Wandering Eyes

Danny Frye will have an eye on each of the islands on Saturday, with the Balcairn trainer set to be represented at both Trentham and Wingatui. Frye is heading north to Trentham with Our Echo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven), who will tackle the Gr.3 Dixon & Dunlop Anniversary (1600m) ahead of a potential tilt at the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) a week later. “He has earned his shot to have a go at the big league. Hopefully he might get every chance on Saturday to let us know how well he is going,” Frye said. The stakes performer heads into Saturday off the back of a fifth placing in the Timaru Heritage Cup (1600m) but Frye said he wasn’t suited by the track conditions. “Initially I was quite disappointed. With his gate speed, Tina (Comignaghi) had no option but to go forward. She was more than adamant that the track was off on the inside, which took its toll in the last 100m,” Frye said. “He is a hard and fast horse, he can consistently run times, but he needs a good track to run times.” Our Echo has competed over a mile on just five occasions, placing in the Listed Easter Cup (1600m), and Frye is hoping he can break his winning drought over the distance this weekend. “One question mark with him is 1600m. He races like he will find 1600m no problem, but he has yet to produce,” he said. “But he is fit and well and ready to go. My jockey (Tegan Newman) knows the horse like the back of her hand. We are not going up there for practice on Saturday, that is for sure.” The elite-level target of the Throndon Mile awaits Our Echo, however, Frye said the son of Echoes Of Heaven will need to prove he is up to the challenge this weekend. “As long as we think he is going to be competitive enough in the Thorndon, he will head that way,” he said. “We just want to see him get every chance on Saturday. I couldn’t be any happier with the horse.” Our Echo was set to be joined by stablemate Deceptio Visus (NZ) (Per Incanto) on the float trip north, however, Frye has elected to head to Wingatui on Saturday with the eight-year-old gelding to contest the Brent Lucas Builders (1400m) instead. “Deceptio Visus is better placed on got a better barrier draw at Wingatui, and he will be more than competitive,” Frye said. “Tina (Comignaghi) has decided to stick with the horse, and she is very much in demand, so that fills you with confidence. “He is a lovely, big horse and he should be a nice show down there.” View the full article

Attending a New Zealand stud tour could turn into a lucrative payday for Queensland trainers Maddysen and Tony Sears. Maddysen Sears was invited on an Australian Young Trainers Tour hosted by New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing in December, 2022, and the trip across the Tasman was the catalyst for the pair attending New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales a month later and purchasing $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contender Beau Dazzler (NZ) (Ardrossan). “Dad (Tony Sears) is a Kiwi, so I have been over there quite a few times to see family, but last year I was invited on the young trainers tour (with New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing),” Maddysen Sears told RadioTAB. “I haven’t done anything like that, I haven’t even done a stallion tour here in Australia. The hospitality of each stud was second to none, they could not have been more accommodating. Every stud we went to, whether that be morning, mid-day or afternoon, there were caterers. Anything you could possibly need or want they had. “The different type of horse they have over there compared to Australia, they are big, strong horses. It was very interesting and is something I will cherish and take with me through my career. “We went over for the Karaka sales and brought home six yearlings. It is very exciting in our first year of buying from there that we are able to take one back for the race (Karaka Millions).” One of those six was Beau Dazzler, who the father-and-daughter training partnership, along with bloodstock agents Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman, went to $85,000 to secure out of Mapperley Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft. He has gone on to win one and place in two of his three career starts to date, including claiming the Listed Phelan Ready (1000m) at Eagle Farm last month. While only facing three other contenders in the race, Sears was pleased with his performance, which was franked by a second placing behind Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1100m) runner-up Spywire (Trapeze Artist) at the Gold Coast last Saturday. “He has always shown a lot. He is a very quirky horse, he is quite cheeky,” Sears said. “Even though it was a small field in the Phelan Ready, his sectional times were fantastic, which is what you go off. “On the weekend, we didn’t think we could beat Spywire, but all we wanted to see was him doing exactly what he did because he is going to 1200m. Paul Moroney, who we work closely with, said a Karaka Millions horse is a 1300-1400m horse the way the race is run. “To see him attack the line how he did was fantastic. I think over 1200m it would have been a closer finish because he ran really fast sectionals.” Sears is now looking forward to crossing the Tasman with the son of Ardrossan and tackling the Karaka Millions 2YO at the newly revamped Ellerslie Racecourse on January 27. “We are really looking forward to taking him over there. We are staying at Pukekohe Park with Sarah Fahy,” Sears said. “We are lucky enough that Waikato Stud is going to take him for the week after he races. They are picking him up from the racecourse and he is going to experience the high life in a nice, big paddock in the Waikato for a week before he flies out.” The Sears are pleased to have secured regular jockey Robbie Dolan for the ride. “He was really excited about him after he won the Phelan Ready and then after the race on Saturday, Dad and I pulled him aside and had talk with him,” Sears said. “We said ‘if you want to go and ride the horse, we would like you to go and ride him’ and he is more than happy to go over. He has got a pretty high opinion of the horse, as do we.” View the full article

Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) is due to go one better and claim a black-type title and the gifted filly is heavily favoured to rise to the challenge in Saturday’s Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham. The Andrew Forsman-trained representative is the pre-post favourite in the Cambridge Stud-sponsored feature and it would be an appropriate victory as her sire Almanzor stands at the Waikato nursery. Mary Shan has finished runner-up at Group Two level in both the Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and the Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and in between times was a luckless fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “It’s a bit of a shame that the draws have favoured the horses to beat and not so much us, but the mile start helps,” Forsman said. Also in Mary Shan’s favour is that she has proved herself to be more than one dimensional and performed well when sitting off the pace and from a handy sit. “She’s adaptable and we’ll be positive and hopefully she can slot in and get a bit of cover. We don’t want to be leading or sitting outside the leader at Trentham,” Forsman said. Depending on this weekend’s outcome, Mary Shan will remain in the running for the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. “It will be more how she comes through the race, and if she runs well then it’s on the table,” Forsman said. He will also be represented by the Savabeel filly Macaluso (NZ) in the Listed IRT Wellsley Stakes (1100m), who has finished fourth in both of her appearances. “We are leaning toward having a go at the black type, we saw how light the nominations came up and put her in,” Forsman said. “Trentham was never really on the radar, but it is black-type and she is going really well. “Ellerslie (on Sunday) is probably the logical lead-up if we are considering the Karaka Millions (1200m), but I think we need to focus on what is in front of us and that is the black-type up for grabs.” The stable also has several runners at Ellerslie on Sunday with the first cab off the rank Ethereal Star (Snitzel), a last-start runner-up, in the Barfoot & Thompson Ellerslie Is Back (1200m). “She’s drawn well and a little bit of give in the track helped her the other day and she’s not going to get that on Sunday so it will be interesting to see how she operates on a firmer deck,” Forsman said. “She is in good form and I’m very happy with her.” The lightly raced pair of First Innings (NZ) (Contributer) and Rebecchi (Trapeze Artist) will step up in grade to contest the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) with The Patron Saint to be saved for another day after drawing wide. “It’s not easy for First Innings having his second start over a middle distance, but he is a real staying type of horse and I think it’s a suitable race for him,” Forsman said. “Rebecchi has drawn to get a soft run. I think the penny dropped last start and he really put them away. He’s a progressive horse who can go on with it.” First Innings was a debut fourth over 1560 metres at Rotorua while Rebecchi distanced his rivals in a 1600m maiden at Te Aroha. View the full article

