Wandering Eyes

What CF Orr Stakes Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, February 10, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Feature racing in Victoria heads to Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday, with the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) headlining a stacked 10-race meeting. With six other black-type events scheduled, there will be plenty of good horse-flesh on display. Perfect conditions are forecast, and with a Good 4 track and the rail in its true position, we are set fair for a cracking day of racing from 12:15pm AEDT. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections for Caulfield Race 1: BM100 Handicap (2000m) Independent Road has returned a different horse this campaign, winning on three occasions from five goes. The seven-year-old gelding narrowly denied Flash Feeling at Moonee Valley on January 27 in a perfect front-running display over the 2040m. He does go up 5kg from that run, hence the better price, but in a race with little pressure on him out in front, we’re confident Jye McNeil can pinch it from the front once again. Selections: 2 INDEPENDENT ROAD 1 BERMADEZ 9 FLASH FEELING 4 SUPARAZI Race 2: BM78 Handicap (2400m) Oceanic Flash has not won in over two years, but the six-year-old from the Andrew Payne barn looks to have found the race to break that drought. He is a stayer who gets better with runs under his belt, and his third-up effort at Flemington when finishing second suggests he is ready to win on Saturday. He was forced to sustain a long run 900m out from home, and only just peaked on his run late after hitting the lead 300m out from home. From barrier three, Mick Dee will have the son of Sacred Falls covered up until the home straight, and as long as he can build through his gears, Oceanic Flash should prove to be the superior stayer over 2400m. Selections: 7 OCEANIC FLASH 6 PEARL RAIN 10 GALILAEUS 8 CHEVALIER DU FAU Next Best Race 2 – #7 Oceanic Flash (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Andrew Payne | J: Mick Dee (56kg) +380 with Playup Race 3: BM70 Handicap (1600m) Former West Australian First Encounter kicked off life in Melbourne with an eye-catching fourth at Sandown over 1600m, and despite staying at the trip, we’re confident he can run a big race at a big price. The four-year-old son of Dundeel was first-up off a six month spell on that day, and the small field of five just seemingly didn’t suit him. He is forced to carry 60.5kg once again, but with the run under his belt and a more hotly-contested affair expected, the John Leek (Jnr) stable looks to have placed this bloke perfectly. With a well-timed sprint from the rear of the field, First Encounter can blouse his rivals in style in this. Selections: 6 FIRST ENCOUNTER 9 ANOTHER WIL 4 ZAMBORGHINI 11 JABBAWOCKEEZ Best Value Race 3 – #6 First Encounter (4) 4yo Gelding | T: John Leek (Jnr) | J: Jamie Mott (60.5kg) +1800 with Neds Race 4: Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) Despite being an odds-on favourite, we’re happy to take on Southport Tycoon purely because of his $1.85 quote. Sandgroper Zipaway comes to Melbourne with top-tier formlines, including his narrow third-place finish in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) behind Dom To Shoot and Zaaki. The three-year-old gelding tired late on in a hotly contested affair, and considering he was beaten a nostril by Zaaki, we’re confident he can cause an upset here. The son of Playing God will most likely be giving his rivals a start on the home turn from barrier seven, but with a strong finishing burst, we’re confident he can overcome the 1.5kg weight difference against the favourite, and zip away with victory. Selections: 1 ZIPAWAY 4 SOUTHPORT TYCOON 2 CARBONADOS 3 FLYING TRAPEZE Autumn Stakes Race 4 – #1 Zipaway (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Neville Parnham | J: Steven Parnham (58.5kg) +600 with Bet365 Race 5: Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) Ciaron Maher’s Yonce has been progressing nicely in two runs this campaign, and looks primed to strike third-up from a long injury layoff. She return with a steady performance over 1100m at Caulfield, before coming out and finishing a luckless fifth in the Listed John Dillon Stakes behind Ayrton and Buffalo River who both line up in Group 1 company later in the card. John Allen will have the Proisir mare settled in the moving line with cover, and as long as she finds clear air at the right time, Yonce should have no issue in overpowering her rivals late. Selections: 4 YONCE 5 UNUSUAL CULTURE 1 YOUNG WERTHER 6 FOXY CLEOPATRA Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Yonce (5) 6yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (55kg) +320 with Dabble Race 6: Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) (1100m) The first of the Blue Diamond Prelude’s is for the boys, and based off his win in the Blue Diamond Preview (C&G), it is hard to see how High Octance gets nutted on Saturday. The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained colt was as green as grass in his debut win, but still managed to put close to a length on his rivals in dominant fashion. Barrier one on Saturday will mean he gets all the favours in running under Blake Shinn, and if the pair can get off the fence on the home turn, we’re confident High octane will space his rivals and in doing so, further rocket into Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) calculations. Selections: 1 HIGH OCTANE 4 STAY FOCUSED 3 BODYGUARD 5 HOLMES A COURT Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) Race 6 – #1 High Octance (1) 2yo Colt | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) +160 with Betfair Race 7: Blue Diamond Prelude (F) (1100m) The juvenile fillies will kick off Saturday’s quaddie in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude, and we’re confident Matisse can salute at a nice price. The Microphone filly put in an eye-catching run when third on debut in the Blue Diamond Preview (F) on January 26, and with even luck she goes much closer to winning. She only went down by a half-length on that day, and with natural improvement and potentially a vulnerable favourite first-up, Matisse can spring an upset. Barrier 16 is a touch concerning, but if Damian Lane can have Matisse settled in the three wide line with cover, she showed plenty on debut to suggest she will take a power of beating with even luck. Selections: 8 MATISSE 1 BOLD BASTILLE 2 HAYASUGI 6 KUROYANAGI Blue Diamond Prelude (F) Race 7 – #8 Matisse (16) 2yo Filly | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Damian Lane (56kg) +1000 with Unibet Race 8: Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) The fact Asfoora is even-money or better with top horse racing bookmakers is ridiculous. Henry Dwyer’s five-year-old mare has three wins from as many starts at the Caulfield 1100m, and she can add further black-type success to her already glittering record. Look for Mitch Aitken to stalk the speed through from barrier six, and when asked to quicken on the home turn, Asfoora should have no issue in putting this race away in a couple of strides. Selections: 4 ASFOORA 9 REY MAGNERIO 14 HYPOTHETICAL 11 QUEEN OF THE BALL Rubiton Stakes Race 8 – #4 Asfoora (6) 5yo Mare | T: Henry Dwyer | J: Mitchell Aitken (57kg) +100 with Picklebet Race 9: Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) The Group 1 CF Orr Stakes is the first Group 1 race of the new year in Australia, and punters are set to be treated by the return of Mr Brightside. Will the champion be vulnerable first-up from a spell? Or will he blow his rivals away? Veight, Pericles and Pride Of Jenni have all had backing in final field markets, so it looks to be more than a one-act affair. Click here for our full preview of the 2024 CF Orr Stakes Race 10: Group 3 Peter Le Grand Stakes (1100m) So Glamorous has not been seen since claiming victory over 1400m at Caulfield in BM70 company, and as she steps into Group company for the first time in the Peter Le Grand Stakes, we’re confident she can stack up. With two wins and a second to her name from three starts, she looks to have plenty of upside, and under the care of Grahame Begg, is sure to be competitive in a field like this. Despite being eight-weeks between runs, she looks to gain every advantage in running drawn barrier one under Jye McNeil. So Glamorous will need a touch of luck on the home turn, but if she sees clear air at the right time, she can cause an upset in the last. Selections: 10 SO GLAMOROUS 7 BLANC DE BLANC 8 ESTRIELLA 2 EXPLORING Peter Le Grand Stakes Race 10 – #10 So Glamorous (1) 3yo Filly | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs (56kg) +100 with Picklebet Caulfield free Saturday quaddie tips Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, February 10, 2024 1-2-8 4 1-2-9 Field | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Cyril Flower Stakes Day Where Bunbury Racecourse – Brittain Rd, Bunbury WA 6230 When Saturday, February 10, 2024 First Race 12:29pm AWST Visit Dabble This Saturday, the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes will headline the nine-race program that has been transferred from Ascot to Bunbury due to the extreme heat predicted for Perth. With perfect summer conditions forecast in the Bunbury area for Friday and Saturday, the track is expected to stay in the Good range for the whole meeting. The rail will be in the true position, with racing set to kick off at 12:29pm AWST. Cyril Flower Stakes Tip: Wild Belle Wild Belle put an unlucky first-up run behind her and dominated her rivals in the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes at Pinjarra last start. The Luke Fernie-trained mare showed her blistering turn of foot to glide past the leaders and put the race to bed with 100m to go. Although William Pike won’t be in the saddle for her third start this campaign, Clint Johnston-Porter should be able to give this girl a great run from barrier two. Johnston-Porter should be able to settle in the one-one position behind the leaders, and if she gets even luck in the final 300m, Wild Belle should go very close. Cyril Flower Stakes Race 8 – #5 Wild Belle (2) 4yo Mare | T: Luke Fernie | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (56.5kg) +240 with Playup Best Bet at Bunbury: Autumn Rebel Darren McAuliffe and Clint Johnston-Porter will combine with Autumn Rebel when he seeks his fourth straight victory in a Benchmark 72+ over 1675m. This three-year-old colt has gone to a new level since stepping up in distance to 1600m-plus, with three of his four wins coming over a mile or more. Last start, this son of The Autumn Sun ran home strongly from midfield to record a narrow victory over Thorogood at Ascot over 1800m. Even though Autumn Rebel will drop back in distance slightly, he should prove too strong in the concluding stages once again. Best Bet Race 5 – #7 Autumn Rebel (8) 3yo Colt | T: Darren McAuliffe | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (54kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Bunbury: Ruler Rocket Ruler Rocket returned from a 13-week spell with a good performance over 1000m at Ascot on January 27, when he ran on nicely from midfield to finish fifth — beaten one length by Rock This Town. The Bruce Watkins-trained galloper would have taken a fitness benefit from his fresh run and should be ready to win second-up. This son of Universal Ruler has drawn well in barrier two and should get the run of the race behind the speed, from where he can peel off the leader’s back as they round the home turn. If Ruler Rocket lets down with a similar finishing burst to last start, he can play a prominent role in the finish. Next Best Race 6 – #5 Ruler Rocket (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Bruce Watkins | J: Troy Turner (59.5kg) +500 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Bunbury races Bunbury quadrella selections Saturday, February 10, 2024 2-3-5-8 1-3-5 4-5-9 2-3-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Lucky Encounter, Storm Rider, Ka Ying Rising and Master Mastermind look to have more to give, while Running Glory lines up in the Chinese New Year CupView the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, February 10, 2024 First Race 12:13pm AEST Visit Dabble This weekend, for the first time in 2024, the Brisbane Racing Club will host a Saturday metropolitan meeting at Doomben Racecourse. The track was rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, and with rain forecast on Friday and Saturday, it is expected to stay at that mark for the whole meeting. The opening race of the day will jump at 12:13pm AEST, and the rail will be in the +0.5m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Doomben: Anythink Goes After finishing second in his previous two starts, Matthew Smith has chosen to send Anythink Goes up to Queensland for his sixth run of the preparation. The five-year-old gelding chased home the smart Running By two starts back before being run over late by Buillt at Rosehill last start over 1500m. Smith appears to have found the perfect race for this son of So You Think, as there will be little to no speed and only two last-start winners in the race. With James Orman in the saddle, expect Anythink Goes to settle in the first four, build momentum around the home turn, and prove too classy for his rivals late. Best Bet Race 8 – #5 Anythink Goes (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: James Orman (58.5kg) +140 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Damo Dayz We were with Damo Dayz as he maintained his unbeaten start to his career with a stylish win over 1200m at Eagle Farm on January 26. The Tony Gollan-trained galloper has only had two race starts, where the four-year-old gelding has displayed a blistering turn of foot to claim back-to-back victories. From barrier one, James Orman should be able to give Damo Dayz an economical run along the fence, and with even luck in the final 400m, he should prove very hard to hold out. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Damo Dayz (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: James Orman (57kg) +350 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Quothquan Quothquan broke maiden ranks at the fifth time of asking last start, backing up strong trial form to win first-up over 1200m at this track on January 24. This son of Rothesay will have taken a fitness benefit from the fresh run and should be full of confidence after his first victory. Considering how strong this guy ran through the line, the rise in distance to 1400m should suit him down to the ground. With the benefit of Jake Molloy’s 3kg claim and good speed in the race, Quothquan looks a good chance to record back-to-back victories. Best Value Race 5 – #2 Quothquan (14) 4yo Gelding | T: John Dann | J: Jake Molloy (a3) (59.5kg) +900 with Boombet Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, February 10, 2024 Field 5-14 2-3-9 4-7-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Arby will contest the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North) Darryn and Briar Weatherley have been well-represented in stakes events this season and that trend will continue at Te Rapa on Saturday with a trio of feature race contenders. The Matamata trainers have stable favourite Mali Ston and the progressive Arby in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) while gifted filly Tulsi will step out in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). “We’re quite proud of our little team, we’ve only had three winners but most of our runners have been in Group or Listed races,” Darryn Weatherley said. “They’ve been going good races and we haven’t had any midweekers or maidens and it’s great to have a couple in the Group One, although it’s obviously going to be hard to beat Legarto. “Both my boys are really well and I couldn’t separate them to be honest and both deserve their spot in the field.” Mali Ston finished third in the Group 3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) three runs back after he was held up in the run home and then finished eighth in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m), again denied room in the straight. The son of El Roca suffered a similar fate in his most recent outing when he charged home late once clear to run third at Tauranga. “I would get a great thrill if he could put his foot in the till, he’s got a lovely bunch of owners in the Matijasevich family,” Weatherley said. “It would be wonderful to kick a Group One goal for them.” Weatherley’s son Sam will partner Mali Ston while Joe Doyle will ride Arby, who finished well for a last-start fifth in the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) and the Proisir four-year-old will appreciate the step up in distance on Saturday. “It was a four-year-old race over a mile worth $1 million so we tried to keep him as fresh as we could, but he is a stayer and was looking for 2000m,” Weatherley said. “He got outpaced early and was finding it a bit uncomfortable after a shower of rain and found it hard to get fraction. “When they straightened and he got balanced, he really came home strongly. He hasn’t got the speed to pounce and put himself in the race and he’s certainly going well. “If he can put in the sectionals that he did the other night at Ellerslie, they’ll know he’s in the race.” Younger stablemate Tulsi also had little luck when third in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and was then caught wide without cover when seventh in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). At her last appearance, the daughter of The Autumn Sun overcame a bump in the run home to finish runner-up at Ellerslie. “She’s been running against the best fillies and has been thereabouts. Her run in the 1000 Guineas was huge, taking nothing away from Molly Bloom,” Weatherley said. “She had no favours from an outside gate and dragged Molly Bloom into the race and still fought on well. “At Ellerslie the other day, the winner (Fortunate Son) got slow sectionals across the top and we were back second to last and she really flew the last bit. It was a better run that it looked.” The Te Rapa team also includes the consistent Be A Roca, who will contest the Dr John Southworth Memorial Vase (1200m). “She loves the track, with a couple of wins, and that’s a big plus because it is a bit horses for courses there,” Weatherley said. “We gave her a week off after her last run on an unsuitable track at Hawke’s Bay and she still went a brave race for fourth. “She is really thriving and her work has been super and she looks a million dollars.” Horse racing news View the full article

