Wandering Eyes

The Irish National Stud is either maintaining or reducing the fees for its six stallions “after a challenging yearling sales season, especially in the middle and lower tiers”, according to a press release sent out on Thursday. The venerable Invincible Spirit (Ire), who turns 27 in 2024, is listed with a private fee, having stood for €60,000 in 2023 following a career high of €120,000 between 2016 and 2019. His top runners this season include the unbeaten G2 Royal Lodge S. winner Ghostwriter (Ire) and he covered 89 mares earlier this year. Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Phoenix of Spain (Ire) has been one of the leading lights among the first-season sires this year, his 17 winners giving him a 43% winners to runners strike-rate. They are led by the G2 Vintage S. winner Haatem (Ire). The son of Lope De Vega (Ire) will stand at €10,000, down from €12,000 last year. Another of Lope De Vega's sons, Lucky Vega (Ire), is represented by his first foals at the sales from 150 coverings in his debut season. He was sent 147 mares last year and his fee has also been trimmed, from €15,000 to €12,500. Nando Parrado (GB) will also have his first crop of foals for sale later this month. From an opening book of 130 mares, he covered 94 this year. The son of Kodiac (GB) will remain at €6,000. Equiano (Fr) and Elusive Pimpernel (Ire) are both advertised at €2,000 with the requirement for breeders to pay for the nomination in advance of the mare being covered. Cathal Beale, CEO of the Irish National Stud, said, “There is no doubt that in challenging times we must be especially mindful of the bottom line for breeders and that's why we have chosen to drop or maintain all fees for 2024. Breeders need to be able to make a profit on their stock while giving their mares the best possible opportunity of producing a winner at stakes level. We believe they will find those qualities and that exceptional value throughout our roster.” The post Irish National Stud Holds or Lowers Fees in “Challenging Times” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rich Strike, the 80-1 upset winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, has been retired, owner Rick Dawson announced Nov. 9.View the full article

The Breeders' Cup World Championships didn't make much of an impact on the 2023 World's Best Racehorse Rankings, which released its latest update Nov. 9 for races from Jan. 1-Nov. 5.View the full article

