Wandering Eyes

The first foal of the three-time Group 1 winner Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}) was born at Whatton Manor Stud on February 3, Darley announced on Monday. The bay filly is a daughter of the former Richard Fahey trainee Vaulted (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}), a half-sister to the multiple Group 2 winners Dimension (GB) (Medicean {GB}) and Spacious (GB) (Nayef). Whatton Manor's Ed Player described her as, “A big, strong filly, nice limbs and [we're] pretty pleased with the model we've got.” Perfect Power, who won the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. as a two-year-old before adding the G1 Commonwealth Cup to his tally at three, stands for £10,000 at Dalham Hall Stud this year. The post Filly Foal Is The First For Perfect Power appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this monthly BH interview, Karen M. Johnson profiles young racing personalities.View the full article

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What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, February 7, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing heads to the bright lights of the city circuit at Happy Valley for a massive nine-race program. The rail is in the B position, and with a chance of some showers hitting the course proper, there’s a possibility of the track rating falling into the Soft range at some stage. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT). Best Bet: Raging Blizzard Raging Blizzard tackled the Happy Valley circuit last start on January 17 and was only narrowly defeated by a half-head on the wire. He sat outside the leader for the duration of the journey and never settled under Karis Teetan. Racing ungenerously throughout blunted his usually electric turn-of-foot, and we think it was due to the lack of cover. This time the son of Per Incanto draws barrier 12, and although that would usually be a negative at this course, it should allow Zac Purton to drag Raging Blizzard back before scorching down the centre of the track to end the evening. Best Bet Race 9 – #3 Raging Blizzard (12) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (57kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best: Sharpen Bright We were taken by the most recent performance by Sharpen Bright at Sha Tin on January 28, and although he was no match for Nicholson Returns, we love the way he flashed home over 2000m. He finished a clear runner-up and put a significant 2.8-length margin back to third, suggesting that could be a strong form-line moving forward. Barrier two should allow Zac Purton to hold a closer position in transit, and with his growing association with the David Hall barn proving a profitable one, Sharpen Bright appears to be a solid play. Next Best Race 2 – #8 Sharpen Bright (2) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Zac Purton (55.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Again: Beauty Infinity Beauty Infinity was an impressive winner two starts back at this course and distance before finding no luck in his most recent effort on January 17. The son of Toronado was cast wide throughout the middle stages and was unable to accelerate to through the wire. The four-year-old was only having his third career start and will make dramatic improvement as the campaign goes on. Zac Purton gets the assignment this time, and as long as Beauty Infinity finds some cover, he will prove hard to beat. Next Best Again Race 4 – #1 Beauty Infinity (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Hong Kong quaddie tips – 7/2/2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1-3-10-11-12 1-2-3-5-8-9-10 1-2-4-5-6-8 3 More horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, February 7, 2024 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Sandown’s Lakeside track is the destination for metropolitan racing in Victoria once again on Wednesday afternoon. With a perfect summer’s day forecast, we expect to be racing on a Good 4 come the opening event, with an upgrade to a Good 3 likely at some point in the day. The rail comes out 3m the entire circuit, with action commencing at 3:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: Tahlequah Tahlequah has been nothing short of consistent so far in three runs this campaign, with minor placings under her belt at her last two runs. She was far from disgraced when forced to travel wide with no cover over 1800m on the Lakeside track on January 17, and looks poised to bounce back into the winner’s stall. She was beaten by 1.6 lengths on that day, and the horse who finished second, Nishino Crescent, has since come out and won in impressive fashion. From the wide barrier, if Blake Shinn can have Tahlequah settled outside lead without using up too many tickets, we’re confident she has what it takes to outstay her rivals. Best Bet Race 6 – #5 Tahlequah (9) 5yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Steel Impact Steel Impact beat all bar Flying Valley at Cranbourne on January 19, and the Real Steel filly can go one better in the opener on Wednesday. She looked like she took a while to get going on that occasion, so the longer straight at Sandown should be more to her liking. Jye McNeil will look to have Steel Impact one off the fence in a midfield position, and if she can build through the gears in clear air, we’re confident Steel Impact can break maiden ranks. Next Best Race 1 – #9 Steel Impact (9) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jye McNeil (57kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sandown: Lauding Lauding caught the eye when thundering home at Flemington on January 20, when finishing second behind Aramco. The four-year-old gelding was beaten by 2.3 lengths on the day, but the run was much better than it reads on paper. It was a severe rails bias on that day, and this son of Proisir made up a stack of ground from the back of the field to suggest he was worth following. In what looks set to be a genuinely run 2100m event, Lauding can absorb the pressure from the rear, and with a well-timed sprint he can blouse his rivals in the penultimate event. Best Value Race 7 – #6 Lauding (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (58kg) Bet with Playup Sandown Lakeside Wednesday quaddie tips – 7/2/2024 Sandown Lakeside quadrella selections Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1-6-8 2-5-6 2-6-7-9 1-2-4-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Former AFL boss Gillon McLachlan is in the box seat to be the new chairman of Racing Victoria. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The man with the most harness racing of names makes a race day comeback at Rangiora on Tuesday. Steve Trotter will drive his own trotter Hoffn It at Rangiora in Race 1, the Cavalier Trotting Products – North Canterbury Trotting Trot (12.07pm). It will be his first drive since the 2014 season. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?” the West Melton-based trainer-driver agrees. Trotter is very much a hobby trainer who mixes training with his day job as a builder and helping out at Graham Court’s Harcourt Lodge. His first, and so far only win, as a trainer-driver was with Orse M Jogmar at Nelson in 2009. The horse paid $72 to win that day, and it ended up being her only win in 72 career starts. Getting Hoofn It to the races hasn’t been easy. Trotter bred the horse (Ohoka Arizona – Orse M Tin Lis) and first went to the trials in February 2022, missing out on the qualifying time “by two tenths of a second.” “And then I took him onto the track at home and he wouldn’t move,” says Trotter, “I didn’t know what was wrong with him .. he just wouldn’t move.” “I spent hours and hours with him on the long reins.” And then in October last year they qualified at Ashburton and then in January this year he showed some promise by finishing second to Portelli at the trials. “And I see that horse got second and third at Blenheim so that got me a bit excited.” Those two placings were at Waterlea Raceway on January 19 and 21. Hoofn It will make his debut as an eight-year-old. It’s been a long haul even getting him to the races and Trotter is hopeful all the effort will be worthwhile. “I’d love for him to get away and if he could run a place…” At last look he was paying $8 and $2.80 on the fixed odds. As for a Trotter training trotters? “I get that a lot,” he says, “it’s a bit of a laugh though isn’t it?” View the full article

Last-start winner Watch Buddy contests the second section of the Class Three Victoria Park Handicap (1,200m) on Wednesday nightView the full article

Eight-time Group One winner Imperatriz put in an underwhelming trial performance when fifth in her 800m heat at Cranbourne on Monday, but the Te Akau Racing camp aren’t fretting ahead of her return in the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lighting Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday-week. “She was a little bit underwhelming and to the eye, it would have looked the same,” jockey Michael Dee told Racing.com. “But to be honest everything seemed to be perfect with her. Her action and breathing and her temperament was normal – but I would say just her being here at her home track she might have been just been a little bit casual. “I’d say she’s used to going out there and having a slow canter around whereas, if she was away from her home track, she would probably spark-up a little bit more and be her normal self. “That is all I could put that trial performance down to this morning – being at her home track and just being a little bit casual about things. “Everything seemed normal. She pulled up good, so we just have to trust she’s at where she needs to be. “I’ve galloped her here in the past and also over at the racecourse and she certainly seems to go better than when she’s away from home. “At Cranbourne racecourse, the first gallop this time in, she galloped extremely well and most of the times she goes to Moonee Valley she goes super as well, so I think she was a little bit casual about things today. “We were going to give her a decent hit-out anyway as it’s her last hit-out before she goes to the Lightning. “I gave her a little shake-up and she didn’t pick up like she usually does, but I am not concerned. Her action was great and she pulled up well.” Imperatriz was a standout in the spring for trainer Mark Walker, winning all four of her starts, including the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m), Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m), and Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m). View the full article

