Wandering Eyes

Three years after purchasing multiple Group One winner Prowess from the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are hoping lightning might strike twice with the same Rich Hill Stud stallion. The Kingsclere Stables team went to $150,000 on Thursday to secure Lot 944, a Proisir filly out of the three-time winning mare Sentito. “We’ve checked out all the horses in both catalogues, and she was a filly we identified fairly early,” James said. “She was a feminine filly and we have bought her for a group of ladies, so it was a good fit really. “She is a smaller style of filly, but she has what I look for in any horse and that’s athleticism. “People ask me what I look for and I ask them how long have they got, because I have been doing it for 40 years. But if I have to give it in one word, I say they have to be an athlete, and she was that. “She is very feminine and ticked a lot of boxes. She isn’t overly big, but some of my best horses haven’t been big.” The purchase capped a successful week for the James/Wellwood team. “We went well in Book 1,” James said. “We were blown away a couple of times, but it was a strong sale and we bought some lovely horses. “I think, when people get their head around what Entain has done for our industry in the last few months, it will have a flow-down effect. I can see a very wanting market in the 35-45 year-old professionals that, when they learn there is a lot of fun to be had in the industry and a chance to get a dollar return, I think in two to five years, we will see our industry turn around.” James also gave a glowing report on the stable’s spectacular $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) winner Orchestral. Outstanding filly Orchestral winning the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) Photo: Trish Dunell “She has bounced through that run really well,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of Group One races, but that had a special feel to it. To be able to do it twice in a row with fillies we have selected, we take a lot of pride in that. “It hasn’t been the easiest journey, she wasn’t herself in the spring and we had her ready to go around Christmas time and put her on a float, and for some reason she didn’t want to travel that day and had to be scratched. “We were going to run her on Boxing Day and she spiked a temperature, so the road has had a lot of bumps in it. “We never took our eye off the end goal and she peaked on the day. “Now she will most likely go to the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m). As always, we look at the end goal and work backwards, and Sydney is our end goal. “The Vinery Stud Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) is hopefully on the radar and then either the Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) or the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m).” View the full article

Closing Remarks is likely to become racing's newest millionaire in the $100,000 Megahertz Stakes (G3T) as she leads a field of seven older fillies and mares going one mile on turf at Santa Anita Park Feb. 3.View the full article

Aftercare. It's a hot button topic that is continuously discussed among those within and outside of the Thoroughbred industry. And though the racing community has made leaps and bounds in its efforts to ensure a safe landing for retiring racehorses, there is always room for growth, improved planning and increased funding. One charitable organization is forging a new path in this aspect of the industry, as The Horse Fund establishes a unique precedent for Thoroughbred ownership groups by taking the 'after' out of aftercare and instead, standing in as the gatekeeper. The aftercare partner of the ownership group Wasabi Ventures Stables, The Horse Fund tracks all current and former Wasabi horses, from both their racing and breeding programs, and assists in their retirement. Though the organization officially received 501(c)(3) status in July of 2021, the work began long before that, spearheaded by Michele Kuegler. “Initially my role was Director of Community. We have a lot of club members so I would do things to keep them involved. And then I realized as we began to buy horses, there's an aftercare piece to this. So, I became Director of Community and Aftercare,” said Kuegler, whose husband TK founded Wasabi in 2017. Built on the concept of low-risk opportunity with an emphasis on sharing the excitement of involvement in the sport and the Wasabi community, Wasabi Ventures Stables members only pay a one-time fee when buying a percentage of a stake in a racehorse in the program. When the time comes that a racehorse is retired, sold or claimed away, the invested partners will receive profits if the horse produced a positive return. Otherwise, they never receive a bill and will never have to pay any additional funds. So that's where Kuegler started. She began with giving Wasabi members the option to donate $5 to an aftercare fund if their horse left the racing program with a positive return. That money would then be pooled together and donated to an aftercare program in the state where that Wasabi horse had raced. But it was how the membership responded after Wasabi lost Shamrock Kid (Dublin) in a tragic training accident in March of 2021 that Kuegler realized just how supportive the Wasabi community was of aftercare. “He had been a pretty successful horse for us and it was actually a club member who said, 'I'm leaving $50.' It was just this continual following of that, other club members thinking 'I'll do that.' We raised so much money that we were able to fund the rehab of a [retiring] horse [at an aftercare facility],” said Kuegler. “I had this snowball of an idea, after Shamrock Kid, thinking 'Okay, this group believes in aftercare. How can I do more with this?'” Mob Mentality | courtesy of The Horse Fund After becoming a corporation in the state of Florida, The Horse Fund officially received 501(c)(3) status and Kuegler gave up her outside work as a consultant to serve as the executive director of the organization on a full-time basis. Since then, she has been single-handedly keeping track of every horse that has made its way through Wasabi's program and when it's time, assisting in their retirement from the track. Though the numbers continue to grow, as Wasabi has transitioned from primarily a claiming operation to growing their own breeding program, Kuegler is a big proponent of taking accountability for all of the horses currently in their care and those that were in the past. “I feel like we're part of the ownership process and we're responsible for these horses. I've helped retire horses that we owned for a month, but we had hands on them and we continued to run them, so we own that and we owe it to those horses,” said Kuegler. “Our first foals were born in 2019, so I track every single foal, even the ones that we bred that we will never race. We're the reason these foals are here, the reason behind those claiming horses that we had for a month, and though we didn't retire them, we still need to keep an eye on them.” Utilizing her virtual stable on Equibase, Kuegler keeps track of every Wasabi-connected horse online and organizes the ever-changing data on an in-depth spreadsheet. It's a simple task when it comes to the horses retiring directly from Wasabi, but for those that are claimed away and racing elsewhere, tracing their whereabouts can be difficult. But tracing each horse is only step one, as Kuegler must also assess how the horse is faring on the track based on recent results and decide when may be the right time to step in and contact connections. “I have to be cautious of how I do it because I don't want to insult anyone, but if I see that a horse isn't active, I give them two months. It's common to give your horse a month or two off, to let them take a break, but if it's been two months and I notice they're in lower-level claimers, I'll reach out to let them know we're here to help if they're thinking about retirement,” said Kuegler. “I get everything from no answer to, 'we're not ready but when we are, we'll come back to you,' or I've had people that say, 'great, let's talk about this.' We'll usually offer to buy them, if that's part of the process, or just help them find placement. We've done a little bit of everything. “I try to hopefully be a step ahead of the trainer or owner when they're ready to retire because we don't have a physical facility. If they say I'm ready to retire them, I need to have a safety net already in place.” Since the early days of Wasabi, Kuegler has invested her time in getting to know various aftercare groups across the country through her blog series, 'The Aftercare Ally,' which she created to highlight their efforts and share on Wasabi's website and social media platforms. And this is the network that Kuegler now works with when retiring a horse. The Horse Fund provides funding to privately purchase the horse from its racing connections, if it's a case where the horse has been claimed away, and also sends donations to the aftercare facility that takes them in. “The thing that I'm really transparent about [with the aftercare facility] is that I don't know the health status of the horse and honestly, I'm not going to do a pre-purchase exam, because it doesn't matter. Whether the horse is lame or not lame, they need to retire. In the end, it's probably not going to change the price that I offer because I just want the horse to