Keeneland has added 16 horses to its single-session Horses of Racing Age Sale which boasts 320 entries and begins at noon ET on Friday, Nov. 17, the auction company said in a release Thursday. The latest round of supplements includes: Happy Baytown (hip 4312), a 2-year-old Runhappy filly who won a maiden special weight race at Charles Town Oct. 19. Consigned by McEntee Racing, agent, she is a half-sister to multiple stakes performer Spicy Marg. Rastani (hip 4308), a 3-year-old filly by Good Magic who won a Gulfstream Park allowance race Oct. 20. She is consigned by Paramount Sales, agent. Riley G (hip 4309), a lightly raced 3-year-old filly by Flatter, who finished second in a maiden special weight at Santa Anita Nov. 2, is consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent. Tap the Champagne (hip 4310), a 2-year-old daughter of Tapit who is a half-sister to Grade 1 winners Majestic Harbor and Danza. She is consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent. The remaining supplements are by Carpe Diem, Curlin, Dream Ahead, Justify, Kantharos, Mitole, Street Boss, Tapit, The Factor, Unified and War Front. Additional supplements will be considered until the day of the sale. Print catalogs for the auction are now available for pickup at Keeneland's Welcome Center, with an accompanying supplemental catalog to be printed prior to the sale. Click here for more information. The post Keeneland Supplements 16 Horses To November Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, we will have a look at American-bred first-time juvenile starters (through the end of 2023) and debuting 3-year-olds in maiden races at Meydan Racecourse, with a specific focus on pedigree and/or performance in a sales ring in the meetings leading up to the Dubai World Cup program Saturday, Mar. 30, 2024. The flagship venue for racing in the United Arab Emirates, Meydan will host racing predominantly on Fridays, with the exception of Super Saturday Mar. 2 and Dubai World Cup night. Here are the horses of interest for the first card of the season at Meydan: Friday, November 10, 2023 2nd-Meydan, AED165,000 ($45k), Maiden, 2yo, 1200m TACTICAL BOUND (Good Magic) looks to become the fourth winner from as many to the races for his Louisiana-bred dam Jet Black Magic (Hold Me Back), who posted a career-best effort when taking out the GIII Delta Princess S. in 2015. A $65,000 Keeneland September purchase last fall, the Mar. 25 foal fetched €222,222 ($238,303) from bloodstock agent Oliver St Lawrence on behalf of Victorious at the Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale this past March. The colt's 3-year-old half-brother Midnight Rising (Mendelssohn) was a latest third in the GIII Marine S. at Woodbine. Alsayef (Union Rags) was a $130,000 acquisition out of last year's Keeneland September sale and is a full-brother to the dual Grade I-placed K P Dreaming. The May 1 foal is out of Litigating (Point Given), whose SW/MGSP dam Mediation (Ire) (Caerleon) is also responsible for the versatile GISW Go Between (Point Given) and SW & GSP Go Around (Medaglia d'Oro). The post Desert Debuters: Breeze-Up Sales Grad Makes Quick Appearance at Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A fantastic year for Karl Burke's stable was crowned by victory on QIPCO British Champions Day for Poptronic (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the G1 Champion Fillies and Mares S. at Ascot. What made the win extra special is that the four-year-old was bred by her owners David and Yvonne Blunt, who keep three broodmares and were enjoying their first win at the highest level. Poptronic, a daughter of the Dream Ahead mare Alpine Dream (Ire), is one of three classy fillies to be heading to the Tattersalls December Mares' Sale from Burke's Spigot Lodge, and she joins the Sceptre Sessions on Tuesday, December 5 as lot 1784. She owns a pedigree with a decent blend of high-class stamina, speed and precocity. Her dam won three sprints at two, three and four, and is a daughter of the G2 Lowther S. winner Infamous Angel (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). Reflecting on her first year in training, Burke says, “Early on in her two-year-old career, she always looked like she was always going to be better as she got older, but she showed enough. I remember having a conversation with David and saying that I thought we could win a race with her at two.” Second on debut at two, she then broke her maiden in Christmas week, meaning that Poptronic started her three-year-old season as a winner. Plenty more was to come, however. “She's a big filly, with a lovely, long stride on her, so as she got stronger, she was always going to get better,” Burke says. “We just brought her along steadily and she won first time out as a three-year-old as well. “I always felt she had the potential to be at least a Listed-class horse. And obviously she has progressed beyond that.” From that first-up win at three, Poptronic then claimed her first Pattern success in the G3 Hopping Fillies' S. at Newcastle. As predicted by her trainer, she was better again at four, running placed in two group contests in the spring before winning the G2 Lancashire Oaks, beating the subsequent Group 1 winner Sea Silk Road (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the process. After two further unplaced runs in Group 1 company, she arrived at Ascot in October, where the heavy rain meant that several of the races were switched to the fresher ground of Ascot's jumps course. “I think it was to her advantage that they switched on to the inner track,” Burke says. “We were lucky there and for two reasons. One, it was slightly better ground. She handles soft ground, but I think she's better on a firmer surface or a quicker surface. And also the drop back; it was half a furlong and shorter in trip. She's quite a free-going filly and it meant we could be a bit more aggressive with her in the race. And that's how it turned out.” He continues, “I think David and Yvonne were in shock for a week after after winning a Group 1, having bred her as well. Everybody tells me, the owner/breeders that we have here, that there's nothing better than breeding your own winner and seeing it win in your colours. And to win a Group 1 and breed a Group 1 winner is pretty special. So they're on a big high at the moment.” Burke adds of his trio heading to the Sceptre Sessions, “We have three very nice fillies going there, all black-type fillies obviously. Dawn Charger won a Group 3 and was second in a Group 2 and she will definitely go on and train on next year. Secret Angel is a big, scopey Dark Angel mare. She's a Listed winner and she's in the right slot. They're lovely fillies to be looking at for breeding later on.” The post Tattersalls-Bound Poptronic a Group 1 Gem for Small Breeders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe secured Grade I-producing mare White Hot (Galileo {Ire}) at the Keeneland November Sale Wednesday for Yuesheng Zhang's Yulong Investements. Yulong's Chief Operating Officer Sam Fairgray confirmed the news to The Thoroughbred Report overnight. Hammering down for $2.1 million, White Hot, the dam of GISW Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), was offered in-foal to multiple leading sire Into Mischief by Stone Farm (hip 170). The purchase was part of a quartet of mares that went to Yulong for a combined total of $3,525,000. All options remain open for the group, according to Fairgray. “We bought the four Galileo mares, a couple of them are in foal to Justify who is going brilliantly, and Mr. Zhang obviously has a real affinity with Galileo,” Fairgray said. “At this stage they'll all stay in America and foal down there, then we'll decide what to do with them. There are plenty of options for them and Mr. Zhang has some other ideas that we might try, but there's a likelihood that a couple of them could end up here in Australia.” The post Yulong Confirmed Purchaser Of White Hot At Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I Kentucky Derby longshot hero Rich Strike will be retired and offered as a stallion prospect at the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale on Friday, Nov. 17, the organization said in a release Thursday. The 4-year-old colt by Keen Ice will be consigned by Candy Meadows Farm, agent and is available for inspection in Lexington by appointment. “Effectively immediately I am announcing the retirement of Rich Strike from racing,” owner Rick Dawson said. “Over the past few months, Rich Strike was given the opportunity to rehab and return to his top racing form. However, nagging injuries have prevented that from happening. I'm hopeful now that Rich Strike finds a new home and begins a second career as a stallion.” Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Rich Strike is out of Canadian champion Gold Strike, by Smart Strike, and a half-brother to Grade II winner Llanarmon. He has won or placed in nearly half of his 14 career starts, including, in addition to his aforementioned Derby win, a second in the GII Lukas Classic and a third in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks, both in 2022. “Keeneland is excited to showcase Rich Strike, a rare offering who will appeal to international buyers as a stallion prospect and to fans of racing worldwide,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. The November Horses of Racing Age Sale starts at noon ET on Nov. 17. The post Derby Winner Rich Strike Retired, Consigned As Stallion Prospect To Keeneland November Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Claiborne Farm's GSW Demarchelier (GB), whose first-crop hit the racetrack this year, will have a 2024 stud fee of $7,500 LFSN, the breeding operation said in a release Thursday. The only son standing in Kentucky of top international stallion and sire of sires Dubawi (IRE) currently has 11 winners from 28 starters, including two stakes wins and one graded stakes victory. The 7-year-old ranks 14th on TDN's Leading First-Crop Sire list. Winner of the GIII Pennine Ridge S., Demarchelier (GB) is out of a Sadler's Wells mare who is full-sister to Irish Group 1 winners Yesterday (Ire) and Quarter Moon (Ire). This is an extended female family which includes Irish G1 Pretty Polly S. winner Diamondsandrubies (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and this year's GI Champagne S. hero Timberlake (Into Mischief). The post Claiborne’s Demarchelier Fee For Next Season At $7,500 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

