Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Being dual gaited isn’t anything unusual these days. You only have to think about horses like Take After Me, who’s had 124 starts as a pacer and 213 as a trotter, with 19 wins from his total 337 starts. But what Outamyway is attempting at Kaikoura over the next few days is a bit out of the box. The Love You five-year-old will front up in the R46-55 Precut Construction Mobile Pace for the junior drivers on Sunday, and then back it up the next day by taking on Oscar Bonavena and co in the Group 3 IRT Your Horse. Our Passion South Bay Trotters’ Cup on Monday. While it’s an unusual assignment trainer Paul Nairn isn’t too fazed by it. “It’s an experiment in some ways,” trainer Paul Nairn says, “but we did a similar thing with him on the West Coast.” And it certainly worked out well then. Back in December 2021 he had back to back wins in pacing races at Westport on Boxing Day and December 28, and then finished third two days later in a trot at Reefton. Altogether he’s had those two pacing and six trotting wins in his combined 44 starts. So does he ever get confused? “No,” Nairn says, “he knows to pace when he’s got the hopples on!” As for his chances over the two days Nairn’s concerned about starting on the outside of the front row over 1900m on Sunday. “He’s drawn out a bit (6) so hopefully he won’t get a tough run” In the meeting’s feature trot he’s fared a lot better, drawing two. “He’s not a high speed horse but if he has a good beginning he shouldn’t be too far away.” View the full article

