Wandering Eyes

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Saturday, May 3. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 3, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Eagle Farm Races 1 & 2 | Bonus Back For 2nd & 3rd Up To $50 Bonus Cash Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1 & 2 at Eagle Farm this Saturday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $50 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo Caulfield R7-10 | Run 2nd & 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 BONUS CASH BACK FOR 2nd AND 3rd- Up To $50- Caulfield Races 7 to 10 BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Eagle Farm Race 1 | Copy Any Bet If Your Horse Runs 2nd, 3rd or 4th, Get Cash Back Copy any bet in Eagle Farm Race 1 and if it comes second, third or fourth, get real cash back up to $25. Dabble T&Cs apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost! – Morphettville Get 25% BOOSTED WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bet only. Max bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Caulfield Races 1-5 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Apply from bet slip. Available one per fixed odds win bet per eligible races. Min 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, multi & bonus bets. If a given race has less than 8 runners, only the qualifying bets on the horse finishing 2nd will receive a bonus back. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd R1-3 at Morphettville, Eagle Farm, Caulfield & Hawkesbury Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Available from 12am AEST. Auto applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your vault for eligibility. Full terms and conditions. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Pride Of Jenni To Win – $5.00 Get $5 for Pride Of Jenni to win Caulfield Race 9. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Hawkesbury Races 1-5 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Apply from bet slip. Available one per fixed odds win bet per eligible races. Min 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, multi & bonus bets. If a given race has less than 8 runners, only the qualifying bets on the horse finishing 2nd will receive a bonus back. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Punters Toolbox! Supersized Saturday helps you Bet it Out with neds! Get MORE Price Boosts, MORE Bet Backs, MORE Fluc Ups, MORE Back Ups & MORE Extra Nudge tools! Available to use on ANY races of your choice. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Caulfield R7-9 | Run 2nd & 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 BONUS CASH BACK FOR 2nd AND 3rd- Up To $50- Hawkesbury & Eagle Farm Races 7 to 9 BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Saturday Best Tote Exotics ALL RACES Morphettville, Caulfield & Hawkesbury. Includes Quaddies, Quinellas, Exactas, Trifectas & First 4s. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting! Bet & win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Eligible Customers Only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Race Returns Bonus Back | Any Race Check BoomBox for full details. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for May 3, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Godolphin homebred Good Cheer remains undefeated in seven starts after winning the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) by three lengths. She is the third Oaks winner sired by Darley America's stallion Medaglia d'Oro. View the full article

A pair of Matt Winn Turf Course records marked two grade 3 events on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard May 2 at Churchill Downs. She Feels Pretty romped in the Modesty Stakes (G3T), followed by Queen Maxima in the Unbridled Sidney (G3T).View the full article

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Journalism (Curlin) has gotten plenty of ink–and rightfully so–ahead of the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby. But here's something that you may not know about the 3-1 morning-line favorite. How did Journalism–campaigned in partnership by the powerhouse partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, breeder Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 and the Coolmore partners (Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith)–get his name? “We have always tried to mimic the Claiborne tradition of naming horses with one-word names with a clever connotation to its pedigree,” Eclipse frontman Aron Wellman said. “Curlins are hard to name, so we opted to go off the dam's name, Mopotism (Uncle Mo), so we wanted a name that ended in 'ism.' I was the Sports Editor of my high school newspaper and am accused of being a disgruntled sports writer. Journalism has always been in my blood and I admire responsible and creative journalists. So, we went with Journalism.” Wellman added, “I find it poignant that in this day and age when the truth is so hard to discern in today's media that all eyes will be on a horse named Journalism for the Kentucky Derby.” Speaking of media, here are some of the other main storylines to keep an eye on for this year's Kentucky Derby: Following a much-discussed, three-year suspension, Hall of Famer Bob Baffert makes his Kentucky Derby return with champion 2-year-old Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). Closing in on 90 years of age (his birthday is Sept. 2), the legendary D. Wayne Lukas will saddle his 51st Kentucky Derby starter, American Promise (Justify). After becoming the eighth jockey to pull off the Kentucky Oaks-Kentucky Derby double, Brian Hernandez, Jr. will ride the gelded Burnham Square (Liam's Map). Nine geldings have won the Derby. Last year's Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Kenny McPeek, meanwhile, has longshot Render Judgment (Blame) entered. Publisher (American Pharoah) will attempt to break his maiden in the Derby as will his Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who is 0-for-26 on the first Saturday in May. Buchanan (1884), Sir Barton (1919) and Brokers Tip (1933) are the only maidens to win the Derby. Asmussen will also be represented by Tiztastic (Tiz the Law). Everyone loves to root for an underdog. Just a $2,500 FTKOCT yearling purchase, Chunk of Gold (Preservationist) earned his spot in the Derby with a runner-up finish for trainer Ethan West in the GII Louisiana Derby. Already the producer of 2023 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) and 2024 GI Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch (Good Magic), sensational broodmare Puca (Big Brown) could make it three straight years with a Classic winner with Baeza (McKinzie), who drew in off the also-eligible list. After coming painfully close with Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in last year's Derby, Japan will be represented by Admire Daytona (Jpn) (Drefong) and Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah), who were assigned neighboring posts. Godolphin and Brad Cox, the winning team behind Friday's GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), will have separate chances for a sweep. Sheikh Mohammed's operation will be represented by 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) and Sovereignty (Into Mischief) for a first Kentucky Derby victory. Cox will tighten the girth on Juddmonte homebred Final Gambit (Not This Time). With more showers in the forecast and a first post of 11 a.m. ET, the 14-race Kentucky Derby program also features: the GI American Turf S.; GI Churchill Downs S.; GI Derby City Distaff S.; GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic; GII Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile; GII Pat Day Mile S.; and GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. The 2025 'Run for the Roses' marks NBC Sports' milestone 25th presentation of the Kentucky Derby. For profiles on all 19 of the Kentucky Derby runners–Rodriguez (Authentic) & Grande (Curlin) have been withdrawn–click here for our special preview edition. The post Front Page News: Journalism Headlines Kentucky Derby 151 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sent off right at her morning-line odds of 6-5, Godolphin's GOOD CHEER (f, 3, Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) provided her sensational Darley America-based stallion with his third winner of the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, sustaining an irresistible run from three furlongs out to stamp her dominance on America's greatest and most important race for the 3-year-old filly set. The homebred becomes the second Oaks winner in the space of three years for Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, joining Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) in 2023, a third winner of the Oaks since 2018 for trainer Brad Cox (Monomoy Girl, Shedaresthedevil) and a second riding victory for Luis Saez (Secret Oath, 2022). Drawn in gate 10 in a field reduced to 13 by the earlier scratching of GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Five G (Vekoma), Good Cheer was void of early speed and was settled in mid-division by Saez, as GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes heroine La Cara (Street Sense) sparred on the front end with the once-beaten California raider Tenma (Nyquist). Kept out of harm's way and out of the kickback over a track rendered sloppy by rains that struck greater Louisville around 4 p.m., Good Cheer was given her cue about three furlongs out and caught the eye with a five- or six-wide sweep around 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) as heads were turned for home. Tenma got the better of the pace battle with La Cara, but Good Cheer began to bear down approaching the eighth pole, took command soon after and set sail for home. When all was said and done, she had about three lengths on Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro) and Bless the Broken (Laoban) in third. Medaglia d'Oro also accounted for Oaks winners Rachel Alexandra (2009) and Plum Pretty (2011). Lifetime Record: 7-7-0-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox. Good Cheer stays perfect in the Kentucky Oaks!! @bradcoxracing @luissaezpty @godolphin TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/oSv5L4EJm2 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2025 The post Undefeated Good Cheer Gives Medaglia d’Oro a Third Winner of the Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As the race was moved up to avoid incoming storms, Look Forward was unfazed and provided an emotional win for her connections in the $579,660 Eight Belles Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs May 2.View the full article