French Classic winner Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) is one of three Group 1 winners set to contest the Bahrain International Trophy along with Above The Curve (American Pharoah) and Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). This year's race, which takes place on Friday, November 17, has been upgraded to Group 2 status for the first time and has enhanced prize-money of $1 million. Fourteen runners will go to post, including two trained locally in Bahrain. Among the international travellers from five different countries is Shadwell's Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), the winner of the G2 Princess of Wales's S. in July who is trained by John and Thady Gosden. John Gosden said, “We are confident Israr will run a really nice race over the mile and a quarter, it's a very competitive field but so it should be. It's an exciting, lovely race, well timed in the calendar and the prize-money has been increased so that makes it even more attractive. We've been second in it, so we are itching to win it one day.” Israr's fellow British-trained challengers include the Group 3 winner Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is co-owned and bred by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and Astro King (Ire) (King {GB}), winner of the Cambridgeshire for Daniel and Claire Kubler. Travelling from Ireland will be the Joseph O'Brien-trained Above The Curve, while Aidan O'Brien fields Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Noel Meade is sending Layfayette (Ire) (French Navy {GB}). From France, Andreas Schutz is represented by Marhaba Ya Sanafi, while Andre Fabre plans to run Birr Castle (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}). Along with Nations Pride and Birr Castle, Godolphin will also be represented by Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who will return to defend his title for Saeed Bin Suroor and is set to line up alongside his stable-mate Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Nation's Pride's trainer Charlie Appleby will also be double-handed, with the grey Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) an intended traveller. Yusuf Buheji, the CEO of Bahrain Turf Club, said, “We are very much looking forward to this year's running of the Bahrain International Trophy. The race has attracted a very competitive field, including horses representing a wide range of countries and connections. “The Bahrain Turf Club is very grateful for the continued support shown by some of the biggest owners in world horse racing, including Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, who won the race last year. Racing in Bahrain continues to grow thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of owners and we wish all our participants the best of luck for this year's race.” The post Three Group 1 Winners Among Field for Bahrain International Trophy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

British rider succeeds in deferring hearing until Monday ‘to allow for his legal representative to appear’View the full article

