Wandering Eyes

Oct. 28 marks the final Best of Ohio Day for 2023. Five $100,000 stake races for Ohio-breds will be contested at distances from 6 furlongs to a mile and a quarter at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.View the full article

HISA has introduced U.S. Thoroughbred racing's first-ever recommended national concussion protocol for jockeys, the entity said in a release Thursday morning. Under HISA's Racetrack Safety rules, racetracks are required to implement a concussion protocol for jockeys. HISA's recommended protocol would become mandatory for all racetracks under their jurisdiction, when and if, the FTC approves the proposed changes, which were submitted last month. HISA's national concussion protocol was developed in consultation with leading experts to protect the health and safety of jockeys across the country and brings racing in line with the nation's other major sports, all of which have uniform concussion management protocols. HISA's concussion protocol includes clear step-by-step instructions for racetrack medical personnel to follow when evaluating and monitoring riders for potential head injuries. The new protocol also incorporates the digital concussion management program HEADCHECK into its reporting process. Under the protocol, racetrack medical staff will use the platform to document medical evaluations, possible concussion symptoms and written releases permitting a jockey to return to riding after being cleared by a qualified medical provider knowledgeable in concussion management and the skills needed to perform as a jockey. HEADCHECK's implementation will also see to it that concussion-related medical records follow a rider from track to track and ensure continuity of concussion care across the country. HISA has been working to implement the platform at racetracks across the country for the last several months. “In a sport like racing where athletes are at high risk for concussion, it's crucial for every racetrack to have an established concussion protocol in place to respond to head injuries,” said HISA National Medical Director Dr. Peter Hester. “HISA's national protocol requires prompt and correct care and clear documentation, which are essential to ensuring jockeys have the best opportunity to make a full recovery from a concussion. To prioritize jockey health, HISA strongly encourages racetracks to adopt this protocol now to help optimize safety throughout the sport.” Jockeys and their families are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with HISA's national concussion protocol and will be notified via its portal when updates are made to the protocol. Racetracks under HISA's jurisdiction are encouraged to post a concussion protocol (English/Spanish) in a prominent place in the jockeys' quarters. HISA is working with racetracks to help educate medical staff and riders on the importance of concussion prevention, diagnosis and treatment–including the new national protocol and its requirements. Click for more information in both English and Spanish. The post HISA Introduces First-Ever National Concussion Protocol For Jockeys appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tulloch Lodge stablemates Raf Attack (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Ganbare (Maurice) have had a reversal of fortunes in the Spring Champion Stakes barrier draw and Adrian Bott expects it to better suit the racing styles of both colts. Raf Attack ran his rivals ragged when leading throughout from a low draw in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) last start while Ganbare, an impressive winner of the Dulcify Quality (1600m) at his previous appearance, had a torrid run from a wide gate to finish midfield. The latter has barrier four in Saturday’s Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) while Raf Attack will jump from 11, Bott viewing their respective draws as ideal. “It probably suits them both better in fairness,” Bott said. “Raf Attack has got natural tactical speed and is that go-forward type of horse, so he will be able to roll forward from that outside draw which is what he likes to do. “The softer draw helps Ganbare’s chances as well. “He was caught wide throughout last start and that made it difficult for him, but I thought he stuck on well considering. Go back the start before and it was a very strong win over the mile.” Both Raf Attack and Ganbare are bred to run at least a middle distance. Raf Attack is by Satono Aladdin, the sire of dual Oaks winner Pennyweka (NZ), while Ganbare is a son of Maurice and his maternal grand-dam Bianca won a Newcastle Cup and finished runner-up in a Metropolitan. Bott has yet to win a Spring Champion, Hampton Court in 2014 being the last victor for Tulloch Lodge when Gai Waterhouse was training solo. However, he believes this year is the stable’s best chance since he joined the yard during the 2016-17 season. “Hampton Court was the last one, we ran second with Never Been Kissed backing up from the Flight Stakes (in 2021),” Bott said. “But these are the two that have had the long-range plan for this and have been that profile all the way through. “They’re tough to split. We’re in a nice position with two really good chances.” Bott confirmed both Raf Attack and Ganbare could back up in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington seven days later if they performed well on Saturday. View the full article

Queensland trainer Tony Gollan says Antino (NZ) (Redwood) is at the peak of his powers as he heads to a Stakes race at Moonee Valley. Antino will be fourth-up when he lines up in the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) on Saturday. The Queensland galloper has raced exclusively in Melbourne this campaign, registering a win at Sandown on October 1 before a last start narrow second in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 14. “I think fourth-up last prep was his peak performance and I feel he’s at the peak of his powers now,” Gollan said. “Not that he wasn’t good in the Toorak, he was bloody good to get as close as he did from where he was in the run, but I think he’s that little bit better again. “He has to be that little bit better again, because it is a good race on Saturday.” Antino has only five rivals to go up against on Saturday, but it is one full of quality, including two New Zealand-trained gallopers Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) and Prowess (NZ) (Proisir). Gollan took advantage of sending Antino across from his Flemington base to Moonee Valley for a look at the track at Tuesday’s Breakfast With The Best. He said the exercise was worth the trip as Antino got on his right leg and got more out of the morning than if staying at Flemington for a track gallop. “He’s a very laid-back horse at home,” Gollan said. “He’s not a horse I worry about taking away too often, but it was ideal for him really. “It gave him a bit more stimulation, a bit more of a sweat and a bit more than just a normal track gallop around Flemington. “The main thing was to get him on the right leg and see him quicken off the bend, which is important at Moonee Valley. “The horse is better and presents better now than he did before the Toorak. “He’s right where I want him ahead of Saturday, so there should be no excuses.” View the full article

Frankel (GB) is being joined on the Juddmonte roster at Banstead Manor Stud by his Classic-winning son Chaldean (GB) for the 2024 season. Bred by Whitsbury Manor Stud, Chaldean was a 550,000gns foal purchase by Juddmonte and one of five black-type horses out of the Dutch Art (GB) mare Suelita (GB). The winner of four of his five starts at two, the Andrew Balding-trained colt landed the G3 Acomb S. and G2 Champagne S. before emulating his sire by signing off last year with victory in the G1 Dewhurst S. His intended first start at two in the G3 Greenham S. ended in ignominious fashion when Frankie Dettori was unseated on exiting the stalls, but the duo quickly made amends when landing the 2,000 Guineas. Chaldean became the 18th horse since 1874 to complete the Dewhurst-Guineas double, joining a list of great names such as Nijinsky, El Gran Senor, Zafonic, Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire), and of course Frankel, making this a unique father-son double. “Chaldean is just a dream horse; the most professional, uncomplicated, and beautifully balanced horse we have had during his time at Kingsclere,” said Balding. “He showed unusual improvement through his unique sequence of prestigious wins in the Acomb Stakes, Champagne Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes at two years old only to improve again to win the 2000 Guineas before his turning three.” Simon Mockridge, general manager of Juddmonte UK, added, “We would like to extend special thanks to Andrew Balding and the teams at Kingsclere and Juddmonte for guiding and skilfully developing the racing career of Chaldean. “We look forward to welcoming our Classic winner Chaldean as the first son of Frankel to stand at Banstead Manor Stud, further strengthening Juddmonte's European stallion roster.” The post Chaldean Joins his Sire Frankel at Banstead Manor Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 29-year-old rider admits ‘it hasn’t been going so well’ but believes he can kick-start his season in Sunday’s main event at Happy ValleyView the full article

