More horse racing news View the full article

Chad Brown has shipped in to win five of the last six runnings of the Matriarch and has four for this year's edition vs. three from local turf leader Phil D'Amato.View the full article

Frawley, ridden by Beau Mertens, wins at Geelong Racecourse. (Photo: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Summer is finally here, the Group 1 races for another year are coming to an end, the anticipation is building towards a summer of cricket, and the beers become more enticing earlier and earlier on a Friday. However, the team at Punt Drunk is still working hard and has found a couple of eye-catching pieces to keep us busy. ‘Spud’ Frawley gets the W at Geelong It isn’t very often a Geelong maiden win takes top billing in Punt Drunk, but when a horse named after the late, great Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley gets up, we sit up and take notice. Danny’s sister Anne believes the AFL champion was up there riding him after the colt named in his honour recorded an emotional debut win at Geelong on Thursday. A special debut victory by Frawley at Geelong Spud would be pumping his golden fist pic.twitter.com/edCKArta7c — Racing.com (@Racing) November 30, 2023 Frawley joins the list of former AFL players with horses named after them to win in 2023. Capper Thirtynine and Bews are among those to have won, with Bews and Frawley both part of Anthony Mithen’s Rosemont Stud. Led by Mithen, the Alliance has named its horses after several former AFL stars, with Mithen explaining that they had to wait a year before they could name a horse after the former St Kilda great. Here’s hoping ‘Spud’ Frawley can keep the wins coming; he’s going to have a good support group at each start, that’s for sure. BANG! Land’s End clearly isn’t a Punting Paradise Land’s End, a little tourist spot in Cornwall, England, is clearly not a paradise for punters. That’s judging by this young bloke at the Cheltenham races. Betting on number 2 every time because you thought it was the same horse that was beating everyone You’ve gotta love these lads enjoying their first day at the races pic.twitter.com/QL0HE0AUU1 — Raceday RTV (@Raceday_RTV) November 30, 2023 The young chap was having his first day at the races and thought the same horses ran in every race… The no.2 horse had won the first two races by the sound of things, so he just kept backing the no.2 thinking it was the same runner. Oh boy, have you ever had a mate that has embarrassed you this much at the races? Let us know in the comments below. Blue Diamond winner off to Hong Kong Little Brose has not done too much since claiming the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) earlier this year. In four runs this spring, the Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trainer runner finished with one placing and was comfortably beaten each time. Watch Little Brose win the 2023 Blue Diamond Stakes He will now head to Hong Kong, under the care of David Hayes. The question is: can Little Brose overcome the ‘Blue Diamond Curse’? The curse is that once you win a Blue Diamond, you struggle to make too much of an impact on the racetrack before heading to stud. It’s a wait-and-see scenario, but if anyone can turn his fortunes around, it is David Hayes. About Punt Drunk Welcome to Punt Drunk – our weekly column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump… If you have any stories that you want our Punt Drunk Team to cover or just want to say G’day send us a message on: More horse racing news View the full article

What Jericho Cup Day 2023 Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2-64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Sunday, December 3, 2023 First Race 12:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble The time-honoured Jericho Cup (4600m) headlines a bumper nine-race card at Warrnambool on Sunday afternoon. A capacity field of 14 has accepted for Australia’s longest flat race, where $304,000 is on the line for the high-weight stayers. A perfect day for racing is forecast, and with the track already a Good 4 and the rail in the true position, every runner will get their chance. Jericho Cup Day is set to get underway at 12:35pm AEDT. Jericho Cup Top Tip: Prismatic Despite being beaten by 4.3 lengths in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m), the Mark Walker-trained Prismatic was impressive through the line. He is clearly the best horse in the field and carries the topweight of 70kg, rising a whopping 17kg while stepping up some 17kg at the scales. However, from barrier two under Chris McCarthy, the five-year-old gelding will be given every chance to succeed in the feature. As long as he can handle the weight, Prismatic should have no issue seeing out the trip. Jericho Cup Race 8 – #1 Prismatic (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Mark Walker | J: Chris McCarthy (70kg) +750 with Neds Best Bet at Warrnambool: Grassmere Jewel A winner of four races from six starts, the Adam Chambers-trained Grassmere Jewel gave her rivals no chance when leading throughout over 1100m at Hamilton on November 10. The race was just her second start back from a long injury layoff, so she should only improve as she steps up to the 1200m. The Atomic mare has won both of her starts at the trip, and from barrier four under Brad Rawiller, she should have no issue finding the rail and dictating terms throughout — even with the big weight. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Grassmere Jewel (4) 4yo Mare | T: Adam Chambers | J: Brad Rawiller (62kg) +150 with Picklebet Next Best at Warrnambool: Cape Doctor In the closer, the Symon Wilde-trained Cape Doctor will be looking to bounce back from his first career defeat. The four-year-old gelding won his first two starts at Warrnambool over 1300m and 1400m before finishing third, beaten a half-length, at Ballarat on November 15. He threw away that last race when laying in at a crucial point, but the way he ran on suggested he has a bit of class about him. Linda Meech will have this son of Trust In A Gust in a gun spot midfield with cover, and with a well-timed sprint, it is hard to see how Cape Doctor gets beaten. Next Best Race 9 – #2 Cape Doctor (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Linda Meech (61.5kg) +150 with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Warrnambool races Warrnambool quadrella selections Sunday, December 3, 2023 1-2 1-4-8-9 1-2-5-7-9-10 1-2-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Nassak Diamond will contest the prestigious Jericho Cup (4600m) contest at Warrnambool on Sunday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie has crossed the Tasman for a second tilt at the Jericho Cup (4600m) at Warrnambool on Sunday, four years on from a highly creditable first attempt. Ritchie saddled Where Are You to finish third at double-figure odds in the 2019 running of the A$300,000 showpiece, which was established in 2018 to commemorate light horse involvement in World War I and is restricted to horses bred in Australia and New Zealand. Four of the first five winners of the race have been New Zealand-bred, but it has not yet been won by a horse trained in New Zealand. Kevin Myers came the closest with Botti 12 months ago, finishing second behind expat Kiwi trainer John Sargent’s Bastida. Ritchie and his training partner Colm Murray will attempt to go one better on Sunday when they line up Nassak Diamond in the gruelling staying test. