Wandering Eyes

Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) was a class above his rivals in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, completing a spring Group One double in the early stages of what might be a career-defining season. The son of Proisir has been a Group One horse since his two-year-old days, when he ran third in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in April of 2022. He went on to be a Listed winner at three, along with placings in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) and Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and a fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). But what Waitak has been able to do since then has cemented his reputation as one of New Zealand’s most versatile weight-for-age performers. He flew home from nowhere to win the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Pukekohe as a four-year-old, and after a frustrating run of bad luck for most of his five-year-old season last summer, got back into the winning groove with autumn double in the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) and Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m). Waitak has picked up this spring where he left off in the autumn. After a luckless 11th when he resumed in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m), he has now gone back-to-back in the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa and now the $550,000 Livamol Classic. “He really deserves this,” said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “He was so unlucky last season with unsuitable track conditions and the way his races were being run. Today was just beautiful. He really showed what he can do.” Again ridden by his Howden Mile-winning jockey Craig Grylls, Waitak settled into a perfect position in fifth place and all by himself as Khan Hunter (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) showed the way through the first half of the race. Ellerslie specialist El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) threw down the gauntlet and surged into a clear lead coming down the side of the track, but Grylls never panicked. He gave Waitak all the time he needed to warm into his work, then set his sights on El Vencedor in the straight. A four-length deficit was quickly dissolved and Waitak powered into the lead. He bounded away to win by five and a quarter lengths. El Vencedor finished second, a length and a quarter in front of Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood). It was the 20th win at Group One level for Grylls – fittingly at the same venue where he rode his first one, Pasta Post (NZ) (Postponed), in the 2008 Easter Handicap (1600m). “Any Group One win is great, but this is special – especially to do it for Wexford, who have been such great supporters of mine,” Grylls said. “This horse is just a marvel and it was an incredible win today. He’s taken a lot of improvement out of his last-start win at Te Rapa. “The speed was on from the 600m and I had to get on my bike a little bit earlier than I might have expected, but he quickened so well. He got up alongside El Vencedor, then changed legs, quickened again and got away from him.” Waitak has now had 34 starts for eight wins, nine placings and more than $1.5 million in stakes. He was bred by the late Colin Devine and is raced by his wife Jill. Saturday’s win capped a notable double for the Devine family, who also had a win at Matamata yesterday with Waitak’s talented full-brother Crackercol (NZ) (Proisir). “To have the winner yesterday and now today is a huge result for Team Devine,” Scott said. “It means a lot to our camp too. It’s a massive team effort and it’s been a big build-up to this carnival. “The team’s been racing well, and you only hope you can keep building on that and getting results like today. “The team was so confident in Waitak all week. Craig got off him last weekend and just said the horse had improved since Te Rapa. You try and keep your confidence levels measured, but the horse is just going so well. “Today he got into his rhythm on his own, and then he really showed what he can do. He’s got a beautiful gallop on him, and he’s just come of age so we’re thrilled. “When the favourite took off at the 600m, we knew we’d had an economical run. When he gets on his own and is able to relax, he can really quicken. “He wasn’t being bothered by anything with 1000m to go and we knew he was going to finish strongly. It was brilliant to watch. “He’s a horse that keeps getting better and better. He’s a beautiful sound horse and goes in any ground. We’re just very fortunate to have him in our stable.” Scott identified the Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham on December 6 and the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day as Waitak’s next likely targets. “We’re pretty keen to get him down to Wellington for the Captain Cook,” he said. “He can have a bit of time away between now and then – he’ll be out in the farm on Monday for a break. “Hopefully he’ll be back here Boxing Day, and then through the summer.” Waitak’s winning margin was among the widest seen in a Group One race in New Zealand in the last 30 years. It equalled Mustang Valley’s (NZ) (Vanbrugh) runaway victory by the same margin in the 2022 Livamol Classic on a heavy track at Hastings. The only larger margins in the last three decades were Xtravagant’s (NZ) (Pentire) eight-length demolitions in the 2015 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and 2016 Waikato Sprint (1400m), plus Lizzie L’Amour’s (NZ) (Zabeel) victory by five and a half lengths in the 2018 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). View the full article

Progressive stayer Enrico (NZ) (El Roca) could be in for his best campaign yet after showing plenty of grit and tenacity to collect his fourth win at Trentham when he overcame some home-straight troubles to win the Toast To Tiptronic (1600m) open handicap on Saturday. The Ilone Kelly-prepared seven-year-old came into the event off the back of an eye-catching run for third at Otaki at his last start over 1400m and relished the step up in distance for his next assignment. On a day where on-pace runners dominated, rider Madan Singh bounced Enrico away nicely and quickly had him trailing pacemakers Turn The Ace (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) and Tobias (NZ) (Complacent). That ideal position began to look increasingly difficult approaching the home turn with Enrico travelling sweetly but needing a can-opener to find a gap and clear air to issue his challenge. Things got tight early in the run home as Enrico was shut out of an inside run, however he soon picked himself up and burst between runners to hit the front before holding out a game challenge from topweight Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo) and the late-closing Letsbringthebling (NZ) (Shocking). Kelly was thrilled with the victory and is hoping it is the first of plenty more in his campaign. “He just loves Trentham as that is his fourth win there,” Kelly said. “He seems to have really matured for this preparation and I think that helped when he got into a little bit of trouble in the straight as he picked himself up and charged after them. “I probably didn’t place him that well last season as there never seemed to be the right race when we needed it, but I think this campaign will be different as there looks like some nice races ahead for him. “We had thought of taking him to Riccarton for the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m), but he just goes a little keen for two miles so we will stick around here and look at some of the middle-distance races coming up.” Enrico has now won four races at Trentham alongside a victory at Wanganui and Awapuni respectively and over $196,000 in prizemoney. The other feature event on the card, the NZCIS Wellington Cup Packages Now On Sale Sprint (1200m) was also taken out in resilient fashion by the Bryce Newman-trained Bold Belle (NZ) (The Bold One), who is also proving to be a Trentham specialist. The now seven-year-old mare collected her third victory at the venue as she refused to admit defeat when headed by race favourite I’m All In early in the home straight, fighting back to gain the upper hand in the final two strides to register her fifth career victory. Newman was pleased to see the hard work he has put into the mare to get her to settle starting to pay dividends. “We were expecting a good run but were more hopeful than confident as it was a strong field,” Newman said. “Trentham is a favourite place for her, but in the early days she just used to go far too hard and had nothing left at the finish. “We’ve been teaching her to settle and today she managed to do that and have a good kick when she got headed. “She also had a light weight so she will probably cop a re-handicap for the future. We have been thinking we could lift our sights with her and now could be a good time for that.” A daughter of The Bold One and five-race winner Gossiping, Bold Belle has won five of her 24 starts and over $153,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

