Wandering Eyes

Two promising trials have Voyage Bubble’s trainer bullish that last year’s Classic Series hero can serve it up to California Spangle and Beauty EternalView the full article

Tony Pike doesn’t have any concerns about Impendabelle’s ability to cope with a step up in trip in Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. The Cambridge trainer is confident his in-form charge will produce another strong performance against the best of her sex in the Barneswood Farm-sponsored Classic. Impendabelle headed south off the back of her victory in an incident-paced Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) for rider Kozzi Asano, who again takes the reins. “She ran out the 1400m well at Counties and is always relaxed in the run. I think the mile will be fine for her,” Pike said. “She’s a lovely filly to do anything with, very laid back and that translates into her races. She hardly touches the bridle and it’s always nice to have one with a good temperament.” Since her Soliloquy success, Impendabelle hasn’t missed a beat. “She is in great form, I know there were a couple of hard luck stories at Counties in behind, but she probably didn’t have all favours either,” Pike said. “She went to go out with Luberon and then got lost out in front by herself and then obviously drifted back to the rail. “She won it and won it nicely and has trained on well and travelled super. “It looks a good, deep field this year and probably half a-dozen winning chances.” Another factor to give Impendabelle and edge is her handy barrier of six. “I couldn’t be happier with her preparation and she has drawn the better gate of a lot of the favoured runners,” Pike said. Should Impendabelle land a major result, the stable will have a strong chance of claiming a black-type double with Not Guilty a fancied contender in the Listed Lindauer Stewards’ Stakes (1200m). The Not A Single Doubt mare is coming off an opening day success in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) with Lily Sutherland retaining the mount on the five-year-old. “I think the 1200m will suit her better than the 1000m and she has come through the race in great order,” Pike said. “She looks fantastic and is thriving down there. She has drawn another good gate and she should be hard to beat again.” Matter Of Honour completes Pike’s representation when he attempts to turn his form around in the Avon City Ford Premier (1200m) following an unplaced run on the course last Saturday. “He had a couple of excuses, but he was a bit plain to be fair. He got into a bit of a bumping duel and I thought he gave up a bit quickly,” he said. “We’ll put the blinkers on him and he’s been to the beach a couple of days this week and I can’t fault his condition, so I definitely think he’ll run a much improve race on Saturday.” View the full article

Group One-winning trainer Nikki Hurdle will swap out horsepower for horses when she heads to Trentham on Friday. The Awapuni horsewoman will take time away from her job at Manawatu Toyota to line-up her in-form mare Express Yourself in the Woodridge Homes 1100. The daughter of Shamexpress has hardly missed a beat since joining Hurdle’s barn last year after being purchased off gavelhouse.com for $6,500 – going on to win four races for Hurdle, including her last three. “She has been going awesome – over and above expectations,” Hurdle said. “She has been an absolute gem. I can’t believe how lucky we have been. We bought her off gavelhouse quite cheaply and she has been a real find.” Hurdle is hoping her five-year-old mare can continue her good run of form at Trentham, where she will be partnered by three-kilogram claiming apprentice Jim Chung. “We are hoping the track will remain firm, she is better on top of the ground,” Hurdle said. “We are expecting a good run. It is a small field, but it is tidy.” It’s been a month between runs for Express Yourself, with Hurdle giving the mare an 850m trial at Woodville earlier this month to keep her up to the mark ahead of Saturday’s test. “There is no grass track at Awapuni to gallop them on at the moment, so we are having to think outside the box and be a bit creative and do things I wouldn’t normally,” Hurdle said. “We just have to do these things like go to the jump-outs and trials. She also uses the swimming pool a lot.” If Express Yourself performs up to expectations, a tilt at Group One company could be on the horizon. “I am just taking it quietly with her, she is still learning and progressing. I don’t want to get too carried away but she will be nominated for the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m) if she is still going well.” Elite-level racing is nothing new to Hurdle, who trained a couple of topline thoroughbreds in a two-decade professional training career, including Aerosmith who won the Gr.1 Wellington Cup (3200m) and Gr.1 International Stakes (2000m). “I trained professionally a few years ago and we had Group One wins and horses in Australia. I decided to get back into it and we got this (Express Yourself) horse,” Hurdle said. “We just do it for fun and we are having a ball.” View the full article

A lot has changed for Mike Moroney since he won the Thousand Guineas, but some things haven’t. The New Zealander first landed the Group One event for the fillies in 1999 with Shizu (NZ) (Manntari), not long after he’d taken over the famous Chiquita Lodge stables at Flemington. “She started off in New Zealand and then came across here and so she won the Thousand Guineas that year,” Moroney reflected. “It would be nice to repeat the dose, it’s going to be 24 years between drinks, but it will be well worth waiting for.” Since then, Moroney has tasted the ultimate success by winning the 2000 Melbourne Cup with Brew (NZ) (Sir Tristram) and entrenched himself as one of the leading trainers in Melbourne, capturing major races in that time with the likes of Sarrera (Quest for Fame), Mr Baritone (NZ) (Stravinsky), Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto. Once again though, it’s a filly from across the Tasman who Moroney will saddle up in the Thousand Guineas: Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir). The daughter of Proisir was bought by Moroney’s brother Paul as a yearling from Karaka in 2022 using video evidence only, due to the COVID-related restrictions at the time and was initially looked after by Moroney’s training partner in New Zealand, Pam Gerard. “We paid $90,000 for her with the idea that we’d start her off in New Zealand and if she was good enough, we’d get her here, which we do with most of the ones we buy there,” Moroney explained. “Once I saw her have her first trial, I said to Pam then, ‘Just give her one more trial and just ride her back off them and then we’d take her across’. “We did that and she stormed home down the outside at Taupo, which is hard to do and ran second under a pretty light ride. That was enough just to finalise that she was the right one to bring over here.” Coeur Volante made her debut earlier this year in May and finished fourth before going on to win her next three starts. “She was pretty luckless in her first start, I think if things had gone her way, she would have won it and then of course, from then on, she’s been unbeaten,” Moroney said. “She brings really good form into the race.” Coeur Volante will go into Saturday’s 1600-metre event as the $4 second favourite with Sportsbet and Moroney is optimistic about what she could achieve beyond this weekend. “She’s very talented, she could be one of the better ones I’ve trained, I think, as far as the females go and I’ve been lucky enough to have a few good ones,” he said. “On what she’s done and how untapped she is, I’m pretty sure she’s a good chance of being up there with them.” View the full article

