Wandering Eyes

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, February 4, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon for a bumper 10-race program from 1pm local time. The first leg of the prestigious Four-Year-Old Classic Series is the headline act, with nine horses accepting for the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m). Meanwhile, the stayers step out seeking black type with a full field of 14 set to line up in the Group 3 Centenary Vase (1800m). The rail is in the B+2 position for the meeting, and with only minimal rainfall expected in the lead-up, don’t expect the surface to deteriorate from the Good range. Hong Kong Classic Mile: Helios Express Since his most recent Class 2 demolition job at this course and distance on January 7, Helios Express has been a clear favourite with most online bookmakers for the Hong Kong Classic Mile, and it’s easy to see why. The John Size-trained gelding has been sensational since making his way to Hong Kong, winning four of his six starts and yet to miss the frame since debuting in June of last year. Coming back to set weights against his age group, Helios Express appears perfectly placed to take out the first leg of Hong Kong’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series. HK Classic Mile Race 7 – #1 Helios Express (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Hugh Bowman (57kg) Bet with Bet365 Centenary Vase: Straight Arron Straight Arron was a shade disappointing last start in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on January 21, and although he must carry top weight in this event, it appears a more favourable setup. The gelding by Fastnet Rock was unable to run on in the sit-and-sprint affair and was left flat-footed a long way from home. A testing 1800m should be ideal for this battle-hardened five-year-old, and that’s exactly what he gets. Hugh Bowman takes the reins from barrier three, and after riding four winners on Wednesday night, he will be looking to continue his hot run of form aboard Straight Arron in the Group 3 Centenary Vase. Centenary Vase Race 8 – #1 Straight Arron (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Bet with Unibet Best Bet: Simple Hedge Simple Hedge has shown steady improvement throughout the campaign and appears set for a peak performance as he gets to the 2000m for the first time. The son of Sebring has been more focused in his last two attempts at 1600m, courtesy of the blinkers being applied by the John Size barn. He has only been defeated by a combined two lengths across those efforts, powering through the wire to suggest the 2000m shouldn’t be a problem for this progressive four-year-old. He draws soft in gate one to get every chance in behind the speed, and if Simple Hedge doesn’t win this, he may find himself in the ‘never again’ file. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Simple Hedge (1) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best: Gummy Gummy Gummy Gummy returned to the Sha Tin turf course after a 29-week spell and produced an outstanding runner-up performance behind Galaxy Patch on January 13. The Snitzel gelding cleared out by three lengths on third and did so on a surface where he hasn’t traditionally been known to produce his best. On Sunday he returns to the all-weather circuit, where he picked up back-to-back wins last preparation before being tipped out for a spell. Barrier one gives Antoine Hamelin all available options, and if he can lob on the leader’s back throughout the journey, Gummy Gummy should look the winner at some stage. Next Best Race 10 – #10 Gummy Gummy (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Benno Yung | J: Antoine Hamelin (53kg) Bet with Bet365 Hong Kong quaddie tips – 4/2/2024 Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, February 4, 2024 1-3-5-9 1-5-6-11-13 3-4-5-6-10-11 10-11 More horse racing tips View the full article