We are back at Sha Tin on Sunday for an incredible card that features the return of Triple Crown hero and Champion Miler Voyage Bubble in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). Owen Goulding is back in the hot seat with an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Shek Mun Handicap (1,400m) Tsuen Wan Glory overcame an even wider draw when winning easily on return and can go back to back with another wire-to-wire success. Great ride, Britney Wong! 👏 Crossing from gate 12 of 14,...View the full article

Stephen Marsh ran rampant with wins in four of the first seven races at Ellerslie on Saturday, but his hottest favourite of the day had to settle for a placing as another Cambridge stable stole the show. The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Arabian Songbird (NZ) (Pierro) took flight from the back of the field to upstage Tardelli (I Am Invincible) in the $65,000 Elsdon Park (1400m). Marsh had been an unstoppable force until that point of the afternoon, winning the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) by almost seven lengths with Well Written (Written Tycoon) along with undercard victories by Miss Fladgate (Russian Revolution), Swiss Prince (NZ) (El Roca) and On The Town (NZ) (Blue Point). “Someone had to stop him,” Wellwood quipped. “But I have to give a big shout out to Cambridge. Today’s results are testament to the quality of training centre we work at.” While all eyes were on Tardelli following his dominant first-up victory over the same course and distance as Saturday’s race, Arabian Songbird also boasted a one-from-one record so far this season. She stormed home to take out a 1300m Rating 75 on September 6. The Pierro mare was sent out as a distant second favourite at $5.70 on Saturday while Tardelli jumped at $1.90. The race appeared to be following that script as Tardelli cruised to the lead with 300m to run, but then Arabian Songbird turned that on its head. After rounding the home turn with only two horses behind her, Arabian Songbird was angled to the outside by jockey Masa Hashizume and let rip. Capitalising on her 6kg advantage at the weights, she swept past Tardelli in the final 100m and went on to win by three-quarters of a length. The favourite’s stablemate Bourbon Empress (NZ) (Proisir) also edged him out to fill the runner-up position. Arabian Songbird has now had 10 starts for five wins, two placings and $158,025 in stakes for owners Barneswood Farm. Four of those wins have come from only five appearances at Ellerslie. “With the prize-money on offer here and the fantastic surface to race on, it’s a pretty good track to like,” Wellwood said. “She was very impressive today. Masa gave her a patient ride and she showed a wonderful turn of foot. “She’s an exciting mare and we’ve got a lot of options available to us from here. We’ll have a team talk with Barneswood Farm and come up with a plan. We could take her to Riccarton for the TAB Mile (Gr.3, 1600m), or there’s the Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) at Pukekohe and even the possibility of a Group One at Trentham (TAB Mufhasa Classic, 1600m). We’ve got a lot to look forward to, wherever we end up going with her.” Hashizume now boasts a four-from-five record with Arabian Songbird. “She’s a fantastic mare, she’s very special,” he said. “She’s just the easiest horse to ride. “The favourite is a good horse, but I knew he had a lot to weight to carry with 60.5kg. I knew from quite early in the straight that we were going to catch him.” Arabian Songbird was bred by Jamieson Park and is by Pierro out of Rare Delight, which makes her a half-sister to the Group Two performer Saint Alice. That mare raced in the tangerine and white colours of Barneswood Farm, who went back to the same well and bought Arabian Songbird for $260,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2022. View the full article

If trainer Stephen Marsh thought his day couldn’t get any better after winning the first three races on the card at Ellerslie on Saturday, he had to revise those thoughts pretty quickly after the running of the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Sakes (1400m). Successful with Miss Fladgate (Russian Revolution) (Race 1), Swiss Prince (NZ) (El Roca) (Race 2) and On The Town (NZ) (Blue Point) (Race 3), Marsh sent out consistent filly Little Black Dress (Snitzel) and impressive debut winner Well Written (Written Tycoon) in the feature for the three-year-old fillies and returned the quinella in spectacular style as Well Written showed her debut victory at the venue was just a sign of things to come. The Written Tycoon filly had come from midfield to dash away from a handy maiden field over 1200m on debut, winning by three lengths in the hands of Matt Cartwright. Cartwright was back aboard on Saturday and made full use of the coveted number one barrier draw. He got her away perfectly to trail her stablemate throughout as Little Black Dress was softened up by another winning debutant in Places To Be (NZ) (Hello Youmzain). Left in front as Places to Be ran off on the home corner, Little Black Dress quickened nicely but soon had Well Written alongside briefly as Cartwright pushed the turbo button on his mount, who took off like a rocket at the 300m. To the cheers of her large group of owners, Well Written bolted away to win easing down by nearly seven lengths over Little Black Dress, who held out the late run of the well-favoured Tajana (NZ) (Darci Brahma) to claim second, with Savvy Donna (NZ) (Savabeel) and Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) also figuring in the finish for third. Marsh was quick to pay tribute to Bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson who convinced him to purchase the filly out of the Brighthill Farm draft during the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, where they paid a sale-topping $80,000. “That was bloody exciting as we thought we had two excellent fillies,” Marsh said. “It was just a shame Little Black Dress got softened up and taken on the whole way. “Well Written got a great run and you could just see at the top of the straight it was going to be another good win like last time. “I was hoping she had the X-factor. Holy hell, she could be pretty special. “Dylan has got take a lot of credit as he shopped around the whole of the online book and took me to every place in New Zealand to look at them and he found her. Big ups to him and a big group of owners, including some new stable clients.” Well Written holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 8, with Marsh confirming she would be heading to the race along with Little Black Dress. “We will certainly be going down there with the way she has won today,” he said. “We won’t get too far ahead of ourselves as she has had a short prep with just the two runs. If she comes through well, we will give her a crack. “She (Little Black Dress) will also be there as she is also a very good filly.” Cartwright was struggling to put the performance into words when asked about the run. “Jesus, we might have unravelled one here,” he said “She was a bit awkward away, but she enjoyed a lovely run and from the corner she was travelling way too good for them. “She let rip and is very special, a very good horse.” TAB Bookmakers didn’t waste any time by installing her as the $4 Fixed Odds favourite for the New Zealand 1000 Guineas ahead of Tajana and Lollapalooza, who share the second line of betting at $5 for the race. Well Written is by Written Tycoon out of the Sebring mare Mozzie Monster, who placed in the Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) and Bendigo Guineas (1400m). She has now earned over $117,000 from just two starts to date. View the full article