What W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes Day 2023 Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, November 18, 2023 First Race 12:34pm AWST Visit Dabble The first instalment of the five-day Ascot Racing Carnival — known as ‘The Pinnacles’ — comes this Saturday afternoon, with a trio of three Group 3 contests and the $500,000 Listed Placid Ark headlining a bumper nine-race card. With warm and dry weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, we expect to be racing on a perfect Good 4 surface for the whole day. The rail will be pushed out slightly from the last meeting to the +2m position for the entire circuit, and the action is scheduled to jump at 12:34pm AWST. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections for W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes Day 2023 Race 1: RTG72+ Handicap (1600m) Bruce Almighty from the Neville Parnham yard has been a model of consistency this preparation, finishing inside the top four in all three of his runs this time in. Last start, this eight-year-old gelding crossed from a wide barrier and settled behind the leaders before taking over at the top of the home straight, only to be run over by Billy Ray in the final 150m. Chris Parnham retains the ride on Saturday, and from barrier one, he can give this son of Playing God every conceivable chance to break through for a deserved win. Selections: 2 BRUCE ALMIGHTY 7 MOUTAIN ASH 4 SENTIMENTAL HERO 1 CHEVAL DE VAGA Race 2: One Metro Win Handicap (1600m) Special Sort is absolutely flying. The Adam Durrant-trained gelding was a dominant winner at this track and trip last start, where Clint Johnston-Porter settled this guy behind the speed and allowed him to go through his gears to take the lead and run away with a 1.2-length victory. This son of My Admiration will be seeking his fifth win in a row on Saturday, and even though he has to carry 60kg and jump from an awkward barrier, the abundance of speed and lack of quality in this race should offset those negatives. Selections: 2 SPECIAL SORT 1 MACK MACK 7 WANGO AWARD 4 BLACK SPIRIT Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Special Sort (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Adam Durrant | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (60kg) +210 with Betfair Race 3: RTG66+ Handicap (1400m) The Neville Parnham-trained Demolish had run in 10 straight races over 1600m or further before returning in a 1200m contest first-up for this preparation, where he was very good from the back of the field but was just beaten by a fitter horse. Now that he is second-up and stepping up in distance to 1400m on Saturday, this four-year-old gelding should improve again. There appears to be no speed in this race, and from barrier 11, Steven Parnham can push forward, settle outside the lead and give Demolish a soft run at the front of the field. Selections: 3 DEMOLISH 12 YONGA LASS 2 STARRING KNIGHT 5 SAN FRABRIZIO Race 4: Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes (1500m) In the R.J. Peters Stakes, it is hard to go past the top-weight and race favourite Alsephina from the Grant & Alana Williams stable. Last start, this five-year-old mare was beaten for the first time in her last seven runs, which was also her first defeat when fresh throughout her career. However, with the benefit of a run under her belt and the need to win this race to get into the Group 1 Railway Stakes next weekend, the lethal combination of William Pike and Team Williams should have this girl in perfect condition and ready to win. Selections: 1 ALSEPHINA 9 ADMIRATION EXPRESS 6 MAGNIFICENT ANDY 7 BLACK FANTASY R.J. Peters Stakes Race 4 – #1 Alsephina (4) 5yo Mare | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (59kg) +170 with Boombet Race 5: Group 3 W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) The Grant & Alana Williams-trained Keshi Boom appears to be a very smart filly on the rise after beating Super Smink in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes last start. This daughter of Spirit Of Boom opened as an odds-on favourite for the 2023 W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes, and she looks to be the best horse in the race by a margin. After running straight past the race favourite last start, this girl bounded away to record an arrogant 1.3-length victory at her first metropolitan run. With even luck, Keshi Boom should prove too classy for this lot. Selections: 3 KESHI BOOM 5 THE BOSS LADY 6 GENEROSITY 2 BRAVE STRIKE W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes Race 5 – #3 Keshi Boom (5) 3yo Filly | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (55.5kg) -222.22 with Neds Race 6: Listed Jungle Mist Classic (1200m) Rusty Dreams returned from a 17-week spell in a RTG78+ Handicap last start at this track and trip, and even though she didn’t win, the four-year-old mare was clearly the run of the race. The leaders set a breakneck tempo and held a four-length lead over the rest of the field at the home bend; however, this daughter of Universal Ruler ran home the strongest of any backmarker to finish third, beaten by just under a length. There appears to be a lot of speed in this race, and if Chris Parnham can settle towards the rear of the field and allow Rusty Dreams to let rip with a similar finishing burst, she will be running over the top of the leaders late. Selections: 4 RUSTY DREAMS 7 DUCHESS OF GOSSIP 2 FLYING MISSILE 8 AMBER GLIDE Next Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Rusty Dreams (12) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Lane | J: Chris Parnham (56.5kg) +340 with Dabble Race 7: Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) After two luckless runs at Listed and Group 3 level, the Dion Luciani-trained My Bella Mae gets a chance to break through for an overdue win in the Colonel Reeves Stakes. This four-year-old mare settled midfield last start and got no luck around the home turn, so Patrick Carbery had to wait for a gap to appear between runners. When she got clear, this daughter of Deep Field let down with a strong finishing burst but couldn’t pick the leading pack, finishing fifth. Barrier one isn’t ideal, but if she can jump well from the barrier, hold the box seat and get an ounce of luck at the top of the straight, My Bella Mae will play a prominent role in the finish. Selections: 6 MY BELLA MAE 5 RED CAN MAN 4 MAN CRUSH 8 LAVERROD Colonel Reeves Stakes Race 7 – #6 My Bella Mae (2) 4yo Mare | T: Dion Luciani | J: Patrick Carbery (56.5kg) +360 with PendleburyBet Race 8: Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) Simon Miller will have three runners in the Placid Ark Stakes, and the last-start Listed Belgravia Stakes runner-up appears to be his best chance. Augment looked the winner with 150m to go in the Belgravia as she loomed up on the outside of the leader, but she was run over by a smart winner in Super Smink. With the other market fancies drawing wide barriers, Patrick Carbery can settle close to the speed from barrier five and give Augment a more economical run than her main rivals. If the Exceed And Excel filly can get a clear run from the 300m mark, she will prove very hard to hold out. Selections: 12 AUGMENT 3 OSCAR’S FORTUNE 4 HANCHI 14 PETULA Placid Ark Stakes Race 8 – #12 Augment (4) 3yo Filly | T: Simon Miller | J: Patrick Carbery (54.5kg) +320 with Picklebet Race 9: RTG72+ Handicap (1200m) Rear Admiral was overhauled late in a RTG66+ Handicap at this track and trip on November 4, where he didn’t give much of a kick at the top of the home straight and just battled on to finish third. With the benefit of that tough on-speed run when fresh, the Sean & Jake Casey-trained galloper should be nearing peak fitness. From barrier five, this daughter of Astern will push forward and most likely settle in the one-one position. If Jordan Turner can hold her up for one final sprint in the final 200m, Rear Admiral should be hard to run down. Selections: 13 REAR ADMIRAL 7 SALOON BAR 2 BROOKLYN PIER 6 METALLON Ascot Saturday quaddie tips – W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes Day 2023 Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, November 18, 2023 4-7 1-4-5-6-8 3-4-12-14 2-6-7-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Thousand Guineas Day 2023 Where Caulfield Racecourse – 22 Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, November 18, 2023 First Race 12:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble The final Group 1 day of racing in Victoria awaits punters at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon as a 10-race meeting is set down for decision. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) for three-year-old fillies is the feature event of the day, while the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) will also be run. On a card littered with plenty of black-type racing, perfect conditions on Saturday should mean each runner will get their chance if good enough. The track will be a Good 4, with the rail in the true position, for a Group 1 day of racing that is set to commence at 12:20pm AEDT. Keep reading for our free Thousand Guineas Day race-by-race preview and quaddie selections Race 1: Handicap (1800m) Our best bet of the day comes up in the opening event as Dunkel makes his return from a six-month spell. The last-start Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) winner strung together an incredible debut campaign which culminated in top-tier success. He boasts a record of six wins from eight starts, with some breathtaking performances along the way. He put in a nice trial over 1200m at Benalla on November 13, and the bloke is just a natural winner. Ain’tnodeeldun is obviously his biggest threat, but the step back to 1800m from the 2040m last time out might bring about his downfall. Selections: 1 DUNKEL 2 AIN’TNODEELDUN 4 LET’SROLLTHEDICE 6 MR FRENCH Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Dunkel (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Patrick Payne | J: Billy Egan (60kg) +230 with PendleburyBet Race 2: BM84 Handicap (1400m) Forbidden City was beaten by a neck in the Group 3 Hong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) during Cup week, and a step back into this sort of company looks ideal. The five-year-old found Group 1 winner Skew Wiff a touch too classy late, but her run suggested she was worth following. The I Am Invincible mare has five placings from eight goes at the 1400m and, from barrier five under Billy Egan, will be given every opportunity to break that duck at Caulfield. Egan will look to settle her on the heels of the leaders, and with an economical run, she should have too much in reserve for her rivals. Selections: 10 FORBIDDEN CITY 9 FIRST MATE 6 ROBUSTO 4 MERIDIUS Race 3: BM80 Handicap (1600m) Mr Mojo Risin’ bought up a confidence-building win at Moonee Valley on November 3. The four-year-old gelding was ridden more positively by Jamie Kah and won in dominant fashion. Kah will look to hold a positive spot again from barrier six and take luck out of the equation, considering it has been bad luck that has hurt him in the past. With just 56kg on his back up on speed, Mr Mojo Risin’ will be in this for a long way. Selections: 10 MR MOJO RISIN’ 3 RHINOCEROS 2 TOBAYSURE 11 POISON CHALICE Next Best Race 3 – #10 Mr Mojo Risin’ (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Jamie Kah (56kg) +400 with Betfair Race 4: Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) Saltaire was the best of the beaten brigade behind Mumbai Muse in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m). The filly from the John O’Shea barn has been racing well without winning this campaign, but she gets her chance to change that in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m). Barrier 11 is offset by her want to settle towards the rear of the field, and with Blake Shinn sticking in the saddle, the pair should gain a nice tow into the race. Saltaire has a strong turn of foot, and it should be enough to salute. Selections: 2 SALTAIRE 7 COMMEMORATIVE 1 DE SONIC BOOM 6 MATERIAL DREAMS Thoroughbred Club Stakes Race 4 – #2 Saltaire (11) 3yo Filly | T: John O’Shea | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) +240 with Neds Race 5: Listed Caulfield Village Stakes (1100m) Despite a poor run at Randwick on November 7, Curran looks to be a great each-way play in the Listed Caulfield Village Stakes. His run two starts back in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) looks better than what it reads on paper, considering he was beaten by just over four lengths. He produced some strong late sectionals on that day and was taking ground off the likes of Uncommon James and Chain Of Lightning. With plenty of speed engaged, Matt Cartwright will have this guy settled off the speed, and on the back of a hot tempo, Curran can blouse his rivals late. Selections: 2 CURRAN 5 BARBER 11 SGHIRRIPA 7 SEMILLION Best Value Race 5 – #2 Curran (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Lyn Tolson & Leonie Proctor | J: Matthew Cartwright (57.5kg) +1500 with Dabble Race 6: Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) The Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1400m) looks to be a race in four, but we have settled with Brave Mead as he steps back to the 1400m. The three-year-old colt was a touch disappointing over the mile in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), but the 1400m looks to be right up his alley. He was a smart track-and-trip winner two runs back against a field which is no harder than this. Mark Zahra hops back on board, and if the pair can land a spot one off the fence, rather than being trapped three wide, he should be too good. Selections: 2 BRAVE MEAD 1 ARKANSAW KID 3 SNAPBACK 10 SUNSET DREAMING Blue Sapphire Stakes Race 6 – #2 Brave Mead (8) 3yo Colt | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Mark Zahra (57kg) +280 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600M) The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) has attracted a strong field of 13 three-year-old fillies vying for the $1.5 million on offer. Punters cannot split Skybird and Coeur Volante at the top of the market, while the consistent Arctic Glamour and Kimochi will look to spoil the party for favourite-backers. Click here for our full preview of the 2023 Group 1 Thousand Guineas Race 8: Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) The Inferno has chased home Imperatriz in both starts this campaign and continually catches the eye when doing so. He steps up the 1400m for just the second time of his career, but his sole go at the trip resulted in a win in the Singapore Classic back in 2020. The seven-year-old gelding’s run in the 1200m Manikato Stakes suggests he will appreciate the extra furlong. With just 55kg on his back, he gets in perfectly at the weights compared to a runner like I Am Me, who he finished a half-length off last time out. If The Inferno can produce his best, he can blaze the Caulfield turf and bring up a long-overdue win. Selections: 6 THE INFERNO 5 SKEW WIFF 12 MUNHAMEK 11 MAGIC TIME Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Race 8 – #6 The Inferno (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Cliff Brown | J: Jake Noonan (55kg) +1800 with BoomBet Race 9: Victorian Country Cups Final (2000m) Brayden Star has been racing in fine form this time in, and on the back of his narrow defeat in the Bendigo Cup (2400m), he should appreciate the step back in grade. The Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained runner was nosed out by Interpretation on that day and has consistently been running in races harder than this. Damien Oliver will have him positioned midfield with cover from barrier six, and as long as the pair see clear air at the right time, Brayden Star should have a bit too much class over the 2000m. Selections: 3 BRAYDEN STAR 10 CONVENER 11 RED SUN SENSATION 1 BANKERS CHOICE Race 10: Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) We’re hoping Damien Oliver can bring the curtain down on a glittering Victorian career with a win on Queen Of The Ball in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m). The Michael Freedman-trained mare was a dominant winner in the Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m), saluting by a length while running away from her rivals. She is already a four-time Group 3 winner, and with Oliver sticking on board, the duo can settle towards the rear of the field once again and, with one swoop, add more black-type success to her record. Selections: 1 QUEEN OF THE BALL 2 SHE DANCES 3 ROSE QUARTZ 9 GHAANATI How Now Stakes Race 10 – #1 Queen Of The Ball (7) 4yo Mare | T: Mitchell Freedman | J: Damien Oliver (57kg) +220 with Bet365 Caulfield quaddie tips for Caulfield Cup Day 2023 Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, November 18, 2023 2-3 1-2-3-5-6-7-10-11-12-15 1-3-5-6-7-10-11 1-2 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Impendabelle will contest Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Tony Pike doesn’t have any concerns about Impendabelle’s ability to cope with a step up in trip in Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. The