By Barry Lichter Elderly Taranaki owners Alan and Lyn Messenger will surely set a record when they trek north to Cambridge on Friday. Alan, 86, and Lyn, 75, have five horses they bred racing from the White Star barn of Nicky Chilcott, all related and all bar one uncannily drawn five. And, appropriately, all five trace back to their talented mare Attsa Nice (six wins) one of the first pacers they bought after approaching Chilcott out of the blue two decades ago because they wanted to switch codes and have a woman trainer. Messenger Buoy (race four) is Attsa Nice’s last foal, and the other four are out of daughters of Attsa Nice – Lyn’s Delight the dam of Village Rebel (race six) and Sheza Mermaid (race two) and Princess Kate, the mother of Katies Princess (race seven) and Vincents Girl (race five). For the Messengers, who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary earlier this year, the night will rank as one of their best achievements in nearly 24 years with Chilcott – regardless of the results. “I never thought we’d have five racing in one night – hopefully we can get a few into the money,” Lyn Messenger said. Finishing in the money has been a trademark of the Messenger-Chilcott combination since the initial horse they bought as a yearling, Devine Temptation, won the first of his six races in 2002. The Messengers have now cheered home 43 winners in the orange and white silks and become a mainstay of the White Star operation. “They’re the kind of loyal owners that trainers dream about,” Chilcott said. “They’ve had good runs and bad like everyone, had a few that have been average and been sacked. “It’s fantastic for them to have five racing on one night, not many owners even from the big stables can say they’ve done that.” Ironically, the two horses Chilcott rates her best chances on Friday night are both Messenger favourites – Katies Princess and Village Rebel. “Katie is my favourite, Lyn Messenger said. “She’s a lovely mare and could end up our best. “Sam (Village Rebel) is Alan’s horse. He was a bit of a rebel when we had him at home and used to bully Katie.” Chilcott knows Katies Princess has the job ahead of her beating Wicked Wanda but says her high gate speed and manners will stand by her. “I couldn’t be happier with her, she’s jumping out of her skin. Leah (Hibell) will go forward on her and she’s versatile, she can follow good speed or run home off a slow pace.” Village Rebel, on the other hand, is more a one-trick pony, albeit a very good one, who needs a solid tempo. A huge surprise packet last season, when he won three on end and ran third behind Copy That and Hot And Treacherous in a New Zealand record-run race at Cambridge, Village Rebel has found it tougher this time in. “I told the Messengers this year would be difficult for him. “He came back quite highly rated, yet he’s very inexperienced and mentally so weak it’s not funny.” That said, Chilcott says Village Rebel has had no luck this campaign, ending up parked for driver Sailesh Abernethy in his latest two runs at Auckland. “You can’t do that every start so we’ll be looking for a softer run this time to get his confidence back.” Chilcott can’t tell you whether Village Rebel is ready to win. “It’s hard to get a line on him. He’s a terrible trackworker, always has been. “Can he win? Absolutely, but he needs the race to be run hard.” Of the Messenger’s other runners, Chilcott had the following tips: Vincents Girl: “I’ve been disappointed with her last couple of starts – I thought she’d find more. Everything suggests she’s on top of her game – I can’t fault her work – but she’s been up for a while and if she races below par I might freshen her up.” Messenger Buoy: “He didn’t seem himself last start – he was quite naughty – but I’ve given him a freshen-up and he seems really well. His workout on Saturday was good – he ran to the line nicely – and he’s a definite top three chance.” Sheza Mermaid: “She lacks a bit of speed. I’ll press forward from the draw and hope for a bit of luck but she’ll need to show some improvement.” The Messenger’s tally – 43 and counting Devine Temptation 6 Attsa Nice 6 Love Life 1 Diamond Smile 4 Lyn’s Delight 2 Princess Kate 8 Lindennys Star 2 Ally Mae 4 Village Rebel 4 Katies Princess 5 Vincents Girl 1 View the full article

What Darwin races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Drive, Fannie Bay, NT, 0820 When Saturday, October 28 First Race 2:52pm ACST Visit Dabble Fields are on the light side with 32 horses accepting for the five-race meeting at Darwin. Trainers are cooling their heels before the big Melbourne Cup Day meeting on November 7. Darwin’s feature race on Saturday is for the sprinters over 1000m at Benchmark 76 level where talented trio Doc O’Connor, Star Magnum and Mr Cashman will square off. There has been no rain in Darwin since October 6 (1.6mm) and although the forecast is for a slight chance of rain late in the week, it will be mostly sunny come Saturday. Light north-east to south-east winds will then tend north-west to north-east in the afternoon with a top temperature of 36C. The rail will be in the true position and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. Here are our free Darwin racing tips for October 28, 2023. Best Bet Tip: Son of Bielski (Race 1) Son of Bielski is aiming for three straight wins. A first up fifth on his Fannie Bay debut in September over 1100m at BM54 level was followed by an impressive 3.3 lengths win over 1300m against BM54 opposition on October 7 before backing up to put his 0-64 rivals to the sword over 1300m on October 21. Camped at the back three weeks ago, the seven-year-old gelding was four deep at the 600m before finishing strongly out wide once turning for home. Jumping from the outside gate of 10 last Saturday, the son of Dissident settled way off the pace before worming his way through the field at the 600m to produce yet another late finishing burst on the outside to seal victory by 1.5 lengths. Son Of Bielski won over 1550m in June and 1400m in July at Morphettville for previous trainers Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea. Best Bet Race 8 – #2 Son Of Bielski (3) 7YO Gelding | T: Chris Nash | J: Simon Miller (59.5kg) Bet with Betfair Next Best Tip: Change Is Coming (Race 2) Back from a spell, four-year-old gelding Change is Coming should make it three wins from five Top End starts. He could not have been more emphatic when he won on debut at Fannie Bay as a $2.60 favourite with horse betting sites on July 15 by 10.5 lengths over 1000m against 0-58 opposition in a time of 56.17. Exceedingly Magic, a last start winner last Saturday who is a fellow starter this weekend, was second that day. Change Is Coming found the opposition too hot next start on July 29 when fourth behind Early Crow, who would go on to win the Palmerston Sprint, at an open level over 1100m as a $1.70 favourite. The son of Capitalist was third over 1000m against 0-62 class as a $1.40 favourite on August 5 before bouncing back to decimate his Class 2 rivals by 8.1 lengths over 1000m on September 2 as a $1.24 favourite. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Change Is Coming (3) 4YO Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (60kg) Bet with Betfair Best Value tip: Pop Magic (Race 5) His form can fluctuate at times, but on his day Pop Magic is more than a handy competitor. The five-year-old gelding was a $5.50 quote during the week in a race where six of the seven runners were at single figure odds – Henestrosa was the $2.90 favourite. The son of Wandjina arrived in the Top End last year and finished second in a 1100m maiden in May before winning an 1100m maiden in June, but then he went off the boil. Pop Magic returned in late May to win over 1100m against BM54 opposition before saluting yet again over 1000m in 0-58 class on June 3. A ninth over 1100m at 0-58 level on June 24 was followed by a fourth over 1000m in 0-62 grade on August 5 before finishing 9.8 lengths adrift in second place over 1100m (BM54) behind Patriotic King, who broke the track record. Best Value Race 3 – #4 Pop Magic (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Ella Clarke | J: Stan Tsaikos (58.5kg) Bet with Boombet Darwin quaddie selections Saturday, October 28, 2023 1 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-3-4-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip All racing tips View the full article