retire,” said Kuegler. “It's through these connections that I've made in the last five years or so that usually I can get a stall, and of course we make a donation to them or they might have a set amount that they need. It's nice to be part of a community working together.” Morrigan | Courtesy of The Horse Fund As The Horse Fund has amped up its work to retire Wasabi-connected horses, Kuegler has also amplified her fundraising efforts, beginning with a switch from requesting a $5 donation when a horse leaves a positive return to instead, giving people the option of contributing $5 when they're purchasing a share in a Wasabi horse. The donation rate has remained a steady 99 percent. But just as the cost of everything else has risen, so has the price for a horse coming straight off the track. “Last year, it was probably about $3000 to retire a horse, between buying them and making a donation. Now it's easily $4000, and I know that's even low,” explained Kuegler. “That's another goal, for our funding to be enough that rather than waiting for a trainer being ready to sell, I could afford to claim a 4-5k claimer, knowing that on top of that there are still costs. At this point, if I claim a horse for $4000 and I need to ship it and make a donation, we're looking at twice that. And if I do that, I can only buy one horse instead of two. But that would be another goal, to create some fundraising to that point.” Since its founding, The Horse Fund has assisted in the retirement of 27 Wasabi Ventures Stables horses, nine of which were private purchases. In 2023, they raised over $38,000 for aftercare through the support of donations made from club member horse purchases, monthly donors and their annual fundraiser, 12 Days of Giving, during the month of December. For Kuegler, the story of retiring Exxtop (Exaggerator) stands out as a particular highlight. On July 30, 2021, trainer Jesse Cruz claimed the then 3-year-old gelding for $7,500 on behalf of Wasabi Ventures Stables. He raced two times for his new connections before being claimed away that September. Despite the brief time he spent as a member of Wasabi's stable, Kuegler kept a close eye on Exxtop and in the fall of 2022, she reached out to his owner/trainer Marcus George Thompson to let him know that when the time came for the gelding to retire, The Horse Fund would take care of it. After consistently finishing fifth and sixth in lower-level claiming races on the New York circuit, Exxtop finished last in a $5,000 claimer on Sept. 5, 2023 at Finger Lakes. His 45th career start would be his last. “I reached out and the trainer said, 'I have him entered in one more race,' and then the day of, he messaged me and said, 'I'm scratching him.' What's even more amazing is that he still keeps in contact, always asking how he is doing and telling me, 'When you know where his home is, please let me know,” said Kuegler. “Some people on the outside might think this trainer didn't care because he continued to run him but out of all nine horses that I've privately purchased, he's the connection who has written to me the most. He even said, 'If he's going to be a jumper or something locally, I'll bring my kids to watch him.' It was a very positive experience.” The Horse Fund purchased Exxtop privately in mid-September and sent him to Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program at the Purple Haze Center in Farmington, NY. This month, he was adopted and has since started his next chapter in a new home. “It takes a lot of time to keep track of this many horses, to keep information on each and every horse and stay in touch. There are horses that seem to disappear, so I spend time researching online and reaching out to contacts,” said Kuegler. “My calendar is now filled with alerts for races to watch. I've always tracked them in my stable on Equibase, so I know when they work and when they race, but a while ago I decided we should be watching the race because a fourth by six lengths might be wonderful or fourth by six lengths might be a sign that something is wrong. “And then it's money…can you get people to support it? I'm just so grateful to have a club that supports this.” Kuegler also keeps track of Wasabi retirees, doing her best to stay in touch with their new owners and receiving updates on their progress in their new careers. “I think right now I have about 40 different people who have Wasabi retirees – whether they're directly from us or horses that were claimed away from us – who once or twice a year give me updates on their horses,” she said. “I wanted to keep track of their 'gotcha days' and there was no hesitation, every single owner knew what that day was.” Wasabi Ventures Stables currently has 1,400 members involved in all aspects of the game, from breeding to racing, and as they've learned more about the importance of aftercare, some have even gone on to adopt Wasabi retirees. For Kuegler, who wasn't introduced to racing until she met her husband, it's been quite the learning curve as she's transitioned from her initial roles with Wasabi Ventures Stables to founding and running The Horse Fund. Seville Sangria | Lauren Floyd Photo “I didn't ever think I'd be doing this full-time and if you'd asked me 20 years ago, 'do you think you're going to be running a non-profit that retires Thoroughbreds?' I would have said no. But now, I tell people that it's the best job I've ever had,” she said. “There are days that it's frustrating and there are days that are sad, but then I get a horse retired or I get an update and it's a feel-good moment, always.” Looking ahead, Kuegler hopes that she and her husband will be able to purchase a farm, which would primarily serve as the home of the Wasabi Ventures Stables breeding operation and layups, but could also be a facility for Wasabi retirees to reside until moving on to an aftercare program. “The big leap I have to make when I retire horses is securing where they will go, and if we had a place of our own, that would be great,” said Kuegler. In the meantime, she'll continue her work behind-the-scenes, watching over the horses that have made their way through Wasabi's barns and stepping in when she's needed. Kuegler only hopes that the process of tracing horses becomes easier and that through her work, she educates more people on the procedure and its importance. “I know The Jockey Club has started tracking them [as retirees], but I wish we made it easier for owners and trainers with more answers out there. There should be easier ways to report it and you should not feel ashamed about it,” she said. “Maybe I'm naïve, but I think it really is about the animal and not just the wins and the glory. For all that they do for us, when they run and train, the least we can do is give them a good happily ever after.” To learn more about The Horse Fund, go to thehorsefund.org. The post The Horse Fund: Taking The ‘After’ Out Of Aftercare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday's Meydan card is anchored by the AED700,000 G3 Dubai Millennium S. over 2000 metres on grass, and Jessica Harrington sends out Group 2 heroine Trevaunance (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) to face the boys, which includes a strong challenge by Godolphin. The first runner for Moyglare Stud in the UAE, the G2 Prix de la Nonette winner ran second to India (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 Preis von Europa last out at Cologne in September. She carries only 121 pounts in the eight-horse field, anywhere from three to six pounds less than her rivals. “Trevaunance has travelled over to Dubai very well and Zara, her rider, has been delighted with her,” said Kate Harrington, the trainer's daughter and assistant. “Shane [Foley, jockey] sat on her this morning [Wednesday] and was very happy with how she was.” G3 Gordon S. winner New London (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who has been gelded since running second at listed level in September, and Bahraini stakes winner Warren Point (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) are ridden by William Buick and Michael Barzalona, respectively. “We are hoping that dropping back to a mile and a quarter is going to suit New London,” said trainer Charlie Appleby of the Godolphin pair. “This race has always been the plan for him and, if you take the best of his 3-year-old form, he looks a serious contender. “Warren Point proved what he could do in Bahrain and Qatar last year. He has wintered out in Dubai for a couple of years without actually running at Meydan, but I think the trip and track will suit.” Supporting Cast Anchored By Dubai Sprint The AED500,000 Listed Dubai Sprint attracted a strong field of 14, and 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) returns after running fourth in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash in December. “Mischief Magic came out of the Ertijaal Dubai Dash well and coming back to six furlongs should play to his strengths,” said trainer Charlie Appleby of the Godolphin runner. The one-for-one Nadelia (Fr) (Spanish Moon) will attempt to emulate subsequent dual top-level scorer and G1 1000 Guineas heroine Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) in the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic. In the male equivalent, the Jumeirah Guineas also over 1400 metres of turf, Team Valor International's Shamrock Glitter (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}) squares off against Godolphin's