Mary Shan will contest the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Mary Shan is due to go one better and claim a black-type title and the gifted filly is heavily favoured to rise to the challenge in Saturday’s Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham. The Andrew Forsman-trained representative is the pre-post favourite in the Cambridge Stud-sponsored feature and it would be an appropriate victory as her sire Almanzor stands at the Waikato nursery. Mary Shan has finished runner-up at Group Two level in both the Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and the Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and in between times was a luckless fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “It’s a bit of a shame that the draws have favoured the horses to beat and not so much us, but the mile start helps,” Forsman said. Also in Mary Shan’s favour is that she has proved herself to be more than one dimensional and performed well when sitting off the pace and from a handy sit. “She’s adaptable and we’ll be positive and hopefully she can slot in and get a bit of cover. We don’t want to be leading or sitting outside the leader at Trentham,” Forsman said. Depending on this weekend’s outcome, Mary Shan will remain in the running for the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. “It will be more how she comes through the race, and if she runs well then it’s on the table,” Forsman said. He will also be represented by the Savabeel filly Macaluso in the Listed IRT Wellsley Stakes (1100m), who has finished fourth in both of her appearances. “We are leaning toward having a go at the black type, we saw how light the nominations came up and put her in,” Forsman said. “Trentham was never really on the radar, but it is black-type and she is going really well. “Ellerslie (on Sunday) is probably the logical lead-up if we are considering the Karaka Millions (1200m), but I think we need to focus on what is in front of us and that is the black-type up for grabs.” The stable also has several runners at Ellerslie on Sunday with the first cab off the rank Ethereal Star, a last-start runner-up. “She’s drawn well and a little bit of give in the track helped her the other day and she’s not going to get that on Sunday so it will be interesting to see how she operates on a firmer deck,” Forsman said. “She is in good form and I’m very happy with her.” The lightly raced pair of First Innings and Rebecchi will step up in grade to contest the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) with The Patron Saint to be saved for another day after drawing wide. “It’s not easy for First Innings having his second start over a middle distance, but he is a real staying type of horse and I think it’s a suitable race for him,” Forsman said. “Rebecchi has drawn to get a soft run. I think the penny dropped last start and he really put them away. He’s a progressive horse who can go on with it.” First Innings was a debut fourth over 1560 metres at Rotorua while Rebecchi distanced his rivals in a 1600 metre maiden at Te Aroha. More horse racing news View the full article

What Ascot Races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, January 13, 2024 First Race 1pm AWST Visit Dabble The $125,000 Miss Andretti Stakes will headline the nine-race program at Ascot Racecourse this Saturday afternoon. With hot weather forecast across the weekend, the track will stay in the Good range for the whole meeting. The rail will be pushed out to the +6m position for the entire circuit, which should play favourably to on-speed runners. The opening race at Ascot is scheduled to jump at 1pm AWST. Miss Andretti Stakes Tip: Wild Belle We were with the Luke Fernie-trained Wild Belle when she was very unlucky and probably should have won the Summer Scorcher if it wasn’t for her running up backsides for most of the home straight. This four-year-old mare was first-up in her most recent start, and she settled near last before running home through the middle of the field, where she was held up twice and went over the line hard held. With even luck and a similar finishing burst in the Miss Andretti Stakes on Saturday, Wild Belle should be winning. Miss Andretti Stakes Race 8 – #9 Wild Belle (7) 4yo Mare | T: Luke Fernie | J: William Pike (54kg) +120 with Neds Best Bet at Ascot: Upper Limits Upper Limits has turned in two solid performances since returning from a five-month spell, finishing third in both races, beaten a combined 1.5 lengths. The Jeremy Easthope-trained gelding was very unlucky at his most recent start, where he was taking ground off the leaders quickly but was made to race in tight room over the concluding stages. This son of Exosphere should get a great run from barrier five, and Jarrad Noske will look to follow the speed and get a cart into the home straight. If Upper Limits gets clear air and an unimpeded run from the 300m mark, he will prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 7 – #4 Upper Limits (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Jeremy Easthope | J: Jarrad Noske (57.5kg) +150 with Picklebet Next Best at Ascot: Rear Admiral From four starts this preparation, Rear Admiral hasn’t finished outside the top four, with all her runs coming in a tougher grade than what she will contest on Saturday. The Sean & Jake Casey-trained mare will race in a One-Metro-Win Handicap, dropping back from 2YO+ Open grade last start, when she was beaten by Stormchaser on January 1. This daughter of Astern will gain the services of 1.5kg claiming apprentice Kershaw Dhurun, which will get her in very well at the weights. From barrier five, Rear Admiral should lob in the one-one position and get every chance to break through for her first win of the campaign. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Rear Admiral (5) 4yo Mare | T: Sean & Jake Casey | J: Kershaw Dhurun (a1.5) (60kg) +270 with Boombet Best Value at Ascot: Leniency Leniency returned from a seven-month spell with an impressive third-place finish behind Playthatfunkymusic before a slightly disappointing performance second-up over 1200m at this track. At his most recent start, the Colin Webster-trained galloper settled near last and attempted to work his way through the pack but was tightened for room multiple times in the home straight. We are willing to forget that unlucky run second-up and side with this son of Safeguard when at peak fitness third-up. With good speed expected in this contest, Leniency should appreciate the tempo and finish off strong down the outside in the concluding stages. Best Value Race 9 – #6 Leniency (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Colin Webster | J: Troy Turner (58kg) +1600 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, January 13, 2024 1-2-3-9 4-5 2-3-5-9 1-4-6-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Beau Dazzler (outside) winning the Listed Phelan Ready (1000m) at Eagle Farm last month. Photo: Michael McInally Attending a New Zealand stud tour could turn into a lucrative payday for Queensland trainers Maddysen and Tony Sears. Maddysen Sears was invited on an Australian Young Trainers Tour hosted by New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing in December, 2022, and the trip across the Tasman was the catalyst for the pair attending New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales a month later and purchasing $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contender Beau Dazzler. “Dad (Tony Sears) is a Kiwi, so I have been over there quite a few times to see family, but last year I was invited on the young trainers tour (with New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing),” Maddysen Sears told RadioTAB. “I haven’t done anything like that, I haven’t even done a stallion tour here in Australia. The hospitality