A winning debut by bargain buy Midnight Dart (NZ) (Derryn) in the Rat Tat 2YO Plate (800m) at Trentham on Saturday has kept the Karaka Millions dream alive and well for a big group of young and first-time owners. Midnight Dart was bought for just $20,000 from Book 2 of Karaka 2025 by Josh Herd, whose mother Lisa Latta trains the colt at Awapuni. He ran second in his only trial at Otaki on September 16, beaten by a wide margin by subsequent race winner De Armas (NZ) (Ardrossan), and was sent out as the $8.50 outsider in Saturday’s five-horse field. Patiently ridden by Kate Hercock, Midnight Dart settled towards the back of the field in the early stages as Magill (Farnan) led the field up to the home turn. The five runners fanned out across the track to stake their claims in the straight, and the favourite Rupeni (Home Affairs) burst through closest to the inside in what looked like a winning move. But Hercock drove Midnight Dart up alongside that runner and he outfinished him through the last 100 metres, edging ahead to win by three-quarters of a length. Rupeni ran second, with two and a quarter lengths back to Home Secretary (Home Affairs) in third. “He’s a true-blue little professional racehorse,” Latta said. “This is a great story. My son Josh bought the horse from the sales at Karaka and syndicated him out. He’s got a lot of people involved, which is great. There are a lot of small shares and heaps of young people. It’s just fantastic. “This little horse has done everything right. He had one trial last month, and then he went really well in the Levin jumpouts two weeks ago and was narrowly beaten there. “We bought him with a dream of getting him to the Karaka Millions for these young owners, so that’s the goal and we’ll work our way backwards from there.” The $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) will be run at Ellerslie on January 24. Latta has already made her mark on the Karaka Millions stage, winning New Zealand’s richest two-year-old race with Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward) in 2011 and finishing second with Showmeyamoneyhoney (NZ) (Showcasing) in 2016. Midnight Dart earned $23,000 from Saturday’s win, which puts him straight into equal second place in the Karaka Millions order of entry alongside De Armas. The top spot belongs to the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Torture (NZ), by freshman Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State, who earned A$120,750 with her victory on debut in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield during the week. Midnight Dart was bred by Grangewilliam Stud and is a son of their headline stallion Derryn. His dam Ambitious Beauty is a full-sister to the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Ambitious Owner. View the full article

Ka Ying Rising has silenced his doubters with victory in Saturday’s mega-rich Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick in Sydney. Long the favourite for the A$20 million (HK$101 million) sprint, Ka Ying Rising further entrenched himself as the world’s best sprinter with victory for trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton. There was never a moments worry for his backers, with Purton landing a clear third behind the early pace of Mazu and The Overpass. The latter took the lead turning in, but...View the full article

For Matthew Poon Ming-fai, the prized ride on Voyage Bubble couldn’t have come at a better time as he bids to end a long winning drought in Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). It has been more than four months and a staggering 135 rides since Poon last visited the winners’ enclosure, but the reigning Tony Cruz Award winner isn’t letting the drought get him down. “The only thing I can do is just stay positive and the winner will come, but hopefully it won’t be too long,” Poon said. While...View the full article

A wide draw has failed to dampen Alexis Badel’s excitement about riding My Wish in Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), with the Frenchman backing the rising star’s versatility for his much-anticipated clash with Voyage Bubble. In what shapes as one of the highlights of the season so far, last season’s Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble and My Wish face off with the former conceding his younger rival a massive 20lb. While the handicap conditions certainly favour Mark Newnham’s stable star,...View the full article

The lone graded winner over a one-turn distance, Ragtime headlines a full field in the $400,000 Raven Run Stakes (G2) at Keeneland Oct. 18 that also draws two fillies returning from the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (G1).View the full article

Closing weekend of the Keeneland fall meet kicks off with the $400,000 Valley View Stakes (G2T) Oct. 24, which drew an overflow field of some of the top 3-year-old turf fillies in the country. View the full article