Zoustar (Aus) will not stand at Tweenhills for the 2024 covering season but will remain in Australia with plans for a return to Britain in 2025. The sire of Group 1-winning juvenile Lezoo (GB) was represented by the G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner Ozzmosis (Aus) at Flemington on Saturday. Tweenhills owner David Redvers said, “Following discussions with Antony Thompson of Widden Stud, it has been decided that after 11 consecutive Northern and Southern covering seasons, to rest Zoustar for six months in Australia. “Zoustar is happy, healthy and proving exceptionally fertile in Australia this season, where he covers a full book of mares at a fee of $200,000, but we have always been mindful of protecting his long-term wellbeing and agreed that a break now is prudent.” He added, “Zoustar is booked to return to Tweenhills in 2025. His Northern Hemisphere 2023 Stakes winners include Champion two-year-old filly of 2022 Lezoo, G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint-placed and Sirenia Stakes winner Starlust and St Hugh's winner Miaharris.” Qatar Racing's QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner Kameko remains at a fee of £15,000 in 2024, the year in which he will be represented his first crop of runners. His fellow Group 1 winner Lightning Spear (GB) has also had his fee held at the same price as 2023, and he will cover at £5,000. Redvers said, “Kameko's first crop were extremely well received at the yearling sales this year making up to €310,000. With an average of over 65,000gns, he offers breeders outstanding value at just £15,000. “Lightning Spear's first runners have done very well. With his improved fertility, a fee of £5,000 offers exceptional value for an extremely talented, tough and durable son of Pivotal.” Kameko will be at Longholes Stud in Newmarket during the Tattersalls December Sales and will be on show for breeders between Sunday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 6. Tweenhills will continue the 'Your Success = Our Success' scheme in 2024. Any breeder who produces a stakes winner by a Qatar Racing-owned stallion at Tweenhills will be offered a credit for use with any of the team's stallions in the following year to the value of the nomination paid. The post Zoustar Takes a Season Out as Tweenhills Fees Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising four-year-old Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor) returned to the winner’s circle when landing the A$150,000 Cirka Trophy (1800m) at Flemington on Thursday. The son of Almanzor sports the colours of Cambridge Stud’s Brendan and Jo Lindsay and was back at Flemington for the first-time since falling in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) won by Legarto in the autumn. The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained gelding finished second in his most recent outing in Sydney behind in-form galloper Iknowastar and relished the drop in weight to 54kgs on Thursday as he notched the third win of his career from 10 starts. Holymanz was given a perfect ride by Tim Clark, who found the one-out, one-back position and despite hitting the front a shade soon when the leaders folded, he fought gamely to the line to hold the favourite Gregolimo (Galiway) by three-quarters of a length. “We thought he would run well. He got into a nice spot and Tim rode him beautifully,” David Eustace said “He had a nasty fall here at Flemington in the Guineas and it has taken a little while to get him back to the winner’s enclosure but the team up in Sydney have done a great job with him. “I thought he looked fantastic today and he was pretty good through the line. “First time at 1800m and he might get a little bit further. He’s by Almanzor, who stands at Cambridge Stud, so I am delighted for Brendan and Jo Lindsay who will be watching at home and Henry Plumptre who manages him. “They put some faith into the yard and we have had plenty of faith in this horse, so it is great to win a nice race for them.” Options for the smart galloper will include the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on December 2 and the A$500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) a week later. “We’ll see what rating he goes to,” Eustace said. “The Ballarat Cup is worth plenty of money and would be one to consider.” Cambridge Stud purchased the chestnut son of their shuttle stallion Almanzor for A$400,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in conjunction with Nicolas de Chambure of Haras d’Etreham, home to the high-class stallion in the Northern Hemisphere. Holymanz was offered by Lime Country Thoroughbreds on behalf of breeder Jamieson Park. He is out of the winning Dubawi mare Perfect Offering, who is a half-sister to the stakes winner and Group performer My Country. View the full article

On the verge of another milestone, Australian trainer takes aim with four last-start winners at Sha Tin on SaturdayView the full article

A new series tailor made for mid-grade trotters has been confirmed for the top half of the South Island this summer. From December through to March, the Seddon Summer Trotting Series will be held at Westport, Reefton, Nelson and Marlborough. There will be nine meetings in all, with each leg of the series worth between $15,000 and $20,000. The stakes have been boosted in part through the new Regional Stakes Fund introduced by HRNZ this year. Points for each race will be allocated as follows: 1st – 7 points 2nd – 5 points 3rd – 4 points 4th – 3 points 5th – 2 points One point for every other starter. At the end of the series the connections of the horse with the most points will get a bonus of $10,000, with $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. The Seddon Harness Racing Group is delighted the series has got off the ground. “It’s got to be a good thing all round,” says Seddon Chair Ben Smith. “It will promote the Seddon area and generate interest in the sport here, encourage trainers to send their trotters on our circuit and drive turnover.” The series was agreed to after discussions between the Seddon Harness Racing Group, the Central Programming Committee and HRNZ. “With the good stakes and bonuses on offer we are hopeful it will be well supported,” says Smith. “It is geared towards Rating 51 and faster trotters, the multiple race winners that are just below the top trotters,” says HRNZ’s General Manager – Racing Catherine McDonald. “We are very keen to promote trotting and give all our trotters better opportunities and this certainly achieves that.” The Series will start at Westport on Boxing Day and on December 28 before heading to Reefton and then to Nelson and Marlborough for their two-day meetings in January, before the final two meetings at Westport and Reefton in March. View the full article