Highly Vindicated winning at Arawa Park on Thursday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Highly Vindicated was rewarded for his consistency when breaking through for his maiden victory at Arawa Park on Thursday. Jumping from the inside barrier, Highly Vindicated took an early trail and enjoyed an economical passage behind pacemaker Windsor Castle. The son of Highly Recommended responded to the urgings of jockey Joe Doyle in the straight and was able to reel in Windsor Castle and score a long neck victory. The four-year-old gelding had placed in six of his previous 12 starts, including all three of his outings this preparation, and trainers Fred and Lindsay Cornege were pleased to finally get a winning result. “He ran seventh in the Waikato Guineas (Group 2, 2000m), which wasn’t a disgrace. We then gave him a good spell and he has had form all the way through,” Fred Cornege said. “He is an interesting horse, he has been a work in progress. He has loomed up a couple of times before to win a race and then he just pulls up. “A credit to Joe Doyle today. He rides him in work, so knows him inside out now. We had to chase something, which worked today.” Cornege was also rapt for owner Paul Denton, who races the gelding under his P K Partnership banner. “I am very happy for the owner because there is not a winner in the family since 1999,” Cornege said. “It is the first horse he has raced. He inherited the horse from his father who passed away, so it’s a fairytale story all around. “He has got a yearling and two-year-old half-sisters by Embellish, so he might be bitten by the bug now hopefully.” Cornege is now eyeing some of the rich prizemoney on offer in Auckland over the coming months. “There will be a nice $70,000 race at Pukekohe for him on Melbourne Cup Day now,” he said. “We will just take it one race at a time. There is some good money coming up, so we will target the Auckland cluster of races for him.” More racing news View the full article

Riccarton trainer Anna Furlong. Photo: Race Images South Riccarton trainers Anna Furlong and Shane Kennedy are looking forward to tackling stakes company once more with Second Thought when they head to their home meeting on Saturday. The daughter of Ghibellines has had one prior start at stakes level, running fifth in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) in February, and her handlers are hoping for a better result this weekend. Second Thought has had an interrupted preparation but has pleased with her two placings from as many starts in the lead-up to the Listed Spring Classic (2000m). “We are on about Plan D with this mare, she has had a bit of a niggly prep – it has been really damp and she has had a couple of feet issues,” Furlong said. “I am really happy to be getting her to Saturday, she loves the 2000m and loves Riccarton.” Second Thought is a +350 equal favourite with horse racing betting sites for the Riccarton feature, alongside the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained Proserve. Earlier on the card, Champagne Racing will have a two-pronged attack in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) courtesy of Quintabelle and Warning Signal. Quintablle cleared maiden ranks in pleasing style at Ashburton earlier this month, while Furlong is hoping the addition of a tongue tie will benefit stakes performer Warning Signal. “It (last start win) was really good to see (from Quintabelle). She is improving off everything she does and she is heading in the right direction,” Furlong said. “I am looking forward to getting her over the mile at Riccarton. “In the Barneswood Farm (Group 3, 1400m), Warning Signal held her breath for the first time, which was a little bit annoying, so she has got the tongue tie on this time and hopefully that does the trick.” The stable will also be represented by Iffididit, Ugo, The Seamstress and Pierrogrine. “Iffididit has shown a lot of maturity this prep,” Furlong said. “He was on the back-up last start but still ran a nice third and was probably a little bit unlucky not to get clear air when he did. I am looking forward to getting him over a mile at Riccarton. “Ugo needs to pull finger a little bit. He was a little lacklustre last start and needs to bring his A game. “Pierrogrine had a super debut (for third), I am really happy with him. He is bred to get over ground, so we are looking forward to stepping him up in distance. “And The Seamstress wants to get over further, but she missed a run at Ashburton and we need to get a run under her belt.” More racing news View the full article

Romantic Warrior gallops at Moonee Valley. Revered for prodigious Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) exploits, former champion jockey Brent Thomson believes Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior is the “logical favourite” to win the AU$5 million showpiece at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Thomson, who rode 129 winners in Hong Kong during a decorated international career, is one of only three jockeys to partner four Cox Plate winners – Hugh Bowman and Glen Boss are the others – while Darby Munro holds the race record with five victories. Asked which of the 12 runners engaged in Saturday’s contest he would like to partner if given the choice, New Zealander Thomson pointed to compelling form lines stemming from Romantic Warrior’s fourth in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on October 7. “The Turnbull Stakes form is always rock solid and the Caulfield Cup bears witness to that,” Thomson said. “He (Romantic Warrior) is the one that’s got a pretty special pilot (James McDonald) on board and Danny Shum has him pretty good nick. “He’s the logical favourite. It (the Cox Plate) is a race which doesn’t spring many surprises, so I’m with him (Romantic Warrior).” Romantic Warrior finished fourth in the Turnbull Stakes behind Gold Trip, West Wind Blows and Soulcombe, who all contended strongly in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) last Saturday (October 21) with West Wind Blows finishing second, Gold Trip third and Soulcombe seventh behind Without A Fight. Thomson’s association with the Cox Plate started with victory aboard Fury’s Order in 1975 – when he was only 17. Thomson advanced to three more wins, triumphing aboard Family Of Man in 1977, So Called in 1978 and Dulcify in 1979. Damien Oliver will ride in the Cox Plate for the final time, while continuing his association with the Cummings family – one of Australian racing’s most illustrious clans famed by the deeds of Bart Cummings, his son Anthony Cummings and more recently his grandson James Cummings, who prepared last season’s. Cox Plate winner Anamoe. Due to retire in December, 51-year-old Oliver will combine with Edward Cummings – another of grandson of Bart and brother to James – aboard Duais. The first of Oliver’s two Cox Plate triumphs came aboard Dane Ripper for Bart Cummings in 1997 and the champion hoop is hopeful of prevailing one final time. For Edward Cummings, several rivals horses stand out – but few more than Romantic Warrior. “Danny’s horse looked impeccable at yesterday’s gallop – I saw it on social media – he looked very sharp, very powerful,” Cummings said. Six-time Hong Kong jockey Zac Purton will partner Fangirl for leading trainer Chris Waller. More racing news View the full article

By Michael Guerin One of New Zealand’s most accomplished young harness horsemen is returning home and straight into one of our prime driving roles. Multiple Group 1-winning trainer and driver Joshua Dickie will return early in the New Year and work at Stonewall Stud’s northern stables and assume the role of their regular North Island driver. Dickie will be accompanied by his partner Sammy Kilgour, herself a talented horseperson, who will also work for Stonewall and Steve Telfer. The 32-year-old Dickie moved to Australia two years ago and while he has driven 40 winners during his stay there including a Group 1 winner he says the time is right and he and Kilgour to return. “Obviously New Zealand is my home and Sammy and I lived there together before and she loved it too,” says Dickie. “We have really enjoyed our time in Victoria, where Sammy is from, and don’t regret a second of it but the chance to go home and being involved with such a powerful stable is too good to turn down. “I have had some really good talks to Steve and everybody knows what sort of horses they buy and have to work with so we are looking forward to being part of their team.” The move is likely to be in January with Kilgour to lease out her property where the couple has been based in Victoria. “I am really glad we came over here and have so many people who have been really good to us, from owners to trainers like Mick Cole and Philip Chircop who have put me on a lot of their horses. “It is a hard place to get the best drives because obviously many of the really big stables have their own drivers. But I have learned heaps.” Dickie was established among New Zealand’s best drivers before his move to Australia, with 450 driving wins here as well as having a great record when he and father John travelled horses to Victoria, where they combined to win the Great Southern Star with Speeding Spur. They have also won the Victoria Trotting Derby and numerous Breeders Crown Trots. Senior trainer for Stonewall Stud, Steve Telfer, says Dickie was the ideal fit for them. “I have known Josh for a long time and we have huge respect for his ability as a horseman,” sauys Telfer. “He is also a good aggressive driver which suits us and drives Alexandra Park very well. So he will be our No.1 driver here in the north. “But it is not just the driving that is important, to have guy with his experience here on the property working with the horses will be invaluable so we are really looking forward to him and Sammy joining us.” Dickie will be home before his permanent return though as the couple will come to New Zealand Cup week as Josh shares in the ownership of one of the New Zealand Cup favourites, Old Town Road. “We love Cup week and to have a horse in the Cup is special so we are looking forward to seeing plenty of our friends and, of course, Dad. “That is another great thing about moving back home, being able to spend some more time with Dad too.” View the full article