Saturday, Ascot, post time: 16:05, THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES-G1, £1,417,500, 3yo/up, 9f 212yT Field: Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), First Look (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Fox Legacy (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Ombudsman (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Almeric (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Devil's Advocate (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Analysis: The Champion Stakes as it should be but not always is, with all the best 10-furlong performers squaring up on ground that neither favours nor compromises anybody. Second last year when it was soft, Calandagan will be a different proposition this time but he'll have to be to live with this season's success story Ombudsman who looks to settle scores with Delacroix for the third and last time. One apiece after a tactical Eclipse and farcical Juddmonte International, it is hard to say who will be the strongest off an honest tempo with Devil's Advocate and Mount Kilimanjaro having been at it hammer and tongs up ahead. Where Economics is even William Haggas doesn't truly know, but this is not a race to be having your seasonal debut in while Almaqam needed it to have been a lot softer than this. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 15:25, THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES-G1, £1,156,250, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Cicero's Gift (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), Never So Brave (Ire) (No Nay Never), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Marvelman (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Analysis: Back from the wilderness after his Sussex nightmare, Field Of Gold has the opportunity to wrap up the division honours that looked so certain after his St James's Palace display. If there are any vulnerabilities, they will be exposed by Fallen Angel who has proven anything but of late and enters this a filly in her prime. How Rosallion has managed to get himself beaten so many times this season is one of its biggest mysteries and there can't be a horse in training who has produced such impressive data without getting the all-important win. If it comes here, all will be forgiven and forgotten and he loves this track only marginally less than Docklands, one of the few thorns in his side this term. Another is Never So Brave, who is up in trip having mastered him at York from the stable that CAN DO NO WRONG in 2026. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:05, THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES-G1, £562,500, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Iberian (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal), James's Delight (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), King Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), King Cuan (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Run To Freedom (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Powerful Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Spy Chief (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), No Half Measures (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Analysis: One of the final dust-ups between the sluggers in this category this year, with none so far able to retain all the belts despite individual moments of superiority. All-powerful at the Royal meeting, Lazzat has developed a glass jaw in the interim while Big Mojo just gets more toughened and hardened with every bout. Undoubtedly one of the year's biggest disappointments, last year's winner Kind Of Blue may just have been keeping his powder dry for this glorious comeback moment but he gives the repeated impression he can't last all the rounds anymore. Rayevka needs a bit of a jump to get to the elite here, but it's all there in her pedigree and style of racing and hails from the stable that CAN DO NO WRONG in 2026. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 12:55, THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP-G1, £531,250, 3yo/up, 15f 209yT Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Saratoga (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Stay True (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Nearing eight, Trawlerman has played the long game to perfection and now that all his enemies have been scattered is in command of this division. There isn't much hope for his rivals, even allowing for the potential of Stay True, and with Sweet William probably just going to be Sweet William again proceedings should get off to a comfortingly predictable start. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:45, THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES-G1, £531,250, 3yo/up, 11f 211yT Field: Danielle (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Estrange (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Latakia (GB) (Frankel {GB}), One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Quisisana (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Ballet Slippers (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Waardah (Ire) (Postponed {Ire}), Wemightakedlongway (Ire) (Australia {GB}). TDN Analysis: Another seeking to bookend a winless campaign with a successful title defence, Kalpana may be vulnerable having like Quisisana been asked to plumb the depths in the Arc. Spared that experience, Estrange is a formidable lurking presence by the sire that CAN DO NO WRONG in 2026. These end-of-term contests just love an improver and Waardah is tailor-made, having snuck up the ladder in the Lillie Langtry and she comes here dangerously fresh. Ballydoyle's biggest enigma Bedtime Story has been asked to try on a plethora of costumes but can't get comfortable in any. Perhaps that lightning bolt we witnessed in the Chesham last June was just that, but where this stable is concerned any eventuality is possible until completely exhausted. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:15, MONGEY COMMUNICATIONS EYREFIELD STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 9fT Field: A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Christmas Day (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Listentodwindblow (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Nil Bua Gan Dua (American Pharoah), Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Port Of Spain (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), South Island (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Thread Of Gold (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}). TDN Analysis: One of Ballydoyle's crew of TDN Rising Stars, Presented by Hagyard, Piazza San Marco who is joined by the well-regarded Christmas Day could stir the Derby market a bit here. Obviously not content with pulling all the strings in the other code, Willie Mullins is looking to get into the action on the Flat with his impressive Curragh winner Thread Of Gold. He might mash this lot, but there'll be no Blue Riband next summer as he is gelded. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:20, KILLAVULLAN STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 7f 30yT Field: Daytona (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Dorset (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Mumhan (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Spangled Sands (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Yaupon De Replay (Yaupon). TDN Analysis: One of her burgeoning sire's billboards, Yaupon de Replay takes on the colts en route to Del Mar. Dorset had begun to look a disappointing TDN Rising Star, Presented by Hagyard, but got it back together last time in the Goffs Million while Jim Bolger took this with Poetic Flare in 2020 and saddles the Curragh winner Mumhan. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Marseille Borely, France, post time: 12:31, PRIX DELAHANTE – PELLEGRIN-Listed, €54,900, 2yo, 8 1/2fT Field: Siciliano (Fr) (Time Test {GB}), Mefie Toi (Fr) (De Treville {GB}), Sorbetto (Fr) (Supremacy {Ire}), Ladja (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Tchikita (Fr) (Charm Spirit {Ire}), Khalinskha (Fr) (Fas {Ire}), Testerine (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Zaraxia (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Zaraxia and Khalinskha are the two nominees with an unbeaten record to defend and both come back off decisive maiden scores at Salon-de-Provence and Vichy, respectively, last month. The duo will be accompanied by winning stablemates Testerine, for Zaraxia's Nicolas Perret yard, and Sorbetto for Khalinskha's Jerome Reynier barn, with the former having Ladja back in fourth when breaking through over this course and distance three weeks ago. The Patrice Cottier-conditioned pair Siciliano and Mefie Toi boast an aggregate five unplaced efforts in stakes company, while Elias Mikhalides trainee Tchikita comes back off a claiming-race sixth at Chantilly. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Kyoto, Japan, post time: 15:40, SHUKA SHO-G1, ¥215,400,000, 3yo, f, 2000mT Field: Danon Fair Lady (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Rouge Solitaire (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Jocelyn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Lesedrama (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Brown Ratchet (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Kelly Fled Ask (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Kurino Mei (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Theresa (Jpn) (Admire Mars {Jpn}), Ma Puce (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), Erika Express (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Embroidery (Jpn) (Admire Mars {Jpn}), Voulezvous (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}), Sena style (Jpn) (Sottsass {Fr}), Vip Daisy (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}), In Vogue (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Run For Vow (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Kamunyak (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Paradis Reine (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX DU CONSEIL DE PARIS-G2, €119,000, 3yo/up, 11fT Field: Casapueblo (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}), Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Path Of Soldier {Ger}) Soldier Hollow {GB}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Yellow Jersey (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: Newtown Anner's G1 Deutsches Derby runner-up Convergent made a black-type breakthrough in last month's G3 Kilternan and is primed for another step up the ladder here. Last term's G2 Champagne victor Bay City Roller has run second in three Group 2 contests this year, while Qatar Racing's Listed Prix Frederic de Lagrange victor Yellow Jersey has not been seen since registering a three-length tally in August's Arqana Series des Trois Ans at Deauville. Deutsches Derby fourth Path Of Soldier completes the sophomore band. The older brigade provides a formidable barrier with multiple Group 1 winners Dubai Honour and Junko joined by Godolphin's G2 Grand Prix de Deauville runner-up Casapueblo. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 12:45, CARLA KELLNER ZUKUNFTSRENNEN – PREIS DER WINTERKONIGIN-G3, €155,000, 2yo, f, 8fT Field: Alsterperle (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Deia's Delight (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Fantastic Fox (Ger) (Japan {GB}), Isfana (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), Love My Life (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Madame Magic (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Sea The Storm (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Valzeina (Swi) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Alsterperle was denied in the dying strides of last month's Listed Winterkonigin Trial at Cologne and bids to shed maiden status at the fifth attempt. She has the measure of Madame Magic, who ran fourth in that 7 1/2-furlong contest, and her chief threat is the David Menuisier-trained Sea The Storm, who delivered an impressive win in a one-mile Sandown maiden five weeks ago. Deia's Delight, like Alsterperle, finished a neck second to Believe In Me in her latest start and is another maiden seeking glory. Henk Grewe entry Valzeina, one of just two with winning form, returns off a half-length tally, finishing ahead of Isfana and Fantastic Fox, over seven furlongs at Dortmund last month, while the once-raced maiden Love My Life is no forlorn hope and completes the line-up. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 14:05, B.A.U. HERBST TROPHY-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 12fT Field: Lordano (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Padre Palou (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Rashford (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Nastaria (GB) (Outstrip {GB}), Lion's Head (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Tanami Starlet (GB) (Best Solution {Ire}), Delgardo (Ger) (Best Solution {Ire}), Name Lord (Ger) (Lord Of England {Ger}). TDN Analysis: Listed Dusseldorf Derby Trial victor Delgardo is presented with the chance of a first pattern-race win coming back off a second in this month's G3 Preis der Deutschen Einheit. He concedes two pounds for a one-length defeat of Name Lord in that Derby Trial, but the latter reversed form when seventh in July's G1 Deutsches Derby and makes his first appearance since. The older brigade is headed by last year's second and third, Tanami Starlet and Lion's Head, while the usual suspects Lordano, Padre Palou, Rashford and Nastaria merit respect. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:25, PRIX DE SAINT-CYR-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, f, 7fT Field: Medusa Merger (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Ashikidah (Fr) (Belardo {Ire}), Narkala (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Naina (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Miracle Beauty (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Morgan Bay (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Blazing Spirit (Fr) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Alsaba (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Verse Of Love (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Santa Savana (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Scattering Light (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Paris Babe (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Celestial Orbit (GB) (No Nay Never), Sonadoor (Ire) (Shaman {Ire}), Beaujolais Nouveau (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Alreyyah (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Secret Wood (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Dash Of Azure (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Analysis: With a mammoth field thundering towards the first turn on this storied downhill chute, this will not be for the faint of heart. The dual-winning Narkala, Listed Prix Amandine victrix Medusa Merger and Listed Fillies Cup third Santa Savana head a solid home defence. Last term's Listed Star Stakes victrix Celestial Orbit and Listed October Stakes second Dash Of Azzure are best of the Brits and favourably housed towards the far-side rail, while Joseph O'Brien ships in Fairyhouse handicap winner Miracle Beauty. Having been on the outskirts of black-type success, Morgan Bay, Scattering Light, Secret Wood and Alsaba merit respect. Maranoa Charlie annexed this month's G1 Prix de la Foret over course and distance from stall 14 in a field of 16. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Ombudsman And Delacroix Meet For The Third Time At Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With 15 days until the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), multiple grade 1 winner Journalism turned in his penultimate work the morning of Oct. 17 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