Zardozi ridden by James McDonald wins the VRC Oaks at Flemington. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Zardozi ($2.80) made a mess of her rivals in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) on Thursday afternoon at Flemington, giving the James Cummings stable two wins in the last three editions of the fillies’ staying feature. It comes after being narrowly defeated as an odds-on favourite in Saturday’s Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) by Amazonian Lass (+900), who was able to pinch a break on the home turn to secure victory. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained trained filly attempted similar tactics on Thursday under Tim Clark, as Amazonian Lass pinged the lids from barrier 13. The stablemate Tropical Squall (+450) got a lovely position in transit in behind the speed, as did Basilinna (+650) under Damian Oliver as he searched for an astonishing eighth VRC Oaks success. Meanwhile, James McDonald and Zardozi were happy to smoke the pipe with a mid-field sit, leaving the heavily supported Aethelflaed (+500) to stalk the favourite every step of the way. When the race went on and the whips were cracking, the best stayers were left to attack the line with 400m to travel, and realistically, there was only one horse you wanted to be on. Zardozi stormed clear with 200m to travel, leaving her rivals fighting out the minor money, as Aethelflaed continued gamely into a second-place finish, while it just wasn’t to be for Oliver in his final VRC Oaks, settling for a third-place finish aboard Basilinna. It was all honours to the winner in the end, as the daughter of Kingman justified the short quote, winning by a margin of 2.3 lengths. 2023 Group 1 VRC Oaks Replay – Zardozi | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald James Cummings referred to the pedigree of his filly to stay out the trip on Thursday, before quickly praising James McDonald for taking out the Derby/Oaks double. “It’s just a real privilege to be on the big stage with beautifully bred horses like this,” said Cummings. “She’s a real reflection of his honour Sheikh Mohamed’s vision to have an international pedigree here in a VRC Oaks and for only a slender filly she packed a punch at the end of a mile and a half, as we had full confidence in her to do. “He’s absolutely nailed it (McDonald). To win the Derby and the Oaks in the same Cup carnival is a great credit to James. “He showed great nous early, got himself in a perfect position, settled down eighth in his own space, I love that and she let go like a weapon, that’s absolutely gold for her pedigree.” James McDonald initially wasn’t sure if Zardozi possessed Group 1 potential until getting off her back in the Wakeful, and while disappointed to not win on Saturday, knew he was getting on a genuine winning hope on Thursday. “A Group 1 filly? I don’t know but suppose we had it in the back of our mind with her pedigree that she would come into her own from 2000-metres onwards,” said McDonald. “Whether she had the strength or not, James has taken the time with her and she started to blossom. “Her run here on Saturday was phenomenal and even though we were disappointed not to win it had Oaks written all over her. “There wasn’t a horse in this race that has a turn-of-foot like her and it was evident today when she ambled up and put them to the sword very quickly. “Derbies and Oaks, there’s something special about them. “I’ve never won a VRC Oaks and it’s a test of training ability, horse power and obviously you’ve got to execute pretty well because they’re immature still, my trainer’s a freak, he just set this horse for this race and it’s paid off and she had to do it, she’s a star filly, executed beautifully, bang, crash, whatever you want. More racing news View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Saturday, November 11, 2023 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing heads back to Sha Tin Racecourse for a rare Saturday afternoon meeting. The rail is in the A+3 position throughout the entire circuit, and although there is some chance of rainfall hitting the track, we’re hopeful the surface remains a Good 4 for race-day. The opening race is set to get underway at 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT). Best Bet at Sha Tin: Invincible Sage Invincible Sage couldn’t have been more impressive when saluting on resumption at this course and distance on October 22, and we can’t see why he shouldn’t go on with the job. The son of Thronum launched down the Sha Tin straight course to salute by 1.3 lengths, and although he’s 2kgs worse off in the weights on Saturday, we expect Invincible Sage to do it again. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Invincible Sage (4) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Sha Tin: Joyful Hunter Joyful Hunter continues to run well without luck, but hopefully that can change on Saturday. The four-year-old gelding has raced wide and ran into trouble in his two starts to kick-off the campaign, with his latest concluding in a third-place finish after sitting three-wide the trip. Barrier three should give Joyful Hunter a much more economical run in transit this time, and if he can produce his explosive best, Joyful Hunter should send punters home happy. Next Best Race 10 – #3 Joyful Hunter (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Lyle Hewitson (56kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Sha Tin: Silver King Silver King is set to make his Hong Kong racing debut for the Frankie Lor barn, and we’ve been impressed with how he’s been stepping out since arriving from Australia. He had two wins across three starts in Australia before his arrival, and he’s seeming held his ability since getting off the float. He won a 1600m jump-out stylishly on October 17 and with a similar setup likely for race-day conditions, Silver King should be building nicely before heading towards the four-year-old series. Best Value Race 5 – #2 Silver King (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Bet with Betfair Saturday quaddie tips for Sha Tin races Sha Tin quadrella selections Saturday, November 11, 2023 1-2-3-6-8 4-6-8-10 4-7-9-10-12 3-6-14 More horse racing tips View the full article

