Wandering Eyes

Garrard has been named as the official partner of Team British Racing (TBR), the internationally renowned jeweler and Great British Racing International (GBRI) announced on Tuesday. TBR was established by GBRI to highlight the participation and success of British trainers when they have horses competing globally at premier race meetings, with the aim of promoting Britain's world-leading trainers to an international audience. Founded in 1735, Garrard has long been associated with the world of horseracing. Official Trophies and Silverware supplier to Royal Ascot, Britain's most prestigious horse racing event. Garrard crafted the very first Gold Cup in 1842, while they have also been the trophy-maker of choice for the Bahrain International Trophy at one point, as well as the Saudi Cup. The newly branded Team British Racing kit, including the eye-catching Union Jack flag horse rugs featuring Garrard's logo, and will be on display on TBR runners during the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita on Nov. 3-4. Joanne Milner, Chief Executive of Garrard, said, “Ever since our silversmiths crafted the first Gold Cup for Royal Ascot in 1842, Garrard and the world of horseracing have been closely intertwined. As official partner of Team British Racing, we aim to further strengthen Garrard's global ties with this incredible sport.” Rod Street, CEO, Great British Racing International, added, “Garrard are a brilliant and appropriate brand for Team British Racing. Like British racing itself, Garrard has a long-established history steeped in tradition. Its links with some of the world's most prestigious races aligns perfectly with our aims and we look forward to working together to celebrate British-trained success on the world stage.” The post Garrard Named Official Partner Of Team British Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ARCADIA, CA – As the unbeaten Tamara (Bolt d'Oro) looks to emulate her legendary dam Beholder (Henny Hughes) with a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the duo have something else in common that you won't be able to find in Friday's program at Santa Anita. Before heading out to join Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella in Southern California, they were both broken and trained on behalf of Spendthrift Farm at Raul and Martha Reyes's King's Equine in Ocala, Florida. Like mother, like daughter? “Actually, Tamara was a little different as a yearling than Beholder was,” Raul Reyes said. “Tamara was a little bit more of a rebel. She was a little harder to break for a couple of weeks–she had her own mind. Then, she changed and became a regular filly. On the other side, Beholder was very pleasant all the time. She never gave you any trouble.” Reyes continued, “Beholder was a little more stocky and had more muscle. Tamara has really filled out since Mandella has had her.” Tamara is the fourth foal produced by the four-time champion and three-time Breeders' Cup winner. Beholder's first two offspring–Q B One (g, 5, by Uncle Mo) and Karin With an I (f, 4, by Curlin)–failed to find the winner's circle and were a combined 0-for-6 at the races. Tamara's 3-year-old half-sister Teena Ella (War Front), winner of this spring's grassy GIII Senorita S. at Santa Anita, became Beholder's first winner as a broodmare in February. Beholder's yearling colt by Curlin, meanwhile, brought a sale-topping $4 million from Zedan Racing at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Sale this summer. Barren for 2023, Beholder was covered by Jackie's Warrior for next season. Tamara, ears up, toying with the competition in the GI Del Mar Debutante S. | Benoit Reyes and Mandella would often chat about and compare notes on Beholder's offspring during Mandella's visits to King's Equine, Reyes said. Mandella has trained all of Beholder's progeny to date. “I told him that I didn't know how good this filly (Tamara) was going to be, but she sure was better than her siblings,” Reyes said. “I broke all of Beholder's (offspring) and Tamara looked more racey. She breezed way better than all of them–way way better. She used to outrun the company when I used to breeze her here. The filly before her (Teena Ella) won a Grade III and she was O.K. But Tamara was exceptional. We didn't know that she'd go on and win these races like that. But she was the best one of the siblings by far.” Carrying the namesake of B. Wayne Hughes's daughter–sounds like the folks at Spendthrift concurred with Reyes's assessment–Tamara overcame a stumble at the start from her rail draw to launch her career in style with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance at Del Mar Aug. 19. Tamara ran to the billing as the 6-5 favorite and then some with