As Group 1 racing approaches for another year, the team at Punt Drunk are keeping tabs on everything obscure throughout the racing world. Dubai Moon stole the show this week, while a certain GOAT is set for a return to the saddle. Buckle up, punters — the good horses are making their way back to the track over the next couple of weeks. Dubai Moon wins three times in a week It isn’t very often a horse wins three times in the space of a week — dare we say, it might have never happened. However, the Frankie Stockdale-trained Dubai Moon achieved that feat in country Victoria. Since January 6, the veteran stayer has faced the starter six times, but his win at Hanging Rock on Australia Day kicked off this amazing run of wins. Arron Lynch partnered him to victory on that day, before Dakotah Keane took the reins at Moe some 24 hours later. Lynch was back on board at Pakenham on Thursday night, with Dubai Moon capping off quite the remarkable week. He didn’t just win in those three races — he smashed his rivals, racking up a combined winning margin of 14.25 lengths. What capped it off was trainer Frankie Stockdale’s celebrations with 200 metres to go at Pakenham. This is incredibly good! Here is trainer Frankie Stockdale cheering Dubai Moon home on the outside fence at the 150m mark! pic.twitter.com/M32rYFJOPD — Racing.com (@Racing) February 1, 2024 Damien Oliver back in the saddle The recently retired Damien Oliver is making one final return to the saddle for a special appearance in Saudi Arabia later this month. Oliver, who concluded his remarkable Australian riding career with a dramatic final ride in Perth last December, was recently seen participating in Friday’s Flemington jump-outs. Mark Van Triet, his former manager, officially confirmed Oliver’s one-off return. This echoes the pattern set by another former champion rider, Glen Boss, who, after retiring in the spring of 2021, came back for the jockey challenge on Saudi Cup night in Riyadh on February 24. Tom Papley outdoes Matt Damon at Randwick During a preseason intra-club trial, Sydney Swans star Tom Papley found himself in the limelight as his part-owned racehorse stole the show at Royal Randwick, outshining Hollywood icon Matt Damon’s debut Australian runner. Damon, who garnered national attention earlier in the week as a co-owner of first-time runner Dale on Randwick’s Kensington card, witnessed both Dale and $2.5 million purchase Railway Man falter while Papley’s Getafix made a stellar first impression. The ownership group for Getaflix also includes former Swans players Paddy McCartin and Ryan Clarke, as well as notable owner Carl Holt. A precocious Getafix finishes really nicely to score on debut!@nashhot @JohnOSheaRacing pic.twitter.com/3E5FbEqODt — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 31, 2024 About Punt Drunk Welcome to Punt Drunk – our weekly column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump… If you have any stories that you want our Punt Drunk Team to cover or just want to say G’day send us a message on: More horse racing news View the full article

What Sapphire Coast Races Where Sapphire Coast Turf Club – 1695 Sapphire Coast Dr, Wallagoot NSW 2550 When Sunday, February 4, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Bega Showcase Cup (1600m) headlines a competitive eight-race program at the Sapphire Coast on Sunday afternoon. The rail will be set in the true position for the entire circuit, and with no rain predicted in the lead-up, punters should anticipate the current Good 4 surface to hold across the weekend. The opening race is set to get underway at 1:10pm AEDT. Bega Showcase Cup: Pioneer Lass Pioneer Lass is yet to miss the frame in three starts in this five-year-old campaign. Her most recent effort at Rosehill on January 20 particularly caught the eye, as the daughter of Stratum Star surged through the wire and only found one better in the form of Bootscooter. Prior to that effort, she was far from disgraced when running into the minor money at Gosford in the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf (1600m), which looks to be an ideal form-line for a race like this. She has drawn awkwardly in gate 13, but with a useful 3kg claim courtesy of Rebecca Bronett Prag hopping back aboard, Pioneer Lass must be considered the one to beat in the Sapphire Coast feature. Bega Showcase Cup Race 7 – #3 Pioneer Lass (13) 5yo Mare | T: Matthew Smith | J: Rebecca Bronett Prag (a3kg) (58kg) +400 with Bet365 Best Bet: Ghaznavi Ghaznavi has produced two solid performances despite being unable to shirk the maiden tag. The son of Invader has closed off with some impressive sectionals and was the horse to follow in his latest start at Warwick Farm on January 10. He was dragged back towards the rear of the field on that occasion and was storming through the line despite a moderate tempo to be beaten by less than a length. Heading to country grade is a significant drop in class, and although Molly Burke will need to navigate barrier 10, Ghaznavi should have no issue dispatching his rivals. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Ghaznavi (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Theresa Bateup | J: Molly Burke (58.5kg) -125 with Neds Next Best: I’m A Steel I’m A Steel attempted to tackle Highway company at Rosehill on January 13, and despite failing to figure in the finish, she had excuses. The three-year-old got caught up between runners when turning for home and never saw daylight until the race was all over. Her debut win prior to that effort was simply sensational when going on to score by four lengths at Nowra on December 31. If you can take her on trust from that first-up victory like we are, I’m A Steel should be more capable of putting away this smaller Class 2 field. Next Best Race 5 – #7 I’m A Steel (10) 3yo Filly | T: Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones | J: Quayde Krogh (55kg) +150 with PlayUp Sapphire Coast Sunday quaddie tips – 4/2/2023 Sapphire Coast quadrella selections Sunday, February 4, 2024 2-7 2-3-4-5-6 3-8-9-13 4-5-6-9-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

