Wandering Eyes

Part six of BloodHorse's inaugural year-end survey.View the full article

In Europe, the TDN Rising Stars are awarded by Sean Cronin and Tom Frary, and no amount of begging, bleating or bribery from other members of the editorial team or external forces can persuade this duo to award one if they are not in agreement. Their decisions are based on performance, pedigree and, as the award title suggests, the likelihood of that individual becoming a stakes winner. Following the first five selections published yesterday, Tom Frary selects his five to keep an eye on in 2024. This could prove a very big year for the TDN Rising Stars, with a headlining colt who could emerge as one of the very finest in more than two decades of its existence. CITY OF TROY, c, 2, by Justify 1st Dam: Together Forever (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Green Room, by Theatrical (Ire) 3rd Dam: Chain Fern, by Blushing Groom (Fr) Owner: Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Breeder: Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY) Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Introduced in the Curragh's seven-furlong Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden in July which Aidan O'Brien used for the Galileo stars Rip Van Winkle (Ire), Gleneagles (Ire), Roderic O'Connor (Ire) and Australia (GB), as well as for Danehill's high-class Duke Of Marmalade (Ire) and Horatio Nelson (Ire), City Of Troy had immediate star appeal and one start later had already put himself in that bracket. With his highly advantageous stride and innate turbo, this is a colt with serious upside, and that is understating his potential. It will be disappointing if he doesn't win the Guineas and there is no reason he won't add a Derby to that. He's not far off Frankel already and he doesn't have the headstrong tendencies of that great at the same stage of their careers, so a mile and a half is easily within his range. Then we can dream of the St Leger! Early signs are that Justify could become very big news very soon, with his other TDN Rising Star last term being the high-class Ramatuelle. HENRY LONGFELLOW (IRE), c, 2, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Minding (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Lillie Langtry (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 3rd Dam: Hoity Toity (GB), by Darshaan (GB) Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier Breeder: Coolmore (IRE) Trainer: Aidan O'Brien There are no apologies for including another from the Aidan O'Brien squad here, such is the power of their 2023 juvenile crop, and this second foal out of the brilliant Minding, closely related to Galileo's Tuesday (Ire) and Empress Josephine (Ire), could be an able deputy for City Of Troy if the ground gets too soft. His G1 Vincent O'Brien National S. win was reminiscent of his sire's in 2004 and were it not for his stablemate the noise around him would be much louder. AZADA, f, 2, by Siyouni (Fr) 1st Dam: Azmiyna, by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Asmara, by Lear Fan 3rd Dam: Anaza (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) Owner: H H Aga Khan Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan's Studs SC (IRE) Trainer: Dermot Weld Siyouni's 10th TDN Rising Star was able to overcome deep ground on her Leopardstown debut in October and as a half-sister to The Autumn Sun (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), the Dermot Weld project, who is from the same cross as Sottsass (Fr) and St Mark's Basilica (Fr), has plenty to come. The sire was responsible for the same connections' Tahiyra (Ire) and while this one hasn't the same level of precocity she has all the potential. TASK FORCE (GB), c, 2, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Special Duty (GB), by Hennessy 2nd Dam: Quest to Peak, by Distant View 3rd Dam: Viviana, by Nureyev Owner: Juddmonte Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB) Trainer: Ralph Beckett At last, Special Duty seems to have a good one. Juddmonte's mare, who holds the rare distinction of having been promoted from second to first in two Classics, had so far failed to channel her precocity and star quality into her progeny but this exciting colt is a case of better late than never. Second in a high-class renewal of the Middle Park despite being the least experienced in the line-up, he should stay further than six furlongs given that his dam's previous best Elegant Verse (GB), by Frankel's sire Galileo (Ire), won over a mile and a half. As the family features Sightseek (Distant View) and Tates Creek (Rahy), it could be that Task Force is one who could shine in the States one day. MATRIKA (IRE), f, 2, by No Nay Never 1st Dam: Muravka (Ire), by High Chaparral (Ire) 2nd Dam: Tabdea, by Topsider 3rd Dam: Madame Secretary, by Empire Maker Owner: Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/Westerberg Breeder: Barronstown Stud Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Another Ballydoyle special, although Matrika wasn't seen after winning the Airlie Stud S. in July having been second in Royal Ascot's Albany days earlier. A full-sister to the dual Group 3-winning and G1 Takarazuka Kinen runner-up Unicorn Lion (Ire) and a half to The Wow Signal (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), the Barronstown-bred was described after her debut by Aidan O'Brien as being “totally asleep all the time” and that is always a good thing where this stable is concerned. Related to the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Ta Rib (Mr. Prospector), Matrika could be one for that Classic if her lengthy absence has nothing serious behind it. The post TDN Rising Stars to Follow: Part II appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jetting off for different reasons, the superstar riders trade blows at Sha Tin and deliver David Hayes an exciting doubleView the full article

While for a time trainer Douglas Whyte thought his stable star’s racing days might be over, now he’s hoping the seven-year-old will run in the Stewards’ Cup later this monthView the full article