a 6 3/4-length tour de force over 11 rivals in the GI FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante S. Sept. 9, good for a 91 Beyer Speed Figure. Tamara will be heavily favored as she tries two turns for the first time in the Juvenile Fillies. She has been installed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite. “The way she runs, she makes you think that she's gonna be alright,” Reyes said. Beholder seeks to become the fifth Breeders' Cup winner to also produce a winner at the two-day Championships. Living the American Dream… Growing up a mile from the racetrack in his native Tijuana, Mexico, Reyes wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, a quarter horse jockey in Texas. Reyes began working on the backstretch at the tender age of 10 back in 1975–yes, you read that correctly–and just six years later, began to pursue his career in the saddle in California. “I came to the United States and worked for a couple of good trainers, but I was too big to be a jockey,” Reyes said. “I had to quit riding when I was like 20. It was hard for me because I couldn't speak English very well. Can you imagine? It's hard enough for an American kid to make it here.” King's Equine's Raul Reyes | Fasig-Tipton Reyes subsequently relocated to Florida to begin training and caught his big break while working the yearling sales for Taylor Made in Kentucky. Everything began to fall into place from there. “They gave me the opportunity of a lifetime,” Reyes said. “That opened my eyes. I learned how to sell horses and how to deal with people. I must say, my friend (Taylor Made's Vice President of Sales) Frank Taylor, he's the one who really made it happen for me. He introduced me to all these good people–the biggest clients in the world all come to Taylor Made. And then I met Wayne. That's really how I got started.” Wayne, of course, is B. Wayne Hughes, the late founder of Spendthrift Farm who passed away in 2021. “We became pretty good friends,” Reyes said. “And we've had pretty good success together. They are great people to work with.” Reyes typically trains approximately 100 head at his 84-acre training center and is also a leading consignor at the 2-year-old-in-training sales. Spendthrift Farm has been a client of his for nearly two decades now. “We try to keep it simple,” Reyes said. “It can get very complicated if you start looking for ways to do it differently. People have been doing this for a 100 years. They say the good things don't change.” In addition to Beholder and Tamara, other King's Equine training graduates include: champion Letruska (Super Saver); MGISW Miss Temple City (Temple City); GI Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Silver Train (Old Trieste); and GISWs Jimmy Creed (Distorted Humor) and Hit the Road (More Than Ready). King's Equine's 2-year-old sale alumni include: GISW Beyond Brilliant (Twirling Candy) ($200,000 2yo '20 EASMAY); MGSW millionaire Stanford (Malibu Moon) ($550,000 2yo '14 BARMAR); MGSW Kanthaka (Jimmy Creed) ($140,000 2yo '17 BARMAR); and GSW and GI Breeders' Cup Sprint runner-up Shancelot (Shanghai Bobby) ($245,000 2yo '18 OBSMAR). “I've been in Ocala for 25 years already,” Reyes said. “This is a place that's been very good to me. That's a lot of good seasons that I've had here now.” Reyes's 2023 season is about to get even better at 2:40 p.m. PT on Friday afternoon. The post A Pair of Queens for King’s Equine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Saffie Osborne will not ride the rest of the year due to torn ligaments in her knee sustained in a race fall at the beginning of October, but is planning on returning in January. Osborne has ridden since the incident occurred, however, she has decided to give herself plenty of time off to recover. The 21-year-old rode 70 winners in 2023, including Metier (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) to win the Chester Cup in May. Another highlight was the victory of Random Harvest (Ire) (War Front) in the G3 Valiant S. at Ascot in July. She was also named the top rider in the Racing League for the second year in a row. “It's obviously hugely frustrating to miss any time in the saddle but my knee has been causing me some pain,” said Osborne. “I am hoping to be back riding in January. I'm hugely grateful to all the owners and trainers who have supported me this year and I can't wait to be back riding in 2024.” The post Knee Injury Benches Saffie Osborne Until January appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under the white-trimmed, navy blue silks of Amerman Racing, will appear Endlessly in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T), a bay colt seeking to duplicate the efforts of his sire seven years ago.View the full article

The Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner collapsed following a gallop at Santa Anita Park. His rider was reportedly uninjured. The 3-year-old son of Practical Joke was entered in the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).View the full article

Cody's Wish aims to defend his title Nov. 4 in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).View the full article

Belmont Stakes (G1) and Travers Stakes (G1) winner Arcangelo will be scratched from Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), trainer Jena Antonucci said in an interview on the Breeders' Cup social media channel on X.View the full article

German Horse of the Year and established sire Iquitos (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) will move to Gestut Rottgen beginning in 2024, the stud announced on Tuesday. Standing for a partnership of Gestut Ammerland, Gestut Graditz and Mulligan Stable, his fee will be €6,000. A multiple Group 1 winner, the son of Irika (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) has already been represented by Group 3 winner Mr Hollywood (Ire), who was second in the G1 Deutsches Derby, and listed winner and group-placed Drawn To Race (Ger) from his first crop of just five foals who are 3-year-olds. A three-time top-level winner from 2000-2400 metres, Iquitos raced for four seasons internationally in France and Japan and was given a rating of 122 in his 26th and final start when winning the G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern. He began his stallion career at Gestut Ammerland and moved to Gestut Graditz in 2021. “We are thrilled to be able to offer a tough, consistent and high-class racehorse who has made such a good start as a stallion,” said Gestut Rottgen's manager Frank Dorff. “Adlerflug proved to be one of the best middle-distance sires in the world and we look forward to giving Iquitos every chance to follow his sire's path and establish himself as a top sire in Germany and Europe.” The post Iquitos On The Move To Gestut Rottgen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a movement spearheaded by Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber, a group of 36 prominent horsemen have joined together in support of the fight against antisemitism. The horsemen have pledged a donation of a portion of their Breeders' Cup earnings to the organization Stand Up to Jewish Hate. “Together, we support the fight against Jewish hate and antisemitism and stand with Israel's mission to eliminate all forms of terrorism,” a statement from the group read. “In a united effort, we are committed to donating a portion of earnings from the Breeders' Cup this weekend to benefit Stand Up To Jewish Hate. We welcome everyone from the Thoroughbred Horse Racing community and all its fans to join us. Please visit www.standuptojewishhate.org to learn more or donate.” The statement is signed by: Rory Babich of St. Elias Stables, Craig Bandoroff of Denali Stud, Gary Barber, Antony Beck of Gainesway Farm, Craig Bernick of Glen Hill Farm, Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds LLC, Alex Bregman of Bregman Family Racing LLC, Gary Broad of Walmac Farm, Mark Casse of Casse Racing, Everything's Cricket Racing, Gary Fenton of Little Red Feather Racing, Al Gold of Gold Square, Stuart Grant of The Elkstone Group, Len and Jon Green of DJ Stables, John Heims, Racing Secretary Monmouth Park, Larry Hirsch of Highlander Training Center, Jay Hovdey, Billy Koch of Little Red Feather Racing, Sol Kumin of Madaket Stables, David Levine, Mike Levy of Muirfield Insurance, Michael McCarthy of Michael McCarthy Racing Stable, Peter Miller of Peter Miller Racing Stable, Graham Motion of Herringswell Stables, Todd Pletcher of Todd A. Pletcher Racing Stables, Inc., Jay Privman, Eddie Rosen, The Roth Family of LNJ Stables, Len Scheifler of Pantofel Stable, Brian Spearman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Vinnie Viola of St. Elias Stables, Adam Wachtel of Wachtel Stable, Bradley Weisbord of Elite Sales, Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Steve Weston of Parkland Thoroughbreds and Aron Yagoda. Founded by Robert Kraft, Stand Up to Jewish Hate's mission, according to its website is “to win the hearts and minds of non-Jews and Jews through powerful positive messaging and partnerships, motivating and equipping them to be defenders of and upstanders for the Jewish community.” The post Prominent Horsemen Pledge Breeders’ Cup Earnings to Support Fight Against Antisemitism appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Blue Rose Farm's GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S. winner Arcangelo (Arrogate) has been withdrawn from the field for Saturday's $6 million GI Breeders' Cup Classic, trainer Jena Antonucci confirmed to FanDuel TV on Tuesday morning. The 3-year-old had been battling a hind hoof issue since losing a shoe over the weekend and hadn't been to the track since Saturday. Breaking news: ARCANGELO is out of the @BreedersCup Classic. @JoaquinJaime_ caught up with his trainer @jenaantonucci who tells us what went into the decision. pic.twitter.com/nxEK7RQc84 — TVG (@TVG) October 31, 2023 This story will be updated. The post Arcangelo Out of Breeders’ Cup Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The shadow fields have now been decided for three key Group 1s during IRT New Zealand Cup and Show Week at Addington. The last heats for the Woodlands 2YO Colts and Geldings Sires’ Stakes, the Dunstan Horsefeeds 2YO Sires’ Stakes Fillies and the Nevele R Stud 50 Years of Success 3YO Fillies series were held at Ashburton on Labour Day (Monday, October 23). Cold Chisel’s victory in the 2YO Colts and Geldings heat sealed him a place in the final on IRT New Zealand Cup day on Tuesday, November 14, with place-getters Vessem and Renegade also making the shadow field. Renegade had already qualified through a heat win at Addington on September 21. Cold Chisel’s win followed his impressive victory in the NZB Standardbred Harness Million and he has now won four of six career starts. In the fourth and final 2YO Sires’ Stakes Fillies heat it was a Captaintreacherous trifecta, with Treacherous Love, Melody Banner and Treacherous Baby to the fore. All three have made the shadow field for their final at Addington on Show Day, Friday November 17. The seventh and final heat for the Nevele R 3YO fillies saw Aardiebytheseaside get her second heat win (after also winning Heat 1 on August 25) and she is set to take on the unbeaten Millwood Nike and co in one of the day’s biggest races on IRT New Zealand Cup Day. Treacherous Gall, who was second at Ashburton, had already qualified through a heat win (Oamaru, September 17) and they are joined in the shadow field for the final by third-placed Sweet Diamond. See below for the latest results and shadow fields for all Finals Woodlands 2YO Colts and Geldings Sires’ Stakes Dunstan Horsefeeds 2YO Sires’ Stakes Fillies Nevele R Stud 50 Years of Success 3YO Fillies For more information contact: Martin Pierson NZ Sires’ Stakes Executive 027 4711 081 View the full article

