Wandering Eyes

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Mawj in the GI Queen Elizabeth II Cup S. presented by Dixiana Farms at Keeneland last weekend. Classic Filly Comes Good At Keeneland Godolphin homebred Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), already a winner of the G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, doubled her top-level tally in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. at Keeneland on Saturday and gave trainer Saeed bin Suroor his 500th group/graded win in the process (video). A half-sister to Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), an Eclipse Award champion in the U.S. and soon to be a Darley stallion, as well as the stakes winner Modern News (GB) (Shamardal) who was twice group placed, Mawj is followed by a juvenile filly by Mastercraftsman (Ire) and a weanling filly by Dubawi. Her dam is a half-sister to G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner and sire Ultra (Ire) (Manduro {Ger}), and her great granddam is the Italian champion Proskona (Mr. Prospector). One of 18 worldwide Group 1 winners for her former Darley reverse shuttle sire, Mawj is one of three Grade I winners in the U.S. after GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner-turned-sire Outstrip (GB) and Mischief Magic (Ire), who landed the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Exceed And Excel's 42 Stateside runners have resulted in 23 winners (55%) and 11 stakes winners (26%). Beautifully controlled by @oismurphy! Mawj wins the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland for Saeed bin Suroor… pic.twitter.com/Qt7xnQBoIF — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 14, 2023 Luck O' The Irish For Ten Sovereigns Colt Robert and Lawana Low's Irish Gent (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) became the 24th winner for his sire at third asking when taking an off-turf affair during the Belmont at the Big A meeting for trainer Todd Pletcher (video). Bred by Denis McCarthy, the dark bay made €130,000 as a Goffs November foal when purchased by Pier House Stud. his value rose appreciably to €500,000 when he was sent back through that ring during the Orby Sale, where Jacob West picked out the son of Indigo Butterfly (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) on behalf of the Lows. The third and last reported foal from his dam is a relative of G1 Jebel Hatta hero Dream Castle (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and that gelding's full-sister With The Moonlight (Ire), who was a three-time group/graded winner and third in the GI E. P. Taylor S. Coolmore's Ten Sovereigns already has three stakes winners in his first crop of 2-year-olds internationally. Represented by just three runners in the U.S. so far, Irish Gent is the stallion's first American winner. Brant Runner Collects In New York Peter Brant homebred Francesco Clemente (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) won a Belmont at the Big A contest for Chad Brown on Thursday (video). A winner of his first three starts for John and Thady Gosden in the UK last year, the White Birch Farm-bred earned black-type with a second in the Listed Festival S. in May. The half-brother to the multiple stakes winner and multiple group-placed Abingdon (Street Cry {Ire}) was switched to the U.S. after a start in the Listed Wolferton S. at Royal Ascot. His dam Justlookdon'touch (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is a half-sister to the influential champion Islington (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), and produced Dubawi full-siblings as her latest foals–a 3-year-old colt named Howeitat (Ire) and a 2-year-old filly christened Birkin (Ire). Darley's Dubawi now has 37 winners from 77 runners in the U.S. (48%). His 19 North American stakes winners (25%) are anchored by three-time Grade I winner In Italian (GB). The post Making Waves: Memorable Moment For Godolphin Classic Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual Group 1 winner Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}–La Pyle {Fr}, by Le Havre {Ire}) will stand under the Coolmore National Hunt banner in 2024, Coolmore announced on Friday. Retired earlier this year before being acquired by Coolmore, the 6-year-old won both the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth S. and the G1 Coronation Cup. A fee will be announced later. “Pyledriver is the best horse I've ever had anything to do with and gave us so many fantastic days,” said co-trainer William Muir. “From day one he never let us down; brilliant temperament, went on any ground, clean winded and super sound. The only issue he ever had was caused by another horse leaning on him in that race in Saudi. It'll be a very sad day when he leaves the yard but I think he'll continue to excel in his new career.” Bred by Knox and Wells, Ltd., he was a 10,000gns buy-back at the 2017 Tattersalls December Foal Sale and went into training with Muir and Chris Grassick in the colours of the La Pyle Partnership. A debut winner as a juvenile at Salisbury in 2019, he earned a listed victory later that year. Pyledriver then was second in the G3 Classic Trial and won the G2 Great Voltigeur prior to a run in the G1 Derby. He bounced back later that year to take the G2 King Edward VII S. and was also Classic-placed when third in the G1 St Leger. Never worse than second in four 4-year-old starts, Pyledriver won the Coronation Cup after running second in the G2 Jockey Club S., and later in the year was second by just a length in the G1 Hong Kong Vase. After a trip to Saudi Arabia and a fourth in Meydan's G1 Dubai Sheema Classic to kickstart his 5-year-old campaign, he was second defending his Coronation Cup crown prior to trouncing a quality field in the King George. This term, he won the G2 Hardwicke S. in good style at Royal Ascot and was fifth in another King George. His record stands at 20-8-4-1 and $2,606,075 in earnings. “Pyledriver is a fine big horse, with plenty of quality about him, a great colour and a very good walk,” said Robert McCarthy who went to inspect him. “He was a terrific racehorse and he's a complete outcross for the majority of National Hunt mares here in Ireland.” Pyledriver is the first foal out of the dual winner La Pyle, herself a half-sister to G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Mont Ormel (Fr) (Air Chief Marshal {Ire}) and a full-sister to G3 Park Express S. heroine Normandel (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}). The post King George Hero Pyledriver To Stand Under Coolmore’s NH Banner Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following discussions with HISA's ADMC Committee, HIWU will no longer impose Provisional Suspensions on Covered Persons upon the service of an Equine Anti-Doping Notice for an Adverse Analytical Finding (i.e., positive test result) for Banned Substances that are recognized as substances of abuse in humans, the unit said in a release Friday. Examples that fall under this category include cocaine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a Covered Horse's A Sample tests positive for one of these Banned Substances, a Provisional Suspension will not be imposed on the relevant Covered Person until B Sample analysis confirms the presence of the Banned Substance or B Sample analysis has been waived by the Covered Person. Consequently, in compliance with Rule 3610(b), such cases will not be published on the HIWU website's Public Disclosures page until after these steps occur. This change to the Public Disclosure protocol is consistent with current procedures for presence violations (i.e., positive tests) for Controlled