Legend Of Time (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) once more after running second to that foe at the beginning of January over this course and distance. “She's a [half-]sister to [Group 1 winner] King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) and we do like her, that's why we've brought her to Dubai,” said assistant trainer Marine Henry of Nadelia, who is trained by her husband, Nicolas Caullery. “She did a piece of work really well last week and we're looking forward to her race.” The post Trevaunance A First Moyglare Runner In Dubai On Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing Ireland chief Suzanne Eade says the figures posted in 2023 in relation to on-course betting, commercial sponsorship and public auction bloodstock sales points to a solid year for the industry as a whole in Ireland. However, in the full-year statistics released by HRI on Thursday, it showed that the total number of active owners in Ireland has fallen by 1.2% to 4,698 and racecourse attendance figures have also dipped compared to the numbers posted in 2022. Total on-course betting, including Tote, rose to €80.5m in 2023, an increase of 5.9%. Bookmaker betting on-course increased by the same percentage to €69.8m, a figure comprising €59.9m, up 5.1%, in the betting ring and a turnover of €9.9m in the on-course SP shops, up 11.2% on the previous year. Total Tote betting, incorporating the World Pool meetings at the Curragh on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day in early July and the opening day of the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown in September, has risen by 9.6% to €78m. Betting on-course with Tote is up by 5.6% to €10.7m. Off-course betting receipts amounted to €102.6m, a slight increase on last year's figure of €102m. There was also a rise in the figures relating to commercial sponsorship. That figure rose by 8.8% to €6.3m with EBF sponsorship coming in at €2.67m, up 3.1% on last year. Bloodstock sales at public auction increased by 7.5% to €231.5m, the value of Irish-foaled export horses sold through auction is €333.7m while the number of countries to which Irish-foaled horses were sold at auction was 33. Eade said, “These figures more than demonstrate that the Irish racing and breeding industry remains in a strong position despite recent challenges and the cost-of-living crisis that now extends into its third year. “Each has posed a particular threat and yet, with the support of Government and the industry's continued ability to attract foreign direct investment, the figures continue to hold up. A rise in the owner retention rate and in the number of horses-in-training point to a healthy product and will drive employment within the sector. “Reported attendances in 2023 fell back by just under 1% to 1.236m. However, it was hugely encouraging that attendances at the major festivals were strong throughout the year.” While the total number of owners fell by 1.2% to 4,698, the number of syndicates has risen by 4% to 858. The number of companies registered as owners in Ireland is up 3.3% to 158. The number of new owners is down by 1.6% to 805 but encouragingly, the owner retention rate has risen to 73.7%, up 1.2% on last year. Both the UK and the USA were deemed as key areas of focus for the Ownership Department and it is significant that the ownership base has risen in both countries, with a total of 357 UK-based owners, an increase of 7.5%, and 107 owners resident in the USA, up from 90 last year. The 2023 economic impact report, carried out on behalf of HRI by Deloitte, shows that Irish racing and breeding attracts over €550m in foreign direct investment each year. The post HRI Reports “Strong” Figures In 2023 Despite Dip In Owners And Attendance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tickets for the 150th GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks, along with the entire Spring meet at Churchill Downs, are available as of 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1. The meet, which runs April 27 to June 30, features events such as Opening Night, Dawn at the Downs Dining, 502's Day, Champions Day, Thurby and Taste of Derby. The Spring meet will also see the debut of the new paddock redesign project. Tickets for all events, including Derby weekend, are available to purchase here. The post KY Derby Week, Spring Meet Tickets Go On Sale Feb. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Haggas is charting a path back towards Royal Ascot with Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and nominated the Hardwicke S. as the main objective for the King and Queen's colt before a possible tilt at races in Australia in the autumn. Winner of the King George V S. last term, Desert Hero went on to claim Group 3 honours in the Gordon S. at Goodwood before finishing third to Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {JPN}) in the St Leger. Haggas had suggested that an Australian campaign could be on the cards for Desert Crown after the St Leger, however, it would appear that those plans have been put on the back burner for the time being at least. Speaking to RadioTAB Australia, Haggas said, “We decided definitely that His Majesty's horse will not be coming to Sydney in the autumn. We may well come down at the backend of the year in your (Australian) spring, but I just felt he needed a bit more time and they (his owners) concurred.” When asked if the Melbourne Cup would be a likely destination, Haggas replied, “Possibly or possibly something in Sydney, we'll see. We are going to concentrate on going to Royal Ascot for the Hardwicke Stakes, which will be his first major target. “He's done very well this winter. He will benefit from all the time he can get. It's 'do we press the button now or wait a bit' and we plumped for the second option, we're going to wait a bit. “He's pretty useful, he got better and better last year and we think he's done better again this winter, so I am very pleased with him.” Haggas will be represented in the big Australian races once again by Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), who won both the Ranvet S. and the Queen Elizabeth S. last year before finishing a fine third to Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the QEII Cup in Hong Kong. “He'll go into quarantine on February 15. We're looking at the same two races as last year,” he commented. “I probably shouldn't have run him in the Eclipse, as he'd been on the go for a while, but there were only four runners and I thought he ran well for a long way in the Champion Stakes. “To be honest, his whole summer was based around getting him in top shape to come to you (Australia) in February/March. He will be the same horse he was, I hope. “I'd like him to come back for two years. If all goes well this year and he runs competitively, then basically it will be all the same again.” Two more could travel with Dubai Honour, as Post Impressionist (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), winner of the Old Borough Cup, and Mujtaba (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), last seen finishing second in the Huxley S. in May, are both pencilled in. “Post Impressionist will run in the Sydney Cup, he's been bought by Lloyd Williams. He's in really good shape,” said Haggas. “Mujtaba might well go. I'm really pleased with his condition. He'll either go Ranvet or Tancred and then hopefully Queen Elizabeth. “He's never won a Stakes race, in his only start last year he was second in a Group Two and then got colic. He's a good age, he's six but has only run nine times in his life.” The post Haggas Has Royal Ascot Aim For The King And Queen’s Desert Hero appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having won both of his races by a combined 19 1/4 lengths, Nysos tries two turns for the first time in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita.View the full article

Three Witches and Kirstenbosch make their first starts since the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) in the Santa Monica Stakes (G2), facing a field that includes the top two from the Las Flores Stakes (G3), Chismosa and Hot Peppers.View the full article