Taj Dragon defies his rating to produce a sparkling victory under Andrea Atzeni in Monday’s Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) at Sha TinView the full article

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A stirring win by Not An Option (Not A Single Doubt) in the A$175,000 Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington was the icing on the cake of a spectacular New Year’s Day for his part-owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The Cambridge Stud couple’s black and gold colours had previously been carried two a pair of Group Two successes at Pukekohe. About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah) delivered a fitting victory in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m), which was previously known as the Royal Stakes and has this year been renamed in honour of the legendary former owner of the world-renowned stud. Habana (Zoustar) later added a thrilling last-stride victory in the Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Just like Habana earlier in the afternoon, Not An Option had to dig deep in a tight finish to earn his spoils at Flemington. After sitting in behind the front-running Struck By (Barbados), Not An Option and jockey Michael Dee moved away from the fence at the home turn and began to lodge a challenge. Not An Option built up his momentum and surged past Struck By just inside the 200m mark, but Who Dares (Deep Field) and Jye McNeil were coming with him in between the pair. The two set down to fight out a head-bobbing battle to the finish, and Not An Option called on all his fighting qualities to just prevail. “It was lucky that my horse had the real will to win,” Dee said. “At the end of the day, Jye would have outridden me in that race, so it was lucky that my horse was able to get his head over the line in front. “At the top of the straight, I could see that Jye was starting to come through quite quickly inside me. I was a bit slow to get across and shut the gate. When you’re in that position, you’re always in two minds – whether to try and keep your horse balanced, or whether to shut the gate. I ended up half-pie doing both. “Once Jye got the run, it was a matter of keeping my horse at his peak and keeping him balanced. He won well.” The Mike Moroney-trained Not An Option has now had 33 starts for seven wins and four placings, earning A$638,296 in stakes. He is now a three-time winner over 1400m at Flemington. “I rode him at Caulfield a couple of starts ago, behind the pace, and he just didn’t have a strong turn of foot that day,” Dee said. “When he’s won here, he’s been able to find his top gear at the top of the straight. That’s probably why he goes well here – it’s not sit-sprint, and he’s allowed that time to go through his gears, find his peak and keep running strongly to the line.” A son of Not A Single Doubt, Not An Option commenced his career for trainer Tony Pike in New Zealand, for whom he was a Group Two-winning juvenile. Pike went to $240,000 to purchase Not An Option from the draft of Curraghmore at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. Not An Option is out of Chintz (NZ) (Savabeel), who Pike trained to six wins including the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m), backed up by placings in the Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). View the full article

Bellatrix Star winning the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on Monday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Consistent filly Bellatrix Star showed she will be a force to be reckoned with in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) later his month as she took out the first black-type event for the new year, the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on Monday. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson took a powerful two-pronged attack into the race with Bellatrix Star (+970) and her stablemate Move To Strike (-333.33) and the pair ended up fighting out a torrid three-way finish to the contest with second favourite Velocious (+340). Velocious had beaten the daughter of Star Witness at their first meeting last month and looked likely to do it again when rider Sam Spratt shot her through an inside gap at the 300m to hit the front. Bellatrix Star and Move To Strike were winding up further out and at the 100m they joined issue with Velocious before edging clear in the final stages as Bellatrix Star took the decision by a long head from Move To Strike, with Velocious a length back in third. 2024 Group 2 Eclipse Stakes Replay – Bellatrix Star Walker was pleased with both of his runners and felt a change in racing luck for the filly had played a major role in the victory. “Last start she didn’t quite have all favours but ridden back a little further allowed her to show a really good turn of foot today,” Walker said. “She is peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions which has always been the target. “I think the track conditions (Soft7) favoured her while the second horse (Move To Strike) also went really well. “We will let the dust settle before we decide what to do with him, but she will go straight to the Karaka Millions.” Rider Warren Kennedy felt the move to track Move To Strike into the race had played a big part in the success for his mount. “I got shuffled back early on and probably would have gone the inside if I could have but I saw Opie (Bosson) on Move To Strike go wider and make a bit of room so I tracked him through,” he said. “She had good momentum when I pulled her to the outside and she gave me a lovely kick. “She has been a bit fierce in the past but was lovely and relaxed today which was the key as it gave her plenty for the finish. “It was a lovely win, very courageous and now she is doing things right she will be a good chance for the Karaka Millions if she can reproduce what she did today.” The victory resulted in Bellatrix Star now sitting at a Fixed Odds quote of +450 for the Karaka Millions 2YO with horse racing bookmakers behind another of her stablemates in Cool ‘N’ Fast who heads the market with Velocious at +300. More horse racing news View the full article