Leading jockey Warren Kennedy had a tough decision to make heading into Saturday’s Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, with the option of riding either Waitak or Crocetti, with the expat South African ultimately choosing the latter. Waitak showed a blistering turn of foot to take out the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) under Kennedy at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, however, Kennedy said loyalty told in the end with his selection. Kennedy has become close with Crocetti’s breeder-owner Daniel Nakhle since his arrival in New Zealand, and he wanted to stay loyal to his friend this weekend. “It’s probably more mainly just to Daniel,” Kennedy told Weigh In. “He (Crocetti) is a good horse, he has done nothing wrong. I think he can step up to the (WFA) level. He has been very good to me, and Daniel has been very good to me, and I may as well keep it going.” The Danny Walker and Arron Tata- trained Crocetti remains undefeated in his seven starts to date, including victories in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). While he has chosen to ride Crocetti, Kennedy believes Waitak may be the better winning chance in the race, particularly given his last start heroics in the Railway. “The better chance I would probably lean towards Waitak – he has been there and done it over this distance as well. That is probably his niche, over 1400m, that’s where he wants to be,” Kennedy said. While leaning towards, Waitak, Kennedy said Crocetti has continued to develop and may be better suited to the 1400m as a result. “Crocetti has changed, he is developing still as a horse – he has got longer instead of getting taller, which has extended his stride which is very interesting because he has got a phenomenal stride on him already,” Kennedy said. “I would say his niche was 1200m, but that could have changed now. Because the way he has lengthened, the 1400m could be his best trip now.” Kennedy said Wednesday’s barrier draw will be a key factor in Saturday’s outcome. “The draw is going to be pivotal,” he said. “We know Waitak will probably get a bit back and if Crocetti draws well, he will get forward. He will have that advantage, but we know Waitak will be flashing home. “It is going to be a very interesting race, I am really looking forward to it, and hopefully I am on the right one.” Crocetti is a $2.50 favourite in the TAB Futures Market for the BCD Group Sprint, ahead of Waitak at $5, with Bonny Lass and Quintessa at $8. Saturday will also dictate the autumn plans for Crocetti, with a potential Australian campaign in the offing. “It is going to be a test for him going against the older horses. It is going to be an acid test and I think from there they will decide whether they are going to Australia with him or not,” he said. View the full article

Kelly Coe could be set for another crack at elite-level if she performs well in the Listed Clubs NZ @ The Races Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. The six-year-old mare has been freshened since her sixth placed run in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day and trainer Ashley Meadows expects to see an improved result from his mare at the Waitangi Day meeting. “We freshened her up a bit after she went up north because the trip and the race did take a bit out of her,” Meadows said. “I thought it was a good effort in the Zabeel. It wasn’t ideal having to lead against that class of horse, but I don’t think she disgraced herself. “She has recovered well now, and while I am not expecting her to win, I am expecting her to run a good race.” If the daughter of Proisir performs up to expectations this week, a return north could be on the cards, with Meadows eyeing the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie next month. “2000m is probably her pet distance now. We might head north again and have a go at the Bonecrusher,” he said. Meadows will also head to Tauherenikau with McKhan, who will contest the TAB Bonus Back Wairarapa Cup (2050m). “He is a nice horse but he doesn’t help himself. He does a bit wrong and he goes a bit hard,” Meadows said. “I am putting earmuffs on him tomorrow to bring him down a peg or two, and if he settles, he will run out a strong 2000m.” Meanwhile, Meadows will head to Wanganui on Friday with Inmyshadow, with the Group Three performer set to enjoy a drop back in class. “He will go to Wanganui on Friday and then he will probably head to Otaki after that and then we will look at the St Leger (Listed, 2600m).” View the full article

Windsor Park Stud’s ‘Rugby, Racing and Beer’ South Island Sale has proven to be a fruitful initiative for the Cambridge thoroughbred nursery over the last couple of years, which was further enhanced over the weekend when sales graduate Collect Your Cash took out the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui. The Shankar Muniandy-trained gelding became the first stakes winner from the sale, adding to its previous black-type performer in Kikimora, who placed in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). Collect Your Cash was purchased out of the sale in May 2022 by Ben Kwok, under his Lionrock Bloodstock banner, for $15,000 and was subsequently sold to a client of trainer Shankar Muniandy, for whom he has now won two and placed in one of his four starts to date and earned more than $80,000 in prizemoney. Windsor Park Stud principal Rodney Schick was pleased to get the stakes result ahead of the next edition of the sale in May. “He was a lovely horse and we sold him at our ‘Rugby, Racing and Beer’ sale in the South Island. He was bought by Ben Kwok at that sale and was subsequently sold to Shankar, and I am rapt for Shankar because he is a really enthusiastic guy and has supported us. It was a good win,” Schick said. “We will be running it (sale) again this year in May where we will be selling nine or 10 (yearlings). “I have always wanted to do a sale like that. It is like a Hong Kong-style sale. We take the horses down, but