ARCADIA, CA — Practical Move (Practical Joke–Ack Naughty, by Afleet Alex), winner of this spring's GI Santa Anita Derby, died after suffering an apparent cardiac event following a routine gallop early Tuesday morning at Santa Anita. His rider was uninjured. Practical Move collapsed while jogging back along the outer rail and was immediately tended to by the on-site veterinary team as well as his trainer Tim Yakteen. A statement from Breeders' Cup read, “Breeders' Cup is saddened to report the loss of Practical Move after what is suspected to be a cardiac event while returning from his gallop this morning at Santa Anita Park. His rider was uninjured, and the horse was immediately tended to by veterinarians from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), 1/ST Racing, and Breeders' Cup.” Practical Move, a $230,000 OBS April purchase (:10 1/5 breezer) by Leslie and Pierre Amestoy and Roger Beasley out of the Eisaman Equine consignment, posted a record of 8-5-1-2 and earnings of $923,200. In addition to his game nose victory in the Santa Anita Derby, his resume also included wins in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity and GII San Felipe S. Bred in by Kentucky by four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown and Sol Kumin's Head of Plains Partners, Practical Move previously RNA'd for $90,000 as a KEESEP yearling. Update from Will Farmer on Practical Move pic.twitter.com/QdT1YCTxJF — TVG (@TVG) October 31, 2023 The post Practical Move Dies from Apparent Cardiac Event While Training at Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday's top tips from the SCMP analystsView the full article