Top End trainer Garry Lefoe will run last-start winners Canton Kid and Barragunda at Fannie Bay this Saturday. (Photo: Caroline Camilleri/Darwin Photography Professionals) Although they will take on good opposition, Darwin trainer Garry Lefoe remains hopeful that Canton Kid and Barragunda can deliver at Fannie Bay on Friday. Canton Kid, a six-year-old gelding, hasn’t been spotted since Darwin Cup Day in early August and lines up in Heat 5 of the Summer Sprint Series (1100m) at 0-76 level. Barragunda, also a six-year-old gelding, returns after winning his first Top End race at the seventh attempt a fortnight ago over 1200m in 0-70 grade. Darwin horse racing tips & quaddie picks – Friday, February 9 After starting his career in NSW for Sydney trainer Mark Newnham for one win from six starts, Canton Kid debuted for Lefoe in May 2021 and saluted over 1100m in 0-64 grade. Since then, the son of Written Tycoon has had 21 starts in Darwin and one start in Katherine for a further four wins, finishing in the top four on 18 occasions. During last year’s Darwin Cup Carnival he won by 5.3 lengths over 1100m against 0-66 opposition before a last-start win by 3.3 lengths over 1200m in the 0-70 ranks where he broke the track record. Darwin Race 2 replay (19/7/2023) – Canton Kid Canton Kid stopped the clock at 1:07.09 to eclipse the time of 1:07.42 set by Jade City, who won the 2007 and 2008 Palmerston Sprint (1200m), in June 2007. Lefoe was serving a suspension at the time, with Canton Kid under the care of trainer Tayarn Halter. With two wins and two seconds following a spell in the past, Canton Kid cannot be dismissed on Friday; however, the opposition in the six-horse field is above average. Having returned to training late last year, Lefoe agrees that winning won’t be easy, but he isn’t waving the white flag. “He’s back from a break after racing well and he generally goes well fresh,” he said. “Tayarn had him going good, he was flying. “Let’s just see how he goes this prep, but I expect him to go well. “I reckon he’ll run a good race on Friday, he should be thereabouts. “He really improved last prep – he stood up – and hopefully he can keep it up and improve this prep. “All of his siblings are decent horses, so it just took him a little longer to mature.” Chris Nash’s Son Of Bielski was the early +220 favourite, while Gary Clarke’s Patriotic King and Phil Cole’s El Magnificence must be respected. There is likely to be a mad dash for the early lead on Friday, but according to Lefoe it won’t affect Canton Kid — regardless of whether he leads or sits off the pace. “There will be plenty of speed — there’s probably four leaders in the race,” he said. “We’ll just have to wait and see where he ends up and how the race pans out, I’ll just leave that up to Shiersy (jockey Paul Shiers).” And there was a reason why Canton Kid was off the scene for six months. “Just gave him a longer break because it was really hot during build up,” Lefoe said. “I took my time with him, plus there wasn’t too much on the program for him. “This was the first suitable race for him, so after Friday we’re probably going to have to go to Alice Springs for the carnival. “There’s not too many races for open-class sprinters here between now and the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, so to a degree you’re forced to take them down there.” Barragunda was pushed to the limit before finishing strongly on Australia Day, and he too will have his hands full when he faces six other runners over 1200m on Friday. Bon’s Pride, striving to make it three straight wins for Jason Manning, was the early +140 favourite with online bookmakers. After two seconds from five starts for Halter and then Tom Logan, Barragunda returned to Lefoe’s stable and was fifth over 1100m on December 30. He boasted good form in Victoria for Cranbourne trainer Lloyd Kennewell, with two wins from 12 starts. “I paid $42,000 for Barragunda in an Inglis Online Sale in March 2022 – he is by I Am Invincible,” Lefoe said. “He’s been frustrating for his owners, but he has had problems during his career. “However, he’s a horse with plenty of class when you get him right. “Touch wood, we’ve got him right at the moment and he came through that last run pretty well. “He is stepping up in grade as there wasn’t a suitable race in his grade for the distance I wanted with him. “He won well last start and I expect him to go well again on Friday, I just hope he can keep plugging away. “It’s a good field — he’s only a 62-rater, but I think he will handle himself.” Horse racing news View the full article