What Ascot Races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, October 28, 2023 First Race 12:29pm AWST Visit Dabble Ascot Racecourse will play host to a very competitive nine-race card this Saturday afternoon, headlined by the Listed Belgravia Stakes. There is no rain on the forecast for Friday and Saturday, so expect the track to remain at the current Good 4 rating for the whole day. The rail will be in the +5m position for the entire circuit, with the first race set to kick off at 12:29pm AWST. Belgravia Stakes Tip: Augment The Simon Miller-trained Augment was a dominant winner against the older horses last start at this track and trip on October 14. This three-year-old filly settled behind the speed, and when the gap appeared for her at the top of the home straight, she sprinted quickly to take the lead and put the race to bed with 100m to go. This daughter of Exceed And Excel will drop back to her own age group and has drawn to get a similar run in transit. If Patrick Carbery can replicate his ride from that last start, Augment will prove very hard to beat. Belgravia Stakes Race 8 – #11 Augment (4) 3yo Filly | T: Simon Miller | J: Patrick Carbery (54kg) +450 with Betfair Best Bet at Ascot: Pleasure Cruise Last start, the Takahide Ikenushi-trained Pleasure Cruise finished fifth in an RTG 66+ Handicap over 1400m, breaking his unbeaten start to his career. After settling behind the speed, this son of Justify had to work off the heels of a slowing leader and was left flat-footed at the top of the home straight before working home nicely in the final 200m. William Pike has chosen to stick with the three-year-old gelding, who steps up in trip to 1800m this weekend. From barrier four, Pike should be able to settle Pleasure Cruise in the one-one and give him every chance to return to the winner’s circle. Best Bet Race 4 – #11 Pleasure Cruise (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Takahide Ikenushi | J: William Pike (54kg) +100 with PendleburyBet Next Best at Ascot: Triple Jay The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained Triple Jay has finished second at both of his starts this preparation, where he has done everything right but has been beaten by a better horse on the day. This four-year-old gelding will appreciate the step up in trip from 1000m to 1100m, and if he can settle midfield off the rail, we should see the best of him. This son of Street Boss will retain the services of William Pike, who has ridden him at six of his seven career starts. With even luck and a clear run in the final 300m, Triple Jay should prove too good for his rivals. Next Best Race 3 – #3 Triple Jay (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: William Pike (59.5kg) +180 with Boombet Best Value at Ascot: Mojo Rhythm Mojo Rhythm returned with a very impressive run over 1200m at this track first-up, where the Mitchell Pateman-trained galloper was made to settle three wide for the entire trip and still stuck on gamely for third. Although he was fresh and was made to travel wide the whole way, the five-year-old gelding was only beaten by 2.3 lengths behind Augment and Celebrity Prince, who had much more economical runs. Now that this son of Playing God is second-up and goes to 1400m, expect him to settle near the back of the field from his wide barrier (14) before letting down with his blistering turn of foot in the final 300m. Best Value Race 7 – #6 Mojo Rhythm (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Mitchell Pateman | J: Jarrad Noske (58.5kg) +1400 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, October 28, 2023 1-3-9 6-9-10-13 1-2-3-11 3-5-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

New Zealand Bloodstock representative and legendary Group One-winning jockey Brent Thomson received recognition for his services to racing this week when receiving the Victorian Club Service to Racing Award. The Victorian Club is an exclusive members club that has always had a deep affiliation with racing, and the associated award with rich history of top racing identities. Thomson, affectionately known as ‘BT’ or ‘The Babe’ rode Dulcify (NZ) to Cox Plate glory for renowned trainer Colin Hayes who also features on the prestigious award list. Led to believe he was attending the awards lunch to celebrate Family of Man, the horse Thomson claimed the second of his four Cox Plate victories on, he said it was a bit of a shock when he realised he was the recipient of an award. “I was a bit blown away as they got me there under false pretenses,” commented an elated Thomson. “I got invited to it thinking Family of Man was being acknowledged and that I was there because I rode him, but after I got up and spoke about how good he was they said there’s another award to be presented and they brought up my name. “I was surprised and honoured to be acknowledged by the Victorian Club with their Services to Racing Award, this Club has always had such a strong affiliation with the racing fraternity and if you take a look at the honour role, I am in great company,” he added. The son of a leading trainer Kevin Thomson, Brent became the champion apprentice of New Zealand at the young age of 16. He moved to Australia as a fresh-faced teenager to further his career earning the nickname ‘The Babe’ from the local racing press. Thomson retired from riding in 2000 but continued to work in the bloodstock industry and became a valuable member of the New Zealand Bloodstock team in 2001 with the main objective to promote New Zealand horses. “I could not think of a more worthy recipient for this award,” commented NZB Director of Business Development Mike Kneebone. “Brent is not only a racing legend in Australasia but around the world and he is one of the most loved by young and old. “He’s a Kiwi national treasure and has dedicated his life to the racing and breeding industry, particularly in Victoria. The whole NZB team are thrilled to see this great man recognised.” View the full article

Highly Vindicated (NZ) (Highly Recommended) was rewarded for his consistency when breaking through for his maiden victory in the MacMillan Accountants 1560 at Arawa Park on Thursday. Jumping from the inside barrier, Highly Vindicated took an early trail and enjoyed an economical passage behind pacemaker Windsor Castle. The son of Highly Recommended responded to the urgings of jockey Joe Doyle in the straight and was able to reel in Windsor Castle (NZ) (Rageese) and score a long neck victory. The four-year-old gelding had placed in six of his previous 12 starts, including all three of his outings this preparation, and trainers Fred and Lindsay Cornege were pleased to finally get a winning result. “He ran seventh in the Waikato Guineas (Gr.2, 2000m), which wasn’t a disgrace. We then gave him a good spell and he has had form all the way through,” Fred Cornege said. “He is an interesting horse, he has been a work in progress. He has loomed up a couple of times before to win a race and then he just pulls up. “A credit to Joe Doyle today. He rides him in work, so knows him inside out now. We had to chase something, which worked today.” Cornege was also rapt for owner Paul Denton, who races the gelding under his P K Partnership banner. “I am very happy for the owner because there is not a winner in the family since 1999,” Cornege said. “It is the first horse he has raced. He inherited the horse from his father who passed away, so it’s a fairytale story all around. “He has got a yearling and two-year-old half-sisters by Embellish, so he might be bitten by the bug now hopefully.” Cornege is now eyeing some of the rich prizemoney on offer in Auckland over the coming months. “There will be a nice $70,000 race at Pukekohe for him on Melbourne Cup Day now,” he said. “We will just take it one race at a time. There is some good money coming up, so we will target the Auckland cluster of races for him.” View the full article

