Wandering Eyes

In a statement issued Thursday, The Stronach Group owned Elite Turf Club, LLC, and AmTote International, Inc., have responded to a class action lawsuit filed last week against several Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) related wagering entities under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) and under state law, alleging they have “organized and participated in the corruption of the betting system to the detriment of the class.” The debate around CAW players typically surrounds the edge they wield over regular gamblers thanks to their use of sophisticated technologies that allow them to precisely read the markets and place massive wagers across many pools in the final seconds of betting–which can lead to massive odds drops–as well as the attractive rates and rebates offered to them which are unavailable to the average punter. Among its various arguments, Thursday's statement claims the benefits available to CAW players are similar to airline miles or credit card rebate programs, and that the lawsuit “has the potential to devastate an entire industry.” Elite Turf Club is a CAW wagering platform 80% owned by Stronach Group and 20% owned by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). AmTote International is the dominant totalizator service provider for North American racetracks, described in the lawsuit as the “clearing house of U.S. pari-mutuel wagering.” The other defendants in the class action lawsuit, brought by former horse racing gambler Ryan Dickey, comprise Churchill Downs Inc (which owns CAW wagering platform Velocity), NYRA, United Tote Company and Racing & Gaming Services, another CAW wagering platform. The full statement can be read here: Elite Turf Club, LLC, and AmTote International, Inc., are among several horse racing industry organizations that have been named in a class action lawsuit filed recently in the state of New York by a single bettor from Colorado. These claims are meritless, and the company will vigorously defend itself. The lawsuit fundamentally misrepresents the nature of computer-assisted wagering (CAW) and the role Elite Turf Club and AmTote International have in operating, managing and regulating wagering activity. CAW is a long-standing industry, federal and state regulated component of the North American and global pari-mutuel wagering system. All participation in CAW is subject to the same pool rules, tote system audits and state regulatory approvals that govern all other forms of wagering. Claims that CAWs receive an unfair advantage are unfounded and ignore the safeguards built into the regulatory and technological framework of racing. Like many businesses, high volume customers, including CAW players, may receive benefits such as rebates based on the volume of play; this is no different than and can be likened to airline miles or credit card rebate programs. These benefits do not offer any advantage in wagering outcomes – it is a customer incentive program that is important to not only our business but the industry. The horse racing ecosystem is made of many stakeholders – horses, jockeys, backstretch employees, trainers, breeders, and all types of bettors including retail customers, advanced deposit wagering accountholders and CAW players. Each of these stakeholders play a critical role in the viability and sustainability of this sport. Make no mistake – this lawsuit is an attack on the entire industry and puts at risk the tens of thousands of working families and the communities that rely on it. This baseless lawsuit has the potential to devastate an entire industry. The company will unequivocally defend the integrity of our business operations while continuing to lead innovation in this sport. We are confident in the integrity of our systems, the strength of our oversight, and the safeguards in place designed to prevent unfair play. We will continue to work closely with our industry partners and regulators to ensure a level field for all participants to deliver a world-class racing product to our fans, horsemen and women, and bettors. We will address these unfounded and outrageous claims through the appropriate legal channels. The post Stronach-Owned Entities Respond To Class Action CAW Lawsuit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

America's Best Racing's Bob Ehalt gives his "At a Glance" analysis of the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T). View the full article

Godolphin's Rebel's Romance, based in England, but a true globe-trotting athlete, can join Goldikova and Beholder as the only three-time Breeders' Cup winners as he tries for a third Turf after winning in 2022 and again last year.View the full article