Following the news that a pair of Group 1-winning juveniles will be joining the Sumbe roster in 2024 earlier this month, multiple Group 1 winner Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) anchors the five-strong Sumbe roster at Haras de Montfort et Preaux, Nurlan Bizakov's operation announced on Tuesday morning. The three-time top-level scorer will stand for €17,500 in his first season, after a setback ruled him out of the 2023 covering season. A winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, Prix du Jockey Club and International S. to go with five other Group 1 placings, the 7-year-old is joined by French Champion Juvenile Angel Bleu (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and the Criterium International among other contests. He will stand for €9,000. The second Group 1-winning juvenile and third new stallion overall is Sumbe homebred Belbek (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), who also triumphed in the Lagardere. His fee has been set at €7,000. Rounding out the roster is G1 Commonwealth Cup hero Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}), who has first yearlings next year at €6,000; and De Treville (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), a half-brother to leading first-season sire Too Darn Hot (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who will hold court for €3,000. The latter has already sired the stakes winner Gregarina (Fr), who was second in the G3 Prix Quincey and two other group horses. “I am proud to announce that in 2024 Sumbe will offer two new exciting stallions Angel Bleu and Belbek,” said Sumbe's Nurlan Bizakov. “They are both champions by proven sires of sires and with deep, distinguished pedigrees. Mishriff needs no introduction and I am confident that he will receive strong support from French and international breeders in the new season. We have also adjusted the fees for Golden Horde and De Treville to make them even more attractive. The Sumbe team will be happy to show all our stallions and discuss any potential plans with breeders.” The post Mishriff Leads Trio Of New Sumbe Stallions As 2024 Fees Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin It was “bring your own” day at Kaikoura on Monday and not just the food and drink. Because three talented horsemen, two of them legends of the industry, brought horses they actually own or part-own to the meeting to win the three biggest races. Mark Purdon is, of course, a part owner of Kaikoura Cup winner Akuta and he will be in the sulky behind him in the NZ Cup in two weeks. Purdon’s son Michael also trains Mystic Max, who was on his best behaviour and beautifully driven to win the IRT South Bay Trotters Cup, earning his ticket to two open class starts during Cup week. “He will go to the 2000m stand on the first day and then the Dominion,” says Michael. “I am glad to see him back stepping well and trotting away because we know he has the motor.” But perhaps the most surprising owner/horseman in the winner’s circle was Ricky May, who shares in the ownership of Jimmy James Maguire, who led throughout to just hold on in the $50,000 NZB Sales Series Classic. Among May’s other owners in the four-year-old are his sister Mandy and her husband Tony Hurst and May says he can barely remember owning a horse. “It is very rare for me to own one although Judy (wife) has had a few,” says May. “I get a real thrill out of it, especially owning him with my sister and some great people,” says May. “I got into the horse when Benny (Brendon Hill, trainer) bought him at the sales,” says May. “He has always been a nice horse and he actually spelled at Mandy and Tony’s place and when he came back I was jogging him up for Benny and I could tell straight away he was a lot stronger.” Already having placed in a Methven Cup, Jimmy James Maguire clearly has the motor for open class and May says he wouldn’t be surprised if he was a Cup horse this time next season. “He has handled it racing out of his grade already and he is a strong little horse. “So I’m really enjoying being part of it.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson is looking forward to heading to Tauranga on Saturday where he will line-up nine runners on the nine-race card. Group One performer Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) will be fresh-up in the Flying Mullet Sports Bar 1400 and Bergerson is hoping he can recapture winning form. “Brando has had a quick freshen. He got a little bug following his last run,” said Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “We are going to run him in the Open 1400m and then back him up a fortnight later in that weight-for-age mile (Gr.2 Gartshore Tauranga Stakes). “It would be good to see him find form. He started to find a bit of form this time last year so hopefully he can run a cheeky race on Saturday.” Bergerson is also upbeat about the chances of stakes winner Fierce Flight (Flying Artie) in the Seeka 2100, and Cu Chulainn (NZ) (Burgundy) and Valentine (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) in the Aongatete Avo-Ject 3YO 1200. “Fierce Flight has only run okay but he has an alright record at Tauranga. It is weather dependent on him, we wouldn’t want too much rain,” he said. “Valentine was a touch disappointing at Rotorua. We are going to put the blinkers on him. He is working well at home, so we think he presents a nice chance. “Cu Chulainn had good South Island form as a two-year-old so it will be good to see him kick back off at the races as a three-year-old. I am sure he is capable of running a bold, cheeky race first-up.” View the full article

As anticipated, interest from horsemen for the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) was high, with 25 pre-entries. At the time of final entries Oct. 30, a capacity field of 14 was in place, plus two also-eligibles.View the full article