South African jockey expects his mount to lead the first leg of the four-year-old series at Sha Tin on SundayView the full article

Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) aspirant Lord Weyburn. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Trainer Chad Ormsby has long earmarked Lord Weyburn as his Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect this season, but whether he will continue down that path all hinges on his performance at New Plymouth on Saturday. The son of Charm Spirit will step up to 1800m for the first time this weekend in the Dobson Marquee and Events, and Ormsby is expecting a bold run from his charge. “We are expecting a good run because we have been waiting to step him up over further ground and this is his best chance at it. I am expecting him to run well,” Ormsby said. Top horse racing bookmakers agree with Ormsby’s assessment, installing him as a +550 favourite for the race. If he performs up to expectations on Saturday, Lord Weyburn will likely head to his first stakes assignment, the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie on February 17. “Things have got to go right for him tomorrow and he has got to look like he is taking the right steps and then we can continue down that road to maybe the Avondale Guineas and then onto the Derby,” Orsmby said. “The (Derby) distance is going to suit him. He is probably still a year away, but against his own age group and a horse we believe will stay, it is worth having a crack.” Orsmby will also head to New Plymouth with last start placegetters Rising Tide and Beast of Burden. “They are both handy horses and they are both putting their hands up,” he said, “Both of them have been working well and we are expecting them to go close. It will just come down to who gets the best run in the race, and it’s against other horses who have won races as well. But we are keeping a close eye on the weather too.” More horse racing news View the full article