of each stud was second to none, they could not have been more accommodating. Every stud we went to, whether that be morning, mid-day or afternoon, there were caterers. Anything you could possibly need or want they had. “The different type of horse they have over there compared to Australia, they are big, strong horses. It was very interesting and is something I will cherish and take with me through my career. “We went over for the Karaka sales and brought home six yearlings. It is very exciting in our first year of buying from there that we are able to take one back for the race (Karaka Millions).” One of those six was Beau Dazzler, who the father-and-daughter training partnership, along with bloodstock agents Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman, went to $85,000 to secure out of Mapperley Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft. He has gone on to win one and place in two of his three career starts to date, including claiming the Listed Phelan Ready (1000m) at Eagle Farm last month. While only facing three other contenders in the race, Sears was pleased with his performance, which was franked by a second placing behind Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1100m) runner-up Spywire at the Gold Coast last Saturday. “He has always shown a lot. He is a very quirky horse, he is quite cheeky,” Sears said. “Even though it was a small field in the Phelan Ready, his sectional times were fantastic, which is what you go off. “On the weekend, we didn’t think we could beat Spywire, but all we wanted to see was him doing exactly what he did because he is going to 1200m. Paul Moroney, who we work closely with, said a Karaka Millions horse is a 1300-1400m horse the way the race is run. “To see him attack the line how he did was fantastic. I think over 1200m it would have been a closer finish because he ran really fast sectionals.” Sears is now looking forward to crossing the Tasman with the son of Ardrossan and tackling the Karaka Millions 2YO at the newly revamped Ellerslie Racecourse on January 27. “We are really looking forward to taking him over there. We are staying at Pukekohe Park with Sarah Fahy,” Sears said. “We are lucky enough that Waikato Stud is going to take him for the week after he races. They are picking him up from the racecourse and he is going to experience the high life in a nice, big paddock in the Waikato for a week before he flies out.” The Sears are pleased to have secured regular jockey Robbie Dolan for the ride. “He was really excited about him after he won the Phelan Ready and then after the race on Saturday, Dad and I pulled him aside and had talk with him,” Sears said. “We said ‘if you want to go and ride the horse, we would like you to go and ride him’ and he is more than happy to go over. He has got a pretty high opinion of the horse, as do we.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, January 13, 2023 First Race 2:22pm ACST Visit Dabble The Darwin Turf Club welcomes 2024 with a five-event program and with 55 runners, big fields are the order of the day. Apart from the sixth heat in the Lightning Wet Season Series before the $40,000 final on Australia Day, the second heat of the Summer Sprint Series will also take place. It’s expected to be wet on Saturday, as showers and thunderstorms are predicted with a top temperature of 31C. The rail will be in the true position, and despite the rain, it will again be a good surface at Fannie Bay. Best Bet at Darwin: Bon’s Pride It’s hard to overlook Bon’s Pride following his outstanding win on December 16. After sharing the early lead over 1300m (0-58) when camped one off the fence, the four-year-old gelding gained the ascendancy at the 500m before sprinting clear in the home straight to win by 8.3 lengths. The son of Bon Aurum lumped 59.5kg that day and has been assigned a little extra this weekend, but he will take some stopping if he continues from where he left off a month ago. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Bon’s Pride (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Manning | J: Paul Shiers (60.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best At Darwin: Global Wonder Global Wonder hasn’t won since getting home over 1100m (0-58) last April, but in nine subsequent starts he has finished second on six occasions and third on two occasions. Global Wonder made it six seconds from his past seven starts when he just missed catching runaway leader Fromthenevernever when he fell short by 0.2 lengths as the $1.65 favourite over 1200m (0-64) on December 8. It was a five-horse field that day and the son of Hinchbrook also had the inside gate, and although he has the same weight, he jumps from a wider gate in a 10-horse field. Global Wonder looks hard to beat. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Global Wonder (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (60kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Darwin: Envenomate The son of Anacheeva was an early $8 quote with top horse racing bookmakers in a very open race and is certainly at an eye-catching price after winning over 1200m (0-64) on December 1. Envenomate beat the likes of Global Wonder, Spielberg, Fromthenevernever and Patriotic King home that day, so if he brings his best to the table on Saturday, he is certainly in the mix. The six-year-old gelding has drawn a wider gate and will carry an additional 1kg, but he has the reigning Darwin Cup winning trainer and jockey in his corner. Best Value Race 4 – #6 Envenomate (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Dick Leech | J: Paul Shiers (59kg) Bet with Unibet Darwin Saturday quaddie tips – 13/1/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, January 13, 2024 1-2-3-6 1-4-6-8 1-3-6-8 2-3-4-6 More horse racing tips View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Saturday, January 13, 2024 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing racing heads to Sha Tin on Saturday for a blockbuster 10-race program set to get underway at 1pm local time. The rail is in the C+3 for the meeting, and with no sign of rain on the radar, it should be a terrific afternoon of racing. All races are allocated to the turf circuit, and with the rail out, we’ll be giving a slight advantage to those runners on speed. Best Bet at Sha Tin: Galaxy Patch Three wins in four starts to kick off the campaign for Galaxy Patch has all eyes on him as he continues to build a formidable resume for the Pierre Ng barn. The son of Wandjina was sensational at his latest start at this course and distance, going on to score by a dominant 2.7 lengths on December 10. The many of which he dispatched his rivals was ultra-impressive, and the four-year-old may simply be better than Class 2 company moving forward. This is clearly the toughest task to date for Galaxy Patch, but based on what we’ve seen, he must be considered the one to beat as he tackles this grade for the first time. Best Bet Race 7 – #6 Galaxy Patch (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Karis Teetan (56kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sha Tin: Top Scorer Top Scorer did more than enough on debut at this track and trip on December 26 and should take plenty of improvement with race-day experience under his belt. He chased home stylishly behind a progressive type in the form of Super Goldi but couldn’t quite reel in the eventual winner. It was still a clear pass mark considering it was his first experience on the course proper, and with leading hoop Zac Purton happy to stick aboard the three-year-old, we’ll be looking for Top Scorer to be ranging down the centre of the course when whips are cracking. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Top Scorer (7) 3yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Sha Tin: Helios Express Volcanic Spark heads to Sha Tin third-up into the campaign and deserves a bit more luck than he’s been prescribed so far. He was beaten 2.3 lengths at Sha Tin on December 23 and raced towards the inside running rail for the majority of the 1400m journey, unable to get clear when the race went on. He was much better than the margin may suggest, and with a weight swing on his key rival, Fighting Machine, from that event, we’re quietly confident Volcanic Spark can turn the tables on Saturday. Best Value Race 5 – #8 Volcanic Spark (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Hugh Bowman (57.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Hong Kong Sunday quaddie tips – 13/1/2024 Sha Tin quadrella selections Saturday, January 13, 2024 6 2-4-5-10-11 1-2-3-4-5-6-13 1-3-4-5-10-13 More horse racing tips View the full article