Waitak will be vying for back-to-back Group One victories in Saturday’s BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) After being nothing short of spectacular in the Group 1 Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, emerging sprinter Waitak will hunt a Group One double in Saturday’s BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, who train Waitak out of their Matamata base, tested the gelding over various distances as a three-year-old, which included finishing second in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). The son of Proisir resumed off a decent break with a dazzling performance over 1300m at Te Rapa before a successful last-to-first triumph in the Railway indicated the sprinting distances may be his preferred range. “He steps out to the 1400m, and he’s working into the race really well,” Scott said. “We took him across to Te Rapa last Wednesday and galloped him between races, Craig, his regular trackwork rider, rode him for us and he was really pleased with him. “It’s another step-up for him, it’s going to be a pretty hot field in weight-for-age conditions but he’s a big boy and we think he’s ready to handle it.” The four-year-old was guided in the Railway by premiership-leading hoop Warren Kennedy, however, with Kennedy’s commitments to unbeaten three-year-old star Crocetti, Opie Bosson will take the ride at Te Rapa. “Opie’s familiar with him, he’s ridden him in the past and this horse loves Te Rapa, the big flat track really suits him,” Scott said. Bosson will have a prized opportunity to win a fourth BCD Group Sprint in five years, having taken out the Waikato feature aboard Te Akau headliners Te Akau Shark (2020), Avantage (2021) and most recently, last year’s edition with Imperatriz. Crocetti currently tops the market with horse racing betting sites at +150, with Waitak a +400 second favourite, while stablemate Dragon Leap sits an ominous +900 chance, fresh-off a tough run in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham last month. Prior to this performance, Dragon Leap had kicked-off the new season with an impressive Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) victory at Te Rapa before finishing second in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) behind Skew Wiff, and a close-up fourth in the Railway fresh-up, and will be partnered on Saturday by Vinnie Colgan. “Dragon Leap certainly deserves one of these races, not much went right for him at Wellington with the slow pace in the race and getting caught wide,” Scott said. “He should quicken well, we think 1400m is probably his peak distance now, and he won on the track earlier in the season there in the Foxbridge, he’s another that loves Te Rapa. “We hope he can bring his best form, because it would certainly be very satisfying and special for the team if he could win a Group One.” Horse racing news View the full article

Habana (outside) will contest the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Habana turned in an uncharacteristically below-par effort at his most recent outing and Lance Noble is understandably prepared to give the five-year-old the benefit of the doubt and move on. The son of Zoustar finished at the back of the field in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and his Karaka trainer has taken a forgive and forget approach ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Habana will be one of three feature race contenders for the stable, with Aquacade in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and About Time in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). That representation is no mean feat for Noble, private trainer for Cambridge Stud’s Brendan and Jo Lindsay, with 22 horses in work for a season’s tally of 16 winners, with four at Group or Listed level. “We’re pretty chuffed and proud of the fact that we’ve got these horses into these Group races and perform really well when they do get there, so we’re hoping they put their hands up again this weekend,” he said. Habana has contributed with success in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) before he failed to fire in the Thorndon. “I can only put it down to the track at Trentham, his form on soft ground is good but it was like two tracks that day,” Noble said. “The inside had been watered and no-one wanted to be there and we drew wide and thought that would be a good place to be. “He’s got a great action and he just didn’t want to let down. It was way out of character, he’s so honest and consistent. When he’s winning, he’s got a big stride and I just don’t think he felt comfortable in the ground. “It will be a good track on Saturday and we’ve freshened him to come back to 1400m and he ran really well when third first-up in the Sweynesse (Group 3, 1200m) at Te Rapa.” Aquacade also boasts an admirable mix of talent with a genuine nature, and the Dundeel mare goes into the Herbie Dyke off the back of a sound third in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m). “She’s very, very honest and she nearly pulled it off in the Zabeel,” Noble said. “This field is tougher, but she’s a Group Two and Three winner. We’re a breeding operation and there’s just so much more value added if she can get a Group One next to her name. “We’re very happy with her, a little bit of the sting out of the track would have suited her but she looks great and deserves her place.” The youngster About Time takes her place in the Fillies’ Classic after the American Pharoah filly successfully stepping up to a middle distance in the Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m) for her second win from five attempts. “She’s come a long way pretty quickly and done a great job to get that black type,” Noble said. “There’s a few there that haven’t been over 2000m before, and she has. We’re very happy with her and this is the next logical step.” Horse racing news View the full article

Sudbina will contest the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Kingsclere Stables couldn’t have won last year’s Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) more convincingly with Prowess, and have a chance to go back-to-back on Saturday with Sudbina. The recently retired Prowess won the 2000m feature by five lengths, an effortless performance that may be tough to emulate for her younger former stablemate, although a last start victory at Trentham in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) suggested Sudbina is swiftly improving. The daughter of Almanzor will line-up in a star-studded Group Two event under regular hoop Kozzi Asano, benefitting from the ace draw, alongside a left-handed track, having never finished outside of the top two in four attempts that way of going. Robert Wellwood, who trains the filly in partnership with Roger James, was pleased with her step-up to the mile at Trentham, but is mindful of the middle-distance task ahead. “We didn’t know what to expect stepping up to the mile last time, but she ticked that box very well and was strong through the line,” he said. “The big question is obviously stepping up to 2000m on Saturday. We’re pretty much just sitting and waiting to see really.” Sudbina currently lies a +380 Fixed Odds second-favourite for the Fillies Classic with top horse racing bookmakers, splitting classy duo Molly Bloom (+260) and Mary Shan (+500). Horse racing news View the full article