Keeneland has supplemented a total of 14 horses to its two November sales with Fall Meet winner Ayra Stark (Arg) (Cosmic Trigger) joining Book 1 of the Breeding Stock sale on Tuesday, Nov. 4 and the remaining 13 horses being added to the Horses of Racing Age sale on Wednesday, Nov. 12, according to a press release from the auction company on Thursday. Added to Book 1 of the Breeding Stock sale, Ayra Stark, a Group 2 winner in her native Argentina who captured a Keeneland allowance race Oct. 15. Winner of two races from five starts in North America, the 5-year-old mare's sire is a grandson of Danehill Dancer. She is consigned by I. C. Racing, agent, and cataloged as a racing or broodmare prospect. The November Breeding Stock sale, which will cover eight days through Tuesday, Nov. 11, has cataloged 3,086 horses. Of those, 224 horses are in the Book 1 catalogue. Keeneland will consider supplemental entries to Book 1 until the November sale begins. The stand-alone Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age sale has cataloged 203 horses. The latest round of supplements includes these fillies consigned by Bluewater Sales, agent, and cataloged as racing or broodmare prospects: Bessie Abott (Ire), a 3-year-old filly by Australian-bred Kurushio who won a Woodbine allowance Oct. 23. Runner-up in this year's GIII Wonder Again Stakes at Saratoga, she is a half-sister to stakes winner Spirit and Glory (Ire). Bessie Abott is out of winner Supreme Spirit, by Invincible Spirit; Dancing N Dixie, a 4-year-old listed stakes winner and multiple Grade II-placed filly by Neolithic. A half-sister to stakes winner R Morning Brew, she is out of the Uncaptured mare Foolhearted Woman; Golden Canary, a 4-year-old listed stakes winner by Medaglia d'Oro who is coming off a fourth-place finish in the Oct. 11 GIII Ontario Fashion Stakes. Her dam is Black Canary, a stakes-placed daughter of War Front. Souper Supreme, a 3-year-old multiple stakes-winning filly by the Indian Charlie stallion Souper Speedy. A half-sister to multiple Canadian champion and King's Plate winner Paramount Prince, she is a full sister to stakes winner Its Time to Shine and from the family of Grade I winner and sire Army Mule. Consignor Indian Creek, agent, also has supplemented these Grade III winners to the Horses of Racing Age sale: Abeliefinthislivin, a 5-year-old son of Arrogate cataloged as a racing or stallion prospect; Apprehend, a 6-year-old son of Arrogate cataloged as a racing or stallion prospect; August Rain, a 4-year-old gelding by Sungold. Click here for the online November Breeding Stock sale catalogue and here for the online November Horses of Racing Age catalogue. The post Keeneland Supplements 14 Horses To November Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner One of the final steps in a New Zealand Cup Week plan will be completed at Winton on Friday. Tyler Dewe put himself on the map as a trainer when Teddy Baker won the South of the Waitaki event on Show Day at Addington in 2022. Now Dewe is eyeing another victory in the popular feature event with his stable star Share A Dream. Share A Dream brings the best kind of form to Winton, having run second behind the talented Dreams Are Free in last weekend’s Tuapeka Cup for driver Mark Hurrell. Stepping back into a rating 45–56 event on Friday, Hurrell admits his charge should take all sorts of beating. But there is one caveat. “If you look at it on paper, he really should be winning a race like that.” “But as everyone will know, he has to be driven for one run, so there is always that chance he could be unlucky.” “If there is a genuine enough tempo and he sees daylight, he will be running on better than most.” “He is just that fast, he just needs a little bit in his favour to be hard to beat.” Moving from Ascot Park to the bigger Winton circuit looks a plus for Share A Dream given his racing style. “Two of his three wins have come at Winton and he’s trained there, it seems to suit him,” Hurrell said. Share A Dream comes into Friday’s race (6.22pm) after ticking an important box ahead of the 2600m South of the Waitaki. Before his 2700m placing behind Dreams Are Free, the pacer kept running on over 2600m at Addington in solid time. Hurrell will link up again with trainer Darren Keast after the pair were in winning form on Tuapeka Cup Day. Though she has drawn the outside of the second row over a mile, Seaside Fury looks a nice chance for the trainer-and-driver combination. “She won a workout and even though they only went a fair time doing it, she felt nice.” “I know Darren has had a bit of time for her.” “She should be a good chance, it will just depend on her fitness because she missed a workout last weekend with the bad weather.” “Darren would have got a bit more work into her, it will just be whether she peaks on her run or not.” “She seems to have the ability to be a good winning chance.” Hurrell also links up with Rakero Lightning at Winton. The mare gets her shot at improving her form in a field she should be competitive in on her best efforts. View the full article

