Wandering Eyes

Less than a week after Mr Brightside’s gallant effort when beaten a nose into second in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley, connections were back at the inner-city venue to watch another New Zealand bred son of Bullbars. On debut, Mr Charismatic sat just off the speed under jockey Damien Oliver and made his challenge when rounding the home bend to go on to score narrowly from the fast-finishing Elba in the BoozeBud Plate (1200m). Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Mr Charismatic was purchased by Lindsay Park Racing at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale from the draft of Highview Stud. The now three-year-old gelding caught the eye of Lindsay Park Bloodstock Manager Josh Rix, who went to $150,000 to secure the youngster, with the good-moving son of Bullbars making him a paternal half-brother to stable star Mr Brightside. “Most of the Brightside owners are in this horse and they are very happy with the result and so is the team,” a stable representative said. Connections of Mr Charismatic celebrate at The Valley Photo: (George Sal/Racing Photos) “Ollie gave him a perfect ride, kept him in a rhythm and he finished off.” Damian Oliver was pleased with the progress of the youngster who he has trialed and helped develop. “I trialed him last time in. He showed a bit early but they elected to put him away and give him a bit of time. I rode his last trial too and he shows nice potential,” the veteran rider said. “I was in a beautiful position early and then they steadied up and I was just going to have to be restraining him which I didn’t want to do at his first start in a race so I let him flow. “I got there a bit sooner than I wanted to but I didn’t want to be dragging him back and he did a great job taking it up so far from home. “He is still a bit immature, but he has great potential there and I think he is in for a nice future.” Out of the Guillotine mare Louisette, a half-sister to Group Two winner Sacred Master, Mr Charismatic was prepared by Highview Stud, who will offer three colts at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale which commences on November 22 at Karaka. View the full article

Craig Newitt has picked up one of the few remaining rides in the $8.4 million Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) aboard Virtuous Circle. Newitt, 38, will have his first raceday sit aboard the New Zealand-bred son of Almanzor on Tuesday after the stable took the Gr.1 ATC Derby (2400m) placegetter to Bendigo for a track gallop on Thursday morning. It will be Newitt’s eleventh Melbourne Cup ride with 100/1 chance Harris Tweed’s fifth placing in 2009 the closest he has come to victory. Virtuous Circle will carry 51 kilograms and is also rated a $101 chance. It will be Liam Howley’s first runner in the Melbourne Cup and has prepared the entire from Macedon Lodge which has been synonymous with the first Tuesday in November. Virtuous Circle enjoyed little luck in the Bart Cummings before finishing eighth in the Geelong Cup last start. The Chris Waller-trained Sheraz is the only horse in the top 24 horses in order of entry who have not declared a rider. View the full article

Hall of Fame handler will be on course at Flemington on Saturday to see if family owned Apulia can land the time-honoured three-year-old feature.View the full article

Sydney’s Melbourne Cup Day program at Royal Randwick is headlined by the second edition of the $3 million The Big Dance (1600m) where the Matthew Dunn-trained top-weight Cepheus is set to start favourite. Cepheus is favourite to carry the top-weight to victory in the 2023 The Big Dance at Randwick on Sydney’s Melbourne Cup Day program. Photo: Steve Hart. Looking to take some of the attention away from Victoria’s time-honoured Group 1 $8.41 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), which runs for the 163rd time on Tuesday at 3:00pm (AEDT) as Flemington Race 7, is The Big Dance 2023 race for Country Cup winners in New South Wales. Heading the capacity 20-horse The Big Dance field for this year’s race is Sea The Stars seven-year-old Cepheus who is the $4.60 favourite through Ladbrokes to cart the 62kg to victory. Nash Rawiller has the ride on the in-form chestnut who jumps from barrier one chasing his third win on the trot. He comes off back-to-back Rosehill victories in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) and the $1.5 million The Alan Brown (1400m) with Rawiller aboard for both wins. Saturday he is up to a mile and up in weight but remains the horse to beat according to the bookies. “Cepheus went to Rosehill last Friday, and he looked really good when finishing second in a barrier trial,” Murwillumbah trainer Dunn told The Sydney Morning Herald. “With his high rating, he’s going to have a big weight to contend with in the Big Dance, but Nash knows him well and we can hopefully draw a good gate to give him his chance.” There are three other last start winners in this year’s The Big Dance field including the airborne $6.50 second elect Iknowastar for Bjorn Baker. The four-year-old Star Witness gelding is out to extend his winning streak to five straight and is drawn to get a charmed run from barrier three with Tyler Schiller coming aboard. Iknowastar looks well weighted with 53kg and is undefeated with a five-from-five mile record coming into Tuesday’s multi-million dollar showdown. That weight will have him flying late after he carted 61kg to a 1.56 length win in race record time over 1550m at the Kensington track last time out on October 18. Baker has a strangle-hold on The Big Dance field numbers-wise in 2023 saddling-up a total of four runners. His other contenders are Hollywood Hero out in gate 19 with Jason Collett to ride, Highlights in gate five, and fellow 52kg lightweight Wategos who is a single-figure fancy at $9.50 tipped to improve on his eighth in the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude at the track from a wide gate with more weight a fortnight ago. The other runners coming off a confidence-boosting lead-up win meanwhile are the Team Hawkes-trained Superium ($14) and King Of The Castle ($12) for The Everest winning trainer Joseph Pride. Chris Waller then saddles-up the last of the runners at single-figure The Big Dance odds with Wicklow ($9) in gate two with Tommy Berry on the winter’s Wagga Wagga Gold Cup winner. The Big Dance 2023 is set to jump at 2:20pm (AEDT) as Randwick Race 5 on the 10-race Melbourne Cup Day card in Sydney on November 7. 2023 The Big Dance Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 1023421511 CEPHEUS (GB) Matthew Dunn Nash Rawiller 1 62kg 111 2 1112x19x00 BANJU Lyle Chandler Jean Van Overmeire 15 58kg 100 3 72761141×4 ATTRACTABLE Sara Ryan Regan Bayliss 7 56.5kg 97 4 25x45137x3 WICKLOW (IRE) Chris Waller Tommy Berry 2 55.5kg 95 5 08795×9631 SUPERIUM Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Adam Hyeronimus 10 55kg 94 6 0x54131x00 COMMANDO HUNT Cameron Crockett Reece Jones 21 54.5kg 93 7 52x18711x7 AKASAWA Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich Chad Schofield 20 54kg 87 8 1119×41111 IKNOWASTAR Bjorn Baker Tyler Schiller 3 53kg 90 9 8x56251x06 CAMAGUEY Kim Waugh Tom Sherry 22 53kg 78 10 x912624312 HOLLYWOOD HERO (NZ) Bjorn Baker Jason Collett 19 53kg 76 11 4544534717 FULL PRESS Brett Dodson Adin Thompson 17 53kg 70 12 1917322×81 KING OF THE CASTLE (NZ) Joseph Pride Ms Kathy O’Hara 16 52kg 88 13 416×411128 WATEGOS Bjorn Baker Jay Ford 8 52kg 87 14 438910×517 SUPER HELPFUL Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones Andrew Adkins 11 52kg 85 15 3380351×57 PRINCE OF HELENA Craig Weeding Jake Duffy 6 52kg 82 16 78304×5272 HIGHLIGHTS Bjorn Baker Brock Ryan 5 52kg 79 17 32120×0050 HIGH COURT Rodney Northam Grant Buckley 12 52kg 78 18 57001740×0 UNAMERICAN Richard & Will Freedman Ms Anna Roper (a), (late alt) 18 52kg 68 19 195234×003 CRACKALACKA Theresa Bateup Ms Molly Bourke (a) 4 52kg 66 20 140×663567 MANDERBOSS (NZ) Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones Quayde Krogh 9 52kg 66 21e 5501844×04 PEPPER’S GHOST Brett Cavanough 24 52kg 66 22e 139×225325 KNIFE’S EDGE Garry Lunn 14 54kg 65 23e 743×707130 JUST A BROTHER Terry Croft 13 54kg 64 24e x80020x506 LION’S ROAR (NZ) John O’Shea 23 56.5kg 97 Table Credit: Racing Australia. The post 2023 The Big Dance Field & Betting Update: Top-Weight Cepheus Favourite appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