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior was too good late in Australia’s best race securing a narrow Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2023 victory by a nose over Mr Brightside in a sensational 103rd running of the classic. 2023 Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior only had a nose to spare on the line in the $5 million classic at Moonee Valley. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. Alligator Blood was also brave in defeat for the locals with the popular Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained horse running a close third to complete an epic trifecta in this year’s Group 1 $5 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley. It was an emotional Cox Plate result for winning hoop James McDonald, winner on Anamoe in 2022, who became the first since Michael Clarke on Almaarad (1989) and Better Loosen Up (1990) to take out the event on back-to-back years aboard different winners. Also overcome with emotion was Cox Plate winning trainer Danny Shum who will take the iconic silverware back home to Sha Tin. “This has a big meaning for me. I couldn’t be happier,” he said. The pressure was on McDonald in the lead-up after dual Queen Elizabeth II Cup champ Romantic Warrior ran fourth first-up down under in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) behind Gold Trip. The jockey kept faith in the horse happy to tell anyone who would listen that Romantic Warrior was the one to beat in the big one. “Oh my god, I thought I got beaten when the camera didn’t follow me,” McDonald told Racing.com. “I can’t believe we’ve won the Cox Plate! “I’ve had so much faith in this horse. “It means so much. I’ve been singing his praises about just how much he’s improved. “I needed to get a good run, I felt I gave it the best possible run I could. “I can’t believe I won! “He’s been working so well at The Valley and I’ve been telling everyone that’s the case. “It takes a lot to take a horse out of Hong Kong and he’s showcased his talent to the world now. He loves The Valley. “I showed a lot of faith in him as I was comfortable. I knew I was on the right horse. I was on the best horse. “I showed belief. This horse is pretty special to me. I mentioned if he came to a Cox Plate, he’d be a suitable horse and I meant what I said. “Credit to Peter (Lau) and Danny (Shum) as it takes a hell of a lot of balls to come out of Hong Kong with all the prize money. “It is one of the best racing jurisdictions in the world and they come here and showcase their boy.” J Mac had the eventual Cox Plate winner poised fourth in the run with only a moderate pace up front set by three-year-old King Colorado. At the 1200m the hoop made what would be the winning move getting on the back of Alligator Blood who he trailed into the straight before charging home down the outside with less than 50m left to travel. “I took a gamble at the 1200m and came back a horse and let Alligator Blood settle a length in front of me. I thought I could beat him and that’s how it turned out,” McDonald said. Mr Brightside was looking to continue the incredible Cox Plate journey for the Hayes’ family looking to pinch the race up the inside, but despite being given a perfect ride by Craig Williams, had to settle for second. “It’s a shame he didn’t get the photo today,” Williams said. “The (Hayes) boys have done a great job and they were just that confident that he’d bounce back off the other day. It means a lot to us, but we just didn’t get it done today.” Ben Hayes said they were “pretty shattered” after it looked like their brilliant miler and pinched the prize. “Craig gave a 10/10 ride,” he said. “We actually thought he won when he crossed the line so that makes it even worse in a way! “(Mr Brightside is) just an absolute superstar. He’s ticked off that 2000 (metres) now and we couldn’t be prouder of the horse. “We’re pretty shattered “He had very chance. Just frustrating.” There could be a rematch however with Hayes signalling potential December plans to head to Hong Kong with Mr Brightside. “I’d love a rematch!” he said. “We’ll see how the horse is first, if he pulls up well, we could head there.” Duais also ran an excellent race with the Edward Cummings-trained mare finishing fourth over her less-than-ideal distance. Gold Trip on the quick back-up off his Caulfield Cup third last weekend also caught the eye running a brave fifth, improving on his ninth last year, to firm into $5 second favouritism with Ladbrokes to successfully defend his Melbourne Cup title on November 7. 2023 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) Danny Shum James McDonald 7 59kg $3.60F 2 3 MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) Ben, Will & JD Hayes Craig Williams 0.1L 2 59kg $9 3 4 ALLIGATOR BLOOD Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 0.3L 5 59kg $6 4 9 DUAIS Edward Cummings Damien Oliver 1.3L 1 57kg $31 5 5 GOLD TRIP (FR) Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Mark Zahra 1.4L 8 59kg $7.50 6 2 ZAAKI (GB) Annabel Neasham Damian Lane 1.5L 12 59kg $21 7 8 FANGIRL Chris Waller Zac Purton 1.6L 9 57kg $6.50 8 11 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller Zac Lloyd (a) 2.35L 3 49.5kg $8.50 9 10 VICTORIA ROAD (IRE) Aidan O’Brien Blake Shinn 5.35L 6 56.5kg $17 10 6 MY OBERON (IRE) Annabel Neasham Jamie Mott 7.1L 4 59kg $61 11 7 PINSTRIPED Enver Jusufovic Ben Allen 7.4L 11 59kg $101 12 12 KING COLORADO Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Michael Dee 10.15L 10 49.5kg (cd 50kg) $26 Table Credit: Racing Australia. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2023 Results: Romantic Warrior Beats Mr Brightside, Alligator Blood Third appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Ace Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson was full of post-race praise for Mark Walker’s outstanding mare Imperatriz after riding her to another Group 1 win at The Valley in Saturday’s $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m). 2023 Manikato Stakes winner Imperatriz was far too good enjoying her fourth straight win at The Valley on Cox Plate Day. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. It was a Cox Plate Day demolition job from the champion New Zealand-trained mare who made it four straight wins, all at the notoriously tight Moonee Valley circuit she has such an affinity for. Dubbed the ‘Queen of The Valley’ the five-year-old daughter of I Am Invincible completed the course’s sprint Triple Crown adding the Manikato to her William Reid Stakes and Moir Stakes victories already this year. Imperatriz won the Moir in race record time as she did the McEwen Stakes the start prior in the lead-up to her six-furlong explosion in the Manikato that saw her race away to win by over three lengths. “She just does it for me really, she’s just something special,” Bosson told Racing.com. “She is by far (the best horse I’ve ever ridden). “More to come I think.” Tactically the race did not go to plan for Bosson who found himself in the lead following the bonny mare’s quick jump. It mattered little however with the star hoop and his horse left alone up front leading from start to finish. The deserving odds-on favourite glided around the corner three lengths in front and nothing could catch her or close the gap that she still had crossing the line. “That’s sort of the genius of Opie, he jumped so well so why take away that advantage,” Walker said. “I think she had it in the bag a long way from home really.” The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained I Am Me, ridden by James McDonald who subsequently won the Cox Plate on Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior, was best of the rest in second with Group 1 winning Queenslander Uncommon James third. Imperatriz only had five rivals to beat after Buenos Noches was fractious after loading, eventually scratched at the barriers. It may have been a small field but that took nothing away from the winner who was simply too good and too strong at her pet track. Imperatriz is now odds-on at $1.70 through Ladbrokes to had to Flemington on November 11 and take out the Group 1 $3 million Champions Sprint (1200m), a race double not achieved since Buffing (2013). 2023 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 6 IMPERATRIZ Mark Walker Opie Bosson 4 56.5kg $1.40F 2 7 I AM ME Ciaron Maher & David Eustace James McDonald 3.25L 5 56.5kg $6 3 3 UNCOMMON JAMES Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted Damian Lane 3.65L 2 58.5kg $10 4 1 THE INFERNO Cliff Brown Jake Noonan 3.75L 3 58.5kg $41 5 4 JIGSAW Cindy Alderson Daniel Moor 7L 6 58.5kg $31 6 5 I AM WAR Trevor J Andrews Jamie Mott 7.4L 1 58.5kg $91 SB 2 BUENOS NOCHES Matthew Smith Blake Shinn 0 58.5kg Table Credit: Racing Australia. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Manikato Stakes 2023 Results: Imperatriz Too Good Again appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Archo Nacho (blue) ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Red Anchor Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Mark Zahra has given Archo Nacho (+160) a perfect ride from the box seat in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes to bring up his fourth winning ride on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley. The Matt Laurie-trained galloper wasn’t at his best at his last start down the Flemington straight, but he returned to winning ways in the Red Anchor, showing a liking for the tight, turning Valley track. After jumping from barrier two, Zahra got the son of Sioux Nation to settle in the box seat behind Don’t Hope Do (+2500) and Snippety Legend (+1300), but once the gap appeared between them, the race favourite pushed through and took the lead. The winner had to fight off the challenge of Maharba (+220) in the final 200m, but he proved a little too good in the final 100m, pulling clear to record a half-length victory in the final race on Cox Plate Day. 2023 Red Anchor Stakes Replay – Archo Nacho | T: Matt Laurie | J: Mark Zahra Matt Laurie claimed his first winner of Cox Plate Day and he spoke post-race. “I was a little bit worried there,” Laurie said. “They looked to drop anchor and we were waiting on a run. “He has a great turn-of-foot and it is good to see Archo back. “I had his half-brother. He showed a bit of pace, didn’t eventuate. “I just happened to find this bloke at the weanling sale and I bought him for $10,000. “So we threw him in a paddock and this is where we’re at. It’s a good story.” Mark Zahra claimed riding honours on Cox Plate Day, riding four winners for the day. “I had a very economical run. I spent nothing,” Zahra said of his ride on Archo Nacho. “Just needed to squeeze through the gap at the right time. “He’s a pretty talented horse, this guy, if you take out his last run and he was strong at the end. “I wouldn’t go to a Coolmore. You’ve got to back up then. “I know the money is great but I think he just finds his way to another 1200-metre race.” More racing news View the full article