Dual IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup winner Swayzee and Renwick Farms Dominion Trot favourite Jilliby Ballerini headline the Aussie stars tuning up for NZ Cup Week this weekend. Adam Hamilton takes a look at the must watch races. SATURDAY NIGHT : 10.03pm (NZ time) – MENANGLE It’s D-Day for Swayzee. It’s been a less than ideal campaign for the big beast, but the team insists he’s back on track and will show it this weekend. The punters agree with Swayzee a $1.25 favourite despite an outside draw (he will start from 10) in an unsuitably short 1609m dash. Victory will see him on a November 9 flight to NZ to chase a record-equalling third successive Cup win. 9.03pm – MELTON Fate Awaits will be known as Leap To Fame’s travelling companion, but he is already a three-time Group 1 winner himself and one of Australia’s best three-year-olds. It won’t be easy against the airborne Got The Chocolates and star Marketplace, but he is fast, strong and classy. Trainer-driver Grant Dixon caps his preparation against older rivals in this Melton race where former Victoria Derby winner Petracca will be the hardest to beat. Joins Leap To Fame on Monday night’s flight to Christchurch, via Auckland. SUNDAY : 4.24pm – MARYBOROUGH A small but select field in the Group 3 Maryborough Trotters’ Cup includes the NZ-bound pair Jilliby Ballerini and Arcee Phoenix. The barrier draw and her explosive early speed points to a 10th win for the season for Jilliby Ballerini, who chased home freakish stablemate Keayang Zahara last time. She should dash to the front from gate five and make it almost impossible for her rivals. It’s an important race for Arcee Phoenix, who hasn’t been at his best this campaign. But there was a lot more to like about his solid fifth in that Keayang Zahara race last time from an impossible position and coming wide. Hopefully, he runs a booming race here to show he’s peaking again at the right time for NZ. 6.49pm – MARYBOROUGH Star trotting filly Gatesys Gem has the draw to add the Group 1 Victoria Trotters’ Derby to his NSW Derby crown from earlier this year. She’s had an interrupted build-up to this campaign, but should now be parking after three runs back from a spell. Crucially, she will start from gate four and that blazing early speed should see driver Nathan Jack take her to the front and have the option of trying an all the way win or sitting on a key rival and using the sprint lane. She’s got some work to close the gap on Tracy The Jet this campaign, but this can show what progress she’s making. Trainer Glenn Hunter said all along the filly would only be peaking by the time the $500,000 Ascent came around. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Alexandra Park View the full article

Plenty of coverage of the Breeders' Cup is planned this weekend.View the full article

Apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has died at the age of 19, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) have announced. Jakes had his first ride under Rules in January 2023 and ended that year with 11 winners in Britain, before adding another 29 winners to his tally in 2024. George Boughey's Fouroneohfever provided him with his most recent win when scoring at Catterick on October 18, taking his total for the current season to 19. Having ridden at Nottingham on Wednesday, Jakes was due to have two booked rides at Chelmsford on Thursday evening. A joint-statement from the IJF and PJA read, “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of licensed apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes, 19, who tragically died at home this morning near Newmarket. “Tommie was a much-loved son and brother, and a popular member of George Boughey's racing team. His parents Jeremy and Tonie ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.” In a post on his X account, Boughey said, “We are heartbroken by the news that our apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has passed away. Tommie has been an integral and much-loved member of our team. He was not only a hugely talented young rider with so much to look forward to, but an incredibly kind, popular and hard-working young man. We will miss him immensely.” He added, “Our thoughts are firmly with Tommie's family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time. We would like to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out. We are here to support.” Trainer Brian Meehan, who is in California to saddle Rashabar in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Turf, provided Jakes with three winners this year, including Gascony in the famous Sangster silks at Epsom in August. Speaking at Del Mar, Meehan said, “He was a regular at the yard and would ride work for me a couple of times each week. He was in last Thursday. “He was a lovely lad. He had great promise and gave Gascony in the Sangster colours an outstanding ride to win a nursery at Epsom. It's terrible news – a shock to everybody that knew him at Manton.” The British Horseracing Authority's acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said, “We are devastated to hear the news about Tommie. He was a talented young rider with the world at his feet, and had earned great praise from trainers for his horsemanship and attitude in just the last few months. “His family and friends, colleagues at the George Boughey yard and everyone who worked with him in Newmarket will be grieving today, and all of us in the racing community will share that pain. “The sport's support services and the BHA will provide care and support to those close to Tommie, and welcome and encourage calls from anyone affected by this. There will be marks of respect at Chelmsford and Southwell this evening and at racecourses tomorrow.” The post Apprentice Jockey Tommie Jakes Dies At 19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Even if "his" horse wins the Breeders' Cup, Peter Brant will still be searching for his initial Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) victory. If you're confused, don't be.View the full article

Scottish Lassie, who was entered in the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar has been scratched from the race. The decision was announced Oct. 30. View the full article

