Wandering Eyes

By Michael Guerin New Zealand’s most important and historic harness race got a shot of Aussie adrenalin at maybe the perfect time when Swayzee smashed the locals in the $750,000 IRT New Zealand Cup at Addington on Tuesday. The New South Wales pacer won the tactical early battle over Canterbury favourite Akuta and was able to stroll to the lead after a lap, from where he never looked like being beaten. While Akuta moved to park outside him with a lap to go and even secured the trail at the 600m as the pace took its toll on tiring rivals, he couldn’t close the gap and Swayzee was going away at the line to win by two and a half lengths from Akuta and Beach Ball. It was a commanding, don’t argue performance from the five-year-old who is now unbeaten in nine starts since joining trainer Jason Grimson, who was all but unknown three years ago and has now won the biggest races in Australia and the greatest pacing race here. Swayzee was driven by Grimson’s close friend Cameron Hart who has emerged as the bright young face of Australian harness driving, jockey-like in stature and polish and with the harness world at his feet. Swayzee’s victory surely opens a doorway for future Australian raids and that could be the enthusiasm injection harness racing needs and deserves. When Australia’s best pacers and trotters race here at New Zealand Cup and Race By Grins time they bring with them turnover, media coverage and eyeballs and give the code an edge the local thoroughbred industry find hard to replicate. So while an Australian victory on the second Tuesday in November may dent the nationalistic pride of Kiwi harness racing people, if it means more Aussies chance their arms here that can only be good for the industry. Also good for the industry is flying filly Millwood Nike, who rivalled Swayzee for performance of the day as she remained unbeaten at her 16th start in the Nevele R Fillies Final. She was never closer to the inside than three wide the entire race and must have covered 50m more than some of her opponents yet seems impervious to lactic acid build-up and cruised clear to win by six lengths in national record time. Her former stablemate Adore Me may be the greatest pacing filly New Zealand has produced by there is now no evidence to suggest Millwood Nike is inferior and she is a $1.10 favourite to win next month’s New Zealand Oaks. Millwood Nike’s younger stablemate Chase A Dream was the other freak show on a stunning Canterbury day when he came from last to win the Sires’ Stakes Final for juvenile pacing boys. He never looked like winning but made up eight lengths in the last 600m, much of that in the last 300m, to cement himself as our best freshman pacer. On any normal day he would have been all anybody was talking about but at Addington on this Tuesday he had to settle for the bronze medal in the race for performance of the day. Because most people were talking about Swayzee or Millwood Nike. Except the Australians. They weren’t talking, they were yelling. Harness racing should hope those yells were heard all the way across the Tasman and they, and others, come back for more. View the full article

By Mike Love A breathtaking display by Chase A Dream spearheaded a Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained trifecta in Tuesday’s Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes final at Addington. Heading home We Walk By Faith and Major Hot, Chase A Dream made it his fourth win from six starts in a dazzling performance to secure his first Group One victory. A hot pace early saw the Bettor’s Delight colt stalk the speed with driver Olivia Thornley, before making a move from the 800m. Chase A Dream made up at least a dozen lengths over the final 200m to just knock off stablemate We Walk By Faith, winning by a nose. “It was amazing. Feels pretty surreal! said Thornley. “It was an amazing effort to get up from where he did.” Thornley’s cool and calm approach with Chase A Dream paid dividends. “The original plan was to settle and get on the three wide line, but that didn’t happen. So I had to start my own three wide move and got onto the back of Barry Purdon’s one (Always B Elite) and we were able to get over the top of them late.” Chase A Dream barrelled his final 800m in 54.5, the 400m in 26.6 and his last mile in 1:53, according to stridemaster. Chase A Dream was Thornley’s sole drive of the day, and his victory made it Thornley’s second Group 1 success of her driving career after steering No Matter Wat to win the New Zealand Oaks back in December 2022. The All Stars fourth representative Veseem was tenacious after setting up the speed, finishing fifth and only 1.3 lengths from Chase A Dream, while market favourite Cold Chisel for Barry Purdon finished fourth and only 0.3 away in what was a blanket finish. Co-trainer Nathan Purdon couldn’t have been happier with his team’s performances. They are all likely to back up next month. “We will look at Addington on December 1st before the Ace of Spades on December 10,” said Purdon. View the full article

By Jonny Turner The king’s reign extended to Australasia when Jason Grimson added the name of one-time battler Swayzee into the history books of New Zealand’s most prestigious harness race. Known as King Grimmo to some of his fans, Grimson continued his incredible rise as a trainer with the help of an outstanding tactical driver from his fellow countryman Cam Hart to win the New Zealand Cup at Addington on Tuesday. Thanks to Hart’s brilliant early manoeuvring and Swayzee making a swift beginning, Swayzee left his New Zealand rivals in his dust as he emerged the winner of a stellar battle with the favourite Akuta. Swayzee made his crucially fast beginning as a standing-start novice facing the pressure and noise of a bumper Addington crowd. Following his brilliant win, Grimson was quick to remind harness racing fans that many questioned the horse’s manners pre-race. “Yeah, he got away beautifully,’’ Grimson said in his post-race interview. “He shut up the haters and the doubters.” “They didn’t think he would get away – it was a good drive; he got him in the perfect spot early. Yeah, he was just too good.’’ Previously unable to put his hoof in the till at backwater country tracks like Warragul and Redcliffe, Swayzee has transformed into a winning machine for Grimson and Hart. After coming under Grimson’s care, Swayzee has won nine of his nine starts and all but confirmed his status as Australasia’s best pacer with his New Zealand Cup victory. “It is a good feeling,’’ Grimson said. “It is not our thing to come over here, with standing starts and that. Though he is a certified superstar of the sport, by his own admission before the race, Hart was once an unheralded “boy from country New South Wales”. But he too confirmed his superstar status to New Zealand fans with his brilliant handling of Swayzee. The pair settled in front of Akuta and Mark Purdon early, and there was no way Hart was going to give away that advantage once it was established. Akuta moved into the race to track Swayzee before the home turn, but ultimately it was the Aussie who claimed victory. Beach Ball was next across the line in third with Mossdale Ben fourth. In the only moment of slight controversy, Mossdale Ben was then relegated to sixth after galloping across the line. View the full article

Handler out to extend his championship lead with the last-start winner and a three-pronged attack on the Class Three Nakayama Handicap (1,000m)View the full article