Chrysaor got the bob in to claim the Group 2 Callander-Presnall at Randwick. Photo: RacingNSW Tyler Schiller and Chris Waller have combined in the penultimate race at Randwick, taking out the Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m) as Chrysaor ($21.00) caused a minor upset. It comes as some surprise, with the three-year-old colt running last and second-last respectively in his two runs upon resumption. It was a barnstorming effort on Saturday as the son of Better Than Ready played the stalking roll from barrier four, allowing the speed to go on, with Flying Trapeze ($26.00) and Zondee ($41.00) going at a genuine clip. It left the well-supported favourite Artic Glamour ($1.60) with nowhere to go; however, even when clear was a shade disappointing to the line. Snowman ($7.50) and Chrysaor stormed past the leading pair and sat down to fight it out, with the latter getting the better on the wire, while Ducasse ($11.00) closed off nicely in the trifecta spot. 2023 Group 2 Callander-Presnall Replay – Chrysaor | T: Chris Waller | J: Tyler Schiller Chrysaor, Part owner and syndicator Denise Martin was on course to praise her colt and put it down to some tinkering with the gear to keep Chrysaor more focused. “I can’t believe it happened,” said Martin. “Amazing, perfect ride. When he trialled the other day without blinkers he was a different horse, lovely relaxed colt. It was a really lovely ride so some days are diamonds. “He was quite a handful so the gear changes the other day before he barrier trialled I think helped him a lot. Clear air, lovely big long striding colt and we got the result.” Tyler Schiller put the success down to the barrier draw, allowing his mount to settle in the run. “Sometimes the good draws can be bad and bad draws good, but when you get on the right horses it always makes a difference,” said Schiller. “They assured me he was going well at home, even though his first two runs weren’t up to par. He got the great run today, was nearly a little bit unlucky at the top of the straight, but he was strong late.” More racing news View the full article

Romantic Warrior ridden by James McDonald wins the Cox Plate. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Many refer to the Cox Plate as the best two minutes in sport, and the 2023 edition of the Group 1 feature at Moonee Valley did not disappoint, as Romantic Warrior (+260) nosed out Mr Brightside (+800) in a photo finish to claim Australia’s best race. You couldn’t have scripted the race any better, with one of the best from Hong Kong battling it out with one of the best horses from Australia in the final strides, with Hong Kong claiming victory. The Danny Shum-trained galloper brought outstanding form lines from his wins throughout the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), and even though his lack-lustre performance in the Turnbull Stakes turned a few off him, he returned to winning ways in his target race of the campaign. King Colorado (+2500) took the front along with Zaaki (+2200), but as usual in the Cox Plate, several moves were already being made by runners down the side of the course. Alligator Blood (+500) pulled out to take over at the 300m mark and gave the eventual winner a lovely cart into the race, while Craig Williams took Mr Brightside to the fence and let down with a blistering turn of foot. James McDonald on Romantic Warrior and Williams on Mr Brightside fought out the finish, but it was the last stride lunge from McDonald to get the winners head down that won him the race on the line. 2023 Cox Plate Replay – Romantic Warrior | T: Danny Shum | J: James McDonald After claiming the Cox Plate, Danny Shum spoke post-race. “First thing, I’d like to thank Moonee Valley Racing Club,” Shum said. “Second, I want to say I am from China, Hong Kong. “Hong Kong Jockey Club, there is some team. Thank you very much. “I don’t know how to tell you how happy I am. I am really happy. “I want to thank Peter the owner for giving permission to come here. “I was confident he would run a good race. It is a strong race. “He overcame all of the challenges and the difficulties. James McDonald gave me a very good report.” James McDonald has become the first jockey to win back-to-back Cox Plates on different horses in over 30 years. “I showed belief. This horse is pretty special to me,” McDonald said of Romantic Warrior. “I mentioned if he came to a Cox Plate he’d be a suitable horse. “It is one of the best racing jurisdictions in the world and they come here and showcase their boy. “I reckon he’s got more to come, too. “He’s been bubbling. A significant amount of improvement like I thought he did (would) and he loves the bloody Valley! “I knew I was on the right horse I kept going ‘he’s the best horse, he’s the best horse’ so I’d ride him like it. “I took a gamble about the 1000 (metres) or 1200. “We elected to come back a spot and to the minute right now I believe that was the winning move. “Giving my horse an extra length to come back. “I let Alligator Blood near him knowing I think I can still beat him letting him out and having last crack.” More racing news View the full article

Espiona arrived in time to claim The Invitation. Photo: Racing NSW Espiona (+270) claimed the $2 million The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, with a driving effort to the wire under Kerrin McEvoy. The Chris Waller-trained mare was luckless in her latest effort behind Think About It in The Everest (1200m), already franking that as a form-line to follow in future races. She was able to go back and be ridden quietly towards the rear of the field, but gained cover throughout the 1400m, utilizing her impressive turn-of-foot when the race went on. You couldn’t say the same for Magic Time (+180), who unfortunately for favourite backers, was a horror watch from the outset. Tyler Schiller couldn’t slot in for cover from barrier nine, leaving the four-year-old mare out on a limp for much of the race. She showed her class to knuckle down late to only be narrowly defeated in the shadows of the post, along with Ruthless Dame (+1500) produce a return to form after missing the frame in back-to-back starts. It was all honours to the winner, however, as Espiona is finding a level of consistency for punters to latch onto with more confidence in the future. 2023 The Invitation Replay – Espiona | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy Charlie Duckworth was on course to represent the Chris Waller barn and noted that their mare is far from straight-forward, but oozes quality. “She’s not very straight forward as everyone knows and that’s well publicised,” said Duckworth. “The exciting thing is she’s a Group 1 winner, she’s a multiple million dollar winning filly. She’s got a beautiful pedigree and even if she gives a couple of awkward rides here and there she’s a real thrill giver and she had to dig deep today. “The Everest was not ideal, she didn’t really get a fair crack at them at all. So to come here today and bounce through that and then have to course wide throughout. I thought ‘Gee you’re going to have to be good today to win’ and she was exactly that.” Kerrin McEvoy has an unblemished record in The Invitation since it’s inception in 2021 and was elated to pick up the victory. “It’s a nice one to win, that’s for sure,” said McEvoy. “I was lucky to get the ride on this girl, she’s obviously been in great form. It’s nice to get the job done. “It’s a nice race to be winning. It makes up for not being there for Cox Plate day, but it’s a great racing day up here as well.” More racing news View the full article