The Moyglare Stud Farm homebred made her first start in the United States a winning one at Aqueduct Racetrack May 2 in the Sheepshead Bay Stakes (G3T) for older fillies and mares.View the full article

Taking her game on the road and gradually coming east since starting her season in January, California invader Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro–Troublesome, by Into Mischief) set her sights on Churchill Downs on the first Friday in May and took home top prize in the GII Eight Belles Stakes right before racing was interrupted for a severe weather delay. With a menacing patch of storms bearing down on Churchill, the race was on to get the field out and over the track in advance of the forecasted heavy rain and winds. They just managed to complete the race when the worst of it rolled onto the grounds, whisking papers onto the track as Mother Nature joined the sea of pink in Louisville. Post times for the following GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes and GI Kentucky Oaks were moved back as a result. Bearing the colors of GI Kentucky Derby hero I'll Have Another (Flower Alley) beneath the same Twin Spires that saw him claim the nation's top prize 13 years ago, and ridden by the man who will sit atop the expected favorite in Saturday's 151st running, Look Forward entered this race off a fading sixth-place finish Apr. 7 in the GI Ashland Stakes. It was her second consecutive poor break as she bobbled at the jump two back Feb. 23 in the GIII Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn that Kentucky Oaks runner 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) claimed en route to her date with the lilies. Sent off here at 7-1 odds, Look Forward was close to the action in third behind fractions of :21.92, a half in :44.17, and swung into the lane after six furlongs in 1:08.80 with an open advantage having taken command nearing the furlong marker after navigating through traffic. Holding firm in the final strides, it was 1 1/4 lengths back to Blue Fire (Aurelius Maximus) in second and Evanescence (Munnings) flew late to take third after spending most of the race in another zip code. Look Forward, looks to the wire and takes the G2 Eight Belles at Churchill Downs! She is trained by Michael McCarthy and was ridden by @umbyrispoli! TwinSpiresRacing pic.twitter.com/rdYHZUqsBq — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2025 Pedigree Notes: The victress is a half-sister to multiple Listed winner Amidst Waves (Midshipman), who was also graded placed last year in the GIII Soaring Softly Stakes. Their most recent half-sibling to reach racing age is the juvenile filly Classic Chaos (Classic Empire). The dam has a yearling colt by Yaupon to her credit and currently awaits her 2025 foal by Flightline. This is the extended female family of MSW Chasing Liberty (Constitution). Friday, Churchill Downs EIGHT BELLES S. PRESENTED BY SYSCO-GII, $579,660, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:22.36, ft. 1–LOOK FORWARD, 118, f, 3, by Bolt d'Oro 1st Dam: Troublesome, by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Apple Pie Baby, by Not For Love 3rd Dam: Time to Dream, by Time for a Change 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($285,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Reddam Racing LLC; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC & Ballyfair Bloodstock (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. $351,400. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-0, $505,675. *1/2 to Amidst Waves (Midshipman), MSW & GSP, $292,400. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Blue Fire, 118, f, 3, Aurelius Maximus–Mystic Blue, by Maimonides. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($32,000 Ylg '23 OBSWIN; $100,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL). O-Stonestreet Stables LLC and Peter Leidel; B-J. Adcock & Nathan Granger (LA); T-Steven Asmussen. $94,000. 3–Evanescence, 118, f, 3, Munnings–Lovely Carina, by Pioneerof the Nile. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($250,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Green Lantern Stables LLC; B-Stud TNT, LLC (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. $57,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 1, 1. Odds: 7.52, 13.30, 14.99. Also Ran: Mendela, Verity, Whatintheliteral, Bourbon Memory, Impulse Buy, Eclatant, Princess Aliyah, Kimchi Cat. Scratched: Unchained Elaine. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Look Forward Looks East, Conquers the Eight Belles as Severe Weather Delays Oaks Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Califorinia raider QUEEN MAXIMA (f, 4, Bucchero–Corfu Lady, by Corfu) jumped out of the ground at the eighth pole and displayed her electric turn of foot to turn Friday's GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes into a one-horse affair, scoring by the better part of four lengths. The owner of a four-race winning streak, including a facile success in the GIII Monrovia Stakes down the hillside turf course at Santa Anita Apr. 5, fell into the perfect chasing position in fourth as Epona's Hope (Adios Charlie) scrimmage up front with Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy), the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint third who was as long as 9-5 before firming into 3-2 favoritism at the off. In the meantime, Queen Maxima was ridden patiently by Juan Hernandez and began to draw in while wide on the turf, as Ag Bulet found herself in a jackpot behind now loose leader Epona's Hope. Ag Bullet went for a rails run nearing midstretch, but had the door completely slammed on her by Epona's Hope, losing all chance. It may or may not have mattered, as Queen Maxima showed her trademark acceleration and drew clear to the wire. Sales history: $40,000 2yo '23 OBSJUN. Lifetime Record: 9-6-2-0. O-Dutch Girl Holdings LLC & Irving Ventures LLC; B-Saul Rosas (FL); T-Jeff Mullins. Queen Maxima romps home in the G3 Unbridled Sidney Stakes presented by Cygames! Juan Hernandez was aboard for trainer Jeff Mullins. pic.twitter.com/qCG3x2S3jb — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 The post Bucchero Filly Queen Maxima Flies Home In Unbridled Sidney appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hours after the disappointment of his Kentucky Derby (G1) entrant Grande being scratched from the May 3 race, owner Mike Repole was in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs, celebrating a victory in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) from Fierceness. View the full article

Copernium, trained by Jack Sisterson, won his racing debut by 2 1/4 lengths May 2 at Gulfstream Park. View the full article

Mystik Dan tries to become the man again, this time on the first Saturday in May at Oaklawn when he seeks his first victory since the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) in the Lake Ouachita Stakes for older horses at 1 1/16 miles.View the full article

The clash between Desert Flower and Lake Victoria is on after both star fillies were declared to run in the May 4 One Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse.View the full article

It just wouldn't be the Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) without Dicey Mo Chara. On May 3, the gelding trained by Leonard Powell will be making his fourth consecutive appearance in the 1 1/4-mile turf event for older horses at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

For the first time in seven years, the winner of the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) is absent from Sunday's 3200-metre G1 Tenno Sho (Spring). However, there is still an able deputy on hand in Kikuka Sho runner-up Redentor. The son of Rulership is in fighting form to boot, as he ran out a four-length winner of the 3400-metre G3 Diamond Stakes in February. If he prevails on May 4, he would be the first St Leger runner-up to win the Tenno Sho since 2000. Damian Lane has the call and the duo will leave from stall six. Assistant trainer Yuya Tsuchida said, “It [the Diamond Stakes] was a strong win and the jockey did a great job too. After a short spell, we were able to pick right up where we'd left off in training. He's better all around.” Kikuka Sho fifth Byzantine Dream (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) also enters on the back of a victory, in his case, a tally in the 3000-metre G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap in Riyadh on the same day as Redentor's Diamond Stakes score. Booked all the way out in stall 14 in the 15-strong field, the colt will have the services of Andrasch Starke. This pair are aiming for their first Japan Racing Association Group 1 title. One better than Byzantine Dream in the Kikuka Sho, Shonan La Punta (Kizuna) ran second in the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai in January and was fourth to Sunrise Earth (Rey De Oro) in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten over 3000 metres at Hanshin in March. Eight-time Tenno Sho (Spring)-winning jockey Yutaka Take has the call. Among his five individual winners are 2006 victor Deep Impact and Kitasan Black, who won the race in 2016/17. “It turned out to be a tricky race,” Take told NetKeiba of the Hanshin Daishoten. “I had a sense it might be that way, [with a] small field, barrier one, [and] the heavy favourite. But he showed a decent turn of foot at the end. He didn't pull as much as I expected, and I feel Kyoto Racecourse will suit him better.” The race is not just about the 4-year-olds, with veteran and 2023 Tenno Sho (Spring) hero Justin Palace (Deep Impact) ready to rumble, as is 2024 edition second Blow The Horn (Epiphaneia). They leave from stall 13 and three, respectively. The post Redentor Holds The Key In Tenno Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alpha Delta Stables' Raging Sea, a 5-year-old daughter of Curlin, held off determined runs by longshot Taxed and Randomized to win the May 2 La Troienne Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Nitrogen left no doubt who the queen of the 3-year-old filly turf division is, rocketing to a 3 1/2-length victory in the $575,000 Edgewood Stakes (G2T) May 2 at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard.View the full article