With 15 days until the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), multiple grade I winner Journalism turned in his penultimate work the morning of Oct. 17 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Riding a three-race winning streak, Kumanyuk (Black Tide) faces 17 rivals in the G1 Shuka Sho over 2000 metres at Kyoto on Sunday. The third jewel of the Japanese Triple Tiara brings together the winners of the first two legs. A winner of the G2 Flora Stakes, G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and G2 Rose Stakes in succession, the last coming on September 14, the filly is the one to beat. She had Theresa (Admire Mars) back in second with G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies second Vip Daisy (Satono Diamond) fourth in that affair last month. Said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, “Coming into the homestretch in the Rose Stakes, a horse to her inside moved out and bumped into this one, causing her to lose her balance. However, after regaining her balance she quickened nicely. She got cut on her hind leg, but we were able to ride her soon after. Her work Oct. 1 centered on keeping her calm. Jockey Yuga Kawada rode work on Oct. 9. I left it to Kawada how hard he would push her in the final stage, and he just pushed her a bit toward the end. She looked good and worked seriously. This week, we just did enough to get her breathing right. Her weight is up but she's taller and bigger all around. I think 2000 meters will be a plus. The biggest concern is starting in front of the stands. I think she'll be able to handle the ground even if it's a bit rain-affected.” Opposing Kumanyuk is G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) heroine Embroidery (Admire Mars). Although she was only ninth in the Yushun Himba to that foe, she also had Ma Puce (Mind Your Biscuits) back in second in the G3 Daily Hai Queen Stakes earlier in the season. Said trainer Kazutomo Mori, “She's gotten one size bigger over the summer, and her weight was over 490kg when she returned from the farm to Miho about three weeks ago. Christophe Lemaire rode her on the flat at Miho on Oct. 9 with a horse in front of her. The focus was on keeping her balanced and her responses were excellent. We shipped her to Ritto and her weight didn't drop. I think most of the gain is due to her bigger frame and added muscle. This week, she worked alone up the hill course. “To be honest, I think the 2000-meter inner course will not be easy. She has a very big stride and does better over a more spacious course. Being able to sustain a good speed at length is her forte.” The top three from the September 7 G2 Shion Stakes have also returned in Kelly Fled Ask (Duramente), Jocelyn (Epiphaneia), and Danon Fair Lady (Kizuna). The post Kumanyuk Squares Off With Embroidery In Shuka Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Approaching the threshold of the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, MGISW Journalism (Curlin) had his penultimate workout for the big race at Santa Anita Park on Friday, but according to a report in the Daily Racing Form that same day, the colt's regular rider Umberto Rispoli will be replaced by Jose Ortiz for the Classic. In all but one of Journalism's 10 career races (his maiden win at Del Mar in Nov. '24), Rispoli has ridden the son of Curlin. This includes three GI victories this year in the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes and Haskell Stakes. Last time out in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, Journalism under Rispoli finished as the runner-up to champion Fierceness (City of Light), who took the $1 million event by 3 1/4 lengths. Journalism worked five furlongs Friday morning at Santa Anita, going in :59.20 seconds alongside stablemate & GISP Yellow Card (Lost Treasure {Ire}). According to the DRF, Aron Wellman–whose Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners is one part of an ownership syndicate in Journalism–said the decision had been made that morning. He declined to give a reason as to the jockey switch. Later Friday morning, McCarthy told the TDN he was “very pleased” with Journalism's work. “I thought he worked very well, 5/8ths in :59.2. He caught some unexpected company but finished up nicely. Very pleased,” said McCarthy. Aboard Journalism for the drill was his regular work rider, Tony Gutierrez. “It was good for him,” Gutierrez said. “We were going to get a little serious today. I caught my workmate near the quarter pole, but then when [Journalism] saw that horse in front of us, he puffed himself up, went to the rail and chased him. It was perfect. Everything with him is perfect. His mind. His body. He wasn't even blowing when I got him back to the barn. Amazing horse.” The Journalism got serious this morning for @mwmracing working a strong 5-poles @santaanitapark in 59 & change. The Santa Anita Derby, @PreaknessStakes & Haskell @MonmouthPark hero is 15 days from competing in a @BreedersCup Classic for the ages. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/5FFSIWlheJ — Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) October 17, 2025 The post Journalism Drills Five Panels At Santa Anita For Breeders’ Cup Classic, Jose Ortiz To Take Mount appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Sunday running at Kyoto Racecourse: Sunday, October 20, 2025 10th-KYO, ¥35,040,000 ($234k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1400m DANON FIGO (JPN) (c, 3, Into Mischief–Ollie's Candy, by Candy Ride {Arg}), a maiden winner in a pair of juvenile appearances, was off the board in his first two runs this term, but took a course-and-distance allowance May 4 and returned from a layoff to repeat the dose going this distance at Hanshin Sept. 21. The February foal is the first produce for his dam, winner of the GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and purchased by K. I. Farm for $1.65 million at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Leading rider Yuga Kawada has the call. O-Danox Co Ltd; B-K I Farm; T-Yasuo Tomomichi The post Into Mischief Colt Danon Figo Goes For Three Straight at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The two-day BBAG October Sale kicked off in Germany on Friday with lot 101, a chestnut filly by Torquator Tasso, selling for €110,000 to A-Turf. Consigned by Gestut Hof Ittlingen, the daughter of Lucy Lou (Soldier Hollow) is a half-sister to €200,000 Ferdinand Leisten Memorial BBAG Auktionsrennen hero Loucas (Best Solution). The duo are from the extended family of G1 German Derby hero and sire Lando. Second on the buyers' sheet was lot 120, a filly by Alson, who caught the eye of Gestut Fahrhof and Philip, Baron von Ullmann for €64,000. Already named Verdani, the OH Consignment member is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Stingray (Zarak). Originally set to be the last lot in the ring, the filly was followed by lot 106, who was reoffered at the very end of the day. Of the 94 lots offered, 67 sold (71%) for a gross of €1,063,000. The average was €15,865 and the median was €11,000. The post Torquator Tasso Half-Sister To Loucas Tops The First Day Of The BBAG October Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Tim Williams admits he doesn’t know what Miki Bennett will do when the tapes fly in the Placemakers Oamaru Cup (4.22pm) on Sunday. The pacer comes into the 2600m handicap after botching his last standing start before producing a huge recovery to win. That victory came down in the grades, and if Miki Bennett does it again he will face an almighty task to win. But Williams is hopeful his charge can do things right because of one crucial factor. “He is a quirky character and, to be honest, you never quite know what he might do.” “But being one of only two horses off 20m on Sunday, with no horses behind him, he is going to get his chance to step away.” “I would like to think he would be able to get it right, but I think everyone knows what he is like and what he can do if his brain isn’t in gear.” While Miki Bennett may have a reputation for waywardness – which he has earned – Williams is sure the pacer is a much more refined product than he was in the past. “I definitely think he has gotten better; he is good a lot more times than he is bad these days.” “I think he is probably just one of those slower-maturing horses, and he is a lot more settled now.” “He’s been going nice races from behind the mobile, and this looks quite a suitable grade for him.” “If he can do things right, he would have to be a handy chance.” Williams links up with another Stonewall Stud pacer on Sunday in Riptide, who has an exemplary record behind the tapes. The pacer looks a big winning threat from his 10m handicap on the back of three second placings. “He is just a lovely, genuine horse and obviously very consistent.” “I’d like to think he would be able to go another lovely race on Sunday.” Utah Blaze looks a serious winning threat at Oamaru, with his barrier 1 on the second row looking the only significant factor against him. The pacer ran a respectable race in his latest outing when seventh behind star two-year-old Jumal in the recent $200,000 Harness Million. “His sectionals were very good in the Harness Million, and dropping back into a maiden race, he is well placed.” “He might need that little bit of luck, but if he gets it, he should be right there.” Treasure Cove looks a serious threat for the Stonewall Stud stable despite making errors in his last start on grass. The three-year-old has taken on much stronger company than he meets on Sunday. Williams also links up with stablemates Spanish Princess and Silvester at Oamaru. Spanish Princess looks brilliantly placed as a race-winner taking on maidens. To place a bet in the Oamaru Cup click here View the full article