The familiar colours of Lib Petagna will be carried by Kalapour at Flemington on Saturday in a last-gasp bid for a spot in Tuesday’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Kalapour will line up against just six rivals in Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m), which carries a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption for the winner. Kalapour currently sits in 28th place on the Melbourne Cup order of entry. Imported to Australia after recording a win, a second and two fourths from four races in Ireland, Kalapour spent the early stages of his southern hemisphere career racing in Benchmark 78 and Benchmark 85 company. The War Command gelding came of age in Brisbane during the winter, recording two wins and three placings from five starts including a win in the Gr.3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) and a third in the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (2400m). Kalapour has found some of that same form again in the spring of his seven-year-old season, finishing third in the Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) and the A$500,000 St Leger (2600m) in his two most recent appearances. “He’s been going well,” Petagna’s bloodstock agent Bruce Perry said. “He was very good through that winter carnival in Queensland, and he’s been in some nice form again in Sydney in the spring. “Kris Lees and his team have done a very good job with the horse, and they’re happy with him leading into this race on Saturday. “It’s not a big field, but it’s going to be an interesting race. There’s an Almanzor horse from John O’Shea’s stable (Athabascan) that’s going to be hard to beat, and obviously Ladies Man for Allan Sharrock as well. He’s unknown in Australia at this stage, but has shown a lot of ability in New Zealand. “A few horses are trying to get that Melbourne Cup spot, and we’re one of them. That’s going to be the plan for us if we end up making the field. Lib is more than happy to throw the dice with the entry fee. It’s not a cheap exercise, but that’s the whole reason why you get involved with these sorts of staying horses. You want opportunities like this. “This horse has paid his way so far anyway, and we’ll be hoping for the best over the next few days.” Back home, Petagna’s colours will also feature at Tauranga on Saturday with first-starters La Mezquita and Nikaia lining up in the Bayleys Mount Maunganui Maiden (1200m). La Mezquita is a four-year-old daughter of Almanzor and the stakes-winning Redoute’s Choice mare Papilio, and she was bought by Perry for $320,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2021. La Mezquita is trained by Stephen Marsh and heads into Saturday’s debut with a number of trials under her belt. Nikaia, meanwhile, is a homebred filly by Ardrossan. The exciting young Waikato Stud stallion was himself raced by Petagna, and the Elsdon Park principal has retained an interest in him at stud. Also trained by Marsh, Nikaia was a trial winner at Te Aroha on October 12. “La Mezquita is a nice horse but has just taken quite a while to mature,” Perry said. “Saturday’s 1200m is probably going to be too short for her, but we’ve got to get her going somewhere. She also probably doesn’t want the track to be too wet. “The same could be said about Nikaia, maybe even more so. She definitely wouldn’t want the track to deteriorate much. “She’s a filly who’s shown plenty. It looks like quite a strong field on Saturday, but we’re keen to try to target some of those good three-year-old fillies’ races that are coming up, so we need to get her going somewhere as well.” View the full article

Roger James and Robert Wellwood have some promising three-year-olds entered for Tauranga on Saturday, but the Cambridge trainers are keeping a close eye on the weather in the lead-up to the meeting. The Tauranga track was rated a Soft6 on Friday morning, but a further 20mm of rain was forecast to fall in the region through the remainder of the day. “A few of our Tauranga runners are probably a little bit up in the air with the weather, so we’ll just have to wait and see,” Wellwood said. Weather-permitting, James and Wellwood’s day will kick off with first-starter December in the Bayleys Mount Maunganui Maiden (1200m). The three-year-old Shamexpress gelding is a half-brother to the Group One performer Chambord, and he was bought for $280,000 from the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale last November. December has had two trials, winning them both by a combined margin of six lengths. “Provided the track isn’t too bad, we’re very excited to see December run at Tauranga,” Wellwood said. “We think he’s a really smart horse. His trials have been excellent, and he’s drawn well for this race, but we’re just going to have to wait and see what the weather does between now and then.” Sonnet and Zabmanzor are entered for Saturday’s two 1400m maiden events. “Both of them have shown quite a lot of promise in their first couple of starts,” Wellwood said. “Zabmanzor found the line very well last time out, while Sonnet’s really been knocking on the door of a win. But they’ve both drawn wide on Saturday, and again, we’re very much on a weather watch for both horses.” Last season’s Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) winner Dionysus was entered for Saturday’s Mode Technology Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham, but James and Wellwood have scratched him in favour of a run against a small field in Tuesday’s Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) at Pukekohe. “We’ve decided to take him to Pukekohe instead, just saving him that big trip down to Wellington and back,” Wellwood said. “He was meant to run in the Livamol Classic (Gr.1, 2040m) and just had a little niggle that set him back a bit, but he seems to be back on track now and going nicely. “We’re pointing him towards some of those nice Cup races that are coming up through the next few weeks, so this is mainly just going to be a run to get him ready for those.” Tuesday’s Pukekohe card also features the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m), where James and Wellwood are set to be represented by Apostrophe and Samoot. Apostrophe was a brilliant winner on the first day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival before being unplaced in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) on October 14. Samoot has had two starts since being sent across the Tasman by owners Australian Bloodstock, finishing third behind subsequent Group One winners Mustang Valley and Ladies Man on September 16, then running fifth in the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) on October 7. “That last race at Hastings didn’t really go Apostrophe’s way,” Wellwood said. “They went super fast, the ground was quite firm and she never really got into the race. Getting up over a touch further will suit, and she’s a class mare on her day. “Samoot has being going really well. We’re putting blinkers on this week and getting her back right-handed. The rise in distance won’t hurt her either. “She’d only ever raced right-handed in her whole life until those first couple of runs for us, so she’s done a couple of things not quite right. Being back right-handed and on a nice, open track should be ideal for her.” Meanwhile, James and Wellwood had another bright young prospect step out on Friday, with three-year-old Aladdin Sane finishing second at Te Aroha. Making only the second start of his career, the Satono Aladdin gelding was edged out by Promised Land in a photo finish. “That was a super run,” Wellwood said. “He’s still very green and still learning. He was narrowly beaten by a pretty handy horse that’s got a year on him age-wise. He’ll learn a lot from that run today. “We think he’s a nice staying type of three-year-old in the making. We’ll play it by ear in terms of how far we go with him in this preparation. Autumn is going to be his time, probably with blinkers on at some stage as well.” Wellwood also gave a glowing report on the progress of stable star Prowess since her victory in last Saturday’s Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley. “She’s come through that race extremely well,” he said. “She licked her bowl clean and licked her hay bag, as she’s been doing pretty much every night she’s been over there. “She did have a pretty decent blow after the race, which was only her second run back after six months off the scene, so there’s plenty of improvement in her. “We’ll be heading up against the big guns in the Champions Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) next Saturday, so she’s going to have to be on her A-game.” View the full article