Grovendale Sales describes itself as a boutique Thoroughbred consignor. So it may not always have the quantity of some others when it comes to the November breeding stock sales. But they do have quality. And, this year, plenty of it. Grovendale, which is run by James Keogh and Chance Timm, will sell five quality broodmares, all in foal to top stallions, at the upcoming Fasig-Tipton Night of the Stars sale. They will also be selling a weanling. The roster of sires the mares are in foal to reads like a page out of an equine Who's Who: Into Mischief, McKinzie, Curlin, Nyquist and Not This Time. “I think Fasig-Tipton has done a great job to create a pretty special night that's created an environment where it's pretty spectacular,” Timm said. “I think it creates an atmosphere in there that drives the market and we feel like these horses we are selling are the kind that fit in that market that have the opportunity to break out. As consignors and commercial breeders, we're all looking for those opportunities to place these horses where we feel like they can outsell themselves and be in a position to break out.” The best of the best may be hip 98, Flattery (Flatter), who is foal to Into Mischief. Flattery won the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf S. in her second start. She is out of a course record-setting Unbridled's Song mare. This will be the first foal for a broodmare who is just four. “That's a lovely mare by Flatter from a tremendous family,” Timm said. “She's a stakes winner and she's a fantastic physical. The way the industry's going, it's all oriented towards physical. So this is the kind of physical conformation that's going to appeal to any commercial breeder because she's got every possibility to replicate herself with her progeny. So we'd expect her to be very well received, no doubt.” Hip 191 is Batucada (Union Rags), who is in foal to Curlin. In 2024, the now 5-year-old won the Powder Break S. at Gulfstream and was second in the GII Beldame at the Belmont-at-Aqueduct meet. In the Beldame, she was beaten just a head by GISW winner Raging Sea (Curlin). She has won on both dirt and synthetic tracks and is from the immediate family of Breeders' Cup winners Life Is Sweet (Storm Cat) and Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat). “She ran behind Raging Sea when she was placed in the Beldame,” Timm said. “So she has tremendous form. She also is a great physical. This mare comes from a tremendous family that is very hard to get into. There's not of availability here. The depth is just tremendous and she is in foal to a horse like Curlin. This mare has a lot of appeal for all the right reasons.” Hip 194, Beautiful Dancer (Gun Runner) is in foal to Not This Time, maybe the hottest sire on the planet. A share in Not This Time sold for $3 million at Wednesday's Keeneland Championship Sale. “That's a lovely mare that we're selling in foal to Not This Time,” Timm said. “It's from a tremendous family that there's not a lot of opportunity out there for people to get involved in. But certainly being in foal to that horse just adds to the appeal. I thought Gun Runner got off to about as exceptional a start as a stallion could. And you'd have to think that this horse has even exceeded the start the Gun Runner had a few years ago. I think anything surrounding Not This Time is going to have tremendous amount of appeal.” Beautiful Dancer is out of G1SW Dream Dancing and the third dam is the champion Beautiful Pleasure. This year's yearling sales produced records across the board. Timm said he believed the trend will continue at the November breeding sales, particularly if you have the type of quality horse that everyone seems to be looking for. “You'd have to have a lot of confidence that the trend will continue, especially at the top end,” Timm said. “Fortunately, we've got some horses here that would reflect that area of the market and we're pretty optimistic that they'll be well-received. I think that's where the market is really oriented towards these days, the Book 1 and Saratoga-type horses that have the potential to realize seven figures as a yearling. That's where the market is oriented and those are the kind of horses you have to breed to have those kind of opportunities.” Last year, Grovendale sold the dam of Nysos (Nyquist) for $2 million. Can they top that figure this year? “We hope so,” Timm said. “It's pretty hard for anybody to expect these horses to bring north of $2 million. You sure hope that it happens, but you want to try to keep your expectations to a realistic level. But I think that these horses are in a great position to sell very well. If they could reach that kind of level, that would be a fantastic result. But we will certainly be rooting for Nysos and watching him in the Breeders' Cup. We also sold the dam of Ted Noffey (Into Mischief). Ted Noffey's dam is Streak of Luck (Old Fashioned). Grovendale sold her at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November sale for $620,000 to Aaron and Marie Jones. Timm said that he and Keogh are true partners in that they share the duties of running Grovendale equally and both handle all ends of the operation. “I've learned that being self-employed, that you're not too good for anything,” Timm said. “So if something comes up and it needs to be addressed, we tackle whatever comes our way. We keep a pretty skinny staff. It's James, myself, and Hailey Carroll is part of the team. She's a big part of connecting all the dots and bridging the gap. We take on whatever faces us. But I'm very grateful to James and he's a great partner and he's been very good to me. I've expressed that before in the past, but he's done more for me than just about anybody in the horse business. So I'm very, very thankful and grateful to be his partner.” The post Quality Mares, Commercial Matings Key for Grovendale at Fasig-Tipton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mark Newnham became the first trainer to hit 20 winners for the season when Notthesillyone and New Forest extended his premiership lead to six with victories on the all-dirt card at Sha Tin on Thursday evening. The 57-year-old came into the meeting with a four-winner lead over Caspar Fownes but marched another two clear of his nearest rival to keep his goal of a top-three finish in the championship firmly in sight. His night got off to the perfect start when his first runner, Notthesillyone, led...View the full article