It’s a long trip from Riverton to Riccarton but travelling up with two stakes contenders and a Group One performer made it a little easier for Kelvin Tyler. The Southland trainer made the eight-hour trip north on Thursday and is looking forward to tackling feature racing at Riccarton Park this weekend. Group One performer Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto) is in fine fettle ahead of the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial (1400m) on Saturday, having placed in his prior outing over 1200m at Ashburton earlier this month. He has once again been lumbered with 62kg but will gain some weight relief courtesy of apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait’s four-kilogram claim. “It was a great run last start. He is right on the mark where we want to be,” Tyler said. “As always, his biggest obstacle is the extra weight he has got to lug around, but I can’t fault the horse.” Tyler is excited to have Tait aboard this weekend and believes the promising hoop has a bright future. “She is a really talented rider and is starting to get a few opportunities, even up in the North Island, so we are probably lucky we got onto her early,” he said. “She really suits the horse and knows him, so we are lucky to have her.” Lightning Jack is on a path towards the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton next month, but Tyler said those plans aren’t set in stone. “The Coupland’s Mile is his number one target, but it just depends,” he said. “If he is going to be top weight and lonely up there, there are plenty of other options, it is not the end of the road for us and we’ll just assess it as we go along. The Captain Cook (Gr.1, 1600m) is a good option.” Lightning Jack was joined on the float trip north by promising fillies Radiant Reach (NZ) (Vadamos) and Lady Sass (NZ) (Staphanos), who will contest the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) on Saturday. “They are two quality fillies,” Tyler said. “Lady Sass is screaming out for a wee bit of give in the track and more ground, and I believe she is right up to the better ones. “Radiant Reach is a way better horse than what she showed at Ashburton (last start when ninth in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes, 1400m) and I am pretty sure you will see a better horse this week.” Meanwhile, Tyler is excited about King Of The Castle’s (NZ) (Castledale) prospects in the A$3 million The Big Dance (1600m) on November 7. The son of Castledale gained a berth in the Randwick feature when winning the Big Dance Wild Card (1600m) at the Sydney track for trainer Joe Pride last Saturday. “We are really excited to be a part of it. Joe Pride has done a great job and he is just a great guy. His horses are going so well,” Tyler said. “The Big Dance is a 20-horse field I understand, so there are going to be a few hard luck stories. Hopefully we can draw quite nicely and get a fair crack at it because it is a lot of money, it is quite exciting.” Bred by Ravelston Stud, King Of The Castle was initially trained in New Zealand by Tyler, for whom he won three and placed in two of his nine starts. Tyler said he gained plenty of overseas interest in the horse following his impressive win at Riccarton two years ago, and has enjoyed remaining in the ownership and watching the horse flourish in Australia where he has added a further three victories to his tally. “I think it was this meeting two years ago he had the fastest sectionals all day after 800m, he was even faster than the open sprinters,” Tyler said. “The guys in Australia don’t miss much and got onto him. He is a high-quality horse and Joe has been very patient with him and it is paying dividends now. “I have only met the owners once over there, but it has been great ride.” Tyler’s family have already booked their tickets to the Big Dance, but he has yet to decide if he will join them trackside on the day. “We have got a bit going on back here with New Zealand Cup week coming up and Melbourne Cup Day at Wingatui,” he said. “My two sons and daughter are going over and they are trying to get me to go. I haven’t said no yet, but I’ll decide closer to the time.” View the full article

Pre-race indicators all point to another high-class performance from Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) in her delayed introduction to the Melbourne spring carnival. The multiple Group One winner suffered an early setback in her preparation, but the daughter of Proisir has bounced back and ready to shine in Saturday’s Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley. Prowess struck an unsuitably wet going at Hawera when she finished runner-up in her seasonal debut in the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and hasn’t missed a beat since. “It was a heavy track and she has found good improvement since and we are very happy where she’s at,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains the four-year-old with Roger James. Prowess will be opposed by only five rivals on Saturday, but it will still provide a stern test. “It’s a small but quality field with two horses (Tuvalu and Antino) that ran second in Group Ones at their last starts and obviously Mustang Valley who was a Group One winner over a mile (Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m) the start before,” Wellwood said. “It might be a small field, but it’s a very good one. She got into Melbourne late on Wednesday night and reports have been good. “She has eaten and drunk well and had a quiet little trot and canter on Thursday morning and seems very happy and well.” As long as expectations are met at The Valley, Prowess will head to Flemington for her next appearance. “It’s exciting heading forward and she is back on track and with a good run and provided she comes through it well, her main target for the revised spring will be the Champion Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) on November 11,” Wellwood said. Prowess will be ridden at the weekend by the in-form Mark Zahra, who guided her to victory in last season’s Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. “He’s in terrific form and it’s great to have him back on,” Wellwood said. The stable will also have major interest at the Pukekohe meeting where their promising filly Sudbina (NZ) (Almanzor) will contest the Gr.2 Jamieson Park Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). It will pose a significant challenge for the daughter of Almanzor, who was a last-start maiden winner at Taupo. “It will really suit her getting up to 1400m on a bigger track, but it is a very good field and a big step up for her,” Wellwood said. “We are going to find out where she stacks up against pretty much the best three-year-old fillies in the country.” Riccarton is an unlikely option for the lightly tried Sudbina, who doesn’t hold a nomination for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “We would never say never though, and if she was to blow them away on Saturday then perhaps we might look at the Guineas,” Wellwood said. “At this stage though, she’ll be staying up here and we’ll look at the fillies’ races over Christmas.” View the full article