Medication Substances. This policy applies retroactively to current pending cases, and Provisional Suspensions have been lifted on all Covered Persons who have not been charged and are waiting for B Sample results to be issued. This update is intended to address concerns within the industry that the names of Covered Persons were being publicly disclosed in cases involving the aforementioned types of substances before the Covered Persons had an opportunity to determine the source of the substance at issue, including whether it was the result of unintended human transfer. The post HIWU Changes Enforcement of Provisional Suspensions And Public Disclosure Protocols For Select Banned Substances appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Connections of Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) have described it as “a no-brainer” to offer the 1,000 Guineas heroine for sale at the Sceptre Sessions as part of the December Mares Sale at Tattersalls given how strong trade was at the corresponding sale 12 months ago. Not only did Cachet provide Highclere Racing and trainer George Boughey with a breakthrough domestic Classic success when storming to 1,000 Guineas glory at Newmarket last year, but she also followed up on that effort by running out a gutsy second to Mangoustine (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the French edition. Cachet was famously bought by Jake Warren on behalf of Highclere for just 60,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. Warren's uncle Harry Herbert, who manages the successful ownership vehicle, recalled, “It all began at the breeze-up sales. Jake was absolutely mad about Cachet–she was the one he absolutely wanted to buy. “When the hammer came down at 60,000gns, we were over the moon. We heard afterwards that George Boughey was the underbidder so we went to George and said, 'why don't you train her?' He added, “It was early days for George and I wanted to have a horse or two with him. This gorgeous filly turned out to be Highclere's first domestic Classic winner. It's been an incredible story because she's such a brave, courageous filly who really wants to do it.” It was John Bourke of Hyde Park Stud who bred Cachet. In fact, Bourke sniffed out one of the bargains of the century by snapping up Cachet's dam Poyle Sophie (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) for just 3,000gns at the December Mares Sale at Tattersalls in 2018. Little did he know then that Poyle Sophie was carrying what would turn out to be the 2022 1,000 Guineas winner and Herbert remembers what that day meant to the Highclere team. He said, “My god it was a long last furlong–it was agony! All of the family were there and they were screaming her home. What a day. It was wonderful for George to train his first Classic winner and for Jake, who has inherited his father's [John] brilliant eye to buy a filly that could win a Classic for 60,000gns is absolutely remarkable. A wonderful day.” Herbert's sentiments were echoed by Warren, who said, “It was wonderful. In my uncle's silks, having found a filly for him to win a Classic was absolutely incredible. My children were there, my parents were there, it was just a very special day. She did us so proud and is an amazing filly.” Thoughts now turn to offering Cachet at the Sceptre Sessions, where she is sure to command plenty of attention from some of the top breeders around the world. According to Herbert, there was no better place to sell the Classic winner than at Tattersalls in December, given all of the top buyers around the world make that sale a must visit each year. Herbert said, “It was a no-brainer, really. We saw Classic winners and Group 1 winners make significant sums of money here last year and we've always sold our top fillies at this sale. The world comes to this sale. It is the most significant European sale of mares. A Classic winner heading to the sales is a rarity so hopefully she'll stand out from the crowd.” Warren went on to explain how he felt Cachet, being a daughter of Aclaim and granddaughter of Acclamation (GB), represented a perfect outcross to visit all of the top stallions around the world before outlining his hopes that the major breeders were as enamored with the filly as he was when he first clapped eyes on her. He said, “The most important aspect of her pedigree is that she's an outcross for all the top stallions in the world. You can't find a stallion that she can't visit being a granddaughter of Acclamation. “Her physical attributes are exactly what you'd like to see in a broodmare prospect. She stands over a lot of ground and has a great important frame with beautiful looks about her. She really is outstanding and is something, I hope, that breeders around the world will look at with great envy and be hoping to acquire for their broodmare bands.” The post “No-brainer” To Offer Classic Winner At Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Says Cachet Team appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred owner and songwriter/executive producer Ken Freirich of Better World Records will make a $20,000 donation to Breeders' Cup Charities if the 40th Day $20,000 match goal is met during the final stage of the program, the Breeders' Cup said in a release Friday. Breeders' Cup Limited has pledged to match up to $20,000 of funds raised on the 40th day which, in conjunction with Mr. Freirich's donation, could see $60,000 being raised on the final day alone. “Breeders' Cup Charities is so thankful to Mr. Freirich and Better World Records for supporting 40 Days of Giving with such generosity,” said Stefanie Palmieri, Vice President of Events at Breeders' Cup Limited. The $20,000 match donation from Better World Records on behalf of Random Acts of Kindness celebrates the new single “Free to Roam,” a top 20 Billboard AC hit. “I am thrilled to partner with the Breeders Cup to support their charitable mission on this wonderful occasion, the 40th Running of the Breeders Cup,” said Freirich. “I really was moved by the 40 Days of Giving program and hope to inspire others to give to these very deserving Thoroughbred industry nonprofits.” Click here for more information about the 40 Days of Giving. The post Ken Freirich’s Better World Records Pledges Breeders’ Cup Match appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The NTRA reported new guidance out of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which will streamline the glanders testing protocol for importing horses into the United States, the organization said in a release Friday morning. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service update, Veterinary Services Guidance 13407.3, introduces a new procedure effective Oct. 10 for glanders, which has been susceptible to produce false positives when horses were tested during their import quarantine. “One of the number one issues I've heard in this job is how cumbersome USDA testing protocols slow down the import of horses and have in some instances left horses in quarantine unnecessarily for weeks,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “This updated guidance will help prevent needless delays for our owners and farms. We appreciate USDA and look forward to continuing to work with them to modernize common sense reforms for our industry.” Click here to learn more. The post NTRA Helps Secure New USDA Guidance For Equine Testing During Import Quarantine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket will stage the first major retrospective of paintings by Lucy Kemp-Welch, considered Britain's best female equine painter. Kemp-Welsh is perhaps best known for her illustrations of Black Beauty in Anna Sewell's famous novel. The exhibition, titled “In her own voice: the art of Lucy Kemp-Welch,” will be open from Oct. 21 through Feb. 25, 2024. Several of the paintings are on display to the public for the first time and visitors to The National Horseracing Museum can view over 60 pieces from Kemp-Welch's lifetime, several on loan from private and public collections, including The Imperial War Museum, The Tate, Bushey Museum and Art Gallery (where she studied under Hubert von Herkomer) and Southampton City Art Gallery The exhibition is included with general admission. For more information visit the National Horseracing Museum website. The post National Horseracing Museum Stages Kemp-Welsh Exhibit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While there is no Triple Crown at stake this season, Sunday's G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) over about a mile and seven furlongs (3000 metres) shapes an intriguing affair nonetheless, with the winners of the first two legs locking horns with–potentially–champion 3-year-old honours at stake. Shadai Farm's Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) was late to begin his career, but was a quick study, winning his first three trips to the post and overcoming some immature habits to best Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}) by a clear margin in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) back in April. Sent off at odds-on to keep the streak alive in the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) six weeks later, the homebred conceded first run to Tastiera and got home nicely, but too late, as he finished a neck second. Sol Oriens has the benefit of a prep run, a torrid-trip second from a wide alley in the 2200-metre G2 Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen Sept. 18. It will be up to Takeshi Yokoyama to work out a trip from barrier 14 on Sunday. “It was a pity about the result last time, but there were no problems with him after it, and it was a good-enough result to look to this next race with him,” said Yokoyama. “He's currently not too tense, and he's worked well right up to the end of his training. I'd like some revenge for the Derby, so I'm hoping for a good result.” Star 3c SOL ORIENS (Kitasan Black) final fast ahead of the G1 3000m Kikuka Sho (St Leger) for 3yos (no geldings) on Sunday Rock hard fit,nice easy work. Footwork great. Won Satsuki Sho then a Nose 2nd Derby at just 4th start. Next big thing?pic.twitter.com/NVi5rK91kY — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) October 18, 2023 Joao Moreira is in to ride Tastiera for Noriyuki Hori in his first start since the Derby, where he was piloted by Australia's Damian Lane. The Carrot Farm colourbearer defeated Top Knife (Jpn) (Declaration of War) by a length when prepping for the Guineas in March, but was soundly beaten by 1 1/4 lengths in the first leg of the Triple Crown. He was perhaps a fraction fortunate that Sol Oriens did not commence his stretch rally a bit sooner at Tokyo, as Lane breathed a sigh of relief, and he'll critically be spotting Sol Oriens race-readiness this weekend. “He has a lot of stamina, and he doesn't show any sign of stopping when he's running, so I think he can take on his opponents this time without any worries,” the conditioner commented. “It was a very hot summer, and I think it's to his advantage that he's coming back for a race just now, even though that wasn't the original plan.” There is plenty of depth in Sunday's race beneath the top two. Hearts Concerto (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) ran home to be a brave third at longshot odds in the Derby and he, too, has a tightener under his belt, having finished a close fifth behind Derby 11th Satono Glanz (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}), Savona (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) and Phantom Thief (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB})–eighth in the Derby–in the G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai (2400m) Sept. 24. Top Knife has also since franked the Derby form with an outstanding runner-up effort to the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn)-bound budding superstar Prognosis (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G2 Sapporo Kinen Aug. 20. Nocking Point (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), a sound fifth behind Tastiera at Tokyo, resumed with a victory in the G3 Niigata Kinen Sept. 3. Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), whose sire provided 2021 Kikuka Sho hero Titleholder (Jpn), gets his most serious test to date, but has earned the right to be here with four wins on the trot in the lower grades. “He's been moving well and not showing any tiredness,” said Christophe Lemaire, who sees fit to take the call. “It's a big challenge in a Group 1, but he has potential and I think he has a chance.” The post Sol Oriens, Tastiera Face Rubber Match In Kikuka Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, October 22, 2023 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing heads back to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, as the Group 2 Premier Bowl (1200m) headlines a blockbuster 10-race program. The course proper should finally get a reprieve from some testing conditions as of late, with a much-improved forecast ensuring the surface maintains its Good 4 rating. The first race is set to get underway at 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT). Premier Bowl Top Tip: Lucky Sweynesse A quality field of six have accepted for the Group 2 Premier Bowl, as Lucky Sweynesse will be seeking to redeem himself after suffering a first-up defeat. He was beaten on yielding ground in Class 1 company by an improving Victor The Winner on September 10, however, the five-year-old superstar gave his main rival a 9kg swing in the weights. This time the improving surface should play into the hands of the world’s highest rated sprinter, and we believe Lucky Sweynesse will turn the tables in Sunday’s feature. Premier Bowl Race 7 – #1 Lucky Sweynesse (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Manfred Man | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Neds Best Bet at Sha Tin: Ka Ying Cheer Ka Ying Cheer made his debut a winning one at this course and distance on October 1, and couldn’t have been more impressive, showing plenty of fight to score. He was clearly headed by the runner-up Lady’s Choice on that occasion; however, the son of Reward For Effort refused to lay down, kicking back to score by a nose on the wire. He gets a 3.5kg penalty for that victory and has work to do crossing to the rail from barrier 11, but if Ka Ying Cheer can get there, he’ll take a power of beating. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Ka Ying Cheer (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Pierre Ng | J: Keith Yeung (61kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best at Sha Tin: Invincible Sage Formerly known as Thron Bone in Australia, Invincible Sage had three Hong Kong starts last season, finishing in the minor money on two of those attempts. You can easily make the case the four-year-old gelding should’ve won at least once – particularly on debut down the Sha Tin straight course on May 7. He was crowded for room at a crucial stage and never got clear under Hugh Bowman, going to the line under a hold. He gets back to his favoured track and trip on return, so with luck, expect Invincible Sage to make amends for followers. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Invincible Sage (1) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Hugh Bowman (59kg) Bet with Betfair Next Best Again at Sha Tin: Sword Point Sword Point will make his seasonal return after heading to the paddock a winner, securing victory Class 2 HK Reunification Cup (2000m). Since then, the Frankie Lor-trained gelding has been trialing stylishly on the all-weather circuit in preparation for his first-up tilt. He doesn’t seem to have lost much with four months off the scene, and although he needs to carry top weight here, Sword Point should show his class in the penultimate race of the afternoon. Next Best Again Race 9 – #1 Sword Point (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Sunday HK quaddie tips for Sha Tin races Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, October 22, 2023 1 1-2-3-5-6-9-11-12 1-7-8-13 3-5-7-8-9-10-14 Investment: $224 for 100% More horse racing tips View the full article