Cambridge trainer is confident his in-form charge will produce another strong performance against the best of her sex in the Barneswood Farm-sponsored Classic. Impendabelle headed south off the back of her victory in an incident-paced Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) for rider Kozzi Asano, who again takes the reins. “She ran out the 1400m well at Counties and is always relaxed in the run. I think the mile will be fine for her,” Pike said. “She’s a lovely filly to do anything with, very laid back and that translates into her races. She hardly touches the bridle and it’s always nice to have one with a good temperament.” Since her Soliloquy success, Impendabelle hasn’t missed a beat. “She is in great form, I know there were a couple of hard luck stories at Counties in behind, but she probably didn’t have all favours either,” Pike said. “She went to go out with Luberon and then got lost out in front by herself and then obviously drifted back to the rail. “She won it and won it nicely and has trained on well and travelled super. “It looks a good, deep field this year and probably half a-dozen winning chances.” Another factor to give Impendabelle and edge is her handy barrier of six. “I couldn’t be happier with her preparation and she has drawn the better gate of a lot of the favoured runners,” Pike said. Should Impendabelle land a major result, the stable will have a strong chance of claiming a black-type double with Not Guilty a fancied contender in the Listed Lindauer Stewards’ Stakes (1200m). The Not A Single Doubt mare is coming off an opening day success in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) with Lily Sutherland retaining the mount on the five-year-old. “I think the 1200m will suit her better than the 1000m and she has come through the race in great order,” Pike said. “She looks fantastic and is thriving down there. She has drawn another good gate and she should be hard to beat again.” Matter Of Honour completes Pike’s representation when he attempts to turn his form around following an unplaced run on the course last Saturday. “He had a couple of excuses, but he was a bit plain to be fair. He got into a bit of a bumping duel and I thought he gave up a bit quickly,” he said. “We’ll put the blinkers on him and he’s been to the beach a couple of days this week and I can’t fault his condition, so I definitely think he’ll run a much improve race on Saturday.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Mooloolaba Cup Day Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Saturday, November 18, 2023 First Race 12:18pm AEST Visit Dabble The Sunshine Coast Turf Club will be the destination for metropolitan racing in Queensland this Saturday afternoon, with the $160,000 Mooloolaba Cup headlining a 10-race card. The track is rated a Good 4, but with rain forecast for Thursday and Friday, we could start in the Soft range come raceday. The rail will be in the true position for the entire circuit, while the opening race will jump at 12:18pm AEST. Mooloolaba Cup Tip – Great House Great House was a little unlucky last start, finishing a close runner-up behind Shibli in an Open Quality Handicap at Eagle Farm over 1600m on October 21. The Chris Waller-trained galloper found a wall of horses in front of him in the home straight, and although he chased strongly once he found a gap, he ran out of ground to pick up the winner. From barrier 11 on Saturday, expect Jake Bayliss to settle back again, and if he gets clear air in the final 300m, Great House should prove too strong late. Mooloolaba Cup Race 8 – #1 Great House (11) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Jake Bayliss (60kg) +750 with Betfair Best Bet at Sunshine Coast – Helluva Barty The Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained Helluva Barty was a dominant winner when fresh at Doomben on October 28, where he settled at the back of the field before rounding up his rivals by the 250m mark in an easy 1.8-length victory. The son of Hellbent will have taken a lot of benefit from his return, and now that he is second-up and stepping up to 1200m, this talented galloper should prove hard to beat again. Justin Huxtable will retain the ride, and if he can blend into the race out wide on the home turn, Helluva Barty should be winning again. Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Helluva Barty (13) 4yo Gelding | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Justin Huxtable (58.5kg) +200 with Boombet Next Best at Sunshine Coast – Colleagues After recording consecutive fourth-place finishes to kick off this campaign, Colleagues from the Tony Gollan yard appears ready to break through third-up. Last start, this son of Reliable Man settled too far back on a slow speed over 1600m at Eagle Farm, but he did take a good amount of ground off the leaders in the final 100m. This five-year-old gelding’s last win came at the Sunshine Coast 1800m, and now that he returns to the scene of the crime, he should be ready to go. Ryan Maloney will continue his strong affiliation with this guy, and if he gets an economical run in transit, Colleagues will play a prominent role in the finish. Next Best Race 5 – #8 Colleagues (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Ryan Maloney (58kg) +450 with PlayUp Best Value at Sunshine Coast – Arentee Arentee will return from a 13-week spell in a Class 6 Plate over 1200m as he seeks his third win from six fresh starts throughout his career. The Chris Meagher-trained galloper finished last preparation with a strong all-the-way win over 1350m at Doomben before going out for a spell. On Saturday, this son of Territories has drawn barrier one and should get the run of the race in the box seat behind the leaders. With the aid of Melea Castle’s 3kg claim, Arentee will just need an ounce of luck upon straightening to play a big role in the concluding stages. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Arentee (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Meagher | J: Melea Castle (a3) (60kg) +1000 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Mooloolaba Cup Day Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Saturday, November 18, 2023 3-5-8 1-2-3-4 1-2-6-8 1-2-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Morphettville Races Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville, SA 5043 When Saturday, November 18, 2023 First Race 12:32pm ACDT Visit Dabble Morphettville Racecourse is set to host its standard nine-race meeting on Saturday afternoon. With no black-type races on the card, there are just 94 acceptances, but competitive fields are the theme of the day. With the track rated a Good 4, and with the rail out 12m from the 1200m to the winning post and then out 9m the remainder, every runner should get their chance on what is tipped to be a perfect day for racing. The action at Morphettville gets underway at 12:32pm ACDT. Best Bet at Morphettville: En Francais Despite being the second-elect with horse racing betting sites, En Francais is arguably the class galloper in the opener. Last time out, she was never a winning factor at Moonee Valley behind Wishlor Lass after a torrid run in transit, but her run in the Listed Murray Bridge Cup (1600m) the start prior was more than good enough to salute in a race like this. With speed drawn directly underneath, Lachlan Neindorf can land a plumb spot upon settling and give En Francais every chance to show her quality. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 En Francais (7) 6yo Mare | T: Jake Stephens | J: Lachlan Neindorf (58kg) +230 with PendleburyBet Next Best at Morphettville: Hasta La Fiorente The Sue Murphy-trained Hasta La Fiorente has shown consistent form with three wins and three minor placings from his last seven starts, including a second in the Horsham Cup (2100m). Despite losing to Supagirl by 5.25 lengths that day, he returns to Morphettville in great shape. Dom Tourneur will have the gelding settled midfield from barrier five, allowing him to make his run approaching the home turn. Market fancies Long Arm and Morty haven’t won in some time, so we’re confident Hasta La Fiorente’s winning form will give him an advantage. Next Best Race 6 – #3 Hasta La Fiorente (5) 8yo Gelding | T: Sue Murphy | J: Dom Tourneur (57kg) +320 with Betfair Best Value at Morphettville: Lope De Wolf Lope De Wolf put in an eye-catching run when returning from a nine-month spell over 1100m at this track on November 7. With three wins and a second from six second-up runs, the eight-year-old will only be better for that fresh run when he steps up to 1200m. The son of Lope De Vega is not the best out of the gates, but with the race set to be run at a genuine clip, it sets up perfectly for him. He’ll need to be within four lengths of the lead on the home turn, but Lope De Wolf has the best finishing burst in the field and will take a power of beating. Best Value Race 5 – #4 Lope De Wolf (2) 8yo Gelding | T: Wayne Francis & Glen Kent | J: Justin Potter (58.5kg) +900 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Morphettville Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, November 18, 2023 1-2-3 1-2-4-7-10 3-4-5-6-9 2-4-5-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, November 17, 2023 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Friday night racing returns to Moonee Valley to kick off a bumper weekend in Melbourne, with nine races set down for decision. A perfect spring night is forecast for The Valley, with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail coming out 7m the entire circuit. Racing under lights gets underway at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Awash Awash has strung together two smart victories heading into this 1600m BM64 at The Valley. The Merchant Navy gelding won his maiden at Pakenham two runs back when settling on speed and sprinting clear late. His win at Swan Hill last time out was just as impressive, wearing down the leader in a race that was dominated by on-pace runners. Celine Gaudray claiming 2kg means Awash gets in perfectly at the weights with 59kg on his back, dropping 3kg from his last start. With speed drawn out wide, this guy should gain a perfect run in transit and prove too good again. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Awash (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Celine Gaudray (a2) (61kg) +300 with Betfair Next Best at Moonee Valley: A Little Deep A Little Deep returned from nearly a year off the track with a dominant 2.25-length victory at Moe on October 20. The four-year-old mare produced a strong turn of foot to win going away from her rivals, thus signalling her intent this campaign. She came from a midfield position at Moe to score, and from barrier three on Friday night, Carleen Hefel will look to do something similar. As always over the 1000m scamper, there is plenty of early speed engaged, and with even luck, A Little Deep can absorb that pressure and finish over the top. Next Best Race 8 – #1 A Little Deep (3) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Carleen Hefel (a1.5) (60.5kg) +250 with Dabble Best Value at Moonee Valley: Lady Of Savoy With a bit of luck, we can build our bank in the opener as Lady Of Savoy looks to break maiden ranks at start four. The three-year-old filly lost by a narrow margin at Mornington on November 5 but managed to put 2.25 lengths on the third horse. The daughter of Tivaci managed to take up the running that day over 1200m, and despite staying at the trip second-up, we’re confident Jamie Mott can find the rail from barrier 11. If Lady Of Savoy can do that, she is going to give us a great sight at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 1 – #9 Lady Of Savoy (11) 3yo Filly | T: Matt Laurie | J: Jamie Mott (56kg) +800 with Bet365 Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, November 17, 2023 1-2-3-4-7-8-9 1-3-5-7 1-2-10 1-4-9-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What The Hunter Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling St, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Saturday, November 18, 2023 Prizemoney $1,000,000 Distance 1300m Conditions Quality Handicap 2022 winner Vilana (6) | T: James Cummings | J: Nash Rawiller (57kg) Visit Dabble The Hunter (1300m) is the headline act this Saturday at Newcastle, with a capacity field of 16 set to line up in the $1 million feature. It brings together contenders from a multitude of form-lines across the NSW metropolitan racing scene — including the Everest (1200m), The Kosciuszko (1200m) and Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m), just to name a few. The race could be in for a dramatic shift, however, as some of the leading chances, such as Vilana and I Am Me, have dual-accepted for the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on the same day. THE HUNTER 2023 ODDS The market has already started to gravitate towards the only Australian Group 1 winner in this field, as Mazu holds the call at +450 in a wide-open race. I Am Me has held solid on the second line of betting at +500 despite no jockey being listed in the form guide. Sharing that quote is the David McColm-trained Far Too Easy, while the Joseph Pride-trained Coal Crusher has eased slightly to +600. King Of Sparta has firmed from +1000 into +800, leaving Opal Ridge at +900 as the main elect at double-figure odds. THE HUNTER 2023 SPEED MAP There should be a genuine tempo in this race, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Dajraan likely ping the lids from barrier 13 in an attempt find the rail under Tim Clark. Coal Crusher led them up in the Giga Kick Stakes (1300m) and will look to hold out Dajraan from the inside draw (2). Far Too Easy can utilise barrier one to hold a position, while Mazu (6) and I Am Me (4) should get a lovely trail just behind the leading pair. The likes of Rustic Steel (18), Dark Destroyer (17) and King Of Sparta (10) are likely to drag back towards the rear, while it wouldn’t shock to see Gravina (7) and Opal Ridge (14) ridden to slot in mid-field. THE HUNTER 2023 FORM & BETTING PREVIEW Mazu brings the strongest form to The Hunter and should finally get conditions to suit. The son of Maurice was closing with intent behind a quality field in the Giga Kick Stakes but couldn’t match motors with the likes of Bella Nipotina, Private Eye and Think About It in the concluding stages. This must be considered a significant drop back in grade, and with the forecast suggesting the surface could end up in the Soft range for this race, Mazu should be closing in on his first win since the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in 2022. Excellent Proposal is a silly price in this field. The Hong Kong import has contested against the likes of Golden Sixty and California Spangle in Group 1 company, holding him in good stead for a race like this. He wasn’t disgraced first-up in a BM100 at Randwick when crowded for room at a crucial stage, and with a wet deck only going to suit his chances, Excellent Proposal is a genuine winning hope at massive odds. I Am Me is a must-include if she shows up to this event. She was closing best for second behind Imperatriz in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on October 28, and wherever she goes, you must consider her a winning chance. Far Too Easy and Rustic Steel will be doing their best work late and should be thrown into the multiples if you’re playing exotics. THE HUNTER 2023 SELECTIONS & BEST BETS Selections: 1 MAZU 9 EXCELLENT PROPOSAL 4 I AM ME 11 FAR TOO EASY $100 betting strategy $80 win #1 Mazu @ +450 with Betfair $20 win #9 Excellent Proposal @ +6600 with Neds More horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing on Thursday, November 16 will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Pakenham. Thursday Racing Tips – November 16, 2023 Pakenham Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For November 16, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $69.21 odds return: Thursday, November 16, 2023 Pakenham Race 3 – #10 Everett Pakenham Race 7 – #6 Raetihi Grafton Race 3 – #8 Scud Mackay Race 7 – #3 Encroachment | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on November 16, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Mark Pegus is expected to return to Victoria after copping a two-week ban for careless riding during Darwin’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting. (Photo: Caroline Camilleri – Darwin Photography Professionals) Sonja Logan and Mark Pegus will miss the Darwin Turf Club’s five-event program this weekend, with both jockeys suspended following the meeting at Fannie Bay on Melbourne Cup Day. After