5th-Belmont The Big A, $85,000, Msw, 10-17, 2yo, 1m, 1:36.11, ft, 5 1/4 lengths. PALADIN (c, 2, Gun Runner–Secret Sigh, by Tapit) scored his first career win here, albeit not in a way his connections likely believed he would after Renegade (Into Mischief)–first across the line–was disqualified to second. The even-money favorite for this unveiling, Paladin was never far from the front as he pushed Credit History (Nyquist) through an opening quarter in :23.20 and a half in :46.48. Asked to take command passing the half-mile, he had a slim margin coming off the bend as Renegade loomed the danger behind him. The pair came together inside the final furlong and distanced themselves from the field before Paladin found himself on the receiving end of late contact in the stretch. They hit the wire heads apart, but the inquiry sign was immediate posted afterwards. After a Stewards' inquiry, it was determined that Renegade had impeded Paladin in the final yards of their duel, and the order was reversed with the son of Into Mischief being disqualified to second as the Chad Brown-trainee was elevated to the first-out score. Paladin was a $1.9-million yearling pick up at the boutique FTSAUG sale across town in 2024 by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for a partnership that would ultimately comprise of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith, and Summer Wind Equine LLC. The victor is out of an unraced daughter of MGSW India (Hennessy), making the dam a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Mozu Ascot (Frankel {GB}) in Japan and SW Kareena (Medaglia d'Oro), herself mother of SP Padma (Tapit). Secret Sigh's first to the races was unplaced Pippi Longstocking (Frankel {GB}), who foaled a Practical Joke colt this past spring, while placed Stop the Press (Uncle Mo) was her first to hit the board. Paladin is her most recent of racing age and she has a yearling colt by Into Mischief in the wings. Her 2025 Elite Power foal died. This is the immediate female family of Pilfer, most famous as the dam of MGISW To Honor and Serve (Bernardini) and his full-sister GISW Angela Renee. A third full-sibling to that pair named Cara Caterina would go on to claim MGISW La Cara (Street Sense) to her broodmare tally. A full-sister to India named GSP-Eng Sing Softly went on in her second career to produce French Group-placed Coetzee (Frankel {GB}). Sales history: $1,900,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $46,750. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B., Smith, Derrick, Brant, Peter M., Smith, Brook T. and Summer Wind Equine, LLC; B-Summer Wind Equine LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. The post Gun Runner’s Paladin Elevated to First Out Win at Belmont Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Presenting data Oct. 16 during the monthly meeting of the California Horse Racing Board in Sacramento, Calif., CHRB equine medical director Dr. Jeff Blea said regulatory protections for certain aspects of horse welfare are working well in the state.View the full article