Amelia’s Jewel has drawn barrier five for the 2023 Golden Eagle. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) A capacity field of 20 four-year-olds will compete for the $20 million on the line in the 2023 Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens. Race favourite Amelia’s Jewel has drawn perfectly in barrier five in Saturday afternoon’s feature event in Sydney. The Simon Miller-trained mare will be looking to bounce back from her worst performance of her career, where she finished ninth in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 14. Damian Lane will continue his association with the superstar from Western Australia in what will be Amelia’s Jewel’s first run in Sydney. Following the barrier draw, horse racing betting sites took no risks and tightened her in to a +300 favourite. Having competed in The Everest (1200m), the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Hawaii Five Oh (+400) will jump from barrier four on Saturday. The son of I Am Invincible finished midfield in The Everest and will be ridden by the returning Nash Rawiller from barrier four. Chris Waller’s Kovalica (+700) copped a horror draw (16), in his attempt to claim victory for the first time since the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) in May. Kovalica went down by a nose in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), before finishing fifth, beaten 4.48 lengths behind Fangirl in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m). Following an arrogant win in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), Kiwi mare Legarto (+700) is back on Australian shores for the first time since her win in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). Japan will be represented by Obamburumai (+1000), with the Japanense runner set to be partnered by Joshua Parr, following the withdrawal of star jockey Yutaka Take. Obamburumai will jump from barrier 2 on Saturday. Saturday’s Golden Eagle will be the fifth rendition of the race, first won in 2019 by Kolding for trainer Chris Waller and jockey Glen Boss. 2023 Golden Eagle Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Hawaii Five Oh Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Nash Rawiller 4 57.5kg 2 Attrition Mitchell Freedman Beau Mertens 19 57.5kg 3 Pericles James Cummings Ben Melham 1 57.5kg 4 Golden Mile James Cummings Zac Lloyd 18 57.5kg 5 Kovalica Chris Waller Tommy Berry 16 57.5kg 6 Rediener Chris Waller Kathy O’Hara 3 57.5kg 7 Osipenko Chris Waller Jason Collett 8 57.5kg 8 Strait Acer Edward Cummings Tyler Schiller 7 57.5kg 9 Communist Michael Freedman Koby Jennings 12 57.5kg 10 Coin Toss Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Brett Prebble 17 57.5kg 11 Knight’s Choice John Symons & Sheila Laxon Jaden Lloyd 10 57.5kg 12 Obamburumai Keiji Yoshimura Joshua Parr 2 56.5kg 13 New Endeavour Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 13 56.5kg 14 Age Of Kings Chris Waller Craig Williams 11 56.5kg 15 Galeron Charles Hills Regan Bayliss 14 56.5kg 16 Amelia’s Jewel Simon Miller Damian Lane 5 55.5kg 17 Ruthless Dame Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Sam Clipperton 20 55.5kg 18 Legarto Ken & Bev Kelso Michael Dee 6 55.5kg 19 Vienna Princess Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 9 55.5kg 20 Razeta Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons 15 55.5kg More racing news View the full article

The race that stops the nation is just days away as the Melbourne Cup looms on the horizon. View the full article

Denfield (No. 1) is a two-time winner at Happy Valley. Denfield has returned in style this season and jockey Karis Teetan hopes the graduate of the Hong Kong International Sale can maintain an upward trajectory when he lines up on Wednesday night at Happy Valley. The chestnut was victorious under jockey Zac Purton last start, however, this time pairs with the Mauritian ace for his debut in the grade following a pair of smart Class 4 wins. “He won nicely last start. Of course, he led the race, it was different to see him in front. I think he’s a progressive horse, this time he’ll have a light weight on his back, so I think he’s going to run well,” Teetan said. Purchased for HK$7.8 million to race in Yue Yun Hing’s familiar navy and white silks, Denfield – trained by Danny Shum – has won twice from nine starts in Hong Kong. “I think so (to improving). He’s done it with a heavy weight on his back and he looks like he goes around the Valley like it’s nothing for him, so with a lighter weight I think he should get his chance,” Teetan said. Denfield (124lb) faces the likes of Amazing Run (125lb), Sugar Sugar (129lb), Lucky Archangel (126lb), Fun N Glory (121lb) and Red Elegance (121lb). The chestnut will step away from barrier eight after leading throughout to score as 1.6 favourite last start. Purton rides Gallant Waking (133lb) in the race for trainer Francis Lui. Teetan takes a full book of rides tomorrow including the last-start winning Heroic Master, for trainer Frankie Lor. “I thought he put in a good effort last time for a nice win. “He actually had a nice trip in the race, he had everything smooth and in the race when I put pressure on him he responded all of the way to the line. I think towards the end he probably still had a bit of petrol in the tank,” Teetan said. The Not A Single Doubt gelding is a two-time winner over 1000m at the Valley. “He’s doing well over the 1000 (metres), so let’s keep him there and hopefully he can do well again on Wednesday,” Teetan said. Teetan won the 2016 Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) aboard Horse Of Fortune and will chase a second win in the HK$4.2 million race this Sunday atop La City Blanche for trainer Tony Cruz. “He ran really well (last start). I think with the light weight, it’s a very open race, too,” Teetan said. The Argentina-bred five-year-old is the race’s lowest rated horse on a mark of 84, which also features Super Sunny Sing, Straight Arron, Senor Toba, Money Catcher and more. More racing news View the full article