Entain, the operator of New Zealand’s TAB, has joined forces with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) in an exciting partnership that is set to amplify the racing experience for fans at Ellerslie and Pukekohe Park. The long-term partnership, announced today, includes sponsorship of the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie, which will now be known as the Trackside New Zealand Derby, as well as the headline sponsorship of the Counties Cup at Pukekohe Park from 2024. ATR has led an extensive track and facilities renovation project at Ellerslie over the past 18 months, and as part of today’s announcement, racing fans will also benefit from a brand-new TAB Lounge on course at the premier venue. The Lounge is anticipated to be available for TAB customers to use from Trackside New Zealand Derby Day on Saturday, 2 March 2024. “We’re thrilled about this partnership, which runs in parallel with our sponsorship of TAB Karaka Millions night. It’s a privilege for us to join as named sponsors of a truly iconic New Zealand race like the New Zealand Derby, and to also be closely involved in Pukekohe Park’s feature meeting in Counties Cup Day,” says Entain Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger. “We’ve had great success with our Entain lounges in Australia, particularly at Moonee Valley, and we think our customers will love our new TAB Lounge at Ellerslie next year. It will be in a great location on-course that will allow them to enjoy some of New Zealand’s finest racing.” ATR Chief Executive Paul Wilcox is buoyed by the opportunities that the partnership will bring. “We’re anticipating that racing will return to Ellerslie Racecourse in January, all going well with the final stages of the StrathAyr track installation, and we’re thrilled that Entain will be joining us in partnership as we prepare to welcome racegoers back on course,” Wilcox says. “ATR is striving to provide a world-class racing experience and our new track, combined with the improved venue facilities at Ellerslie including the TAB Lounge, will offer attendees the chance to enjoy the best of what New Zealand racing has to offer. “Our partners in Entain share this outlook and I think the TAB Lounge will fast become the place to be on course. We’re excited about what the future holds with this partnership now in place.” Today’s announcement comes alongside news that the Westbury Classic will receive a significant stakes increase, rising from $300,000 to $500,000 in 2024. The 1400m Group 2 feature for fillies and mares is the latest initiative from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Entain to provide elite racing opportunities for New Zealand’s future broodmares. The TAB Karaka Millions night (which also features the Westbury Classic) is scheduled to take place at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday, 27 January 2024 with Trackside Derby Day on Saturday, 2 March 2024, the first day of Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Week. The announcement regarding Ellerslie’s return to racing is expected before the end of the year. View the full article

Trainer John Sargent is well-regarded as a master trainer of fillies, and the affable Kiwi expat has a strong contender in Saturday’s Gr.2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in Harlow Mist. The daughter of Mapperley Stud stallion Contributer was a strong winner of the Oaks Preview (1800m) at Flemington on September 24 and is a $6 third favourite for Saturday’s contest in a market headed by Zardozi ($2.70). Following her Flemington victory Harlow Mist returned to Sydney where Sargent gave the filly a hit-out over 1550m on the Kensington track when third to City Of Lights in what was an in-between run. “We just had to give a win away there to have another race,” Sargent said. “It was a walk over the road to Randwick, she came through it and was back in the box having her dinner half an hour later. She’s come through it great, and I’ve just been ticking her over. She had a final gallop on Wednesday morning and she should be in top order for Saturday.” Sargent knows what it takes to win a Wakeful, having saddled three winners of the race in Kirramosa, Thunder Lady and Luvaluva. “She’s probably more like Kirramosa. She’s quite a light filly and medium sized. The other two were quite big mares and real typical New Zealand staying types,” Sargent said. “This is a smaller type of horse, but she has got a big heart, is a very good eater and she has got a great constitution so that makes her nice and easy to train.” Sargent will decide after Saturday whether he pushes on with Harlow Mist to Thursday’s Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m). “If she does well enough, she will but if we’re not happy with her in the few days afterwards we won’t but it’s a good recipe going to both races,” Sargent said. Bred by the Hawkins family of Wentwood Grange, Harlow Mist was purchased as a yearling for $85,000 by Tricolours Racing & Syndications from the Cambridge nursery’s Karaka 2022 draft and has a proven staying pedigree. Out of the stakes-placed mare Sila Jasak, Harlow Mist’s granddam is the champion galloper Grand Archway, who won both the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) and the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) among her four elite-level victories. While Harlow Mist will be seen at Flemington on Saturday, stablemate So Dazzling, who finished an eye-catching fifth in the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), will wait another week for the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on Champions Day at Flemington. “We’ve always aimed her for the last day, she’ll go to the Queen Elizabeth with Dean Yendall on again,” Sargent said. “It was a very good run in the Moonee Valley Cup, that’ll top her off nicely for Saturday week. “She loves it that way round (Melbourne) and she loves 2600m or more. “I just want to give her a pretty easy spring. She’ll have that run and then go out and then we’ll aim her for the autumn here (in Sydney). “She’s coming back to what she used to be — she went off form for a little while — but she’s really hit her straps and has done well since that Moonee Valley Cup. Dean Yendall will gallop her again on Saturday and she should be right for the following week.” View the full article