What Flemington Races Where Flemington Racecourse: 448 Epsom Rd., Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, January 13, 2024 First Race 12:13pm AEDT Visit Dabble Feature racing returns to Flemington Racecourse on Saturday afternoon, where the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) headlines proceedings on a bumper 10-race card. Perfect weather for racing is forecast on Saturday, while warm and drying conditions in the lead-up to the meeting should see the track start as a Good 4, despite the Soft 5 rating at the time of acceptances. The rail comes out 4 metres the entire circuit, with action from HQ getting underway at 12:13pm AEDT. Standish Handicap: The Astrologist Despite being a touch disappointing first-up from his UK sojourn, The Astrologist looks set to bounce back to form in the Group 3 Standish Handicap. The Zoustar gelding was defeated by 4.35 lengths to Sghirripa, whom he meets again on Saturday, but with the run under his belt, we’re anticipating The Astrologist will exert his class in Flemington’s feature. He returns to the Flemington 1200m for the first time since finishing 6th in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) last autumn, and considering he was just a length off I Wish I Win on that day, we know the Flemington straight can bring out the best in him. With some of his best performances coming down the Flemington straight (2nd in the 2022 Newmarket Handicap), we’re happy to take the price on offer to see if The Astrologist can turn the tables on his rivals on Saturday. Standish Handicap Race 8: #1: The Astrologist (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Leon & Troy Corstens | J: Damian Lane (59kg) +550 with Playup Best Bet at Flemington: Miracle Spin Matthew Smith’s Miracle Spin produced a thunderous finish to win in style at Randwick on December 30, and we think he can transfer that form to Melbourne. Saturday will be his first run the Melbourne way under raceday conditions, and in what looks to be a relatively weak BM84 affair, he looks well-placed. The five-year-old gelding does tend to settle towards the rear of the field in his races and should get a genuinely run 1600m to aid his chances. Damian Lane will look to gain a cart into the race at the top of the straight, and if Miracle Spin can replicate his finishing burst from his Randwick triumph, it should be more than good enough to salute here. Best Bet Race 9: #3 Miracle Spin (8) 5-year-old Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Damian Lane (59kg) +110 with Picklebet Next Best at Flemington: Accending Accending returns to the Flemington 1000m, having finished second behind Celestial Storm on December 20. Prior to that, the Street Boss filly oozed plenty of class when destroying her maiden rivals at Traralgon, and with the Flemington experience under her belt, she can bounce back to the winner’s stall on Saturday. Matthew Cartwright will look to take up the running aboard his filly, and in a race where there looks to be only one or two other key speed influences, Accending should receive a pretty cheap lead. Look for Cartwright to have everyone chasing 400 metres out, with Accending proving too hard to run down. Next Best Race 4: #10 Accending (8) 3-year-old Filly | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Matthew Cartwright (54kg) +380 with Neds Best Value at Flemington: Regal Vow Charlotte Littlefield’s Regal Vow is as consistent galloper as you could hope for, and with two smart victories at Geelong to begin this campaign, she deserves a crack at the metropolitan level. The four-year-old mare got the job done in Class 1 company first-up before benefiting from an economical ride to account for her BM64 rivals last time out. She has shown her tactical versatility, having settled towards the rear of the field and then taking a sit just off the speed. With that sort of ability, Jack Hill will have options from barrier eight, and if he rolls forward on the mare and can hold a position, Regal Vow looks to bring the right form into a race like this. As long as she handles the step up to BM78 company, Regal Vow can salute at a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 6: #4 Regal Vow (8) 4-year-old Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Jack Hill (57kg) +700 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, January 13, 2024 5-6-8-12-13 1-2-4 3-9 1-2-5-6-12 Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

What Magic Millions Day 2024 Where Gold Coast Turf Club – Racecourse Dr, Bundall QLD 4217 When Saturday, January 13, 2024 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble The 38th Magic Millions meeting will be held at Gold Coast Turf Club this Saturday afternoon, where an action-packed 11-race card will be headlined by the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. With rain forecast for Friday and Saturday, we anticipate the meeting will begin on a Soft surface with a slender chance of an upgrade if rain doesn’t fall during the day. The rail will move out to the +2m position from the 950m mark to the 400m mark and will be in the True position for the remainder of the course. The opening race on Magic Millions Day will jump at 11:20am AEST. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections for Magic Millions Day 2024 Race 1: Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) Party Spirit has won each of her three starts this preparation, with two of them coming at the Sunshine Coast and the most recent win at Warwick over 1200m. The Robert Heathcote-trained mare is in great form since breaking her maiden three starts back, where she has gone through her grades quickly and will be seeking her fourth straight win in the Magic Millions Country Cup. From barrier nine, Damien Thornton will push forward and settle in the first four before allowing Party Spirit to coast up to the leader on the home turn and stake her claim. Selections: 15 PARTY SPIRIT 14 JAMAICAN RUMBA 13 ZHUANG SHI 3 CIRCULARITY Race 2: The Debut 2YO Fillies Plate (1000m) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott train the top two chances in the market for The Debut 2YO Fillies Plate; however, we will be siding with Too Darn Lizzie, who has only been seen at the public trials once. This daughter of Too Darn Hot recorded a very impressive 4.3-length victory in her 813m trial with Tim Clark on board. The fact that the stable has sent this filly to the races off one barrier trial and Clark has retained the ride is a massive push, and we will be with her in the first of two debutant races. Selections: 9 TOO DARN LIZZIE 4 DOMINETTA 5 FROEBEL STAR 1 BANK BOOK Race 3: The Debut 2YO Colts & Geldings Plate (1000m) Lead Me On was trialled by Michael Rodd at this track on December 18, where he led throughout to run out a 1.3-length victor over Heavenly Impact. The Chris Anderson-trained gelding jumped well, settled in front, and when asked for an effort by Rodd, he responded and kicked away from his rivals late. Although he has drawn sticky in barrier 11, this son of Brutal appears as though he could take a sit behind the speed and run home over the top of the leaders at the end of 1000m. Selections: 8 LEAD ME ON 10 THE HAMO 1 BARRACUDA 6 INDECISIVE Race 4: Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) Hatchet returned from a four-month spell with a good win at Doomben over 1200m on December 30, where the Robert Heathcote-trained gelding ran home from midfield to nab Beaux Rumble in the final strides. This four-year-old gelding will have taken a fitness benefit from his fresh run and will go into the QTIS Open at his second run of the preparation (3:2-1-0), where he will be seeking to continue his strong second-up record. From barrier four, this son of Worthy Cause has drawn to do no work early and should find a nice position upon settling before launching down the outside in the final 300m. Selections: 16 HATCHET 4 CHINNY BOOM 1 ROTHFIRE 14 STEADY READY Race 5: Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) After a strong performance first-up on Melbourne Cup Day, Warning from the Anthony & Sam Freedman yard was sent to the Group 3 Summer Cup, where he struggled to show the same finishing burst and was well beaten at Randwick over 2000m. This son of Declaration Of War competed in this same race last year, where he battled away on the outside of runners but didn’t finish with that customary dash that he has shown when he is right. We are willing to forget the second run this time in and we expect that he will be peaking for this third run of the campaign. The booking of James McDonald