The TDN Writers' Room, which is presented by Keeneland, took a different route this week, handicapping every Breeders' Cup race. How did we do? We'll know late Saturday evening. Here are the highlights of the picks made by Zoe Cadman, Bill Finley and Randy Moss. FRIDAY: Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint: Predicting that Aidan O'Brien is going to have a huge Friday, Finley picked True Love (Ire) (No Nay Never), pointing out that the filly is coming off a Group I win in the Cheveley Park S. and looks to be the class of the race. Moss vowed to try to beat many of the favorites. He thought the draw did O'Brien no favors and said it was a four-horse race-True Love, Cy Fair (Not This Time), Lennilu (Leinster) and Havana Anna (GB) (Havana Grey ({GB}). Cadman was confident that True Love would win. Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies: Both Cadman and Finley liked Percy's Bar (Upstart), who crossed the wire in front of the hot favorite Tommy Jo (Into Mischief), who was placed first through disqualification, in the GI Alcibiades S. Finley said Percy's Bar was the best horse in the Alcibiades, despite the DQ. But Cadman was worried that Percy's Bar would bounce, so said to include Explora (Blame) on your tickets. Moss went with Explora. He didn't think Tommy Jo could get the distance. Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf: Finley picked the O'Brien-trained Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), though was worried about his post position, the 13 hole. Moss said Precise would be too short a price and made Ultimate Love (Curlin) his top pick. Cadman gave out three horses, Precise, Ultimate Love and Brave Deb (Authentic). Of Ultimate Love, she said, “She was just the easiest of winners (in the Selima). She's a big, beautiful daughter of Curlin.” Breeders' Cup Juvenile: As much as he liked Ted Noffey, Finley picked Blackout Time (Not This Time) on top, figuring that the Kenny McPeek-trained horse had yet to peak. He said to box Ted Noffey and Black Out Time in the exacta. Cadman also like Ted Noffey, but said Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) is capable of posting the upset. Moss said the price on Ted Noffey will be too low, so he went for the Bob Baffert-trained Brant (Gun Runner). “He's going to set the pace,” Moss said. “Wire-to-wire.” Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf: Finley and Moss agreed that this was one of the toughest races among all the Breeders' Cup. Finley settled on Street Beast (Street Sense). Moss also took Street Beast. Neither of them appeared too confident. Based on how impressed she was with the way Bottas (Vekoma) has looked in the mornings, he was Cadman's pick. “He's a gorgeous son of Vekoma,” she said. SATURDAY: Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint: Saying he was ultra-impressed with the Oct. 24 workout at Santa Anita, Hope Road (Quality Road) was Finley's pick. Cadman went with Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca). Despite the filly having relatively slow Beyer figures, she said not to throw out Tamara (Bolt d'Oro). Moss also liked Hope Road but was also high on the chances of Sweet Azteca. Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint: Acknowledging that it was a sentimental pick, Finley went with the 9-year-old Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). He said his last race, a win in the GII Woodford at Keeneland, was ultra impressive after he got off slowly. “He runs a lot better in the U.S. than he does in Europe, and that's probably because he loves firm turf,” Finley said. Cadman went with the mare, Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy). “She looks like a man amongst boys,” she said. Moss said the race was between Ag Bullet and Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}). The Breeders' Cup Sprint: All agreed that it wasn't the strongest Breeders' Cup Sprint ever assembled. Finley, Cadman and Moss all picked Bentornato (Valiant Minister), with Moss implying that he was his best bet in the Breeders' Cup. “I've been trying to beat all the favorites. I can't try to beat this one,” Moss said. Cadman didn't pick Kopion (Omaha Beach) but said her last workout (three furlongs in 33 1/5) was sensational. Breeders' Cup Distaff: Finley, who said Baffert will have a huge Breeders' Cup, thought Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo) was the most likely winner of all his Breeder' Cup starters. “Her Beyer numbers, she's so much faster than everyone else,” he said. Cadman took a stand against Seismic Beauty, saying she hasn't been all that impressed with the way she was training up to the race. She went with Dorth Vader (Girvin) and so did Moss. “I think there could be enough pace pressure on Seismic Beauty to maybe soften her up a little bit, so, it's Dorth Vader for me,” Moss said. Breeders' Cup Turf: Finley didn't expect any surprises, saying it was a two-horse race between the European stars, Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). He tabbed Rebel's Romance on top. “Charlie Appleby versus Aidan O'Brien. What's better than that?” Finley. Moss agreed. “These are the two standouts,” he said.” It's almost a coin flip.” He thought Amiloc (GB) (Postponed {Ire}) had a good chance to round out the trifecta. Cadman picked Minnie Hauk, the runner-up in the GI Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Breeders' Cup Classic: It became a much different race with the official scratch of Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and none of our handicappers had a firm opinion. Finley went with Fierceness (City of Light), but said he was worried about the horse's erratic nature. Cadman went with last year's winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). “Leone looks great coming in from Saratoga. He's actually honed up a little bit. He's a little tighter than the last time I saw him,” she said. Moss, who loves to pick Japanese horses, went with Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steal {Jpn}), saying he was very impressed with his win in the GI Saudi Cup. Breeders' Cup Mile: Another one of the tougher races on the card. Moss liked Johannes (Nyquist), saying he'll be a steal if he goes off at his morning-line odds of 8-1. Looking for a price, Finley picked the European invader Sahlan (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who is coming off a a win in the GI Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. Also looking for a price, Cadman picked Jonquil (Lope de Vega {Ire}). Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile: Finley predicted a repeat win for Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast), saying he will love the turn back to the mile after finishing second in the nine furlong GI Goodwood. Cadman said it would be a Baffert exacta, Nysos (Nyquist) over Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). Moss was also on the Nysos bandwagon. Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Finley was on Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), saying she had no chance in the Arc and would run back to her big efforts in the GI Prix Vermeille and GI Prix de Diane. Moss said he is a big fan of She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}), but doesn't think she will like the distance. He liked both Charlie Appleby horses, Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal) and Diamond Rain (GB) (Shamardal). “I am not using She Feels Pretty for the reasons Randy mentioned. She just can't relax,” Cadman said. She picked Diamond Rain. The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was the bargain-basement buy Chunk of Gold (Preservationist), who got a 103 Beyer for his win in a Keeneland allowance. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar. The podcast is also sponsored by 1/ST TV, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, Gainesway, West Point Thoroughbreds and the KTOB. The post TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Tackles the Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There's been much debate about Contrary Thinking's presence as a "rabbit" in the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), but owner Peter Brant doesn't understand all the fuss. View the full article