Mumbai Muse ridden by Tommy Berry returns to the mounting yard after winning the Red Roses Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Mumbai Muse (+650) has powered over the top to secure victory in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. The Michael Freedman-trained filly has now produced back-to-back wins after scoring in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 28 and seems to be a promising three-year-old on the rise. Tommy Berry utilized barrier 16 to perfection, dragging Mumbai Muse to the rear of the field to switch off mid-race, allowing a genuine tempo to take him into the concluding stages. Excess (+1100) bound across the face of the field to lead alongside the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Aditi (+2200) throughout the early portion of the race, maneuvering towards the grandstand side of the course. Both faded quickly once asked the question, while Saltaire (+500) and Appin Girl (+1800) both attacked the wire, leaving Mumbai Muse to get the last crack to score an impressive victory. 2023 Group 3 Red Roses Stakes Replay – Mumbai Muse | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry Michael Freedman was on course to witness the success of his Zoustar filly and was worried in the middle stages as a calm Tommy Berry restrained her to the back of the field. “It was terrific,” said Freedman. “I was little concerned mid-race how far back Tommy was. Normally at home she’s been up on the speed even with cover but really trucking and she just seemed to, I think, relax beautifully up there today. “When she got to the outside I could see that she was going to feature in it somehow. I wasn’t quite sure whether she was going to get up. “She’s had a terrific preparation. She’s mixed it with the best fillies in Sydney at her two starts this preparation. She beat the colts in the Brian Crowley and she won a really nice race today. “She’ll go to the paddock for a bit of a break now. We’ll have a think about what we target with her.” Tommy Berry showed confidence in his ride but was quick to joke about Freedman, maybe echoing a much different sentiment. “Today she got into a beautiful rhythm and Michael, I reckon he would have had his hands around my neck halfway down the straight with what was I doing that far back but I just got her into a lovely rhythm,” said Berry. “I knew she was the best horse in the race and I had to ride her like that. “She showed that explosive turn-of-foot and I think the win the other day gave her a bit of confidence and she was too good on the day.” More racing news View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Highway, Connellan NT 0870 When Saturday, November 11, 2023 First Race 3:34pm ACST Visit Dabble Only five races on the Alice Springs Turf Club’s meeting at Pioneer Park on Saturday, but it should be a competitive day’s racing as there are plenty of chances. A total of 41 horses have accepted with the feature race a $24,500 open handicap over 1200m. Light rain fell in the Red Centre on Thursday and although dry conditions are forecast for Friday there’s a slight chance of showers or a thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon. Runners will contend with 15-25km/h north to north-easterly winds when they turn into the back straight with a top temperature of 36C predicted. The rail will be in the true position and once again Pioneer Park will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: Red Wraith Red Wraith didn’t make a flattering debut at Pioneer Park on September 10 when finishing seventh over 1200m (0-58). The former SA galloper returned on October 14 against the three and four-year-olds at Class 2 level over 1100m and could not have been more impressive when he dominated out in front to win by 3.5 lengths. Eight days later, the four-year-old gelding blitzed BM54 opposition by four lengths before getting home by half a length over 1200m against the three and four-year-olds at 0-66 level last Saturday. Aiming for a fourth straight win, Red Wraith will take some stopping. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Red Wraith (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Gardner | J: Sonja Logan (57.5kg) Bet with Betfair NEXT BEST BET: Black Shiraz Wide barrier could be a hindrance in an 11-horse field for Black Shiraz, but with a 3kg claim the four-year-old gelding will carry the lightest weight in the race. In his Red Centre debut as a $3.70 favourite on October 22, Black Shiraz jumped from a wide gate in an 1100m maiden and settled in seventh place before winding up at the 600m once exiting the back straight. The son of Dissident certainly gave the leaders a big start, but continued to make ground as he circled the field and finished full of running once entering the home straight. Stablemate Quanapirri Bay had skipped away and held a winning lead, but with 59kg on his back Black Shiraz stormed home to go down by 0.8 lengths. Next Best Race 1 – #1 Black Shiraz (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Greg Connor | J: Lek Maloney (a3) (59kg) Bet with Bet365 BEST VALUE: Nicotera Nicotera has struck form with two last start wins over 1400m achieved in similar fashion. The seven-year-old gelding shared the early lead at 0-64 level on October 22 before getting to the front at the 1000m. The son of Nicconi was cruising out in front and once turning for home kicked clear before posting an easy win by two lengths. Last Saturday, Nicotera once again jumped well against 0-58 opposition and after contesting for the lead hit the front at the 900m. Hunter again controlled the tempo before the $2.20 favourite sprinted clear in the home straight to win by 3.5 lengths. Nicotera, eighth, seventh and third in three starts following his Alice Springs return in September, was quoted as an $8 chance during the week in a very open race and although he may not get his own way out in front he must be respected. Best Value Race 5 – #5 Nicotera (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Lisa Whittle | J: Casey Hunter (59kg) Bet with Neds Alice Springs Saturday quaddie tips – 11/11/2023 Alice Springs quadrella selections Saturday, November 11, 2023 1-2-3 1-2-4-5 1-2 1-2-3-4-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Here’s Greg O’Connor with the latest Addington News, featuring all you need to know for IRT New Zealand Cup Day. View the full article