Krementz brought up her second consecutive win when successful at Flemington on Monday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Promising New Zealand-bred filly Krementz collected the second win of her four-start career with a determined performance at Flemington on New Year’s Day. The daughter of El Roca was unplaced in her only appearance as a two-year-old at Geelong in July, but she has made giant strides since. She resumed with an unlucky second at Seymour on November 17, then cleared maiden ranks in style at Sandown on December 6. Flemington on New Year’s Day was another step up, and Krementz was up to the task. Well ridden by Michael Dee, Krementz repeated the front-running tactics that produced her maiden win at Sandown last month. She again dictated terms in front, kicked hard after rounding the home turn and refused to let any of her rivals pass her in the straight. She fought off the challenge of Ginger ‘N’ Pink and prevailed in a tight finish. “That was very similar to Sandown,” Dee said. “She jumped well again and went to the front. She probably had to do a bit more work to get the lead today, but once we got there, we were able to control it. “It felt like she didn’t have a whole lot left coming into the straight, but to her credit, she’s very tough, she tries hard and she really wanted it today.” Krementz has now had four starts for two wins, a second and A$71,340 in stakes for prominent syndicators OTI Racing. She was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is out of Cashenti, a winning half-sister to the Group Two-winning mare Riva De Lago. Krementz was offered by Westbury Stud at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale, where trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr teamed up with Phill Cataldo to buy her for $70,000. They were suitably impressed with the filly and returned 12 months later to buy his full-brother for $80,000. “She was up in grade today and had to improve, and she did that,” Kent said. “She was given a very good ride. “She’s an improving filly. She’s still raw and immature, so it’s all ahead of her. We’ll see how she comes through this, but if we can give her another one or two while she’s in such terrific form, we will. “Timing is everything – there’s a full-brother online on our website at the moment, so we encourage people to jump on board!” More horse racing news View the full article

by Bridget Solomon The North Island welcomes in the New Year with grass track racing at Tauherenikau Racecourse tomorrow featuring the Connie Stewart NZSIR Wairarapa Cup Handicap Pace. From their Auckland base, Steve and Amanda Telfer bring five horses to the meeting with some good form behind them. Prince Miki is the first of the Telfer runners in Race 1, the Homegrown Butcher, Deli & Pantry Mobile Pace over 2000m. The three year old gelding was 2nd behind Yourdoinamazinsweety on debut at Alexandra Park on the 15th December when finishing off strongly. “He’s come a long way in a short time and his works improved since he’s been to the races” says Telfer “Josh Dickie drives him and he’s a good pacer so I expect he will handle the grass no issues and be a good chance.” The stable has two horses contending in Race 2, the Hilton Delegat Painting & Decorating Mobile Pace over 2000m. Starting from the ace position is Carbon, driven by Dickie, who has run third at Alexandra Park at both his two race day appearances to date. Stable mate Rockin Roman, driven by Junior Driver Alicia Harrison, makes his race debut. Medina Magic starts in the Wairarapa Cup, Race 4, with Dickie driving. The gelding has displayed good performances with two wins and a 2nd in his last four starts and can be forgiven his last run after sustaining a punctured tyre with 700m to run. “Medina Magic is such an honest horse and stepped away fairly well when qualifying from stands a couple of weeks ago so with all going to plan he should go a good race” says Telfer. The final runner for Team Telfer is Cassius Clyde Race 6, the Liquorland Masterton Mobile Pace. “He’s a big strong horse and with him having turned 4 he’s eligible for a penalty free win with Junior Driver Alicia Harrison driving which was a draw card” says Telfer. “It will be the first time on the grass for all our runners today but they are all lovely pacers and I expect they should handle it well with most being solid each way chances.” The Cup will be a hotly contested race with several runners looking to have claims including last year’s winner Santanna Mach for the in form Michael House Stable, and Artful Living for trainer David Jones who finished 3rd behind Bad Medicine in the Manawatu Cup at his last start. Race 1 gets under way at 11:25am with the Wairarapa Cup at 12:40pm. View the full article

by Jonny Turner Tim Williams hopes he can be on the right side of the battle of tactics set to play out in the Group Three Central Otago Cup at Omakau on Tuesday. The reinsman knows he will need to be on his game in the first Group race of 2024 when he combines with the talented Ohoka Connor. Ohoka Connor is precariously placed in the small but select field for Omakau’s big annual feature, having drawn outside a last start Group One winner in American Me despite being a rookie in the open class area. While Williams would rather it was the other way round, he is well up for the challenge in front of him. “It is definitely going to be a really tactical race,” the reinsman said. “We have drawn outside a horse that has won a group one and just run fourth in the New Zealand Cup.” “It will be interesting to see how it pans out; I am sure there will be a few pushing forward early.” “The best thing about my horse is that he is versatile; he has worked in his races and gone well, and he is also very fast.” “So if he is close enough to them, I am sure they will know he is there.” While he has full confidence in Ohoka Connor’s ability, it is the horse’s lack of experience in free-for-all company, which is Williams’ only slight concern going into the Central Otago Cup. “He has only had ten starts and he is pretty new to this kind of race.” “He hasn’t had much experience against these older horses that have had a lot of racing.” “While he has the ability, it is a different kind of race for him taking on these hardened older horses.” American Me will be out to add to his brilliant spring and summer form following his recent win in the Group One Invercargill Cup. The pacer relished the 3200m of his last start but faces a much different test in Tuesday’s 2000m mobile. Going in the opposite direction looks the key to Smokin Bandar’s chances in the feature trot at the big Omakau meeting. The grey trotter worked hard to find the lead before fading late when taking on New Zealand’s best trotter in Oscar Bonavena in the recent David Moss Stakes over 2700m. Reverting back to a 2000m mobile and landing a workable draw would be a much better scenario for the Craig Ferguson trained Smokin Bandar on Tuesday if he was on his game. And Ferguson thinks the horse is right up to the mark. “He feels as good to me as he ever has; he is trotting really well,” the trainer-driver said. “Last start I had to drive him hard over that longer trip and I knew it probably wasn’t ideal.” “But back to the shorter distance, it suits him a lot better, he can do that work and still run it out strongly.” Smokin Bandar again clashes with Majestic Man, who ran a strong third in the David Moss Stakes after sitting parked. Drawing inside Majestic Man (8) in barrier 5 looks a key tactical advantage for Ferguson and Smokin Bandar on Tuesday. View the full article