Len Green will be honored by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy with the Marylou Whitney Award at its Annual Fundraising Brunch Aug. 14, the organization announced Thursday. Founder of The Green Group, a CPA firm specializing in the Thoroughbred industry, Green also works with son Jon who manages D.J. Stables, the owners of Eclipse winners Jaywalk (Cross Traffic) and Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief). “Len and his late wife Lois have silently, although generously, supported an increasing number of NY Chaplaincy vital initiatives and events over the course of the past several years,” said Ramon Dominguez, President of the Board of the NY Chaplaincy. “In doing so, they have set a tremendous example for others, and we are immensely grateful for this.” The post Len Green To Receive Marylou Whitney Award At Annual Saratoga Brunch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Demand for proven sire Proisir was evident on Day Two of NZB’s Karaka 2024 Book 2 Sale, which saw 170 yearlings go under the hammer. The top lot of the day was knocked down to the successful combination of Ballymore Stables, Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman for $170,000. Lot 896, the daughter of Rich Hill Stud’s sire Proisir out of Northern Meteor mare Polson caught trainer Mike Moroney’s eye based on the similarities to a proven performer in their stable. “She is very similar to Coeur Volante,” Moroney said. “From the time I saw her and watched her walk up, she just reminded me so much of her in colour and the whole lot. “It’s a good filly family and we thought she was the right one for us.” Palmerston North-based operation Beckam Equine sold another highlight of the day in Lot 944. The filly, also by Proisir, sold for $150,000 to the bid of TAB Karaka Millions 3YO-winning trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood. Lot 944 fetches $150,000 from Roger James & Robert Wellwood. Photo: Trish Dunell. Beckam Equine’s Anne Goldsbury was over the moon with the small operation’s result. “She had a lot of interest and she’s a lovely filly. We were expecting her to do reasonably well but not that well.” “She’ll get every chance at Kingsclere Stables, and we are delighted for the owners.” Emerging sire Ardrossan was also in hot demand today, with Lot 907 being snapped up by Benner Racing for $165,000 from Landsdowne Park’s draft. “He looks like a Karaka Millions runner type,” commented Landsdowne Park’s principle Dave Duley. “Johno Benner bought a nice horse. We were lucky to offer four lovely Ardrossan’s throughout the Sale. “We have had a good run in Book 1 and Book 2 so far, we are very happy.” The final session of Book 2 gets underway at Karaka on Friday from 11am (NZT) where lots 971 to 1125 go under the hammer. To enquire about Passed Lots contact Patrick Cunningham on +64 21 181 5898 or email Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz, or Andrew Buick on +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz. View the full Book 2 results and online catalogue here. Catch the highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Book 2 online. Karaka 2024: Book 2, Day Two Statistics (at end of selling) 2024 BOOK 2, DAY ONE & TWO 2023 BOOK 2, DAY ONE & TWO 2022 BOOK 2, DAY ONE & TWO AGGREGATE $6,591,500 $7,843,000 $6,667,500 AVERAGE $43,652 $42,395 $38,991 MEDIAN $35,000 $32,500 $30,000 CLEARANCE 63% 70% 63% CATALOGUED 288 306 324 SOLD 151 185 171 TOP LOT Lot 790 Time Test – Kerre (Br.C) $220,000 Lot 789 Proisir – Harriet Wilson (G.C) $180,000 Lot 954 Turn Me Loose – Nightofpassion (Br.F) $220,000 Karaka 2024: Book 2, Day Two Top Lots LOT SIRE DAM SEX VENDOR BUYER PRICE 0896 Proisir Polson Filly Rich Hill Stud Ballymore Stables / Paul Moroney Bloodstock / Catheryne Bruggeman (Waikato) $170,000 0907 Ardrossan Pwerfect Colt Landsdowne Park Ltd Benner Racing Ltd (Manawatu-Whanganui) $165,000 0944 Proisir Sentito Filly Beckam Equine Mr RA James / Mr R Wellwood (Waikato) $150,000 0935 Ace High Savasong Colt Seaton Park Ltd Kasa Bloodstock Ltd (Waikato) $140,000 0892 El Roca Phoenix Colt Westbury Stud Ms R Carter (Auckland) $130,000 0815 Grunt Little Rock Filly Brighthill Farm Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) (Te Akau) $120,000 0941 Yes Yes Yes Search Approach Colt Wentwood Grange Ballymore Stables / Paul Moroney Bloodstock / Catheryne Bruggeman (Waikato) $115,000 0876 Wrote O’sabrina Colt Highview Smiley Chan Racing Stable Pty Ltd (Victoria) $110,000 0950 Shocking Sheema Colt Rich Hill Stud Andrew Campbell Bloodstock / T Heptinstall / Michael Hickmott Bloodstock (Manawatu-Whanganui) $110,000 0846 War Decree Miss Foxy Gal Colt Inglewood Stud Mr AJ Carston (Canterbury) $100,000 View the full article

Otaki trainer Johno Benner had the lucrative Karaka Millions meeting very much in mind when sourcing four yearlings to date this week at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales. While active at Book 1, purchasing colts by Tagaloa ($35,000) and Bivouac ($50,000), Benner has made a significant impact at Book 2, securing a colt by Ardrossan for $165,000 on Day 2, having gone to $130,000 on Day 1 for a sharp filly by Sun City. Benner and Hollie Wynyard have scored million-dollar triumphs twice at the meeting, with Vespa in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) in 2014 and with Scott Base in the 3YO Classic (1600m) in 2018. With the Ellerslie feature meeting enhanced even further from 2024 onwards, the Otaki trainers sent out Full Force to finish a meritorious third in the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) won by Velocious last Saturday, and further arsenal is required to tackle the meeting in future years. Bidding on the phone via Libby Bleakley of Highden Park, Benner was delighted to purchase Lot 907, an Ardrossan colt out of Pwerfect from the draft of Landsdowne Park for $165,000. The colt is a full brother to Listed winner Beau Dazzler, who made eye-catching ground late when seventh in the Karaka Millions 2YO last weekend. “I came over on Tuesday night, so I did all my work for Book 2 and identified the two horses I was going to buy, then I got home because I’ve got to run the stable. I do a lot with Libby and she spells all our horses down here, so it was great to have her help,” Benner said. “Obviously that Karaka Millions 2YO is in my opinion the most prestigious million dollar race we’ve got on the night, so I just want to really get back to winning a race like that. I think you have to buy the right horses and that’s something Te Akau do very well, so I am just rapt to get him. “Beau Dazzler you can just see has a lot of upside with the way he rounded out the Karaka Millions. “He was probably one of the runs of the race outside the first three or four and he’s got that feel that he’s got that speed up to a mile. “This colt looked like he was designed for the race.” Benner also believes his purchase of a filly by Zoustar sire Sun City on Wednesday, will also get up and run. “She’s speed on speed,” Benner said. “Sun City has had four runners for three metropolitan winners [in Queensland], so being a half-sister to Inundation, that horse of Mick Price’s, and having the physique and type to match up, I thought she was good buying actually. “Obviously it’s just about trying to get these horses back for that million-dollar race and then you’ve got the carrot of the $1.5 million three-year-old race the year after as well as the slot race (NZB Kiwi, $3.5 million) and now the four-year-old race (Aotearoa Classic, $1 million). “It’s all positive, so you’ve got to try and buy the right horses and I think we’ve done that.” Meanwhile Benner revealed Full Force came through last Saturday’s run well, but overseas offers are likely after his gallant third placing from barrier 11. “I’ve just given him a quiet week, he’s pulled up well,” Benner said. “Whether a horse like that races again in New Zealand, I don’t know. He’s on the market from that point of view, I suppose. There’s also the Matamata Slipper (Gr.3, 1200m) and the Sistema (Gr.1, 1200m) as options as well. “We’ll just sit on him for a week to ten days, no panic. He ran a big race. I think if he’d drawn a barrier he would have run second. I think the filly was too good, but he used a lot of gas. “Ryan (Elliot, jockey) did all he could do, and I thought he was very brave on the night.” View the full article

Trans-Tasman trainer Mike Moroney went to $170,000 to secure the day’s top-lot on Day 2 of Book 2 of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, a Proisir filly out of the Northern Meteor mare Polson, bought in conjunction with Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman. Catalogued as Lot 896, Moroney was keen to secure the filly by the champion sire out of Rich Hill Stud’s draft, drawing physical similarities to a stable star. “She is very similar to Coeur Volante,” Moroney said. “From the time I saw her and watched her walk up, she just reminded me so much of her in colour and the whole lot. “It’s a good filly family and we thought she was the right one for us.” From the family of top-class mare Skating, Moroney again relied on the eyes of his brother Paul and Catheryne Bruggeman to identify the classy filly, with the trio also going to $240,000 for a Proisir filly out of Fascinate Me in Book 1. “Paul and Catheryne have done all the ground work and they mentioned her to me quite early in the piece,” Moroney said. Trainer Mike Moroney. Photo: Trish Dunell “Being a Proisir, they knew I’d been keen on them, so they showed me what they thought were the two best Proisir fillies in the catalogue and I bought both of them. “When this filly got around here [parade ring] she wanted to run right through the bridle wanting to get right on with the job and that’s what Coeur Volante is like, too. “They’re nice athletes. There’s a lot of balance about them, a nice amount of rein, and big nostrils.” Moroney said Coeur Volante was likely to return to the stable next week, with the Group Two winner who finished fourth in the Gr.1 Caulfield 1000 Guineas (1600m) likely to target Queensland. “We’re going to head towards the Stradbroke (Gr.1, 1400m), all going well. There’s a race called the Fred Best (Gr.3, 1400m) that she will be aimed at which is exempt from the ballot (for the Stradbroke),” Moroney said. “She’ll be a lightweight chance. We’ll give her a pretty light campaign, we’ll head up there and then come back down for the spring. “She’s a late foal, pretty immature, so we’ve given her a nice long break. We decided to miss the autumn mainly and concentrate on the winter.” View the full article

Trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson are pleased they have a live chance in the inaugural $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday-week following Chaource’s win at the Hamilton track on Wednesday. The three-year-old daughter of Reliable Man was having her fourth career start in the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic Qualifier (1600m), and she couldn’t have picked a better time to break through for her maiden victory, scoring by a long head over Herbert and securing a golden ticket for the rich innovation race. “It was a nice win,” Debbie Rogerson said. “She was actually very unlucky last start, things didn’t quite go to plan for her, so it was very pleasing to see her win yesterday. “I have always had a lot of time for the filly, she is a very big filly, but she has just needed that little bit of time.” While she has yet to be tested over further than a mile, Rogerson believes Chaource will thrive over the 2400m distance of the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks and will be given her opportunity at the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai-sponsored Classic at Trentham next month if she comes through her Karapiro Classic run in good order. “She will definitely run in the Sir Patrick Hogan race and then we will assess everything after that and whether she can keep going forward for an Oaks preparation or not,” Rogerson said. “As a three-year-old filly (she does give the indication she will get 2400m). Just how much more she can take I am not too sure because she is a very big girl, but now she is pleasing me and doing everything correct. “We will just assess everything after the 10th (of February).” Rogerson is pleased to have secured the last golden ticket into the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic, particularly given her close association with the late Cambridge Stud founder, having trained a number of horses for him, headlined by multiple Group One winner Katie Lee. “I was very close to Sir Patrick Hogan. We had great days with Katie Lee and had plenty of other winners we have trained for the late Sir Patrick Hogan,” Rogerson said. “It is very pleasing to get a position in that race and it will be even more fruitful if we can pull it off and win it. “These innovation races are great. They are super incentives, and it is great for New Zealand racing.” While Chaource will be chasing Karapiro Classic honours next week, stablemate and reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart will head to the same meeting to try and defend his crown in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). The son of Redwood finished sixth in the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie last Saturday, and Rogerson said he is looking for further ground this preparation. “It was a little bit short for him and the track was a little bit not to his liking,” she said. “This preparation he wants to be a staying horse. We were trying to get him ready for the Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m) last preparation, but he got that virus. This time in he is a lot bigger and stronger, and he is working more like a real staying horse who wants further.” Having competed in the Aotearoa Classic, Sharp ‘N’ Smart is now eligible for the New Zealand Summer Series Bonus and will compete in the final two legs of the series to try and claim the $500,000 prize. “He runs in the Herbie Dyke and then he will run in the New Zealand Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m). They are his main aims here in New Zealand and we couldn’t be happier with the horse,” Rogerson said. “We have seen it (bonus). Someone has got to win it and it would be lovely if we could.” If Sharp ‘N’ Smart performs well in his next two assignments, a trip across the Tasman is on the cards where he will get his chance over two-miles at Group One level. “All going well, he will go to those two races in New Zealand, and then there are two races for him in Sydney – the Chairman’s (Gr.2, 2600m) and Sydney Cup (Gr.1, 3200m).” Meanwhile, Rogerson was rapt with Just As Sharp’s performance in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) last Saturday when flying home late to capture third place. He is set to progress towards the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie next month to try and make it back-to-back wins in the Classic for the stable after Sharp ‘N’ Smart was triumphant in the time-honoured race which was held at Te Rapa last year. “Just As Sharp has come through his run on Saturday super,” Rogerson said. “He will run in the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m) and then into the New Zealand Derby. I couldn’t be happier with the horse.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Sam Mynott has sent her mare Verismo south in a bid to capture some black-type at Wingatui this weekend. Mynott owns the five-year-old, having secured her as a yearling, and believes her best chance of adding a stakes result to her pedigree page is in the South Island. With that in-mind, Mynott went searching for some options and has elected to target her mare at Saturday’s Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m). “There just weren’t a lot of racing options up here for her. She wants further than 2100m and those races down there look like they suit her, so we will have a crack,” Mynott said. Versimo has settled in well to her temporary home with trainer Robert Dennis, who Mynott became acquainted with in his stint as fellow Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman’s assistant. “She went down last Monday to Rob Dennis, who has been looking after her, apparently she got down well and has been eating well, they are happy with her down there,” Mynott said. While only the winner of two races to date, Mynott is hoping Verismo’s staying prowess coupled with her fitness level will lead to a strong showing in the $100,000 feature. “It is good stake money and it is a great chance at black-type. She probably wouldn’t get that up here in the North Island, and she might sneak in down there,” Mynott said. Verismo will carry 53kg from barrier six on Saturday, with northern hoop Joe Doyle travelling down to partner the mare. “There are good horses in there, but she has good North Island form, and we know she can do the trip,” Mynott said. “It will just be whether or not those horses down there can do the trip. We know she is rock-hard fit, is ready to go, and we have got a good jockey on.” Following her weekend assignment, Versimo is set to have one more start in the deep south before heading for a well-earned break. “In a fortnight there is a 2600m race at Ascot Park worth $50,000, so she will probably head there afterwards and then head to the paddock for a spell,” Mynott said. Mynott said it has been an enjoyable journey with Verismo and she is hoping it culminates with black-type success on Saturday. “I did some yearlings for Monovale Farm a few years ago and we did a deal on a few and she ended up needing surgery as a yearling and I ended up taking over the ownership of her,” she said. “It has been great, she has been a cool little horse to have around. She is not a superstar, but she is really genuine, and that is all you can ask for.” Meanwhile, Mynott was active at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka earlier this week, purchasing two fillies out of Book 1. She went to $80,000 to secure lot 83, the Circus Maximus filly out of Windsor Park Stud’s draft, and $50,000 to buy lot 278, The Almanzor filly out of Henley Park’s draft. “I am really happy with the fillies we got,” Mynott said. “The Circus Maximus stood out to me all the way along. She is a nice, forward type that is probably going to do something as a two-year-old but then progress into an even better three-year-old. “The Almanzor is a little bit on the smaller side, but she is a really correct filly. I thought she was a bit of a steal for $50,000.” View the full article

Byerley Park trainer Steven Cole is hoping Chicago Jack (All Too Hard) can make the perfect start to his racing career when he contests the Gr.3 Platinum Homes New Plymouth Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) at New Plymouth on Saturday. The two-year-old son of All Too Hard was purchased by Cole, in association with bloodstock agent Bevan Smith, as a yearling in Australia and Cole has been pleased with his purchase. “He is quite a well-bred horse,” Cole said. “We gave Bevan a short-list on breeding and he sent back what he liked, and he (Chicago Jack) was the top pick. “He has got a bit of breeding there and Dad has had a bit of luck with that family many years ago when he was training. The stars aligned and we were lucky enough to be able to get him.” Chicago Jack has had just the one trial to date, finishing runner-up behind Osteria (NZ) (Ribchester) in their 950m heat at Tauranga earlier this month, and Cole is pleased with the way he has progressed since that hit-out. “He was pretty green (in his trial), he missed the jump by three or four lengths, then got to the outside and bobbled around a bit,” Cole said. “He won a jumpout after his trial the following week. He seems quite an exciting horse. “Ryan (Elliot, jockey) gave him a pretty good opinion and you have to go off what senior riders think of them sometimes. We will go down there and hope to run well.” Chicago Jack will be one of half a dozen debutants in the field on Saturday, with TAB bookmakers installing him an $18 joint fourth favourtie for the Taranaki feature, with the undefeated Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) heading the market at $1.35. “Apart from the two Te Akau horses, it is basically a maiden race,” Cole said. “You don’t get to race for $100,000 very often, so we thought, with the way he trialled, we would have a crack. “We will see how he goes there and then we can make a bit of a plan of what we do.” Chicago Jack will be joined on the float trip south by stablemate Per La Vita (NZ) (Per Incanto), who will line-up in the Hirepool 1400, with Tegan Newman to do the steering. “Per La Vita was quite impressive last start when she won,” Cole said. “She did a bit of work to get to the front and kicked on strongly. She seems to have improved, and you would think she would be a top three chance in that race.” Cole was at Karaka earlier this week and is happy with his sole purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, securing lot 265, a Per Incanto colt out of a half-sister to Group One winners Werther (NZ) (Tavistock) and Toffee Tongue (NZ) (Tavistock), for $160,000. “We bought a Per Incanto colt from Little Avondale,” he said. “He is a nice, athletic horse with a bit of breeding, and we were very happy to get him. “We have had a little bit of luck with Per Incanto in the past with Mascarinto, so we were happy to get another one.” View the full article