Riccarton trainers Anna Furlong and Shane Kennedy are looking forward to tackling stakes company once more with Second Thought (NZ) (Ghibellines) when they head to their home meeting on Saturday. The daughter of Ghibellines has had one prior start at stakes level, running fifth in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) in February, and her handlers are hoping for a better result this weekend. Second Thought has had an interrupted preparation but has pleased with her two placings from as many starts in the lead-up to the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m). “We are on about Plan D with this mare, she has had a bit of a niggly prep – it has been really damp and she has had a couple of feet issues,” Furlong said. “I am really happy to be getting her to Saturday, she loves the 2000m and loves Riccarton.” Second Thought is a $4.50 equal favourite with the TAB for the Riccarton feature, alongside the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained Proserve (NZ) (Proisir). Earlier on the card, Champagne Racing will have a two-pronged attack in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) courtesy of Quintabelle (NZ) (Embellish) and Warning Signal (NZ) (U S Navy Flag). Quintablle cleared maiden ranks in pleasing style at Ashburton earlier this month, while Furlong is hoping the addition of a tongue tie will benefit stakes performer Warning Signal. “It (last start win) was really good to see (from Quintabelle). She is improving off everything she does and she is heading in the right direction,” Furlong said. “I am looking forward to getting her over the mile at Riccarton. “In the Barneswood Farm (Gr.3, 1400m), Warning Signal held her breath for the first time, which was a little bit annoying, so she has got the tongue tie on this time and hopefully that does the trick.” The stable will also be represented by Iffididit (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Ugo (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Pryde’s Easifeed Rating 65 (1600m), and The Seamstress (NZ) (Savile Row) and Pierrogrine (NZ) (Pierro) in the Betavet Celebrating 15 Years Maiden (1400m). “Iffididit has shown a lot of maturity this prep,” Furlong said. “He was on the back-up last start but still ran a nice third and was probably a little bit unlucky not to get clear air when he did. I am looking forward to getting him over a mile at Riccarton. “Ugo needs to pull finger a little bit. He was a little lacklustre last start and needs to bring his A game. “Pierrogrine had a super debut (for third), I am really happy with him. He is bred to get over ground, so we are looking forward to stepping him up in distance. “And The Seamstress wants to get over further, but she missed a run at Ashburton and we need to get a run under her belt.” View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, October 28, 2023 First Race 11:38am AEST Visit Dabble The Brisbane Racing Club will host a massive 10-race card this Saturday afternoon at Doomben Racecourse. Rain is forecast to fall across Thursday and Friday, so we expect the track to stay in the Soft range for the whole program. The rail will be in the true position, which should mean that the track will race as fairly as possible. The opening race at Doomben will jump at 11:38am AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Eagles Crag Eagles Crag kicked off his life under new trainers Steven O’Dea and Matthew Hoysted in great style, just nosed out in the final stride by Cottee to finish second over 1500m at Eagle Farm. Now second-up and getting an extra 100m, this race sets up perfectly for this six-year-old gelding. He has drawn to do no work from barrier one, and if Ben Thompson can replicate the run from last start, Eagles Crag should be winning this time. Best Bet Race 9 – #11 Eagles Crag (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Ben Thompson (55kg) +140 with Betfair Next Best at Doomben: Abounding The Robert Heathcote-trained Abounding finished her two-year-old season with three straight placings in black-type races before going out for a four-month spell. This daughter of Rich Enuff couldn’t have been more impressive at her recent trial, winning over 1000m under no riding. The three-year-old filly brings the best form into this race, and even though she has drawn barrier 10, her get-back-and-run-on style should offset the bad gate. With even luck and a patient ride from Martin Harley, Abounding can kick off her preparation with a victory. Next Best Race 7 – #3 Abounding (10) 3yo Filly | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Martin Harley (56.5kg) +240 with Boombet Best Value at Doomben: Sebring Girl Sebring Girl has won all three of her races when settling on-speed, with two of those victories coming at the mile trip she faces in this Class 3 Plate. The daughter of Sebring should be able to take up the lead from barrier 12, with little to no other speed influences engaged in this contest. Jake Bayliss will be legged aboard for his first ride on this four-year-old mare, and if he can find the front and dictate terms, Sebring Girl will give us a massive sight at good odds with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #11 Sebring Girl (12) 4yo Mare | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Jake Bayliss (57kg) +1400 with PlayUp Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, October 28, 2023 3-7-8 1-2-3-5 4-11 7-8-10-12-13-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Spring Champion Stakes Day 2023 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, October 28, 2023 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Ladbrokes Royal Randwick is the destination for NSW metropolitan racing this Saturday and has put together an ultra-competitive 10-race program. The Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) headlines the meeting, while the undercard is stacked with mouthwatering quality in the Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m), Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m), and The Invitation (1400m). The rail is set in the true position throughout the afternoon, and with the forecast suggesting some showers in the lead-up, the surface is likely to be an improving Soft 6. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm AEDT. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections Race 1: BM72 Midway Handicap (1100m) The Richard & Will Freedman-trained Eye Pea Oh made an eye-catching return first-up at Warwick Farm on October 11, powering through the wire as Fire Lane just beat her in a photo finish. She drew barrier 11 on that occasion, which forced the five-year-old back into the field early. We expect her to sit much closer throughout this contest, and with Jason Collett taking the reins from gate three, look for Eye Pea Oh to be charging again late. Selections: 9 EYE PEA OH 2 CHIEF CONDUCTOR 6 FIRE AND ICE 13 SPIRIT OF VARANASI Race 2: BM78 Handicap (1200m) Atmosphere was too bad to be true first-up on September 16, fading out of the contest badly under Jean Van Overmeire. Looking back to his three-year-old campaign, however, his form jumps off the page, with minor placings behind the likes of Hawaii Five Oh and Ekatarina holding him in good stead in BM78 company. Jett Stanley gets the nod this time, and with a crucial 2kg claim a major benefit, expect to see a much better version of Atmosphere. Selections: 1 ATMOSPHERE 3 DALAALAAT 2 CAPO STRADA 4 PIONEER RIVER Best Value Race 2 – #1 Atmosphere (5) 4yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Jett Stanley (a2kg) (60kg) +900 with Neds Race 3: Class 3 Highway Handicap (1200m) Bandi’s Boy made an excellent return at Rosehill on October 7 after 413 days off the scene. He bombed the start by five lengths and was never a winning hope, but he still had the audacity to clock some of the best closing sectionals of the entire meeting. He’ll take massive improvement on that effort, and provided he can leave evenly from stall five, he’ll prove to be well over the odds in this event. Selections: 10 BANDI’S BOY 11 FLORINO 17 NORTH OF ELI 2 THE DRAMATIST Best Bet Race 3 – #10 Bandi’s Boy (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny Williams | J: Jay Ford (58.5kg) +650 with PendleburyBet Race 4: BM78 Handicap (1600m) Sequestered will be seeking three wins on the trot and finds another ideal setup for success. Her latest win at Randwick over 1400m a fortnight ago was simply sensational, stalking her rivals from the rear of the field before thundering home to score by 1.5 lengths eased down. Getting to the 1600m shouldn’t be an issue for this proven stayer by Pierro, and with barrier five allowing Adam Hyeronimus to get a lovely cart into the race, there is no reason Sequestered can’t win again. Selections: 8 SEQUESTERED 15 TERRITORY EXPRESS 3 PERVADE 7 HOLLYWOOD HERO Next Best Race 4 – #8 Sequestered (5) 4yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Adam Hyeronimus (57.5kg) +210 with Dabble Race 5: Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) Armed Forces was narrowly defeated at Moonee Valley in his latest attempt, peaking on the run behind Maharba. The runner-up in that event was Brave Mead, who went on to score victory last weekend at Caulfield. The form is stacking up nicely, and with a hot tempo expected in this wide-open race, look for Armed Forces to get the last crack at his rivals. Selections: 3 ARMED FORCES 2 GENERAL SALUTE 6 KEENAN 5 BALKANS Race 6: Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) The Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) is the weight-for-age staying feature in open company, with many looking to bounce back from the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m). The best of those was the Chris Waller-trained No Compromise, who closed off strongly behind stablemate Montefilia and thundered home between horses to just miss out on the minor money. He draws a much more suitable barrier (2) here to go along with Tommy Berry – who has never missed the frame when aboard the seven-year-old – back in the saddle. Selections: 3 NO COMPROMISE 10 RENAISSANCE WOMAN 9 FIREBURN 2 NUMERIAN Craven Plate Race 6 – #3 No Compromise (2) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (59kg) +380 with BoomBet Race 7: Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) The Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) has brought together a field of 12 three-year-olds seeking Group 1 glory. Tom Kitten has been the long-standing favourite for the event, while the likes of Raf Attack, Tutta La Vita, Port Lockroy and Ganbare all have their admirers. Click here for our full betting preview & $100 betting strategy for Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) Race 8: The Invitation (1400m) In this wide-open $2 million race for the fillies and mares, Roots warrants an each-way ticket. She raced against the boys in the Allen Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on October 7 and was unlucky not to win, as she was crowded for room at a crucial stage but closed off gamely to go down by 1.2 lengths. Others may have stronger form references, but at the price on offer with online bookmakers, we’re happy to put something on Roots in the 2023 Invitation. Selections: 6 ROOTS 7 MAGIC TIME 2 ESPIONA 8 PARISAL The Invitation Race 8 – #6 Roots (4) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Tommy Berry (58kg) +750 with Dabble Race 9: Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m) Arctic Glamour is a fair favourite in this three-year-old feature, but Zondee looks a good upset chance for the Hawkes team. We were ultra-impressed with his maiden win at Kembla Grange on October 12, where he bolted clear of his rivals over the 1500m while hard held. His form earlier in the campaign is beginning to read well, including a placing behind Autumn Angel and a luckless effort behind Ostraka on September 27. He maps to gain an economical run, and any reservations about him are offset by the price available with top betting sites. Selections: 9 ZONDEE 11 ARCTIC GLAMOUR 6 DUCASSE 1 NAMESAKE Callander-Presnell Race 9 – #9 Zondee (3) 3yo Colt | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Koby Jennings (57kg) +2200 with Betfair Race 10: BM78 Handicap (1400m) It’s a tricky BM78 to dissect in the final race of the program, but we’re keen to stick with Fall For Cindy. She won with plenty in hand at Warwick Farm on October 11 and did so with 60.5kgs on her back. It wasn’t an issue for the daughter of Sacred Falls, taking it in her stride to score by 1.4 lengths. She’s third-up now, and with nothing but upside, Fall For Cindy can send punters home happy with a victory. Selections: 10 FALL FOR CINDY 4 GRINGOTTS 8 BUNKER HUT 2 RUSSIAN CONQUEST Randwick quaddie tips for Spring Champion Stakes Day 2023 Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, October 28, 2023 2 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 9-11 2-3-4-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

