Wandering Eyes

Many in the field have struggled when attempting runs in graded stakes. With a more level playing field over six furlongs on the dirt at Keeneland, one of these entrants will shine.View the full article

Turf racing in New York, negatively impacted by persistent rain this summer and fall, finally catches a break this week. Dry conditions are forecast leading up to Oct. 27 for the $150,000 Athenia Stakes and $135,000 Chelsey Flower Stakes.View the full article

Led by MGISW Arcangelo (Arrogate), GISW Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo), and MG1SW Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), 205 horses, including 59 from overseas, and four 2022 champions who return to defend their titles, have been pre-entered for the 40th Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park. The Breeders' Cup will be televised live domestically on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and FanDuel TV. Additionally, the NBC World Feed will be sent to more than 150 countries around the globe. Click here to view all of the 2023 Breeders' Cup World Championships Pre-Entered Fields. Eighteen horses have been pre-entered for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, led by Blue Rose Farm's Arcangelo, who took command of the 3-year-old male division with four consecutive wins, highlighted by back-to-back scores in the GI Belmont S. and GI Travers Stakes for trainer Jena Antonucci. Two California-based 3-year-olds also figure prominently in the Classic picture. Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.'s Arabian Knight was defeated by Pin Oak Stud LLC's Geaux Rocket Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the GI TVG.com Haskell S. at Monmouth Park, but the 'TDN Rising Star' triumphed over him in the GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic S. at Del Mar. Ushba Tesoro | Horsephotos Also present is Japanese-bred Ushba Tesoro for trainer Noboru Takagi. The winner of this year's G1 Dubai World Cup was last seen prepping for this spot with a victory Sept. 25 in the Nippon TV Hai at Funabashi Racecourse in Japan. The deep list of 3-year-olds continues with Mage (Good Magic), winner of the Kentucky Derby; Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), who captured the GI Pennsylvania Derby; Japanese contender Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), who won the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan; White Abarrio (Race Day), winner of the GI Whitney S. at Saratoga; and Bright Future (Curlin), who captured the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. upstate. Top female stars head the list of pre-entrants for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. GISW Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) has won five of six starts on the West Coast this year, and four of those were at Santa Anita. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, she comes in off a 5 1/4-length score in the GII Zenyatta S. In the East, Juddmonte's 4-year-old Idiomatic (Curlin), trained by Brad Cox, emerged as a star in this division with four graded stakes wins, including back-to-back Grade I victories in the Personal Ensign S. at Saratoga and the Juddmonte Spinster S. at Keeneland. Randomized | Sarah Andrew Trainer Chad Brown has pre-entered two from Klaravich Stables, Inc.: the 3-year-old Randomized and the 5-year-old Search Results (Flatter). A daughter of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Nyquist, Randomized has won three straight races, highlighted by a win in the Alabama S. at Saratoga. Search Results, sixth in last year's Distaff, was a recent winner of the GIII Locust Grove S. at Churchill Downs. In the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, MG1SW Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) leads the European contingent along with Shadwell Estate Company's MG1SW Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Amo Racing's G1SW King of Steel (Wootoon Bassett {GB}). The U.S. squad is well-represented with MGISW Up to the Mark (Not This Time) and MGISW War Like Goddess (English Channel) also pre-entered. In the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, Sunday Racing Co. Ltd.'s multiple group stakes winner in Japan Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) earned two Breeders' Cup Challenge automatic berths at Tokyo Race Course when she captured the G1 Victoria Mile for an automatic starting position into the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, and then received a slot in the Mile when she won the June 7 G1 Yasuda Kinen S. Also entered is MG1SW Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) and from the U.S., MGISW Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed). Cody's Wish | Sarah Andrew Headlining the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile is Godolphin's defending champion Cody's Wish (Curlin). He could tangle with GI Preakness S. champ National Treasure (Quality Road), and GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move (Practical Joke). In the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, 3-year-old Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has registered back-to-back group 1 scores at York and ParisLongchamp. She could face the John and Thady Gosden-trained English and French multiple group 1 winner Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Canadian-based MGISW Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) and the U.S.-based GISP Didia (Arg) (Orpen). In the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint includes Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper), who won last year's race by 2 1/2 lengths for trainer Chad Brown. Godolphin's Matareya (Pioneerof the Nile) defeated Goodnight Olive in the GI Derby City Distaff S. back in May. MGISW Caravel (Mizzen Mast) was a shocking 42-1 gate-to-wire winner of last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. She's back for trainer Brad Cox and the 6-year-old might grapple with English group 1 winner Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince of Lir {Ire}) and Japanese multiple group stakes winner Jasper Krone (Frosted). Finally on Saturday, in the GI Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), Juddmonte's MGISW Elite Power (Curlin) looks to defend as he squares off against MGISW Dr. Schivel (Violence). Muth | Benoit Standouts on the 'Future Stars Friday' program include four Grade I winners, who were named 'TDN Rising Stars'. Topping the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile list is Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity winner Locked (Gun Runner), Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.'s GI American Pharoah S. winner Muth (Good Magic), GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity victor Prince of Monaco (Speightstown)—racing for SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables LLC et al—and Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC's GI Champagne S. winner Timberlake (Into Mischief). “Once again, an outstanding group of horses has been pre-entered for this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships and we look forward to two days of fantastic racing at Santa Anita Park,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “The competition has never been stronger and the prestige of entering the Breeders' Cup winner's circle has never been higher. We want to thank the talented men and women across the globe who provide the ecosystem of care that enables these magnificent Thoroughbreds to compete at the top of their game. We can't wait to gather next weekend to watch the world's best Thoroughbreds put on a spectacular show.” Race Order and Wagering Menu Announced… The official order of races and wagering menu for the 2023 Breeders' Cup were also announced Wednesday. There will be a total of 10 races (five Breeders' Cup races) on the first day of the Championships–“Future Stars Friday”–and 12 races on the Saturday program (nine Breeders' Cup races). The Friday program begins at 2:30 a.m. ET with four undercard races. A Santa Anita allowance race (Race 10) will conclude the first-day card with a post time of 8:10 p.m. ET. Championship Saturday's first post is 1:10 p.m. ET and begins with two undercard races. Saturday's program will conclude with a Santa Anita allowance race (Race 12) with a post time of 8:30 p.m. ET. This year, a total of 27 countries, including Canada, England, France, Germany, and Ireland, will be offering pari-mutuel, commingled wagering on the World Championships through the Breeders' Cup Global Pool. Nine other jurisdictions will be offering separate pool wagering: Argentina, Australia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Paraguay, and Turkey. The 2023 wagering menu will include a Breeders' Cup All-Turf $3 Pick 3 on Friday. The three races, in order, the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Race 5), the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Race 7), and the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (Race 9). The Breeders' Cup All-Turf Pick 4 on Saturday is a $.50 minimum wager and will package four of the best turf races in the world together. The four races, in order, are the GI Breeders' Cup Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf (Race 4), the Breeders' Cup FanDuel Mile (Race 6), and the GI Breeders' Cup Turf (Race 8), and the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (Race 10). For the first time, the Breeders' Cup will offer the Breeders' Cup All-Dirt Pick 4 on Saturday, which is a $.50 minimum wager. The four races, in order, are the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Race 5), the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (Race 7), the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (Race 9), and the GI Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint (Race 11). Both the All-Turf Pick 4 and the All-Dirt Pick 4 will have a 15% takeout. Breeders' Cup will also offer a third, middle Pick 5 on Saturday, starting with Race 3. The early Pick 5 will start with Race 1 and the late Pick 5 with Race 7. Last year's late Pick 5 on Saturday generated a $4.8 million pool while the late Pick 4 offered a $3 million pool. Championships Race Order (All Times Eastern)… The first Championship race on “Future Stars Friday” will be the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (5:00 p.m.) followed by the GI NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (5:40 p.m.), the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (6:20 p.m.), the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile (7:00 p.m.) and the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (7:40 p.m.). Championship Saturday begins with two undercard races followed by the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (2:30 p.m.), the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (3:10 p.m.), the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (3:50 p.m.), the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (4:30 p.m.), the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (5:10 p.m.), the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (5:50 p.m.), the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (6:40 p.m.), the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (7:25 p.m.), and the GI Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint (8:00 p.m.). The post Arcangelo, Arabian Knight and Ushba Tesoro Among 205 Breeders’ Cup Pre-Entries List appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Led by four 2022 Breeders' Cup winners back to defend their titles, the 205 pre-entries for the 2023 edition of the World Championships match the number of last year's event and are up 9% from the previous visit to Santa Anita Park in 2019.View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Young Kiwi horseman Dylan Ferguson is more than confident with Lovemeto ahead of Sunday’s $75,000 Group 1 Victoria Trotters’ Derby at Maryborough. While the gelding thrashed his rivals by 31.2m in a Derby heat last Sunday, Ferguson knows the final will be a different ball game. “The other heat was much, much stronger,” he said. “I think the first three home in that other heat would all have won our heat just as impressively,” he said. “We needed to win as easily as we did to show we had a realistic chance in the final and hope there might be another 5-10 per cent improvement to come from a strong 2690m race like last weekend. “He certainly improved a lot from his first run over here, but we knew that would be the case because we couldn’t find a suitable lead-up race at home.” Lovemeto will start from barrier five in Sunday’s final with two of his key rivals – Shes Ruby Roo (one) and London To A Brick (two) – drawn inside him. The big plus from the draw was Victorian star The Locomotive drawing the back row, which negates his greatest asset, his blazing gate speed. “The draw is OK, but things will need to go right to make it a good draw,” he said. “It’s not as if he’s going to stroll across to the lead like he did in the heat, not with some nice horses and a few with good gate speed drawn underneath him. “While it’s good having The Locomotive off the back row, he’s drawn to follow through well, so I’ll have to be mindful to try and stay in front of him at the start. “It looks a very open race and one that will be really tactical with the four big chances. “The filly (Shes Ruby Roo) caught my eye in the other heat and she’s got the best draw of the lot. She could be the smokey.” Ferguson’s other “raider”, classy filly Shez Bella, will also line-up