In a new initiative to highlight those that help keep our sport going Harness Racing New Zealand has decided on a new monthly award for its breeders and owners. And the first recipients have been decided. Every month all owners and breeders who win a race will be eligible, with a random number generator selecting the two winners. October’s winners are (owner) Benjamin Young, a co-owner of Sailor Boy, and (breeder) Gavin Turner, who bred, trains and races Sir Monty. Sailor Boy, trained by Mark Jones, has won one from seven, with that sole success coming at Methven on October 8 – not that Young was there to see it. “I was playing golf at Kaiapoi and was screaming at my phone down the 17th fairway!” Just 25, Young is a polystrene fabricator and rugby strapper/physio (for the Kaiapoi seniors) who got into harness racing through his family’s involvement. Sailor Boy wasn’t Young’s first winner, with Christie Marie also winning at Forbury Park in 2018. Both Sailor Boy (Downbytheseaside) and Christie Marie (Bettor’s Delight) are out of four win mare Hayley Bailey. Turner is a hobby trainer in North Canterbury who works just the one horse. Sir Monty is now a two race winner, with his latest success being at Timaru on October 1. “It was seven years between wins for me and seven starts between wins for the horse,” says Turner. Sir Monty’s first win (seven starts earlier) was at Addington on July 9 this year. Previously his only other training success was with Rolling Thunder at Motukarara in November, 2016. “Monty’s first win was his 50th start too,” says Turner. “He has a great nature and is a very kind horse – sometimes I think he could jog himself around the track.” Turner, a quality assurance technician at Hellers meats in Kaiapoi, started training in 2015. And he has the next generation already lined up. “I have a Royal Aspirations colt I’m about to break in.” HRNZ congratulates its first winners – and plaques to mark the occasion are on their way. View the full article

Roger James believes he has ticked all the boxes with his multiple Group One winner Prowess ahead of the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. “It is her biggest test to date without a doubt, but we have ticked the boxes,” James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood, told TAB NZ. “She has got fresh legs, it is only third up for her – tick; it is 2000m – another tick; she is in grand order – another tick; and she is well trained – that must be four ticks.” The four-year-old mare had an interrupted start to her spring preparation which forced her to miss the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley last month, but she earned a consolation prize with victory in the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) on the undercard, giving James his third win in the race. “She left home and I was pretty confident she would be hard to beat. I always thought she would be better with the run under her belt and I still stick with that,” James said. James arrived back in Melbourne last week and was rapt with Prowess’ condition ahead of the Champions Stakes, with the daughter of Proisir continuing to please him with her work this week. “I was really happy when I got here on Friday night, only having raced a week earlier she looked tremendous,” he said. “She did a nice piece of work on Saturday and an even bigger piece of work on Tuesday, and I think she is pretty much where we want her now.” Prowess will be ridden by Melbourne Cup-winning hoop Mark Zahra out of gate four on Saturday. “His ride in the Cup was gold and his ride on her was gold as well (in the Crystal Mile). I am hoping I am still saying that on Saturday night, but he just makes good decisions,” James said. “The field is made up to be a very good field, but we are up to the challenge I think.” Prowess will return to New Zealand next week in preparation for an autumn campaign, with Saturday’s run dictating what path she takes. “She will be home in the paddock come Wednesday and she will probably have two weeks off and in that time we would have planned what we are going to do in the autumn,” James said. View the full article

Four-year-old mare Precious Charm led throughout to score a game victory in the A$150,000 TCL Trophy (1700m) at Flemington on Oaks Day to vindicate what looked an unorthodox preparation by trainer Symon Wilde. The daughter of Per Incanto jumped from an inside draw and was well-rated by jockey Jordan Childs. Headed mid-stretch by runner-up Fancify, Precious Charm was able to fight back over the concluding stages to gain a nose margin on the line. The Warrnambool-prepared mare has now won three of her four career starts having won on debut in March before disappointing at Ballarat when resuming over 1200m two-starts back. She then bounced back to form when successful over 1200m on her home track last start and had no issues with the sharp rise to 1700m on Thursday. “She’s always been a filly that has had an enormous amount of scope,” stable representative Liam Hoy said. “When she won at Warrnambool, Symon looked at this race straight away. “He knows the horse back-to-front and it’s no secret he’s a good horseman. Aggressive placement and a super ride by Jordy and it is a huge thrill for everyone involved.” The stable won the race three years ago with top staying mare Tralee Rose, but Hoy was quick to dismiss any comparisons. “They’re completely different types of horses but certainly this is a good race for a country stable to aim at during the carnival. “She had a bit of a ‘mulligan’ first-up and we gave her time between runs. Symon has always had an enormous opinion of the horse. “I think she is still putting it all together. She fought back (after being headed) and it was a very brave and tough effort up to the 1700m. “She has come on leaps and bounds maturity-wise and physically she still looks a prep away. It is very exciting, and it will be interesting to see her ceiling and she is one to look forward to.” Bred by Olly and Annabel Tuthill’s Beaufort Downs, Precious Charm is by Little Avondale Stud’s high-class stallion Per Incanto out of the High Chaparral mare Highly Valued, herself a daughter of a stakes-placed sister to Showcasing. The well-related filly was purchased from the Rangiora nursery for $80,000 at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale by Wilde Racing in conjunction with John White Bloodstock and Dave Mee’s Pinhook Bloodstock. View the full article