The rails-drawn Tom Kitten is the three-year-old to beat stepping-up to 2000m in Saturday’s Spring Champion Stakes 2023. Tom Kitten is firm favourite to win the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart. The Group 1 $2 million Spring Champion Stakes field features a line-up of progressive youngsters with many getting out over further than a mile for the first time. Heading Spring Champion Stakes betting at Ladbrokes at a short quote of $2.35 is the James Cummings-trained Tom Kitten. The consistent Harry Angel colt has won three of his nine starts to date and has been racing well this season. He has form around Saturday’s Cox Plate contender Militarize from the autumn having run fourth to the subesequent Golden Rose champ in the Group 1 Chamapange Stakes (1600m) back in mid-Apri. Tom Kitten’s latest win saw him carry 59kg to victory first-up in the Group 1 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) in late August, and he has run top three in all three of his starts since. Last time out he was narrowly beaten in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) here on October 14 when a neck beaten by all-the-way leader Raf Attack. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Raf Attack pays $5.50 to win again on Saturday drawn wider out in gate 11. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (2022) completed the Gloaming Stakes – Spring Champion Stakes double last spring when the former was run over 1600m at Warwick Farm. Co-trainer Waterhouse has prepared two Spring Champion Stakes winners since 2001 with Platinum Scissors (2002) and Hampton Court (2014). She chases her first in partership with Bott this weekend with Raf Attack and fellow single-figure fancy Ganbare ($9). Brett Prebble comes aboard the Maurcie colt in place of the horse’s last start hoop, Adam Hyeronimus, who rides Tom Kitten in the Spring Champion. Ganbare enjoyed back-to-back wins earlier this prep including the Listed Dulcify Quality (1600m) before his eighth in the Gloaming that he is out to improve on here. Bott said the Spring Champion Stakes barriers looked ideal for both Tulloch Lodge runners. “It probably suits them both better in fairness,” he told Just Horse Racing. “Raf Attack has got natural tactical speed and is that go-forward type of horse, so he will be able to roll forward from that outside draw which is what he likes to do. “The softer draw helps Ganbare’s chances as well. “He was caught wide throughout last start and that made it difficult for him, but I thought he stuck on well considering. Go back the start before and it was a very strong win over the mile.” The other best in betting at current Spring Champion Stakes odds of $7.50 is the Chris Waller-trained filly Tutta La Vita taking on the boys from a favourable barrier five draw with Jason Collett aboard. A nicely-bred daughter of The Autumn Sun, Tutta La Vita hasn’t won since breaking her maiden status in a two-year-old handicap at Rosehill in June. She has had three runs this time in with her latest seeing her finish only two lengths back third to Tropical Squall in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m). Waller has opted to give her space between runs with Tutta La Vita unraced since the Flight Stakes on September 30 but he has kept her ticking over with a Rosehill trial on October 13 where she posted a 1030m winning hitout. The Annabel Neasham-trained Port Lockroy ($12) is also being kept safe in the markets with the Better Than Ready colt coming off a last start win over 1800m at the Kensington track. The Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes is scheduled to run as Randwick Race 7 at 4:00pm (AEDT) on Saturday’s nine-race program in Sydney. Melbourne meanwhile hosts the Group 1 $5 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley with a jump time of 5:10pm (AEDT). 2023 Spring Champion Stakes Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 61641 RAF ATTACK (NZ) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Regan Bayliss 11 56.5kg 85 2 41514×1332 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Adam Hyeronimus 1 56.5kg 84 3 1786×4118 GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Brett Prebble 4 56.5kg 83 4 257×212584 KINTYRE Gary Portelli Dylan Gibbons (a) 3 56.5kg 73 5 783115 GLAD YOU THINK SO John Sargent Jean Van Overmeire 2 56.5kg 70 6 33151 PORT LOCKROY Annabel Neasham Ryan Maloney 8 56.5kg 70 7 176×169 RAVELLO (NZ) John O’Shea Tommy Berry 12 56.5kg 69 8 57x335x973 CAP FERRAT Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 9 56.5kg 9 71297 LONG GENES Edward Cummings Tyler Schiller 10 56.5kg 64 10 53331 MEDATSU (NZ) Chris Waller Joshua Parr 7 56.5kg 64 11 9×431 RAMBLE ON Kerry Parker Jay Ford 6 56.5kg 58 12 221×673 TUTTA LA VITA Chris Waller Jason Collett 5 54.5kg 86 Table Credit: Racing Australia. The post Tom Kitten Heads 2023 Spring Champion Stakes Field & Odds appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Cox Plate Day 2023 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, October 28, 2023 First Race 12:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Cox Plate Day 2023 is finally upon us on Saturday afternoon at Moonee Valley, with a bumper 10-race meeting set down for one of the marquee days on the Australian horse racing calendar. The track should be in perfect order following the meeting on Friday night, with the rail sticking to the true position for the entire circuit. Racing gets underway at 12:10pm AEDT. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections for Cox Plate Day 2023 Race 1: Handicap (1000m) Taunting has a runner-up effort to his name at The Valley and can go one better in the opener on Saturday. At Morphettville last time out, the son of Brazen Beau sat outside the lead, and when asked to quicken, he did so beautifully and had the race sewn up a long way out. Damian Lane should land in a similar spot on Saturday, with Unflinching set to lead the field up. Taunting looks to have a slight class edge on his rivals and it should be enough for him to win the opener. Selections: 3 TAUNTING 2 UNFLINCHING 1 ASHFORD STREET 4 FASUTO Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Taunting (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Hickmott | J: Damian Lane (56.5kg) +140 with PendleburyBet Race 2: Inglis Banner (1000m) A full field of 13 debutants will line up in the Listed Inglis Banner. In what looks to be a real ‘dartboard job’, Chosen Legend looks a nice type based on her last trial win. The Extreme Choice filly went to the line under a vice-like grip over 800m and looked to have another gear or two to go through. From barrier two, Zac Purton will look to hold the rail, and from there, as we know in two-year-old races, Chosen Legend should prove hard to gun down. Selections: 9 CHOSEN LEGEND 15 BLUE STRATUM 8 BOLD BASTILLE 7 BLUE ALLURE Race 3: Group 3 Tesio Stakes (1600m) Wishlor Lass was a tough last-start winner in the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase (1600m) at Caulfield. The five-year-old looked to be beaten 100m out from home as Barbie’s Fox loomed up, but the Symon Wilde-trained mare had enough left in reserve to kick back and worry her rival out of it. That was her first win at the mile, and with Damian Lane on board from barrier one, she can add a second. Selections: 2 WISHLOR LASS 4 EN FRANCAIS 5 SOUL CHOICE 1 THALASSOPHILE Next Best Race 3 – #2 Wishlor Lass (1) 5yo Mare | T: Symon Wilde | J: Damian Lane (59kg) +150 with Dabble Race 4: Listed William Crockett Stakes (1200m) Gumdrops showed plenty of promise when leading the field up and responding under pressure to win in fine fashion at Ballarat on October 2. Three horses from that race have since come out and won their next start, suggesting it was quite a maiden field that she disposed of. Damian Lane will have her settled in the first six from barrier five. At a big price, Gumdrops can fight out the finish in a race which doesn’t look beyond her. Selections: 14 GUMDROPS 12 FLOOZIE 5 SHEVA 3 INHIBITIONS Best Value Race 4 – #14 Gumdrops (5) 3yo Filly | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Damian Lane (56kg) +1400 with Neds Race 5: Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) Prowess and connections had dreams of running in the Cox Plate, but a delayed start to her spring bought an end to those plans. However, she looks hard to go past in the Crystal Mile second-up from a spell. The Kiwi mare returned with a Group 3 runner-up effort at Hawera in New Zealand and returns to Australia for the first time since her dominant victory in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Mark Zahra will hop back on board from barrier one, from where the pair can stalk the speed throughout and then put them away with an electric turn of foot. Selections: 6 PROWESS 4 ANTINO 1 TUVALU 2 BANKERS CHOICE Crystal Mile Race 5 – #6 Prowess (1) 4yo Mare | T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood | J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg) +290 with Bet365 Race 6: Group 2 Fillies Classic (1600m) Skybird could be anything. Her two wins from her first two starts have been nothing short of breathtaking. On debut she gave her rivals a start and a beating, before backing it up at Bendigo in dominant fashion while giving her BM64 rivals 2.5kg at the weights. This is obviously a big step up in grade, but the Mitchell Freedman-trained filly looks more than up to this level. Selections: 8 SKYBIRD 3 CARINA QUEEN 10 BROADCASTER 2 APRILIA Fillies CLassic Race 6 – #8 Skybird (11) 3yo Filly | T: Mitchell Freedman | J: Beau Mertens (57kg) +250 with Betfair Race 7: Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) Air Assault made a mess of his rivals in the Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville. The Andrew Gluyas-trained gelding put 3.3 lengths on his rivals, controlling the race from the get go. He wasn’t slowing down over the 1800m, and the step up to 2040m looks ideal. Damian Lane should have no trouble finding the rail despite drawing barrier 10, and the pair should have it their own way out in front. Selections: 2 AIR ASSAULT 3 VERDAD 6 PORT LOCKROY 1 SUNSOURCE Moonee Valley Vase Race 7 – #2 Air Assault (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Andrew Gluyas | J: Damian Lane (57kg) +550 with Boombet Race 8: Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) Imperatriz will be looking to become the first horse to complete the Moir Stakes and Manikato Stakes double since Spinning Hill in 2002. She gave her rivals a start and an emphatic beating in the Moir, with the runner-up since coming out and winning comfortably at Group 2 level. She is stepping up to her preferred distance of 1200m (7: 5-1-1), and with I Am Me and Jigsaw set to make this a truly run 1200m affair, it looks to be another sit-and-steer job for Opie Bosson. Selections: 6 IMPERATRIZ 3 UNCOMMON JAMES 7 I AM ME 2 BUENOS NOCHES Manikato Stakes Race 8 – #6 Imperatriz (4) 5yo Mare | T: Mark Walker | J: Opie Bosson (56.5kg) +450 with Picklebet Race 9: Group 1 Cox Plate (2040M) Who will etch their name into Cox Plate (2040m) folklore? There look to be eight genuine winning chances in the 2023 edition, with the market leaning towards Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior. Alligator Blood, Fangirl, Gold Trip and Mr Brightside will be out to spoil the party, with youngsters like Victoria Road and Militarize looking to put their name up in lights. Click here for our full preview of the 2023 Group 1 Cox Plate Race 10: Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) Archo Nacho simply did too much wrong in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m), but he can he bounce back in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m). The Matt Laurie-trained gelding managed to get the better of the likes of I Am Unstoppable and King’s Gambit in his win the start prior, and a repeat effort of that run should be good enough to win this. Selections: 3 ARCHO NARCHO 2 MAHARBA 1 BARBER 10 SCHWARZ Best Bet Race 10 – #3 Archo Narcho (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Matt Laurie | J: Mark Zahra (58kg) +380 with Dabble Moonee Valley quaddie tips for Cox Plate Day 2023 The Valley quadrella selections Saturday, October 28, 2023 2-3 6 1-2-3-4-5-8-11 1-2-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Prowess will contest the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell Pre-race indicators all point to another high-class performance from Prowess in her delayed introduction to the Melbourne spring carnival. The multiple Group One winner suffered an early setback in her preparation, but the daughter of Proisir has bounced back and ready to shine in Saturday’s Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley. Prowess struck an unsuitably wet going at Hawera when she finished runner-up in her seasonal debut in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and hasn’t missed a beat since. “It was a heavy track and she has found good improvement since and we are very happy where she’s at,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains the four-year-old with Roger James. Prowess will be opposed by only five rivals on Saturday, but it will still provide a stern test. “It’s a small but quality field with two horses (Tuvalu and Antino) that ran second in Group Ones at their last starts and obviously Mustang Valley who was a Group One winner over a mile (Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m) the start before,” Wellwood said. “It might be a small field, but it’s a very good one. She got into Melbourne late on Wednesday night and reports have been good. “She has eaten and drunk well and had a quiet little trot and canter on Thursday morning and seems very happy and well.” As long as expectations are met at The Valley, Prowess will head to Flemington for her next appearance. “It’s exciting heading forward and she is back on track and with a good run and provided she comes through it well, her main target for the revised spring will be the Champion Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) on November 11,” Wellwood said. Prowess will be ridden at the weekend by the in-form Mark Zahra, who guided her to victory in last season’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. “He’s in terrific form and it’s great to have him back on,” Wellwood said. The stable will also have major interest at the Pukekohe meeting where their promising filly Sudbina will contest the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). It will pose a significant challenge for the daughter of Almanzor, who was a last-start maiden winner at Taupo. “It will really suit her getting up to 1400m on a bigger track, but it is a very good field and a big step up for her,” Wellwood said. “We are going to find out where she stacks up against pretty much the best three-year-old fillies in the country.” Riccarton is an unlikely option for the lightly tried Sudbina, who doesn’t hold a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “We would never say never though, and if she was to blow them away on Saturday then perhaps we might look at the Guineas,” Wellwood said. “At this stage though, she’ll be staying up here and we’ll look at the fillies’ races over Christmas.” More racing news View the full article