There will be a strong Kiwi flavour in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Derby Day this Saturday. New Zealand-bred mare Atishu heads the market for the A$1 million feature at $5, while second favourite Alcohol Free will be ridden by leading New Zealand hoop Opie Bosson. Atishu will carry the colours of Go Racing, with syndicate manager Albert Bosma excited to have a runner competing on one of the biggest days in racing. “With the prestige of Derby Day and the quality of horses, I hold it as one of the best days, if not the best day, in racing in Australasia. It is a wonderful day to be a part of,” Bosma said. Atishu finished fifth in the race last year before winning the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) a week later, and Bosma is hopeful she can improve on that result for trainer Chris Waller. “She was unlucky in the race last year and arguably should have won,” Bosma said. “She has gone on and won a Group One mile (Queen Of The Turf Stakes) and she loves Flemington.” Bosma has been pleased with her form ahead of Saturday, with the daughter of Savabeel finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Golden Pendant (1400m) second-up and he said she can be forgiven for her 13th placed run in the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) last start. “Her second run was excellent and her King Charles run was actually okay, nothing could make ground on the day,” he said. “She has gone down to Melbourne and has worked very well this week.” The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Alcohol Free is the second fancied runner in the market at $6, and while the daughter of No Nay Never has yet to win in Australia, Bosma is wary of her class. “Alcohol Free is a very well credentialled horse,” he said. “She is the highest-rated horse in the field and has won multiple Group Ones. “She probably hasn’t quite lived up to the form yet in Australia that she has overseas, and she has got a couple of queries to answer, but she has got class, there is no doubt about that. “If she returns to the form she had when she was racing in the northern hemisphere, she is clearly the horse to beat.” While Bosma won’t be trackside himself, he said a number of the syndicate members are flying across the Tasman to cheer on their pride and joy. “We have got quite a few owners going over and they are pretty excited. It should be a really good day,” he said. Atishu will likely back-up at Flemington a week later, but Bosma said her target race will depend on Saturday’s outcome. “Last year we backed her up on the last day and that is very much in line again,” Bosma said. “You have got the Matriarch but there are another couple of good Group Ones that she could head to. She will almost certainly back-up, it just depends how she runs on Saturday to which race she heads to.” Bosma will also be keeping close tabs on racing across the other side of the world, with Go Racing set to be represented by Je Zous in the Listed Montrose Fillies’ Stakes (1600m) at Newmarket on Saturday. “This year we bought another two (in Europe) and the first of those is a filly called Je Zous,” Bosma said. “She has had two starts as a two-year-old and she won her last start very easily. She runs in the Montrose fillies Listed race at Newmarket over a mile. She has headed over to England from Ireland for that race.” View the full article

What Goulburn Cup Day Where Goulburn Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Sunday, November 5, 2023 First Race 1:25pm AEDT Visit Dabble NSW country racing heads to the Southern Tablelands on Sunday afternoon, with the $200,000 Goulburn Cup (1400m) headlining a massive eight-race program. The rail sits in the true position for the meeting, but we could be in for some testing conditions as the track is now a Soft 6 with more showers expected to hit the course. Goulburn Cup Day 2023 is scheduled to get underway at 1:25pm AEDT. Goulburn Cup tip: Another One Another One looks beautifully placed on resumption for the Gary Colvin barn in Sunday’s feature. It’s been 155 days off the scene for the son of Super One, but his barrier trials have been nothing short of sensational, going on to score in his latest by 7.2 lengths at Wagga on October 23. His first-up profile makes for good reading, as he won at Listed level to kick off his last campaign, and with conditions to suit, Another One can outrun his each-way price with online betting sites. Goulburn Cup Race 7 – #5 Another One (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Gary Colvin | J: Danny Beasley (57kg) +1100 with Bet365 Best bet at Goulburn: Reet Petite Reet Petite got the job done as an odd-on favourite last start at Canberra and was impressive in breaking her maiden. She stormed down the centre of the course to secure victory by 1.4 lengths and seemed to have plenty left in the tank. The mile third-up seems ideal for the daughter of Rubick, and with a confidence-building win under her belt, Reet Petite deserves favouritism here. Best Bet Race 3 – #8 Reet Petite (2) 4yo Mare | T: Keith Dryden | J: Jack Martin (55kg) +210 with Neds Next best at Goulburn: Flic En Flac Flic En Flac put together back-to-back wins last preparation before failing to make an impression in a tough BM72 at Rosehill on June 3, after which she was sent for a spell. The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained mare has been trialling the house down of late, with her latest jump-out at Warwick Farm catching the eye when chasing home the Group 1-placed Kimochi on October 23. She’s primed for this first-up assault, and with Zac Lloyd in the saddle, Flic En Flac should be right in this. Next Best Race 6 – #6 Flic En Flac (3) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Zac Lloyd (55.5kg) +300 with Bet365 Sunday quaddie tips – Goulburn Cup Day 2023 Goulburn quadrella selections Sunday, November 5, 2023 4-8 3-5-6 3-5-9-13 1-3-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Sunday, November 5, 2023 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble Mornington Racecourse is the destination for racing in Victoria on Sunday afternoon. The $100,000 Peninsula Cup (1600m) is the feature event in what looks to be a competitive nine-race meeting. Perfect racing conditions await, with the rail set true on a track that is expected to remain at a Good 4 rating. Sunday’s meeting is set to commence at 1pm AEDT. Peninsula Cup Tip: Electric Belle The Alex Rae-trained Electric Belle has been consistent of late, running competitive races behind some nice types. The six-year-old mare may not have won in some time, but this race sets up perfectly for the Power mare to blouse her rivals. With Rhinoceros and Rambler Rebel set to make this a genuinely run 1600m, Electric Belle should have no issue rounding the field up with a strong finishing burst. Peninsula Cup Race 8 – #5 Electric Belle (4) 6yo Mare | T: Alex Rae | J: Will Price (54kg) +360 with Bet365 Best Bet at Mornington: Gallant Prince Stepping back from stakes company, the Clayton Douglas-trained Gallant Prince looks set to break maiden ranks at start four. The three-year-old colt was narrowly defeated by Kosgei two runs back at Bendigo before being outclassed in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington. From barrier two, Beau Mertens can take luck out of the equation and have Gallant Prince leading from barrier to box. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Gallant Prince (2) 3yo Colt | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Beau Mertens (58kg) +210 with Betfair Next Best at Mornington: Lady Di Di Cliff Brown’s Lady Di Di is sure to appreciate a drop back in grade to a country-level BM64 following some nice runs in town. He ran into the in-form Lempicka at Sandown first-up before chasing home the classy Dancing Alone at Caulfield on October 18. This is considerably easier than those two races, hence the price we are getting. With plenty of pace in the race, Ben Allen can sit just off the speed, and with a swift turn of foot, Lady Di Di should prove too good for her rivals. Next Best Race 6 – #6 Lady Di Di (6) 4yo Mare | T: Cliff Brown | J: Ben Allen (58.5kg) +130 with Neds Best Value at Mornington: The Javelin Racing for the Dean Binaisse barn, The Javelin looks a nice each-way play in the final race of the day. The six-year-old gelding was seemingly in need of his first-up run at Echuca when well held, but we expect he will bounce back in fine fashion at Mornington. Remi Tremsal will have the son of Unencumbered doing as he pleases out in the lead. The Javelin will look to break his rivals’ hearts, and at a big price, it is worth finding out if he can. Best Value Race 9 – #6 The Javelin (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Dean Binaisse | J: Remi Tremsal (60.5kg) +2000 with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Mornington races Mornington quadrella selections Sunday, November 5, 2023 1-2-6 1-2-3-4 1-3-4-5 1-2-4-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Highway, Connellan NT 0870 When Saturday, November 4, 2023 First Race 2:52pm ACST Visit Dabble The Red Centre will be the focus in the NT this weekend as the Alice Springs Turf Club hosts a five-race card with 32 horses accepting. The battle between Flying Yishu and Red Wraith in the second race shapes up as the highlight of the day. On Thursday and Friday, the Alice experienced its first rainfall since the end of July. Looking ahead to Saturday, the forecast shows partly cloudy conditions with light easterly winds and a top temperature of 36C. The rail will be in the true position, and as usual, Pioneer Park will offer up a good dirt surface. BEST BET: ROCK OF KRYPTONITE Not only is this six-year-old gelding the highest-rated runner in a five-horse field, but he also boasts the most impressive record. The former Victorian galloper debuted in the Red Centre in April after arriving from the Cranbourne stable of Kane Harris and finished third on two occasions during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival at 0-62 level over 1000m and 1200m. A win over 1100m in 0-64 grade on May 23 was followed by a narrow second as a -166.67 favourite at the same trip and class on June 18. Returning from a spell on October 1, the son of Fastnet Rock was third in an 1100m BM76, and despite lumping an extra 5.5kg this weekend, the drop in grade back to 0-64 will certainly enhance his prospects. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Rock Of Kryptonite (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Ray Viney | J: Jessie Philpot (60.5kg) Bet with Betfair NEXT BEST BET: NICOTERA The son of Nicconi returned for his second Alice Springs campaign on September 24 and finished a long last in eighth place over 1200m. It was the seven-year-old gelding’s first start in nine months, and it didn’t get any better when seventh over the same trip on October 1. A fortnight later, still at six furlongs, Nicotera travelled three wide when sharing the early lead and his mind wasn’t on the job in the home straight, finishing a narrow third. He was definitely focused on October 22 when he settled in front over 1400m before overwhelming his rivals in comfortable fashion by two lengths. He carries an extra 4kg, but his last run was good enough to suggest he can go back-to-back. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Nicotera (6) 7yo Gelding | T: Lisa Whittle | J: Casey Hunter (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 BEST VALUE BET: TALENT QUEST Talent Quest is in the mix to finally win his first race at Pioneer Park at the seventh attempt. The five-year-old gelding, who had two wins from 19 starts in Victoria for Cranbourne trainer Mick Bell, hasn’t been that far away in three starts during the spring, with a third over 1200m, a fourth at the same trip, and a last-start second over 1000m behind the impressive Red Wraith. The son of Your Song jumped from the outside gate in a field of six that day and was camped three deep when battling for the lead before tiring in the home straight. The outside gate this weekend is of slight concern, but the 2kg claim of in-form Darwin apprentice Emma Lines is a bonus. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Talent Quest (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Will Savage | J: Emma Lines (a2) (55kg) Bet with Neds Alice Springs Saturday quaddie tips – 4/11/2023 Alice Springs quadrella selections Saturday, November 4, 2023 1-2 1-3-6 1-2 1-2-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Kiwi-bred mare Atishu will contest the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli There will be a strong Kiwi flavour in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Derby Day this Saturday. New Zealand-bred mare Atishu heads the market for the $1 million feature, while second favourite Alcohol Free will be ridden by leading New Zealand hoop Opie Bosson. Atishu will carry the colours of Go Racing, with syndicate manager Albert Bosma excited to have a runner competing on one of the biggest days in racing. “With the prestige of Derby Day and the quality of horses, I hold it as one of the best days, if not the best day, in racing in Australasia. It is a wonderful day to be a part of,” Bosma said. Atishu finished fifth in the race last year before winning the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) a week later, and Bosma is hopeful she can improve on that result for trainer Chris Waller. “She was unlucky in the race last year and arguably should have won,” Bosma said. “She has gone on and won a Group One mile (Queen Of The Turf Stakes) and she loves Flemington.” Bosma has been pleased with her form ahead of Saturday, with the daughter of Savabeel finishing runner-up in the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) second-up and he said she can be forgiven for her 13th placed run in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) last start. “Her second run was excellent and her King Charles run was actually okay, nothing could make ground on the day,” he said. “She has gone down to Melbourne and has worked very well this week.” The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Alcohol Free is the second fancied runner in the market, and while the daughter of No Nay Never has yet to win in Australia, Bosma is wary of her class. “Alcohol Free is a very well credentialled horse,” he said. “She is the highest-rated horse in the field and has won multiple Group Ones. “She probably hasn’t quite lived up to the form yet in Australia that she has overseas, and she has got a couple of queries to answer, but she has got class, there is no doubt about that. “If she returns to the form she had when she was racing in the northern hemisphere, she is clearly the horse to beat.” While Bosma won’t be trackside himself, he said a number of the syndicate members are flying across the Tasman to cheer on their pride and joy. “We have got quite a few owners going over and they are pretty excited. It should be a really good day,” he said. Atishu will likely back-up at Flemington a week later, but Bosma said her target race will depend on Saturday’s outcome. “Last year we backed her up on the last day and that is very much in line again,” Bosma said. “You have got the Matriarch but there are another couple of good Group Ones that she could head to. She will almost certainly back-up, it just depends how she runs on Saturday to which race she heads to.” Bosma will also be keeping close tabs on racing across the other side of the world, with Go Racing set to be represented by Je Zous in the Listed Montrose Fillies’ Stakes (1600m) at Newmarket on Saturday. “This year we bought another two (in Europe) and the first of those is a filly called Je Zous,” Bosma said. “She has had two starts as a two-year-old and she won her last start very easily. She runs in the Montrose fillies Listed race at Newmarket over a mile. She has headed over to England from Ireland for that race.” More racing news View the full article