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Nassak Diamond heads into the race as the winner of three of her 21 career starts. The daughter of Roc De Cambes scored a runaway five-length win at New Plymouth in September, which secured her a spot in Sunday’s field. “She’s been over here for about 10 days now and has handled everything brilliantly,” Ritchie said. “We followed a similar formula when we brought Where Are You across for the race a few years ago – fly them across about 10 days out from the race, then give them a couple of gallops around Warrnambool to familiarise them with the joint. “She’s settled in beautifully and is looking very good. I don’t know if we’ve ever had her coat as good as it as at the moment.” Nassak Diamond will be ridden by Campbell Rawiller and is rated a $12 chance. “Where Are You was probably a 50-to-one chance when she came over for the race, and she produced a terrific performance to run third,” Ritchie said. “It gave me a bit of confidence that we could potentially aim to bring a better horse over in future years and have a really good crack at winning it. “I do believe that Nassak Diamond is a stronger stayer and a better racehorse than Where Are You. Having said that, the race is really gaining momentum every year. It’s capturing people’s attention on both sides of the Tasman, and it seems like the field is getting stronger every year as a result of that. It’s becoming a harder race to win, and I have no doubt that in 10 years’ time it will be harder still. But I’m happy with the build-up that we’ve had. “The race is almost a mile further than anything she’s run in before. As trainers, we often worry about horses taking the step from 1600m to 2000m or from 2000m to 2400m, so it sounds funny that I’m not too worried about her going from 3200m up to 4600m. But a race as long as that is always going to be run at a much slower pace, and one of her best attributes is how well she relaxes during her races. “The most impressive part of her races is often the last 200m and then through and after the line, so I’m confident she’ll run the race out okay. “The only thing that I would have liked is a little bit more rain. They’ve had quite lot of it in various places all around us, but it’s just missed Warrnambool. It’s a little bit showery today though, and there’s a very good sole of grass on the track, so she shouldn’t have too much trouble with it.” Fellow Kiwi-trained runner Prismatic, from the Te Akau Racing stable of Mark Walker, will be ridden by Chris McCarthy and is on the fourth line of betting. The son of Savabeel was a last-start fifth placegetter in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). More horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Stephen Marsh. Photo: Race Images A busy Saturday afternoon is looming for Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, who has 19 runners entered across the Te Rapa and Wanganui meetings including strong chances in all four black-type events. The first feature race of the afternoon is the Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui, which has been moved later in the season this year after previously being run on the same day as the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1340m) in early September. The move has proven to be popular, with Saturday’s $80,000 race for three-year-old fillies drawing a strong field with no fewer than 11 winners. Marsh expects a bold showing from Glamour Tycoon, who heads into the race as a last-start maiden winner by three and a half lengths at Ruakaka on November 14. That was an overdue breakthrough for the Written Tycoon filly, who had placed in four of her six career starts before that. She was also a close fifth in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe, which later produced all of the first seven placegetters in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “She’s been running really good races all the way through her career,” Marsh said. “She put it all together at Ruakaka last time and got an impressive maiden win that she really deserved. “I think that win has given her a bit more confidence. She’s going really well and should be one of the main chances in that race.” The Fillies’ Stakes will be run 15 minutes before the first of the day’s black-type features at Te Rapa, where in-form gelding El Vencedor will tackle the metric mile for the first time in his career in the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m). The son of Shocking has been a two-time winner at 1200m and has scored three wins at 1400m. He has hardly put a foot wrong this spring, finishing third over 1400m at Ruakaka, fourth over 1300m on unsuitable heavy ground at Hastings, a close fourth in the Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings and a last-start second in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) at Pukekohe. “He’s going really well,” Marsh said. “I thought his last-start run was very good. He’s been working nicely and is in good order heading into what looks like a wide-open race on Saturday. “It’s his first time at 1600m, but we’ve given him a nice prep to get there. We’ve gradually stepped him up, 1400m to 1500m and now 1600m. I’d like to think it won’t be a problem for him.” Te Rapa’s second stakes race is the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial 3YO (1500m), where Marsh’s runner is the promising Sinhaman. Fourth and third in his first two starts, the Tivaci gelding scored a maiden win at the third time of asking at Rotorua on October 26. He then lined up in a Rating 65 against older opposition at Te Rapa, where he ran second and was beaten by a head. “It was a very nice win at Rotorua, but he just did a little bit wrong that day so we put blinkers on for his next start,” Marsh said. “He looked home for all money next time out at Te Rapa, but he might have just got to the front a little bit too soon and wavered a little bit. We’ll look to ride him slightly further back this time and aim to be a bit more patient. It’s a big step up in class, but I think he can be competitive.” Back at Wanganui, classy Waikato Stud homebred Mazzolino will make her middle-distance debut in the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m). Mazzolino is a full-sister to the multiple Group One winner Atishu. She has herself been a three-time winner including last season’s Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), and she brings good form into Saturday’s $80,000 feature. She finished third in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and a strong-finishing second in the Group 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m), then was blocked in the straight when a close seventh in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m). “She didn’t have much luck at Counties last time, but has come through it well,” Marsh said. “This is her first time up over ground. The way she’s been working, I think she’s ready to take that step.” More horse racing news View the full article