Ashburton Trotting Club are set for a great day of racing on Monday with their Magic Monday race day. We have created and put together a comprehensive form guide for you which includes, selections, previews and the fields. You can download it here View the full article

Top horse woman, trainer, driver and ex show jumper has been surprisingly diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer (primarily effecting young female non smokers) after going to the doctor a month ago for a cough and initially being prescribed antibiotics. Katie is only 33 years old and this has come as a shock to her and all that know her. The only option at this stage is to use the private healthcare system to access the specific targeted drugs that are having very good success overseas managing this condition. The first medication that is recommended is well over $100,000 and unfortunately additional recommended ones are a lot more expensive that that. This is a rare form of cancer that will need a lot of fighting and this is where YOU CAN HELP. Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust has set up an account where all funds raised will go to Katie’s support in this journey. Ricky May, Craig Wiggins and Bruce Taylor as trustees to this appeal will ensure your donations go directly to Katie to use as she needs to pay for treatment or other expenses involved. Please deposit any donations small or large into the following account… Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust CC59951 Katie Cox Appeal 06-0837-0390071-01 Please use the reference Katie Anonymous donations please use Anon in the reference. This is a totally unexpected illness and very rare so all help will be gratefully received… View the full article

What Coonabarabran Cup Day Where Coonabarabran Jockey Club – Reservoir Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357 When Sunday, October 22, 2023 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Coonabarabran on Sunday afternoon, where a strong eight-race program is set down for the town’s Cup Day meeting. At the time of writing, the surface is listed as a Good 4, and we don’t see that changing with the forecast likely keeping the course on the firm side. The rail is in the true position, and Coonabarabran Cup Day is scheduled to get underway at 1:10pm AEDT. Best Bet: Ezekeil Ezekeil brings an element of class to the fifth race at Coonabarabran after an impressive return at Rosehill on September 23. He was well-beaten by 4.3 lengths on that occasion; however, the Cody Morgan barn would’ve been using that run as a platform for this event. His second-up record (4:2-2-0) is strong, and although the son of Devine Prophet draws awkwardly in gate 11, we’re confident Aaron Bullock can navigate a passage to score. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Ezekeil (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Cody Morgan | J: Aaron Bullock (60.5kg) +145 with Betfair Next Best: A Tent Hut A Tent Hut will make his debut on the back of one barrier trial, and despite the small sample size, we were impressed by the three-year-old gelding. He sat quietly at the rear of the field at Armidale on October 9, coasting through the line under a stranglehold for Braith Nock. It was a nice piece of work by the unraced son of Rubick, and as Mikayla Weir takes the reins for race-day, look for A Tent Hut to be storming down the centre of the course. Next Best Race 1 – #1 A Tent Hut (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Luke Morgan | J: Mikayla Weir (59kg) +400 with Bet365 Best Value: I’m Independent I’m Independent is a debutant from the Brett Thompson yard and presents at a cracking each-way price with online bookmakers. The filly by Outreach produced a superb jump-out at Scone on October 4, chasing gamely behind a leading pair that cleared out on their respective rivals. I’m Independent never shirked the task, bounding to the line for a third-place finish. Now we need to see if that performance can translate to race-day success; however, at the odds, we’re happy to find out. Best Value Race 2 – #12 I’m Independent (2) 3yo Filly | T: Brett Thompson | J: Mikayla Weir (55kg) +800 with Neds Sunday quaddie tips for Coonabarabran Cup Day 2023 Coonabarabran quadrella selections Sunday, October 22, 2023 1 1-4-7 1-2-3 1-2-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Testing Ascot conditions to suit speedster as he looks to solidify hopes of a meeting with Golden Sixty in December’s Group One Hong Kong MileView the full article

What Seymour Races Where Seymour Racing Club – 55 Kobyboyn Rd, Seymour VIC 3660 When Sunday, October 22, 2023 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Feature racing heads to country Victoria on Sunday afternoon for Seymour Cup Day. The Listed Seymour Cup (1600m) worth $200,000 is the headline act on the nine-race program. The track has come up as a Soft 5 but will start as a Good 4 due to favourable conditions in the lead-up. The rail sticks to its true position, with racing commencing at 1:15pm AEST. Seymour Cup Top Tip: Excelleration The Richard Cully-trained Excelleration continues to race well and now gets his chance at Listed level first-up. The lightly raced seven-year-old brings a turn of foot that not many of these can match, and he should get the race run to suit. Station One and Golden Path will ensure this is a genuinely run mile, which sets the race up perfectly for Excelleration to live up to his name by storming home from the rear of the field to win it. Seymour Cup Race 8 – #7 Excelleration (7) 7yo Gelding | T: Richard Cully | J: Declan Bates (54kg) +550 with Betfair Best Bet at Seymour: Sans Doute The Mark Walker-trained Sans Doute chased home a smart one at Moonee Valley on October 6, going within a half-length of the race-fit Frilled. That was her first start in six months, and her Australian debut, so we expect she will only improve this weekend. Drawn in barrier three under Blake Shinn, Sans Doute can stalk the speed throughout and put this race away in a couple of strides. Best Bet Race 7 – #7 Sans Doute (3) 4yo Mare | T: Mark Walker | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) +170 with Boombet Next Best Bet at Seymour: Colombe D’or Colombe D’or was a handy BM64 winner at Geelong on October 5 and looks set to bring up a fourth career win at start eight. The five-year-old mare managed to finish over the top of her rivals in impressive fashion under a smart ride from Mick Dee. She goes up 2kg following the win, and despite the evenness of the field, it is no harder than what she faced last time. Colombe D’or should get the race run to suit and will prove tough to hold out. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Colombe D’or (5) 5yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Ben Allen (61kg) +320 with Bet365 Sunday quaddie tips for Seymour Seymour quadrella selections Sunday, October 22, 2023 4-7-10 2-7-9 1-3-7-8 2-3-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