Imperatriz ridden by Opie Bosson wins the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Mark Walker’s star sprinter Imperatriz (-250) has become the third horse in history to complete the Moir Stakes/Manikato Stakes double, joining Manikato and Spinning Hill as the only horses to win the Group 1 features in the same season at Moonee Valley. The daughter of I Am Invincible has continued her winning ways this preparation, taking her record to three wins from as many starts, with Opie Bosson jumping back aboard for her dominant win in the Manikato Stakes. After seeing several leaders and on-speed runners win in the first seven races at The Valley, Bosson took luck out of the equation and went to the front with his star mare and lead from start to finish. As the rest of the field were making their moves and trying to pick up on the eventual winner, she continued to build more of a margin and had put the race to bed by the 200m mark when she led by four lengths. I Am Me (+500) and Uncommon James (+900) chased gamely in second and third, respectively, but they were no match for the winner. 2023 Manikato Stakes Replay – Imperatriz| T: Mark Walker| J: Opie Bosson Mark Walker was very complimentary of Bosson’s ride when he spoke post-race. “That’s the genius of Opie,” Walker said of Bosson’s ride. “She jumped so well so why take away what she had done. “I think she had it in the bag a long way from home, really. “When she went (to the lead) and no one went up to her, I think Opie was probably of the opinion that someone would come around and then he’d take the trail but no one did. “I didn’t think he was going too hard up on the speed. He probably thought he’d just stay there. “I think this mare is keeping Opie in the saddle as well. He is such an important part of our team as well.” Opie Bosson made the trip across the ditch to reconnect with the star mare, and it paid dividends with a dominant win. “It is a lot easier on horses like this,” Bosson said. “She just does it for me, really. She’s something special. “She is, by far. I’ve said it a million times (that) I’ve never ridden a horse that can just switch off and go back when you want it. “That wasn’t the plan. She was comfortable, she changed legs at the right time, on the turn and in the straight and I thought we were going to be hard to beat. “I don’t usually get too nervous but today I was ‘walking the box’ a bit this morning and didn’t want to talk too much. “I gave her a little squeeze to clear the first two horses and then I thought well I’m going leave her here. “As soon as she got there she switched off and changed legs at the right time and round the home bend she kept coming up underneath me and changing legs. “I had to push the button, really.” Imperatriz in now the (-142.86) favourite in the VRC Champions Sprint futures market with online bookmakers. More racing news View the full article

Tom Kitten was a class above in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes. Photo: Racing NSW Tom Kitten (+140) demolished his rivals in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, courtesy of an elite steer from Adam Hyeronimus. He was the beneficiary of regularly appointed jockey Nash Rawiller out with a suspension, as Hyeronimus took his chance with open arms, circling the top-half of the field aboard the son of Harry Angel. It never looked in doubt for favourite backers, with the three-year-old able to hold a mid-field position from barrier one, and as the race unfolded, the gaps appeared perfectly for the Godolphin colt. Raf Attack (+600) ensured a genuine gallop as he strode to the lead under Reagan Bayliss, with the stablemate Ganbare (+1300) able to lob in the one-one position, given every chance by Brett Prebble. Cap Ferrat (+1400) finished off gamely into the quinella spot, while Ganbare and Tutta La Vitta (+500) rounded out the top four. In the end, it was all about the winner, as Tom Kitten secured his first-ever Group 1 victory, and there may be more to come, with the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) next Saturday at Flemington a possible target for the stable. 2023 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes Replay – Tom Kitten | T: James Cummings | J: Adam Hyeronimus James Cummings spoke post-race about that possibility after discussing the elation of picking up Group 1 success with Tom Kitten. “Outstanding,” said Cummings. “The horse’s misfortunes have been immeasurable these past three starts. It’s just fantastic that he was able to get into the clear when he found himself in the best race of the prep and he was able to show just how good he is. “It’s worth thinking about (The VRC Derby). He’s a very interesting horse, he’s from a quick family but he’s inbred to Machiavellian the sire of Street Cry. The horse is in a classic style about him, he looks like he would eat up 2500m and the VRC Derby is a time-honoured race, so it’s certainly worth thinking about. “But whatever we do it will revolve around just how well Tom Kitten is and that’s the bottom line.” Adam Hyeronimus couldn’t have been more impressed with the performance and suggested another Group 1 victory wasn’t far away. “Unbelievable,” said Hyeronimus. “Gee he’s some horse. He’s a gentle giant but he’s got so much ability. I don’t think they’ve got to the bottom of him, I think he’ll be better next preparation. “It’s fantastic to ride it for James (Cummings) and Godolphin. Obviously he’s a colt winning a Group 1 and he’s been the main seed all the way along through these races and for him to tick that box off is very pleasing. “I’m sure he’s going to be very valuable and there’s no reason why he won’t win another Group 1.” Tom Kitten has now firmed into +250 and is the second elect with horse racing bookmakers for next Saturday’s Group 1 VRC Derby. More racing news View the full article