With nine 3-year-olds and up set to contest one mile on turf in Saturday's restricted $80,000 Lure Stakes, Dettori has taken the call on Graham Motion's French-bred Easter, who has been idle since Aug. 24 at Saratoga.View the full article

John Ferguson acquired Round Pond on behalf of Darley for $5.75 million at Fasig-Tipton's fall sale in 2007. The elegant bay produced two stakes winners for the Darley/Godolphin banner–MSW & GISP Long River (A.P. Indy) and SW & GSP Lake Lucerne (Dubawi {Ire})–while an unraced daughter produced 2022 GI Carter H. winner Speaker's Corner. The latter, a Godolphin homebred by home stallion Street Sense, stood his first season in the Darley stud barn alongside his sire this year. “Round Pond is a sweet girl,” said Darley's Gainsborough division farm manager Danny Mulvihill, “but is pretty low on the totem pole. She will come for food but likes to play hard to catch! I am sure I have heard her 'laughing' as she runs away from you. She tends to be happy with her own company and doesn't need a whole lot of attention. She is another fan favorite when the tours come through.” Round Pond (2002 bay mare, Awesome Again–Gift of Dance, by Trempolino) Lifetime record: MGISW, 13-7-2-3, $1,998,700 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Trudy McCaffery & John Toffan (KY); O-Fox Hill Farms, Inc.; T-Michael Matz; J-Edgar Prado. Current location: Darley America, Lexington, Ky. The post Catching Up with 2006 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Winner Round Pond appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article