By Michael Guerin The money Kourtney Kardash earned winning at Alexandra Park on Thursday night was spent before she had even made it back to the winner’s circle. Because trainer Shane Butcher and driver Monika Ranger, who owns the mare on lease, have had something even bigger to celebrate in the last week. The popular couple have bought their first house with the deal only recently finalised and while they are thrilled to get on the property ladder anybody who has their first mortgage knows, spare cash becomes a thing of the past. “We bought a four-bedroom place in Pukekohe and we are really stoked,” says Butcher. “It is so great coming back to our own place at the end of the day, I’ve even found myself outside looking after the lawn.” So the timing couldn’t have been better when Kourtney Kardash recorded her second win on Thursday while Ranger also drove Itaintnecessarilyso to win the first race for trainer Ross Paynter. Ranger races Kourtney Kardash on lease from Woodlands and Butcher officially trains the filly in what is more of a team effort. Ranger works at Lincoln Farms and is making a good name for herself as a driver while Butcher is flat out as a farrier for some of the north’s biggest stables. Kourtney Kardash has always looked a good filly and has even taken on Millwood Nike a couple of times, incuding finishing sixth in the Northern Oaks in March. But even after beating some talented rivals on Thursday she won’t be heading south to take in Millwood Nike again in the NZ Oaks. “She is better off staying up here when she can race every couple of weeks and earn good money,” says Butcher. “I think she can keep improving, she should be fitter for tonight and with the good money on offer now we don’t need to be going down south to take on Millwood Nike or Zac’s filly (Mantra Blue).” Other highlights at Alexandra Park included Jasinova recording career win No.14 for Dr Luk Chin, with the lovely little mare still only a five-year-old and with the potential to end up one of Chin’s most prolific winners. And Tony Herlihy’s talented pacer Dontstopmenow made it four wins from six starts in the main handicap pace and clearly isn’t finished winning yet. View the full article

Nonconformist has been scratched from the 2023 Caulfield Cup (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The Grahame Begg-trained Nonconformist has been scratched from the 2023 Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday. Racing Victoria’s veterinarians examined the horse on Thursday and identified lameness in its right hind leg. As a result, on Friday, the decision was made to withdraw the horse from the race after a second inspection. This unexpected turn of events opened up a spot in the field for the emergency entry, United Nations. Nonconformist was set to be ridden by jockey Harry Coffey from barrier 19. However, fate had other plans, and this late withdrawal was reminiscent of the unfortunate incident last year when Begg had another star stayer, Lunar Flare, ruled out by veterinarians just before the Melbourne Cup. Without A Fight, is awaiting veterinary clearance to proceed to the starting barriers. The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained horse had presented with lameness in its left front leg. The decision regarding its fitness is expected to be made on Friday afternoon. On a positive note, the race’s four international contenders were given the green light to participate. Racing Victoria’s veterinarians conducted inspections at the Werribee International Horse Centre on Friday morning, ensuring that Breakup, West Wind Blows, Okita Soushi, and Valiant King were all deemed fit to compete in the race. United Nations opened at $81 with Neds Australia after gaining a start in the Caulfield Cup, with Gold Trip ($6) the current bookmaker favourite. More racing news View the full article

Zac Purton believes Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) is poised to improve significantly in the Gr.2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 October), but is wary of race tactics which might again favour Victor The Winner in the HK$5.35 million feature. Danny Shum’s Victor The Winner condemned Lucky Sweynesse to only the fifth defeat of the champion sprinter’s glittering career in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) on 10 September. Although there is a narrowing of the weight differential this weekend – Lucky Sweynesse again shoulders 61kg under Purton, while Victor The Winner carries 53.5kg for Karis Teetan – Purton respects Victor The Winner’s ability to control the pace before reeling off slick closing sectionals. “Well, we meet him (Victor The Winner) slightly better at the weights, but it’s a smaller field (this time),” Purton said. “He (Victor The Winner) is not going to have any pressure, so if he runs home in 21.40 (seconds) again, he’s going to be hard to catch. “I thought Lucky Sweynesse ran really well (last start). He couldn’t have done any more than what he did. He was on a (yielding) track that doesn’t really suit him, he was first-up for the season, he had to give a lot of weight away and, at the end of the day, the winner ran home in 21.40 seconds. “It’s very hard to give any horse a start and think you’re going to catch them under those circumstances. “He (Lucky Sweynesse) is certainly getting better, his action is becoming more fluent, he’s handling his work a little bit better. He’s not at his best yet, he’s going to work his way towards that, he just needs racing like a lot of these horses and he’s quite a strong horse, so when he gets to step out on race day and gets the competition into him, he’s going to continue to improve.” With eight wins in the 2022/23 season, Lucky Sweynesse suffered defeat only twice in a magnificent campaign which featured three Group One triumphs. One of those losses came when runner-up to Wellington in the Premier Bowl. Manfred Man’s flagbearer will face other four rivals on Sunday apart from Victor The Winner – Sight Success, Duke Wai, Stoltz and Adios – as he prepares for the Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 19 November. Leading Purton 18-16 in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, Hugh Bowman will attempt to building on a flourishing partnership with David Hall this weekend. Bowman has taken 10 rides for Hall this season for four wins and three minor placings and takes the reins on Northern Beast and Invincible Sage, who resumes in the Class 3 Hong Kong China’s Asian Games Medallists Cup Handicap (1000m). A three-time winner for Jerome Hunter as a two-year-old in Australia where he was known as Thron Bone, Invincible Sage closed his debut season for Hall with consecutive third placings. “He was very good (last season). Coming back to start this season off at the same course and distance, it would have nice to draw the middle of the pack but we’ve come up with barrier one, so we’ll just him in behind the front runners and get into a good rhythm and see how he can finish for us,” Bowman said. “We’re very confident of a forward showing and he looks to me that he’s strengthened up a little bit, matured physically so I think we can see a stronger product than what we had last year. He’s ready to run a very good race.” Reflecting on his liaison with Hall, Bowman said: “We’ve had a great association since my arrival almost 12 months ago now and he’s been an almost constant flow of support and it’s been nice to deliver some nice winners for him and hopefully it continues.” Bowman rode 11 winners and 21 placings from 81 rides for Hall last season. Sunday’s (22 October) 10-race card kicks off at Sha Tin with the Class 5 Contract Bridge Handicap (1400m) at 1pm. View the full article