Apulia ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Moonee Valley Vase. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Apulia (+320) was well beaten in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) last weekend, but Ben, Will & JD Hayes chose to back up their Fiorente colt and take on the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase, and it has paid dividends with Mark Zahra producing another great ride at Moonee Valley. After getting the run over 2000m under his belt last Saturday, it was clear that he had taken a lot of benefit from the Caulfield run and proved to be the class stayer in the race. The race favourite Verdad (+140) set up a solid tempo and with 600m to go, the favourite was the only runner still on the bridle; however, Zahra had taken a few lengths off the winner in quick time, and they entered the straight on level terms. The two battled well, but in the final 100m, the winner was too strong, and he ran away to win by just over a length at the end of the 2040m contest, with Air Assualt (+380) staying on to finish in third place behind the top two. 2023 Moonee Valley Vase Replay – Apulia | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Mark Zahra Representing the winning stable, Will Hayes spoke post-race after the win. “He really appreciated the quick back-up,” Hayes said. “He was on the back of a slow pace and he was doing a few things wrong. “He’s a big strong colt and he was really tough today. “A ten-out-of-ten ride from Mark Zahra. “We’ll see how he is. He’s a big, strong colt and I dare say he’ll back up again.” Mark Zahra brought up a riding treble on Apulia, with the big ride on Gold Trip to come in the Cox Plate. “It was a good run last start,” Zahra said. “In a smallish field, better barrier. I was able to lob in the right spot. “That was his third run in three weeks and he picked up quick when I needed him to. “I needed him to get around the other horse and he got around them quick and was able to join them on the turn. “I felt I let Zac (Purton on Koning) take me as far as I could. “All of these horses were up to the 2000 (metres) for the first time. You factor that in as well. “But I reckon I won it from the 600 to the 300 with his turn-of-foot.” Apulia is now a +800 chance in the VRC Derby futures market with online bookmakers. More racing news View the full article

Zeyrek got his nose down in time to claim the Group 3 Craven Plate. Photo: Racing NSW Tyler Schiller and the Hawkes team combined with Zeyrek (+850) putting the head down to score victory in the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick. The six-year-old son of Sea The Stars was no match for Group 1 company in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) last start on October 14, but has bounced back supremely getting to a more suitable trip at Group 3 level. Tyler Schiller had no choice but to drag back towards the rear of the field from barrier eight, but was aided by a moderately run affair, with the Annabel Neasham-trained Numerian (+290) trying to scoot clear at the top of the straight. As the leader faded Skyman (+2500) cruised to the lead, before the swooping pair of Zeyrek and Renaissance Woman (+360) sat down to fight out the finish. It was Zeyrek getting the verdict in the photo finish, grabbing a much-deserved victory at the fifth time of asking this campaign. 2023 Group 3 Craven Plate Replay – Zeyrek | T: Team Hawkes | J: Tyler Schiller Co-trainer Michael Hawkes was on course at Randwick to represent the stable and gave credit to both horse and jockey. “We’ve always had a high opinion of him,” said Hawkes. “It’s just trying to get the best out of him. His runs have been really good this campaign. “Today was a lot easier race obviously, Tyler just stalked them. When it got to about the 600m I said to my wife Claire ‘if he can’t win today he never will’. “Tyler just nursed him and the horse found great late. It was like the real Zeyrek. He’s put in a couple of good preps now, typical European horse, they do just take that time. It’s a nice race to win, it’s worth $750,000.” Tyler Schiller spoke about riding Zeyrek cold at the rear of the field, and it turned out to be a winning move. “That’s where I wanted to be,” said Schiller. “John and Michael Hawkes and the team said ‘he’s better ridden cold’. I knew there wasn’t too much pace today so to go back and make up that much ground, I think he’s done a terrific job. “I was always confident following Renaissance Woman (2nd) that we were going to get the right tow into the race, it was just whether we had enough turn of foot to beat them. “In the end he did and I thought he might’ve got there a little bit too soon but he was strong late.” More racing news View the full article

Danny Shum’s superstar becomes the first Hong Kong horse to win in Australia since Cape Of Good Hope in 2005View the full article