By Jonny Turner Never doubt the old master. Maybe his hair is a little greyer than it once was. Maybe the same can be said about his renowned moustache. But his ability to produce a trotter to win on the biggest of stages hasn’t changed a bit. With the Group 1 Dominion just three days away, Phil Williamson showed Love N The Port was back to his brilliant best with his front-running win in the Group 3 Worthy Queen Trot. Driver Matthew Williamson paid tribute to his father Phil for his superb training effort with their striking chestnut who kept on trucking after finding the lead in the New Zealand Cup Day feature. “That was a nice run today, he was back to where he should be,” Matthew said. “He obviously had the big highlight winning the Rowe Cup but his form since then has been very patchy. “But today is a step back in the right direction, showing he could run top-4 in the Dominion. “I saw they ran a 56sec half (last 800m) and that’s the fastest he’s ever been. “So, Dad has got him back on the right track. “This time in he has gone two good races then two terrible ones, but Dad has got him right on the right day. “Hopefully he can get him ready again in three days time.” There have only been two editions of the Worthy Queen Trot on New Zealand Cup Day and Williamson stable has won them both. Majestic Man took out the event last year, but when getting back from his 10m mark he was unable to quicken when his stablemate ran home in his excellent closing sectionals. A placegetter in Love N The Port’s Rowe Cup win, Resolve ran home strongly to take second in the Worthy Queen showing she’s right on track for a big effort in the Dominion on Friday. I Dream Of Jeannie trailed Love N The Port before fighting on for third. The victory was Matthew Williamson’s second in the sulky with an Otago trotter on New Zealand Cup Day, after his victory with Cody Banner in race 1. View the full article

Michael Kent Junior would love nothing more than to see the stable’s “old boy” Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) win the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Although Ayrton is only a six-year-old gelding, he has had a litany of problems to deal with in his career, most noticeably almost losing his life after being bitten by a white-tailed spider. Kent Jnr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, said they have seen enough in his two starts this time to say Ayrton is back to his best. Ayrton won the Weekend Hussler Stakes first-up at Caulfield on October 14, then finished seventh at Flemington in the Gr.2 Damien Oliver on Victoria Derby Day. Kent Jnr said the stable was slightly surprised by Ayrton’s first-up win and they were over the moon about his last start. “He had to go back from a wide gate last start. We thought it was a terrific preparation run for the Sir Rupert Clarke,” he said. Ayrton produced the third fastest last 400 metres for the meeting, getting home in 22.48 seconds. Kent Jnr pointed out Ayrton’s record at Caulfield was superb, having had five starts at the track for five wins, including four over 1400 metres. “The old boy is back, I reckon. He’s unbeaten at Caulfield and you’ve got to forget his last preparation. He deserves a Group 1,” he said. The stable has booked Ben Melham to ride him and he is a $13 chance with Sportsbet. View the full article

Christmas has come early for Lance Robinson with the arrival of New Zealand Cup Week. The Riccarton trainer looks forward to the Carnival every year and aims to give his owners something to barrack for. “We concentrate on this week all winter. We try and get as many horses to the meeting as we can for our owners. They all want to be there for Cup Week,” Robinson said. His owners will have plenty to cheer for on the middle day of the carnival, with Robinson set to line-up the triumvirate of Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines), Avaquinella (NZ) (Proisir) and Adannaya (NZ) (Niagara) in the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) on Wednesday. Group Three winner Live Drama heads the market with TAB bookmakers at $4.50 ahead of last year’s winner Belclare at $4.80, with both Avaquinella and Adannaya rated $18 winning chances. “Live Drama is going really well. I feel she is going as good as what she was last year if not a little bit better,” Robinson said. “Her two lead-in races have been outstanding, she was carrying big weights and found the line well. She went to Ashburton the other day and had an exhibition gallop between races and we were really happy with that work. She strips a really fit horse tomorrow and I will be disappointed if she doesn’t run well. “Adannaya went super (last week at Wingatui for second). She is in the form of her life and has never gone better. She goes into the race as good as we can have her and hopefully she runs well. “We took Avaquinella down to Dunedin and Adannaya got up and beat her. She only beat her on fitness, Adanayya had a few more runs than her. She is going really well and ran second in the race last year. Kozzi Asano rode her last year and he is riding her again tomorrow. He knows her well.” Live Drama is also entered for Saturday’s Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m) and Robinson said she will take her place in the field if everything goes smoothly on Wednesday. “We have paid up in the Stewards, so providing she comes through the run well and we are happy with her run tomorrow, she will run again,” he said. Robinson could have a fourth runner in the Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes, with Diagon Alley (NZ) (Charm Spirit) second on the ballot, but he is realistic about her chances of gaining a place in the field. “She was unlucky on Saturday, she drew the outside gate, got a long way back and roared home to run fourth. She probably won’t get a run tomorrow. If she doesn’t get a run she will run on the last day,” he said. Robinson will have a handful of other runners on Wednesday and has highlighted in-form gelding In Awe (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the Bidfood Processing Premier (1800m) and Let’s Go (NZ) (Vadamos) in the Drug Alcohol Testing Specialist Premier (1400m) as his two best chances. “In Awe has good form, a nice draw (11) and steps up to 1800m, which I think will really suit him. He will run really well,” he said. “We have got a maidener in called Let’s Go. She trialled up nice a fortnight ago and we are hopeful that she will run well too.” View the full article

Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca) will have several factors in his favour when he chases a comeback victory at Riccarton in the feature event on Wednesday’s card. The six-year-old son of El Roca will make his fourth appearance since suffering a major injury when he takes aim at the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m). “Unfortunately, he had 18 months off with a broken pedal bone and it was touch and go whether he would survive so to get this far is a bonus in itself,” said Darryn Weatherley, who prepares the gelding with daughter Briar. Mali Ston was unplaced in his most recent outing in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings and subsequently stretched his legs in an open 1100m trial at Te Rapa before heading south. “He’s had a few runs back now and it was an unsuitable track last time out at weight-for-age and he didn’t go too badly,” Weatherley said. “He’ll get a better track and I think he gets in at a competitive weight (57kg). He’s drawn one, so I expect him to run a bold race. “He’ll also have the visor blinkers on to sharpen him up a bit more.” Mali Ston is one of three horses the stable has at Riccarton, with Maria Farina (NZ) (Contributer) a late closing fifth on the opening day in Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) and Tulsi (The Autumn Sun) will run in Saturday’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “Maria Farina does things the hard way and has to be ridden quietly, and her closing sectionals were phenomenal,” Weatherley said. “She got through the line well and has come through it nicely. She’ll run in the Stewards’ Stakes (Listed, 1200m) on Saturday and, if she can get a soft run, she’ll be competitive.” Tulsi booked her trip south with a last-start third in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. “She travelled down really well and had a gallop on the course proper last Saturday and my boy Sam rode her and he said she is absolutely flying,” Weatherley said. “I don’t think the mile will worry her, it will be more of an advantage that a disadvantage. She’s a very laid-back filly and I’m very happy with all three of them.” The family will be hoping for further success during the Riccarton carnival following Pier’s (NZ) (Proisir) victory in last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). The son of Proisir hasn’t won a race since, but little went his way during a three-start spring campaign that saw him finish midfield in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m). “Pier is a week away from speeding up in his trackwork after a month off after Hawke’s Bay,” Weatherley said. “He may have a trial at Avondale on December 5 and then go to an open 1400m race (at Pukekohe) on Boxing Day and, all going well, into the four-year-old $1 million race (Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic, 1600m) on Karaka Million night.” View the full article

Hunter Durrant is enjoying being back at the helm of Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton barn as the tangerine and blue army descend on New Zealand Cup Week. Durrant led Te Akau’s South Island operation last spring and has rejoined their Riccarton arm on a permanent basis following a brief stint in Sydney earlier this year. “I moved to Sydney where I was Annabel Neasham’s assistant trainer for six months,” Durrant said. “It was a good experience, I enjoyed it and learnt a lot, but I felt like the right thing was to come home. “Te Akau had always wanted me to come back and they gave me a few options with what I could do and where I could go and I decided to come down here (Riccarton). I ran the Christchurch stable last spring and I really enjoyed it. “I have come back to Te Akau in the last month or so. I will be sticking on here (Riccarton) after Cup Week, it is good to have horses down here year-round, especially with the polytrack down here as well.” Prior to his Sydney stint, Durrant had been a key figure in Te Akau’s operation, which he joined after it soon became apparent his aspirations of becoming a jockey would be hindered by weight. “I was an apprentice in Hastings to Guy Lowry and then my weight got to me, so I gave that up. I then moved to Te Akau and it has steadily progressed from there,” he said. “I started riding work, I was assistant foreman then foreman. In recent years I have travelled a lot to Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne with the likes of Sword Of State, Imperatriz and Probabeel. I have been very lucky to deal with some very good horses.” Taking care of Imperatriz has been a career highlight for Durrant and he has been excited to follow her progress this spring after strapping her for her victory in the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley earlier this year. “A big highlight at Te Akau has probably been Imperatriz and to see her still winning. I strapped her in the William Reid, which was her first trip to Australia. It has been great watching her continue her winning ways,” he said. Durrant is hoping the winning ways continue for stablemate It’s Business Time when she heads to Riccarton on Wednesday to contest the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m). The five-year-old daughter of Turn Me Loose has won six and placed in two of her nine starts and has been duly installed a $2 favourite by TAB bookmakers. “She is going well. All her work has been great leading up to the Mile. She has had a faultless couple of weeks since her last run, so we couldn’t be any happier,” Durrant said. “She has come a long way in a short period of time, but she seems to be coping with it all very well.” Te Akau will also be represented in the meeting’s other feature, the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) by Group Three performer Fashion Shoot. “She travelled down from Trentham after her last start. She is a seasoned traveller so she travelled down fine. She knows Riccarton, she has been here before,” Durrant said. “She has settled in well and has been working really well.” Looking ahead to Saturday, Te Akau will have six stakes contenders, including Star Of Justice and Viva Vienna in the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m). “They both worked on the course proper this morning. I rode Star Of Justice and Sam Weatherley rode Viva Vienna. Their work was great and we couldn’t have been happier with them,” Durrant said. The tangerine will also have a two-pronged attack in the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) with Prismatic and The Might Spar, and Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m) with Challa and On The Bubbles. “Hopefully Prismatic will get a start. His work for weeks now has been great, even before his last start. It was a shame he ran second but there was a big weight swing between him and the winner. He has come through that bouncing,” Durrant said. “The Mighty Spar ran really well in the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) last Saturday, and we couldn’t be any happier with him. “The draw probably beat both of them (On The Bubbles and Challa) last Saturday. Both just got back. They have come through it well and have had a quiet week so far. They are very happy horses so we will press on towards Saturday.” View the full article

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Hunter Durrant pictured with Imperatriz. Photo: Trish Dunell Hunter Durrant is enjoying being back at the helm of Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton barn as the tangerine and blue army descend on New Zealand Cup Week. Durrant led Te Akau’s South Island operation last spring and has rejoined their Riccarton arm on a permanent basis following a brief stint in Sydney earlier this year. “I moved to Sydney where I was Annabel Neasham’s assistant trainer for six months,” Durrant said. “It was a good experience, I enjoyed it and learnt a lot, but I felt like the right thing was to come home. “Te Akau had always wanted me to come back and they gave me a few options with what I could do and where I could go and I decided to come down here (Riccarton). I ran the Christchurch stable last spring and I really enjoyed it. “I have come back to Te Akau in the last month or so. I will be sticking on here (Riccarton) after Cup Week, it is good to have horses down here year-round, especially with the polytrack down here as well.” Prior to his Sydney stint, Durrant had been a key figure in Te Akau’s operation, which he joined after it soon became apparent his aspirations of becoming a jockey would be hindered by weight. “I was an apprentice in Hastings to Guy Lowry and then my weight got to me, so I gave that up. I then moved to Te Akau and it has steadily progressed from there,” he said. “I started riding work, I was assistant foreman then foreman. In recent years I have travelled a lot to Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne with the likes of Sword Of State, Imperatriz and Probabeel. I have been very lucky to deal with some very good horses.” Taking care of Imperatriz has been a career highlight for Durrant and he has been excited to follow her progress this spring after strapping her for her victory in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley earlier this year. “A big highlight at Te Akau has probably been Imperatriz and to see her still winning. I strapped her in the William Reid, which was her first trip to Australia. It has been great watching her continue her winning ways,” he said. Durrant is hoping the winning ways continue for stablemate It’s Business Time when she heads to Riccarton on Wednesday to contest the Group 3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m). The five-year-old daughter of Turn Me Loose has won six and placed in two of her nine starts and has been duly installed a $2 favourite by bookmakers. “She is going well. All her work has been great leading up to the Mile. She has had a faultless couple of weeks since her last run, so we couldn’t be any happier,” Durrant said. “She has come a long way in a short period of time, but she seems to be coping with it all very well.” Te Akau will also be represented in the meeting’s other feature, the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) by Group 3 performer Fashion Shoot. “She travelled down from Trentham after her last start. She is a seasoned traveller so she travelled down fine. She knows Riccarton, she has been here before,” Durrant said. “She has settled in well and has been working really well.” Looking ahead to Saturday, Te Akau will have six stakes contenders, including Star Of Justice and Viva Vienna in the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m). “They both worked on the course proper this morning. I rode Star Of Justice and Sam Weatherley rode Viva Vienna. Their work was great and we couldn’t have been happier with them,” Durrant said. The tangerine will also have a two-pronged attack in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) with Prismatic and The Might Spar, and Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m) with Challa and On The Bubbles. “Hopefully Prismatic will get a start. His work for weeks now has been great, even before his last start. It was a shame he ran second but there was a big weight swing between him and the winner. He has come through that bouncing,” Durrant said. “The Mighty Spar ran really well in the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) last Saturday, and we couldn’t be any happier with him. “The draw probably beat both of them (On The Bubbles and Challa) last Saturday. Both just got back. They have come through it well and have had a quiet week so far. They are very happy horses so we will press on towards Saturday.” More racing news View the full article

