Wandering Eyes

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

Regular updates from across the Tasman have kept a constant smile on New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock’s face since his stable star Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed) left for Australia. Sharrock will head over on Friday to put the finishing touches on his Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) contender, who will step out at Flemington on Saturday in the Gr.3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m). Ladies Man booked his passage with a last-start victory in the Gr1. Livamol Classic (2040m) on the final day of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival and travelled to Australia in the care of Sharrock’s partner Emma Davies. “He went over last Wednesday and from all reports, he looks super, and he worked super on Saturday, he’s very, very well,” he said. Ladies Man is stabled at the Mornington training operation of Sharrock’s long-time friend and former top jumps jockey Brett Scott. “We go back a long way, I was best man at his wedding. Everything seems to be going to plan at this stage and the horse is in a happy environment and Emma is really, really thrilled with him,” he said. Part-owned by Sharrock with the O’Leary and Stanley families, Ladies Man has won seven of his 22 starts and proved his depths of stamina last season with a stout finish from the tail of the field to run third in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m). He will be given a chance to familiarise himself with the track and the atmosphere on Saturday. “The Lexus isn’t the goal, it’s the Cup obviously but he can have a good look at Flemington and get a feel for the crowd before Tuesday,” Sharrock said. “There was one wise old trainer who always raced them on the Saturday and then the Cup and that was Bart Cummings, so I don’t see any problem with it. “He can pull a little bit in his races, so a run on Saturday will just take that edge off him, it should work out well.” Lightweight jockey Dean Yendall has been booked for the Lexus and the Cup. “He will ride him in both, he’s only got 50kg in the Cup and I’ll need a wheelbarrow to take the saddle out on Saturday because I think he’ll have 58 or 59kg,” Sharrock said. Meanwhile, Sharrock is also looking forward to a major result in another role at the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale at Karaka where will offer Lot 116 through Woburn Farms’ draft. The two-year-old is a half-brother by Contributer to the multiple Group One winner and Hong Kong Star Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse), with their dam the Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia (NZ). She was trained by Sharrock to win on nine occasions, including the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m). “He breezed up really well and I think he’ll go close to being one of the sale toppers. He’s a beautiful colt, he really is such a lovely horse,” he said. “Luigi Muollo (Novara Park principal) and I are partners and we go foal for foal. He has one and then I have one and she’s gone to Savabeel for me this year. “She’s been a great mare for us and everything she has can run, it’s quite exciting.” Madonna Mia has also left Lucky Sweynesse’s sister Signora Mia (NZ), a three-time winner who finished third in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m), and debut placegetter Lazio (NZ), a son of Per Incanto. View the full article

Brando will contest run at Tauranga on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell 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 1 performer Brando 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 (Group 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 in the Seeka 2100, and Cu Chulainn and Valentine 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.” More racing news View the full article

Wolverine winning the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m). Photo: Race Images Wolverine 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 Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) and Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), and was runner-up in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and Group 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 Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Group 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 or Railway. 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 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 1 scalp as a juvenile by now stablemate Maven Belle, 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, 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 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 1 performer Wild Night’s win in his 900m heat. The Vanbrugh gelding was impressive as a three-year-old when winning five of his nine starts, including the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). He also placed in the Group 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.” More racing news View the full article