A two-time Grade I winner at the back end of 2024, Lael Stables' SHE FEELS PRETTY (f, 4, Karakontie {Jpn}–Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready) appeared to have her five rivals in Friday's GIII Modesty Stakes over a barrel on class and so it proved, as she tore away from them in the final furlong to report home a convicing winner of her seasonal debut to further cement the notion that she may have no superior in the distaff turf division in 2025. Sent off at skinny, yet reasonable odds of 3-5, the $240,000 Keeneland September graduate raced outside in the second flight of horses as the six rivals paired off through the opening furlongs. Always going sweetly down the backstretch behind the pacesetting Segesta (Ghostzapper), She Feels Pretty worked into the race nicely under a hold and came calling for the lead three off the inside at the top of the lane. Pinching a break in upper stretch, she went through her gears in the final furlong and reported home about two lengths clear of the once-beaten Gimme a Nother (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}). The time for the nine furlongs on firm turf was a very slick 1:45.51. Sales history: $240,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 9-6-1-2. O-Lael Stable; B-Payson Stud Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. She Feels Pretty is just too good in the G3 Modesty Stakes presented by Veritas Prime! John Velazquez picks up his second graded stakes win of the day aboard the Cherie DeVaux trainee. pic.twitter.com/8sQScEQNSO — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 Friday, Churchill Downs MODESTY S. PRESENTED BY VERITAS PRIME-GIII, $378,000, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8mT, 1:45.51, fm. 1–SHE FEELS PRETTY, 123, f, 4, by Karakontie (Jpn) 1st Dam: Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready 2nd Dam: Summer Solstice (Ire), by Caerleon 3rd Dam: Summer Sonnet (GB), by Baillamont ($240,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Lael Stables; B-Payson Stud Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux; J-John R. Velazquez. $244,140. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 9-6-1-2, $1,372,457. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Gimme a Nother (Saf), 118, m, 5, Gimmethegreenlight (Aus)–Nother Russia (Saf), by Tiger Ridge. O-Newstead Stables LLC; B-Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein (SAF); T-H. Graham Motion. $59,400. 3–Saffron Moon, 120, m, 6, Malibu Moon–Crocus Hill, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($80,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-CHP Racing; B-Cove Springs Farm LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $39,700. Margins: 2 1/4, HF, 2HF. Odds: 0.79, 3.08, 4.29. Also Ran: Segesta, Takemetothebeach, Birdie Rose. Scratched: Pin Up Betty, Waves of Mischief. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Karakontie’s She Feels Pretty Crushes In the Modesty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 15:35, BETFRED 2000 GUINEAS STAKES-G1, £525,000, 3yo, c/f, 8f 0y Field: Benevento (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Ruling Court (Justify), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Seagulls Eleven (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Tornado Alert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko), Yah Mo Be There (GB) (Mohaather {GB}). TDN Verdict: This is an open renewal despite the odds of Field Of Gold, who bids to become the first winner of the G3 Craven Stakes to follow up here since 2004 and provide John Gosden with a first renewal. The vibes are strong about fellow TDN Rising Star Ruling Court, who bids to provide Charlie Appleby with a third renewal in four years and who would be breaking ground as the first Guineas winner to have raced at Meydan in the Spring. Ballydoyle's Guineas plans have been disrupted throughout the past few weeks and Expanded is the only one left standing to add to Aidan O'Brien's record haul of 10 successes, with the last one coming in 2019. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 14:55, THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WORLD POOL PALACE HOUSE STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 5fT Field: Clarendon House (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Democracy Dilemma (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), No Half Measures (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rumstar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Seven Questions (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Twilight Calls (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Washington Heights (GB) (Washington DC {Ire}), Beautiful Diamond (GB) (Twlight Son {GB}), Pepsi Cat (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), She's Quality (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Tropical Storm (GB) (Eqtidaar {Ire}). TDN Verdict: An open renewal where the G3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy winner No Half Measures probably shades it on form, but the 3-year-old Tropical Storm showed how well he acts on fast ground over a fast trip when taking the Listed Roses Stakes in August. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 15:35, BETFRED 1000 GUINEAS STAKES-G1, £548,450, 3yo, f, 8fT Field: Chantilly Lace (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Duty First (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Elwateen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Red Letter (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Remaat (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), SImmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Verdict: The keenly-anticipated clash between the excellent fillies Desert Flower and Lake Victoria is on, with the former possibly straighter than her Irish rival. This will represent a speedier test than the G1 Fillies' Mile she dominated and Lake Victoria has an abundance of that. She bids to become the first winner of the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes to win this since 2009, but she is no ordinary sprinter-type and could be exceptional. Despite the obvious credentials of the front two, this has become a graveyard for short-priced runners in recent years and there is room for another TDN Rising Star in Red Letter to bloom. Patiently-handled last year, she has a razor-sharp turn of foot which could prove crucial if either of the front two misfire. Duty First was very good in the G3 Fred Darling Stakes, but isn't guaranteed to stay this far. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 14:20, BETFRED DAHLIA STAKES-G2, £125,000, 4yo/up, f/m, 9fT Field: Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal), Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion), Secret Satire (GB) (Advertise {GB}). TDN Verdict: Last year's 1,000 Guineas heroine Elmalka didn't fire afterwards, but back on home turf this could be a relaunch, but Cinderella's Dream is here to test her along with Running Lion. Cinderella's Dream became a big deal in the States last summer and will love the fast ground coming off a return second in Meydan's G2 Balanchine. [Tom Frary]. The post Black-Type Analysis: Who Will Wear The Guineas Crown? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a race many thought was for second-place, it was Raging Sea (Curlin–Stormy Welcome, by Storm Cat) who stepped up to play the spoiler in her 2025 bow and claim the GI La Troienne Stakes as the 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) faded to last in the lane. Content to watch the action unfold as her stablemate Randomized (Nyquist) went loose on the lead by way of traffic behind her, Raging Sea was spared a lot of the inside drama when Dorth Vader (Girvin) rushed up and knocked Thorpedo Anna away from the rail. The two-time champion was bounced around like a pinball going into the first turn, but seemed to recover from a spot on the outside stalking the pace. Raging Sea was always poised to strike behind the :23.50, :47.22, and 1:11.38 splits as they swung into the far bend. The looming danger as they turned for home, she got first jump on hard-charging Taxed (Collected) for the win despite swapping back to the wrong lead in the final strides. Randomized held on for third while Dorth Vader came in fourth. After the race, an objection was lodged by the rider of Dorth Vader against the third place finisher, but the stewards dismissed it and no changes were made to the running order. Sales history: $300,000 RNA '21 Ylg KEESEP. O/B-Alpha Delta Stables LLC; T-Chad Brown. Raging Sea comes out on top in the G1 Fasig-Tipton La Troienne Stakes! Flavien Prat was aboard for trainer Chad Brown and owner/breeder Alpha Delta Stables. pic.twitter.com/l4eP3FC6j5 — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 The post Raging Sea Roars Home in La Troienne, Thorpedo Anna Finishes Last After Rough Trip appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The year was 1996, and Unbridled's Song was heading into the Kentucky Derby as the heavy favorite. D. Wayne Lukas, one of racing's superstars, also had the racing world on alert. Five horses from his barn were pointed to the Kentucky Derby; a show of force that made everyone else look like longshots. Included in the entries were two well-qualified runners from a relative newcomer to Kentucky, Bob Baffert. Five years earlier, Bob had been a hotshot Quarter Horse trainer until a nudge from his friend and owner Mike Pegram convinced him to make the leap to Thoroughbreds. Bob packed up, moved his tack from Los Alamitos to Santa Anita, and quietly started filling his barn with some serious talent. He got noticed when Thirty Slews won a Breeders' Cup race, and the snowball started rolling–more owners, better horses, bigger dreams. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Brian and Jeanie Mayberry–a respected training team from Southern California–sent their daughter, April, East to manage a small string of horses. By 1996, April had put down roots at Churchill Downs, claiming Barn 33 as home. Visiting California trainers often shipped their horses into her barn. So, after Cavonnier stormed to victory in the Santa Anita Derby, and Semoran hand-punched his ticket to Kentucky, Bob gave his friend April a call to see if she had room in her barn. I first met Bob that spring at Oaklawn Park, during the Festival of the South, thanks to April's urging to introduce myself. I had a thriving physical therapy and acupuncture practice working between Kentucky and Arkansas, and Bob and I hit it off immediately due to our Arizona and family connections. When Oaklawn closed, everyone began shipping back to Churchill, just as Derby fever was reaching a boil. The backside of the track pulsed with life: glistening horse flesh, flashing cameras, Derby hopes and dreams filled the air. Bob, despite his Santa Anita Derby win, was still an outsider, and he and Lukas had a pretty healthy rivalry going on behind the scenes. The Kentucky press hardly gave Bob a second glance–their eyes were fixed on Lukas, who was the king. Derby Day arrived. The grandstands were overflowing with racing fans, and the infield became a writhing sea of people. In the stable area, it was it was a different scene–a tense hush fell over the barns sheltering Derby runners. It was a place of pacing footsteps, tight smiles, and deep, patient breathing. Waiting for the call. As the clock ticked down, April asked Bob: “Why don't you walk over with your horse?” she said. “There's nothing like it.” Bob looked at her, half-surprised. “Really?” Then he grinned. “Why not.” At the time, walking over wasn't something the trainers normally did. Tradition was the trainers waited in the paddock while the grooms trudged the horses through the dirt and mud. The call came: bring the horses over for the 122nd running of the Kentucky Derby. Lead shanks went on, buckets grabbed and out we stepped toward the gap to the track, and the moment swallowed us whole. April, Bob, Mick, the grooms; hotwalkers, and me–together we stepped onto the sacred dirt. The air snapped and buzzed with energy. The grandstands erupted into shouts, a storm of noise crashing around us as over a hundred thousand racing fans whooped and hollered. Fans screamed out horse names, but also–to our amazement–“Go get 'em, Bob!” Bob turned to us, beaming. “I feel like my feet aren't even touching the ground,” he said. “This is unbelievable.” April nodded and smiled, “I told you so. There's nothing like it.” Cavonnier ran the race of his life, looking like the winner in the stretch, only to be caught at the wire by a nose by Jerry Bailey on Grindstone–one of Lukas's mighty five. No one would have seen coming what was about to unfold in Thoroughbred racing and the Kentucky Derby. The white-haired California trainer with the easy grin and the unstoppable spirit had announced himself to the world. And from that day forward, the Derby Walkover became a walk trainers and owners began to proudly do, defying traditions and risking ruined shoes. This moment would take on a life the likes of racing had not seen before. Tricia Brophy is an equine physical therapist and acupuncturist. The post Letter to the Editor: The Walkover–How it All Began appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With last year's winner out, two veteran stayers face some up-and-coming 4-year-olds in the May 4 Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1) at Kyoto Racecourse.View the full article

Journalism can write his way into horse racing history should he prove victorious at Churchill Downs in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), becoming one of 151 winners of the historic race. View the full article

A day that dawned with the news that Repole Stable's Grande (Curlin) was to be scratched from Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby turned considerably brighter for connections when 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) made his much-anticipated 4-year-old debut a winning one, establishing a new track record in Friday's $750,000 GII Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard at Churchill Downs. Suffice to say that the homebred colt's trip to Louisville went a wee bit better than his last. Having earned a massive 110 Beyer in demolishing his rivals in the GI Curlin Florida Derby, Fierceness was well down the field as the 16-5 favorite in last year's Run for the Roses and unsurprisingly passed on the remaining two legs of the Triple Crown. The 9-5 second choice to 4-5 fellow 'Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes in July, the bay held off a late surge by a length and ran their head-to-head mark to 2-1 with a sensational defeat of Thorpedo Anna–with Sierra Leone third–in the GI Travers Stakes the next month. He raced right on top of the ultra-demanding tempo when last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, but held on tenaciously to be an outstanding second to Sierra Leone. Given a supremely confident steer befitting a 9-10 favorite Friday afternoon, Fierceness was content to sit three wide and facing the breeze as Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}) carved out a moderate pace, covering the opening quarter in :24.39 and a half in :48.31. Fierceness was always traveling