Field of Gold bids to bounce back from his shock defeat in the Sussex Stakes (G1) but those closest to the leading miler know he will have to be at his brilliant best to overcome a wide draw in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) Oct. 18 at Ascot.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher on Oct. 17 sent out a quartet of workers targeting the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1)—Fierceness, Mindframe, Antiquarian and Locked—on the Oklahoma dirt training track at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher sent out a quartet of workers over the Oklahoma dirt at Saratoga on Friday who are all intended for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. The group of workers included Antiquarian (Preservationist) and 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard, Fierceness (City of Light), Mindframe (Constitution) and Locked (Gun Runner). Mindframe breezed to the inside of Locked shortly after the first renovation break and the pair covered five furlongs in 1:01.49, according to NYRA clockers. Mindframe edged clear of the Sept. 27 GII Woodward-winner Locked just before the wire, galloping out in front and strongly through the turn. “I thought Mindframe went super,” Pletcher said. “He had a really strong gallop out. Locked, since he's run more recently, we weren't looking for quite as much on the gallop out from him, but I thought they both went well.” Repole Stable and St. Elias's Mindframe was 3-for-3 this year with a pair of Grade I wins entering his last race in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga Aug. 31. The 4-year-old dark bay was on the receiving end of a chain reaction of bumping caused by Phileas Fogg (Astern {Aus}) and lost jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. shortly into the 10-furlong race. “I don't know how to quantify exactly what he got out of the Jockey Club from a fitness perspective and an actual true race,” Pletcher said. “We felt like we needed a little more from him [in training]. We've gotten some good works and good gallop outs, so I think we have accomplished what we were hoping to from a fitness perspective.” Pletcher confirmed Locked, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, is currently targeting the Classic rather than the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Antiquarian outside of Fierceness | Sarah Andrew Champion Fierceness, who was last seen taking the GI Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 30, breezed to the inside of Antiquarian following the second renovation break and the pair were on even terms as they covered five furlongs in 1:00.56, according to NYRA clockers. “Just another 'typical of what we've seen from him [Fierceness].' Every breeze, he just does things very effortlessly,” said Pletcher. “He looked good coming to the wire, stayed on, galloped out nicely. We wanted to match him up with a little stronger mate today, to get a good solid work. “I thought [Antiquarian] responded well. He stayed on course and galloped out nicely, a good work from both of them,” Pletcher added. Centennial Farms's Antiquarian broke through at the top-level and earned a career-best 108 Beyer Speed Figure in the Gold Cup, inching close to millionaire status with $944,100 banked through a 9-4-3-0 record. “We felt like with all four horses, today was the sternest work we were going to look for. They are going to ship next week, we won't look to do quite as much next week,” Pletcher said, confirming that the four Breeders' Cup Classic contenders will work again at the Spa next week before shipping.” Derrick Smith, Repole Stable, Michael Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier's Fierceness was a 1 1/2-length second in last year's Classic to champion Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). “It is always comforting to know that he appears to like the surface out there, two good races, there gives you optimism,” Pletcher said. The post Pletcher Breezes Quartet At Spa With Eye On Breeders’ Cup Classic For All appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a summer of toing and froing and ding-dong battles, Ascot's feature G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes brings it all to a satisfyingly gladiatorial climax on Saturday. Having revelled in Ombudsman's dramatic surge at the end of the Prince of Wales's, Delacroix's huge move coming off Leopardstown's bend in the Irish Champion and the relentless power of Calandagan at the close of the King George, it all comes together in a perfect blend on a perfect sunlit autumn afternoon for the latest QIPCO Champions Day. The headline race is a qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf in November. These actors didn't come around by accident, with messrs Gosden, O'Brien and Graffard responsible for crafting their careers almost with this moment in mind. There is also a subplot to the 2025 running which threatens to become the main act, with William Haggas having completed his long, slow, careful building process to get the long-absent Economics back into the fray. Ombudsman, who like Economics is a son of this year's sire sensation Night Of Thunder, is a potent force given a strong pace and with Devil's Advocate in here he should get that. Undone by Delacroix when the tempo was only modest in the Eclipse, he was stunning in the Juddmonte International despite the well-documented tactical mess of that race. Overall, he is the champion elect until proven otherwise and could be sealing a momentous day for Clarehaven if all goes to plan for the father-and-son combination. Delacroix, who brings together that heady mix of Dubawi and Tepin, has excelled this term with his Sandown smash-and-grab supplemented by his domination of the feature of Irish Champions Weekend. The ten pounds weight-for-age allowance he got from the Godolphin colt in the Eclipse is now only four and while his York run was compromised to a degree by the pace scenario it is notable that he was nowhere near as dynamic as Ombudsman throughout the final three furlongs. Calandagan was denied by Anmaat 12 months ago on ground that would have undermined his chance, but up against two true 10-furlong specialists he is up against it on officially good going. It also has to be said that his Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and King George wins have taken some knocks of late and he will need a career-best here. Ed Walker has always made it clear that Almaqam (Lope De Vega) is the apple of his eye and while he got the better of a penalised Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard in May he would have needed it softer than this to cause the upset. That also applies to Kirsten Rausing's unexposed three-year-old Almeric (Study Of Man), whose two Listed wins five months apart suggest we are talking about next year's horse rather than a now horse. Regarding the latter, Oisin Murphy gave some notable insight. “It would be lovely to go step-by-step, but there weren't many options for Almeric,” he said. “He's the most beautiful athlete and physical that you'll ever see. If anyone wants to see a racehorse, have a look at him.” Going For Gold Since it was shuffled onto this card and made a straight mile contest in 2011, the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes has become the mother of all understudies and this year's renewal promises to steal some thunder from the main event. Juddmonte's Field Of Gold (Kingman) was supreme around the turns in the St James's Palace before the wheels came off in the Sussex, but there is nothing to suggest he won't come back as effective as before. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's enigmatic Rosallion (Blue Point) has met with defeat more times than connections would have dared to dread this season, but perhaps it is merely a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time on each occasion. Drawn on the wing here, he will have to be played with exacting precision by Sean Levey but he has at least shown a love for this track having won impressively at two and in last year's St James's Palace. Perhaps Rosallion's most mystifying reversal so far this term was his fourth behind Never So Brave (No Nay Never) in the City of York and it would be a mistake to rule the Andrew Balding-trained improver out of the equation here. He seems to conjure what is required each time despite being set stiffer tasks and Oisin Murphy is quietly confident. “He feels great,” he said. “He has a bit to find, but is probably my best ride on the day.” Wathnan's multiple Group 1 winner Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) probably could have done with softer ground to take the potency out of Field Of Gold and Rosallion, but is a dangerous proposition as a filly blooming at this time of year. Can Kalpana? Like Rosallion, Kalpana (Study Of Man) has developed a serious case of seconditis this season but is back in her comfort zone preparing to defend her crown in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. Her King George near-miss confirmed her liking for this course and distance and it might just be a case of what the Arc took out of her 13 days ago. Cheveley Park's burgeoning homebred Estrange (Night Of Thunder) dodged that test, which may have been a stroke of luck if she can take advantage of a weakened Kalpana here. Her Yorkshire Oaks form with Minnie Hauk looks even better at this juncture and the ground will be a touch more forgiving this time. Other intriguing candidates are Ballydoyle's Bedtime Story (Frankel), who seems quite far removed from the spellbinding juvenile who tore up this track in the Chesham last June, and Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's Lillie Langtry winner Waardah (Postponed). The latter has the kind of freshness that can be a serious weapon at this time of year and is from the Owen Burrows academy of perfectly-honed improvers. Wathnan's Big Opportunity After a stellar Royal Ascot, a big-race win on Champions Day would be the icing on the cake for Wathnan Racing and with three leading contenders it looks most likely to come in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes. Lazzat (Territories) won the sprint of the year at the Royal meeting, but has gone under twice subsequently with no obvious excuses so this is very much his moment of truth. Jerome Reynier still believes. “We were disappointed to be beaten in the Prix Maurice de Gheest, but Sajir on the day was really good and in the Haydock Sprint Cup Lazzat was drawn in the middle and there was a bias towards the stands' rail,” he said. “He was not beaten far but was always under pressure, which is not the way he is usually.” “This time, he is spot-on and back on a racecourse he has done so well at,” he added. “He seems very happy to be back at home because, between the Maurice de Gheest and Haydock, he was based in Deauville, which is not the training environment he is used to. Now he needs to show the world that he is the best European sprinter.” Also in the colours is last year's winner Kind Of Blue (Blue Point), another who excited at the beginning of 2025 only to miss the target time and again. Second at Haydock last time, he could be on the way back and it is worth noting that James Fanshawe did get his relative The Tin Man back from a more serious issue a few years ago. Sporting the operation's black cap is Flora Of Bermuda (Dark Angel), but she is some third string having been beaten around half a length when third in this 12 months ago. Where the July Cup heroine No Half Measures (Cable Bay) fits in is anybody's guess, with her Newmarket victory still as surprising now as it seemed at the time. Big Mojo (Mohaather) is drawn on the outside, but there isn't a more willing campaigner in this division and his presence makes it more of a contest than it would otherwise be, while The Aga Khan Studs runner Rayevka (Blue Point) is still unexposed and gives the impression one of these is well within her grasp. Off To A Flyer With Trawlerman? While the Gosdens are well-stocked all afternoon, they will be hoping that it is only a case of going through the motions for their star stayer Trawlerman (Golden Horn) in the opening G1 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup. Armed also with Sweet William (Sea The Stars), Clarehaven take to the high seas hoping for plain sailing with the only looming threat on the horizon being Ballydoyle's St Leger third Stay True (Galileo). The latter is one of the last of the Galileos to grace this meeting and who is to say that the late Coolmore deity doesn't yet have one or two more big days to come. The post Will Ombudsman Rule At Ascot? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article