What Gosford Races Where The Entertainment Grounds – 4 Racecourse Rd, West Gosford NSW 2250 When Thursday, November 2, 2023 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Gosford is set to host a stacked eight-race program on Thursday afternoon, with the opening race scheduled for 1:10pm local time. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with improving conditions forecast leading into race-day, we’re expecting an upgrade from a Soft 5 to a Good 4 surface. Best Bet: Lady Redwood Lady Redwood will be seeking back-to-back wins after scoring in metropolitan company at Warwick Farm on October 2. Jockey Anna Roper produced an excellent rail-hugging ride on that occasion, sliding through to score by a length. Lady Redwood will need to lug an extra 6kg on Thursday as she drops back into BM64 grade; however, she has the quality on her resume that many of her rivals shouldn’t be able to match. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Lady Redwood (6) 6yo Mare | T: Paul Murray | J: Adam Hyeronimus (60kg) +270 with Betfair Next Best: Unquestionably Unquestionably impressed in his debut run at Kembla Grange on October 12, where he travelled beautifully behind Zondee before fading late on fitness. It was always going to be a tough task kicking off the campaign over 1500m, and now the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace team has elected to step her up to the 1900m second-up. If the stable expects her to stay the journey, we’re happy to back Unquestionably in this event. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Unquestionably (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Jason Collett (58.5kg) +220 with Neds Next Best Again: Flying Rani Flying Rani will debut on Thursday afternoon and has been trialling the house down for the Matthew Smith barn. Her two jump-outs at Warwick Farm have been sensational, with the daughter of Flying Artie showing plenty of versatility. Rachel King took the reins in her latest winning trial and elected to lead throughout on October 9, allowing the filly to stride clear under her own steam. Flying Rani can do something similar on race-day and looks ready to produce first-up. Next Best Again Race 4 – #4 Flying Rani (7) 3yo Filly | T: Matthew Smith | Rachel King (55.5kg) +350 with Bet365 Thursday Gosford quaddie tips – November 2, 2023 Gosford quadrella selections Thursday, November 2, 2023 4-8-12 1-2-3-5-9 1-2-4-6-9 3-4-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Ladies Man winning the Group 1 Livamol Classic. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Regular updates from across the Tasman have kept a constant smile on New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock’s face since his stable star Ladies Man left for Australia. Sharrock will head over on Friday to put the finishing touches on his Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) contender, who will step out at Flemington on Saturday in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m). Ladies Man booked his passage with a last-start victory in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on the final day of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival and travelled to Australia in the care of Sharrock’s partner Emma Davies. “He went over last Wednesday and from all reports, he looks super, and he worked super on Saturday, he’s very, very well,” he said. Ladies Man is stabled at the Mornington training operation of Sharrock’s long-time friend and former top jumps jockey Brett Scott. “We go back a long way, I was best man at his wedding. Everything seems to be going to plan at this stage and the horse is in a happy environment and Emma is really, really thrilled with him,” he said. Part-owned by Sharrock with the O’Leary and Stanley families, Ladies Man has won seven of his 22 starts and proved his depths of stamina last season with a stout finish from the tail of the field to run third in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m). He will be given a chance to familiarise himself with the track and the atmosphere on Saturday. “The Lexus isn’t the goal, it’s the Cup obviously but he can have a good look at Flemington and get a feel for the crowd before Tuesday,” Sharrock said. “There was one wise old trainer who always raced them on the Saturday and then the Cup and that was Bart Cummings, so I don’t see any problem with it. “He can pull a little bit in his races, so a run on Saturday will just take that edge off him, it should work out well.” Lightweight jockey Dean Yendall has been booked for the Archer and the Cup. “He will ride him in both, he’s only got 50kg in the Cup and I’ll need a wheelbarrow to take the saddle out on Saturday because I think he’ll have 58 or 59kg,” Sharrock said. Meanwhile, Sharrock is also looking forward to a major result in another role at the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale at Karaka where will offer Lot 116 through Woburn Farms’ draft. The two-year-old is a half-brother by Contributer to the multiple Group 1 winner and Hong Kong Star Lucky Sweynesse, with their dam the Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia. She was trained by Sharrock to win on nine occasions, including the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m). “He breezed up really well and I think he’ll go close to being one of the sale toppers. He’s a beautiful colt, he really is such a lovely horse,” he said. “Luigi Muollo (Novara Park principal) and I are partners and we go foal for foal. He has one and then I have one and she’s gone to Savabeel for me this year. “She’s been a great mare for us and everything she has can run, it’s quite exciting.” Madonna Mia has also left Lucky Sweynesse’s sister Signora Mia, a three-time winner who finished third in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m), and debut placegetter Lazio, a son of Per Incanto. More racing news View the full article

Last weekend the Cox Plate Carnival at Moonee Valley took centre stage on Friday and Saturday, while Spring Champion Stakes Day was held at Randwick. From those two meetings, we have found three runners who look primed to win next time out. Moonee Valley Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 4: Listed Crockett Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:10.97 Horse to follow: Saltaire (2nd) After on-pace runners dominated the first three races at Moonee Valley last Saturday, the John O’Shea-trained Saltaire was one of the first to make up any ground from deep. This three-year-old filly settled last on the fence and Blake Shinn made his move at the 400m mark, eventually getting to the outside of runners to let down in the home straight. When this daughter of Star Turn hit full speed, she recorded the fastest last 400m and 200m sectionals of the entire meeting, yet she was nosed out in a close photo finish. When to bet: Although Saltaire was second-up last weekend, she had been given eight weeks between runs, so she should be hitting peak fitness at her next start. The Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield on November 18 over 1200m looks an ideal race for her to target next. Randwick Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 7: Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) | Time: 2:01.28 Horse to follow: Cap Ferrat (2nd) Tom Kitten was a dominant winner of the Spring Champion Stakes, but of the beaten brigade, Cap Ferrat from the Chris Waller yard was the clear standout. The three-year-old colt followed the favourite in the run, but at a crucial stage when the Tom Kitten got into clear air, this guy got squeezed and couldn’t follow him through. By the time he got back into clear running, the winner was off and gone, but this son of Snitzel knuckled down in the final 100m to beat the third horse by a length. When to bet: Cap Ferrat is still a maiden; however, the further in distance that he competes, the better this colt’s results have been. The Group 1 VRC Derby is next on the agenda, and you would expect that the extra 500m will prove beneficial. Race 8: The Invitation (1400m) | Time: 1:21.74 Horse to follow: Magic Time (3rd) Grahame Begg-trained Magic Time was a well-backed favourite in The Invitation, and even though she finished third behind Espiona and Ruthless Dame, her run shouldn’t be underestimated. After jumping well, Tyler Schiller chose to push forward on his mare and ultimately got stuck three wide for the entire trip, giving the eventual runner-up cover out deep. However, when the leading trio hit the 200m mark, this daughter of Hellbent was still well in the contest, and she kicked back to only go down by 0.3 of a length. When to bet: After proving that 1400m is no worry, Magic Time should be headed towards more fillies and mares races over that trip in Sydney. The Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes at Rosehill on November 11 will give her three weeks between starts and looks like a perfect race for her. Latest horse racing tips View the full article

A top-class international field of 13 contenders was entered Oct. 30 for the 40th running of the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) to be run Nov. 4 as the Breeders' Cup World Championships return to Santa Anita Park.View the full article