Well-known Australian owner Ozzie Kheir has had plenty of success buying thoroughbreds out of New Zealand, and now he is looking to boost his investment across the Tasman. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s announcement last month on the summer racing calendar revamp, prizemoney increases and introduction of the $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot race piqued the interest of many in the industry, and Kheir was not exception. Kheir has been a long-time fan of the New Zealand thoroughbred, and he is excited about the prospect of competing here with his Kiwi purchases. “There is a lot of substance to a New Zealand horse,” Kheir said. “They breed milers and staying types. I love racing horses that have that scope to improve from three onwards. That is probably why I love Europe and New Zealand racing.” Kheir is particularly keen to get his hands on a slot in The NZB Kiwi, set to be the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, with slots set to be auctioned at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Sales Centre on February 27. “I am looking at the options available there. I would like to be involved if we can and support it,” he said. “I think it is fantastic because it gets to a point in New Zealand where if they (horses) are good enough, they have to leave New Zealand and chase the prizemoney in Australia. I think increasing prizemoney and putting these slot races on attracts the owners to stay and race in New Zealand, or in cases like us, come back and race in New Zealand. “We might be buying horses for Australia but when those races are available there is no reason why we wouldn’t come back and race in them ourselves, and that is how it all starts.” New Zealand has been a great source of thoroughbred talent for Kheir, who has experienced the high of Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) success and multiple Group One victories with Verry Elleegant, while his own colours have been to the fore through the likes of multiple Group One winner Sierra Sue. He is currently experiencing plenty of fun with Kiwi-bred Jimmysstar, who has secured a wildcard for the A$4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) following his three undefeated starts in Australia. “Jimmy has definitely been one out of the box,” he said. “He has been a nice surprise, we didn’t purchase him thinking that he would give us this ride. We were always hopeful that he would be a nice stakes horse but to be giving us the ride he is giving us at the moment is fantastic. “He is proving to be a good acquisition and it has been great partnering up with the owners who have stayed in because I think they would have had a lot of regrets if they had sold him completely. It is good to have those guys involved. We see each other regularly and wish each other the best of luck. It has been a good journey so far.” Earlier this week, Kheir also secured a majority share in Group One-winning filly Molly Bloom and is looking to gain immediate success when she lines-up in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday for Wexford Stables. “It has been a long time coming,” Kheir said. “We have liked her from her first run, where she ran third, and we have been following her ever since. We have stayed in contact with Lance O’Sullivan to try and cut a deal, we were always a bit apart, but the gap bridged a lot closer when she won her Group One and we were able to cut a deal after the Karaka race (TAB Karaka Millions 3YO, where she ran seventh). “She will run this week for the partnership. Hopefully she runs well and from there we will talk with Lance and the team and work out a plan. Most likely we will freshen her up post this run and target a Queensland Oaks (Gr.1, 2200m) path. A lot will depend on how she runs on Saturday.” While her future lies in Australia, Kheir said she will remain with current trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott this preparation. “We have got a few trainers that we work closely with (in Australia), but at this stage the decision is that we don’t need to do that as yet. We have got time, and we will make that decision later after we know what path she will take,” he said. Kheir is excited about the future of racing in New Zealand and said his presence could one day be extended to having a team of horses competing in the burgeoning racing jurisdiction. “We have always been active at the sales in New Zealand, both the ready-to-runs and the yearling market,” he said. “We are building some nice relationships with some trainers in New Zealand. Hopefully in the future we will have some horses in New Zealand to race ourselves, and that is only a matter of time. As that prizemoney does become more attractive, why wouldn’t we?” View the full article

Eight-year-old gelding Ace Royale (NZ) (Per Incanto) is set to make his raceday return following a three-year absence when he heads to Wanganui on Friday to contest the Liquorland Wanganui R86 1200. Bred and raced by his trainer John Kiernan, Ace Royale showed plenty of promise in his formative years, posting five wins and three placings in his 12 starts prior to an injury enforced layoff. “He has had two tendon injuries in the same spot,” Kiernan said. “He is a very big, heavy horse. He never went sore, I just picked it up beforehand and when he came back the second time after following all of the vet’s advice, I just turned him out the old fashioned way for a long spell. “He is a promising horse, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone through all of this.” Ace Royale returned to the trials last month where he finished fourth in his 1000m heat behind Group One performers Faraglioni (NZ) (El Roca) and Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner). Kiernan was happy enough with the trial, and while he is looking forward to seeing Ace Royale tested on raceday, he said there is still plenty of improvement to come from the son of Per Incanto. “It was just an ordinary trial, nothing to write home about,” he said. “He doesn’t do a lot of fast work and the training tracks aren’t the best every day, he is probably 85 percent (fit).” Ace Royale has drawn barrier two in his comeback race, with Wanganui rated a Soft5 on Thursday morning. “He is a hard track horse, but he has got to get going, you don’t have too many options now,” Kiernan said. Kiernan has plenty of time for his gelding, but said he isn’t getting too carried away with his return. “We will just take one step at a time and get him fit again,” he said. “You never know if they are going to be competitive after tendon injuries. If he comes back to what he used to be there is no reason why he won’t head to some good races.” Kiernan bred Ace Royale out of his six-win mare Criss Cross (NZ) (Cape Cross), and he is enjoying keeping his hand in the game after a long and successful career in the industry. Based on the Kapiti Coast, Kiernan first became hooked on thoroughbreds when he lived in Trentham as a child, and a fire was lit to pursue a career in the racing industry. “When I lived at Trentham, during my primary school years, I would go and help out Jack Winder and Bill Ford after school when they travelled down,” Kiernan said. “In those days they would come down and stay for two weeks for the three days at Wellington. They would do that about four times a year. “My mother’s father had some shares in horses when he was sharemilking up in the Waikato. A couple of my uncles were apprenticed to Jack Winder, but they outgrew it. “I always loved horses right from the first time I went to a race meeting. After I left school, I went and became a blacksmith and I used to ride work at Woodville. “The bloke I was apprenticed to always had a horse and I would always be down there riding work for other people. I would go down and light a fire in the blacksmith’s shop early in the morning and then go and ride a few in work and school a few horses. In those days Woodville was the equal biggest training centre in New Zealand.” Kiernan went on to grow his own farrier business in New Zealand before he decided to head across the Tasman where he shod some of the best equine athletes to grace Australian tracks. “I had the biggest business in New Zealand as a farrier in the seventies with Syd Brown, Eric Ropiha, and Jock Harris,” he said. “I then went wandering around Australia. When I was in Sydney I was travelling Syd Brown’s horses, he was New Zealand’s leading trainer many years ago. When he didn’t have any more carnival horses I went down and worked for a bookmaker in Victoria and he had a trainer’s license and I travelled some of his horses like Battle Sign that won a Sydney Derby and Philomel won a Perth Cup. “I lived in Perth for a few years after doing the travelling and had the largest thoroughbred business in Western Australia for several years. “As a blacksmith I was lucky enough to be there in a golden era. I have shod many horses for lots of different trainers. I would have done about eight Derby winners for Bart (Cummings). There used to be two Derbys held in Perth back in those days. In the seventies, all the big trainers like Colin Hayes, Cummings, Tommy Smith and Geoff Murphy would travel to Perth most years. “I was lucky enough to do those trainers horses for several years. Shoeing-wise, Kingston Town would have been the best horse (I shod), he was the Muhammad Ali of the whole lot. “Daryl’s Joy would have been only an inch behind him. He was the best two-year-old in New Zealand and the best three-year-old in Australia, and the best grass galloper in America. Gunsynd would be right there too.” While Kiernan had a successful time in Australia as a farrier, he also had a memorable time as a trainer. “I bought a broken-down horse in each state and have won a race in each state on the mainland, I didn’t go to Tasmania,” he said. Kiernan then returned to New Zealand in the early nineties where he pursued breeding thoroughbreds, alongside training his own horses, and had great success with homebred Pillage ‘N’ Plunder (NZ) (Victory Dance). He trained the son of Victory Dance to win the 2003 edition of the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup (2200m) before crossing the Tasman to take out the Gr.1 Adelaide Cup (3200m). It was a golden couple of years for Kiernan, who also trained No Mean City (NZ) (Star Board) to win the Gr.1 Auto Auctions WFA (1400m) at Trentham a year prior. “No Mean City was another broken down horse I got sent,” Keirnan said. “He won the WFA at Trentham over 1400m and gave Damian Browne his first Group One winner in New Zealand. Star Satire was second and she held the New Zealand record for the 1400m and had for many years. The third and fourth horses had won at Caulfield and Flemington. There were nine or 10 runners and he was the only non-Group One winner. He was backed from eighties to 12s, so at that stage he was probably New Zealand’s biggest shortener. “It was his first start in open company, it was Group One weight-for-age and that was how good he was. But he was very unsound. He pulled off a big betting plunge in Australia when he won at Newcastle. He was a really good horse.” Ten years later Kiernan enjoyed competing at Group One level once more with a couple of horses he trained for Tommy Heptinstall. “I am a public trainer, but I have only had Tommy Heptinstall send me two horses once when their trainer Andrew Campbell was having a break,” he said. “They both got to the Derby – Weissmuller and Travolta. Other than that, I have probably only ever had a couple of outside horses to train, and one of those was the mother to Ace Royale. I acquired her off the owners as they didn’t want to breed.” Ace Royale is the only horse Kiernan has in work at the moment, with his full-brother Headline News (NZ) on the sidelines after picking up an injury at Trentham last month. Kiernan has led a colourful life in racing, and he is hoping he is not done yet, believing Ace Royale may be able to take him towards the top once more if he recaptures his form of old. View the full article