guiding the Tayarn Halter-trained +110 favourite City Regal to victory in a 1300m open handicap, Logan was adjudged to have impeded the Phil Cole-trained Surreal Image at the 700m mark as the four-horse field exited the back straight and was handed a one-week ban for careless riding. Sitting three deep and sharing the lead with Surreal Image, who was on the fence, and Gary Clarke’s Strategic Phil, City Regal edged a length clear at the 800m before Logan moved across to settle on the rails. Stewards ruled that Logan was insufficiently clear of Surreal Image, who was crowded for room and had to be restrained by apprentice Emma Lines. If there was interference, it was minimal, as Surreal Image — who finished 16 lengths adrift of City Regal in fourth place — appeared to be tiring. Logan elected to lodge an appeal, but it was dismissed on Monday. Darwin Race 2 replay – City Regal – J: Sonja Logan Pegus was aboard the Peter Stennett-trained +200 favourite Just Strolling in an 1100m 0-70 race and ended up receiving a two-week ban and a $300 fine for careless riding after he allowed his mount to shift inwards at the 500m mark, thus flattening the Clarke-trained Bel’s Banner. Sitting outside Niewand, who was on the rails, Just Strolling also had Rising Sphere and El Magnificence for company before Pegus eased off to allow his mount to settle on the fence. Bel’s Banner, who was making ground along the rails, was cramped for room and subsequently checked before recovering to finish 2.4 lengths behind the winner, Mighty Murt, in fifth place. Just Strolling was a further three lengths back in seventh place. Darwin Race 5 replay – Mighty Murt – J: Paul Shiers It is unlikely Pegus will be spotted in the NT until next year, as the Stawell-based jockey hinted prior to the Melbourne Cup Day meeting that he would more than likely return to Victoria. Pegus — the 2007 Darwin Cup winner on the Michael Hickmott-trained General Market — arrived in May, and despite the occasional trip back to Victoria he still finished with 15 wins. Logan — the reigning champion jockey in the Alice Springs premiership — is in a rich vein of form having sealed winning trebles in the Red Centre on November 4 and last Saturday. More horse racing news View the full article

Darwin’s Fannie Bay Racecourse will host the first heat of the Lightning Wet Season Series this weekend. The third edition of the Darwin Turf Club’s Lightning Wet Season Series kicks off on Saturday with the first of six $20,000 heats at Fannie Bay. A concept that was introduced for the mid-range sprinters to add more interest and intrigue to Darwin racing at this time of year, a $40,000 final over 1200m at 0-70 level awaits on Australia Day. The Lightning Wet Season Series Final and the $40,000 St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) in March offer the biggest Top End purses outside the Darwin Cup Carnival. Horses will accumulate points to qualify for the January 26 final – five points for a win, three points for second, two points for third, and one point for unplaced runners. The 12 leading horses will automatically qualify for the final, but it will be left up to connections to decide whether their horse makes the field. In the case of horses finishing tied on the same points, the one with the highest rating will gain preference and the horse with the highest stakes earned will be next preferred. To be eligible for the final, a horse must feature in at least one heat of the series. The first heat on Saturday is a Benchmark 54 over 1200m where Gary Clarke’s Patria is the early +300 favourite from Tom Logan’s Virtuous Miss and Jason Manning’s Motivated Miss, both at +500, and Chris Pollard’s +700 chance Stars The Limit. The leading trainer with the most points following the seven heats and final will pick up $2000. Former winners of the Lightning Wet Season Series Final include Clarke’s Blue Odyssey in 2022 and Angela Forster’s Zoumist in 2023. More horse racing news View the full article

Diving into the questions, one issue that has been a hot topic is the affordability of a defense for covered persons who have insufficient funds to pay for an attorney.View the full article

Moving the Hill Prince Stakes (G2T) back a month has surely changed itineraries for starters in the turf stakes for 3-year-olds. View the full article

Highly regarded filly About A Girl will continue her career in Australia from the champion Sydney stable of Chris Waller. The daughter of Almanzor made an impressive winning debut over 1200m at Tauranga last month for trainer and part-owner Nigel Tiley, prompting a trans-Tasman agreement for the three-year-old. “We did a deal with one of Chris Waller’s owners and our partnership group got to retain 20 percent of her,” Tiley said. “I’ve never really had a horse like her, she just kept improving in leaps and bounds and if she keeps going that way it will be quite exciting. “She is pretty talented and I think it’s best for her to be over there and chasing that prizemoney in the autumn.” Bred by George and Maryanne Simon, About A Girl was offered at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Carlaw Park and was knocked down to Tiley for $100,000. Her brother was bought at Karaka this year by trainer Shaune Ritchie for $250,000 and they are out of the unraced Power mare Sweet Inspiration, a half-sister to the multiple Group One winner and producer Turn Me Loose. Tiley’s immediate focus now rests on a senior member of his boutique team to fly the stable flag with Riodini to step out in Saturday’s Gr.2 Gartshore Tauranga Stakes (1600m). He is in his second spell with the Pukekohe horseman, having won four of his six starts including the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and placed in both the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) and the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m). The son of Proisir then relocated to the Sydney stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and won the A$1 million The Gong (1600m) and finished runner-up in the Gr.1 George Main Stakes (1600m) and third in the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m). He has had one outing since returning to Tiley when seventh in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1400m) under Sam Spratt, who takes the mount again at Tauranga. “It was a good run and there was an obvious on-speed bias, which Te Rapa can be when it’s a good track,” he said. “They just went too quickly for him, but Sam was happy with him and he found the line well. “I scratched him the other day because of the heavy track and had the option to give him a jump-out at Pukekohe. “We did that and he had a decent blow, he’s come on quite nicely since then so he’s going in the right direction. He’s also drawn to get a nice, soft run behind the speed somewhere.” Safely through Saturday, Riodini will be prepared for the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham on December 9. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Sam Mynott has enjoyed her first New Zealand Cup Week with stable star Imwonderfultonight and is hoping she can finish it with a bang at Riccarton on Saturday. “I have stayed with her the whole time and it has been great. I haven’t done Cup Week before, it has been a great time,” Mynott said. “We were at Riccarton yesterday (Wednesday) and it was a great day, so I am sure Saturday will be even bigger with the Cup on.” Imwonderfultonight was a beaten favourite on the first day of the carnival when fourth behind Not Guilty in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1200m), and while disappointed with the result, Mynott was satisfied with her run. “It was pretty hard to watch down the straight but she ran really well, it was just unfortunate that she didn’t get the splits early. At least she showed that she can be up there and be in the finish,” she said. “She has come through it perfectly. She has been really happy in her work and eating well. She is going well heading into Saturday.” The daughter of I Am Invincible has drawn barrier six for the Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m) and this time Mynott is hoping she can justify her favourite’s tag, sitting at the top of the TAB market at $4.50. “I am really happy with that barrier, we should be able to get a nice run behind the leaders and hopefully not get trapped down on the rail,” she said. Imwonderfultonight is raced by Ben Kwok and Windsor Park Stud and Mynott is looking forward to lining up another representative for the former at Tauranga on Saturday. Three-year-old filly Aquilifer was a dominant 3-3/4 length victor on debut at Wanganui earlier this month and will look to continue her winning ways in the O’Connor Warren Insurance Brokers Handicap (1200m). “The filly won really nicely on debut and she has trained on pretty well, so it will be nice to see what she can do on Saturday,” Mynott said. “We always really liked her but we took our time. She can be a bit hot, but she is really coming into her own this season.” Stakes targets could await Aquilifer following Saturday, with Mynott contemplating a return to Wanganui next month for the Listed The O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1340m). “There is a Listed three-year-old fillies race at Wanganui on the second of December so if she runs well this Saturday that is where we will probably head with her,” Mynott said. View the full article