Classy filly Impendabelle is now a Group Two winner at the ages of both two and three, surviving a protest to take out a chaotic running of the Jamieson Park Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. The $175,000 fillies’ feature brought together the majority of the leading contenders for next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton and was expected to clear up the classic picture. Instead, the race created more questions than it answered. The first 1000m of the race were relatively uneventful, with the favourite Luberon shooting forward from a wide gate to lead the way until around the 300m mark. The challengers were by that stage beginning to build momentum in behind her, and the stage was set for an exciting battle to the finish. But Luberon suddenly threw it all away, veering sharply to the left and crashing into the outside running rail. Fortunately, she and her jockey Celine Gaudray escaped injury. In the meantime, Impendabelle surged through to take the lead in the centre of the track with 200m remaining. She was joined by Tulsi on her outside, while Mary Shan and Molly Bloom came at her with big strides closer to the rail. Impendabelle’s margin steadily dwindled as the four fillies set down to fight out a desperate finish. The leader dug deep to cling on to her small advantage, but she raced very greenly in the final few strides, drifting towards the fence and impeding both Mary Shan and Molly Bloom. The connections of Molly Bloom lodged a protest against the winner, but the placings stood, with Impendabelle beating Mary Shan, Tulsi and Molly Bloom. It was the third win of a seven-start career for Impendabelle, who kicked off her career with back-to-back victories as a spring two-year-old last season including the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham. The daughter of Impending later finished third at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, then fifth in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) in her final start of the season. Impendabelle was a luckless seventh when she resumed in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September, clipping a heel and almost falling before recovering to get within three lengths of the winner Quintessa. In her only other start, she overcame a wide run for a solid second behind the undefeated Crocetti at Te Rapa. “She’s really had no luck at all this spring, and it looked like she might not get any today either,” Pike said. “I thought she’d have a nice run following Luberon, but she ended up being left alone in front and started to race a bit greenly. But she fought it out well and it was good to see her get the win. She deserved that.” Impendabelle will now push on towards the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 18, for which the TAB now rates her an $8 chance. “She’s a really relaxed filly, so I don’t expect the step up to 1600m to trouble her,” Pike said. “She ran the race out strongly today in a performance that looked a bit better to me than the margin might suggest.” The minor placegetters lost little in defeat on Saturday, with Mary Shan coming into a $7 quote for the 1000 Guineas while Molly Bloom now holds outright favouritism at $4.50. Tulsi is rated a $12 chance. “It was a huge run – she should have won the race,” Mary Shan’s jockey Craig Grylls said. “She got shuffled back and flew home.” Joe Doyle, the rider of Molly Bloom, was similarly impressed with his mount. “She did well in a very messy race,” he said. “I’m confident that she’ll get the mile, so it’s onwards and upwards for her.” Luberon remains a $7 chance for the 1000 Guineas despite Saturday’s incident. It made for an up-and-down day for visiting Australian rider Celine Gaudray, who also recorded wins aboard Roc Dancer and Reputation. “She’s got a mind of her own, that horse,” Gaudray said about Luberon. “She was giving me such a nice feel until that stage. She still really has no idea what she’s doing, but there’s so much untapped ability there.” View the full article

Cambridge visitor Burn To Shine threw his name into the mix of serious contenders for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) next month with a determined effort to take out the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton. The Stephen Marsh-trained three-year-old had finished third behind Saturday’s race-rival Lantern Way in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at his last start and turned the tables after enjoying a perfect run in transit for rider Johnathan Parkes. Parkes sat Burn To Shine one-out behind a muddling speed set up by Funfetti before joining issue shortly after turning for home. In contrast Lantern Way ($2.80) was forced to travel three-wide throughout before commencing his run at the 600m with the race favourite Trobriand ($2.70) tracking him all the way. Burn To Shine took control at the 300m and fought doggedly when tackled by the favoured pair, holding off the charge of Trobriand by half a length with a further length back to Lantern Way. Marsh was on track at Pukekohe for the day but admitted he had watched the race on television with some excitement. “It was a very good win and one he deserved as he has been going cracking races,” Marsh said. “Parkesy said there was no speed on and he probably got to the front a little soon, but he was very resolute and ran the mile out very strongly. “We train this one for The Oaks Stud, who are very big supporters of the stable, so it is great to get a win like that for them and repay the faith they have in us.” Marsh will now take Burn To Shine straight to the 2000 Guineas and is upbeat about his prospects. “We know now he gets a good mile and has experience on the track which will stand him in good stead for what comes next,” he said. “We also know the Guineas favourite (Crocetti) is a very fine horse but we are here with no travel ahead of us and we can just do our own thing and have him cherry ripe on the day.” Raced by The Oaks Sud principal Dick Karreman, who bred the horse, Burn To Shine is out of talented race mare Smoulder who numbered the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) amongst her four career victories. TAB Bookmakers quickly slashed Burn To Shine’s odds for the 2000 Guineas from $21 to $8.50 behind red hot favourite Crocetti ($1.75). View the full article

High-class New Zealand mare Prowess put a frustrating early spring behind her in style with a bold Melbourne debut in Saturday’s Gr.2 McCafe Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley. The daughter of Proisir was a Group One winner on both sides of the Tasman last season, culminating in a three-length demolition of her rivals in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney in late March. That performance prompted her connections to set their spring sights on Saturday’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), but some cruelly timed minor setbacks disrupted her build-up through August and September. Prowess eventually made it to Cox Plate Day, albeit in a supporting race over a shorter distance, and she landed that consolation prize in impressive style. Ridden by Mark Zahra, Prowess settled nicely in fourth place in a field of only six, enjoying a cosy run along the rail. An opening appeared on the outside of the front-running Tuvalu at the top of the straight, and Prowess worked through her gears, lengthened stride and finished over the top of that rival. Fellow Kiwi-bred Antino dived through the inside in the final 100m in an outstanding performance of his own, but Prowess was out of his reach and took the win by a short neck. “It is great to be back over here and winning again,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains Prowess in partnership with Roger James. “Ideally we would have liked to have been running in the Cox Plate today, but she just had a few little niggles. They weren’t major, but just stopped us at some crucial times. “We’ve been able to get the preparation back on track now. All going well from here, we’ll head to the last day at Flemington for the Champions Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m), and we’re really looking forward to seeing her back up over further again. “She’s in awesome order, and in hindsight, the setbacks have probably been a blessing in disguise. She’s developed, and I really think she’ll be even bigger and stronger next year. She’s pretty immature.” Prowess followed in the footsteps of another top-quality mare trained by James, Silent Achiever, who also won the Crystal Mile as a four-year-old in 2012. “Roger has always said that they have similarities,” Wellwood said. “I reckon they both had a few little struggles early in the their four-year-old preparations, and that’s why they ended up in this race. “It’ll be terrific to be here next year going 440m further.” Saturday’s performance made a favourable impression on Zahra, who was also in the saddle for the Vinery win seven months ago. “She’s as big and strong as ever,” he said. “I think the barrier boys were calling her a boy. She’s huge. She’s a big mare and I reckon she’ll improve a lot from today. “There’s still a lot of improvement to come. When I got the gap, I thought she’d scoot away. I reckon she’s still a bit rusty this prep and will improve off that.” James and Wellwood went to $230,000 to purchase Prowess out of Hallmark Stud’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft on behalf of owner Dean Skipper. One of five individual Group One winners for the remarkable stallion Proisir, Prowess was bred by the Baker family of Hallmark Stud and is out of the Don Eduardo mare Donna Marie, who is also the dam of the stakes performer Ajay Tee. From 11 starts, Prowess has now had eight wins, three placings and more than $1.5 million in prize-money. View the full article