Te Akau will have at least one leading contender in Saturday’s feature race at New Plymouth, with the weather to decide if they strengthen their hand. Co-trainer Mark Walker confirmed Dream Of The Moon (All Too Hard) will take her place in the Gr.3 Platinum Homes New Plymouth Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), with the stable undecided if the unbeaten Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) will take her place. “She could be doubtful if the track ended up really wet, the forecast is for 17mls on Friday and 13 for Saturday, so we’ll wait to make our minds up,” he said. “She is a real talent and she’s showed it from day one, she is a really nice filly.” The daughter of Written Tycoon followed up a debut win with success in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) while stablemate Dream Of The Moon was third in the Trentham event off the back of a Riccarton victory. “She’ll run even if it’s wet, in her first start it was bottomless, but her trials have been good on wettish ground,” Walker said. “She has done nothing wrong, that’s for sure.” Prise De Fer’s (NZ) (Savabeel) participation in the Gr.3 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Taranaki Cup (1800m) is also up in the air. “He could run in an open 2000m at Matamata next Wednesday, we’re on a weather watch really,” Walker said. Capable Ace High filly My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) will step out in the Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude (1800m) after a close second in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) two runs back before she was fifth in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m). “She handles wet ground so it’s not going to bother her and she’s very well,” Walker said. “The other one, Glitzy Glory, is on the ballot and if it was wet she wouldn’t go.” Te Akau also has black type hopes at Wingatui with Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m), Elegant Lady (NZ) (Highly Recommended) in the Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) and Sense Of Timing (NZ) (Time Test) to run in the Listed Dunedin City Motors Dunedin Guineas (1500m). “Perfect Scenario has come back well again, and it was a really good win last start, he is going into it in the right frame of mind,” Walker said. The Iffraaj six-year-old finished strongly to win over 1400m on the course last month to emphasise he is in the right order to defend his White Robe title. Elegant Lady won three on the bounce before the daughter of Highly Recommended finished a gallant last-start third in the Waikouaiti Cup (2200m). “There’s always a question mark with Elegant Lady at the mile and a-half, you don’t know until they try but she has given the impression she will like it,” Walker said. Sense Of Timing broke her maiden at Rotorua two runs back and the stable believed she had a genuine excuse when unplaced in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). “We believe it was just the track that tripped her up at Trentham so we couldn’t get any sort of a line on her,” Walker said. “We thought we would carry on down south to try and get some black type for her.” View the full article

Legendary handler also saddles up Beauty Crescent in the first leg of the prestigious four-year-old series at Sha Tin this weekendView the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Drive, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, February 3, 2024 First Race 2:12pm ACST Visit Dabble Upwards of 340mm of rain has fallen at Fannie Bay since last Friday, but there should be little rain in Darwin for the rest of the week with 49 runners accepting for Saturday’s six-race meeting. There’s every chance of a thunderstorm on Saturday, but in general it should be partly cloudy with 15-25km/h westerly winds and a top temperature of 32C. The feature race is the $40,000 Wet Season Series Final (1200m), which has been held over from last week. The rail will be in the true position and, despite all the rain, it will be a fast dirt surface. BEST BET: PRIDE OF LIMASSOL This five-year-old gelding jumped from the inside gate on Australia Day as the $2 favourite with top bookmakers and looked set to make a huge impression before succumbing to the in-form Make An Effort by 2.5 lengths over 1000m. The opposition isn’t that strong on Saturday, and considering he will only carry an extra 0.5kg in a lower grade, it shouldn’t prove a burden. The son of Prince Of Dubai recorded a win, three seconds and a third from 17 starts for previous trainer Saab Hasan, who is based at Tabilk near Seymour. Pride Of Limassol had three Fannie Bay starts in 0-58 grade in December following his arrival for a win and a fourth over 1000m and a second over 1100m. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Pride Of Limassol (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Dick Leech | J: Jade Hampson (a2) (60kg) Bet with Dabble NEXT BEST: PRINCESS PANCAKES This five-year-old mare, the full sister of last year’s NT Derby (2050m) winner Anphina, continues to improve since arriving in Darwin and, with an ounce of luck, can get that first NT win at the fifth attempt. You must always respect the opposition, but in a 10-horse field there is no serious threat. Formerly linked with the Andrew Bobbin stable at Stawell, Princess Pancakes failed to impress in two Alice Springs starts in November and December after a nine-month spell before finishing fourth over 1600m on December 30 and second over 1300m on January 13 in the Top End. She will carry an extra 1kg on Saturday. Next Best Race 6 – #4 Princess Pancakes (4) 5yo Mare | T: Kerry Petrick | J: Paul Denton (56kg) Bet with Bet365 BEST VALUE: CHIEF MONDO With Beatification receiving a hefty weight rise, Shecanmixit stepping up to 1200m for the first time, Cordyceps Miracle still finding his feet since arriving in Darwin, Barty Aya producing fluctuating form and Turnstar battling to find his best, it might be wise to keep an eye on Chief Mondo in this seven-horse field. The six-year-old gelding has had 23 starts at Fannie Bay since March 2022 for two wins, four seconds and seven thirds, so on most occasions he is never far away. The son of Headwater kick-started his career in Queensland for Brisbane trainer Kelly Schweida and since October has been placed in three of his past four starts from 1000-1200m. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Chief Mondo (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd Bet with PlayUp Darwin Saturday quaddie tips – 3/2/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, February 3, 2024 2-3-6 1-4-5-6 1-4 1-3-4-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, February 3, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Autumn racing is just around the corner, signified by some of the key two-year-old races headlining a massive 10-race program at Rosehill this Saturday. The Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) and Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) separate the boys and girls as they look to put their hand up for Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) contention later in the season. The rail is out +6m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with clearing conditions expected in the lead-up, the surface should be rated a genuine Good 4 prior to the opening event at 12:30pm local time. Canonbury Stakes Pick: Traffic Warden The first of the two-year-old features is for the colts and geldings, and although Traffic Warden needs to give his rivals a 3kg swing in the weights, we’re happy to be with the James Cummings-trained galloper. He was terrific in his debut effort at this course and distance, charging home to finish a clear runner-up behind current Golden Slipper favourite Storm Boy on December 2. He then went on to score in dominant fashion at Caulfield on December 16, stamping himself as one of the better Godolphin two-year-olds. He gets back to Rosehill after an eye-catching jump-out on January 25, and provided the son of Street Boss has maintained his conditioning third-up into the campaign, Traffic Warden warrants plenty of respect in the Canonbury Stakes. Canonbury Stakes Race 3 – #1 Traffic