they are not in the auction room, Steve Davis (auctioneer) comes down and we always get an All Black guest speaker. We have a big lunch and then sell them off the big screen. “It has been really good – we have taken 18 horses down there and sold 18. Kikimora has come out of it, we have sold some nice winners, and to have a stakes winner now is really good.” Bred by Windsor Park Stud, Collect Your Cash’s stakes win was also the first for his ill-fated sire Rageese, who has also produced stakes performer Nebuchadnezzar. “We imported the mare (Prompt Payment) a number of years ago. We have had quite a lot of success bringing those European mares down,” Schick said. “We haven’t got much of the family, but it is always good to breed a stakes winner.” Fresh off New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka last week, Schick said he was happy with the farm’s Book 1 results but expects to see a stronger sale next year. “Book 1 held up really well and I think we saw the effects of the economy in the second sale,” he said. “I just think the way the economy is at the moment, it was tough and people are finding it a bit tough. “With all the initiatives going on at the moment with Entain, I think we are going to see a far better sale next year.” Meanwhile, Schick is looking forward to heading to Te Rapa on Saturday where he will watch Imwonderfultonight carry Windsor Park Stud’s Silks in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). Trained by Sam Mynott, Windsor Park Stud race the four-year-old mare in partnership with Ben Kwok, and have enjoyed plenty of success with her of late. The daughter of I Am Invincible has placed in the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) for the partnership, and they are hoping she can break through for an elusive stakes win this weekend. “She has been going well and she has put in some very good runs,” Schick said. “I think she found the track a bit tricky the other night (at Ellerslie in the Concorde), changed legs and it was the first time right-handed. She had a huge run down at Trentham (for fourth in the Gr.1 Telegraph, 1200m). Back at Te Rapa, she has won there, and Sam Weatherley is on and he has won on her. If she gets the right run, she will be very competitive.” Schick is also pleased to be giving 26-year-old Mynott the opportunity to train the exciting mare. “Sam was a very accomplished horsewoman before she came into training thoroughbreds. We like to give young trainers opportunities and she has grabbed it with both hands,” he said. “She went out and bought some nice horses at Karaka, which is always nice to see young people doing. I think she has got a big future in the racing game.” View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – 2 Hume Hwy, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, February 7, 2024 First Race 2:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing heads to Warwick Farm on Wednesday afternoon for a competitive seven-race program from 2:20pm local time. With a speck of rain expected across the region, we could be racing on a Soft 5 surface. The rail moves out +5m from the 1000m to winning post and then sits out +2m for the remainder, which should allow for a fair afternoon of racing. Best Bet: Tartaglia Follow Files readers would know how impressed we were with the debut of Tartaglia at Rosehill on January 20, and we’re keen to stick with him second-up. The son of Too Darn Hot produced some of the fastest closing sectionals of the day, careering through the wire to be defeated by 3.3 lengths. He steps up in trip to the 1300m in this maiden contest, and although barrier seven does present a tricky task for Sam Clipperton, we think Tartaglia will prove too classy for this lot. Best Bet Race 1 – #6 Tartaglia (7) 2yo Colt | T: James Cummings | J: Sam Clipperton (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: Stylised Stylised did enough first-up at this course on January 26 to suggest he can turn the tables on Romeo’s Choice in this BM72 contest. The James Cummings-trained gelding missed the start before stealing rails runs in transit, surviving a protest to maintain his runner-up finish. It was a solid return by the son of Kermadec, and his record seems to suggest he takes dramatic improvement second-up into the preparation. He maps well from barrier six, and provided the breaks fall his way, Stylised will be finishing off best in the penultimate. Next Best Race 6 – #8 Stylised (6) 4yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Again: Introducing After a 20-week spell to go along with a gelding operation, Introducing makes his way back to the races for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn. He was competing against some classy three-year-old company in the spring before being sent to the paddock, and although the stable felt the need to geld this son of Trapeze Artist to keep his mind on the job, he was far from disgraced. His two barrier trials in the lead-up have caught the eye, and with Warwick Farm being the only course where Introducing has found success, we’re hopeful he can make it career win number two this week. Next Best Again Race 7 – #2 Introducing (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Nash Rawiller (60.