Trainers Bev and Ken Kelso. Photo: Trish Dunell A trip to Melbourne last year not only gave Ken and Bev Kelso their biggest moment in racing, courtesy of Legarto’s victory in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), but also a filly that could prove to be just as exciting. The day following Legarto’s Guineas triumph, the Matamata couple trekked out to Inglis’ Premier Yearling Sale and were taken by an Alabama Express filly out of Shadow Hill Thoroughbreds’ draft, and went to A$120,000 to secure her in association with bloodstock agent Dean Hawthorne. “I had an order to buy one at Karaka. I went to Karaka and got blown out of the water,” Ken Kelso said. “Everything that I liked, everyone else seemed to have more money. “I then said to the owners, ‘I couldn’t find anything here I really liked that we could buy within our budget’, which was $140,000, I said ‘let’s look around Melbourne’. “Dean Hawthorne has done a lot of work for us over the years and he did a short-list of about 30. I fell in love with this filly and we were lucky to get her for A$120,000, which was within our budget.” They named the filly Alabama Lass and she continued to impress the Kelsos, winning her first trial in October, beating subsequent Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner Velocious. She continued her winning run when taking out her second trial in impressive fashion last month and Kelso was relatively confident heading into her raceday debut at Matamata on Wednesday, but she far exceeded those expectations. Alabama Lass jumped well for jockey Sam Spratt and went straight to the lead, while race favourite Zelezniak was slow away and settled at the rear of the field. Spratt kept a solid tempo up front and Alabama Lass looked every inch the winner throughout. Spratt allowed her charge to extend at the top of the straight and she quickly opened up on her rivals, coasting away to a 9.5 length victory, with her time of 1.03.36 just 0.05 seconds outside of the track record. Kelso was duly rapt with the performance and has eyed a return to the track later this month with his filly to target the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). “She was very impressive,” he said. “She jumped well and then Sam said she relaxed when she got to the front and did it easily. “Hopefully, all going well and she pulls up okay, we will come back here for the Breeders’ in two-and-a-half weeks time.” While enamoured with the filly from day dot, Kelso said her precocity has taken him a bit by surprise. “When we bought her in Melbourne as a yearling, I didn’t think she would make a two-year-old, but she has surprised us and has kept progressing,” he said. “She is actually not bred to be a two-year-old. She is a half to Bad ‘n’ Bouj and a few in her family have raced up to 1400m and a mile. It will be interesting. As she develops, she will probably be wanting to go further. “Even looking at her now, she is still quite frail, but she has obviously got a lot of ability and she will definitely get better with age.” It was a bittersweet moment for the ownership group, with major owner Maurie Dunn having passed away six months ago. “Maurie Dunn and Eddie Tynan, from Auckland, raced Shoshone with us. They said they would like another one, but sadly Maurie died about six months ago,” Kelso said. “His wife Marie has continued to stay in the partnership. Maurie’s son Murray and his wife Jo are also in the ownership, along with John Moore, the former president here (Matamata Racing Club), Tony Egan and his wife Sue. “Maurie was a champion bloke. He had the TAB in Mt Maunganui for years, and was well-known in the industry.” The Kelsos are now hoping the victory is an appetiser for further success later in the week, with their star mare Legarto set to compete in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Horse racing news View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Friday, February 9, 2024 First Race 2:49pm ACST Visit Dabble For the third straight week they’re racing at Fannie Bay, with 40 runners accepting for the Darwin Turf Club’s five-event program on Friday. The action starts at 2:49pm ACST, with Heat 5 of the Summer Sprint Series (1100m) taking centre stage. There has been no rain in the Top End this week following heavy rains in late January, but come Friday the forecast is for a partly cloudy day with the chance of showers and a top temperature of 31C. The rail will be in the true position and it will be a fast dirt surface. BEST BET: BON’S PRIDE Bon Aurum’s son is aiming for three straight wins after blitzing his rivals by 8.3 lengths over 1300m on December 16 and then winning comfortably by 1.5 lengths at the same trip on January 13. Prior to his arrival in Darwin, the four-year-old gelding did little wrong in Victoria for Cranbourne trainer Wendy Kelly. He finished in the top four on five occasions from nine starts, which included victory in a 1400m Cranbourne maiden. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Bon’s Pride (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Manning | J: Vanessa Arnott (59kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: QUEEN IN THE NORTH This former South Australian galloper has been knocking on the door of late, finishing runner-up in her past three starts. After a win and three minor placings for Adelaide trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly, the four-year-old mare by Headwater arrived in the NT and finished ninth over 1100m on Melbourne Cup Day before coming fifth over 1200m on December 1. After trailing Prince Ruban across the line over 1300m in December, Queen In The North contested two races over 1200m in January and fell short behind Barty Aya and Barragunda. Next Best Race 1 – #6 Queen In The North (5) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Logan | J: Sonja Logan (57.5kg) Bet with BoomBet BEST VALUE: EL MAGNIFICENCE El Magnificence returns after going down narrowly to Volatore over 1200m on January 13. During December, the nine-year-old gelding finished 2.3 lengths adrift of Rising Sphere in second place over 1100m before once again ending up as the bridesmaid when finishing half a length behind Tubthumper over 1200m. The son of Magnus boasts six wins and 11 minor placings in 24 starts at Fannie Bay and his record over 1100m stands at 19:5-3-3. He also has a decent first-up record, which will enhance his prospects of ending a long winning drought that stretches back to May. Best Value Race 4 – #3 El Magnificence (3) 9yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Emma Lines (a2) (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Friday quaddie tips for Darwin races Darwin quadrella selections Friday, February 9, 2024 1-2-3 1-2-3-5-6 2-3-4 1-2-8-9-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