Cambridge trainers Robert Wellwood (left) and Roger James. Photo: Trish Dunell Roger James and Robert Wellwood have some promising three-year-olds entered for Tauranga on Saturday, but the Cambridge trainers are keeping a close eye on the weather in the lead-up to the meeting. The Tauranga track was rated a Soft 6 on Friday morning, but a further 20mm of rain was forecast to fall in the region through the remainder of the day. “A few of our Tauranga runners are probably a little bit up in the air with the weather, so we’ll just have to wait and see,” Wellwood said. Weather-permitting, James and Wellwood’s day will kick off with first-starter December. The three-year-old Shamexpress gelding is a half-brother to the Group One performer Chambord, and he was bought for $280,000 from the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale last November. December has had two trials, winning them both by a combined margin of six lengths. “Provided the track isn’t too bad, we’re very excited to see December run at Tauranga,” Wellwood said. “We think he’s a really smart horse. His trials have been excellent, and he’s drawn well for this race, but we’re just going to have to wait and see what the weather does between now and then.” Sonnet and Zabmanzor are entered for Saturday’s two 1400m maiden events. “Both of them have shown quite a lot of promise in their first couple of starts,” Wellwood said. “Zabmanzor found the line very well last time out, while Sonnet’s really been knocking on the door of a win. But they’ve both drawn wide on Saturday, and again, we’re very much on a weather watch for both horses.” Last season’s Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) winner Dionysus was entered for Saturday’s Mode Technology Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham, but James and Wellwood have scratched him in favour of a run against a small field in Tuesday’s Group 3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) at Pukekohe. “We’ve decided to take him to Pukekohe instead, just saving him that big trip down to Wellington and back,” Wellwood said. “He was meant to run in the Livamol Classic (Group 1, 2040m) and just had a little niggle that set him back a bit, but he seems to be back on track now and going nicely. “We’re pointing him towards some of those nice Cup races that are coming up through the next few weeks, so this is mainly just going to be a run to get him ready for those.” Tuesday’s Pukekohe card also features the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m), where James and Wellwood are set to be represented by Apostrophe and Samoot. Apostrophe was a brilliant winner on the first day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival before being unplaced in the Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m) on October 14. Samoot has had two starts since being sent across the Tasman by owners Australian Bloodstock, finishing third behind subsequent Group One winners Mustang Valley and Ladies Man on September 16, then running fifth in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) on October 7. “That last race at Hastings didn’t really go Apostrophe’s way,” Wellwood said. “They went super fast, the ground was quite firm and she never really got into the race. Getting up over a touch further will suit, and she’s a class mare on her day. “Samoot has being going really well. We’re putting blinkers on this week and getting her back right-handed. The rise in distance won’t hurt her either. “She’d only ever raced right-handed in her whole life until those first couple of runs for us, so she’s done a couple of things not quite right. Being back right-handed and on a nice, open track should be ideal for her.” Meanwhile, James and Wellwood had another bright young prospect step out on Friday, with three-year-old Aladdin Sane finishing second at Te Aroha. Making only the second start of his career, the Satono Aladdin gelding was edged out by Promised Land in a photo finish. “That was a super run,” Wellwood said. “He’s still very green and still learning. He was narrowly beaten by a pretty handy horse that’s got a year on him age-wise. He’ll learn a lot from that run today. “We think he’s a nice staying type of three-year-old in the making. We’ll play it by ear in terms of how far we go with him in this preparation. Autumn is going to be his time, probably with blinkers on at some stage as well.” Wellwood also gave a glowing report on the progress of stable star Prowess since her victory in last Saturday’s Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley. “She’s come through that race extremely well,” he said. “She licked her bowl clean and licked her hay bag, as she’s been doing pretty much every night she’s been over there. “She did have a pretty decent blow after the race, which was only her second run back after six months off the scene, so there’s plenty of improvement in her. “We’ll be heading up against the big guns in the Champions Stakes (Group 1, 2000m) next Saturday, so she’s going to have to be on her A-game.” More racing news View the full article