Last Saturday marked the end of another outstanding Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse. This week’s edition of the Follow Files will zero in on three runners that are worth following into the autumn after reaching career peaks during the four-day carnival in Melbourne. Top horses to follow from Melbourne Cup Carnival 2023 Horse to follow: Imperatriz Highlight: Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint (1st) The clear standout horse across the Melbourne Spring Carnival must be Imperatriz, who came across the ditch and claimed all three of our Group 1 sprint features, culminating with the Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint. The Mark Walker-trained mare destroyed her rivals in the Moir Stakes and Manikato Stakes to become the third horse in history to complete the double. The toughest test of her preparation came last Saturday down the Flemington straight in the Champions Sprint, and even though she wasn’t as dominant as her previous two victories, the daughter of I Am Invincible was too good and recorded her third straight Group 1. Next potential target: After dominating the New Zealand and Australian sprinting ranks, the likes of Hong Kong or Ascot could be on the cards for her next preparation. However, if we do see her in Australia during the autumn, it could be to take on the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap. Horse to follow: Pride Of Jenni Highlight: Group 1 VRC Champions Mile (1st) The feel-good story of the Melbourne Cup Carnival had to be Pride Of Jenni, who created history by becoming the first horse to win the Empire Rose Stakes and VRC Champions Mile in the same week. Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace claimed that the decision to run in the Champions Mile was a throw at the stumps, but the gamble well and truly paid off, as Declan Bates completed the double aboard the mare with similar front-running tactics. After running second to Amelia’s Jewel in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (where Amelia’s Jewel broke a track record) and finishing a credible sixth place in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, the daughter of Pride Of Dubai concluded a career-best preparation in fine style. Next potential target: Maher confirmed that the All-Star Mile would be next on the cards in the autumn before a possible trip to Ascot, where she would seek a start in The Queen Anne Stakes over 1600m. Horse to follow: Muramasa Highlight: Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1st) The lightly raced Muramasa from the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young stable reached a new career peak when taking out the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, qualifying for the 2024 Melbourne Cup in the process. After returning with a very nice win at Flemington early in the spring, the son of Deep Impact went on to win the Group 3 Coongy Cup at Caulfield before completing the hat-trick of wins on Champions Day with the Queen Elizabeth victory. Connections are hoping they can keep this four-year-old gelding healthy and set him on a Melbourne Cup path — much like Soulcombe, who carried the same colours to finish second in this year’s running. Next potential target: The stable has said that Muramasa could run in the Zipping Classic on December 2 to end his spring campaign. During the autumn, we expect him to follow a similar path as Soulcombe and run in the Roy Higgins to ensure his spot in the Melbourne Cup in 2024. Latest horse racing tips View the full article

Matamata trainers Briar and Darryn Weatherley. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Mali Ston will have several factors in his favour when he chases a comeback victory at Riccarton in the feature event on Wednesday’s card. The six-year-old son of El Roca will make his fourth appearance since suffering a major injury when he takes aim at the Group 3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m). “Unfortunately, he had 18 months off with a broken pedal bone and it was touch and go whether he would survive so to get this far is a bonus in itself,” said Darryn Weatherley, who prepares the gelding with daughter Briar. Mali Ston was unplaced in his most recent outing in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings and subsequently stretched his legs in an open 1100m trial at Te Rapa before heading south. “He’s had a few runs back now and it was an unsuitable track last time out at weight-for-age and he didn’t go too badly,” Weatherley said. “He’ll get a better track and I think he gets in at a competitive weight (57kg). He’s drawn one, so I expect him to run a bold race. “He’ll also have the visor blinkers on to sharpen him up a bit more.” Mali Ston is one of three horses the stable has at Riccarton, with Maria Farina a late closing fifth on the opening day in Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) and Tulsi will run in Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “Maria Farina does things the hard way and has to be ridden quietly, and her closing sectionals were phenomenal,” Weatherley said. “She got through the line well and has come through it nicely. She’ll run in the Stewards’ Stakes (Listed, 1200m) on Saturday and, if she can get a soft run, she’ll be competitive.” Tulsi booked her trip south with a last-start third in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. “She travelled down really well and had a gallop on the course proper last Saturday and my boy Sam rode her and he said she is absolutely flying,” Weatherley said. “I don’t think the mile will worry her, it will be more of an advantage that a disadvantage. She’s a very laid-back filly and I’m very happy with all three of them.” The family will be hoping for further success during the Riccarton carnival following Pier’s victory in last season’s Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). The son of Proisir hasn’t won a race since, but little went his way during a three-start spring campaign that saw him finish midfield in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m). “Pier is a week away from speeding up in his trackwork after a month off after Hawke’s Bay,” Weatherley said. “He may have a trial at Avondale on December 5 and then go to an open 1400m race (at Pukekohe) on Boxing Day and, all going well, into the four-year-old $1 million race (Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic, 1600m) on Karaka Million night.” More racing news View the full article