The group-placed Dioptase leads a trio of wildcards for the upcoming Arqana Autumn Sale from November 17-20 in Deauville. Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, the son of New Bay (lot 376) was runner-up in the G3 Prix Greffulhe and was also third in the Listed Prix Pelleas. Rated 100, the three-year-old is from the family of group winner and Classic-placed Survie (Churchill), as well as Group 1 winners and sires Contributer and King Of Steel. Another Flat entry is Listed Grand Prix du Nord fourth Love Me Tender (lot 356). Consigned by Peter Schiergen, the son of Tai Chi is rated 96 and is a half-brother to group winner Lord Charming (Charm Spirit). He is kin to Group 1 scorers Machiavellian, Exit To Nowhere, Coup De Genie and Denebola. The third wildcard is NH prospect Lotus Sacre (lot 395). By Ivanhowe, he was runner-up over hurdles at Auteuil in early October. Also well-related, Lotus Sacre is from the same clan as Sprinter Sacre ). For the full Arqana Autumn Sale catalogue, please visit the Arqana website. The post Group-Placed Dioptase Leads Arqana Autumn Wildcards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frankie Dettori has joined Amo Racing as a global brand ambassador to usher in the next phase of his career, following the news that the legendary jockey will retire from American racing after the Breeders' Cup meeting. Dettori will be in action at Del Mar aboard the likes of Wimbledon Hawkeye and Aspect Island for James Owen and the Gredley Family, before the 54-year-old takes a “few rides” in South America to bring the curtain down on a career in the saddle spanning more than three decades. Describing the opportunity to join Amo Racing as “a natural next step”, Dettori's new role will see him continue an assocation with Amo founder Kia Joorabchian which is perhaps best known for the victory of King Of Steel in the 2023 Champion Stakes – Dettori's final ride in Britain. “I'm thrilled to be joining Amo Racing as their global brand ambassador,” said Dettori. “Kia and his team have huge passion and ambition for the sport and it's exciting to be part of their journey. “Riding King Of Steel to victory on Champions Day was an unforgettable moment and to now represent Amo Racing feels like a natural next step. I'm looking forward to being part of the team, growing with them and helping to share our love of racing with fans around the world.” Joorabchian added, “Frankie is a true icon of our sport. His presence, his personality and his passion for racing are unmatched. We've shared some incredible moments together and his enthusiasm perfectly represents what Amo stands for. Having Frankie represent us around the world is something we're extremely proud of.” The post Frankie Dettori Named Amo Racing’s Global Brand Ambassador appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Live racing is slated to resume on Friday, Oct. 31, at Belmont at the Big A with a nine-race card featuring a pair of listed $150,000 races with the Tempted Stakes in Race 2 and the Pumpkin Pie in Race 8. First post on Friday's card is 1:05 p.m.View the full article

Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), winner of the GI Diana Stakes in July, has been supplemented to Monday's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The 5-year-old mare will offered as a broodmare prospect as hip 225 through the Elite consignment. “Excellent Truth is an exciting supplement to our November Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “She has excelled at the highest levels in the United States and Europe, and her deep pedigree makes her an attractive broodmare prospect for breeding operations the world over.” A group winner in France in 2023 and runner-up in the 2024 G1 Prix Rothschild, Excellent Truth was purchased by John Stewart's Resolute Racing for €1.6 million at the 2024 Arqana December sale. Transferred to the barn of trainer Chad Brown, she opened her stateside campaign with a runner-up effort in the Apr. 12 GI Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland and was second again in the GI Just a Game Stakes at Saratoga. She narrowly outbattled multiple Grade I winner She Feels Pretty to win the July 12 GI Diana Stakes. The post Diana Stakes Winner Excellent Truth Added to Fasig-Tipton November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Live racing at Aqueduct has been canceled Thursday as a strong storm moves through the New York metropolitan area with forecasted high winds and heavy rain. Current weather forecasts are calling for wind gusts exceeding 40 mph and up to two inches of rain as a result of Thursday's storm. The National Weather Service has placed Southern Queens under a coastal flood advisory beginning at 1 p.m. Aqueduct Racetrack will remain open for simulcasting Thursday and live racing is scheduled to resume Friday with a first post time of 1:05 p.m. The post Aqueduct Cancels Live Racing Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior could lock horns with April’s Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) victor Tastiera in the city’s richest race, the HK$40 million Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). The Jockey Club confirmed on Thursday that Tastiera is one of 50 Japanese entries for December 14’s Longines Hong Kong International Races, with the likes of Satono Reve, Lugal, Win Carnelian, Soul Rush, Jantar Mantar, Embroidery, Croix Du Nord and Stellenbosch also in the mix from the Land of the Rising...View the full article

At the end of 2024 when owner John Ropes weighed retiring his homebred filly Dorth Vader against bringing her back to race at 5 this season, his checkmarks in the pro-racing column included three achievements he'd love to see her accomplish.View the full article

Trainer Bjorn Baker is pleased with A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) contender Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) heading into Saturday’s contest at Randwick. The OTI-raced daughter of El Roca has built towards peak form, winning a Benchmark 94 two starts back before finishing a game runner-up in the Gr.3 Angst Stakes (1600m) behind Idle Flyer. A go-forward runner, Perfumist has drawn the inside barrier and will be ridden by Rachel King and is a $16 chance in a market headed by the unbeaten Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) ($2.05). “When she finds form, she holds form,” Baker said. “Even if the track has a little bit of cut in it, I wouldn’t be too worried about it. “From gate 1, she’s got great natural speed and she was really good last time. “She got beaten by what I think is a very good horse that will be hard to beat in Melbourne on Saturday, called Idle Flyer (Dundeel). “She’s had two runs at a mile and comes slightly back in trip and I’m just hopeful she’s got that natural gate speed. She may be hard to chase down.” Perfumist breezed up in 10.7 seconds at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale and was purchased for $190,000 by the combination of Bjorn Baker Racing, bloodstock agents Phill Cataldo and Jim Clarke, along with OTI Racing. From a 16-race career, Perfumist has now recorded six wins and four seconds. She has earned A$588,758 in stakes to date, with Saturday’s first prize of A$5,250,000 the most lucrative purse in Australian racing beyond the slot deal of The Everest. View the full article