Entain Australia and New Zealand has joined forces with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to introduce the New Zealand Summer Series Bonus – a move to further elevate New Zealand’s pinnacle race days over the summer racing season. The inaugural Series provides an incentive for New Zealand and Australia’s leading middle-distance horses to be at the top of their game, competing for a lucrative purse of $650,000 in bonuses. The New Zealand Summer Series Bonus will be held across four races between January and March next year, rewarding $500,000 to the Series winner, $100,000 to the runner up and $50,000 for the third place getter in the Series (with the associated Trainers taking home 10% of the bonus payments). To be eligible for the winning bonus, a horse will need to run in one of the two 1600-metre entry races – the $400,000 Harcourts Thorndon Mile at Trentham on 20 January or the new $1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic at Ellerslie on 27 January, held on TAB Karaka Millions night. The Series will then progress towards two of New Zealand’s most iconic 2000-metre races – the $600,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on 10 February and the $450,000 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie on 9 March. The winner will be decided by a points system, with the points weighted towards the two Series races. “The summer period represents the single most important strategic window for thoroughbred racing’s growth both domestically and internationally,” Entain Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger, said. “Our vision for this period is simple: ‘best horses, best tracks, best Jockeys, consistently’. This bonus Series will help to drive this vision, in combination with ongoing innovation around the racing calendar during this time,” he said. NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock is thrilled about the new Series and the opportunities it affords racing participants. “This initiative is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between NZTR and Entain, highlighting our shared commitment to continually elevate our sport.” “The New Zealand Summer Series Bonus is being funded this season by Entain and via the TAB NZ Rejuvenation Fund, and we’re grateful to both parties for supporting this worthy concept. “The Series involves four middle-distance races across three of our premier racing venues, with a combined stake of $3.1m (including the bonus) up for grabs. The dates also coincide with four of our The Grand Tour Racing Festival meets, supercharging The Grand Tour activity and further promoting our top 20 race days across the country. “With that level of prizemoney available, we’re expecting the crème of our industry to compete throughout these races. The points system, which will be announced next month, has been structured so as to create plenty of intrigue during the summer as to who will ultimately reign supreme. “We’re looking forward to kicking off the Series on NZCIS Wellington Cup Day in January, with the Harcourts Thorndon Mile at Trentham being the first entry race, followed up by the newly established Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic the following weekend at TAB Karaka Millions night,” Sharrock said. A travel scheme of up to $150,000 has already been established by Entain to help entice Australian-trained horses to the TAB Karaka Millions meeting, particularly the $1m Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic due to its open-entry criteria. This also provides the opportunity for these horses to stay on and contest one or both of the Series races. NZTR and Entain recently announced a stakes increase to the Westbury Classic, providing a further incentive for Australian Thoroughbreds to head across the Tasman. The 1400-metre race for fillies and mares at Group 2 level will be boosted from $300,000 to $500,000 and will also be run at the TAB Karaka Millions twilight meeting. “With such lucrative stakes on offer through this summer period, we’re expecting all our best Kiwi horses to be there,” Cameron Rodger said. “Our TAB Karaka Millions twilight meeting, held on the eve of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka, will no doubt be a massive drawcard for international visitors too. With this in mind, we believe some Australians will be very tempted to head across the ditch – both equine and human.” Bonus Structure (Total bonus, including Trainer payment) Series winner: $500k Series runner up: $100k Series third placegetter: $50k *Mandatory 10% Trainer payment to be paid from bonus amounts listed above. **Points structure for the entry and Series races will be announced by Friday 15 December 2023. View the full article

Diving into the questions, one issue that has been a hot topic is the affordability of a defense for covered persons who have insufficient funds to pay for an attorney.View the full article

Both Martel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Shalabini (Ire) will stand for €2,000 at Haras de Saint-Fray, Jour de Galop reported on Wednesday. Next year will mark the first full covering season for the former, who is out of dual Grade I winner Lady Of Shamrock (Scat Daddy). She was a $2-million purchase out of the Keeneland November ring by Wertheimer et Frere. The listed winner, who placed in the G3 Prix du Lys Longines, stands alongside the Nathaniel (Ire) horse Shalabini, whose eldest foals will be yearlings. Shalanaya (Ire) (Lomitas {GB}), who won the G1 Prix de l'Opera, is the latter's dam. The post Saint-Fray Roster And Fees Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale continued into its second week Wednesday in Lexington, figures for the auction continued to fall well off 2022 statistics. Through eight sessions, 1,873 horses have sold for $173,925,300 for an average of $92,859 and a median of $40,000. The average is down 17.57% from the corresponding figure from 2022, while the median is down 20.00%. The buy-back rate remained largely steady through eight sessions as 558 horses were reported not sold for a buy-back rate of 22.95%. It was 23.08% a year ago. Precipitate (Pioneerof the Nile) (hip 2886), in foal to Tacitus, brought the top price of Wednesday's session, selling for $80,000 to James Wyenandt. The 5-year-old mare was consigned by Lane's End on behalf of Juddmonte. She is out of Skywarn (Congrats), a half-sister to champion Close Hatches (First Defence), the dam of multiple graded stakes winner Tacitus (Tapit), as well as to stakes winner and multiple Grade I placed Lockdown (First Defence), who produced recent GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Idiomatic (Curlin). A pair of weanlings by Tonalist bred by Shel Evans were the top-priced foals of Wednesday's session. A colt by the GI Belmont S. winner (hip 2882) sold for $60,000 to Raylan Givens and a filly by the sire (hip 2891) sold for $50,000 to Boyd Crowder. Both were consigned by Lane's End. The Keeneland November sale concludes with a final session Thursday with bidding beginning at 10 a.m. Keeneland hosts its Horses of Racing Age Sale Friday commencing at noon. The post Juddmonte Mare on Top as Numbers Continue Down at Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading British juvenile filly Relief Rally is surprisingly set to go under the hammer at next month's Tattersalls December Mare Sale to "test the water" of the market but would be sold at the right price according to connections.View the full article