Live Drama will be one of three runners for Lance Robinson in Wednesday’s Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). Photo: Race Images South Christmas has come early for Lance Robinson with the arrival of New Zealand Cup Week. The Riccarton trainer looks forward to the Carnival every year and aims to give his owners something to barrack for. “We concentrate on this week all winter. We try and get as many horses to the meeting as we can for our owners. They all want to be there for Cup Week,” Robinson said. His owners will have plenty to cheer for on the middle day of the carnival, with Robinson set to line-up the triumvirate of Live Drama, Avaquinella and Adannaya in the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) on Wednesday. Group Three winner Live Drama heads the market with bookmakers at $4.50 ahead of last year’s winner Belclare at $4.80, with both Avaquinella and Adannaya rated $18 winning chances. “Live Drama is going really well. I feel she is going as good as what she was last year if not a little bit better,” Robinson said. “Her two lead-in races have been outstanding, she was carrying big weights and found the line well. She went to Ashburton the other day and had an exhibition gallop between races and we were really happy with that work. She strips a really fit horse tomorrow and I will be disappointed if she doesn’t run well. “Adannaya went super (last week at Wingatui for second). She is in the form of her life and has never gone better. She goes into the race as good as we can have her and hopefully she runs well. “We took Avaquinella down to Dunedin and Adannaya got up and beat her. She only beat her on fitness, Adanayya had a few more runs than her. She is going really well and ran second in the race last year. Kozzi Asano rode her last year and he is riding her again tomorrow. He knows her well.” Live Drama is also entered for Saturday’s Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m) and Robinson said she will take her place in the field if everything goes smoothly on Wednesday. “We have paid up in the Stewards, so providing she comes through the run well and we are happy with her run tomorrow, she will run again,” he said. Robinson could have a fourth runner in the Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes, with Diagon Alley second on the ballot, but he is realistic about her chances of gaining a place in the field. “She was unlucky on Saturday, she drew the outside gate, got a long way back and roared home to run fourth. She probably won’t get a run tomorrow. If she doesn’t get a run she will run on the last day,” he said. Robinson will have a handful of other runners on Wednesday and has highlighted in-form gelding In Awe in the Bidfood Processing Premier (1800m) and Let’s Go in the Drug Alcohol Testing Specialist Premier (1400m) as his two best chances. “In Awe has good form, a nice draw (11) and steps up to 1800m, which I think will really suit him. He will run really well,” he said. “We have got a maidener in called Let’s Go. She trialled up nice a fortnight ago and we are hopeful that she will run well too.” More racing news View the full article

Lay betting is when you are essentially wagering on a result not to happen. For instance, you might be convinced a horse racing favourite will not run up to expectations, so you bet against it, or lay it. Australians have Betfair as a prominent betting exchange and the only option when it comes to lay betting online. Our lay betting guide will run you through the top betting exchanges with lay betting, how lay betting works and give you insight into Betfair’s operation in Australia. Top lay betting sites Top lay betting sites in Australia, 2023 Lay betting is available in Australia, but is probably an underused option by racing fans, given it can open up many different avenues. The best lay betting websites allow you to wager on outcomes not to happen, which allows you to bet against specific outcomes, like a horse finishing in the top four. Lay betting sites will also allow you to set your own odds on events happening, or not happening, with other punters then able to claim the odds you are offering. Betfair, which is the no.1 lay betting site in Australia, is accessible via both desktop computer and mobile, including via horse betting apps. If you are looking for a regular bookmaker, check out our guide to the top horse racing betting sites. Lay betting sites list Betfair.com.au: Australia’s only betting exchange is highly regarded in the wagering community, and they provide an outstanding service. Betfair has got Android and iOS apps, while you can also place bets on desktop computer. Betfair allows you to set your own odds, bet on outcomes not to happen and are licensed to operate down under. Betfair review. What is a lay bet? Lay betting, unlike most racing bet types, is completely unique to Betfair Exchange. It opens a lot of betting possibilities for you that you can’t get with an online bookmaker. When you place a lay bet, you are betting on an outcome NOT to happen. For example, if you think a horse will lose a race, you can lay it. Basically, you’re taking on the role of the bookmaker when you lay a bet. If someone wants to bet $100 on a favourite at $1.10 odds, you only pay out their profit on the bet if it wins. So, it only costs you $10 to lay their $100 stake (meaning if the favourite loses, you win the other punter’s $100; if the favourite wins, you lose $10 to that other punter). So, you may be asking, if you’re betting against other punters, how does Betfair, or other lay betting sites, make any money out of this? Well, they take a commission from winning bets, usually 5% depending on the market you’re betting on. So, in that example above, you’d actually be winning $95 from their $100 stake, and Betfair would take their $5 cut. Turn to a lay bet and you’re essentially backing the other horses in the race to beat the one you’re laying. On sheer head count alone (23 against one), the odds are stacked in your favour. Just remember though: the bigger the odds for laying, the greater the liability you face. Know your odds and how to minimise risk. Bet wisely and bet with care. Lay betting = Trading the odds The chance to lay opens the door to betting opportunities you won’t find with a traditional bookmaker. Here’s a quick snapshot. Trading on racing and sport: lay something not to happen at lower odds, then back it at a higher price to secure a profit. You’re playing the betting game here and the result of the event becomes meaningless. Lay betting on racing in-play: consider yourself a form student? Find an edge through video form and more by laying lead horses you know have a weakness at the finish. Arbitrage betting: or ‘arbing’ for short, where you back a selection with a traditional bookmaker, then lay the same selection on the exchange at odds which can secure a profit. Like trading, you’re now letting the result just play out. Set your own odds Unlike the bookies, where you are stuck with the fixed odds that they set. At Betfair you can set your own odds. Don’t like the odds you see with the bookies? Head to Betfair and simply make a back or lay selection, then change the odds in the betting slip. Decide on your outlay and place your bet. Now the world can see your offer, it’s time to see if it gets matched. View the full article

Suspended rider takes to social media to clarify the reasons the Jockey Club penalised him on MondayView the full article