Fresh off his gallant fourth placing in Tuesday’s A$3 million The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick, Kiwi-bred gelding King Of The Castle (NZ) (Castledale) could be chasing another big Australian purse. Initially trained in New Zealand by Kelvin and Aimee Tyler, the now seven-year-old gelding was sold to clients of Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride last year after winning three races in his homeland, with Kelvin and his wife Vanessa remaining in the ownership. He has gone on to win a further three races across the Tasman, giving Pride the confidence to press on towards The Big Dance, with Tyler and his family flying over to take in the occasion. “There wasn’t any dancing, but I certainly had a good day,” Tyler quipped. “At the last minute I decided to go over and it was a great experience. There was a nice, big crowd and it was a really fun day. Everyone was in good spirits. “The draws seem to be so important over there because quite often those tracks have got inside bias. He did a bit of work and was parked out there, but it was a great run and we were thrilled.” Tyler may need to make another trip across the Tasman to see his gelding try and capture the lion’s share of another big purse later this month. “He might go to Gosford in a fortnight and the week after he (Pride) might put in a nomination for The Gong, which is worth A$1 million,” Tyler said. “Whether he chooses to go back to his own grade or chases the big one I will just leave up to Joe, he has done a great job.” Tyler will be keeping a close eye across the Tasman this weekend as well, with stable graduate She’s A Con (NZ) (Contributer) set to contest the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. She’s A Con was initially raced in New Zealand by Tyler’s brother Allan and sister-in-law Marie, with the daughter of Contributer going on to win two and place in three of her seven starts for Tyler, culminating with victory in the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton in April. She’s A Con was subsequently sold to Ace Bloodstock, with Allan and Marie retaining a share, and she was entrusted to the care of Cranbourne trainer Grahame Begg, for whom she has had two starts, including a seventh placed finish in the Gr.3 Catanach’s Jewellers Vase (1600m) last month. “Her first run was really good and she was probably just a bit flat in the second run,” Tyler said. “Stepping up to 2000m with the blinkers on should suit and by the sounds of it she is really well, so hopefully she will be competitive on Saturday. It is pretty exciting to see her develop over there. “I think it is a hard year for the three-year-olds stepping up against the older horses at four. From what I understand, it is going to be a quiet year for her. She might not have many runs this side of Christmas and we might wait until the autumn and let her grow and develop a bit more.” Meanwhile, Tyler has made the long trek north to Riccarton from his Riverton base for New Zealand Cup Week, with Prince Alby (NZ) (Sacred Falls) kicking off the southern stable’s assault in Saturday’s Listed Nautical Boat Insurance Metropolitan Trophy (2600m). “We targeted this race a few months ago after Grand National Week,” Tyler said. “I can’t fault him, he’s coming up as good as I could have him. He is nice and fresh, which he likes to be. I am hoping the track has a bit of give in it and that is a genuine (Good)4.” While Tyler believes Prince Alby is a natural two-miler, he is playing a patient game with his gelding and has elected to bypass next week’s Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m). “I haven’t nominated him for the New Zealand Cup because I don’t think he is quite ready for that yet,” he said. “The Wellington Cup is going to be his next target after this if he comes through it alright. He will go two miles on his ear. “I just want to space his races. There is not too much to him, it is hard to get weight on him. He is the biggest eater in our stable, but he just doesn’t want to put weight on. I don’t want to tax him too much, he is worth looking after.” Tyler is taking five other runners north, headed by Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) contender Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto). “We have got six horses coming up with some good chances – Lightning Jack, Go Lotte, a nice maiden called Za Beauteous, Lady Sass, and a maidener in the three-year-old race on the Wednesday called Aberlour, who is going really nice. I think we have got some good chances,” he said. “Lightning Jack is in the Coupland’s Mile and then we will head up to Wellington again and take on some of those better races like the Captain Cook (Gr.1, 1600m). He looks really good and has come right at the right time. He will carry a bit of weight around, so it is going to be tough for him.” View the full article

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