Zaila will contest the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Kylie Hoskin is hoping she has the luck of the Irish at Te Rapa on Saturday, having secured expat Samantha Wynne to ride Zaila in the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m). With the jockey ranks thin on the ground at present, Hoskin was struggling to find a lightweight rider for Zaila’s 53kg impost, so took her search to the South Island to secure one. “We were struggling to get a jockey at that weight and Zaila’s owner came up with the idea of asking Sam Wynne, so I gave her a call and she was really excited to come up. We are grateful to have her onboard,” Hoskin said. Zaila was a last start fourth in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) after posting a second and first in her previous two starts, and horse racing bookmakers have installed her as favourite for Saturday’s feature. “I said to her (Wynne) that she will probably go out favourite so no pressure, and Sam said ‘pressure is for tyres’,” Hoskin quipped. Zaila will jump from barrier four and Hoskin said she couldn’t be happier with her charge ahead of Saturday. “I am super happy with her – she is bright, fit and ready to go,” she said. “It is the perfect draw for her, I am really happy.” Hoskin will also line-up Chase ‘N’ Gold in the Stayers Championship Qualifier (2400m), with the son of Belardo vying for a berth in the Boxing Day contest. “Chase ‘N’ Gold is in the stayers’ race, we are just trying to get a few more points for the Dunstan Stayers’ final,” Hoskin said. “He is working well, I am really happy with him. There is a slight query with Te Rapa, he hasn’t run in the money there yet, but I am hopefully of a good run. “Billy Jacobson, who rode him at his last start, was pretty keen to stick with him, so hopefully we can make it his first winner.” More horse racing news View the full article

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel will lower the takeout rate on all Pick 4 and Pick 5 wagering pools from 25% to 12% beginning Wednesday, Dec. 13, according to a press release from the track. The new rate will be in effect through Feb. 24, when the season ends. The track offers an Early Pick 5 beginning with the first race each night and a Late Pick 5, which covers the final five races. The Early Pick 4 starts on the second race and the Late Pick 4 covers the final four races on the card. For more information about live racing at Delta Downs, click to visit the track's website at deltadowns.boydgaming.com. The post Pick 4 and Pick 5 Takeout at Delta Downs Drops to 12% appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australian analyst takes nothing seriously except assessing elite gallopers, including those contesting next weekend’s Hong Kong International RacesView the full article

Horse Racing on Friday, December 1 will feature nine meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Randwick-Kensington, Moonee Valley & Darwin. Friday Racing Tips – December 1, 2023 Randwick-Kensington Racing Tips Moonee Valley Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For December 1, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $68.07 odds return: Friday, December 1, 2023 Randwick-Kensington Race 2 – #1 Duke Of Lancaster Moonee Valley Race 6 – #4 Kailash Darwin Race 1 – #3 American Jazz Mount Gambier Race 5 – #2 Hasta La Prince | Copy this bet straight to your betslip 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 December 1, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Online bookmakers have released their racing promotions for Friday, December 1, including several great bonus back offers. The top Australian racing promotions for December 1, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Moonee Valley Races 1 & 2 – 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1 & 2 at Moonee Valley this Friday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. First Fixed win bet only. Neds T&C’s apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Moonee Valley Double Winnings – Races 51-4 Double Winning Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win bet only. Max Bonus $50. Picklebet T&C’s apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Moonee Valley Back any horse in any race at Moonee Valley, finish 2nd and get your bet back as a Bonus Bet. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Fixed odds win bets only. Minimum 6 runners. Limits apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Saturday Caulfield Race 8 Hot Bet $2 for either Vow And Declare, Muramasa or Deny Knowledge to win. Eligible clients only. Max bet $25. No multi’s, bonus bets or boosts. All horses must start. General PlayUp T&C’s apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Caulfield Saturday – Odds Surge Activate Odds Surge for bigger odds in ALL RACES at Caulfield this Saturday. One bet per race. Max Bet $100. Ladbrokes T&C’s apply. Login to Ladbrokes to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting has reviewed the top horse racing bookmakers in Australia and has unveiled exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials for Friday, December 1, 2023. These horse racing promotions persist almost daily, showcasing the commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker lacks a promotion, rest assured that another is presenting enticing promotional offers in the realm of gallops. HorseBetting.com.au is your go-to source for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses with the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s imperative to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers cater exclusively to existing customers. Accessing these special promotions and claiming the bookmaker’s offers requires logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting offers a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay informed, stay strategic, and make the most of your horse racing experience with these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