Senor Toba wins the 2023 Group 3 Centenary Vase. Upbeat after a midweek double, Caspar Fownes will chase a third consecutive Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) triumph when the four-time Hong Kong champion trainer saddles last year’s winner Senor Toba and talented Straight Arron in the HK$4.2 million feature at Sha Tin on Sunday. Fownes produced Zebrowski in 2022 before Senor Toba’s victory last season and he hopes his pair can again contend strongly this year in a capacity field of 14. “Senor Toba appears to be well. I thought he had a nice trial on Friday (26 January). He comes with a nice galloping weight of 125 (lb) and he looks good, so we’re hopeful that he comes back and did what he did last year,” Fownes said of the grey, who will start from barrier 11 under Keagan De Melo. Hugh Bowman, who dominated at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with four winners, partners Straight Arron from barrier three as Fownes plots a course towards the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) with the five-year-old. “He’s good. He’s got a big weight – 135 (lb) – but it’s a nice way for Hughie to get acquainted with him before the big race three weeks later. I thought it was a nice way for him (Bowman) to get to know the horse and if things work out on Sunday, he has a chance to win. “Either way, Hugh will just get a good feel for the horse and be cherry ripe for the big day,” Fownes said. Fownes has delivered four wins with Straight Arron, who was excellent in finishing fourth to Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 10. While Straight Arron has been nominated for both the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) and the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m), Fownes is non-committal about to travelling to the middle east. “He’s been entered for Dubai and if he comes out and runs really well at set weights (in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup), that’s the only way you could look at it (travelling) because it’s just not feasible because the other horses – the international horses – are just too good and we have to be realistic,” Fownes said. “His performance in December (Hong Kong Cup) was great. He was unlucky and he hit a new high there. His last race was a mile (sixth to Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup), which we know doesn’t suit him but 1800 (metres), he’s shown that he can perform at 1800 (metres) and over 2000 (metres) and up, so this race will tell us where we are with him.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Sunday, February 4, 2024 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Sale Turf Club will host a very competitive eight-race meeting this Sunday afternoon. With warm conditions forecast for all of Victoria on the weekend, the track is expected to improve from the Soft 5 rating to a Good surface before the program kicks off at 1pm AEDT. The rail will be in the true position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Sale: Show Some Decorum Show Some Decorum will kick off his preparation after a 19-week spell. This son of Starspangledbanner has been given two quiet jumpouts in preparation for this fresh run, and considering he performs very well first-up (6:3-0-2), we expect a big showing. His most recent start was at Morphettville over 1400m, where he finished fourth — one length behind Chicago Storm — in Benchmark 86 grade. After drawing barrier one and gaining the services of Michael Dee, Show Some Decorum should go very close. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Show Some Decorum (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Michael Dee (59kg) +240 with Picklebet Next Best at Sale: Black Orlov This Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock-trained mare has only won twice throughout her career; however, both of those have come when this girl has been fresh off a break. Coming off a 40-week spell, this daughter of Pride Of Dubai has been to the Cranbourne jumpouts three times and should be primed to run a big race first-up. Although this girl has drawn barrier nine of nine, that will be offset by her ‘get back and run on’ racing pattern. With good speed expected, Black Orlov will appreciate a quiet ride at the back of the field before letting down with a strong finish. Next Best Race 8 – #5 Black Orlov (9) 5yo Mare | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Jye McNeil (58kg) +360 with Neds Best Value at Sale: Our Girl Britney Our Girl Britney didn’t get many favours in her debut start for Richard Laming at Mornington on January 21, as the five-year-old mare was held up down the side before being crowded for room at the top of the home straight. Still, this daughter of Foxwedge still ran on nicely through the field to finish fourth, beaten 2.35 lengths behind Brooklyn Baby over 1200m. From barrier one, Adam McCabe should be able to settle closer to the speed and possibly settle in the box seat. If Our Girl Britney can settle closer to the speed and get even luck in the home straight, she can play a prominent role in the finish. Best Value Race 5 – #13 Our Girl Britney (11) 5yo Mare | T: Richard Laming | J: Adam McCabe (57.5kg) +1200 with Playup Sunday quaddie tips for Sale races Sale quadrella selections Sunday, February 4, 2024 4-6-8-10-13 2-3-7 1-2-3-4 3-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Latest horse racing news View the full article

Quintabelle will be one of two chances for the Kennedy/Furlong stable in Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m). Photo: Race Images South A pair of last-start winners loom as leading chances for Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong in Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui – a race the Riccarton trainers have won twice in the last six years. Kennedy and Furlong won the Dunedin Guineas with Excelleration in 2018, then struck again with Showemhowitsdone in 2021. This year the pair will venture south with a two-pronged attack made up of Quintabelle and Warning Signal. The talented fillies both contested the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) on their home track in November, where Quintabelle finished midfield and Warning Signal at the tail after a wide run. In their only appearances since then, Quintabelle and Warning Signal scored stylish Rating 65 victories over 1400m and 1200m respectively on January 18. “They were both really good in those last-start wins,” Furlong said. “We were originally planning to trial Warning Signal and then run her in the Gore Guineas (Listed, 1335m), but she just had a little bit of a foot niggle that held her up and forced us to change tack. She put that behind her and came out and won very nicely at Riccarton. “Quintabelle went into her resuming run without a trial as well and was quite fresh that day. It was a good performance and she’s taken good improvement from it. We’re very happy with how both fillies are tracking.” Warning Signal will be ridden by Jasmine Fawcett and will jump from gate nine, while Quintabelle’s jockey Joe Doyle faces a challenging task from the extreme outside gate of 14. “It’s a bit of a tricky draw, but we’re hoping it might not be too much of an issue for her – especially with the prospect of a bit of rain around,” Furlong said. “It may end up being where the better ground is.” More horse racing news View the full article