Not An Option gives his all to claim the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli A stirring win by Not An Option in the $175,000 Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington was the icing on the cake of a spectacular New Year’s Day for his part-owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The Cambridge Stud couple’s black and gold colours had previously been carried two a pair of Group Two successes at Pukekohe. About Time delivered a fitting victory in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m), which was previously known as the Royal Stakes and has this year been renamed in honour of the legendary former owner of the world-renowned stud. Habana later added a thrilling last-stride victory in the Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Just like Habana earlier in the afternoon, Not An Option had to dig deep in a tight finish to earn his spoils at Flemington. After sitting in behind the front-running Struck By, Not An Option and jockey Michael Dee moved away from the fence at the home turn and began to lodge a challenge. Not An Option built up his momentum and surged past Struck By just inside the 200m mark, but Who Dares and Jye McNeil were coming with him in between the pair. The two set down to fight out a head-bobbing battle to the finish, and Not An Option called on all his fighting qualities to just prevail. “It was lucky that my horse had the real will to win,” Dee said. “At the end of the day, Jye would have outridden me in that race, so it was lucky that my horse was able to get his head over the line in front. “At the top of the straight, I could see that Jye was starting to come through quite quickly inside me. I was a bit slow to get across and shut the gate. When you’re in that position, you’re always in two minds – whether to try and keep your horse balanced, or whether to shut the gate. I ended up half-pie doing both. “Once Jye got the run, it was a matter of keeping my horse at his peak and keeping him balanced. He won well.” The Mike Moroney-trained Not An Option has now had 33 starts for seven wins and four placings, earning A$638,296 in stakes. He is now a three-time winner over 1400m at Flemington. “I rode him at Caulfield a couple of starts ago, behind the pace, and he just didn’t have a strong turn of foot that day,” Dee said. “When he’s won here, he’s been able to find his top gear at the top of the straight. That’s probably why he goes well here – it’s not sit-sprint, and he’s allowed that time to go through his gears, find his peak and keep running strongly to the line.” More horse racing news View the full article

Warren Kennedy has stamped an indelible mark on New Zealand racing with the ex-pat South African jockey dominating proceedings at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day with seven wins, including four of the five feature events on the card. Fresh off a suspension that cost him riding on Boxing Day, Kennedy made every post a winner and produced one of the rides of the day on the Lance Noble-trained Habana (Zoustar) in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Fresh off taking the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) with a last-to-first performance on Waitak (NZ) (Proisir), Kennedy produced an almost carbon copy of that effort as he lifted the race topweight Habana (58kgs) across the line to snatch victory in the very last stride from a gallant Saint Bathans (Maurice). Swedish native Ulrika Holmquist was giggling when she turned for home on the Andrew Forsman-prepared runner-up as he travelled sweetly and quickly established a two-length break on her rivals. Still in front at the 100m she began to get desperate as Kennedy and Habana loomed large in her peripheral vision and her heart must have sunk as the goal of winning her first stakes race in New Zealand was taken from her as the favourite thrust out his head and snatched the victory. Kennedy was at his typically understated best as he paid tribute to the horse, Noble and winning owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. “That was absolutely fantastic and especially for Cambridge Stud as they are huge supporters of mine,” Kennedy said. “To Lance and the whole team just a big thank you and there really are so many people to thank. “It has been such a great day and I just couldn’t ask for anything better. “Everything has come together and I actually thought I had got beaten, so luck was definitely on my side. “He didn’t get that luck last time and coming in here he was topweight and the class horse of the field and with him class has prevailed.” Noble was a picture of uncertainty as he waited to hear the judge’s call on the finish and was relieved when it went in his favour. “A lot of satisfaction out of that as he is such a genuine horse although he has a few quirks and makes you work for it,” he said. “Topweight and winning like that gives me a lot of satisfaction. “He doesn’t have the greatest feet so it’s a big thank you to our farrier Blair and all our crew at home that do such a tremendous job with the horses. “You don’t have to give him (Kennedy) too many instructions and when I told him where the best part of the track was he said he knew as he had won a few today.” By Zoustar, Habana is out of four race winner Jeter (Mossman), who is a half-sister to Group Three winner Fast ‘N’ Famous (Redoute’s Choice), with Habana’s granddam Zalinda (NZ) (Zabeel) a daughter of Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) winner Alynda (Nassau). He has now won eight of his 16 starts and over $402,000 in prizemoney, with six of those wins coming from seven starts at Pukekohe. The seven victories by Kennedy sets a new mark for most wins on a raceday in New Zealand with five other riders having achieved six including Lance O’Sullivan, who now as a trainer in partnership with Andrew Scott provided Kennedy with three of his winning mounts in Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo), Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie) and Waitak. View the full article