Race 5 DONALDSON BROWN PEGASUS STAKES 1000m ON THE BUBBLES (C Grylls) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding. R Trumper further advised, ON THE BUBBLES has been nominated for the Canterbury JC meeting on Saturday 18 November, and will also have the addition of Blinkers. Race 9 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI 51ST NZ 2000 GUINEAS G1 1600m BURN TO SHINE (J Parkes) – Marsh Racing Trainer Assistant, Mr. R Mildon reported to Stewards, that upon return to the stable the gelding was examined by the stable veterinarian, which confirmed BURN TO SHINE’S heart rate had return to normal. R Mildon advised that once the gelding has returned back to the Cambridge stable will then be sent for a spell. The post Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park, Saturday, 11 November 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Don’t Stop Dreaming gave his army of backers a fright before speeding to a sensational win in the Group Three Junior Free-For-All on New Zealand Cup Day. Usually a display of pacing perfection, the Mark and Nathan Purdon went roughly as the mobile left in the first feature event on New Zealand harness racing’s biggest day. But under the cool and calm hands of the master himself, Mark Purdon, the brilliant three-year-old got his gait sorted before going on to an all-of-the-way win. The wash-up in the Purdon camp suggested Don’t Stop Dreaming was going too fast for even the star three-year-old to handle. “Dad said they were just going that fast when the gate left that he got a bit rough in his gait,” Nathan said. “He is such a good pacer that I knew he wouldn’t do that for long. He is the sort of horse that will come back down pretty quickly, so I wasn’t worried too much.” Purdon snr pitched some sweet sectionals in the middle stages before letting Don’t Stop Dreaming loose to run a 26.1sec closing 400 to win. Though Don’t Stop Dreaming left a field with plenty of older, fringe open-class horses in his wake, he won’t be stepping up to race the New Zealand Cup horses anytime soon. The Purdon camp has the New Zealand Derby firmly in their sights, and they can go into that Group One with Don’t Stop Dreaming having produced a scintillating display in his first attempt over the derby distance of 2600 in his Junior Free-For-All win. “He will go to the Ian Dobson race at Addington next month before going straight into the derby,” Nathan said. Cya Art ran the race of his life in his first start for Aussie trainer Jason Grimson. The pacer took ground off Don’t Stop Dreaming in the run home after trailing him throughout. Merlin was disappointing by his usual standards but far from disgraced in his third placing. Though the three-year-old worked early, he sat in the running line for most of the Junior Free-For-All and peaked on his run early in the run home. View the full article

IRT New Zealand Cup day at Addington – Race by Race Race 1 : SAUNDERS ROBINSON BROWN HANDICAP TROT The opening race of the day and a trot over 3200m is always a tricky proposition. Masterly started a very warm order ($2.50) but broke at the start and played no significant part, with punters rocked by Cody Banner making a big move at the 600m and going to win by trainer Ricky Allen and driver Matty Williamson. He paid $41.20 and $14.40. Zsa Zoe and Muscle Bank completed a $38,416.80 trifecta. It was Cody Banner’s ninth win in his 98th start. Race 2 : HYDROFLOW MOBILE PACE Favourite backers were rewarded in the second with Charlie Brown producing a big finish to pip a very game Fernetti and Jolimont who ripped home out wide to get third. Carrero Rapido and then stablemate Luvstruck led the field only for Fernetti and Charlie Brown to make their moves, with Charlie Brown, driven by John Dunn, securing his fifth win in 28 starts. Charlie Brown paid $3.50, with Fernetti paying $4.70 for the place. Race 3 : MITRE 10 HANDICAP TROT The country’s top driver Blair Orange opened his account on IRT New Zealand Cup day when he took out race 3 with a powerful front-running drive with the Paul Nairn-trained Outamyway. Stablemate Confessional started a warm favourite but galloped while in the trail with a lap to go. Outamyway just kept trucking out in the lead with Unico Vacanza and Andy Hall trying hard to peg him back but having to settle for second and third. It was the dual-gaited Outamyway’s seventh trotting win in 41 starts. Outamyway paid $5.90 for the win. Race 4 : GARRARD’S PACE Paying $75.90 and $13.60 Kingsdown Atom took out race 4 for trainer-driver John Morrison, his first training success on racing’s biggest day. It was a messy race with favourite Mandalay Bay prompting a squirmish mid race. Through it all Kingsdown Atom was able to get a nice run into the race and used the passing lane to get the honours. It was Kingsdown Atom’s eighth win in 107 starts. An inquiry was held with 4th Shepherd’s Delight vs 2nd Mandalay Bay but there was no change to places. Race 5 : TAB JUNIOR FREE-FOR-ALL MOBILE PACE (G3) With win 11 from 13 starts Don’t Stop Dreaming justified his favouritism with a powerhouse win. Drawn awkwardly, the Bettor’s Delight three-year-old caused a few ripples through Addington when he bobbled momentarily soon after the start but driver Mark Purdon steadied him before heading to the front. From there it was game over with Cya Art finishing strongly into second and Merlin back in a very distant third place. Don’t Stop Dreaming paid $2 for the win. Race 6 : K B ELECTRICS MOBILE PACE Mark Purdon went back to back with Franco Indie producing a telling burst to win race 6. Wag Star was the all the rage and led early from his wide draw before Coney Island Lou took over, putting Wag Star into the trail. But the fave couldn’t capitalise as Franco Indie got an economical run back on the fence before making his move. It was number 7 (from 23 starts). He paid $10.80 for the win. Wag Star held on for second, ahead of Sooner The Bettor. Race 7 : NEVELE R ’50 YEARS OF SUCCESS’ FNL MBL PACE (G1) The first of the day’s Group 1s with Millwood Nike, a $2 favourite, gunning for win number 16 in a row, against another unbeaten filly in Mantra Blue. In the end it was just another romp for the super filly as Mark Purdon made it three wins in a row for the afternoon. At one stage Millwood Nike was four wide but never looked in danger as she powered past her rivals to win comfortably. It was a one impressive performance! Mantra Blue was second, ahead of Advance Party, paying $11.80 for the place. Race 8 : HORNBY LIQUOR CENTRE WORTHY QUEEN HCP TROT (G3) Rowe Cup winner Love N The Port looked like a sure thing as soon as he got to the lead mid race. And that’s how it turned out as Matty Williamson rated his horse perfectly out front. Resolve charged home for second with I Dream Of Jeannie third. It was trainer Phil Willliamson’s second success in the race in as many years after winning with Majestic Man last year. View the full article