Opaki visitor Times Ticking will line-up in Saturday’s Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) at Wingatui. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Alby MacGregor is hopeful his well-travelled gelding Times Ticking can wind back the clock in Saturday’s Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) at Wingatui. The evergreen eight-year-old has made several journeys to the South over the past couple of seasons, adding the Listed Easter Cup (1600m) and the Group 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) to his 11-win record. A son of Tavistock, Times Ticking will venture to Wingatui for the first time on Saturday in an attempt to emulate his Southern heroics, fresh from a winning performance to claim the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) on January 13 under Joe Doyle, who retains the ride. “He’s very well, and pulled up nicely from Trentham,” MacGregor said. “He went back down to my son’s (Dean) at Rangiora following that race, and they’ve travelled to Wingatui today. He’s in very good hands and thrives down there. “We had looked at this race (White Robe Lodge) seeing the horse was based there, and we thought it would suit him well being at weight-for-age. “It’s great having Joe, he seemed to suit the horse well. He’ll just jump from that draw (4) and hopefully get into a good spot a bit better than midfield, depending on how he’s travelling. We’ll just have to see how it pans out.” Times Ticking has recorded four victories on Good tracks, and a further seven on Heavy, however MacGregor indicated a softer surface would assist the gelding’s chances. Having had early support in markets with top horse racing bookmakers, he currently sits the equal-favourite alongside Te Akau runner Perfect Scenario at +200. “A bit of rain would be very nice, so we’re hopeful for that,” MacGregor said. MacGregor will cheer on his pride and joy from his Opaki base on Saturday, with the gelding’s immediate future likely remaining in the South Island in pursuit of back-to-back Canterbury Gold Cup crowns in April. More horse racing news View the full article

Pride Of Jenni ridden by Declan Bates winning the Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Pride Of Jenni has been granted a wildcard entry for the 2024 All-Star Mile, adding another remarkable chapter to one of Australian racing’s most heartwarming tales. Racing Victoria (RV) and the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) announced the mare’s inclusion in the prestigious event, scheduled to take place at Caulfield on Saturday, March 16. The talented front-runner earned her spot in the $4 million feature after delivering impressive performances during the 2023 Spring Racing Carnival, securing consecutive Group 1 victories over the mile distance. Trained by Ciaron Maher Racing and ridden by Irish-born jockey Declan Bates, Pride Of Jenni showcased her daring ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ tactics, claiming victories in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and the Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington. Following her outstanding performances, both Pride Of Jenni and the 2023 All-Star Mile winner, Mr Brightside, have received wildcards for the 2024 edition of the race, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. Trainer Ciaron Maher expressed his enthusiasm for Pride Of Jenni’s prospects, stating, “Pride Of Jenni showed in the spring that she’s a high-class miler so we’re rapt that she’s secured her spot in this year’s All-Star Mile. “We’ve only had a handful of runners in the All-Star Mile and haven’t had much luck so we’re hoping she can prove hard to catch at Caulfield.” Owned by former apprentice jockey Tony Ottobre and his wife Lynn, Pride Of Jenni carries a special significance as all their horses are named in memory of their late daughter, Jennifer, who tragically lost her battle with brain cancer in 2015. More horse racing news View the full article

Red Rafa Stud's Planetario returns to the track Feb. 4 for his seasonal debut in the $100,000 San Marcos Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park. He leads a field of seven traveling 1 1/4 miles in a race that will start on the downhill turf course.View the full article

Two dazzling last-out front-running winners square off in the Las Virgenes Stakes (G3) Feb. 4 at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