Former champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan captured five Gr.1 Railway (1200m) successes in the saddle and on Monday he finally got his hands on the silverware as a trainer, courtesy of Waitak’s (NZ) (Proisir) explosive victory in the Sistema-sponsored feature. As expected, Johny Johny (NZ) (Charm Spirit) set a breakneck speed upfront, while at the opposite end of the field, in-form hoop Warren Kennedy switched Waitak off at the back of the pack. The son of Proisir was still well off the pace at the top of the straight, but he responded to the urgings of Kennedy in the final 200m, bursting through a gap that opened up when Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) ran out, checking Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy), and Waitak continued his momentum to score a 1-1/4 length victory over Bonny Lass, with Mercurial a further three-quarters of a length back in third. O’Sullivan was duly jubilant with the result. “Out of all the races that I personally wanted to be a part of winning as a trainer, it was certainly the Railway, and it has eluded me. This is Andrew’s third,” said O’Sullivan, speaking of co-trainer Andrew Scott’s previous two training victories in the race. O’Sullivan said the win was also a great tonic for Waitak’s breeder-owner Colin Devine. “Also (it’s great) for Colin Devine and all his family, it is great to have him onboard. He is not keeping the best of health, but I am so delighted for him,” O’Sullivan said. Waitak was given a Derby preparation as a three-year-old, where he ran fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and 14th in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) last year, and O’Sullivan is pleased they changed tack with their charge this campaign after he won first-up over 1300m last month. “After his first-up win for the season we said he may just be a short track horse and took a punt today, and it came off,” he said. “Trying to make him run in a Derby last year, we certainly got that wrong.” O’Sullivan was also pleased for jockey Warren Kennedy, who with the win equalled O’Sullivan’s previous New Zealand record of riding six winners at a meeting, before surpassing it a race later aboard Habana (Zoustar) in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). “I rode six many years ago on Derby Day. He is a fantastic jockey and his rides on all three of ours today were exceptional. I am very happy to have him on as opposed to against us,” O’Sullivan said. Kennedy was openly surprised by the result, believing his charge may have been outclassed by his fellow sprinters prior to the race, but he was glad to have been proven wrong. “Everyone, myself included, believed the six furlongs with these type of sprinters in the race, they might run a bit too quick for him,” he said. “He jumped out really well and he was out the back where I thought he would be, but he was really comfortable in his run. They split open like the red sea in front of me and when I really asked him to run, he knuckled down and sprinted home. He gave me a really good sprint home, he ran past them like they weren’t there.” It was a career-best haul for the expat South African, who is pleased he made the move to New Zealand and is grateful for the support he has received. “All the support that I am getting makes this possible, so without that support I couldn’t be doing the things am doing,” he said. “I am very grateful and it has been a great start to the year.” View the full article

Promising New Zealand-bred filly Krementz (NZ) (El Roca) collected the second win of her four-start career with a determined performance in the Australian Trainers’ Association Plate (1400m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day. The daughter of El Roca was unplaced in her only appearance as a two-year-old at Geelong in July, but she has made giant strides since. She resumed with an unlucky second at Seymour on November 17, then cleared maiden ranks in style at Sandown on December 6. Flemington on New Year’s Day was another step up, and Krementz was up to the task. Well ridden by Michael Dee, Krementz repeated the front-running tactics that produced her maiden win at Sandown last month. She again dictated terms in front, kicked hard after rounding the home turn and refused to let any of her rivals pass her in the straight. She fought off the challenge of Ginger ‘N’ Pink (Zoustar) and prevailed in a tight finish. “That was very similar to Sandown,” Dee said. “She jumped well again and went to the front. She probably had to do a bit more work to get the lead today, but once we got there, we were able to control it. “It felt like she didn’t have a whole lot left coming into the straight, but to her credit, she’s very tough, she tries hard and she really wanted it today.” Krementz has now had four starts for two wins, a second and A$71,340 in stakes for prominent syndicators OTI Racing. She was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is out of Cashenti (NZ) (Conatus), a winning half-sister to the Group Two-winning mare Riva De Lago (Encosta De Lago). Krementz was offered by Westbury Stud at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale, where trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr teamed up with Phill Cataldo to buy her for $70,000. They were suitably impressed with the filly and returned 12 months later to buy her full-brother for $80,000. “She was up in grade today and had to improve, and she did that,” Kent said. “She was given a very good ride. “She’s an improving filly. She’s still raw and immature, so it’s all ahead of her. We’ll see how she comes through this, but if we can give her another one or two while she’s in such terrific form, we will. “Timing is everything – there’s a full-brother online on our website at the moment, so we encourage people to jump on board!” View the full article