Puntura will contest the Courtesy Ford Redcraze Bowl (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell Puntura will head to Trentham on Saturday to help ready him for a trip south to Riccarton later this month to tackle the Group 3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m). The six-year-old gelding finished runner-up when first-up at Te Rapa last month and trainer Robbie Patterson believes he has taken a lot of improvement from the run ahead of the Redcraze Bowl (1400m) this weekend. “He has done really well since Te Rapa. He needed the run that day, so he should strip a lot fitter. He is a happy horse,” Patterson said. The Group 3 performer has been lumbered with 60kg on Saturday but will get some weight relief with Lemmy Douglas aboard. “Stable apprentice Lemmy Douglas has got a three-kilogram claim, and he knows the horse well,” Patterson said. “There are a few winter gallopers there and it might be a bit better track for them, but you have got a horse in there like Belclare, a Group One horse, and on her day she can compete with anything. It won’t be easy.” Puntura was runner-up in the Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa last December before running fourth in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at the Hamilton track on New Year’s Day, and Patterson is hopeful he can strike a similar vein of form over New Zealand Cup week in a fortnight. “We will get through tomorrow hopefully safe and sound and we will wander down to Christchurch. This should top him off nicely for a mile,” Patterson said. “He deserves a bit of luck on his side and hopefully it is in one of these good races.” Patterson is also excited about the prospects of One Bold Cat in the Mode Technology Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) on Saturday. “I am very happy with him, both runs in have been super,” Patterson said. “He has got back in both of them and run the quickest sectionals in the whole day. “Getting up to 2100m is a nice trip for him, he will hopefully relax midfield and come into it at the right time. He just needs a bit of luck on his side and he will be very competitive.” Patterson will also be represented by a handful of other chances at Trentham, but he is particularly upbeat about the chances of Tanzanite Rose in the Manawatu ITM 1200, and Winkle Bay and Our Jumala in the Stock Lines Transport 1600. “Tanzanite Rose trialled up really well the other day. If she is left alone for her last sprint, she can really fly. There is a lot of pace on tomorrow, so I am hopeful she will go well,” he said. “Winkle Bay is a bit of an enigma but on her day she can be competitive. I really like Our Jumala in the same race. She went a really good race at Te Rapa the other day and any sting out of the track won’t worry her. She is rock hard fit and ready to go.” More racing news View the full article

The John Sargent-trained Harlow Mist will contest Saturday’s Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Trainer John Sargent is well-regarded as a master trainer of fillies, and the affable Kiwi expat has a strong contender in Saturday’s Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in Harlow Mist. The daughter of Mapperley Stud stallion Contributer was a strong winner of the Oaks Preview (1800m) at Flemington on September 24 and is a +500 third favourite for Saturday’s contest in a market headed by Zardozi (+170). Following her Flemington victory Harlow Mist returned to Sydney where Sargent gave the filly a hit-out over 1550m on the Kensington track when third to City Of Lights in what was an in-between run. “We just had to give a win away there to have another race,” Sargent said. “It was a walk over the road to Randwick, she came through it and was back in the box having her dinner half an hour later. She’s come through it great, and I’ve just been ticking her over. She had a final gallop on Wednesday morning and she should be in top order for Saturday.” Sargent knows what it takes to win a Wakeful, having saddled three winners of the race in Kirramosa, Thunder Lady and Luvaluva. “She’s probably more like Kirramosa. She’s quite a light filly and medium sized. The other two were quite big mares and real typical New Zealand staying types,” Sargent said. “This is a smaller type of horse, but she has got a big heart, is a very good eater and she has got a great constitution so that makes her nice and easy to train.” Sargent will decide after Saturday whether he pushes on with Harlow Mist to Thursday’s Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m). “If she does well enough, she will but if we’re not happy with her in the few days afterwards we won’t but it’s a good recipe going to both races,” Sargent said. Bred by the Hawkins family of Wentwood Grange, Harlow Mist was purchased as a yearling for $85,000 by Tricolours Racing & Syndications from the Cambridge nursery’s Karaka 2022 draft and has a proven staying pedigree. Out of the stakes-placed mare Sila Jasak, Harlow Mist’s granddam is the champion galloper Grand Archway, who won both the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) and the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) among her four elite-level victories. While Harlow Mist will be seen at Flemington on Saturday, stablemate So Dazzling, who finished an eye-catching fifth in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), will wait another week for the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on Champions Day at Flemington. “We’ve always aimed her for the last day, she’ll go to the Queen Elizabeth with Dean Yendall on again,” Sargent said. “It was a very good run in the Moonee Valley Cup, that’ll top her off nicely for Saturday week. “She loves it that way round (Melbourne) and she loves 2600m or more. “I just want to give her a pretty easy spring. She’ll have that run and then go out and then we’ll aim her for the autumn here (in Sydney). “She’s coming back to what she used to be — she went off form for a little while — but she’s really hit her straps and has done well since that Moonee Valley Cup. Dean Yendall will gallop her again on Saturday and she should be right for the following week.” More racing news View the full article