The TDN's popular annual series 'Mating Plans, presented by Spendthrift,' continues today in a conversation with Denali Stud's Conrad Bandoroff. FLAG DAY (8, Giant's Causeway–Sense to Compete, by Street Sense) to be bred to Good Magic. This mare's first foal, Hall of Fame, broke his maiden in very impressive fashion and was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' for his effort. The son of Gun Runner and Flag Day's first foal has been a special horse from the day he was born. He was just one of those foals that, when they stand for the first time, you find yourself saying, “We might have something here.” He was nice from day one and turned into a $1.4-million Saratoga yearling. Flag Day is a fourth-generation homebred for Ambassador Earle Mack. She is a big, scopey daughter of Giant's Causeway that imparts a lot of size, bone and leg into her foals. This year she goes to a stallion that is rapidly rising through the ranks and looks to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come in Good Magic. I love the balance and athleticism Good Magic imparts in his progeny and this is a mating that works really well physically with the mare. The Smart Strike-Giant's Causeway cross is a good one, producing the likes of Grade I-winning Tom's d'Etat. FLOWERING PEACH (8, Galileo {Ire}–Naples Bay, by Giant's Causeway) to be bred to Justify. This is a young mare that has gotten off to a great start in her broodmare career. Her first foal, Buchu (Justify), won the GII Jessamine S. at two and we hope she will have a big year for owner/breeder Richard Rigney and trainer Phil Bauer. Flowering Peach has an Uncle Mo yearling colt this year that we like a lot. This was as easy a mating as it comes and unsurprisingly Flowering Peach returns to Justify this year–the magic Justify/Galileo cross! Justify's two Breeders' Cup-winning 2-year-olds, as well as City of Troy in Europe and Storm Boy in Australia, capitalized his sensational run and what an important stallion he looks to be. LIAM'S PROMENADE (5, Liam's Map–Promenade Girl, by Carson City) to be bred to Nyquist. Liam's Promenade is a young mare that we have high hopes for. She is a half-sister to the MGISW Cavorting (Bernardini), who is the dam of over $3 million-earning MGISW Clairiere (Curlin). She is currently in foal to Curlin and we cannot wait to see the foal that is produced as it is a cross that has proven to be so prolific in the family. We have chosen to breed her to Nyquist, who we think was tremendous value this year. Nyquist was on a tear at the end of the year and has some seriously talented horses working for him for this year. He has a loaded pipeline and a lot of momentum behind him. It is a cross that has worked well in the family before, producing GII Penn Mile S. winner Moon Colony (Uncle Mo). HARD NOT TO LIKE (15, Hard Spun–Like a Gem, by Tactical Cat) to be bred to Cody's Wish. Hard Not to Like is awaiting the arrival of a Life Is Good foal any day now–a mating that we highlighted last year. The multiple Grade I-winning mare will visit Cody's Wish this year. Hard Not to Like's 4-year-old son Faustin (Curlin) has returned to the worktab for Bob Baffert and Michael Lund Peterson. He was second in the GII San Vincente S. and we hope to see him back competing at the graded stakes level this year. Cody's Wish is a horse we are so excited to breed to for many reasons, but he just pulls on your heartstrings in so many ways with his fantastic, fairytale-esque story. He also happens to be a very good physical match for Hard Not to Like, who benefits from some size and scope which Cody should provide. It repeats the Curlin cross that produced Faustin as well as the Curlin-Hard Spun cross that is responsible for the likes of Good Magic. We also love that it inbreeds back to Ruby Slippers (Nijinsky II) deeper in the pedigree. PLAYED HARD (6, Into Mischief–Well Lived, by Tiznow) to be bred to Gun Runner. We are very excited to welcome Played Hard to Denali Stud to begin the next chapter of her career. It was an incredible Oaks Day watching her hold off Secret Oath (Arrogate) to win the GI La Troienne S. and become the first Grade I winner for trainer Phil Bauer in the Rigney Racing colors. Played Hard is a gorgeous mare with a deep family. She has all the credentials to become a foundation mare. We will start her off strongly by sending her to Gun Runner. It's a great physical match and we love the pedigree blend. Gun Runner over Storm Cat-line mares has proven to be one of his most productive crosses. Gun Runner over Tiznow has produced the likes of Early Voting, and you also have MGISW Cyberknife under the second dam. LOVE THEWAY YOUARE (16, Arch–Diversa, by Tabasco Cat) to be bred to Elite Power. Love Theway Youare is a Grade I-winning, graded-stakes producing mare that we own with our good friend Lincoln Collins. This mating goes by the old adage of breed your proven mare to an unproven stallion and your unproven mare to a proven stallion. Love Theway Youare is the dam of Grade III winner Summer in Saratoga (Hard Spun). She is a big, pretty Arch mare who throws nice, leggy, good-looking foals. She goes to one of the most visually impressive stallions retiring to stud this year in Elite Power. He looks like what a $900,000 yearling should look like and we thought that at $50,000, he still was one of the best values in town for this year. DREAM TREE (9, Uncle Mo–Afleet Maggi, by Afleet Alex) to be bred to Constitution. Dream Tree is a young, Grade I-winning mare that we have high hopes for. Her first three foals have been striking individuals that have all looked the part. Her newly turned 3-year-old first foal, Wimberly (Curlin), was a $700,000 yearling purchase by David Ingordo and is in training with John Sadler out in California. Her 2-year-old son of Into Mischief is doing very well in his early paces at Payton Training Center in Ocala, and she has a very promising Gun Runner yearling filly that has been nice since day one. Dream Tree will go to a stallion we are big believers in: Constitution. We think you will be reading his name a lot this year and he is currently represented by three colts in the TDN's Top 12 Derby List. Tapit over Indian Charlie is the cross that produced generational talent Flightline. NICKEL (11, Unbridled's Song–Consider It Done, by Green Dancer) to be bred to Twirling Candy. This mare is a favorite of ours–I know we aren't supposed to say that but she is just one of those mares that you have a soft spot for. She is a gorgeous Unbridled's Song mare and the expression black cats throw black kittens could not be more appropriate when it comes to her foals. All of them are big, pretty and athletic. She visits Twirling Candy this year–a horse we feel is great value and such a solid, consistent, proven stallion. This is such a good cross. Candy Ride and Twirling Candy over Unbridled's Song have produced seven stakes winners including Gift Box, Leofric, and Fore Left. Interested in sharing your own mating plans? Email garyking@thetdn.com. The post Mating Plans, Presented by Spendthrift: Denali Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing on Thursday, February 8 will feature six meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and provided free quaddie tips for the meetings at Pakenham and Wyong. Thursday Horse Racing Tips – February 8, 2024 Pakenham Racing Tips Wyong Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 8, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $30.74 odds return: Thursday, February 8, 2024 Pakenham – Race 1 #8 French Flirt Pakenham – Race 7 #8 Barefoot Tora Wyong – Race 1 #2 Bo Katan Wyong – Race 3 #3 Counter | 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 February 8, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Horse racing tips View the full article

Watch Buddy (No.4) seals a double for Harry Bentley Harry Bentley notched a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with Eighteen Palms and Watch Buddy as the Englishman continued to build crucial impetus at the mid-season point of the Hong Kong racing season. Bentley struck with Eighteen Palms for Danny Shum before producing a nerveless display on Ricky Yiu’s Watch Buddy. “It’s obviously great to get a double, whether it’s here or Sha Tin – they always mean a lot,” Bentley said after boosting his tally of wins for the season to 14. “I’m very happy. I’ve ridden two nice horses. Watch Buddy is a very generous horse, he’s got a big heart. “I was always very comfortable with how I was going and I thought I had the leader Healthy Healthy covered a long way out but, fair play to that horse, he really battled it out with me and two big-hearted horses going at each other – a proper race.” Bentley scored in the previous race to present Shum with a brace. Shum earlier combined successfully with Alexis Badel and Romantic Fantasy. The four-year-old held a short head margin over Sharpen Bright with Serangoon a further short head away in third. Sugar Sugar’s consistency for Caspar Fownes was rewarded when Alfred Chan closed a competitive meeting when he drove the Star Turn gelding along the fence to clinch his fourth win over the track and distance after notching three minor placings this season. Dan Attack, a Hong Kong International Sale graduate, proved too strong under Antoine Hamelin as Jamie Richards continued a strong season at the city circuit. The Deep Field gelding, benefiting from a ground-saving ride, was too strong in breaking through at his seventh start to reward the stable’s patience, giving Richards his 13th win at Happy Valley for the season and 17 overall. “He’s been a very frustrating horse. He’s always shown a lot of ability,” Richards said. “The boys at home have done a wonderful job with him because he hasn’t been the easiest. It’s very rewarding when you get a horse to win that you’ve always thought a bit of and that has under-performed. Time and patience, it’s a wonderful thing.” Super Joy N Fun made an impressive debut with narrow victory for Benno Yung. By What’s The Story, the three-year-old continued Jerry Chau’s strong season in scoring by a head. Lovero, a Lord Kanaloa gelding, broke through at his fifth start for Tony Cruz under Angus Chung as Medic Elite continued a remarkably consistent season with an easy victory for Pierre Ng. Presenting Zac Purton with his 63rd success of the season, the Zacinto gelding added a second win this term to three minor placings from 10 starts. Chris So delivered his first success as United Endeavors powered to victory under Keith Leung. Formerly trained by Peter Ho, the Headwater gelding notched his first win since July, 2022. Horse racing news View the full article