at Maryborough on Sunday. She’s drawn the outside (seven) in a small field where local star Rockinwithattitude is drawn to lead from gate five. “I’d love to swap draws,” Ferguson laughed. “I do think she’s come on quite a bit since that Oaks (fourth) run.” Ferguson has the pair booked a flight home to Auckland next Tuesday. “Then we’ll work backwards from the (NZ) Derby and Oaks on December 10 as to what we do with them before then,” he said. Another highlight of the Maryborough meeting will be the unlikely return of 2021 Inter Dominion winner Maori Law. Trained by former Kiwis Emmett and Richard Brosnan, Maori Law hasn’t raced since finishing second in the Australasian Trotting Championship at Melton on September 10, last year. Through a career of injury setbacks, the 10-year-old has raced just 64 times for 21 wins, 22 placings and banked $359,874. Also resuming in the same race is former champion juvenile trotter Plymouth Chubb, who has been sidelined by injury since winning the $50,000 Knight Pistol at Melton on February 11. View the full article

Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal), runner-up in the G1 Dubai World Cup last March, will contest the GI Breeders' Cup Mile rather than the 10-furlong GI Classic, according to the gelding's connections. “He just looked very effective over a mile and a mile-and-one at Meydan and he has a lot of speed,” explained Ed Crisford. “I'm not saying he doesn't stay the 10 furlongs, it's just that we felt at Santa Anita a mile may play to his strengths more.” An impressive winner going a mile in the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 in January, the 6-year-old stretched out successfully to take Meydan's main World Cup prep in February before finishing runner-up in the 1 1/4-mile marquee test for route horses. Given time off following that effort, he returned to be second in the 8 1/2-furlong GIII Durham Cup over Woodbine's Tapeta surface Oct. 7. Having bounced out of his North American debut, the Rabbah Bloodstock-owned runner will have one final piece of work before departing for California. “It was like a racecourse gallop to be honest, but he has come out of it super well,” reflected Crisford. “He's had that run now and has come out of it fresh and well and looks great. He is going to have a good gallop under James Doyle before he leaves and hopefully, that will be him set for the race next weekend. “James knows him and what he can do and what is under the bonnet. He rides the American tracks really well and it should be perfect.” According to Crisford, G2 Rockfel S. winner Carla's Way (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) will accompany Algiers on the trip Stateside. The juvenile filly is expected to start in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. “She is in good form and won well at Newmarket,” added Crisford. “She can quicken off a quick pace which is what you need in America and that track should suit her well, a two-turn mile on quick ground.” “We opted not to go for the Fillies' Mile because that mile at Newmarket on soft ground wouldn't really be for her, but she's got a lot of ability and is progressing with each run and looks like a filly who could be a lot of fun for the future.” The post Algiers, Carla’s Way Take Aim at Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 224-lot catalogue for the Nov. 17 Sapphire Sale is currently online. Comprised of flat yearlings, foals and mares, the sale begins at 10:30 a.m. A hard copy of the sale will be released in the coming days. The Sapphire Sale offers 80 lots eligible for the €250,000 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales S. at The Curragh as part of Irish Champions Festival in 2024. Among the yearlings on offer include Lot 40, a Gregorian (Ire) full-brother to Group 3 and listed-placed Sesame Birah (Ire); Lot 46, a Dark Angel (Ire) colt out of G2 Queen Mary S. winner Maqaasid (GB); Lot 50, a Kodiac (GB) filly out of Group 2 and Group 3-placed Mistress of Venice (GB); and Lot 58, a Dandy Man (Ire) 3/4-sister to Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Lady Kaya (Ire). A collection of 127 foals includes Lot 138, an Invincible Spirit (Ire) half-sister to Group 2-placed Bless Him (Ire); Lot 147, a Cotai Glory (GB) half-brother to G1 Matron S., Group 3 and listed winner Champers Elysees (Ire) and Lot 156, a Galileo Chrome (Ire) half-brother to Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Fr). A compact draft of mares include a half-sister to Mythical Magic and Esentepe, multiple group winner Dutoda Desejada, and daughter of champion 2-year-old filly Fly on the Night. Covering sires include Awtaad, Phoenix of Spain, Sioux Nation, Soldier's Call, Far Above, Alkumait, Arizona, Inns of Court, and Kuroshio. Tattersalls Ireland Live Internet Bidding will be available and prospective purchasers are requested to register with Tattersalls Ireland at least 48 hours prior to the start of sale. For more information, click here. The post Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Catalogue Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has announced the launch of a new campaign, “Safety Takes The Lead,” highlighting the sport's recent enhanced safety and welfare protocols, as well as its commitment to do more. The campaign features a new comprehensive safety section on the NTRA website, which includes the latest news on safety and welfare programs, videos, and relevant links. “Nothing comes in front of our sport's commitment to equine and human safety,” said Tom Rooney, NTRA president and CEO. “This campaign is designed to help make the public aware of the ecosystem of care around our athletes, the increased independent veterinary oversight, and the collective progress we've made over the last few years, as well as our unwavering commitment to do more and to keep investing in programs that will improve safety standards.” Campaign materials promoting the new section of the website including video, digital, and print assets will be distributed to every NTRA member organization for use on its own media channels. In addition, television spots promoting the new site will air on both FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races, the national television show produced by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and broadcast nationally on the FOX Sports family of networks. The first in a series of longer form videos focuses on the reforms implemented in California since 2019 and the resulting progress. Other videos in the series will highlight HISA's programs and their positive impact on the sport and the promise of new technologies, such as advanced diagnostic tools and wearable biometric devices that can enhance safety measures. The post NTRA Unveils New Safety Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup announced Oct. 25 the official order of races, post times, and wagering menu for the 2023 Breeders' Cup Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.View the full article

The Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work, and includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse.View the full article

NYRA announced Oct. 25 a significant investment in the future of the New York-bred program, paving the way for the 2024 New York-bred foal crop to compete for some of the richest purses of any state-bred program in the nation.View the full article

Haras de Beaumont's new recruit, the top-rated 3-year-old Ace Impact (Fr) (Cracksman {GB}), will stand at an opening fee of €40,000. Unbeaten in six starts, the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained colt won the Prix du Jockey Club in record time and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. “Ace Impact proved himself to be an exceptional athlete,” said Haras de Beaumont manager Mathieu Alex of the dual Group 1 winner. “The recent victory of Big Rock (Fr), who was second to Ace Impact at Chantilly, yet again underscored the brilliance of his win in the French Derby, which he won by 3.5 lengths. His lightning turn of foot, coupled with his warrior mindset, combined to make him an outstanding performer. He has a lot going for him to as regards becoming a top-class stallion. We are very grateful to the early support received by European breeders. The fact that he is beginning his stallion career in France at Haras de Beaumont is a very positive news for our country.” Ace Impact's stud-mate Intello (Ger) will remain at a fee of €8,000 in 2024. The son of Galileo (Ire) covered 125 mares in his first year at Haras de Beaumont. “That's one of the biggest 'books' of his stallion career,” Alex said. “The ratio of his progeny gaining black type per runner (10.6%) ranks as one of the best in France in the proven sires' division. “The sire of 41 stakes performers, Intello has enjoyed another fine year in 2023. His yearlings have sold for as much as €135,000 this year, which is proof positive of the confidence levels in which the professionals have in him.” Beaumont is also home to the dual Group 1 winner Sealiway (Fr) whose pedigree received a further boost over the weekend when his full-brother Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) won the G1 Critérium International (Gr1). Sealiway was the busiest stallion in France this year, covering 166 mares in his first book, and will remain at the same fee of €12,000 in 2024. “Sealiway was crowned French champion 2-year-old following an easy win in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, and he was also one of Europe's top 3-year-olds, having finished second in the Prix du Jockey-Club won by St Mark's Basilica (Fr). Furthermore, his victory in the Champion S. at Ascot left a lasting impression,” said Alex. “Haras de Beaumont has supported Sealiway from day one and will continue to do so as we have great faith in him.” Completing the line-up is the Group 3-winning miler Stunning Spirit (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who will have his first runners in 2024 and will stand at a fee of €3,000. “The 2024 season will be an important one for Stunning Spirit,” Alex added. “We are very pleased with his yearlings that have gone to trainers. The feedback emanating from various professionals is very positive, and we can't wait to see his first 2-year-olds on the racecourse.” The post Ace Impact To Stand At €40,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2023 Longines Hong Kong International Races meeting to be held at Sha Tin Racecourse Sunday, Dec. 10, has attracted some 189 entries–including a whopping 68 from Japan–from a total of 12 racing jurisdictions. The four Group 1 races, collectively deemed the 'World Turf Championships, will offer record prizemoney of HK$118 million (£12.4 million/€14.3 million/A$23.8 million/US$15.1 million). The entries include no fewer than 55 Group 1 winners from around the globe, including Sunday Racing's exciting Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), who was given the option of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase over the 2400 metres or the 2000 metres of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, the world's richest turf race at the distance at HK$36 million. Though her participation in Hong Kong hinges on her performance in the G1 Japan Cup just two weekends prior, she would in all likelihood face defending champion Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), fourth in the Oct. 7 G1 Turnbull S. at Flemington and current ante-post favourite for Saturday's G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Sunday's high-quality renewal of the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) could also produce a runner or two for the Cup in the form of Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) and/or Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}). Aidan O'Brien has 13 horses under his care that are among the HKIR entries, including G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), who is also penciled in for a start in the Japan Cup and has entries for both the Cup and the Vase. Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Cox Plate entrant Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) are also possible for the Cup, while Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) may try to regroup in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile after struggling in the bottomless ground on Champion Day at Ascot Oct. 21. The Hong Kong-owned and Ralph Beckett-trained Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a likely marquee ride at the meeting for Frankie Dettori, is entered for the Mile, where he could clash with two-time winner and multiple Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), as well as the talented California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), who served notice with a weight-carrying victory in the G2 Sha Tin Trophy H. when first-up for nearly six months on Oct. 15. Exciting group of entries for #HKIR 2023! PADDINGTON CONTINUOUS LUXEMBOURG VICTORIA ROAD BOLSHOI BALLET POINT LONSDALE AESOP'S FABLES MOSS TUCKER WARM HEART ABOVE THE CURVE ABSURDE BROOME KYPRIOS PIZ BADILE RED RIDING HOOD VAUBAN CAIRO#HKRacing | @HRIRacing pic.twitter.com/8QoPKJw43U — Hong Kong Racing (@HongKong_Racing) October 25, 2023 Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) has eschewed a return trip to America for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in favour of an appearance in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. The 6-year-old mare could square off there with champion local sprinter Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}), who endured a luckless passage in last year's renewal in finishing sixth to Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}). The latter is now conditioned by Jamie Richards, in his second season in Hong Kong, and who has assumed training duties with the retirement of Richard Gibson. Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) is a potential HKIR raider from France, having defeated fellow Vase entry Sisfahan (Fr) (Isfahan {Ger}) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin in August. Since the easing of COVID-related travel restrictions, the connections of Australian-based horses have been more willing to consider HKIR as a post-Melbourne Cup Carnival option, and such is the case this year, as 23 horses have been entered across the four races. The lot is headed up by last year's Melbourne Cup upsetter Gold Trip (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}), four-times Group 1 winner Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars {Aus}) and the ultra-consistent Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), each of whom are among the 12-strong Cox Plate field on Saturday. A relatively bulky 10-horse entry from North America includes the Bill Mott-trained multiple Grade I winners War Like Goddess (English Channel) and Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed), while trainer Mark Casse is also represented by a pair in Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) and Get Smokin (Get Stormy). Three-time Group 1 winner Sharp 'n' Smart (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) is the lone entrant from New Zealand, while Singapore's best Lim's Kosciuzsko (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}) and Famous Jonathon (NZ) (Deep Field {Aus}) from Macau have also been entered. North American 2023 #HKIR entries! CASA CREED BIG INVASION BRAN GEAR JOCKEY SOLDIER RISING ANISETTE TWIST WAR LIKE GODDESS GET SMOKIN FEV ROVER#HKRacing | @HKRacingUS pic.twitter.com/HljN3Ie5Fk — Hong Kong Racing (@HongKong_Racing) October 25, 2023 The post Longines HKIR Draw Entries From a Dozen Countries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All Is Ready and Mission Bravo win consecutive races on Wednesday’s all-weather programme to put the Australian trainer on the board at headquartersView the full article

The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) named the recipients of its two non-competition awards, which included the Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award, the organization said in a release Wednesday. The Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work, and includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club. The 2023 Thoroughbred of the Year is Kat. Registered with The Jockey Club as Kat's Hope, Kat is a 15-year-old gelding that works as a therapy horse at Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center, a nonprofit that provides a variety of equine-assisted services for individuals with physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or traumatic-stress disabilities. “He may have been born into the world of racing, but he was destined to be a therapy horse,” said Dana Fielding, ESMHL program manager at Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center. “At Special Equestrians we harness the healing power of horses to transform lives every day, and, having Kat as part of our program, we have witnessed the profound impact he has had on the clients we serve.” The young rider award, which recognizes riders 18 or younger (as of Jan. 1, 2023) who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities, has been awarded to Scarlet Boucher, Eysley Hatfield, Allie Koss, and Anna Szefc. Click here for more information. The post Jockey Club’s T.I.P. Hands Out Non-Competition Award Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, New York-bred overnight races for 2-year-olds on the NYRA circuit will offer purse amounts matching the race's open-company counterpart, which will directly benefit the state's 2024 foal crop and pave the way to compete for some of the richest purses of any state-bred program in the nation, the association said in a release Wednesday. At the 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, maiden races restricted to New York-bred 2-year-olds featured a purse of $88,000 compared to a purse of $105,000 offered for 2-year-olds competing in an open-company maiden event. While this purse increase will impact only the 2024 New York-bred foal crop, NYRA intends to further expand purse parity for additional categories of New York-bred races in the future. In 2022, NYRA conducted 556 races exclusively for registered New York-breds with purses totaling $42,366,000. Among those races were 56 stakes with $8,725,000 of purse money on offer. NYRA holds three high profile NY-bred showcase days annually, highlighted by New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course. In 2023, Saratoga Showcase Day was run on the Sunday of Travers Weekend and featured a whopping 113 NY-breds competing in 11 races, including six stakes worth a combined $1.25 million. As a result of the partnership between NYRA and FOX Sports, nearly every NY-bred contest is broadcast live to a national audience on the FOX Sports family of networks. Both Saratoga Live and America's Day at the Races, which are produced by NYRA, have generated sustained ratings growth since they were launched nationally in 2016. “The New York-bred program is critically important to the future of thoroughbred racing in New York State,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “This new purse structure increases the value of the upcoming foal crop of New York-breds, and reflects NYRA's commitment to the owners, breeders and trainers who choose to breed and race in New York.” Beyond the rich purses offered by NYRA, a variety of owner, breeder and stallion awards are available to those who breed and race in New York. These lucrative incentives serve as a significant benefit to thoroughbred breeding farms across the state, which create and sustain thousands of jobs in every corner of New York. “This initiative is a strong signal to the bloodstock market on why you should breed and foal in New York, and own a New York-bred to race,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “New York-breds compete and win at the highest levels, and NYRA's consistent support guarantees more opportunities than ever for New York State's breeders and owners.” New York State has adopted rules that expand the reach of the New York-bred awards and benefits by clarifying a pathway for non-resident mares to gain residency status. According to the rule changes, a non-resident mare purchased in foal through public auction is deemed a resident mare provided the mare is purchased for at least $50,000 in the public auction; is present