signals intent from the stable, and at +1600 with online bookmakers, we are more than happy to back him each way in this contest. Selections: 2 WARNING 3 ZENNZELLA 6 SO UNITED 1 SKY LAB Best Value Race 5 – #2 Warning (21) 7yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +1600 with Neds Race 6: Magic Millions The Syndicate (1100m) Although Prince Of Boom hasn’t been at his very best in two starts this preparation, he will drop back to weight-for-age conditions third-up and will gain the services of top front-running jockey, Tim Clark. In his first two runs this campaign, the Robert Heathcote-trained gelding has been trapped wide on speed and has faded in the final 300m of his races. From barrier 15, Clark will need to get this son of Spirit Of Boom to jump well and push forward with a few other speed influences. If Prince Of Boom settles in front or in the first four, the Group 2 winner should prove too good for this field. Selections: 1 PRINCE OF BOOM 4 GOLDEN BOOM 14 BOSSED UP 5 DERRY GROVE Next Best Race 6 – #1 Prince Of Boom (15) 5yo Gelding | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Tim Clark (58.5kg) +290 with Dabble Race 7: Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) It will be close to a year to the day since King Of Sparta has won a race, as the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained gelding won this race at the 2023 Magic Millions Carnival. This son of I Am Invincible has been to the races seven times since for three runner-up finishes, with the last of those coming in The Hunter, when he was the best of the swoopers chasing down tearaway leader Coal Crusher. There are a lot of things in this guy’s favour on Saturday, which is why he is has opened an odds-on favourite with horse racing betting sites. King Of Sparta will gain the services of James McDonald and will return to a track that he is undefeated (2:2-0-0). Selections: 3 KING OF SPARTA 1 BALLER 6 ROSE QUARTZ 7 NETTUNO Race 8: Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) The first of the $3 million feature races will be the Magic Millions 2YO Classic over 1200m, where a full field of 16 runners will clash. Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy is the race favourite at +140, ahead of Spywire (+400), Highness (+550) and Arabian Summer (+600). Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Race 9: Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) A full field of 18 runners will compete in the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, with several last start winners littered through the field. In an open betting affair, the Chris Waller-trained Chrysaor is the favourite at +400, closely followed by Cifrado and Sydney Bowler at (+450). Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. Race 10: Magic Millions Cup (1400m) Peter & Paul Snowden will combine with James McDonald when Revolutionary Miss seeks a hattrick of wins in the Magic Millions Cup. This four-year-old mare has won her past two starts, with her most recent victory coming in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes at Caulfield, where she defeated Thalassophile and Zennzella in a driving finish. In what appears to be a tricky speed map, this daughter of Russian Revolution will settle midfield off the rail and should get a good cart into the home straight before letting rip with a blistering turn of foot. Selections: 7 REVOLUTIONARY MISS 2 FAR TOO EASY 1 TAMERLANE 5 ZARASTRO Magic Millions Cup Race 10 – #7 Revolutionary Miss (10) 4yo Mare | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: James McDonald (56kg) +700 with Betfair Race 11: Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) We will have to wait until the last race for our best of the day, when Lady Laguna competes in the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares over 1300m. This four-year-old mare settled midfield on the rail before running up the inside of her rivals to win the listed Nudgee Stakes at Doomben last start. Although this daughter of Overshare has had 20 starts throughout her career, this will be her first start at the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon. Annabel Neasham has engaged leading rider James McDonald for this third-up start of the campaign, which should only be seen as a positive for this girl. From barrier 10, Lady Laguna should be able to push forward and settle in the first six before unleashing with her blistering turn of foot. Selections: 3 LADY LAGUNA 1 ROYAL MERCHANT 13 JUNQUEIRA 11 MISS HELLFIRE Best Bet Race 11 – #3 Lady Laguna (10) 4yo Mare | T: Annabel Neasham | J: James McDonald (57kg) +200 with Boombet Gold Coast Saturday quaddie tips – Magic Millions Day 2024 Gold Coast quadrella selections Saturday, January 13, 2024 1-2-3-4-8 1-2-4-13-17 1-2-5-7 1-2-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, January 13, 2024 First Race 12:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble Rosehill is the destination for NSW metropolitan racing on Saturday afternoon, as they get set to host a bumper 10-race program. Racegoers and participants alike should be prepared for pristine conditions for race day, with warm summer conditions expected leading into the opening event at 12:35pm AEDT. The rail is in its true position the entire circuit for the meeting, so we’ll be giving some advantage to those runners utilising early speed on the fresh ground. Best Bet at Rosehill: Naval College Naval College has oozed class since his Australian debut in April of 2023 and will be seeking his first black-type victory in the Listed January Cup (2000m). The son of Dartmouth is building a terrific resume, with three wins from his seven Australian starts, all of which have been with rising star Jett Stanley in the saddle. That includes his latest effort at Randwick on December 20, as the five-year-old gelding proved too classy for BM88 company. The Annabel Neasham and Jett Stanley affiliation will continue on Saturday, and with Naval College only third-up into the campaign, you’d have to imagine a race like this has been targeted a long way out. Best Bet Race 7 – #12 Naval College (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Jett Stanley (53kg) +190 with Bet365 Next Best at Rosehill: Pereille We’re excited by the prospects of the James Cummings-trained Pereille as he returns from a 112-day spell. His form towards the end of last preparation jumps off the page – particularly his last start performance at Rosehill on September 23, finishing gamely behind an airborne Vienna Princess. The 1400m proved too testing for the gelding by Fastnet Rock on that occasion, and a return to his ideal trip should give punters much more confidence. His two barrier trials suggest Pereille is ready to rock and roll on resumption, and with barrier two give Zac Lloyd plenty of options, we’ll leave it to him to navigate a passage in the concluding stages aboard this progressive galloper. Next Best Race 9 – #5 Pereille (2) 4yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (57.5kg) +360 with Neds Best Value at Rosehill: Chartwell We can mark Chartwell much shorter than the current $15.00 quote available with top horse racing bookmakers in the fourth event of the Rosehill program. He was a dominant winner two starts back at Canterbury on December 15 when breaking his maiden status before returning to the same track and trip to be narrowly defeated on January 1. He had zero luck on New Year’s Day, eventually cutting back up the inside running rail after running up backsides at a crucial stage. A step up to the 1300m looks ideal for the son of Churchill, and with an economical run all but assured from gate three, Chartwell can only run well at the each-way price. Best Value Race 4 – #6 Chartwell (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Andrew Adkins (56kg) +1400 with PlayUp Rosehill Saturday quaddie tips – 13/1/24 Rosehill Gardens quadrella selections Saturday, January 13, 2024 1-5-10-12 1-3-8-9 2-5-8-11 2-5-8-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing on Thursday, January 11 will feature six meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and provided free quaddie tips for the meeting at Pakenham. Thursday Horse Racing Tips – January 11, 2024 Pakenham Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For January 11, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $30.50 odds return: Thursday, January 11, 2024 Pakenham – Race 2 #10 Justaboom Pakenham – Race 7 #4 Lonfire Newcastle – Race 6 #8 Take To Me Church Wangaratta – Race 6 #4 Andouillette | 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 January 11, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Happy Together streams clear. Frankie Lor’s dominance of Happy Valley’s only Group race continued at the city circuit on Wednesday night when Happy Together extended his startling progress with an emphatic win the HK$4.2 million Group 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) under a facile Alexis Badel ride. Given a perfect run three pairs back on the fence, Happy Together provided Lor with his third January Cup triumph in six years after the previous success of Simply Brilliant (2019) – who was also partnered by Badel – and Money Catcher (2023). Happy Together comfortably (115lb) denied La City Blanche (115lb) by three-quarters of a length, with the same margin to Helene Feeling (117lb) in 1m 48.29s. Improving his record to four wins from five starts since joining Lor’s stable from Richard Gibson, who retired as a Hong Kong trainer at the end of last season, Happy Together has risen this campaign from Class 3 company and a rating of 73 to a Group 3 victor. Badel said: “He’s a great horse, he’s got a lot of personality – I really like him. He’s got a great turn of foot, he’s got ability. I had a great barrier (three), I just tried to put him asleep on the rail. The pace was even and comfortable for everyone, I thought. “I just had a look at the last corner to find a way out. I managed to get my way around them and he won brilliantly.” Reflecting on the bitter-sweet recollections of Simply Brilliant’s triumph in 2019 which delivered the Frenchman’s first Hong Kong Group score, Badel said: “A lot of memories, I remember it just like it was yesterday. I broke my wrist after the line, I fell off so there were a lot of ups and downs but Hong Kong is always full of surprises and I’m glad that I won this race again for him (Lor).” Lor said: “I like this race – I’ve won it three times. He’s (Happy Together) been great and I think he can still improve. Alexis knows this horse and what it takes for him to perform.” Ellis Wong made an auspicious start to his Happy Valley career by slotting a win at the city circuit with only his second ride, triumphing aboard Lyrical Motion for Caspar Fownes. “It feels very special to have my first winner in Happy Valley,” Wong, 23, said. “The horse drew a good barrier (five) and we just kept the position behind the leaders and he came away strong to win very easily. “This is very meaningful for me to get this win in Happy Valley (for Caspar Fownes) because he is the ‘King of Happy Valley’.” Able to claim 10lb, Wong had ridden eight winners from 87 mounts at Sha Tin before being permitted to compete at Happy Valley, and his display for Fownes delighted the four-time champion trainer. “He (Wong) gave him a beautiful ride. He didn’t feel any pressure. It’s good and it’s a sign that he’s got a cool head,” Fownes said. “He’s got a few things we can work on but he’s getting there, so he’ll gain a lot of confidence from this.” Ricky Yiu notched a treble to boost his tally for the season to 20 with the victories of Prime Minister, Mega Bonus and Simply Maverick. Luke Ferraris piloted Mega Bonus to an all-the-way win after Yiu opened his account with Simply Maverick. Ridden positively by Vincent Ho, the 1.3 favourite cruised to a two-length margin to snare his second win over the course and distance in three starts. Yiu capped a great night with the Prime Minister’s triumph under Matthew Poon as Lyle Hewitson rode his first victory this season for Tony Cruz when Red Hare King claimed the first section of the Class 4 Kingston Handicap (1650m). “I’ve never had many rides for him until recently and it was actually this horse on IJC (International Jockeys’ Championship) night that he’s started to support me,” Hewitson said. “It’s nice to hit the board for him – I’m very grateful.” Francis Lui teamed with Andrea Atzeni in a breakthrough win with Modest Gentlemanto post his first Hong Kong victory at his 20th attempt before Hugh Bowman and Danny Shum combined successfully for the first time this campaign with Copartner Ambition. More horse racing news View the full article

While the Jockey Club steers connections away from naming their three-year-old after the famous fictional spy, the galloper is making an impact all the sameView the full article

Harness Racing New Zealand would like to remind everyone in the sport of the new rules regarding two-year-olds. From the start of 2024 it’s been decided that two-year-olds can only race against their age group, and not in rating races as they did previously. Around 150 two-year-old races have been programmed this year compared with 82 last season to ensure there are opportunities for all two-year-olds. Note that this policy will be reviewed as the season progresses. Two-year-old races will go ahead as long as there are at least five nominations. Any less than that and the race will not proceed. To encourage more juveniles to race there are also a number of financial incentives on offer. For instance there is a $12,000 bonus paid out on every two-year-old’s maiden victory in a Two-year-old only race. Of that $8,000 will go to the owner, $4000 to the breeder. To see the 2YO calendar for 2024 click here View the full article

With the big night a little over a month away, tickets are now on sale for the 2023 season NZB Standardbred Harness Racing New Zealand Awards. The awards, culminating in the naming of the 2023 Horse of the Year, will be held at the Christian Cullen Lounge at Addington on Monday, February 19. Tickets for the gala evening, featuring a three course dinner and drinks package, are $130, and $110 for any licence-holder aged under 30. A table of 10 has been discounted to $1170. Tickets are strictly first in first served so don’t hesitate – book yours today Doors open at 5.15pm with the awards ceremony starting at 6pm. The date coincides with the NZB National Standardbred Yearling sale which kicks off at Auckland on February 18 before moving to Christchurch on February 20 and 21. To book your tickets click here For further information please contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

Jamie Kah has been booked to partner Packing Treadmill in the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) later this monthView the full article

Early Voting (Gun Runner), who got 120 mares in foal during his first season at stud last season before a rare condition led to his being removed from stud duties on the advice of veterinary experts, has been cured and will continue his stud career at Taylor Made Stallions in 2024. He covered his first book of mares in 2023 at Ashford Stud. Winner of the 2022 GI Preakness S. for Klaravich Stables and Chad Brown, Early Voting retired with three wins from six starts and earnings in excess of $1.3 million. Though he successfully stopped his mares and though his sperm were fertile, he was later found to be unable to continue his career and was subsequently diagnosed with Anejaculatory Syndrome, an inability to ejaculate. According to a release, a member of the Early Voting management team was acquainted with the work of a New Zealand-based veterinarian and scientist named Dr. Padraig (Paddy) O'Casaigh, who had treated males of the rarest species of birds in New Zealand–the Kakapo–for precisely the same condition. O'Casaigh had developed his diagnostic and treatment protocols along with Professor Sir Graham ('Mont') Collingwood Liggins FRS, a pioneer in the research of human fetal development and birth. O'Casaigh and Liggins together formed the Mont Liggins Trust to further fertility research. “Early Voting has a very rare condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat,” said Dr. O'Casaigh. “Because of the work of the Mont Liggins Trust with the Kakapo and Tuatara (a native New Zealand reptile that is the closest living relative to the dinosaur), we have developed a very unique diagnostic suite for this exact scenario. I feel very fortunate to be involved and have had the assistance of our many international colleagues. It is such a credit to all the interested parties who have gone literally to the end of the earth for Early Voting's welfare.” Added Taylor Made's Duncan Taylor: “We were contacted by Dr. O'Caseigh to stand Early Voting and we are very happy to have the opportunity.” This story will be updated The post Early Voting To Stand At Taylor Made Stallions For 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chad Brown said he is targeting the Feb. 17 Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds for Sierra Leone's 2024 debut and then will use either the April 6 Blue Grass (G1) or Wood Memorial (G2) as a final prep for the May 4 first leg of the Triple Crown. View the full article