Top-tier bookmakers have rolled out an enticing lineup of racing specials slated for Thursday, February 8. Standouts on the list include a slew of lucrative bonus-back incentives, elevating the thrill of the trackside action. Dive into these offers from top horse racing betting sites to maximise your wagering prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for February 8, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo 25% Boosted Winnings All Races at Pakenham 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 10 Again! Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Max bonus $100. First bet only (including SRM) at Gatton, Wagga, Wodonga and Wyong. Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has conducted a thorough evaluation of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored specifically for Thursday, February 8, 2024. These horse racing promotions stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker is not currently offering a promotion, you can be confident that another is capitalising on promotional offers. Your go-to destination for the most rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses each day is HorseBetting.com.au. Take advantage of bookie bonuses and the best horse racing odds available for every race to increase the value of your betting endeavours. It’s important to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively crafted for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Agate Road, scratched from the Feb. 3 Kitten's Joy Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park, resurfaces in another part of the Sunshine State Feb. 10 when he races in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.View the full article

Horses who died at the racecourse, or within 48 hours of running as a direct result of injuries sustained, are recorded by the BHA for the purposes of measuring the fatality rate.View the full article

8th-Gulfstream, $86,940, Alw (NW1X), Opt. Clm ($75,000), 2-7, 3yo, 5fT, :54.64, fm, 3/4 length. REEF RUNNER (c, 3, The Big Beast–Paradise Bay, by Blame) was making his first start on the turf as the 15.90-1 longest shot in a field of seven and outsprinted a luckless 3-5 Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) to upset that one's seasonal debut. Ridden along from fourth by Paco Lopez, with the hot favorite underneath him, the Lieblong homebred was sent along three wide on the turn and had dead aim on pacesetting Esperon (Chitu) as they hit the top of the lane. Racing on his incorrect lead, Reef Runner nevertheless hit the front with time ticking away and went on to score by thee-parts of a length. While the winner had a clear run throughout, the same cannot be said for Valiant Force. Winner of the G2 Norfolk S. at 150-1 and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint when last seen in November, the AMO Racing runner was shuffled back nearing the turn and just when it looked possible that he might get off the inside, he was kept in by Mackville (Speightster) with 2 1/2 furlongs to race. Valiant Force finally found daylight five wide off the home corner and he kicked on nicely, but had too much to overcome and settled for second. Valiant Force covered his final eighth of a mile in a race-fastest :10.94 per DRF Formulator. The winner's dam, a half-sister to dual Grade I-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and SW Forest Chatter (Dixie Chatter), produced a Street Sense filly in 2023. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-1, $103,180. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Alex & JoAnn Lieblong (FL); T-David Fawkes. WOW! #6 REEF RUNNER ($33.80) closes in Race 8 at Gulfstream Park with Paco López in the saddle for trainer David Fawkes and owners Alex and JoAnn Lieblong. pic.twitter.com/oiHu5EZpQC — TVG (@TVG) February 7, 2024 The post Reef Runner Bests Unlucky Valiant Force at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Luis Saez will return to Saudi Arabia with hopes of defending his crown in the International Jockey Challenge against 13 of the planet's best in the four-race competition Feb. 23.View the full article

Commercial weanlings were in demand on day one of the Goffs February Sale as a Havana Grey (GB) colt [lot189] consigned by Kellsgrange Stud led home proceedings at €85,000 to Yeomanstown Stud as turnover dropped 30% compared to last year. The day one sale-topper is out of the unraced Danehill Dancer (Ire) mare How High The Sky (Ire), who has produced eight winners from 10 foals, including the highly-rated sprinter Up Above (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}). David O'Callaghan of Yeomanstown Stud commented, “A great model. By a very good stallion and a good dam to back him up. He could come back here next autumn and we are delighted to get him. He could go anywhere.” One of the big stories to emerge from Wednesday was the excellent trade enjoyed by rookie operators Aisling Noone and Simon Kavanagh of Drumloose Stables. Despite not being in business a full 12 months, the Mullingar-based couple built on some solid results posted in 2023 by selling their colts by Havana Grey (GB) and Galiway (GB) for a combined sum of €114,000. Such results came after Drumloose Stables secured €95,000 for a son of Blue Bresil (Fr) at last year's Arkle Sale, confirming the theory that Goffs is a lucky place for the pair. Speaking after selling the Havana Grey weanling colt [Lot 91] to Amy and Con Marnane for €46,000 and the Galiway colt [Lot 201] to Yeomanstown Stud for €68,000, Noone said, “It was a brilliant day and Goffs is becoming very lucky for us. Our operation isn't even up and running 12 months yet. We moved back to Mullingar, where we are based, last April. Since then, everything has gone well and we have got some fantastic clients and friends who are backing us all the way.” She added, “The horses we had today, they were beautiful. The Galiway was very easy to prepare and is a very athletic horse. He walked very well and the sire was a big help to us. The Galiway and Kendargent (Fr) cross has already produced a Group 1 winner. I'm not sure what Yeomanstown Stud are planning on doing with him but I am assuming we might see him back at a yearling sale in the autumn. “The Havana Grey has gone to Con Marnane, a very good friend of ours. It is about seven or eight years since I did a season with Con at Maisons-Laffitte in France so it's great for things to come full circle. Hopefully both horses will be lucky for both purchasers.” Tally-Ho Stud is famous all over the world for its association with fast horses on the level but old habits clearly die hard and the master of the County Westmeath outfit, Tony O'Callaghan, went to €75,000 to secure top-notch jumps prospect by No Risk At All (Fr) [lot 148] from Railstown Stud. No Risk At All needs no introduction as a jumps stallion, being the sire of Allaho (Fr), Epatante (Fr) and more. O'Callaghan signed for the colt alongside Hamish Macauley. Of the 188 lots offered [down from 216 this day last year], 111 were sold, which represents a clearance rate of just 59%. Turnover dropped from €2,081,750 to €1,452,600 while the average fell 18% to €13,087 and the median stayed the same at €9,000. The post Havana Grey To The Fore On Day One Of Goffs February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