Make An Effort, with Sonja Logan on board, heads to the gates before saluting on Australia Day at Fannie Bay. (Picture: Caroline Camilleri/Darwin Photography Professionals) Having undergone a throat operation eight months ago, Make An Effort has struck form and will feature in the $40,000 Lightning Wet Season Series Final (1200m) at 0-70 level at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Trainer Tom Logan decided to start the seven-year-old mare after she once again led from start to finish en route to a second straight win over 1000m in 0-64 class on Australia Day. After 44 starts in Victoria for Sale trainer Sharyn Trolove and Pakenham trainer Craig Blackshaw for five wins and 13 minor placings, the daughter of Reward For Effort’ debuted for Logan last April and was seventh over 1100m against 0-58 opposition. In May, she finished 10th over 1100m at Benchmark 54 level before the decision was made to rectify a breathing ailment. “Her first two runs up here, she had trouble breathing,” Logan said. “I had a discussion with the owners and they were happy to get the throat operation done. “She had six months off and has had three runs this prep – they’ve all been really good runs.” Before her last-start win, Make An Effort made her comeback on December 30 and finished third over 1000m at 0-58 level before returning a fortnight later to seal the deal over 1000m in a BM54. The Wet Season Series Final didn’t go ahead last Friday when the final two races were abandoned because of persistent rain and a muddy surface, so Logan decided to enter the mare on Saturday. Despite proving highly competitive in Victoria, Make An Effort has only raced once beyond 1100m when sixth in a 1217m Moe maiden. The 1200m is of slight concern for Logan, but the mare is flying. “Based on her last win, I have no serious worries,” he said. “She led all the way in those two 1000m wins, but to do it over 1200m will probably be hard in a way. “She’s got the talent to jump and run – the throat operation she had with Darwin veterinarian Jamin Farebrother has definitely made a difference. “I knew that she had the ability, but since the procedure she’s a completely different horse.” Should Make An Effort run well on Saturday, Logan said the mare would more than likely head to the Red Centre for the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, with the Pioneer Sprint on April 6 her main objective. There are only eight starters in the Wet Season Series Final, but according to Logan it should be an interesting race as every runner brings respectable form to the table. Logan had the option of entering his mare in the final when she qualified after winning the sixth heat on January 13. “There’s only eight in it, but anyone can win,” he said. “They’ve all been competitive of late, so it will be a really good race. “It will be my biggest win after Poupee’s win in the lead up to the (Pioneer) Sprint last year in Alice Springs. “There’s always the query about the 1200m, especially after backing up from last week and being a mare in hot weather. “She probably does have a little bit against her, but she pulled up well from that run last Friday. “The way she has been racing, I’m quite confident going into Saturday.” According to Logan, Make An Effort has similar attributes to former stable star Poupee, who was retired after breaking down in last year’s Pioneer Sprint. “They’re both stocky little mares and they’ve also got the same kind of racing patterns,” he said. “I was excited when I first got Make An Effort – just the way she races. “She just jumps on the speed, it’s ideal for a horse up here. “She won five races in Victoria, which is also good form to bring up here. “(I’m) just grateful that the owners were patient with her before deciding to get that throat operation done.” More horse racing news View the full article

Te Awamutu trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander went to $140,000 to secure an Ace High colt at Karaka on Thursday. Catalogued as Lot 935, the Seaton Park colt is out of a half-sister to the champion Singapore galloper Better Than Ever. “I thought he was an absolute ripper,” Simon Alexander said. “He is as good a colt as there is here in Book 2. “There is a lot of Savabeel about him. I didn’t think we could afford him to be fair, but we’re really happy to get him. “There are some clients, but he will be syndicated to go through and race. “I think he will get over ground but I don’t think he will take forever. I think he is compact enough and mature enough that we will see him trial as a late two-year-old. “We have sold an Ace High out of the trials, they are very good gallopers. He was called Angland and has gone to Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. Alexander also revealed progressive stayer Sleeper had been sold to Australia. “Katrina gets a bit mad at me when I sell them, so it’s good to get a nice one to put in the system to take through as a racehorse,” he said. “We have got two or three to train, but today’s one was our first purchase. It is always hard on the nice ones with good X-rays and scope. “New Zealand’s recent prize-money boosts give you a bit of confidence to move forward with these horses, especially like him — when they are three and four.” La Crique returns to scale at Ellerslie last Saturday Photo: Trish Dunell Meanwhile, the Alexanders were far from disappointed in the close-up defeat by high-class mare La Crique in Saturday’s Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie. “I think the track played a bit hard, I think you had to be in a certain spot, close to the rail and on the speed,” Alexander said. “Her run was courageous, we probably had her fit enough to run well, but not fit to win. “We’re happy with her and will probably go to Otaki (Gr.1 Trackside Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m)).” View the full article