The 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) on Saturday, May 4, will be the richest in the classic's history, with its purse raised from $3 million to $5 million. The increase was announced Jan. 10 by Churchill Downs.View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale continued into its second half Wednesday in Lexington with a session which, while significantly smaller, produced results largely in line with its 2023 counterpart. For the session, 196 horses sold for a gross of $4,352,900. The average of $22,209 was down 2.54% from last year's corresponding session, while the median of $10,000 was up 25%. From 316 catalogued horses, 242 horses were offered and 46 failed to meet their reserves for a buy-back rate of 19.01%. During the third session of the 2023 auction, 246 horses sold for $5,605,700. The session average was $22,787 and the median was $8,000. The buy-back rate was 17.45%. Marvelous Time (Distorted Humor), who sold just minutes into Wednesday's session, brought the day's top price when selling for $220,000 to Centofanti Thoroughbreds, as agent for Brittlyn Stables. The session topper was one of 17 sold for $1,103,000 during what has become an annual offering of mares from Godolphin, making Sheikh Mohammed's operation the day's leading consignor. A filly from the first crop of Yaupon brought the top price for a short yearling Wednesday when selling for $150,000 to Crestwood Farm. Through three of four sessions, 626 horses have grossed $35,949,600 and the average of $57,427 is just 0.79% off the 2023 figure. The median of $22,000 is down 18.52%. “I'm more than happy with the market,” said Hunter Valley's Adrian Regan. “I think there was a bit of doom and gloom from some people coming in that it was going to be tough going, but in fairness, it was pretty good. If you had the right foal and it vetted clean and everything, you got a lot of money for it. They sold very well. Overall, it was better than expected, I would say.” A horse awaits a turn in the ring | Keeneland Consignors agreed quality offerings continued to be in demand at Keeneland this week. “Horses with quality are still fairly easy to sell,” said Brian Graves of Gainesway, which consigned the $1.6-million sale-topping Prank (Into Mischief) during Monday's first session of the auction. “And then anything that even hints at not being every bit of that is correcting. Anything that is not 100% quality or top shelf, it looks like it's correcting.” Graves said he has also observed less activity than normal in the back ring. “It seems like there is not a lot of back ring participants, so if you didn't have it done at the barn, you weren't going to get any help,” he said. “There weren't a ton of people standing around here just buying horses out of the back ring for anything significant.” On the other side of the ledger, Graves has been active as a buyer in the pinhooking sphere where he admitted he was vying for that very quality, while also casting a wary eye on potential market conditions next fall. “We focus on quality [when we buy],” Graves said. “That's what we focus on. It's a battle to get your hands on that and once you've gotten your hands on that, you have to worry a little bit wondering if these other signs that we are seeing are a hint of what is coming down the road.” Meg Levy, whose Bluewater Sales sold the $650,000 Kaling (Practical Joke) Monday, said demand for quality lots significantly helped to drive up prices for those offerings. “I feel like quality will out,” Levy said. “The buyers are willing to pay more for the perceived commercial quality, particularly in the yearlings, I have noticed. We had Kaling sell very well here, which we were pleased about. But it just seems like everybody is willing to pay up to a third more for what they perceive to be the right stuff. And the middle market is still suffering. It's very difficult.” Levy speculated that some of the weakening in the foal market might be traced back to the vet reports. “There is kind of a gap selling some of these yearlings where we are using the vet reports as a marketing tool to help the buyers,” she said. “But honestly, so many of them don't understand reports and they don't use a veterinarian, so that ends up hurting things.” The Keeneland January sale concludes Thursday with a session beginning at 10 a.m. Sikura, Dorman Team Up for Star Act The Keeneland January sale got its third seven-figure horse when Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa's John Sikura and Determined Stud's Matt Dorman partnered up to purchase Star Act (Street Cry {Ire}) (hip 144) for $1.2 million. The 13-year-old mare, dam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Just F Y I (Justify), was originally led out unsold at $950,000 during the auction's first session Monday. Star Act | Keeneland “She is a class mare,” Dorman said Wednesday. “She's a Grade I producer. She has a phenomenal horse who is three-for-three and primed for next year. John Sikura has always been a great business partner. It just worked out as a good opportunity.” Dorman said the mare, who is in foal to Life Is Good and was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale on behalf of George Krikorian, was on his radar Monday, but after Prank (Into Mischief) sold for $1.6 million earlier in the session, he assumed Star Act would be out of his price range. “When I saw the horse go for $1.6 million, I thought she would be too much,” Dorman said. “I work with David Ingordo now. So Dave and I had a long conversation about the broodmare band and what we are doing. And after [Star Act] RNA'd, we decided that the horse made sense at this number. So we reached out to John and Donato [Lanni]. And we called back and forth and it evolved into John and I buying the horse. Donato and the owner have a long-standing relationship with John and respect John, so it worked out well.” @JessMartiniTDN Marvelous Time Makes Trip Worthwhile for Centofanti Bloodstock agent Raffaele Centofanti made the trip up from Ocala to find a specific mare for Evelyn Benoit's Brittlyn Stable and, mission accomplished, he was heading back south having purchased Marvelous Time (Distorted Humor) (hip 845) for $220,000 early in Wednesday's third session of the Keeneland January sale. Bred and consigned by Godolphin, the 4-year-old is a daughter of Grade I-placed Folk (Quiet American). “We were looking for that Quiet American line,” Centofanti said of the mare's appeal. “They are hard to find. You can't find them usually that young–she's only four. It's such a great female line. To get her that young and with that broodmare sire, she checked all the boxes basically. She had everything physically, as well. She is 16.2, with a classy look and a great walk. She looks like a Distorted Humor, but she had the size. She had everything I liked physically.” Marvelous Time | Keeneland Marvelous Time made just one racetrack appearance, winning her debut at Presque Isle Downs in 2022 for trainer Mike Stidham. The bay mare is a half-sister to graded-placed Captivating Lass (A.P. Indy), who produced Grade I winner Atone (Into Mischief). She sold Wednesday in foal to Mystic Guide. “I probably appraised her at a little less than that, but when I came and saw her, I thought we needed around $200,000 to buy her,” Centofanti said. “I think she was worth that.” Marvelous Time will remain in Kentucky to foal and then will head south to Brittlyn Stable's Louisiana base to visit either Star Guitar or Clearly Now. “We are debating where we will go with her,” Centofanti said. “We are trying to bring some quality back to Star and Clearly Now. We've been doing it the last two years and we've got some nice babies coming up.” Centofanti said the plan has been to upgrade the Brittlyn broodmare band as mares get older and are rotated out. The results are showing up on the race track and in the sales ring. “We've been selling the last three years,” he said. “We sold a couple of Star Guitars for six figures at Keeneland that went on to win big races–one won in Dubai a couple of weeks ago out of Charged Cotton (Dehere). And we have a Not This Time we will sell in September and she is beautiful.” The Brittlyn-bred Manama Gold (Star Guitar), a Louisiana-bred out of Charged Cotton, sold for $100,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale and resold for $200,000 at the 2023 OBS April sale. The filly broke her maiden stylishly at Meydan Dec. 22 for Fawzi Abdulla Nass. “We've been rotating between Kentucky and Louisiana sires,” Centofanti said. “[Benoit] loves