Ex-pat Kiwi jockey Jason Collett well and truly paid for a flying visit home from his Sydney base when he guided promising stayer Trust In You (NZ) (Sweynesse) to a gritty victory in the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day. On his old stomping ground at Pukekohe, Collett produced an inch perfect effort to bring the Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley-trained son of Sweynesse with a decisive late burst to reel in pacemaker Khan Hunter (NZ) (Mongolian Khan), who looked like he would steal the race after skipping clear on the home turn. Trust In You had already produced his credentials to run out an energy sapping 2400m when triumphing in the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Final at the venue on Boxing Day in the hands of Michael McNab and was the well-supported second favourite ($3.20) for the contest behind local runner Terra Mitica (Ulysses) ($2.50). Joe Doyle had Khan Hunter in front from barrier rise and looked to have his rivals in a heap of trouble when travelling comfortably approaching the home bend. At this point Trust In You was tracking Terra Mitica into the race and when Collett switched him to the outer to make his challenge he ate up the ground to collar Khan Hunter at the 100m as he went on to win by a neck, with Mary Louise (NZ) (The Bold One) shading Terra Mitica for third. Cooksley was confident his charge would handle the quick back-up from Boxing Day and was happy to be proven right in that assessment. “It was a very good run as he had pulled up well from last week and we didn’t do much with him, so he has won well,” Cooksley said. “Michael rode him last week but couldn’t do the weight (53kgs) this time so we put Jason on board and he rode him really well. “He will probably have a bit of a break now and then come back for the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m).” TAB bookmakers reacted quickly as they moved Trust In You to a $10 quote on the Fixed Odds market for the Auckland Cup behind One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One) ($8) Out of the six-win mare Shinko Bay (NZ) (Shinko King), who won at Listed level, Trust In You is a half-brother to stakes-placed mare Donna Anne Billy (NZ) (Tavistock) and comes from an extended family that includes other black-type performers in Flying Free (NZ) (Heroicity), Cool Storm (NZ) (One Cool Cat) and Matinee Idol (NZ) (Broadway Aly). Offered by Novara Park during the Book 2 Sale at Karaka in 2020, he was purchased by Wallace for $26,000 and has now won four of his 22 starts and just under $280,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

It was a fitting win in the inaugural Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m), formerly known as the Royal Stakes, at Pukekohe on Monday, with the Cambridge Stud-bred and owned About Time (American Pharoah) taking out the fillies feature named after the farm’s founder. Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay were trackside to welcome back their filly, and trainer Lance Noble said it was a sentimental win for the couple, who purchased Cambridge Stud off the legendary horseman. “He (Brendan) mentioned it beforehand of how fantastic it would be if he could win this race named after Sir Patrick, and he will get a huge thrill out of that,” Noble said. Slowest away, About Time settled towards the rear of the field for jockey Warren Kennedy, who gave his charge an economical trip throughout. The pair were the last to turn for home, but Kennedy was able to navigate his charge through an inside passage and found the lead with 200m to go. The Stephen Autridge-trained pair of Still Bangon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir) were descending on her late, but About Time was able to hold out Still Bangon to win by three-quarters of a length, with a head back to Livid Sky in third. It was the fourth win for the day from four rides for Kennedy, who was returning to ride from suspension, and Noble said he was glad to be a part of his purple patch of form. “The way he is riding I think he must have counted up what the percentages he missed out on Boxing Day and it made him a bit hungrier,” Noble quipped. About Time was backing up after a sixth placed run behind Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day and Kennedy was confident of a bold run after studying the race from the sidelines. “I thought her last run was pretty good, it was against the best three-year-old fillies around. She just looked like she hit a flat spot when they quickened up and she never really recovered from that,” Kennedy said. “The only thing was the quick back-up. but Lance has done a fantastic job, he has kept her really happy. “I thought 2000m would be right up her alley, I would switch her off and ride the last half of the race, which mapped out perfectly. She shot through very nicely, she hit a bit of a flat spot once she got through, but she had enough guns on her to power on to the line.” Noble said being based at Karaka was a huge advantage in helping About Time recover from her Boxing Day outing. “In this day in age not many back-up, but we are only 20 minutes away, so she recovered quickly and we were happy with her. We didn’t do a lot with her and she paraded really well today,” he said. The Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) looms as a major target, although Noble said they may now give her a break and focus on a Queensland Winter Carnival campaign. “I was thinking about giving her a bit of a break and maybe looking at Brisbane, that is a possibility,” Noble said. “We will get home and see, I am sure Brendan will have some ideas.” View the full article