Legarto winning the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). Photo: Bruno Cannatelli New Zealand has held a strong influence on the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) since it was added to Sydney’s spring itinerary four years ago, and top-class Matamata mare Legarto has the opportunity to add to that record at Rosehill on Saturday. Restricted to four-year-olds, the Golden Eagle is the fourth-richest race in the world, and the second-richest on turf behind another Sydney spring showpiece, the $20 million The Everest (1200m). The inaugural running of the Golden Eagle in 2019 was won by Kolding, a New Zealand-bred Ocean Park gelding from the stable of champion expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. Shocking’s outstanding son I’m Thunderstruck added his name to the roll of honour two years later, followed by last year’s winner I Wish I Win, the freakish son of Savabeel who races in the colours of owner-breeders Waikato Stud. For good measure, fellow New Zealand-breds Icebath and Gypsy Goddess have also been placed in the race. Legarto heads into Saturday’s 2023 edition with credentials that stack up favourably with what any of those previous stars had achieved at the same stage of their careers. The daughter of Proisir has won seven of her nine starts, including Group One triumphs on both sides of the Tasman as a three-year-old last season. She won the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton by almost five lengths last November, then became the first New Zealand-trained winner of the Australian Guineas (1600m) in Melbourne in March. That was the only Australian appearance so far for Legarto, who has since kicked off her four-year-old season with an unlucky placing in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and a last-start win in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). Legarto flew across the Tasman earlier this week, with trainers Ken and Bev Kelso believing her Golden Eagle build-up has so far gone perfectly to plan. “I was very pleased with her exhibition gallop at Rotorua, and she worked particularly well again on the course proper at Matamata on Tuesday,” Ken Kelso said. “She’s done everything right. She’s very bright and well. We couldn’t be any happier with how the preparation has gone. It’s all up to her now.” Legarto has drawn gate six and will be ridden by her Australian Guineas-winning jockey Michael Dee. The expat New Zealander is based in Melbourne, but is sacrificing Derby Day at Flemington to continue his association with Legarto. “It gives us a bit of confidence that he was willing to come to Sydney to ride her, even if it meant giving up rides on Derby Day,” Kelso said. “He rang me immediately after the Matamata Cup and said, ‘Lock me in. I’ll be there.’ That was quite encouraging to hear.” Legarto’s formidable opposition on Saturday includes Group One winners Amelia’s Jewel, Golden Mile, Kovalica, Rediener, Communist and Ruthless Dame, along with elite placegetters Hawaii Five Oh, Pericles, Osipenko and the Japanese raider Obamburumai. “It’s a very, very good field – we know that,” Kelso said. “It’s a $10 million race, so you’d be dreaming if you expected the opposition to be anything other than exceptionally strong. But we think she deserves her place in that line-up. She’s only four once.” More racing news View the full article

Money Catcher wins the 2022 Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap. Frankie Lor concedes a significant rise in the handicap ratings leaves Money Catcher with a difficult challenge when the gelding attempts to post consecutive wins in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Money Catcher carried only 115lb last season in downing Beauty Joy (135lb) and Senor Toba (127lb) to claim the 2022 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, but the six-year-old’s advance to a mark of 117 from 93 at the start of last season will see him shoulder 135lb this weekend. Attempting to become the first galloper to secure consecutive Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse wins since Viva Macau, who triumphed under Darren Beadman in 2007 and the following year for Zac Purton, Money Catcher faces a formidable assignment, according to Lor. “Last year, he carried 115 pounds. This year, he carries 135 pounds, so the difference is 20 pounds – which is quite a bit. But, anyway, he’s in good form. The only worry is the weight,” Lor said. “Last season, we always had light weights and it was easier but this season, like this coming Sunday, he’s carrying a big weight so maybe it’s going to be a little bit different. But, anyway, he’s still in good form.” Encountered (128lb), Senor Toba (128lb), Straight Arron (125lb), Running Glory (123lb), Tourbillon Diamond (119lb), Super Sunny Sing (118lb), Nimble Nimbus (115lb), Champion Dragon (115lb) and La City Blanche (115lb) complete the field. To start from barrier three under Alexis Badel, Money Catcher will attempt to build on his fifth behind California Spangle when resuming in the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) on October 15. “First-up, he ran well. It was only 1600 metres, but he ran well. It was a bit short for him, so 1800 metres or 2000 metres should be best for him,” Lor said. Third in the 2022 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior and California Spangle, Money Catcher proceeded to his best season so far last term with a pair of Group 3 triumphs, the second in the Group 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley. Money Catcher is among the entrants for the HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on December 10. The Ferlax gelding ran third in the elite contest last season behind Romantic Warrior and Japan’s Danon The Kid. “In December, I think he’ll only carry 126 pounds, so we’ll will see,” Lor said. More racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Friday, November 3 will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Moonee Valley. Friday Racing Tips – November 3, 2023 Moonee Valley Racing Tips Friday’s Best Racing Bets Of The Day – November 3, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $32.33 odds return: Friday, November 3, 2023 Moonee Valley Race 7 – #3 Cadmus Ipswich Race 7 – #1 The Right Way Kilmore Race 6 – #6 Dismount Wagga Race 7 – #1 Bobotov | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on November 3, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

The Breeders' Cup 40 project began as a special tribute looking back at 40 individual winners in the 40 days leading up to the 40th anniversary of racing's championship day, but it grew into more than that. Of course, it's beyond wonderful to reawaken the excitement of those championship wins and revisit these amazing horses today through brand-new photos. We thought we would simply catch up with these Breeders' Cup horses through some gorgeous images, but it really ended up as a celebration of how these living champions have impacted the lives of the people who care for them. What we have learned is that although each race each year has just one winner–except for that dead heat in the 2003 Turf–so many people go along for the ride. It's impossible to count how many people each individual horse touches, whether it's someone like Vicky Van Camp at Darley who sneaks Midshipman apple slices or Price Bell at Mill Ridge who shared how much a winner inspired a tour guest from his childhood cancer hospital bed or Larry McGinnis at WinStar whose affection for Tiznow is palpable or Veronica Reed at Three Chimneys who so eloquently said Gun Runner “reminds us that this industry is about the horse.” What became clear throughout this project is it's not just the public faces associated with these horses when they win the Breeders' Cup who are impacted. It's all the people ever associated with a Breeders' Cup winner, from the foaling person who helps pull them out of their dam to the exercise rider on the racetrack to the grooms and handlers and watchmen and administrative staff who care for them today and even their fans. Breeders' Cup: Celebrating 40 Years of the Breeders' Cup from Thoroughbred Daily News on Vimeo. Often we have fixed images in our minds of these horses during their racing days, when they're at peak fitness, in racing shape, and young and fiery. But as the years pass, the stallions fill out, the broodmares get permanent bellies, the grays become white, and quiet time on the farm often mellows even the fiercest of competitors. Knowing nothing but a lifetime of top care, these horses positively glow with good health, the assurance of having every need met, and the confidence they are champions. What struck us as we saw each horse and spoke with their connections is the love and adoration each one has inspired. It is often said that 'a rising tide lifts all boats.' That's what these Breeders' Cup-winning horses are, an unstoppable swell that elevates everyone around them. This 40 years and 40 days of Breeders' Cup winners project may have started as a way to celebrate Breeders' Cup horses, but it's also about how the lives of all the people connected with a Breeders' Cup winner are impacted by these remarkable horses. We've seen that in the memories connections have shared with us that we've published alongside their photos and we can see that in the pride their handlers take when presenting them for photos. We're thrilled we were able to showcase more than 40 former Breeders' Cup winners in the TDN in the 40 days leading up to this year's event. It was through the lens of photographer Sarah Andrew that we all got the privilege of seeing this tremendous collection of Breeders' Cup winners as they appear today. We hope you've enjoyed seeing them as much as we've enjoyed sharing them. More Breeders' Cup winners will be added to racing's annals this year. In the meantime, as we appreciate these magnificent athletes, may they also remind us of the hard-working people behind them and how lucky we all are to love these horses and this sport. The post Breeders’ Cup 40: From Accelerate to Zenyatta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The winner of the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park is likely to be one of the favorites for next year's Kentucky Derby (G1). But through the years, such winners have performed more like longshots to win the Run for the Roses. View the full article