The $100,000 Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3T), for 2-year-old fillies going one-mile on the turf, drew a field of 11 evenly matched juveniles Dec. 2 at Del Mar.View the full article

Owner Rick Dawson has changed his mind a few times regarding the career of his GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice). One day's he's coming back to the races, another day he's to be sold as a stallion prospect, the next day it's back to trying to get him back to the races. It's not that Dawson is indecisive, it's more a matter of him reacting to what is a constantly changing situation. “A few weeks before the sale we had made plans to ship him to Gulfstream Park to Bill Mott to prepare for racing,” Dawson said. “We decided to have him examined one more time at Rood and Riddle and have an ultrasound to play it safe. The previous ultrasound had been really good so we were confident. This ultrasound showed he had regressed in his healing of the suspensory ligament. We had almost replaced all the scar tissue and it seemed to be repaired. We canceled transportation the next morning to Florida.” So they entered him in the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age sale as a stallion prospect. But Dawson was able to read the room. With Rich Strike coming off dismal performances in the GI Clark S. and in the GII Alysheba, his value as a sire prospect had never been lower. “Throughout the process and up until a couple days before sale, the gut feeling I had so far as Rich Strike becoming a stallion at this point in his career was that I was not going to get what I was hoping for,” Dawson said. So it was on to Plan C., try to get him back to the races after all. Under the advice of Dr. Larry Bramlage, Rich Strike has been, since exiting the sale, undergoing stem cell treatments aimed at healing the problems he's been having all along with the suspensory ligaments in his two front legs. “After the sale I was thinking 'what am I going to do now?'” Dawson said. “I started checking options. I started further researching other options. We visited with Dr. Bramlage at Rood and Riddle and we talked about stem cell treatment. We were so close to getting him back before. If stem cells could bring anything to the party it could really make a difference. He's not terribly injured. He just has this on-going nagging-type issue and so we thought if we could get him healed he could race again and do so at a high level and win. That would make his stallion value a lot better. It's not a matter of dollars to me. I just want to get him into a situation where he has access to really good mares and therefore get him to a level playing field to produce great offspring. If you're covering mediocre or less-than-mediocre mares your stallion career is going to be pretty short.” So the hope is that they can get Rich Strike over his problems and then turn him over to one of the best in the business in Bill Mott. “Bill Mott believes that if we can get him back to 100%, he can return to a similar level as his Derby race, his Travers, the Lukas Classic, races where he did really well,” Dawson said. “Bill doesn't think there's anything that can prevent him from doing that and I tend to agree. “With the stem cell treatments, I talked to one trainer and owner and they'll tell you they had little or no success with stem cell treatments. Then others tell you they had a lot of success. If I can't get him healed and back to a point where he can withstand training and racing and being safe doing so then I will retire him. As long as I feel like we're improving his health, taking our time and giving him every opportunity to heal I'm all in favor for it. We have no time clock.” Rich Strike remains at Margaux Farm, where all he is doing is walking and is not yet back under tack. Dawson is aiming for him to join Mott in April and begin serious training. Of course, that plan could go up in smoke if the vets don't like what they see from future ultrasounds. Dawson understands this plan is no sure thing, but believes it's the best possible route to take. “All this means is that we're going to have a year off and haven't gotten beaten up,” the owner said. “In his age group, every time I look I see that someone else has been retired. The older class just gets smaller and smaller. My hope is that when he turns five, he'll be back in great condition and he'll be in great position. He can be older, bigger and better. I feel like if we get him back well and he could win a race or two will that will not only further his resume as a race horse, but it's also going to increase his value as a stallion. The risk is worth taking.” The post After Being Pulled from Keeneland November Sale, the Plan is to Bring Rich Strike Back to the Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two races at Churchill Downs that were downgraded when moved from turf to dirt this past week—the Nov. 24 Mrs. Revere Stakes (G3) and Nov. 26 Commonwealth Stakes—will not have their initial grades restored by the American Graded Stakes Committee.View the full article

Edited Press Release Ken Ramsey is back at the Claiming Crown. If he has only three horses (in two races) running in the program designed to showcase American horse racing's blue-collar horses, it's not for a lack of effort. The 88-year-old Ramsey is the winningest owner in the history of the Claiming Crown, which will be staged for the 25th time this Saturday at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. But his last starter came with Peru (GB) (Motivator {GB}), whose victory in the 2018 Claiming Crown Tiara at Gulfstream Park extended Ramsey's record in the program to 16. “I'm trying to pad my resume,” quipped Ramsey, who significantly downsized his once-massive racing operation in recent years. “… I was trying to get a horse for each [Claiming Crown] race. I started looking when they finished up last year. I decided, hey, I'm going to get back in the game. I'd downsized and I had a few health issues and I've not been as active. But I enjoyed it so much and missed it so much that I started claiming some. I probably claimed 20 horses this year–and got out-shook for probably three times that many. “… I just turned 88. I'm kind of an old fossil. It's like my last hurrah. I'm probably getting pretty close to the finish line, so I'd like to go out with a blaze of glory.” The Claiming Crown, conceived to be a Breeders' Cup-style event for claiming horses, was created in 1999 by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). The program gives Thoroughbred racing's workhorses, their owners and trainers a day in the spotlight in