History-making galloper begins quarantine at Sha Tin, while Golden Sixty continues preparation for Hong Kong Mile with pleasing barrier trialView the full article

Group One performer Babylon Berlin. Photo: Trish Dunell Babylon Berlin was the bridesmaid behind Imperatriz and Levante in the feature sprints last season and trainers Ben and Ryan Foote are hoping it is now her time to earn her elite-level crown. The now six-year-old mare finished runner-up behind Imperatriz in the Group 1 Railway (1200m) and Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), and Levante in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m), and Foote has taken a lot of joy watching the former dominate the Melbourne feature sprints over spring. “I might just send Mr Ellis (David Ellis, Te Akau principal) a bottle of spirits and ask if he can keep her there (Melbourne),” Ben Foote quipped. With an eye towards the summer sprints, Babylon Berlin had a resuming trial at Te Rapa, comfortably winning her 900m heat. “It was a good hit-out, she has been in work for a little while and I just wanted to see where her fitness was at,” Foote said. “I told Courtney (Barnes, jockey) to keep punching her through the line to make sure she had a really good hit-out. “She said she had a handful and was doing it pretty easy. We will just see how she pulls up.” Babylon Berlin is on a path towards the Railway and Telegraph in January and Foote said he will now sit down and pick a path towards the summer features. “The main targets are the Railway and the Telegraph, so whether we go to the Legacy Lodge or Counties Bowl we will just see,” he said. More racing news View the full article

Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci) showed she has lost none of her x factor when making her New Zealand return at the Te Rapa trials on Tuesday. Initially trained in New Zealand by Roydon Bergerson, the daughter of Tivaci won three of her five starts as a juvenile, including the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) and Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), and was runner-up in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). During her marvellous two-year-old run, a majority stake in the filly was sold to Australian Bloodstock, and she continued her career in Australia under the guidance of Kris Lees as a three-year-old. While she didn’t post a victory across the Tasman, she was stakes placed on five occasions, including the Gr.2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m). She was subsequently offered at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale earlier this year where she was secured by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis’ bid of A$850,000. Coming near full circle, Wolverine returned to New Zealand and is now trained by Roydon Bergerson’s son, Sam, alongside Mark Walker at Matamata. Sam Bergerson previously part-owned the now four-year-old and he was excited to see her comfortably win her 900m heat at Te Rapa on Tuesday. “I was in the ownership of her when Dad trained her and he is now retained in the ownership. I gave him plenty of stick when he was training her and now he is giving it to me,” Bergerson quipped. “Hopefully we can get some results and keep the pressure off. “It was really exciting to see her trial like that and see her back out in a public setting in New Zealand. She seems very well and is on the right track. “It is very exciting for the team – a lot of the ownership group from the time Dad was training her have stayed in, and there are some good new owners and some really loyal existing owners involved.” New Zealand punters won’t have long to wait to see Wolverine back at the races, with the mare set to tackle the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa next week. “We are going to kick her off here on Saturday-week in the Legacy Lodge Sprint, which is tracking to be a pretty good field. It should be interesting,” Bergerson said. “Longer term, we are thinking about something like the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m) or Railway (Gr.1, 1200m). We think 1200-1400m (is her best distance) at this stage, but whether we do stretch her out to a mile will be guided by her first couple of runs.” Wolverine beat home stablemate Aotea Lad (NZ) (Savabeel) in her heat and Bergerson said he is tracking well ahead of his race return. “He is back for another campaign and I thought he trialled really well,” Bergerson said. “He is getting a bit longer in the tooth now, but he is still showing that he has got a zest for racing and he jumped well and put himself there. “Jess (Allen) rode him and she was really happy. He is getting a bit tougher to place now but hopefully he has got a few more wins left instore.” Wolverine was thwarted of a Group One scalp as a juvenile by now stablemate Maven Belle (NZ) (Burgundy), and now the two are on a collision course to meet as four-year-olds. Maven Belle dead-heated her 900m heat with stablemate Aris Aris (NZ) (Contributer), and is now on an identical path as Wolverine, with the pair renewing their rivalry in next Saturday’s Legacy Lodge Sprint. “She was building up towards the Foxbridge (Gr.2, 1200m) but didn’t really come up so we gave her a bit of a freshen-up,” Bergerson said. “She will hopefully kick-off next week in the Legacy Lodge Sprint and is another who has got some nice sprinting targets over summer – something like the Railway or Telegraph.” Bergerson was also pleased with Group One performer Wild Night’s (NZ) (Vanbrugh) win in his 900m heat. The Vanbrugh gelding was impressive as a three-year-old when winning five of his nine starts, including the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). He also placed in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). “He has had a few setbacks and niggles, but he is another one that it’s really exciting to see back out in a public setting,” Bergerson said. “Opie (Bosson) rode him and said he jumped well, was keen, and felt really good – which was the main thing. “He takes a bit of minding but at this stage he is coming up the right way and is on track. We will probably given him another trial and map out a plan towards that four-year-old Karaka Million.” View the full article