in the state of New York within 15 days after a sale in North America and 60 days at any public auction sale abroad; the foal is foaled in New York; and the mare thereafter is continuously in residence in New York from within 120 days after her last cover in the year of conception of another foal and remains in residency until foaling. “It pays to participate in the New York-bred program,” added Thompson. “And bringing a mare back to New York is a valuable proposition, especially for the 2024 foaling season.” The post NYRA Raises Purses For 2024 New York-Bred Foal Crop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Listed winner Iconic Moment (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) (lot 112) is one of 124 horses catalogued for the Tattersalls November Sale on Thursday, Nov. 9. Formerly the Tattersalls Ascot November Sale, the sale is comprised of 56 colts and geldings in- and out-of-training, 43 fillies and mares in- and out-of-training, 21 yearlings, two broodmares, a foal and one point-to-pointer. Consigned by Jame Tate's Jamesfield Stables, Iconic Moment is rated 99 and is joined by stablemate Blue Storm (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) (lot 111), who won on debut and has been placed twice since. Rated 97, Blue Storm is out of the listed winner Riskit Fora Biskit (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). The 85-rated winner Love Billy Boy (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}) (lot 110) is one of nine from Richard Hannon's East Everleigh Stables. Of the 21 yearlings, lot 5 is a Fastnet Rock (Aus) colt out of a half-sister to the Group 2 winner Ubettabelieveit (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and the Group 3 winner Harlem Shake (Ire) (Moss Vale {Ire}). From the offerings with a National Hunt focus, Stepney Causeway (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) (lot 117) has won over both hurdles and chase fences for trainer Milton Harris. Wildcard entries will be accepted through Tuesday, Nov. 2. The post Son Of Harry Angel Highlights Tattersalls November Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

HISA is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to apply data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence with the goal of enhancing equine safety by analyzing the factors contributing to injuries, the organization said in a release Wednesday morning. Representatives of HISA and AWS–along with a group of Thoroughbred trainers, veterinarians and industry technologists–met at AWS offices in Nashville last month for an Equine Health Innovation Workshop. The meeting focused on using data and technology to determine which interventions, such as specific changes to HISA's rules or the introduction of new technologies, could have further material impact on equine safety. “The insights gleaned from big data and machine learning have revolutionized industries around the world. Thanks to HISA's uniform reporting requirements, we are now able to apply these powerful tools to help solve the sport's most pressing equine welfare issues,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “We're excited to collaborate with the best data experts in the world, including AWS, to develop concrete solutions to address the root causes of equine injuries.” In addition to inputs such as sensor data from wearable devices, racing and training performance data, racetrack surface data, weather information and veterinary records, HISA and AWS are also exploring potential data inputs from other sources to measure horses' movements with a level of granularity never measured before. The goal of this work is to create a comprehensive analytics and insights platform that would use HISA's expansive data to test experts' hypotheses about the root causes of equine injuries and provide horses' care teams with the tools needed to potentially predict and prevent injuries before they occur. First steps of this process–including data standardization and data capture/ingestion–are already underway. “This collaboration signifies a fusion of technology, invention and the vast experience of dozens of leaders in horse racing who care greatly for these equine athletes,” said AWS Business Innovation Principal Glenn Holland. “We are honored to have HISA leverage the AWS Cloud to accelerate their vision and drive this impactful initiative. This project is part of a new era in horse racing, where innovation delivers long-lasting positive impact to the sport.” AWS has worked alongside other major sports leagues, such as the NFL, for years to analyze injury data and use that data analysis to drive rules changes and equip coaches and club medical staffs with the tools they need to help players manage risk and prevent injuries. HISA and AWS representatives, along with other industry technology leaders, are taking the next steps in this project at an AWS-led Solution Workshop on Monday, Oct. 30 in New York. The workshop will dive deep on data and technical requirements as well as end-user needs to continue to drive progress on this ambitious endeavor. The post HISA Teams With Amazon, Using AI To Reduce Equine Injuries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ocala Stud released their 2024 stud fees for its roster of nine stallions for the upcoming breeding season, led by GI Santa Anita Derby winner Roadster (Quality Road) who will stand his second season at stud for $7,500 S&N, the farm said in a release early Wednesday morning. Roadster is out of the stakes-winning and stakes-producing Silver Ghost mare Ghost Dancing and is a half-brother to Grade I winner and Keeneland track-record setter Ascend (Candy Ride {Arg}). Roadster was sold by his breeder–Arthur Hancock III's Stone Farm–at the Keeneland September Sale for $525,000. Joining him will be Colonel Liam (Liam's Map), who will also stand his second season for a fee of $6,500 S&N. A back-to-back winner of the GI Pegasus Turf Invitational S. at Gulfstream Park and the hero of the GI Turf Classic S. at Churchill Downs, the $1.2 million graduate of the OBS Spring Sale was purchased by Jacob West on behalf of Robert and Lawana Low. GISW Win Win Win (Hat Trick {Jpn}) and GISW Seeking the Soul (Perfect Soul {Ire}) were each represented by first yearlings in 2023 and will once again stand for $5,000 S&N. The former, who captured the GI Forego S. at Saratoga, stands as the property of a partnership between Live Oak Stud, Airdrie Stud, and Ocala Stud. As for the latter, a Charles Fipke homebred, he is the winner of the GI Clark H. at Churchill Downs. MGISP Awesome Slew (Awesome Again), the leading freshman sire in Florida last year, will stand for $4,000 S&N this coming season. He has been represented in the auction ring this year with 2-year-olds bringing up to $700,000. The complete roster with fees