strongly within the grasp of John Velazquez and was asked to take closer order while covering some ground on the turn. Rolling up to pour the pressure into the pacesetter in upper stretch, Fierceness and Most Wanted dueled heads apart into the final furlong before the 2-year-old champ asserted late. Gun Runner 'Rising Stars' Hall of Fame and Locked were third and fourth, respectively, while never a serious threat to the top two. The final time of 1:40.66 broke the previous track record of 1:41.04 set in this race in 2012 by Successful Dan (Successful Appeal). “It was a perfect trip,” said Velazquez. “There was a little bit of speed in there. I wanted them to hop out of there well and he went to the first turn not being too aggressive. When I put him in the clear on the backstretch, he just really got into the bit and kept taking off.” Added winning trainer Todd Pletcher: “He's a nice horse and he showed it today. But, wow! A track record at Churchill Downs, that's a really big deal. We've got lots of options with him right now but I'd have to think the [GI] Met Mile [at Saratoga June 7] is on the top of the current list.” Pedigree Notes: Also the dam of GIII Futurity Stakes hero Mentee, Nonna Bella is one of four winners from five to race out of Nonna Mia, a $200,000 purchase by Team Repole out of the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale and third in the GI Frizette Stakes the following season before going on to produce 2016 GI Wood Memorial Stakes hero Outwork to the cover of Repole's champion juvenile Uncle Mo. The stakes winning and graded-placed third dam was responsible for the talented racehorse and very useful sire Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile). Nonna Belle is also the dam of the juvenile filly Nonna's Love (Caravaggio), a debut third going 4 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 23, a yearling colt by Uncle Mo and a filly by Curlin foaled Apr. 1. Fierceness wears down Most Wanted to win the G2 Alysheba Stakes presented by Sentient Jet! John Velazquez was aboard for trainer Todd Pletcher. pic.twitter.com/JpPCJeVRGy — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 Friday, Churchill Downs ALYSHEBA S. PRESENTED BY SENTIENT JET-GII, $750,000, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 4yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:40.66, ft. 1–FIERCENESS, 118, c, 4, by City of Light 1st Dam: Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty 2nd Dam: Nonna Mia, by Empire Maker 3rd Dam: Holy Bubbette, by Holy Bull 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Derrick Smith, Repole Stable, Michael B. Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier; B-Repole Stable, Inc. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-John R. Velazquez. $458,970. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2-year-old colt, MGISW, 10-6-1-1, $4,315,320. *Full to Mentee, GSW, $148,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Most Wanted, 118, c, 4, Candy Ride (Arg)–Beach Walk, by Distorted Humor. O-Gary and Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $148,700. 3–Hall of Fame, 120, c, 4, Gun Runner–Flag Day, by Giant's Causeway. ($1,400,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith; B-Earle I. Mack LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $74,350. Margins: 1HF, 2 3/4, 2HF. Odds: 0.94, 8.20, 7.37. Also Ran: Locked, This Is Uscar, Katonah. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Firerceness Back With a Vengeance In the Alysheba appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Gulfstream, $42,200, Msw, 5-2, 2yo, 4 1/2f, :55.58, ft, 2 1/4 lengths. COPERNIUM (c, 2, Charlatan–Hang a Star {GSP, $149,111}, by Tapizar) became the first winner for his very popular first-crop sire (by Speightstown) and the third high-profile OBS March graduate to debut victoriously over the last three days. The 3-2 second pick in a scratched-down field of four, the $375,000 breezer was clearly last away from the machine and was in tight through the early exchanges before bulling his way through to lead before the turn. Firmly in front on the bend, he responded to his rider's urgings and found the line 2 1/4 lengths better than 4-5 Bowie (Brethren). Sassy C W (Yaupon), also a $375,000 purchase at OBS, won her maiden and 'TDN Rising Star' honors on Wednesday at Churchill, while $330,000 juvenile Mercilesanihilator (Audible) followed suit Thursday in Louisville. The first foal from his Grade III-placed dam and hailing from the family of champion Rushing Fall (More Than Ready), Copernium has a yearling full-brother that has been sent to Ireland and Hang a Star was most recently covered by Practical Joke. Sales history: $375,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $24,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-MHM Stables LLC & John C Oxley; B-Newstead Corp (KY); T-Jack Sisterson. Copernium and @EdwinGonzalz1 score in the first race for trainer @JackSisterson at #GulfstreamPark. pic.twitter.com/91AgbzqkV3 — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) May 2, 2025 The post Charlatan Represented By First Winner at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article