Warden (5) 2yo Colt | T: James Cummings | J: Nash Rawiller (57.5kg) +280 with Bet365 Widden Stakes: Lady Of Camelot In the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) we simply can’t go past Lady Of Camelot as she makes her return from a 126-day spell. Her only start to date was in the Group 3 Gimcrack (1000m) at Randwick on September 30, where the daughter of Written Tycoon was cast three wide without cover for the duration of the journey. She was still only defeated by a half-length on the wire, and the break has seemingly done the two-year-old a world of good. Her two recent barrier trials have been sensational, going on to score by a combined 12.3 lengths when employing strong front-running tactics. Watch for Lady Of Camelot to ping the lids from the inside draw (1) and bowl along on speed. If she gets a soft lead, it could simply be a matter of ‘how far’. Widden Stakes Race 5 – #6 Lady Of Camelot (1) 2yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (54.5kg) +120 with Neds Best Bet: Morning Sun Morning Sun and Age Of Sail locked horns on Australian debut, with the latter getting the upper hand in the shadows of the post at Warwick Farm on January 10. We want to make the case Morning Sun can turn the tables on Saturday getting to the 2000m second-up into the campaign. The gelding by Muhaarar had to get to the outside of some tiring galloper last start, while the eventual winner got a lovely run towards the inside running rail, ultimately proving the difference in the 0.3-length margin. Morning Sun appeared to be finishing best, suggesting the 2000m would be ideal for this lightly raced five-year-old, and with James McDonald hopping aboard from gate two, this guy will prove hard to beat in this intriguing BM78. Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Morning Sun (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: James McDonald (58kg) +230 with Unibet Best Value: Rush Hour It’s been almost a year off the scene for the Nathan Doyle-trained Rush Hour, and we’re giving him an each-way chance in the Rosehill finale. The now three-year-old was a strong winner on the Gold Coast in the 2YO Debutants in January 2023 but wasn’t quite able to go on with the job, suffering a setback at Randwick in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) on February 25. He was no match for the likes of Corniche and the eventual Golden Slipper winner, Shinzo, but kept on evenly to be defeated by 5.8 lengths. His trials leading into this haven’t set the world alight, but with online bookmakers happy to let you on at the price, we’re willing to take the risk on Rush Hour in the last. Best Value Race 10 – #11 Rush Hour (8) 3yo Colt | T: Nathan Doyle | J: Kerrin McEvoy (54kg) +3000 with PlayUp Saturday Rosehill quaddie tips – 3/2/2024 Rosehill quadrella selections Saturday, February 3, 2024 1-6-8-10-11 1-4-7-9 6-10 1-10-11-12-13-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Ascot Races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, February 3, 2024 First Race 11:19am AWST Visit Dabble Ascot Racecourse is set to host a huge 12-race meeting this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, but with hot and dry conditions forecast for Friday and Saturday, there is no doubt that we will race on a Good surface. The rail will move back into the +1m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at the earlier time of 11:19am AWST. Best Bet at Ascot: Fluro Neuro We were with Fluro Neuro at his most recent start when the Grant & Alana Williams-trained entire ran home nicely from the back of the field but could only manage a fourth-place finish. After jumping slowly and settling at the rear of the field, this son of Gingerbread Man never really got into the race as the leaders set a moderate tempo and he had to make runs in between horses. With more speed and a quicker race tempo expected on Saturday, we expect this guy to perform much better. The booking of Chris Parnham for his first ride on Fluro Neuro signals intent from the stable, and we are more than happy to be on his side again. Best Bet Race 12 – #7 Fluro Neuro (13) 4yo Horse | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: Chris Parnham (56.5kg) +240 with Playup Next Best at Ascot: Manavendra Manavendra will be seeking a hattrick of wins when he steps out at Ascot over 2200m for the second time in as many weeks for the Daniel & Ben Pearce stable. Last Saturday, this four-year-old gelding was given a great ride by Clint Johnston-Porter to run over the top of the leader in the final 100m and career away for an impressive one-length victory. Although this son of Deep Field will rise slightly in grade for this contest, Johnston-Porter has chosen to ride this gelding over the favourite, which is a very good push in our opinion. From barrier seven, Manavendra can slot in midfield off the fence, build her momentum before the home turn, and let down with his powerful finish. Next Best Race 10 – #3 Manavendra (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (59kg) +450 with Neds Best Value at Ascot: Desert Whisper Although the debut run of Desert Whisper didn’t go as her trainer, Luke Fernie, would have planned, the two-year-old filly finished the race off nicely. At this track and trip on January 20, this daughter of Rommel jumped slow and was pushed along early to stay in touch with the field before letting down strong to run into third place behind Madhi Girl. If she can jump with the rest of the field and find a position in the middle of the pack, we expect Desert Whisper to go very close at a nice each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #7 Desert Whisper (12) 2yo Filly | T: Luke Fernie | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (54kg) +1800 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, February 3, 2024 2-4-8-12 2-3-6 2-3-4-10-12 1-7-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, February 3, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Feature racing returns to Caulfield this Saturday afternoon, where the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) take centre stage on the bumper 10-race card. Perfect conditions are forecast, aided by a Good 4 track with the rail out 9m the entire circuit. Metropolitan racing in Victoria is set to get underway at 12:15pm AEDT. Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes Tip: A Little Deep In the feature event of the day, we’re confident the Ciaron Maher-trained A Little Deep can claim black-type success at the first time of asking. The four-year-old mare simply ran in to one better at Moonee Valley on January 20, but we expect the Deep Field progeny will bounce back to her best. She was a smart Moonee Valley 1000m winner two runs back, having sat three wide with no cover and stormed clear late to suggest she had above-average ability. This is no doubt her toughest test to date, but from a handy draw (3), John Allen can have A Little Deep stalk the speed throughout and arrive in time to claim victory. Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes Race 8 – #7 A Little Deep (3) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (56kg) +450 with Neds Chairman’s Stakes Tip: Coleman Having smashed his rivals on debut in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) on October 18, Coleman returns to the Caulfield 1000m in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes and looks the one to beat. The two-year-old colt put 1.3 lengths on the smart Arabian Summer on that day, and that result ties in the formline perfectly with main market rival Eneeza on Saturday. Eneeza beat home Arabian Summer when they clashed on debut at Flemington during the spring, but we feel Coleman has plenty of untapped talent under his bonnet. With a couple of smart jumpouts under his belt, Coleman looks raring to go in the Chairman’s Stakes, and we’re confident he can return a winner. Chairman’s Stakes Race 4 – #1 Coleman (2) 2yo Colt | T: Matt Laurie | J: Ben Melham (59kg) +190 with Picklebet Best Bet at Caulfield: Jimmysstar Jimmysstar is undefeated through two Australian starts, and first-up into his autumn campaign, he looks to be perfectly placed by the Ciaron Maher team. The four-year-old gelding strung together dominant wins at Bendigo and Cranbourne in November and has warmed up for this assignment with a handy jumpout win over Group 1 winner Pride Of Jenni. Blake Shinn will look to have Jimmysstar settled in a handy position from barrier six, and with even luck at the right time, Jimmysstar should continue to shine bright and kick off his autumn campaign in winning fashion. Best Bet Race 10 – #13 Jimmysstar (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Blake Shinn (56.5kg) +250 with Dabble Next Best at Caulfield: Midtown Boss First-up from a spell, Midtown Glory put 2.5 lengths on subsequent metro winner Mornington Glory in arrogant fashion at Flemington on January 1, and with a month between runs, he looks hard to go past on Saturday. Having settled midfield with cover on that day, the Street Boss gelding quickened like a good horse and won with plenty left in reserve. From barrier three, Daniel Stackhouse will have Midtown Boss settled in the second-half of the field, but with Jungle Jim set to run this at a genuine clip, we’re confident Midtown Boss can mow down the leaders and salute in grand style. Next Best Race 9 – #9 Midtown Boss (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Matt Laurie | J: Daniel Stackhouse (56.5kg) +130 