A return to racing on a roomier circuit is expected to suit the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) when he heads to Bendigo. After three starts at Caulfield this campaign, Hezashocka heads to the Gr.3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) on Wednesday. Poor draws have contributed to poor performances from Hezashocka this campaign, but the stayer has come up with barrier four and will be ridden by Damien Oliver. At his most recent outing, Hezashocka finished seventh to Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) in the Gr.1 Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield on October 14. That performance followed a second-last finish in the Gr.3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) after being posted wide from barrier 16. “Those races where he has drawn badly and has gone back in 2000-metre races, have been at Caulfield, and he hates Caulfield, which we’ve really only just found out,” Price said. “He’s a big Flemington horse and we’re assuming he’s a big Bendigo horse. “The horse is going good, but he now has to go and win.” Hezashocka is yet to win at 2400m, but at his most recent outing at the trip, finished a close second to Right You Are (So You Think) in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) in April. Right You Are won a ballot exemption that day to run in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), finishing fifth to Without A Fight (Teofilo), beaten just over four lengths, on October 21. “He got beaten a short-half-head at a mile-and-a-half in the Mornington Cup by Right You Are and if he holds that form, he has to be a chance,” Price said. “He whacks away and is a hard horse to catch, but he’s drawn a gate, he has D Oliver onboard over a mile-and-a-half. “He’ll be around them somewhere at the finish.” Hezashocka is rated a $7 chance in latest markets that sees Interpretation (Galileo) as the $4.20 top elect from Suizuro (Real Impact) ($5.50) and Luncies (Iffraaj) ($6.50). View the full article

Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) was the bridesmaid behind Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) and Levante (NZ) (Proisir) in the feature sprints last season and trainers Ben and Ryan Foote are hoping it is now her time to earn her elite-level crown. The now six-year-old mare finished runner-up behind Imperatriz in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) and Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), and Levante in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m), and Foote has taken a lot of joy watching the former dominate the Melbourne feature sprints over spring. “I might just send Mr Ellis (David Ellis, Te Akau principal) a bottle of spirits and ask if he can keep her there (Melbourne),” Ben Foote quipped. With an eye towards the summer sprints, Babylon Berlin had a resuming trial at Te Rapa, comfortably winning her 900m heat. “It was a good hit-out, she has been in work for a little while and I just wanted to see where her fitness was at,” Foote said. “I told Courtney (Barnes, jockey) to keep punching her through the line to make sure she had a really good hit-out. “She said she had a handful and was doing it pretty easy. We will just see how she pulls up.” Babylon Berlin is on a path towards the Railway and Telegraph in January and Foote said he will now sit down and pick a path towards the summer features. “The main targets are the Railway and the Telegraph, so whether we go to the Legacy Lodge (Listed, 1200m) or Counties Bowl (Gr.3, 1100m) we will just see,” he said. View the full article