Looking like she may get up for third at best at the eighth pole, Surge Capacity showed the Keeneland fans defeat was simply not an option, roaring up the inside fence late to nab the victory at the wire in the Valley View Stakes (G3T) Oct. 27.View the full article

In potentially her final start, Klaravich Stables' Technical Analysis opened up a comfortable lead right out of the gate and then held off stablemates Beaute Cachee and Fluffy Socks to lead a Chad Brown-trained trifecta in the Athenia Stakes. View the full article

As the wide-reaching Godolphin operation has used the names of different arms throughout the years–for example, 2001 Juvenile Fillies winner Tempera (A.P. Indy) was bred by Darley Stud Management, LLC but raced for Godolphin, LLC–it may be a surprise to learn Essential Quality was the first official Godolphin homebred to win the Breeders' Cup. Remarkably, in the two renewals since his win, another seven Godolphin homebreds have added to that number. Undefeated at two, Essential Quality was a Belmont and Travers winner at three. His first foals were born this year. “Essential Quality was one of our best yearlings in his crop and he later proved to be the best of his whole crop,” said Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock at Godolphin, USA, “winning the Eclipse Award for being Champion 2-year-old and 3-year-old. He also holds a special place in the Godolphin honor roll as a homebred Classic winner. What really distinguished Essential Quality from other horses is that when he left our yearling farm to go into training, he never had a day off until after his last race. He never raced on any medication, was fast, tough, sound and durable. Hopefully, he will pass on those traits to his offspring which will propel him into having a great second career as a stallion.” Essential Quality (2018 gray or roan horse, Tapit–Delightful Quality, by Elusive Quality) Lifetime record: Ch. 2yo colt, Ch. 3yo colt, MGISW, 10-8-0-1, $4,755,144 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Godolphin (KY); O-Godolphin, LLC; T-Brad Cox; J-Luis Saez. Current location: Jonabell Farm, Lexington, Ky. The post Catching Up with 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Winner Essential Quality appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cut loose in the lane and rolling home, Youalmosthadme (f, 2, Oxbow–Good Gator, by Good and Tough) gave them the slip on the cut back from a mile and dominated the Myrtlewood S. to pick up her second career black type victory. Last seen finishing second behind long-gone GIII Pocahontas victress 'TDN Rising Star' V V's Dream (Mitole), who finished second to Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the GI Darley Alcibiades earlier in the month, Youalmosthadme already tallied an open length maiden score over this track in the spring and won the Kentucky Juvenile S. in May at Churchill after moving from John Hancock to Brad Cox. She also hit the board in Ellis Park's Debutante S. in August. Breaking well and stalking from second as the pacesetter put up brisk early fractions of :22.77 and :45.63, she took a short lead passing the half before opening up on the field heading for the line. Under moderate urging, she sailed home seven lengths best over familiar foe Hot Beach (Omaha Beach) and Fibber (Frosted) ran on strongly to round out the trifecta. Conditioner Brad Cox had high praise in the winner's enclosure for his filly's ability to go from routes to sprinting: “Obviously [it takes] a very sound [horse] and an intelligent one, and she's both. I'm very proud of her performance today. [Jockey] Tyler [Gaffalione] did a good job. He put her into position and she fired.” “She's been acting in the mornings that–without a doubt–she'd improved over the last month or so. I like what I've seen from her since the GIII Pocahontas (at Churchill Downs Sept. 16, when she finished second going a mile), and I think the cutback helped out a good bit today as well.” While not willing to commit to limiting Youalmosthadme to one turn races, Cox did confirm that she would stay there for the near future. Out of Good Gator, Youalmosthadme is the most successful of her siblings thus far, and the third winner from four to the races. She also has a yearling Get Stormy half-sister. The victress hails from the female line of GSP May Gator, who also claims MGSW Miz Ida (Proud Citizen) and SW Gator Zone (Sharp Humor) to her tally. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. MYRTLEWOOD S., $198,750, Keeneland, 10-27, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.67, ft. 1–YOUALMOSTHADME, 120, f, 2, by Oxbow 1st Dam: Good Gator (SP), by Good and Tough 2nd Dam: May Gator, by Green Alligator 3rd Dam: Thesixthofmay, by Classic Account ($12,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Qatar Racing LLC, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, and Black Type Thoroughbreds; B-Pope, Marc, and Pope McLean Jr. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $117,800. Lifetime Record: GSP, 5-3-1-1, $361,950. 2–Hot Beach, 120, f, 2, Omaha Beach–Hot Water, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($160,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $400,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). O-Boardshorts Stables, LLC; B-Cobalt Investments, LLC (KY); T-Brian A. Lynch. $38,000. 3–Fibber, 118, f, 2, Frosted–Devious Intent, by Dixie Union. ($55,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Kat Kirk and Wayne R. Sanders; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-W. Bret Calhoun. $19,000. Margins: 7, 1HF, NK. Odds: 1.93, 3.75, 7.29. Also Ran: Copper Em, Field Lass, Xtreme Smoke Show, Wellareyouhappynow, Xtreme Diva, Let Them Watch. The post Youalmosthadme Dominates Keeneland’s Myrtlewood appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After breaking through for the first grade 1 win of his career this season at age 9, veteran turf runner Red Knight has been retired by his owner/breeder Tom Egan, who operates as Trinity Farm.View the full article