Incarcerated individuals participating in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF)'s Second Chances Program at Pleasant Valley State Prison in California (and/or in the Second Chance Prison Art Program at the same facility) are spearheading an online art auction to benefit the TRF Second Chances Program. More than 30 unique pieces of art have been created by program participants and are offered for bidding. The auction will run from Feb. 1-29. All proceeds will benefit the TRF Second Chances Program and the Second Chance Prison Art Program at the prison. Click here to see the offerings and to bid. The post Second Chances Art Auction to Benefit TRF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Recently crowned champion 3-year-old filly Pretty Mischievous (f, 4, Into Mischief–Pretty City Dancer, by Tapit), off since finishing a rallying second in the GI Cotillion S. over a sloppy, sealed track at Parx Sept. 23, has begun to gear up for her 2024 campaign. The Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' is currently in training with Brendan Walsh at Palm Meadows in South Florida and could potentially return to action over Kentucky Derby weekend. “She went back to Brendan a couple of weeks ago,” Godolphin USA Director of Bloodstock Michael Banahan said. “She had a nice break in the wintertime up here at Jonabell. She's a big, strong filly anyway, but she did very well with her break. He'll probably start doing a couple of little two-minute licks with her in the next couple of weeks and start to step it up.” Banahan added, “Nothing in stone in yet, but we'll probably look at trying to get her started at Churchill, maybe the (GI) La Troienne S. or something like that.” Led by a thrilling, neck victory from post 14 with first-time blinkers in last year's GI Kentucky Oaks, Pretty Mischievous was a slam dunk as the nation's champion 3-year-old filly. She backed up her 10-1 upset on the first Friday in May with another game tally at the top level, this time by a head, in the GI Acorn S. during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Following the tragic breakdown of Maple Leaf Mel (Cross Traffic), Pretty Mischievous crossed the wire first by a head while turning back to seven furlongs in a heart-breaking renewal of the GI Test S. at Saratoga. After losing little in defeat in the Cotillion, she shipped to Santa Anita to take on older fillies and mares for the first time in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, but was scratched after showing signs of colic following the flight from Kentucky. “She had a bit of a belly ache and just wasn't herself,” Banahan said. “I think it was maybe just a little bit with the shipping. She had a long season up to there and she answered every call. She trained O.K. (after shipping), but she just wasn't 100 percent, and you can't be running in a race the quality of the Breeders' Cup Distaff unless you're 100 percent. It wouldn't be fair to her to be taking a chance like that.” A daughter of the all-conquering Into Mischief, Pretty Mischievous was produced by 2016 GI Spinaway S. winner Pretty City Dancer, who was acquired by Sheikh Mohammed's operation for $3.5 million at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton November sale. Pretty Mischievous currently sports a record of 10-7-2-1 and career earnings of $1,944,560. “She's in great shape now,” Banahan concluded. “Couldn't be better. We're very happy to have her back in the barn.” The post Champion Pretty Mischievous Back in Training for Four-Year-Old Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 2 BRIGHTHILL FARM CONCORDE HANDICAP 1200 (G3) MASTER FAY (V Colgan) – Trainer Mr. C Ormsby reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, and it is his intention to continue on with MASTER FAY’S current preparation. Race 3 WESTBURY CLASSIC 1400 (G2) ZECORA (L Satherley) – Co-trainer Mrs. R Russell advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of ZECORA, and it is their intention to carry on with her preparation. LUBERON (W Kennedy) – Trainer Mr. L Noble advised Stewards, that on Thursday 1 February the filly underwent a specialist scan of the heart which revealed a slight heart murmur. L Noble further advised it is his intention to carry on with LUBERON’S current preparation, however, will trial the filly prior to her next race day start. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie, Saturday, 27 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Friday, February 2 promises an exciting day of horse racing with eight meetings scheduled across Australia. Our dedicated team of racing analysts at horsebetting.com.au has curated the top bets and provided quaddie numbers specifically for the upcoming Canterbury, Moonee Valley & Sunshine Coast meetings. Friday Racing Tips – February 2, 2024 Canterbury Racing Tips Moonee Valley Racing Tips Sunshine Coast Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 2, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $16.98 odds return: Friday, February 2, 2024 Canterbury – Race 4 #5 Superstitious Moonee Valley – Race 3 #5 Ceremonious Sunshine Coast – Race 2 #3 Termagant | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Here are my bets with BoomBet. Click the link to add my bets straight to your betslip: =BetShare For avid Australian racing fans, numerous promotions await your exploration. Be sure to peruse the offerings from top online bookmakers, as daily promotions can enhance your horse racing experience. If you’re in search of a new bookmaker to elevate your horse racing ventures on February 2, 2024, consult our comprehensive guide to the finest online racing betting sites. We’re committed to keeping you informed and enhancing your horse racing betting journey. More horse racing tips View the full article