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Warwick Farm quaddie tips – Wednesday, February 7 Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, February 7, 2024 4-5-7 2-3-7-8-10 5-7-8-10 2-3-5-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Top industry judges David Cox, Derek Veitch Mark Dreeling and Paschal Kellaghan have put on record their support for Derrinstown Stud-based stallion Minzaal (Ire) off the back of the arrival of his first foals. Minzaal's foals have come in for high praise from their breeders, including Rosetown Bloodstock's filly [pictured] out of the winning Exceed And Excel (Aus) mare, Loquace (Ire), a granddaughter of champion two-year-old, Pas De Reponse. “I'm very happy with her,” reported David Cox of Baroda Stud, where the mare and foal are boarding. “She's a very strong first foal with great bone; correct and very sharp-looking. She's the spitting image of her sire.” Mark Dreeling was full of praise for his colt out of Laciredeski (Ire), a multiple winning Toronado (Ire) half-sister to Flying Five S. runner-up Erosandpsyche (Ire) (Sepoy {Aus}) and Listed scorer Some Respect (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Dreeling said, “He's an absolute belter of a foal. He really is something else. He's exactly what we hoped for; big, strong and compact, with great width and bone. He's very correct and a lot like his sire.” Paschal Kellaghan and Brian Gravin have welcomed a filly out of highly-rated three-time winner Dilawara (Fr), a Dream Ahead half-sister to three winners and related to Capri (Ire) and Commissioning (GB) (Kingman {GB}). “She's an absolutely stunning filly,” said Kellaghan. “Just pure class, with great strength and depth. This speedy-looking filly is one for the future.” Ringfort Stud, where Minzaal was bred, welcomed a filly out of Shenoya (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}), a winning and Listed-placed half-sister to classy filly Like A Charm (Fr) from the family of Group 1 winner Bay Bridge (GB). The operation's Derek Veitch commented, “She's a big strong foal and a lovely bay colour. She's very correct, with great bone. She looks very much like her sire. We're absolutely thrilled with her.” Minzaal, the top-rated produce of Mehmas, won the Group 2 Gimcrack S. at two before developing into the best sprinter of his generation, winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at four. He covered 161 mares in his first season at stud, with 16% of his opening book stakes winners, the highest percentage of any first-season sire standing in Ireland last year. The post Breeders Row In Behind Minzaal On The Strength Of First Foals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

D J Stable LLC and Robert Cotran's Hades took a lot of bettors and heavy favorite Fierceness by surprise with his 9-1 upset victory in the $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Sugah Sweet has been acquitting herself well, despite having little luck in strong company this preparation, and she looks well-placed to turn her fortunes around at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. The patiently handled six-year-old will represent trainer Bryce Newman in the Listed Clubs NZ @ The Races Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) while stablemate Love For All also looms as a strong hope in the TAB Bonus Back Wairarapa Cup (2050m). Sugah Sweet opened her current campaign with a Rating 75 sprint win and has subsequently run fourth in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m), both times from outside gates. “We’ve been rapt with her, and it’s just been the draws that have held her up. It’s been a hard gig for her to overcome but she’s still gone great,” Newman said. “She’s rock hard fit now, she didn’t do much in the spring and we’ve brought her up for these races. “She is as good as we can get her and with a nice draw at seven it’s up to the mare now. Hopefully, Ryan (Elliot, jockey) can get a nice trip on her.” The Zacinto mare has fashioned a tidy record with four wins and 10 placings from her 18 appearances. “She’s a homebred horse and didn’t start off early, she was an immature filly and she didn’t do too much at three,” Newman said. “She was late to get going and she doesn’t do off tracks either, she won on a Soft 6 one day but she’s not comfortable on it and definitely better on firm ground. “We don’t need to keep pumping races into her, she’s very honest and goes well every time we’ve presented her. “We have protected her a bit as she’s a mare we want to get some more black type with and then breed from her.” Newman is also keen to step Sugah Sweet out over more distance this time around. “There’s quite a few options coming up for mares at this time of the year, possibly this could be her last run at a mile,” he said. “She’s never run at 2000m so maybe we might finish off in the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 2000m) or the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m).” Meanwhile, Love For All will take a major step back in class in the Cup after finishing a last-start eighth, but only three lengths off the winner, in the Anniversary. A good surface will further boost her prospects, as will rider Jim Chung’s 3kg allowance. “We’re really happy with her and she just can’t handle any wet ground at all,” Newman said. “This is the first time that Love For All has been in this grade for two years, obviously she’s topweight (60kg) so we’ve claimed back a bit. “She’s not at the elite level at a mile and she went awesome in the Breeders last year in her first run at 2000m so it’s a good opportunity for her. “She is in the twilight of her career, but she has been a super mare and has a couple of pieces of black type.” Love For All is also a four-time winner and along with her Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes third she also finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) in her younger days. View the full article