Two weeks after a forgettable trip to Flemington, Group One-winning New Zealand mare Skew Wiff will have a second attempt at an Australian debut in Saturday’s Gr.2 Sharp EIT Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. A brilliant winner of the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 9, the four-year-old Savabeel mare later crossed the Tasman to join the Cranbourne branch of Te Akau Racing’s operation. Trainer Mark Walker entered her for the Gr.2 Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m) on October 7, but she became fractious in the starting gate and was late-scratched on veterinary advice. Fortunately the last fortnight has brought much better news for the Waikato Stud homebred, including a successful trial at Cranbourne on Monday. “What happened at Flemington was obviously not an ideal way to kick off her Australian campaign,” Walker said. “But I was pleased to see that she trialled very well on Monday and behaved at the barriers, so hopefully we’ve put that hiccup behind us now and we’re back on track. “It does mean that she’s going six weeks between races, which is a bit of a question mark. But her performance in the trial was very good, so she should hopefully be okay.” Skew Wiff will be joined at Caulfield on Saturday by her stablemate Zourion in the Gr.2 Manhari Metals Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m). Racing in the colours of Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the Zoustar filly won both of her starts last season including the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Zourion kicked off her three-year-old preparation in the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 29, where she made up ground from last to finish sixth. “She didn’t get all favours in the run first-up, but there was a lot to like about the way she finished it off,” Walker said. “I think she should get a tempo to suit over 1400m this weekend, and hopefully she’ll be very competitive.” A bold performance on Saturday will put Zourion firmly in contention for the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on November 18. Group One three-year-old features are also looming large on the horizon for two of Te Akau’s runners in New Zealand this weekend. Walker and co-trainer Sam Bergerson will saddle What You Wish For in Saturday’s Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa, while the in-form Talisker will line up in the Wide Span Sheds (1300m) at Ashburton on Sunday. Both are sons of Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish, and both are being pointed towards the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11. The TAB currently rates What You Wish For a $10 chance for the classic in Christchurch, with Talisker not far behind on $14. What You Wish For Wish For has yet to put a foot wrong his career, with four starts for a win and three second placings. He has been runner-up in both of his three-year-old starts so far, chasing home Solidify at Taupo on August 23 and Lupo Solitario at Tauranga a month later. “He’s going really well,” Walker said. “The blinkers go on this week, which we think will make him a good chance in that strong field on Saturday.” Talisker went winless as a two-year-old last season, but finished second in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and a respectable seventh in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m). He has gone to a new level since travelling to the South Island this spring, scoring back-to-back wins at Riccarton on August 31 and Timaru on October 6. “He’s thriving down south this time in, and you’d think he’d be hard to beat on Sunday,” Walker said. View the full article

The trainer-jockey combination of John O’Shea and Tom Sherry has already celebrated a black-type double this spring and at Randwick on Saturday they will chase a $1 million payday. Having combined to win the Listed City Tattersall’s Club Cup (2400m) and Gr.3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) with Melbourne Cup hopeful Athabascan, the pair team up with Cotehele (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m). Sherry has been riding more frequently for O’Shea over the past few months and the Randwick horseman says it is reward for the jockey’s hard work. “Tommy has a good work ethic,” O’Shea said. “I quite like the way he rides, he is still learning to get to the top level, but he is working hard and that’s an endearing quality.” Sherry has also built a strong partnership with Cotehele. He has ridden the horse seven times for two wins and three placings, including a last start second to Cepheus in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. Cotehele’s best performances have been when he is ridden cold and allowed to unleash his devastating finishing sprint, but O’Shea says that is contingent on his rider getting the race right. “He just needs his jockeys to make the right choices at the right time,” O’Shea said. Cotehele holds an entry for next month’s $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill, although having never raced beyond a mile, he will be entering new territory if he presses onto the feature. O’Shea said the fact the race was at Rosehill, a track where Cotehele has missed a top-two finish just once in five runs, is appealing. “I haven’t stretched him to the trip before but the fact it’s at Rosehill, it’s a track that really suits him,” He said. “We’ll get through Saturday and go from there.” O’Shea saddles up Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer) in the day’s other feature, the Big Dance Wild Card (1600m) and believes the horse is going well enough to be in the finish, provided he can overcome an awkward draw in barrier 14. “He loves the mile so hopefully he can offset that gate,” O’Shea said. View the full article

On the anniversary of the biggest win of his career so far, classy New Zealand-bred gelding Mr Maestro will race in black-type company on Caulfield Cup Day again in 2023 – this time in his first run back from an injury lay-off. Last spring, the son of Savabeel announced himself as an exciting three-year-old staying talent, scoring back-to-back stakes wins in Melbourne. He won the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on October 1, then lined up on Caulfield Cup Day and came away with an outstanding win in the Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m). Mr Maestro went on to run fourth in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m), fifth in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) and second in the Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m), and the last time he was seen at the races was when he was unplaced behind fellow New Zealander Legarto in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) in early March. On Saturday he will return to Caulfield Cup Day again, making his four-year-old debut in the A$200,000 Gr.3 Moonga Stakes (1400m). “He’s coming up well and has had a couple of jumpouts,” trainer Andrew Forsman said. “He’s coming back from a tendon injury. It’s never easy for any horse coming out of their three-year-old season, let alone with a bit of a setback and a long time away from racing. “So we’re mindful that he’s definitely going to need this run, and he might even need another one as well before he gets up to the right level of fitness. “We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves at this stage. We’re just wanting to see him back at the races and coming through this