Consistent filly Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) showed she will be a force to be reckoned with in the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) later his month as she took out the first black-type event for the new year, the Gr.2 SKYCITY Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on Monday. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson took a powerful two-pronged attack into the race with Bellatrix Star ($10.70) and her stablemate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) ($1.30) and the pair ended up fighting out a torrid three-way finish to the contest with second favourite Velocious (Written Tycoon) ($4.40). Velocious had beaten the daughter of Star Witness at their first meeting last month and looked likely to do it again when rider Sam Spratt shot her through an inside gap at the 300m to hit the front. Bellatrix Star and Move To Strike were winding up further out and at the 100m they joined issue with Velocious before edging clear in the final stages as Bellatrix Star took the decision by a long head from Move To Strike, with Velocious a length back in third. Walker was pleased with both of his runners and felt a change in racing luck for the filly had played a major role in the victory. “Last start she didn’t quite have all favours but ridden back a little further allowed her to show a really good turn of foot today,” Walker said. “She is peaking at the right time for the Karaka Millions which has always been the target. “I think the track conditions (Soft7) favoured her while the second horse (Move To Strike) also went really well. “We will let the dust settle before we decide what to do with him, but she will go straight to the Karaka Millions.” Rider Warren Kennedy felt the move to track Move To Strike into the race had played a big part in the success for his mount. “I got shuffled back early on and probably would have gone the inside if I could have but I saw Opie (Bosson) on Move To Strike go wider and make a bit of room so I tracked him through,” he said. “She had good momentum when I pulled her to the outside and she gave me a lovely kick. “She has been a bit fierce in the past but was lovely and relaxed today which was the key as it gave her plenty for the finish. “It was a lovely win, very courageous and now she is doing things right she will be a good chance for the Karaka Millions if she can reproduce what she did today.” The victory resulted in Bellatrix Star now sitting at a Fixed Odds quote of $5.50 for the Karaka Millions 2YO behind another of her stablemates in Cool ‘N’ Fast (NZ) (Savabeel) who heads the market with Velocious at $4. Raced by the Fortuna Bellatrix Star Syndicate, the filly was an $80,000 purchase by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing from the Phoenix Park draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in January. She is the third foal of Exceed And Excel mare Alana’s Party, the daughter of Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) winner The Party Stand (NZ) (Thorn Park) and is closely related to triple Group One winner Callsign Mav (Atlante). Phoenix Park will offer a half-brother by Royal Meeting as lot 563 at the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales through their Book 1 draft. Victorian-based Royal Meeting is a Group One winning son of Invincible Spirit whose oldest crop are two-year-olds. View the full article

Among Franco's 28 NYRA stakes wins were Grade 2 scores in the Sheepshead Bay, Bowling Green, and Ballston Spa.View the full article

Canterbury reinsman Ben Hope capped off his junior drivers career in style with Homebush Lad winning the Reefton cup and creating harness racing history on December 30th. He joins the open driver ranks from today and will be looking to begin that part of his career well with a decent book of drives at Rangiora. Hope wrapped up his junior career with 223 wins and over $2.8 million in stakes, including four Group One’s behind superstar trotter Muscle Mountain for parents Greg & Nina Hope. “The junior career has been great. Driving over 200 winners just shows how much support I’ve had, especially from mum and dad (Greg & Nina Hope) and the likes of a few others. It was cool to finish on a high winning a country cup race at Reefton, while Muscle Mountain has given me 27 wins including the four Group Ones, so I owe a lot to him.” Hope has a book of four drives today, including training Refine which will be driven by Mia Holbrough. In race 3 Sweet Lou debutant Wishful Thinking ($12.00FF) for Greg & Nina Hope will be looking for an educational run, and will be one to follow going forward. “She’s pretty green. Hopefully she does things right and is running on, but she will benefit from the run.” Race 5 Crazy N Love ($21.00FF) for Greg & Nina Hope will be driven by Mia Holbrough will look to make amends on her last start error. “She got it wrong last start, but she likes Rangiora. If she does everything right she’s a first four player.” Race 7 Refine ($3.60FF) has her second start for Ben Hope with Holbrough also taking the drive. “She went well last time, she has gate speed. Hopefully she can stay handy and she’ll have options from there.” Hope takes an outside drive in race 8 for Mark Smolenski in Sophia Bromac ($9.00FF). “She’s not the worst. A good second last start. If we can drive her pretty she should be there at the finish.” Hope will drive Torvi ($6.00FF) for Greg & Nina Hope in race 9, after a last start error, Hope is confident of a better showing today. “It was probably my fault last start. Disregard that and she should be a top four player.” Rounding out Hope’s chances in race 10 is Jack Tar ($8.00FF). The now 9 year old Tintin In America gelding has been competitive in recent starts, and Hope says there is no reason why he won’t be again today. “It was a good tough run at Motokurara. 2600m suits him. He probably needs a bit of luck to go his way but he’s another top four chance.” Race one gets underway at 1:07pm. View the full article