with PlayUp Best Value at Caulfield: Dunbelievin’ Ciaron Maher’s Dunbelievin’ was a handy Wyong maiden winner on January 6, and we’re expecting the three-year-old to replicate his form the Melbourne way at Caulfield. The son of Dundeel gave his rivals a big start, and despite winning by the barest of margins, the performance screamed out that he was a horse worth following. With the likes of Yosemite Falls and Smokin’ Giant set to make this a genuinely run 1800m, the race looks perfectly set up for Dunbelievin’ to blouse his rivals and continue on his winning ways. Best Value Race 2 – #3 Dunbelievin’ (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (59.5kg) +800 with Bet365 Caulfield quaddie tips Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, February 3, 2024 Field 1-4-7 1-3-9 7-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Verismo will be seeking southern stakes success in Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Cambridge trainer Sam Mynott has sent her mare Verismo south in a bid to capture some black-type at Wingatui this weekend. Mynott owns the five-year-old, having secured her as a yearling, and believes her best chance of adding a stakes result to her pedigree page is in the South Island. With that in-mind, Mynott went searching for some options and has elected to target her mare at Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m). “There just weren’t a lot of racing options up here for her. She wants further than 2100m and those races down there look like they suit her, so we will have a crack,” Mynott said. Versimo has settled in well to her temporary home with trainer Robert Dennis, who Mynott became acquainted with in his stint as fellow Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman’s assistant. “She went down last Monday to Rob Dennis, who has been looking after her, apparently she got down well and has been eating well, they are happy with her down there,” Mynott said. While only the winner of two races to date, Mynott is hoping Verismo’s staying prowess coupled with her fitness level will lead to a strong showing in the $100,000 feature. “It is good stake money and it is a great chance at black-type. She probably wouldn’t get that up here in the North Island, and she might sneak in down there,” Mynott said. Verismo will carry 53kg from barrier six on Saturday, with northern hoop Joe Doyle travelling down to partner the mare. “There are good horses in there, but she has good North Island form, and we know she can do the trip,” Mynott said. “It will just be whether or not those horses down there can do the trip. We know she is rock-hard fit, is ready to go, and we have got a good jockey on.” Following her weekend assignment, Versimo is set to have one more start in the deep south before heading for a well-earned break. “In a fortnight there is a 2600m race at Ascot Park worth $50,000, so she will probably head there afterwards and then head to the paddock for a spell,” Mynott said. Mynott said it has been an enjoyable journey with Verismo and she is hoping it culminates with black-type success on Saturday. “I did some yearlings for Monovale Farm a few years ago and we did a deal on a few and she ended up needing surgery as a yearling and I ended up taking over the ownership of her,” she said. “It has been great, she has been a cool little horse to have around. She is not a superstar, but she is really genuine, and that is all you can ask for.” More horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Steven Cole is looking forward to the debut of Chicago Jack at New Plymouth on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell Byerley Park trainer Steven Cole is hoping Chicago Jack can make the perfect start to his racing career when he contests the Group 3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) at New Plymouth on Saturday. The two-year-old son of All Too Hard was purchased by Cole, in association with bloodstock agent Bevan Smith, out of Baramul Stud’s 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale draft last year for A$155,000, and Cole has been pleased with his purchase. “He is quite a well-bred horse,” Cole said. “We gave Bevan a short-list on breeding and he sent back what he liked, and he (Chicago Jack) was the top pick. “He has got a bit of breeding there and Dad has had a bit of luck with that family many years ago when he was training. The stars aligned and we were lucky enough to be able to get him.” Chicago Jack has had just the one trial to date, finishing runner-up behind Osteria in their 950m heat at Tauranga earlier this month, and Cole is pleased with the way he has progressed since that hit-out. “He was pretty green (in his trial), he missed the jump by three or four lengths, then got to the outside and bobbled around a bit,” Cole said. “He won a jumpout after his trial the following week. He seems quite an exciting horse. “Ryan (Elliot, jockey) gave him a pretty good opinion and you have to go off what senior riders think of them sometimes. We will go down there and hope to run well.” Chicago Jack will be one of half a dozen debutants in the field on Saturday, with top horse racing bookmakers installing him an +1700 joint fourth favourite for the Taranaki feature, with the undefeated Captured By Love heading the market at -285.71. “Apart from the two Te Akau horses, it is basically a maiden race,” Cole said. “You don’t get to race for $100,000 very often, so we thought, with the way he trialled, we would have a crack. “We will see how he goes there and then we can make a bit of a plan of what we do.” Chicago Jack will be joined on the float trip south by stablemate Per La Vita, who will with Tegan Newman to do the steering. “Per La Vita was quite impressive last start when she won,” Cole said. “She did a bit of work to get to the front and kicked on strongly. She seems to have improved, and you would think she would be a top three chance in that race.” Cole was at Karaka earlier this week and is happy with his sole purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, securing lot 265, a Per Incanto colt out of a half-sister to Group One winners Werther and Toffee Tongue, for $160,000. “We bought a Per Incanto colt from Little Avondale,” he said. “He is a nice, athletic horse with a bit of breeding, and we were very happy to get him. “We have had a little bit of luck with Per Incanto in the past with Mascarinto, so we were happy to get another one.” More horse racing news View the full article

Burgie will contest the Group 3 White Robe Lodge Weight-For-Age (1600m) at Wingatui on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South The Anderton family will bid to add to their impressive tally of victories in Saturday’s Group 3 White Robe Lodge Weight-For-Age (1600m) with stakes winner Burgie at Wingatui on Saturday. Brian Anderton twice won the race with A Gordon For Me (1992-93) and subsequently in partnership with his son Shane with Perceptible (2002), Coulee (2017), Tommy Tucker (2018) and Gallant Boy (2019). They are justifiably proud of their record, and more importantly their association with the feature event, although it will be a bittersweet occasion after the sad passing of family matriarch Lorraine last year. “It’s the first one without Lorraine, but life goes on and it’s the longest single sponsored race (since 1974) in New Zealand,” Brian Anderton said. “We look forward to it every year and next year will be exciting with the big day and the White Robe will be shifted to March.” Wingatui will host the newly created feature day with the White Robe one of a number of black-type races to be staged, as well as the Southern Mile Final (1600m), on March 1. Stable representative Burgie is a White Robe home-bred and raced mare by resident stallion Ghibellines, with her three wins featuring the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m), and she was also runner-up in last season’s Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The five-year-old was most recently unplaced at Riccarton, although she had a valid excuse after she was denied clear air in the run home. “It was a bit of a second thought to start her here really, we took her to Christchurch but she didn’t get a run at them at all and she came home and we were going to give her a week off,” Anderton said. “Shane and I then had a talk about it and we thought we’d give her an opportunity and we’ve got Terry Moseley back on her. She’ll definitely be running on.” The stable will also have two in-form contenders in the Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) with Capo Dell Impero and Exchange to go head-to-head. Capo Dell Impero won the Cromwell Cup (2030m) three starts back before he was unplaced over 1600m at Timaru and then stepped back up to a staying role on his home track to land the Waikouaiti Cup (2200m). Corey Campbell will continue his association with the gelding, who will have to shoulder 58kg. “He’s got a bit of weight and it gets hard with a seven-win horse, we’ll get this race over with him and then we’ll have to look hard at his future, whether it be overseas or not,” Anderton said. Exchange made a good fist of his last start return to middle distance racing when runner-up in the Gore Cup (2000m). “He went a good race at Gore and he will improve too, that was his first run over a bit of ground for a while,” Anderton said. “They are both in good form and we expect good runs from them.” More horse racing news View the full article