recognition of their importance to filling out race cards across the nation. Though he and his late wife, Sarah, became major players internationally–earning four Eclipse Awards as outstanding owner and two as outstanding breeder, as well as four Breeders' Cup victories and the Dubai World Cup–Ramsey burst on the scene as a Pick Six bettor and by claiming lots of horses and winning lots of races. Extremely goal-oriented, Ramsey put his mind to setting records for meet titles at wins at Churchill Downs, Keeneland and Kentucky Downs–in the process becoming the winningest owner in Kentucky history. The Claiming Crown became a major goal as well, one now off hiatus. In King's Ovation (Not This Time), Ramsey has one of the favorites for the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel at 1 1/8 miles for horses that have competed for a claiming price of $35,000 in 2023. Ramsey claimed King's Ovation for $62,500 at Keeneland–a race he won impressively–in his last start. The owner also has Shimmer Me Timbers (Eddington) and Cotton (Twirling Candy) in the $150,000 Canterbury Tom Metzen Memorial at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf for horses that have raced for a $25,000 claiming price or less in 2022-2023. All three were claimed out of their last start specifically for the Claiming Crown, he said. “It gives the little guy a chance to strike a home run,” Ramsey said of the Claiming Crown. “The purses are good and the competition is good. They spread it around. It's been at about four or five different tracks. I used to never miss, would have three, four or five running in it all the time. But I'm back to feeling good. I'm looking forward to Saturday so I can try to add another one.” King's Ovation and Shimmer Me Timbers are trained by Robertino Diodoro, while Saffie Joseph, Jr. trains Cotton. Diodoro began training for Ramsey this past spring. “I'd have loved to have seen this guy when he was about 45 years old,” the trainer said of Ramsey. “I give him a lot of credit. He's full of a lot of energy and I love his attitude. He loves the game–and loves winning.” The post Ramsey Seeks to Add to his Record 16 Claiming Crown Wins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The primary objective of Light Up is to empower the industry community with accurate knowledge by providing transparent information and distilled research.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features Manhattan Dreamer, a full-sister to GISW Klimt. 17.30 Dundalk, Mdn, €15,000, 2yo, f, 6f (AWT) MANHATTAN DREAMER (Quality Road) debuts belatedly for Amo Racing and the Adrian Murray stable, with her $420,000 Keeneland September tag making her one to note as well as the fact that she is a full-sister to the GI Del Mar Futurity-winning sire Klimt. Another pricey newcomer is John Oxley's €330,000 Goffs Orby purchase Beautiful Dawn (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), a Joseph O'Brien-trained relative of the G2 Brisbane Cup winner Irish Sequel (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). The post Sister to Klimt Debuts at Dundalk appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Hanshin and Chukyo Racecourses. The latter is the site of this weekend's Group 1 action, the Champions Cup, featuring US-bred Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid). Look for the preview in Saturday's TDN Europe: Saturday, December 2, 2023 6th-HSN, ¥13,720,000 ($93k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m MATENRO TIME (JPN) (c, 2, Nyquist–Cha Cha Time, by Gio Ponti) is out of a half-sister to GI QE II Challenge Cup winner Hot Cha Cha (Catcus Ridge), who was purchased for $37,000 in foal to Super Saver at the 2020 Keeneland January Sale and was bred to this sire prior to her export to Japan. This colt was subsequently sold for ¥33 million ($240,989) Hokkaido Selection Sale last summer. Hot Cha Cha, a $1-million purchase by Katsumi Yoshida at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton November Sale, is the dam of the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger)-placed Etario (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}). B-Kinya Murakami Sunday, December 3, 2023 5th-CKO, ¥13,720,000 ($93k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400mT SOUND ROCKS (c, 2, Catalina Cruiser–Lily's Spark, by Mineshaft), a $100,000 purchase by Narvick International at this year's OBS April Sale, is out of an unraced half-sister to four-time graded winner Prayer For Relief (Songandaprayer) and SW Twin Sparks (Twining) and hails from the deeper female family of GSW Miss Sunset (Into Mischief). The first runner in Japan for his freshman sire (by Union Rags), Sound Rocks was also a $100,000 KEENOV weanling and $26,000 KEESEP yearling. B-War Horse Place LLC (KY) 6th-HSN, ¥13,720,000 ($93k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400m GARDEN CAMELLIA (f, 2, American Pharoah–Avila Road, by Quality Road), a half-sister to Horseshoe Indianapolis debut romper Aged Truth (Tapit), is the latest foal to the races out of a full-sister to four-time Grade I winner and leading sire Quality Road and a half to Mt. Kobla (Mt. Livermore), whose produce include the Japanese MSW & MGSP Mount Gold (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) and the three-times European group-placed King Ledley (Stormin Fever). Second dam Kobla is a full-sister to 1997 champion 3-year-old filly Ajina (Strawberry Road {Aus}). Avila Road has since been exported to Japan. B-Healthy Wood Co Ltd (KY) The post American Pharoah Filly Carries Regal Blood Into Chukyo Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission approved Nov. 30 administrative law judge Michael Buker's conclusion to suspend equine veterinarian Dr. Cynthia Loomis for six years for violating Indiana racing rules. She was also fined $10,000.View the full article