The second Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) virtual town hall was conducted Wednesday, giving industry stakeholders the chance to field unanswered questions about the federal anti-doping and medication control (ADMC) program that has been in effect since May. Among the points raised at the meeting: A panel of lawyers has been established to provide pro-bono representation to cash-strapped stakeholders facing possible sanctions. Approximately 42,000 horses have been tested since the launch of the ADMC program nearly six months ago. There have been 11 positive tests for substances of human abuse. There have been 26 separate “atypical findings” cases involving substances commonly associated with environmental contamination. Of those 26 cases, 15 have been resolved, 14 dismissed as negative, and one pursued as an adverse finding. Over 30% of the positive tests reported have been for banned substances. In attendance was HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus, along with Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) executive director Ben Moiser and chief of science, Mary Scollay. Before plunging into the question portion of the town hall, the presenters provided an update on key changes to the program that have either occurred or are pending. Enforcement Changes to Provisional Suspensions As was previously reported, HIWU can now postpone a provisional suspension until the B sample is returned for many banned substances, including common drugs abused by humans like cocaine. Similarly, pending cases for human substance abuse drugs won't be publicly disclosed until a B sample confirmation, or the B sample is waived. The rules have also been expanded to allow stakeholders the discretion to do more activities when under a provisional suspension, like continue to care and jog or gallop their horses, enter backstretches (as per the local state commission), and maintain ownership in a covered horse. Pending Rule Changes Among the many ADMC-related rule changes headed out for public comment, the attendees highlighted two for special mention. Certain substances–like Altrenogest–will be recategorized. In Altrenogest's case, this substance could be reclassified as a controlled substance rather than a banned substance. Before the Federal Trade Commission can accept or deny the proposed changes, pending cases involving positive tests for Altrenogest and methamphetamine have been stayed, and provisional suspensions lifted. Another possible rule change would see potentially lesser sanctions meted out for positive tests involving human substances of abuse. Science and Substance Update There have been several enforcement changes surrounding the use of electrolytes, formal guidance around which can be found here or on the HISA and HIWU websites. The TDN has also published this “explainer.” The following is a summary of some of the main questions asked during the Q&A portion of the town hall. Q: Has HIWU detected any substances not previously reported by state commissions? A: According to Mosier, this question is a tough one to answer “given the reporting structure” in place before HISA and HIWU. Mosier added, however, that he believed there have been one or more substances that have not been reported “for quite some time,” singling out Diisopropylamine for special mention. Q: Is the drug positive rate significantly different under HISA than before? A: Though comparing the regulatory structure before HISA and currently as an “apples to oranges” comparison, Mosier said that he believed the positive test rate appeared to be comparable. Mosier added, however, that one significant difference was the positivity rate for banned substances under HISA. Over 30% of the positive tests reported have been for banned substances, he said. Q: When facing possible sanctions, what procedures are in place to seek attorney representation if you're financially strapped? A: According to Lazarus, HIWU now provides a “panel of lawyers” who have agreed to provide pro-bono representation to financially strapped stakeholders facing possible sanctions. “We have lawyers from reputable law firms who have agreed to provide services at no cost, so long as the covered person qualifies financially for those services,” said Lazarus. Those seeking to make such a request can go through horsemen's ombudsman, Alan Foremen, or though HIWU directly. “You'll be asked a few questions about your earnings and if you qualify, you'll in fact be given the full support of pro-bono counsel,” said Lazarus. Q: Before the advent of the ADMC program, HISA touted how it would protect trainers from sanctions in cases of inadvertent environmental contamination–in other words, cases involving “atypical findings.” The question submitted, however, raised doubts about just how fairly HIWU's atypical findings policy has been rolled out. A: There are 26 substances under HIWU's atypical findings policy–those substances which are commonly found in the natural environment, like those originating from plants or from grains in feed. According to Mosier, an atypical finding triggers an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the finding. However, it does not trigger an adverse finding, “meaning that the potential violation is not made public,” said Mosier. According to Mosier, there are 26 separate cases involving these substances that are not currently posted publicly on the HIWU website. Of those 26, 15 have been resolved, said Mosier. Fourteen of the 15 resolved cases were dismissed as negative, while one was pursued as an adverse finding, he added. The rest are still under investigation. According to Mosier, “That policy is working very well,” adding that HIWU will publish additional data around its atypical findings policy in its annual report, set to go out during the first quarter of 2024. At this point, Lazarus jumped in to add further details about human substances of abuse. According to Lazarus, of the approximately 42,000 horses HIWU has tested to date, there have been 11 positives for human drugs of abuse. Q: Why are trainers being meted out lengthy suspensions for possession of old medication containers, especially where there's no history of violations? A: “If the container contains a banned substance, the regulations are very clear,” said Scollay. “Possession of a banned substance is an anti-doping violation.” Trainers were urged to spring-clean their barns in advance of the ADMC program launch, said Scollay. One reason was to protect trainers from having substances in their barn “manufactured under sub-standard conditions,” she added. “We've had several substances analyzed by laboratories and determined to have present substances that were not included in their list of ingredients, one of which was a banned substance,” said Scollay. Mosier jumped in to add that testing is only one arm of the AMDC program. “Just because you may not have a presence violation for a specific substance, doesn't automatically mean that that wasn't being used at some point in time,” said Mosier. “The perfect example is Lance Armstrong,” Mosier added. “He never tested positive. He never had a presence violation. And yet he was found to be doping for many, many years, and was able to evade the testing being conducted on him.” Q: When it comes to HISA's rules, is the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) rulebook a blueprint or a guideline? A: HISA uses the IFHA's guidelines, screening limits and rules as a starting point, said Lazarus. But they can diverge from the IFHA with the consent of the ADMC committee and and HIWU, and with appropriate justification. One example is bute, said Lazarus, pointing out how the IFHA's rules provide for a much longer withdrawal time than in the U.S. The post HISA Town Hall: Lawyers, Positive Test Rates, and Rule Changes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frank Di Giulio's Patches O'Houlihan continues his pursuit of perfection in 2023 when he battles nine rivals into the CA$175,000 Kennedy Road Stakes (G2) at Woodbine Nov. 18.View the full article