Nimble Nimbus (NZ) (Sacred Falls) powered to success in the HK$4.2 million Group Three Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Jumping from barrier five, Nimble Nimbus advanced to his sixth win from at his 27th start after Atzeni took the gelding to the outside of the field before denying Five G Patch by a head with Straight Arron an impressive third. “He’s an amazing horse, he never gets beaten far and is very consistent no matter the distance,” Ricky Yiu said. “I always thought that this horse would go well over 1800m and Sha Tin is a better course than Happy Valley for him as it’s a longer straight. He was drawn wide last time and had a much better draw this time.” Nimble Nimbus was sold from the draft of Waikato Stud at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale for $100,000 to trainer Yiu and became the eighth individual stakes for his late sire Sacred Falls. Jockey Andrea Atzeni said: “I think the horse (Nimble Nimbus) deserved it – he’s been knocking on the door. He’s not had the best of luck with the draws and when I looked at the draw and we’d drawn five, I thought ‘Thank God, we’ve finally got a decent draw with him.’ “Ricky was very confident and he put no pressure on. He told me to ride him quiet and challenge as late as I could.” Another winner on Sunday was Baby Crystal (NZ) (Per Incanto) for trainer Francis Lui in the Class 3 Cineraria Handicap (1000m). He was sold by Little Avondale Stud at the 2020 Karaka Book 2 Sale for $160,0000 to John Foote Bloodstock. View the full article

What Grafton Races Where Clarence River Jockey Club – 284 Powell St, Grafton NSW 2460 When Tuesday, February 6, 2024 First Race 2:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Grafton is the destination for NSW racing on Tuesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program set for decision. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and with the forecast suggesting improving conditions in the lead-up, expect a significant upgrade from the Heavy 8 rating at the time of writing. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 2:10pm AEDT. Best Bet: Cool Shalaa Cool Shalaa was able to cling to victory on debut at Coffs Harbour on September 18 before being tipped out for a spell. It’s been 141 days since we’ve seen the three-year-old filly, and she appears wound up for her return after an eye-catching barrier trial at the same course on January 22. She has tactical speed to utilise from gate four, and if she can ping the lids to lead as she did on debut, Cool Shalaa will take plenty of chasing down. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Cool Shalaa (4) 3yo Filly | T: Brett Dodson | J: Adin Thompson (55kg) +210 with Bet365 Next Best: Per Capita Per Capita found the minor money in two of his four starts as a three-year-old and returns to the track after a 276-day spell. His most recent effort came at Kembla Grange on May 6, with the Stephen Lee-trained galloper narrowly defeated on the wire. The two barrier trials in the lead-up have allowed the gelding by Per Incanto to race under his own steam, cruising through the winning post with plenty left in hand. Braith Nock gets 1.5kg off his back after the claim, and with Per Capita returning with an element of class, we’re confident he can find the winner’s enclosure for the first time. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Per Capita (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Stephen Lee | J: Braith Nock (a1.5kg) (60.5kg) +300 with Neds Best Value: Nickelback Nickelback was awful first-up at Eagle Farm on January 20 and was simply outclassed in BM72 company. He went forward over the 1400m and faded back towards the rear of the field to be defeated by 7.7 lengths. We want to put a pen through that effort and look back to his form last preparation, where the son of Nicconi produced one victory and three minor placings in his six starts, many of which were in Highway grade. Jake Bayliss will have no choice but to drag back from gate 11, but watch for Nickelback to be doing his best work late. Best Value Race 6 – #3 Nickelback (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Stephen Lee | J: Jake Bayliss (60kg) +850 with PlayUp Tuesday quaddie tips for Grafton races Grafton quadrella selections Tuesday, February 6, 2024 1 8-12 1-2-3-5-10 1-3-4-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Pushing the right buttons has trainer Kenny McPeek closer to a career milestone after he swept 1 1/16-mile qualifying races for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) Feb. 3 at Oaklawn Park with Mystik Dan and Band of Gold, respectively.View the full article

The New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission announced Feb. 4 that Barn 15 at Belmont Park has been placed under a 21-day quarantine after test results confirmed a case of EHV in that barn.View the full article