Start your New Year’s Day with a gallop into thrilling horse racing promotions! On this day of fresh starts, saddle up for a multitude of exhilarating offers from top-tier bookmakers, giving your betting experience an extra kick on January 1st. Check out these top Australian racing promotions for January 1, 2024: Start the Year with Winning Horse Racing Promotions BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo BRAND NEW – Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings by 10% on Trifectas with Unibet’s new trifecta boost. Check Vault for eligibility. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo JMAC RIDES AT SHA TIN Guaranteed best odds on all James McDonald Ridden Hong Kong Runners. Eligible clients only. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo TOP 4 BETTING Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Uncover the Secret Behind Horsebetting.com.au’s Bonus Offers HorseBetting.com.au diligently scours through Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers to unearth exclusive bonuses for January 1, 2024. These ongoing promotions showcase the dedication of top bookmakers. In the world of horse racing bets, when one bookie isn’t in the spotlight, another trots forward. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au as your guide to daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Boost your winning potential with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for loyal customers. Access these offers easily by logging into each bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to make the most of your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Cheers to a winning start to the New Year! More horse racing promotions View the full article

What Taree Races Where Manning Valley Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Taree NSW 2430 When Tuesday, January 2, 2023 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Taree on Tuesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program set for decision. The rail sits in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and with some scattered showers predicted in the lead-up, we anticipate the surface to be rated a Soft 6 for race-day. The opening race is set to get underway at 1:50pm AEDT. Taree Best Bet: Jonny Be Swift Jonny Be Swift picked up a soft win first-up at Queanbeyan on December 20 and should appreciate taking a significant step-up in trip. The son of So You Think proved classy enough over 1460m on resumption; however, he seems like a genuine staying type moving forward as the three-year-old muscled through the Heavy track conditions. Gregory Hickman elects to send his galloper to the 2000m second-up, and with the booking of Aaron Bullock showing plenty of intent, we expect Jonny Be Swift to go close to chalking up back-to-back victories. Best Bet Race 1 – #4 Jonny Be Swift (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Gregory Hickman | J: Aaron Bullock (58kg) +180 with Neds Next Best At Taree: Shigeru Shigeru returns after almost a whole year off the scene on Tuesday afternoon, and despite his lengthy absence, he appears to be ready for a first-up tilt. The four-year-old gelding brings some quality maiden form from last season, finding minor money on four occasions before being tipped out to the paddock. His trials have been solid to the eye, and with this contest seemingly his best opportunity to break his maiden, we’re confident Shigeru can only run well here. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Shigeru (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Deamer | J: Aaron Bullock (59.5kg) +300 with Dabble Best Value At Taree: Freya’s Moment Freya’s Moment warrants an each-way ticket in the second event of the program, as she makes her race-day debut on the back of a strong jump-out victory. The daughter of Nostradamus went on to score by 1.1 lengths at Kempsey on December 18, travelling beautifully under Luke Rolls to secure victory while racing under her own steam. She maps well from barrier five on Tuesday, and although she may lack some fitness, we’re willing to take the risk at the price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 2 – #8 Freya’s Moment (5) 3yo Filly | T: Glen Hodge | J: Luke Rolls (56.5kg) +700 with PlayUp Taree Tuesday quaddie tips – 2/1/2024 Taree quadrella selections Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1-2-6-8 1-6 3 3-8-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, January 1 will feature 10 meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Flemington, Canterbury, Ascot, Toowoomba & Sha Tin (HK). Monday Racing Tips – January 1, 2024 Flemington Racing Tips Canterbury Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Toowoomba Racing Tips Sha Tin (HK) Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 1, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

8th-Oaklawn, $140,000, Alw (NW2L)/Opt. Clm ($80,000), 12-31, 2yo, 1m, 1:38.63, ft, 4 lengths. CARBONE (c, 2, Mitole–Treasure in Heaven, by Street Sense) was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following a front-running eight-length debut romp going six furlongs at Churchill Downs Nov. 19. Stretching out to a mile for this second start, the 3-5 favorite sprinted right out to the early lead and was unchallenged while loping along through fractions of :23.40 and :47.76. He was let loose approaching the stretch and bound clear to score by four lengths. Lightline (City of Light) was second. Treasure in Heaven produced a colt by Instagrand in 2022, who sold to Larry Best for $250,000 as a weanling at the Fasig-Tipton November sale, and a filly by Yaupon in 2023. She was bred back to Yaupon. The mare is a daughter of Heiligbrodt homebred Richwoman (Successsful Appeal), who won the 2006 GIII Debutante S. The winner's third dam, another Heiligbrodt homebred, is two-time stakes winner Richbabe (Richman). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $153,000. O/B-William & Corinne Heiligbrodt (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. #8 CARBONE ($3.40) takes them wire to wire in R8 at @OaklawnRacing. The 2YO colt by Mitole (@spendthriftfarm) is two for two for trainer Steve Asmussen and @RSantana_Jr. There are two races remaining at Oaklawn today. Watch on @FanDuelTV and wager with the @FDSportsbook. pic.twitter.com/TsHqTimoRK — TVG (@TVG) December 31, 2023 The post Mitole ‘Rising Star’ Makes it Two in a Row at Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brittany Russell's meteoric career trajectory reached an historic height Sunday at Laurel Park when the 34-year-old, in just her fourth full season, became the first female to lead the annual trainer standings in Maryland.View the full article