Thousands upon thousands–likely hundreds of thousands–of words have been written about the legendary Zenyatta, who captured the heart and soul of racing during her time on the racetrack and remains just as beloved today, 13 years after her retirement. Winter Quarter Farm's Don Robinson, who foaled her, was kind enough to share his memories of her formative years with TDN. “Zenyatta was the ultimate,” said Robinson. “I can't say enough superlatives about her. I could speak endlessly about her. “The real satisfaction is I delivered her mother, too. I had three generations, so its kind of the breeder's ultimate reward. Their owner–Eric Kronfeld, who has passed away–over the years we became very fast friends. We formed such a very close human relationship that became obviously closer and closer over Zenyatta's career. He was a great friend. I still miss him. “My family has been three or four generations in the Thoroughbred business. I don't think we ever could have thought we'd have the good fortune to be such an integral part of such a magnificent horse like Zenyatta. I feel she's the best horse of our lifetimes. I'll leave that to others to decide, but no matter who I run into, people tell me that they feel she's the best horse they've ever heard of or seen. It's heartwarming; it's rewarding; it's all the superlatives. Zenyatta in September at Lane's End | Sarah Andrew “The three generations of her family that I had started with For the Flag [Zenyatta's granddam], whom Eric very carefully bred to the Roberto line to get Vertigineux [Zenyatta's dam]. He was so taken with Street Cry that he bred Vertigineux to her and got Zenyatta. I never knew she'd be that kind of horse; you just never know. “I'd raised all of Vertigineux's foals. It was a really neat family. Balance [Zenyatta's half-sister by Thunder Gulch] was totally precocious. She felt like a quick 2-year-old, so fast and so hot. She was quite remarkable. She'd get away from you. Zenyatta had much more cool; she was a bit more level headed. “Of course, everyone knows the infamous story about Zenyatta at the [2005 Keeneland September] sale: Street Cry wasn't particularly well received and she was immature. She had a Street Cry hind leg; there was no precocity to her at all. Zenyatta | Sarah Andrew “There were really just two people interested in her at all and I think David Ingordo had a little bit of a leg up because Balance was really impressive and he was either in the same barn or next to the barn of Balance. “Zenyatta looked like a project to many people. She didn't grab them. We thought more of her, but we got her on the ground and raised her well, I hope. “But the best thing that ever happened was that David purchased her for Jerry Moss, who was one of the more patient owners. He and [trainer] John Shirreffs just really had a sense of Thoroughbreds and giving them time. What a great team. They left the horses alone if they needed it and gave them the time they needed to mature. “I think that time was really essential for Zenyatta. So much of the key is giving them the time they need. “My friend Eric Kronfeld said, 'I never could have done that; I would been impatient.' Most people would, but she was in the right hands.” Zenyatta and Mike Smith celebrate after the 2009 Classic with trainer John Shirreffs in the background | Sarah Andrew Robinson also talked about Zenyatta's three Breeders' Cup appearances. She won the 2008 Ladies' Classic, briefly rebranded as that name from the Distaff; the 2009 Classic against the boys, the only filly or mare to win the Breeders' Cup's signature race; and then closed out her career with her only official loss in 20 starts in the 2010 Classic. “My favorite race, what I thought was her crown,” said Robinson, “was her Distaff. She went off–for her–at a fairly long price and was discounted some because she had remained in California, except for the Apple Blossom in Arkansas. She just annihilated the field. That race was, 'Oh my goodness; she's the real deal.' She just performed like no other horse. She was pretty unusual. And then she kept improving. “When I went to her Distaff, I had not seen Zenyatta since I'd raised her. I was kind of leaning around the wall in the saddling paddock when she made a pass by. She went past me, stopped, and turned her head completely around. She took her time, looked straight at me. There was no question she sensed me. It was like she was saying, 'Where have you been?' She had such a presence. It really gave me the chills. She singled me out, no question. Isn't that remarkable? She was just an incredibly unusual horse. She was so intelligent. Zenyatta and her team | Sarah Andrew “Everyone loves the Classic she won, but I think her best race was the one at Churchill she lost in her last start. There was silence afterward. But I came away thinking, 'That was the most sensational race.' She was absolutely out of contact with the field. Floundering. For her to get up and just miss that wire by a head…. I've never seen a horse on dirt make up that kind of ground. It was the best. “Sometimes I go to YouTube and look up Zenyatta. All her starts are there. You almost end up on the floor, it's so sensational to see her break patiently, get up, and measure the wire. You end up breathless. “I'm 75 years old and the experience with her has been extraordinary. “Now, years later, I still sort of pinch myself to think I had a horse like that on this land. To have raised her and to have that sort of extraordinary performance and career and presence and just everything… I can't imagine a greater experience in this industry, but hope springs eternal.” Zenyatta (2004 dark bay or brown mare, Street Cry {Ire}–Vertigineux, by Kris S.) Lifetime record: Horse of the Year, Ch. older mare (three times), MGISW, 20-19-1-0, $7,304,580 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Maverick Production, Limited (KY); O-Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss; T-John Shirreffs; J-Mike Smith. Current location: Lane's End Farm, Versailles, Ky. Breeders' Cup: Celebrating 40 Years of the Breeders' Cup from Thoroughbred Daily News on Vimeo. The post Catching Up with Breeders’ Cup’s 2008 Ladies’ Classic and 2009 Classic Winner Zenyatta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing administrator talks about his journey from strapping horses in Albany to handicapping horses in Hong Kong, via 18 sets of Melbourne Cup weightsView the full article

The entries for the 14 races of the 2023 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park, including the Breeders' Cup Classic.View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article