8th-GP, $91K, Alw/Opt. Clm., 3yo, f, 5f (AWT), 3:39 p.m. ET St. Elias homebred PRETTY LIAM (Liam's Map) opened her account in outstanding fashion at first asking, firing home to take a course-and-distance maiden by a widening 3 3/4 lengths Jan. 11, good for a lofty 85 Beyer Speed Figure. Irad Ortiz, Jr. has a return call aboard the bay, whose year-older half-sister Danse Macabre (Army Mule) was a leading turf female of her generation in 2023, winning this track's GIII Herecomesthebride S. and three other stakes around one turn, including the valuable Untapable S. at Kentucky Downs. The winning dam Sylphide (Blame) is a half-sister to three-time graded winner and multiple Grade I-placed Cambodia (War Front) and the deeper female family includes the U.S.-bred three-time champion sprinter in South Africa Overarching (Arch), herself responsible for Grade 1 winner Lady of the House (SAf) (Dynasty {SAf}). TJCIS PPs Pretty Liam impressively takes race 5 for @PletcherRacing, two wins today for @iradortiz! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/nTcHfbvBVR — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 11, 2024 The post Thursday Insights: Pretty Liam Looms Large In First-Level Allowance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs' ban of Bob Baffert and the decision by his owners to keep their horses with the trainer, even though that means they cannot run at Churchill, will affect not just the Derby. Though Baffert's group of 3-year-old fillies is not as deep or as impressive as his collection of 3-year-old colts, he does have some fillies that, in a normal year, would be Oaks candidates. He has GII Starlet S. winner Nothing Like You (Malibu Moon). But his best filly may be Kinza (Carpe Diem), who rocketed to a 7 1/2-length win in her debut, earning a 96 Beyer figure. Both Baffert fillies were entered in the GIII Las Virgenes S., which has been rescheduled due to the rains in California. It is now set to be run this Saturday. Here's a look at the second installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10: 1) JUST F Y I (f, Justify–Star Act, by Street Cry {Ire}) O/B-George Krikorian (Ky); T-Bill Mott. Lifetime Record: GISW, 3-3-0-0, $1,317,750. Last start: WON Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 40. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 2. It's well known that winners of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile have had a difficult time winning the Kentucky Derby. It's happened only twice in the 40 years that the Breeders' Cup has been around. The record of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winners in the GI Kentucky Oaks is just as bad. Only two have turned the trick–1999 Oaks winner Silverbulletday and 1989 Oaks winner Open Mind. Can Just F Y I become the third? That remains to be seen, but she still deserves to be No. 1 in this poll or any similar polls. It looks like she will get an early test as trainer Bill Mott reports that she will make her 3-year-old debut in the GII Davona Dale S. Mar. 2 at Gulfstream. She didn't exactly blow away the competition last year, but her win in the Juvenile Fillies showed that she was the best of her division. 2) CANDIED (f, Candy Ride {Arg}–Toni Tools, by Roaring Fever) O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Buck Pond Farm, Inc. (Ky); T-Todd A Pletcher. Sales history: $165,000 yrl '22 FTJUL. Lifetime Record: GISW, 3-2-0-1, $595,800. Last start: 3rd Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filles. Kentucky Oaks Points: 19. Next Start: TBD. Sold for the bargain price of $165,000 at Fasig-Tipton July, GI Alcibiades winner Candied just missed in the Juvenile Fillies, finishing third, beaten just three quarters of a length. It looks like trainer Todd Pletcher may have to play a game of catch-up with her as, through Wednesday, her only published workout was a three-furlong breeze on Feb. 2 in which she went in :39.73 at Palm Beach Downs. Owner Aron Wellman explained the strategy, which will likely include just one prep for the Oaks. “We wanted to freshen her up after the Breeders' Cup,” Wellman said. “It was a huge performance and she was unlucky not to win it. In her work, she went an easy three-eighths by herself and that should move her forward. She doesn't necessarily need two preps to get ready. She tends to get herself fit pretty quickly.” 3) JODY'S PRIDE (f, American Pharoah–Jody's Song, by Scat Daddy) O-Parkland Thoroughbreds & Sportsmen Stable; B-Mr. Steve Weston (Ky); T-Jorge R Abreu. Lifetime Record: SW & GISP, 3-2-1-0, $480,250. Last start: 2nd Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 2. Trainer Jorge Abreu has confirmed to the Daily Racing Form that his Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up will make her 2024 debut in the Davona Dale, which would produce a rematch of the first two across the wire in the Juvenile Fillies. He told the DRF that one of the reasons he chose the Davona Dale is that he has lined up Irad Ortiz, Jr. for the mount. So far as Jody's Pride's run in the Juvenile Fillies, here is what Abreu had to tell the DRF: “Great effort, especially going from six furlongs to two turns. It didn't faze her at all, needed one more jump.” Interesting that the connections originally wanted to turn her into a turf horse, which makes sense since she is by American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile). Her first two races, a Saratoga maiden and the Matron S., were washed off the turf. She won both before her solid effort in the Breeders' Cup. 4) INTRICATE (f, Gun Runner–Complex Analysis, by Distorted Humor) O-Bradley Thoroughbreds, Laura Leigh Stable, Scot Estes & Cambron Equine, LLC; B-LBD Stable, LLC (Ky); T-Brendan Walsh. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '22 KEESEP; $280,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-0-0, $302,180. Last start: WON Nov. 25 GII Golden Rod S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 17. If you believe in the Beyer figures, this may be the horse for you. She earned an 85 when winning the GII Golden Rod S. at Churchill. That's better than Just F Y I, whose career best was the 79 she ran winning the Juvenile Fillies. It looks like trainer Brendan Walsh is starting to turn the screws on her as her Feb. 3 workout, five furlongs in 1:00.20 at the Fair Grounds, was her best so far this year. Walsh has her on the same path that he had 2023 Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) on, the GII Rachel Alexandra S. followed by the GII Fair Grounds Oaks. The last trainer to win back-to-back runnings of the Kentucky Oaks is Wayne Lukas, who won in 1989 with Open Mind and in 1990 with Seaside Attraction. 5) KOPION (f, Omaha Beach—Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop) O-Spendthrift Farm; B-Tall Oaks Farm (Ky); T-Richard Mandella. Sales history: $270,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0, $96,600. Last Start: WON Jan. 7 GIII Santa Ynez S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GIII Las Virgenes S., SA, Feb. 10. She has had to wait a week, but Kopion will get the biggest test of her career when she goes in Saturday's rescheduled Las Virgenes S. She's coming off a win in the GIII Santa Ynez S., in which she scored a 5 3/4-length wire-to-wire win. She still has to prove she can win when stretching out and around two turns. But if she can carry speed for nine furlongs she will be very dangerous. She is a half-sister to Ami's Flatter (Flatter), the Canadian champion 3-year-old male in 2016. Has been so highly regarded by the bettors that she went off at 3-10 when winning her debut and at 1-5 in the Santa Ynez. 6) LIFE TALK (f, Gun Runner–Touchy Feely, by Bernardini) O-Repole Stable; B-Gun Runner Syndicate, Mulholland Springs, LLC & Tom Grether Farms, Inc. (Ky); T-Todd A Pletcher. Sales history: $160,000 wnlg '21 KEENOV; $335,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW & GISP, 5-2-1-1, $364,250. Last start: WON Dec. 2 GII Demoiselle S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 19. Next Start: Suncoast S., Tam, Feb. 10. Will owner Mike Repole win a Kentucky Oaks before he wins a Kentucky Derby? Life Talk could make that possible. We'll know more after this weekend's Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs, a race that Pletcher often points for with 3-year-old fillies making their first start of the year. It doesn't appear that the competition will be that stiff, so expect this filly to kick off her 3-year-old season with a win. She didn't show a lot when third in the Frizette and fourth in the Juvenile Fillies, but a different horse showed up for the GII Demoiselle at Aqueduct. Sent off at even-money, she led every step of the way on her way to a 3 3/4-length win. 7) LESLIE'S ROSE (f, Into Mischief–Wildwood Rose {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Whisper Hill Farm; B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services (Ky); T-Todd Pletcher. Sales history: $1,150,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $89,950. Last start: WON Jan. 11 AOC at Gulfstream Park. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 2. Say this much about Mandy Pope, she's not afraid to spend her money in search of a good horse. Leslie's Rose was a $1,150,000 purchase at Keeneland September. She's earned just $89,950, but there's little doubt that the best has yet to come. She's 2-for-2 with her last win coming in a seven-furlong allowance at Gulfstream. Slated to go next in the Davona Dale, that race will give her the chance to prove that she is an upper echelon filly. She's had five half-mile works since mid-December. 8) ALPINE PRINCESS (f, Classic Empire–Le Moine, by Curlin) O-Full of Run Racing, LLC & Madaket Stable LLC; B-Betz/DJ Stable/Peter Lamantia/Classic Empire Syndicate (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $190,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 5-3-0-1, $210,810. Last Start: WON Dec. 23 Untapable S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: TBD. The Brad Cox-trained filly is coming off a win in the Untapable S., which has turned into a key race. Runner-up West Omaha (West Coast) went on to win the Silverbulletday S. and fifth-place finisher Band of Gold (Preservationist) won last Saturday's Martha Washington S. at Oaklawn Park. She was beaten 28 1/4 lengths in the Alcibiades after acting up at the gate. Since then, she's been perfect, winning an allowance and the Untapable. Florent Geroux is the rider. He and Cox have teamed up to win the 2020 Oaks with Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) and the 2018 Oaks with Monomoy Girl (Tapizar). 9) WEST OMAHA (f, West Coast–Birthday Bash, by Medaglia d'Oro) O/B-Gary & Mary West Stables (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-2-0, $203,000. Last start: WON Jan. 20 Sillverbulletday S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S, FG, Feb. 17 or GIII Honeybee S., OP, Feb. 24. She won the Silverbulletday, but will still have to answer some questions as the field for that race came up light. She was the 9-10 favorite. Cox will surely try to keep her and Alpine Princess apart, choosing between the Oaklawn and Fair Grounds routes to the Oaks. Cox also has Busanda S, winner Gin Gin (Hightail), who will take the New York-route to the Oaks. West Omaha will try to give owner-breeder Gary and Mary West their first Oaks win. 10) BAND OF GOLD (f, Preservationist–Play for Gold by Cairo Prince) O-Dixiana Farms LLC; B-Brereton C. Jones (Ky); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. Sales history: $70,000 wnlg '21 KEENOV. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-2-0, $206,000. Last start: WON Feb. 3 Martha Washington S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GIII Honeybee S., OP, Feb. 24. The only newcomer to the list this week, she scored an upset win in the Martha Washington at odds of 24-1. Just a $70,000 purchase at Keeneland September, she rebounded off a poor effort in the Untapable where she was fifth. “In the Untapable, she never really figured out what she was supposed to do out there,” trainer Ken McPeek said. She got an 86 Beyer in the Martha Washingon. Will need to improve to take the next step, but trainer McPeek is never afraid of a challenge. The post TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Feb. 8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mawj, a dual group/grade 1 winner in 2023 and a finalist for North America's champion female turf horse of last year, was announced Feb. 7 as retired from racing by owner/breeder Godolphin. View the full article