Race 2 DARRELL@YOUNGNAILS TAUPO MAIDEN 1400 DRAGON BLOSSOM (N Parmar) – Co-trainer Ms. P Gerard reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, and it is their intention to carry on with DRAGON BLOSSOM’S current preparation. Race 7 POVERTY BAY TURF CLUB 1200 ABANDON (M McNab) – Marsh Racing Trainer Assistant, Mr. R Mildon advised Stewards, that on Monday 13 November, ABANDON, underwent a veterinary examination which included blood test with no abnormalities being detected. R Mildon further advised it is the stables intention to continue with the gelding’s current preparation. The post Racing Taupo, Thursday, 9 November 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 5 BARFOOT & THOMPSON 1100 SCREAMIN EAGLE (R Elliot) – Trainer Ms. D Guy reported to Stewards, the stables veterinarian has been monitoring the progress of the puncture wound to the left hind leg and advised that it is healing well. D Guy further advised that it is her intention to resume track work with SCREAMIN EAGLE next week. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing @ Pukekohe, Tuesday, 7 November 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Sam Houston Race Park will kick off its 30th live racing season on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. A total of 22 stakes with purses totaling $2.5 million will be run throughout the 43-day Thoroughbred meet, which continues through through Sunday, April 7.View the full article

British jockey lives to fight another day, and he might not be the only one to learn from the events of the past couple of weeksView the full article