Trainer Mark Walker will have a two-pronged attack on the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday, headed by last start Listed 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) winner Azazel (NZ) (Shocking), with lightly-tried McWoody (Alabama Express) also making the field. A son of Shocking, Azazel is expected to be suited by the stiff staying test and he has come through his exertions last week at Geelong in good order. Azazel. Photo: (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) “He’s pulled up really well. He’s a very fit horse, and everything’s gone really well with his prep,” Walker told SEN. “We just had a hiccup with the wind, and the races were delayed a day at Geelong, otherwise, it’s been a really good preparation. “I don’t think the 2500m will pose any problems, if any horse could get it on pedigree, it’s him, and just the way he races, I’ve got no doubts he’ll get it. “Obviously, that Godolphin horse (Observer) will be awfully hard to beat. He was very impressive the other day, that’s for sure.” Azazel is rated a $23 chance while McWoody is a $61 chance after his close-up fifth in a sedately run Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m). Te Akau Racing have previously shone on Derby Day, where star mare Melody Belle won the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in 2019 under the watch of Jamie Richards. The Trans-Tasman operation will be represented by Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) this year, with the Mark Walker-trained daughter of Savabeel entering off a luckless run in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) when going to the line for an untouched under Jamie Melham for sixth. Damask Rose winning the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Damask Rose will be gunning for her first Group One victory and crucially has ace jockey Blake Shinn back aboard, with the hoop previously riding the mare to success in both the Listed Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) and the inaugural Listed $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie earlier this year. “Everywhere we went in the Toorak, we had no luck, it was no fault of Jamie’s whatsoever,” Walker said. “She had horses outside her, inside her, in front of her, and you can’t jump over them. So we just went to the line and didn’t have a run. “Leica Lucy is second or third favourite, we would have been right up where she was at least if we had got a run. “I think the key is that Blake Shinn’s got a great record on her. He’s got confidence in her and he worked her on Tuesday. We deserve a bit of luck, but from barrier 9 we’re not going to get locked away in there.” With the Trelawney Stud-bred Pride of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) likely to dictate and ensure some testing sectionals, Walker is not concerned about the shape of the race for Damask Rose. “I think it will be run at a genuine tempo, and we won’t be the one dragging the field up to Pride of Jenni that’s for sure,” he said. Blake’s riding in a rich vein of form and I think he’ll have it worked out pretty well.” View the full article

The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes is certainly not complaining about the transfer of the Golden Eagle to Randwick on Saturday. The $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) has been staged at Rosehill since its inaugural running in 2019 but has been transferred to Randwick for this year’s edition. The Hayes brothers saddle Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto), who will be out to avenge his narrow defeat in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 18. Like Chris Waller, Ben Hayes said a tough 1600m race under the belt should hold Evaporate in good stead when he drops back 100m in journey on Saturday. While Evaporate’s three runs this campaign have all been in Melbourne, the four-year-old has been aimed at the Golden Eagle since commencing his campaign with an unlucky fifth in the P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in August. A foot niggle kept Evaporate from the track until winning the Sandown Stakes (1500m) on September 27 before running a close second to Transatlantic in the Toorak. “He ran enormous in the Toorak,” Hayes said. “We just got beaten by Transatlantic who franked the form by coming out and winning in Sydney last week. “On the day, Transatlantic got an easy lead, and we were the only horse that came out of the pack to challenge him. “We slightly peaked on our run, but I think now that we’ve had those last couple of runs under the belt, he’s definitely good enough to win a race like the Golden Eagle.” Hayes said he the switch of venue from Rosehill to Randwick is advantageous for Evaporate. He said the roomier circuit was a plus after Evaporate registered placings at Ellerslie in New Zealand and at Randwick earlier in the year. “He won the Carbine Club up in Sydney earlier this year, so moving the race there, where he’s run well before, might be an advantage for us,” Hayes said. “Being on his Sydney leg might be a good thing for him. He relaxes better on that Sydney leg.” View the full article