Horse racing bookmakers have unveiled an array of enticing racing promotions for Friday, February 2. Among the highlights are multiple generous bonus back offers that add an extra layer of excitement to your horse racing experience. Explore these free promotions from top online bookmakers to make the most of your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for February 2, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Moonee Valley Races 1 & 2: 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1 & 2 at Moonee Valley this Friday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo 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 Moonee Valley All Races – 25% Boosted Winnings 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 BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Moonee Valley Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Friday Best Tote Exotics ALL RACES at Canterbury & Moonee Valley Includes Quaddies, Quinellas, Exactas, Trifectas & First 4s T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has meticulously assessed the premier horse racing bookmakers in Australia, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials tailored for Friday, February 2, 2024. These horse racing promotions are a consistent feature, underscoring the unwavering commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the world of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t currently running a promotion, rest assured that another is making the most out of promotional offers. Your ultimate resource for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day is HorseBetting.com.au. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours by leveraging bookie bonuses, accompanied by the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s crucial to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively designed 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 on the lookout for 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

Race 8 SPEIGHT’S TIMARU STAKES 1400m KAI (K Williams) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, has now been retired from racing. The post Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park, Saturday, 27 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The New York Racing Association announces the appointment of racing official Victor Escobar to the role of NYRA steward.View the full article

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots adjusts Feb. 3 post times due to forecasted inclement weather. View the full article

Race 2 VENUE SOLUTIONS MAIDEN 1400m KNIGHTS REALM (E Nicholas) – Trainer Mr. C Isdale advised to Stewards, that on Monday 29 January the gelding underwent a veterinary examination which revealed no abnormalities. C Isdale further advised KNIGHTS REALM has now been sent for a freshen up. The post Hawkes Bay Racing Inc, Thursday, 25 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 6 THE BOLTHOLDER MAIDEN 2000 RITA BONITA (E Nicholas) – Co-trainer Mrs. T Keegan advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of mare, however, in her opinion RITA BONITA may not have suited the Good 4 track conditions and could benefit from more rain effected footing. T Keegan further advised the mare has now been sent for a spell and will return to race day early autumn. The post Matamata Racing Club, Wednesday, 24 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Racing official Victor Escobar has been appointed New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Steward, NYRA announced late Thursday afternoon. The former Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) State Steward, where he'd been since 2021 and where he had played a central role in the implementation of Category 1 rules at Remington Park, Escobar will join NYRA Feb. 16. As OHRC Steward, Escobar was also responsible for public communication with the betting public immediately following stewards' decisions. He has also served as State Steward for the New Mexico Racing Commission and as an Association Steward at Rillito Park. In 2023, Escobar was selected by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) as the first American steward to participate in the International Stewards Education Program, a three-week immersion in the United Kingdom designed to facilitate international harmonization amongst stewards and judges. The NYRA Board of Stewards is comprised of three officials who collectively officiate races and adjudicate disputes at all NYRA tracks. The Board includes the New York State Gaming Commission Steward, The Jockey Club Steward and the NYRA Steward. Escobar, the son of retired jockey Victor Escobar Sr., succeeds Brook Hawkins, who has been the primary NYRA Steward since 2019. The post Victor Escobar Succeeds Brook Hawkins as NYRA Steward appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article