Every week we look at the trials and workouts from right around the country. Who’s impressing and who looks ready to race? Chertsey trials Tuesday 21st November Weather Fine / Track Fast (Ashburton) Paramount Lady (2f Tactical Landing – Paramount Faith) In the hands of her trainer Mark Jones, the 2yo half sister to Muscle Mountain went solo in this solid effort. MR:2:09.9, 800m in 60.6, 400m in 29.6. She qualified back in August but her three starts to date against the best 2yos have reaped little to date. Her breeding is to respected and with practice she should get better. Franco Promachos (3g A Rocknroll Dance – Pepper Potts) The Leacock-Jones trained runner got his qualifying ticket here by stepping straight to the front and running away from his 3 rivals over the final stages. MR:2:08.1, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 27.6. The overall time was nothing to write home about but the final sectionals looked positive. His dam won six and has already left two sub 2:00 min performers from her first two foals including Parker (7 wins) and he is foal number three. Whatever It Takes (3c Creatine – Diedre’s Gold) The Donna Williamson-trained runner settled fourth of four before improving to take issue inside the final 800m, surged to the front at the 500m and careered away from his three rivals in the straight, 15 1/2L officially. MR:2:11.3, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 29.2. This qualifying effort was quite a professional one and he looked solid throughout. Another plus is the fact that he is by a sire doing a very nice job currently. Mighty Miki (2g Always B Miki – Touch Of Rose) This Matty Williamson-trained runner caught the eye when qualifying second, just behind West Virginia, coming off her back to just miss by a nose, had raced fourth of five throughout. MR:2:07.3, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.3. Those sectionals off the front which made his run meritorious. His dam won four and was a handy 2yo and has already left five winners so he has a bit going for him. High Energy (3f Father Patrick – High Gait) Back from an Australian campaign and already the winner of eight (from only 11 starts) and close to $140k in stakes, the Purdon trained filly led and was not asked for too much as she was nabbed late by High Intensity (yet another by Creatine) who trailed her throughout. MR:2:10.5, 800m in 60.7, 400m in 29.2. The latter has won two from five on raceday and these two fillies could clash again on Grand Prix day in early December. Kiss The Girls (6g Terror To Love – Duarunner) The Jones trained runner officially only sixth in a nine horse field but never pulled out over final stages after racing in midfield and looked to have plenty in reserve. Heat won by a pacemaking El Chico. MR:2:04.8, 800m in 56.1, 400m in 27.4. The winner of six has not started in over a year and would have derived great benefit from this run, certainly one to watch out for if he makes it back to his best. Henry Winkler (3g Rocknroll Hanover – Angela’s Dream) The Fonz would have been very happy with this effort from the Smolenski trained gelding who stepped into the trail then put plenty of dash into his final 300m to clear out from his four rivals. MR:2:05.3, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 27.6. A recent qualifier with some breeding behind him, the 7L margin would suggest a maiden field well within his capabilities…..happy days ! Transtasman Bubble (3f Aldebaran Eagle – Anguish) Only officially fifth of seven for the Holmes trained filly but she did come from last at the 800m to get within a length of the winner Special Effects and was stretching out in good style over the final 200m. MR:2:10.3, 800m in 59.1, 400m 28.9. Has twice from only three starts including finishing ahead of subsequent winner Mainbocher at her most recent start. On the breeding front, her dam is a daughter of Sungait Reb (15 wins + $178k in stakes), she looks a winner in the very near future. Sonadora (3f Betting Line – Sue Dreamer) Now with Mark Smolenski (previously in her four career starts with the Dunns), led out then trailed seven win mare She’s Tough, gave plenty of cheek to that runner over final stages in sharp sprint home, 1L away in 2nd. MR:2:09.6, 800m in 56.6, 400m in 27.5. Good enough to win on debut then place against the likes of Franco Sinatra in her first campaign, put aside for the winter and hasn’t started since May but one to consider in her own grade against her own sex. Aldebaran Floss (5m Muscle Mass – Another Love) The Swain-trained trotter trailed then popped out to lead from the 800m, ran clear of two rivals from that point. MR:2:15.4, 800m in 57.8, 400m in 28.4. Has had two runs back after being off the track for over two years. Was a Group 2 winner at three and has won three from 17 career starts, starting against the best of her age group. The time not startling but much to like about her final sectionals and looks to be a natural improver with racing under her belt Rangiora Trials Wednesday 29th November Weather Overcast Track Good The Chase (3g What The Hill – Loveonthelawn) The Barron-trained trotter had four rivals in this qualifying heat but three of them broke badly enough to take no real part and it was really a solo effort that him clear by 20 odd lengths at the line. MR:2:12.1, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 30.6. He was very solid throughout and comes with some breeding, going back to a prolific family developed by legendary trotting trainer Bill Doyle. As the name suggests, his dam is by Love You and won twice in a short career, one to respect on debut Kamilla (3f Creatine – Dutchess) Trained by Benny Hill, the as yet unqualified 3yo had no trouble leading from the mobile and at the business end had similar ease in proving far too good for her two rivals. MR:2:08.2, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 30.5. She is a half to three winners including the well performed Doff Your Cap (14 wins + $208k in stakes with a best time of 1:54.1) and while not overly big, had a nice way of going to suggest a maiden field would be well within her capabilities. Cathy Freeman (2f Sweet Lou – Tres Vite) The Mark Jones-trained filly settled back in 6 horse field, still had plenty to do 400m out, came wide on final turn and finished determinedly to grab a head win over Lady Boutique who enjoyed the 1-1 sit last 800m, both naturally qualified. MR:2:03.9, 800m in 59.2, 400m in 29.8. Driven by Sam Ottley, the winner looked to be finding the line under her own steam. Dam won seven in a short career and this is her first/only foal to date Built For Glory (2c Bettor’s Delight – Fight For Glory) The Telfer trained colt settled midfield from widest draw then elected to improve 1200m out to lead, kept going strongly to keep his rivals at bay. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 59.1, 400m in 29.1. This colt qualified way back in March just behind Major Hot and Vessem (both high quality performing 2yos) and of course his dam was a big winner on both sides of the Tasman, winning 14 and some $674k in stakes. He ticks a lot of boxes. Warrior Chief (3g Sweet Lou – Here We Go Again) The Gameson trained runner trailed two and three deep mostly before being asked to improve inside final 800m and sit parked, led 400m, kept up strong run to clearly outstay rivals. MR:2:02.3, 800m in 58.1, 400m in 29.5. He has been mentioned in this forum previously and it is noted that his last start (in early October) was against Don’t Stop Dreaming and other smart 3yos. Already a winner from just four starts and looks capable of adding to his record at short notice. Franco Marek (5g A Rocknroll Dance – Miss Lisa) Caught wide early, the Manson trained runner pushed forward to lead then sprinted sharply to keep We Walk By Faith at bay. MR:2:00.5, 800m in 56.3, 400m in 27.4. Didn’t get much of a go in last week’s Timaru Cup and has a good horse’s record, having won five from just 14 starts, punters should stay loyal to him. We Walk By Faith led then trailed, not extended to keep pace with the winner with the rest some 8L away. Did the business on Show Day at Addington and not finished yet for high profile stable. Caserta Franco (2f Art Major – Cherish A Franco) Not often a runner that runs last of six deserves a mention but the McRae runner bungled the start and lost considerable ground, only made contact with her rivals with 800m to run and not surprisingly elected to tuck in behind all the way down the home straight and looked comfortable enough over the final stages. Heat won by Ten Da Touch. MR:2:08.7, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 29.7. She qualified back in April and is a half to some handy types including Franco Cristiano (9 wins). One to watch out for especially against her own sex. Muscle Mountain (6g Muscle Hill – Paramount Faith) Back at the trials after the misfortune of The Dominion handicap on Show Day, the Hope trained superstar gave 5 lesser-rated rivals 40m start and after beginning swiftly to trail third, used the inside channel to finish best although the time not overly quick. MR:2:13.4, 800m in 61.2, 400m in 29.4. Nevertheless, the connections would have been ultra happy with the run under the circumstances and he looks on track to bounce back and show his true worth. Pinseeker (3g Downbytheseaside – Nicky’s Power) The Cox trained runner (1 start for 1 win) stepped and led, set leisurely pace before sprinting stylishly and holding off his more tightly assessed rivals in Live On Legend and Mandalay Bay MR:2:10.2, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 27.6. The debut was no fluke and he can continue on his merry way next time out. Live On Legend raced fourth of four then came on very well last 400m and his sectionals would have impressed watchers. Pukekohe Workouts Saturday 25th November Weather Fine Track fast Major Achievement (3g Art Major – Atom Queen) The Green-trained runner settled third of five and stayed there until stablemate and pacemaker Beaudiene Rocknroll went off stride 600m out, took the opportunity to take over and kept going strongly to hold his rivals at bay. MR:2:03.9, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 29.6. Maiden win was four starts ago and looks to be coming to terms with recent rise in class, might be better suited to Cambridge way of going. Conrad H (4g Love You – Hilton H) The Balle-trained trotter was slow away from the front line but able to trail ahead of 20m runners, back to third of four mid race, came around on final turn to outstay his more tightly assessed rivals. MR:2:12.3, 800m in 61.7, 400m in 30.3. Did ok last campaign and now getting ready for another crack. Hasn’t started since May but should be improved again this time in. JT Boe (2g Always B Miki – Bettor Think Quick) The Telfer-trained (and unqualified) runner sat last of three and was still there turning in, brought wide and finished strongly to grab his rivals last 50m. MR:2:03.8, 800m in 60.5, 400m in 29.4. Mum won nine and nearly $100k in stakes, this is her first live foal. From a good family and getting his raceday ‘ticket’ won’t be a problem. Major Secret (2g Art Major – Presidential Affair) Another unqualified pacer from the Telfer team, trailed two and three deep of four, and produced strong burst through the middle last 150m to win going away. MR:2:10.1, 800m in 62.1, 400m in 28.7. Also from a good family including A Fair Of Dance who won in 1:49.2 in America, race day debut can’t be too far away judging by this effort. Note: I Didn’t Know That led for fun early on but ran off the track a lap out and dislodged his driver. McKendrick (3g Sweet Lou – Beaudiene Beaut Babe) The Dunn-trained runner in the hands of stableforeman Rhys Fensom, raced fourth of five throughout, still had plenty to do on straightening, flew last 100m to just miss picking up pacemaker Sharkies Girl. MR:2:04.0, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.2. Robert Dunn owns a share in this runner and up from the South Island where he has done his racing, last seen back in May and with natural maturity, should give a good account of himself in upcoming assignments. Delightful Reality (3f Bettors Delight – Major Reality) The Telfer-trained filly trailed pacemaker Change Tact throughout, challenged hard in straight, just missed in a close photo finish. MR:2:05.3, 800m in 60.2, 400m in 29.1. Only had the one start back in June but looks to be much stronger this time in. Plenty of breeding gives her a chance with dam being a half sister to Group 1 performers Ultimate Machete and Ultimate Sniper. Slots (2c Sweet Lou – Spin To Win) Straight to the front with the hammer down and far too good for his rivals, winning officially by 6L. MR:2:04.9, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.6. The Telfer team thought enough of him back in September to have him debut against the best 2yo boys in a Sires’ Stakes heat at Cambridge. The result wasn’t flattering but ‘where there is smoke, there might be fire’.Due big respect if he lines up in a maiden in the coming weeks Winton Workouts Friday 24th November Weather Overcast Track Good Pay Me Speedy (6m Mach 3 – Pay Me Painter) In the hands of trainer Chelsea Faithful, the four-win mare settled third of four before improving mid race to lead, came clear at the 400m to put 3L on her closest rival Rakamurph who led then trailed the winner. MR:2:02.8, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 29.1. Hasn’t won for a while but getting to become a mum might help the form. Breeny’s Rock N Roll (5m Rock N Roll Heaven – Breeny’s Passion) Now with Lyndon Bond, the mare gave her four rivals a headstart by being very slow from behind the mobile and raced in last spot mostly before taking closer order approaching the final turn, strong finish to come over the top of her rivals MR:2:04.6, 800m in 58.6, 400m in 30.8. Has only had the one start back in June (at Ashburton) when trained by its owner. Her dam was handy winning four but like her daughter didn’t really hit her straps until an older mare. Raklou (2f Sweet Lou – Raksbet) The Hunter-trained filly worked to the front in a quality four horse trial and kept going strongly to hold her rivals at bay MR:2:03.2, 800m in 55.9, 400m in 28.5. After some untimely setbacks in the spring, she might be ready to show her best, sectionals here suggested that is the case. Always Ticking ran on strongly from three deep and looks like a natural improver, another quality filly. Tact McLeod who hasn’t started since March