racing and she loves Louisiana. And this way we can continue and we've had success doing that. Our horses are running and doing well.” Marvelous Time was the only horse Centofanti bid on at Keeneland and he was ready to head back south. “I have to go to Ocala,” he said. “I have a bunch of horses for her that we are breaking. So I've got to get back there.” @JessMartiniTDN Yaupon Yearling to Crestwood Farm Not long into the third session of the Keeneland January sale, Crestwood Farm and Robert Keck went to $150,000 for hip 926, a filly from the first crop of Yaupon. “She had an amazing body, great bones and a standout pedigree for this session,” said Keck. “She'll be resold in September.” Hip 926 | Keeneland Spendthrift Farm's Yaupon has seen his yearlings sell well this week, all five sold going for over six figures, led by a $190,000 colt (hip 82) who sold Monday to Clarmont Bloodstock Club. “Hopefully that sire is as hot as people are predicting,” Keck continued. “I knew that [Yaupons were selling well], but looked at her as an objective buyer. People don't pay enough attention sometimes to where a horse comes from and I liked that she was raised by Clarkland Farm, they raise a great horse.” Bred and consigned by Clarkland Farm, the filly is a daughter of MSW Tiz Imaginary (Tizway), who was purchased by the farm for $180,000 out of the 2019 Keeneland November sale. This is the family of champion 2-year-old filly Flanders (Seeking the Gold) and her champion daughter Surfside (Seattle Slew). @SGrimmTDN The post Keeneland January Sale Stays Steady on Day Three appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The longtime assistant to Juan Andres Rodriguez in his native Venezuela and the U.S., scores with his 12th starter since going on his own.View the full article

From Nov. 28 through Dec. 31, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance collected over $200,000 in donations from its 2023 Holiday Giving Campaign to raise funds to support thousands of Thoroughbreds at 86 TAA-accredited organizations, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday. The Holiday Giving Campaign highlighted a different match sponsor each day, offering single-day sponsorships ranging from $500 to $10,000. 2023 Match Sponsors included: Mike Rogers, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Yvonne Schwabe, National HBPA, Denali Stud, Siena Farm, Donna Barton Brothers, Jack Damico, West Point Thoroughbreds, Rick Schosberg, Simon Bray, Dan & Denny Piazza and Matt & Amy Webber, Ramiro Restrepo, Dr. Bonnie Comerford, Three Diamonds Farm, Kurtis Coady & Megan Devine, Donato Lanni, Chad Brown, Springhouse Farm, Bloom Racing Stable, StarLadies Racing, The Honorable Earle I. Mack, Jen Roytz & Dr. Stuart Brown, St. Elias Stables, David Anderson, Matthew DeSantis, and Bob & Jill Baffert. “Your support during our campaign has been truly incredible,” said TAA's Emily Dresen. “Thank you for joining us in championing the well-being of off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Your generosity is making a huge difference in their lives, and we are immensely grateful for your kindness and dedication.” The post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Thanks Supporters Of The Holiday Giving Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-GP, $91k, AOC, 3yo, f, 7f, post time 2:39 p.m. ET LESLIE'S ROSE (Into Mischief) cost Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm $1.15 million at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale, and despite going off at a somewhat lukewarm 9-2 facing five others at Aqueduct Nov. 19, graduated by better than nine lengths over 6 1/2 furlongs en route to 'TDN Rising Star' honors. The St. Patrick's Day foal is out of a daughter of SW & MGSP Wildwood Flower (Langfuhr), the dam of GI Florida Derby-winning 'Rising Star' Materiality (Afleet Alex) and of GSW/GISW My Miss Sophia (Unbridled's Song), whose 'Rising Star' son Annapolis (War Front) is the newest addition to the stallion roster at Claiborne Farm. TJCIS PPs 2YO LESLIE'S ROSE, daughter of @spendthriftfarm stallion Into Mischief, breaks her maiden impressively in the opener under @iradortiz for @PletcherRacing! pic.twitter.com/Za48fzph7m — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) November 19, 2023 5th-GP, $89k, Msw, 3yo, f, 5fT, post time: 2:09 p.m. ET St Elias Stable elected to take home its homebred PRETTY LIAM (Liam's Map) when bidding on her stalled out at $240,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sal. That looks to have been a shrewd call, as the filly's year-older half-sister Danse Macabre (Army Mule) proved to be arguably the best turf sprinter of her generation in 2023, with victories in the GIII Herecomesthebride S. over this course and the Glen Cove S. in New York. Dam Sylphide (Blame) is a half-sister to MGSW/MGISP Cambodia (War Front) and the third dam includes South African champion Overarching (Arch) and GISW Abscond (Blame). Justified Strategy (Justify) is a daughter of GISW Cry and Catch Me (Street Cry {Ire}), also the dam of Sovereign Award winner Souper Escape (Medaglia d'Oro) and a half-sister to Group 1-winning European champion Certify (Elusive Quality). Dixie Mischief (Into Mischief) is a John Oxley homebred half-sister to last year's Ontario Damsel S. winner Forever Dixie (Quality Road) and her Grade III-winning dam Dixie Strike (Dixie Union) is a half-sister to champion Inglorious (Henny Hughes), who beat the boys in the 2011 Queen's Plate. TJCIS PPs The post ‘Rising Star’ Leslie’s Rose Returns at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among the key rulings from the last seven days, the prohibition of intra-articular injections seven days prior to timed workouts continues to catch people out, with a further two trainers each issued $3,000 fines this past week for violations of this rule. This brings the total rulings related to pre-workout intra-articular injection violations to 25 since HISA's anti-doping and medication control (ADMC) program went into effect last May. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 12/23/2023 Licensee: Thomas Morley, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, missy Greer. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 10/30/2023 Licensee: Robert Fiesman, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Little Four, who was euthanized after breaking down in a race at Mahoning Valley on 10,30/23, according to Equibase. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 11/21/2023 Licensee: David Meridyth, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Wild Firewater, who won at Zia Park on 11/21/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 10/06/2023 Licensee: Luis Mendez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Big Celebration, who finished third at Santa Anita on 10/6/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/08/2023 Licensee: Victor Barboza, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Long Range Toddy. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Pending ADMC Violations Date: 09/13/2023 Licensee: Daniel Robles Penalty: Provisional suspension Alleged violation: Banned substance possession Explainer: This is a possible violation of Rule 3214 (a)-Possession of a Banned Substance, Levothyroxine (Thyro-L). Date: 12/12/2023 Licensee: Alfredo Velazquez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Lucky Flush, who finished ninth at Parx Racing on 12/12/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 11/21/2023 Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Clenbuterol-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Fast Heart. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Date: 12/08/2023 Licensee: Bernard Dunham, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221-Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)-on Shanghai Superfly, who finished fourth at Penn National on 12/8/2023. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313-Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. Date: 12/01/2023 Licensee: Jesus Romero, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Diclofenac-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Hang Tight, who won at Aqueduct on 12/1/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Santa Anita Hector Berrios – violation date Jan 5; $414 fine, one-day suspension, one strike over the limit Tyler Baze – violation date Jan 6; $250 fine, one-day suspension, one strike over the limit The post Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, Jan. 2-8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article