Natalia Lynch, a Belmont Park-based trainer who has been licensed since 2020, has been penalized with a four-year suspension and a $50,000 fine after a Nov. 9 Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) arbitration judgment found her to be in violation of two separate anti-doping rules, one for the presence of a banned substance (Altrenogest) in a horse, and another for possession of a different prohibited drug (Thyro-L). Lynch's attorney, John Mac Hayes, told TDN Monday that the trainer plans to appeal the arbitration result to a Federal Trade Commission administrative law judge. A post-race drug screening revealed Altrenogest in Motion to Strike (Competitive Edge) after Lynch shipped the gelding to Monmouth Park for a June 24 race. Motion to Strike ran fourth as the 7-10 favorite, and a $5,000 claim was subsequently voided after the HIWU test results came back positive. Altrenogest is sold under the several brand names, including Regu-Mate. It is used in veterinary medicine to suppress or synchronize estrus in female horses and pigs. The website of the National Library of Medicine states that Altrenogest is “a commonly used progestogen for the suppression of oestrus and associated distracting behaviors that interfere with training and performance of female racehorses.” The website also notes that Altrenogest is “structurally similar to the anabolic androgenic steroid.” However, Matt Hegarty of DRF.com, who was first to report on Lynch's penalties, pointed out a notable coincidence regarding Lynch's Nov. 9 arbitration judgment and a separate document released by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Nov. 13 regarding proposed changes to the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program: The HISA Authority, Hegarty wrote, wants to reclassify Altrenogest as a controlled substance instead of its more severe “banned” status, “with recommended penalties starting at a fine of $500.” (The status change for Altrenogest was just one among numerous proposed rules changes outlined here.) According to the decision written by arbitrator Bernetta Bush, a retired judge, when a HIWU investigator met Lynch at Belmont on July 20 to notify her of the Altrenogest adverse analytical finding, a search of the vehicle Lynch was driving revealed a container of Thyro-L, which is also banned under the ADMC rules. Lynch had argued that the Altrenogest positive was cross-contamination as a result of Regu-Mate lawfully being administered to a filly that was supposedly housed in the stall next to Motion to Strike. As for the Thyro-L, Lynch stated that earlier in the spring, she attempted to discard that newly banned substance by giving it to her mother. Yet she did not realize the drug had remained in her mother's vehicle instead of being thrown away. According to the arbitrator's report, Lynch said she was only driving her mother's vehicle on July 20 because she had lost the keys to her own car. The arbitrator didn't buy the reasoning in either argument. “Taken as a whole, Trainer Lynch has presented mere speculation, rather than competent evidence, regarding the source of the Altrenogest,” Bush wrote. “[T]he uncontested evidence provided by Gregory Pennock, an investigator for the Agency whose testimony the Arbitrator credits as consistent with the record and not disputed with competent evidence, establishes that [the filly] was several–five to seven–stalls away from the Covered Horse, and that [the filly] had not been administered Altrenogest for five days before the day the sample was collected from [Motion to Strike],” Bush wrote. “The record establishes that Altrenogest is administered orally and would have to be administered directly into the horse's mouth for contamination to occur, and that the amount detected in the sample is consistent with ingestion within 24 hours.” Bush's ruling continued: “In connection with attempting to skirt liability, Trainer Lynch appears to have made many misrepresentations or inconsistent statements of fact which detract from the overall credibility of her testimony…. More specifically, regarding the Rules, the Arbitrator finds that Trainer Lynch bears significant fault for the presence of Altrenogest. This is not a case of simple negligence. “Not only has Trainer Lynch failed to show any benign manner in which the substance entered the Covered Horse (a critical failure), but even if she had, Trainer Lynch had (and breached) a clear and unmistakable duty to protect the Covered Horse from any cross-contamination and otherwise comply with the Rules. No evidence presented mitigates the responsibility placed on Trainer Lynch by the Rules she is charged with disobeying.” Taking up the charge of the Thyro-L, the arbitrator noted that Lynch had argued that her possession was not intentional, that she “wasn't trying to cheat,” and that none of the horses under her care had ever tested positive for that substance. “Trainer Lynch offers many arguments to escape liability or mitigate the consequences of her unlawful possession, but none are persuasive such that she can carry her burden,” Bush wrote. Hayes, Lynch's lawyer, classified the arbitrator's penalties as “unreasonably harsh.” In a series of emailed bullet points, Hayes told TDN that the arbitrator “improperly discounted” expert testimony that was presented in Lynch's defense. Hayes wrote that the arbitrator allegedly also “ignored the Federal Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure” that have been established by the U.S. Supreme Court and instead “relied on International Law wholly inapplicable in federal court proceedings.” Hayes also wrote that Regu-Mate is “not a doping agent” and that “no evidence of doping exists.” Hayes added that the arbitrator allegedly “completely ignored” a different Regu-Mate positive “in a different horse who resided in the same barn where Natalia's horse had stood before racing.” Hayes further claimed that “HIWU's own expert testified HIWU should have investigated the two positives coming from the same barn to determine if they might be related.” According to a 2020 profile written by the Monmouth Park press office, Lynch, a Maryland native, had been enrolled in nursing school at Towson University when she started galloping horses a few years ago. Lynch originally wanted to become a jockey, but switched her aspirations to training, the profile stated. She worked as an assistant to Brittany Russell, Jeremiah Englehart, and Ray Handal prior to getting licensed as a trainer, going out on her own three years ago when owner Al Gold offered to let her train nine horses from his Gold Square, LLC, stable. The post Trainer Lynch Plans Appeal After HIWU Arbitrator Imposes 4-Year Banned Substances Suspension appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breaking out of the pack to kick off Monday's opening session of Book 4 at the Keeneland November sale in Lexington, Act Now (Street Sense) (Hip 2184), dam of recent runaway winner at Del Mar and TDN Rising Star Coach Prime (Quality Road), brought $610,000 from Marc McStay's Avenue Bloodstock. The 8-year-old mare was consigned by Nardelli Sales, acting agent to dissolve a partnership with Bill Werner. “We thought she could make that much, because Coach Prime was a such a lovely horse,” said Kim Nardelli. “We did know all the major players we on her, so we were suspicious she was going to go out of our price range.” She continued, “Oddly enough, we were disappointed. When you sell a mare that well, it's a shame to be disappointed. Hey, that's part of the business, right? It's hard to find mares like that and it's hard to replace them but it's also nice to make some money.” Giving legs to Nardelli's earlier suspicions, McStay explained that the mare's recent winner factored into the decision to buy her. “She's a quality mare, I loved [Coach Prime] with Bob Baffert as a yearling,” he said. “She's been purchased for a commercial breeder who's being trying to buy a mare good enough to visit Justify over the past week. Let's hope she's lucky–the 2-year-old looks exciting.” Act Now, who sold in foal to City of Light, was bred by Colts Neck Stables. Nardelli and her brother Rodney, in partnership with Werner, purchased Act Now in foal to Kitten's Joy for $150,000 at Keeneland January in 2020. “Since our partner needed to tie some things up now, we had to run her through the ring,” said Nardelli, explaining the decision to part with the 8-year-old mare. “We were going to try and buy her back, but Coach Prime ran way to well for us to do that.” Act Now's first foal, Dr Oseran (Kitten's Joy), finished third in this season's Texas Glitter S. at Gulfstream. Her subsequent foal, a colt by Quality Road, brought $1.7 million from agent Donato Lanni at Keeneland September in 2022. Named Coach Prime, the bay finished third for Zedan Racing at Santa Anita last month before becoming a TDN Rising Star with an impressive 7 1/4-length win at Del Mar Nov. 10. Her most recent offspring, a colt by Union Rags, sold for $80,000 this past September. A half-sister to stakes placed The Right Path (Quality Road), Act Now is out of unraced Always Trouble (Bernardini), herself a daughter of a half-sister to Group 1 winner and English and Irish Highweight Minardi and GSW Tale of the Cat. Granddam Spunoutofcontrol (Wild Again) is also responsible for Grade II winner Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway) and SW Spun Silk, dam of GI Vosburgh S. scorer Joking (Distorted Humor). Clearly a standout in Book 4, Nardelli explained that at the time the catalog was printed, the picture was still unclear. “We requested to be in Book 3 or 4, mainly because, at the time, Coach Prime had not started and City of Light was still a little quiet,” she said. “It worked out for us from that point of view. We knew if she hit, people would find her and they certainly knew where she was.” In addition to Monday's session topper, the Nardelli's sold four other mares, including a pair that were re-purchased by the Nardelli's Springwood LLC–Afleeting Lisa (Afleet Alex) (Hip 2186 i/f to Liam's Map) and Now Now (Tiznow) (Hip 2024 i/f to Mandaloun). They also sold a pair of weanlings, a filly by Bolt d'Oro (Hip 2027) for $87,000 and a colt by McKinzie (Hip 2145) for $72,000. “We had another group that we were selling to dissolve the same partnership and they were more suited for the later books rather than the earlier ones,” she explained. “We are small consignors so we needed a 'one and done' group sale. We didn't want them all spread out through the sale.” Nardelli Sales was the second leading consignor of the session, amassing a gross of $891,000 with an average of $127,286. She concluded, “We are happy with how things went. We had two mares we bought back ourselves out of the partnership. But they were not the same quality as Act Now. We had weanlings that sold well, so we are happy with the way things went.” Looking for Another Forte? At this sale three years ago, a weanling colt by Violence out of Queen Caroline (Blame) was purchased for an unassuming $80,000 before going on to become the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile champion and Eclipse Award winning juvenile for that season. Hoping the sale's Gods might smile on them again, Monday's buyers continued to show interest in the day's weanling selection, led by Najd Stud who paid $155,000 for a colt by Vino Rosso (Hip 2258). Out of Celia's Song (Distorted Humor), the May 1 foal was consigned by Greenfield Farms. The chestnut is a granddson of GSW and MGISP Warbling (Unbridled's Song), a half-sister to SW Arianna's Passion, who in turn is responsible for MSW and MGSP Distorted Passion, dam of MGSW Mrs McDougal. Clay Scherer paid top price of $110,000 for the highest priced weanling filly of the session. By Midshipman (Hip 1925), the Feb. 8 foal was offered by Legacy Bloodstock, acting on behalf of Hermitage Farm. The chestnut filly is the first foal out of Heartful (Bandbox), who is a daughter of stakes winner Love's Reason (Not For Love). The 5-year-old mare is a half-sister to Grade III winner Majestic Reason (Majestic Warrior) and the stake-placed duo of Jump for Love (Jump Start) and Good Reasoning (Scat Daddy). At the conclusion of Monday's session, a total of 285 horses through the ring sold for $9,044,100, decreasing 5.76% from the sixth session last year when 246 horses brought $9,596,900. The average decreased 18.66% from $39,012 to $31,734, and the median of $23,000 is 23.33% lower than $30,000 last year. Through six sessions, a total of 1,343 horses have sold for $163,792,100, for an average of $121,960 and a median of $65,000. The gross decreased 14.71% from $192,033,900 through the corresponding period last year, while the average is 18.26% below $149,210 in 2022 and the median is 15.58% lower than $77,000. The Keeneland November Sale continues through Thursday, with sessions beginning at 10 a.m. It will be followed by a single-session Horses of Racing Age Sale Friday. The post Dam of TDN Rising Star Coach Prime Brings $610K at KEENOV appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article