Helios Express triumphs over Helene Feeling. Delivering on lofty pre-race expectations with convincing victory in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, Helios Express will next attempt to emulate Golden Sixty with success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 3. Golden Sixty (2020) and Rapper Dragon (2017) stand alone as the only horses to sweep the series with victory in all three legs, culminating in Hong Kong Derby (2000m) success, and Size hopes Helios Express can continue a blazing ascent after showcasing unmistakable talent with his fifth win from seven Hong Kong starts. By Toronado, Helios Express provided Size with his fourth Hong Kong Classic Mile win after Sun Jewellery (2016) – who also snared the Hong Kong Classic Cup – Nothingilikemore (2018) and Excellent Proposal (2021), while Hugh Bowman slotted his first Hong Kong Classic Mile victory since Furore in 2019. Given a patient ride by Bowman behind a moderate pace set by Chancheng Glory, Helios Express forged into clear running over the final 400m to down Helene Feeling by 1.75-lengths, while Star Mac charged from the rear of the field to be third, a further neck back. Speed Dragon, who struggled for clear running late, finished fourth. 2024 Hong Kong Classic Mile Replay – Helios Express Acknowledging the soft tempo and an overall time of 1:34.44, Size has no doubts over Helios Express’ class after the gelding stamped telling authority. “It was a slow run race and he was able to adapt to a very slow tempo, which is a good thing in a racehorse. He was able to overcome that and still win the race,” Size said. “Of this generation of horses, he seems to be the quality horse amongst the ones he’s competing against, and it was a very convincing win.” Size confirmed plans to head to the Hong Kong Classic Cup and is confident in Helios Express’ adaptability. “There’s always some concern (about the step up in distance) because the circumstances of the races can change dramatically from one race to the next. The good horses overcome a different style of running and they win. He has to do that – he has that in front of him. “It’s always very exciting, and a bit of a relief actually to have another good horse come along. You look forward to it and hope it happens. You can’t design the stable to achieve that, but it’s always gratifying to see another good horse come along in this age group, and hopefully he has a good career.” Bowman said: “The critical side of me says I would have liked for him (Helios Express) to settle a bit better in the run but it was a very sedate tempo which encouraged him to travel the way he did – but that’s the sign of an exceptional horse – and when I gave him room and asked him for an effort, that’s exactly what we all saw. I’m excited to be riding such a magnificent individual.” More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, February 5 will feature two meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the Dubbo meeting. Monday Racing Tips – February 5, 2024 Dubbo Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 5, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, February 5. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for February 5, 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 4+ Leg Multi – One leg fails Bonus Back up to $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in Bonus Cash. 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 Balaklava & Dubbo. 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 meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for February 5, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimize your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Trainer Paul Nicholls has led the tributes to Keagan Kirkby, the amateur rider who tragically died after a fall at Charing point-to-point on Sunday. In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund, the 14-time Champion National Hunt trainer, with whom Kirkby was based, described Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads.” Nicholls said, “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly, Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at Team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.” According to the IFJ, the incident occurred on the second circuit of the final race, when the rider's mount ran out through the wing of a fence. Despite immediate attention by the on-course medical team as well as additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, Kirkby could not be saved. Kirkby joined Nicholls's operation in 2019 and had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was also shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category for 2024. “We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential,” said British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chief Executive Julie Harrington. “The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category. The nomination spoke of Keagan's qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard. We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan's family and the Paul Nicholls yard.” The post Keagan Kirkby Dies After Fall At Charing Point-To-Point in Kent appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile third Locked (Gun Runner) will scratch from an expected start in Saturday's GIII Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs due to a temperature, according to a report from the Daily Racing Form's David Grening. “We felt like if we breezed him and spiked a more significant temperature that could set us back a couple of weeks or so,” trainer Todd Pletcher told Grening. “One of the good things about being ready for some of the early preps is it gives you a window on the other side to call an audible.” Last year's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity winner has yet to make a start as a 3-year-old for Pletcher and owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Locked To Scratch From Saturday’s Sam F. Davis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article