for Ocala Stud is as follows: Roadster–$7,500 Colonel Liam–$6,500 Seeking the Soul–$5,000 Win Win Win–$5,000 Awesome Slew–$4,000 Adios Charlie–$3,000 Gretzky the Great–$3,000 Battalion Runner–$2,500 Dak Attack–$2,500 The post Ocala Stud Releases 2024 Stallion Roster And Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes have will be out to add their names to the honour of Cox Plate winning trainers. That honour roll includes their father David and grandfather Colin and Ben Hayes believes they have a strong chance in this year’s edition of the 2040m race at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will represent the stable looking to improve on his record at The Valley of three wins from four starts with the gelding’s solitary defeat coming in last year’s Cox Plate when seventh behind Anamoe (Street Boss). Ben Hayes was a part of the training team when Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) finished second to Winx (Street Cry) in the 2015 Cox Plate, while J D and Ben prepared Mr Brightside for last year’s race. “I know for the family along with J D, Will and I, the Cox Plate would be a big thrill to continue that history with my father and C S, they both won and it’s something we’d like to do,” Ben Hayes said. “We got very close with Criterion, but unfortunately, we ran into Winx, in my first Cox Plate. “I really wanted to win one then, and this is our best opportunity to date, so hopefully he can do it.” Mr Brightside enters Saturday’s race with three wins to start off his campaign before running second to Fangirl (Sebring) in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 14. Hayes said Mr Brightside went into that race a little on the fresh side having not raced in four weeks leading into the race and sweated up behind the gates. “When he sweats up, he generally doesn’t run his best. He runs well, but not his best,” Hayes said. “He got a bit fresh on us, so with these two weeks between runs, it’s better for him. “His work has been great. His attitude has been great. He took his rider right up hill in his work at the farm on Tuesday, so I think he’ll be spot-on.” A question mark exists about whether Mr Brightside will run a strong 2040m, but the Lindsay Park training team is unconcerned. The gelding will jump from barrier two, the same gate he started from when successful in the All-Star Mile back in March, and from that draw should be afforded a soft run. “He’s got a great record at The Valley and one of the question marks people have been asking about is will he run 2000 metres,” Hayes said. “I think barrier two gives him every opportunity to do that. He should get a nice soft run. “All I can say is the horse is in fantastic order.” View the full article

The likes of Liberty Island, Paddington, Mr Brightside and Highfield Princess join local stars Romantic Warrior, Golden Sixty and Lucky SweynesseView the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds, VIC, 3039 When Friday, October 27, 2023 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Cox Plate Carnival gets underway on Friday night with a stacked eight-race meeting at Moonee Valley set to kick off at 6:15pm local time. The Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) headlines proceedings, with the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) and Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) proving suitable entrées. The track is a Good 4, with the rail in its true position. Moonee Valley Gold Cup Tip: Vow And Declare Worth $750,000, the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup has attracted a strong field of 15 stayers. Vow And Declare ran an eye-catching second in the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) when chasing home the in-form Alligator Blood at a distance well short of his best. The Melbourne Cup winner steps up to the 2500m third-up, which looks ideal, and will appreciate the genuinely run tempo that Knights Order will set. With a nice tow into the race, Vow And Declare showed last start he is still capable of winning a race like this. Moonee Valley Gold Cup Race 7 – #3 Vow And Declare (11) 8yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Billy Egan (57kg) +400 with PendleburyBet JRA Cup Tip: Ain’tnodeeldun Ain’tnodeeldun has been low-flying this prep and can breakthrough for a maiden Group 3 victory in the JRA Cup. The six-year-old gelding got the better of First Immortal two runs back over 1600m and then finished over the top of Forgot You and Sibaaq at Sandown last time out. Billy Egan will have the son of Dundeel settled towards the rear of the field throughout. On the back of a genuine tempo, Ain’tnodeeldun has a nice turn of foot for a stayer. He can blouse his rivals in the shadows of the post once again. JRA Cup Race 6 – #5 Ain’tnodeeldun (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Billy Egan (56.5kg) +135 with Dabble Chautauqua Stakes Tip: Ranting The Listed Chautauqua Stakes opens the quaddie on Friday night and the Nick Ryan-trained Ranting looks to have found another winnable race. The six-year-old gelding was aided by a gun steer from Blake Shinn when winning at the track and trip on September 29 and looks set to repeat the dose on Friday. The six-year-old will be midfield on the home turn, and if he can replicate the same turn of foot her produced last time out, Ranting can be running away with the Chautauqua Stakes. Chautauqua Stakes Race 5 – #5 Ranting (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: Blaike McDougall (54kg) +650 with Bet365 Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Celui We will be looking to kick off the Carnival in style when the Brent Stanley-trained Celui steps out over 1000m. The three-year-old colt has plenty of upside and his first-up win at Bendigo suggests a race like this is well within his grasp. He put 3.75 lengths on his rivals that day when leading throughout. Damien Oliver sticks on board and from barrier seven, and with a bit of luck, Celui can run his rivals of their feet. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Celui (7) 3yo Colt | T: Brent Stanley | J: Damien Oliver (59.5kg) +220 with Betfair Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, October 27, 2023 2-3-5-7 2-3-5-8 3-7-9-12-14 4-7-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Golden Mile reigned supreme in the 2022 Callander-Presnell. The Group 2 Callander-Presnell (1600m) has drawn together a strong field of 12 three-year-olds staking their claim on the $1 million prize packet on offer in Saturday’s race at Randwick. Three fillies are set to line up – including the dominant early favourite, Artic Glamour, who has opened at +120 after producing back-to-back victories. Her latest win was a dominant performance in the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) on October 10, and a dream draw in barrier one has only boosted her chances this weekend. The Chris Waller-trained colt Snowman is the second favourite at +600, with the son of Snitzel taking a step down in trip after the 1800m proved too testing in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes. The only other runner in single figures is Ducasse at +850, who gets out to the mile for the first time in the campaign after finishing mid-field in the Tapp-Craig (1400m) at Rosehill. Namesake finished last in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) but is the only galloper with early money, as the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained colt has shortened from +1100 into +900. Ostraka has drifted from +1000 out to +1200, while Chrysaor around +1400 and is now a +1800 chance with top online bookmakers. The 2023 Callander-Presnell is the penultimate race on the Randwick program and is set to get underway at 5:30pm AEDT. Callander-Presnell 2023 field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Namesake Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jason Collett 8 57kg 2 Chrysaor Chris Waller Tyler Schiller 4 57kg 3 Heman Peter & Paul Snowden TBC 11 57kg 4 The Little Pumper Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 10 57kg 5 Flying Trapeze Gary Portelli TBC 9 57kg 6 Ducasse Mitchell Freedman Tommy Berry 12 57kg 7 Snowman Chris Waller TBC 2 57kg 8 Ostraka Annabel Neasham Ryan Maloney 6 57kg 9 Zondee Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Koby Jennings 3 57kg 10 Pier Pressure Kris Lees TBC 7 55kg 11 Arctic Glamour Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Kerrin McEvoy 1 55kg 12 Queen Of Dragons Peter & Paul Snowden TBC 5 55kg More horse racing news View the full article

Master trainer Chris Waller has the two market fancies – Hinged and No Compromise – for the 2023 Craven Plate at Randwick this weekend. It’s a wide-open edition of the Group 3 Crave Plate (1800m) this Saturday at Randwick, with a competitive field of 10 set to line up. Online bookmakers have left it up to the punters to decide favouritism for the $750,000 feature, but it’s currently the Chris Waller-trained Hinged that holds the call at +300 with top betting sites. Stablemate No Compromise chased alongside Hinged in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) last start, and it seems that’s where the market is gravitating early, as the seven-year-old firms from +500 into +340. Renaissance Woman pounced on her rivals in the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago and has plenty of admirers at +450. Numerian (+650), Zeyrek (+800) and Fireburn (+850) were far from disgraced in the Hill Stakes and will undoubtedly improve heading deeper into their respective campaigns. Sibaaq (+850) returns to Sydney after a trip down to Melbourne and brings some different form to the race, while Huetor (+1100) ran last in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) last start but still brings the elite form into this. The 2023 Craven Plate is the sixth race scheduled at Randwick this Saturday and is set to be run and won at 3:25pm AEDT. Craven Plate 2023 field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Huetor Peter & Paul Snowden TBC 5 59kg 2 Numerian Annabel Neasham Adam Hyeronimus 1 59kg 3 No Compromise Chris Waller Tommy Berry 2 59kg 4 Skyman Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 7 59kg 5 Zeyrek Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tyler Schiller 10 59kg 6 Stockman Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 4 59kg 7 Sibaaq Annabel Neasham Regan Bayliss 9 59kg 8 Hinged Chris Waller Brett Prebble 6 57kg 9 Fireburn Gary Portelli Jason Collett 3 56kg 10 Renaissance Woman Bjorn Baker Joshua Parr 8 56kg More horse racing news View the full article

Amade, ridden by Zac Spain, wins the Geelong Cup. (Photo: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Amade burst through a needle-eye gap late to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the Group 3 Geelong Cup on Wednesday afternoon. The son of Casamento has since shortened from +20000 to +10000 in the 2023 Melbourne Cup betting markets. Although the 10-year-old gelding missed the jump by three lengths, jockey Zac Spain got his mount to settle at the rear of the field and was travelling nicely on the home turn but needed a run to appear. When the gap did open between a slowing King Frankel (+800) and Ashrun (+380), Spain pushed the button and Amade sprinted the best of his rivals to drive through and find the line first ahead of Ashrun and Sir Lucan (+1800) in a blanket finish. The race favourite, First Immortal (+190), received a great ride from Jamie Kah, but when he hit the final 400m, the son of Churchill didn’t have anything to give and weakened through the pack to finish seventh – beaten by just over a length. 2023 Geelong Cup replay | Amade | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Zac Spain Winning trainer Phillip Stokes was full of praise for both horse and rider when speaking to the press after the race. “Fantastic. He’s been building up to this,” he said. “His run in The Bart Cummings was good and he was peaking today. “It’s funny when you bring him back to a track where he missed the kick here by 12 lengths two years ago and got beaten four (lengths). “Big thanks to Terry Henderson and the team at OTI, they’ve stuck with us and trusted us with this horse. “Zac gave him a peach of a ride. “We had this idea that we were going to go forward on him today and take the bull by the horns, but that didn’t work out, so Zac went to Plan B and it worked out beautifully.” When Stokes was asked if the Melbourne Cup would be next, he played his cards close to his chest. “I doubt it but we’ll keep the dream alive, but we’ve got the Queen Elizabeth Stakes earmarked,” he said. Spain claimed his first Geelong Cup aboard Amade, who is known to be tardy out of the gates. “He’s a very tricky horse,” he said. “He’s definitely got a mind of his own, that’s for sure, and his last couple of starts he’s actually been jumping, which has been his issue a couple of preps ago. “He got into a bad habit of missing the starts by between six and 10 lengths. “I knew he wasn’t going to jump today. First Immortal lunged forward and he didn’t bat an eyelid. “He was very laidback in there and I went ‘no, he’s not going to jump’. “So we went to Plan B and rode him quiet. “He was absolutely bolting to the corner and he just needed the run, and when the run came he sprinted really well. “I thought he was always going to improve, and first-up 1700 metres straight up to 2500 in The Bart Cummings, he ran out of his skin and blew out late. “His third-up form is good – he’s three-from-three now. “With the bit of rain and the sting out of the track, it benefited him being an older horse.” More racing news View the full article