first-up run in good order. He needs to get out and running somewhere. “He’s not overly well off under the set weights and penalties conditions on Saturday, but 1400m is a nice distance for him to start off at. It seems like a suitable starting point for him, and it’s something that we can build from through the rest of the spring.” Back on home soil, Forsman has three runners entered at Te Rapa on Saturday, including Imarichgirl in the Waikato Draught (1400m). A daughter of Mongolian Khan, who was trained by Forsman in partnership with Murray Baker to win the Caulfield Cup (2400m) in 2015, Imarichgirl has run solid placings over 1600m in both of her last two starts. The four-year-old is dropping back to 1400m, where her two previous starts have produced a win and a placing, and she will be ridden by comeback jockey Matt Cameron. “I thought she was a touch disappointing last start – she had an opportunity to really round the race off strongly and didn’t quite do that,” Forsman said. “So we’ll drop back to 1400m on Saturday in what looks like quite an even race. She has a good draw and it seems like the sort of race that she can be pretty competitive in.” Blissfull Lady will start a new campaign in the Te Rapa Event Centre 1400. Being by Shocking out of dual Auckland Cup (3200m) heroine Prize Lady, she might be expected to appreciate longer distances later in this preparation. Stablemate Sassyness will step up in trip for Saturday’s Dunstan – Celebrating Swell Time’s 1973 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Sassyness was runner-up in the Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m) in April. The daughter of Sacred Falls ran an eye-catching fourth resuming over 1400m, then finished sixth over 1600m and was unplaced over 2000m. View the full article

Te Rapa’s Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) has been a springboard to Group One glory for five recent winners of the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), and the connections of the undefeated Crocetti are hoping for more of the same. Crocetti takes a perfect four-from-four record into Saturday’s $150,000 Sarten, which is his last dress rehearsal ahead of the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 11. Katie Lee (2009), Sacred Falls (2012) and Ugo Foscolo (2016) all won the Sarten in their final start before winning the Guineas, while Turn Me Loose (2014) and Madison County (2018) placed at Te Rapa before triumphing in Christchurch. The TAB rates Crocetti a $1.60 favourite for Saturday’s Sarten, and he also dominates the fixed-odds market for the 2000 Guineas with a current quote of $1.90. An easy winner of his only start as a two-year-old, Crocetti has made a huge impression in his three spring starts in the hands of jockey Warren Kennedy, who will be aboard again on Saturday. The Zacinto gelding kicked off his campaign with two wins at Ruakaka by a combined margin of nine lengths, including the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on August 19. He had a first look around the course for Saturday’s Sarten with a last-start run in the St John’s College Foundation 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on September 29. Despite being far from comfortable in the Heavy9 conditions and being held up in the home straight, he produced an irresistible surge to win going away, beating Impendabelle and To Catch A Thief by a length and three quarters. “He probably didn’t love the heavy ground at Te Rapa last time, but having the first use of the track in the opening race of the day probably helped him get through it a little bit better,” said Danny Walker, who trains Crocetti in partnership with Arron Tata. “He got the job done really nicely in the end. “I think everything’s gone to plan with him through the few weeks since that race. He seems to be coming along well and doing everything right. “I don’t see any problem with the step up to 1400m on Saturday, and hopefully this race will top things off in terms of his preparation for the Guineas in Christchurch next month.” View the full article

Darwin trainer Garry Lefoe, part of the NT racing landscape for well over 20 years, gets back to work at Fannie Bay on Saturday after serving a 15-month suspension for doping. After serving a 15-month suspension, Darwin trainer Garry Lefoe returns to Fannie Bay on Saturday. Lefoe, a prominent figure in Alice Springs and Darwin for over 20 years, will start five-year-old gelding Rising Fire over 1600m against 0-58 opposition. Rising Fire, second in the Darwin Guineas and third in the NT Derby during the 2022 Darwin Cup Carnival, had Sunshine Coast trainer Billy Healey in his corner when he returned to Queensland. Top End trainer Tom Logan then cared for the son of Headwater when he headed back to the NT in July. It was in June last year, a month before the Darwin Cup Carnival, when Lefoe was banned by Thoroughbred Racing NT stewards after a series of positive drug tests on his horses from January to April. “Obviously been out a while now, so chomping at the bit to get back into it and move on,” the trainer said. “Looking back, it is what it is. “I can’t deny it or escape it, can I? “Just cop it on the chin. “I’ve done my time. “My disqualification was 15 months, so when that time was up I just got all my horses back. “It’s now just a case of having the horses ready for the right race.” Most of Lefoe’s horses remained in Darwin during his suspension. “The bulk of my horses went between Tayarn Halter and Tom Logan,” he said. “With Rising Fire, I bought the horse as a two-year-old at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Ready To Run Sale and I had him over there in Queensland with Billy Healey. “He raced in Queensland, and then it was decided to bring him to Darwin. “I got him up here and had him in work for the Guineas and the Derby where he ran a place in both races. “I actually had him for a lot of the prep before I got outed a week before the Guineas and that’s when Billy came up and took over from me.” READ: Darwin racing tips & value bets – Saturday, October 21 Rising Fire won on debut in a 1300m Gold Coast maiden in October 2021 but didn’t return until the following March, when he ran sixth over 1400m in BM65 class at the Sunshine Coast. Two fourths over 1350m at Ipswich and over 1600m at Eagle Farm at Class 1 level followed before coming second over 2000m on the Sunshine Coast’s synthetic surface at Class 3 level. Returning to Queensland following his Fannie Bay debut, Rising Fire had five starts from January-March with his best result a second in Class 2 grade over 1540m on Gold Coast’s synthetic surface. A first-up 10th over 1300m in 0-62 grade back in Darwin in July was followed by a third against the same class over the same distance on August 7 – Darwin Cup Day. Rising Fire finished fourth over 1700m against 0-64 opposition at Katherine on August 19 before a second over 1600m and a fourth over 1300m at 0-58 level in September. “I don’t know how it’s all going to pan out this weekend,” Lefoe said. “The horse goes pretty good, but he is at the end of a pretty long prep. “Win, lose or draw he will be going to the paddock, but I think he will give a bold showing.” It shouldn’t take Lefoe long to again leave his mark on NT racing. “Two horses Tayarn Halter had for me, Expert Witness and Canton Kid, I’ve got them back,” Lefoe said. “Expert Witness, he’s above average as a sprinter, I bought him the same time I got Rising Fire. “I’ve got Mighty Murt, who is down in Alice Springs, but he will be coming up here after he races on Sunday. “I’ve also got a couple of new ones and I’ve got plenty of good owner support behind me, which is a really good.” Lefoe has celebrated big wins in Darwin with Niccoco in the Palmerston Sprint, Budget King in the NT Derby, and Brunswick Street in the Darwin Guineas, as well as Alice Springs Cup success with I Am The Fox. “In 12 months, I’d like to say that I won the Darwin Cup,” he said. “Never had a runner in Alice Springs’ Pioneer Sprint, so I’ll try and win that too. “My focus is always on the big races over carnival in Darwin and Alice Springs, so my intention is to have the stable built up enough and have the horse calibre to aim for them again. “I’ve got eight or nine on the books at the moment and I’m happy ticking along the way I’m going for now. “Obviously there’s room for growth, we’ll be getting a bit bigger as we go along and get into it a bit more.” More horse racing news View the full article