Durante, sent east after a fast starter allowance triumph in early summer at Los Alamitos Race Course, continued his ascent up the New York sprint ranks by authoritatively winning the $200,000 Bold Ruler Stakes (G3) Oct. 27.View the full article

His rivals include star Hong Kong performer Romantic Warrior, who bids to give his nation a major success abroad in the Cox Plate (G1).View the full article

In a race packed with quality fillies and mares, Technical Analysis (m, 5, Kingman {GB}–Sealife {Ire}, by Sea The Stars {Ire}) posted a frontrunning score in the Athenia S. ahead of two of her stablemates. A known face in the Grade I circuits, the 8-5 favorite had last been seen finishing fifth in the GII Mohegan Sun Ballston Spa S. at Saratoga, but beaten barely two lengths in a blanket finish. She'd started her 2023 season with a runner-up effort in the Perfect Sting S. at Belmont over the summer and won the De La Rose S. two back. Right to the front after the jump here, she showed the way in hand as :23.89, :49.74, and 1:14.26 sailed by on the clock. Called on as she swung into the lane, Beaute Cachee (Fr) (Literato {Fr}) was making a move for the front on the rail, but Jose Ortiz held his lane firm as quarters got tight for that eventual runner-up. Game as they come, she caught a second wind and held off the field by 1 1/4 lengths as Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}) closed well from the back to close the trifecta. Technical Analysis's career-closing victory was Jose's fourth on the card. “It's nice to see her go out a winner. I'm so proud of her career,” said Chad Brown. “She's been such a durable horse since the day we bought her as a yearling until now. She's a very dependable horse, the type that any trainer really wants in the barn. I'll miss her.” Technical Analysis is the flag bearer for dam Sealife, who has yet to produce another runner to make it to the races. She produced a yearling colt by Too Darn Hot (GB) as well as a 2023 filly by Kingman (GB), but has no cover for 2024 on record. Hailing from the family of several Group 1 winners like Australian champion stayer G1SW Rekindling (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}), Technical Analysis is catalogued to go through the 2023 Keeneland November Sale in Book One as HIP 145. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. ATHENIA S., $150,000, Belmont The Big A, 10-27, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8mT, 1:49.20, fm. 1–TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (IRE), 124, m, 5, Kingman (GB)–Sealife (Ire), by Sea The Stars (Ire). (200,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT). O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited (IRE); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Jose L. Ortiz. $82,500. Lifetime Record: MGSW & MGISP, 16-8-4-1, $1,059,043. 2–Beaute Cachee (Fr), 124, f, 4, Literato (Fr)–Sign And Seal (Ire), by Hurricane Run (Ire). (€1,500 Ylg '20 ARQAU). O-Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Dubb and Louis Lazzinnaro LLC; B-Gregor Vischer (FR); T-Chad C. Brown. $30,000. 3–Fluffy Socks, 126, m, 5, Slumber (GB)–Breakfast Time, by Kitten's Joy. O/B-Head Of Plains Partners (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $18,000. Margins: 1 1/4, HF, NK. Odds: 1.70, 5.60, 2.65. Also Ran: Sparkle Blue, Favor, Uncorked (Aus), Evidencias (Brz), Eight Danzas. Scratched: Miss Dracarys. The post Technical Analysis Takes Athenia In Likely Career Finale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Favored on the morning line at 3-1 for Friday's GIII Bank of America Valley View S. at Keeneland, Klaravich Stable's SURGE CAPACITY (f, 3, Flintshire {GB}–Strong Incentive, by Warrior's Reward) launched a furious final-furlong flourish and was along in the dying strides to–somewhat remarkably–give trainer Chad Brown a first victory in the event at an overlaid 5-1. The homebred was off alertly from gate nine and was able to cross down to ride the rails into the first turn as Yesternight (Midnight Storm) was hard sent from the 11 hole to make the running. Appearing to overrace while traveling on the back of the speed through the middle furlongs, Surge Capacity continued to sit a good trip, but took an awkward stride as the field approached the stretch. Shuffled back a few spots as a result, the well-related filly commenced her rally in earnest at the eighth pole, was switched to the inside of GIII Music City S. winner Secret Money (Good Samaritan) shortly after and charged home along the fence to just touch off Heavenly Sunday (Candy Ride {Arg}), who raced prominently throughout. Bling (American Pharoah) was third. The victory provided a timely and valuable pedigree update for her dam, who just Thursday was supplemented to the Fasig-Tipton November Sale Nov. 7. O/B-Klaravich Stable (KY); T-Chad Brown. #9 SURGE CAPACITY ($12.16) was bottled up behind horses in the stretch, but snuck up an opening along the rail to win the G3 Valley View Stakes at Keeneland! The Klaravich Stables homebred was ridden by @JRosarioJockey for trainer Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/jCgUd9Cr91 — TVG (@TVG) October 27, 2023 The post Klaravich Homebred ‘Surges’ To Valley View Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eight stakes are part of Empire Showcase Day featuring New York-breds on Oct. 29, the closing day of the Belmont of the Big A meet, anchored by the $250,000 Empire Classic Stakes.View the full article