but who created such a good impression when brought north to Addington was right in the photo after trailing. Another getting ready for a new campaign is nine race winner Sand Wave who was happy enough racing fourth of four and wasn’t asked for a big effort over the final stages, look for him down south over the summer. Ultimate Weapon (2g Bettor’s Delight – Reality Check) A full brother to Group 1 performers in Ultimate Machete and Sniper got his qualifying ticket for trainer Nathan Williamson after racing midfield of five then finishing best to score with something in hand. MR:2:04.8, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 29.2. Has a lot to live up to, best start at the beginning and let’s see what unfolds Wyndham Workouts Saturday 25th November Weather Fine Track Fast Caldwell (5m Sportswriter – Ask McArdle) The Douglas-trained mare got to the front and sprinted sharply to come away from her four rivals in the straight, by nearly 4L at the line.MR:2:05.4, 800m in 57.4, 400m in 27.4 Was a last start winner for then trainer Kirsten Green but that was over a year ago. Connections have kept the faith and her dam was very handy. Scruffy (4g Bettor’s Delight – Caballo Blanco) When he last raced back in April, was trained by Kirk Larsen, now with Tyler Dewe, straight to the front in this heat and came clear in impressive fashion over the concluding stages, officially by 5 1/2L. MR:2:03.4, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 27.9. Didn’t show much in previous campaign but nothing ‘scruffy’ about this effort, stable gaining a reputation for turning horses around. Cambridge Workouts Saturday 25th November Weather Overcast Track Fast Ice Fairy (2f Always B Miki – Snow Fairy) The Neal-trained filly gets another mention after leading and proving too good for her three rivals in the hands of her part owner/trainer. MR:2:08.2, 800m in 59.1, 400m in 29.5. Still unqualified at this time but getting better with the experience and her breeding demands some respect, one to paste away. Caufield (4g Sir Lincoln – Cosi Bella) The Butcher trained runner led and had little trouble holding on from only two rivals including stablemate Brookside Girl (third of three). MR:2:03.8, 800m in 59.9, 400m in 29.4. This was a rather tame affair but what caught the eye was the winner of four now down to a 46 rating and freshened since last racing. View the full article

Two 2020 Shuttle buses were donated by Horseshoe Indianapolis to two organizations in Shelby County. The J. Kenneth Self Boys & Girls Club and Girls, Inc each received a shuttle from the previous fleet utilized by guests for the racetrack and casino visiting the facility. “Each of these shuttles have less than 300 miles on them, so we hope they will be beneficial for both organizations for many years to come,” said Anna Dougherty, Vice President of Finance. “I'm very passionate about these organizations as my kids attended both facilities. They provide an incredible resource for our community and our families.” Scott Spahr, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, added, “The addition of this shuttle to our facility will make life a lot easier. Transportation is one of the hardest things to conquer, and we always have to figure out how to get the kids to sporting events and field trips. This shuttle will ease those concerns.” The post Buses Donated by Horseshoe Indianapolis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'Light Up Racing', an initiative led by a group of industry participants, striving to illuminate the path to transparency, awareness, and accountability in horse racing, has been launched, according to a press release. Light Up is spearheaded by a group of industry participants, including Price Bell, Roderick Wachman, Jason Litt, and Dr. Jeff Berk. Kick Collective, the marketing agency behind the Australian-based initiative Kick Up for Racing, is driving the marketing and communications. “We have been inspired by the impactful work of Kick Up in Australia and believe we have a similar opportunity in the US,” said Price Bell, one of the founding directors of Light Up. “Kick Up informs the public conversation about horse racing in Australia through grassroots education and engagement. Fundamental to its success is using data and factual information to provide transparency, and accessibility to our horses. This has created a culture of accountability to the horse. We believe we have similar opportunity, to support and inspire the collective voice of our industry participants.” Established in 2022, Kick Up has quickly become a valuable resource for the Australian racing industry with content focused on addressing the common concerns surrounding horse racing. In addition to a digital presence via its website and social channels, Kick Up has fostered a community who are empowered to address misinformation about horse racing and share positive stories to their networks. Vin Cox, Managing Director of Godolphin Australia and a Director of the Victorian Racing Club who host the iconic Melbourne Cup at Flemington, said: “The anti-racing groups are well-funded, well-organized, and have been allowed to shape the public narrative of our industry, unopposed. Kick Up stepped in and empowered and emboldened racing supporters by providing fact-based articles that correct the misinformation being propagated by the anti-racing community. “The social capital surrounding the Melbourne Cup carnival is now at its strongest in many years, and although anecdotal, I firmly believe that the work done by the Kick Up team has had a hugely significant impact.” In a similar theme, the primary objective of Light Up is to empower the industry community with accurate knowledge by providing transparent information and distilled research. Every industry issue Light Up will challenge is guided by a fundamental question: “What is in the best interest of the horse?” Dr. JR Coffman, a past President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, captured this sentiment when he wrote, “whenever a question is answered based upon the welfare of the horse, the human principles involved are also best served in the long run. We are here for the horse; to the extent that we are responsive to that concept, we will prosper both as individuals and as an organization.” Light Up is committed to dismantling the wall of secrecy that often surrounds the industry, empowering participants with the knowledge and confidence to engage in meaningful conversations with the concerned public and external media, and most importantly, provide the information needed to make informed decisions that prioritize equine safety. The post Striving to Illuminate the Path to Transparency, Light Up Racing Launched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article