Fan favorite and beloved Bradley family member Groupie Doll won two Eclipse Awards, two Breeders' Cup races, four Grade Is, and nine graded stakes; she set two track records, including at Churchill Downs in the GI Humana Distaff; and she sold to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm for $3.1 million. But it's not the accolades that mean the most to co-breeder, co-owner, and trainer Buff Bradley, he said. It was the special ride she gave the Bradley family during a difficult time. “Winning the Breeders' Cup was great and awesome and wonderful for myself, my family, and my career. Really, being able to see something that we bred and foaled and raised do that was very special. “Everybody says, 'You did good with that filly [as her trainer],' but I had more pleasure from being a co-breeder and attending her foaling. That meant more to me than anything. “My father and I got to share a lot of good racing over the years from maiden claimers all the way up to Grade Is with [Bradley family homebred] Brass Hat, but when the Breeders' Cup with Groupie Doll came about, it was very special for me because my dad had been diagnosed with dementia and I knew this might be his last hurrah with a horse. “That was something that could keep my dad going and have him communicate with me, so it was really special to win that first one. The second year my father wasn't able to travel, but they had a party in Frankfort. “My ex-wife, Kim, and I–we're still good friends–always go back and talk about her. I could tell you 100 stories about Groupie Doll since I was there since her first breath. “We didn't really want to sell her ever, but we'd had several offers that kept coming. Right after her maiden win, I finally told my dad what we needed to do is sell 10% of her to our best partners and that was Carl Hurst and Brent Burns. We sold 10% to each of them so we could have some fun with them and that way we could say we already sold her and get people off our backs about selling her. “Kim and I were talking just the other day about Groupie Doll. In between her Breeders' Cup wins, I had her turned out with Brass Hat. Once, from our house, we were watching them run in the paddock. As we watched them, Brass Hat would keep cutting the corner on her and make her run around him. In the end, she was blowing and he wasn't! We had to cool them out. I wanted to take him back to the track [he was retired], but Kim said it was time for her to go back. It was a lot of fun to see those two. “When Groupie Doll was born, I told Kim, 'We're going to keep this filly, she'll be part of the broodmare band.' We kept moving forward and won the two Breeders' Cups, but before the second one, I told the family she would be worth more than we could afford. We were so happy to see Mandy purchase her. I was able to keep Groupie Doll in my barn after that and race her two more times for Mandy. Now she's at Gainesway and I haven't seen her in a while, but I used to visit her sometimes when she was at Timber Town. I'd go out in the field and she'd even talk to me a little bit when she walked toward me. She knows I have a peppermint for her.” Groupie Doll (2008 chestnut mare, Bowman's Band–Deputy Doll, by Silver Deputy) Lifetime record: Ch. female sprinter (twice), MGISW, 23-12-4-4, $2,648,850 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Fred Bradley & William Bradley (KY); O-Fred F. Bradley, William B. Bradley, Carl Hurst, and Brent Burns; T-William 'Buff' Bradley; J-Rajiv Maragh. Current location: Gainesway, Lexington, Ky. The post Catching Up with 2012-13 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Winner Groupie Doll appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Moonga Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023 Location: Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1400m The Group 3 Moonga Stakes is a 1400m event held as a set weights and penalty contest for horses aged four-years-old and older at Caulfield. Since the inaugural edition of the Moonga Stakes, the race has been run over 1400m and at Caulfield Racecourse. After beginning as a Principal Race from 1988 to 1993, the Moonga Stakes was upgraded to Group 3 level from 1994 onwards. Horses have used the Moonga Stakes as a lead up for a number of Group 1600m races during the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. Notable winners of the Moonga Stakes include Streets Of Avalon (2019), Voodoo Lad (2016), Lucky Hussler (2014), Boban (2013), Love Conquers All (2011), Thorn Park (2003), Assertive Lad (2002), Flavour (2001), Star Dancer (1994), Rough Habit (1992) and Vo Rogue (1988). 2023 Moonga Stakes Betting Odds Aegon winning the Group 3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield in 2022. The 2023 Moonga Stakes odds as of October 20 look like this: Nunthorpe – +150 Buffalo River – +400 Climbing Star – +700 Times Square – +800 Cause For Concern – +850 The Fortune Teller – +1000 Complete Moonga Stakes odds available at Bet365. Best Moonga Stakes bookmakers The Moonga Stakes isn’t a race that’s on the tip of every punters’ tongue, but rather it is part of the excellent race offering during the spring. Some of the top online bookmakers will open up Moonga Stakes all-in markets which don’t provide insurance if your selected runner doesn’t start in the race, but the odds are more appealing. All of our recommended horse betting sites offer betting on the Moonga Stakes and bookmaker bonuses will also be available in the days leading up to the race. Almost all Australian bookmakers have got betting apps available. Sport Table Latest Moonga Stakes News Caulfield Cup Day preview & betting tips | October 21, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 20 hours ago Elevate your Caulfield Cup Day 2023 bets with expert racing tips and quaddie selections for free on HorseBetting.com.au … Read More Group 3 Moonga Stakes attracts 11 runners Australia horse racing news 2 days ago The Group 3 Moonga Stakes will feature 11 runners at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with Nunthorpe heading the market for … Read More Follow Files: Waller holds number one seed for VRC Derby Horse Racing Tips 1 week ago In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses from Flemington and Rosehill last Saturday that are worth keeping … Read More Aegon returns to fine form by winning the Moonga Stakes Horse Racing News 1 year ago Aegon has claimed the Group 3 Moonga Stakes over Bandersnatch and Lady Of Honour in the last race of the … Read More 2023 Moonga Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Mr Maestro Andrew Forsman Damian Lane 2 58.5kg 2 The Fortune Teller Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jamie Kah 6 58.5kg 3 Buffalo River Mike Moroney Celine Gaudray 5 58kg 4 Cuban Royale Robert & Luke Price TBC 11 58kg 5 Umgawa Leon & Troy Corstens Harry Coffey 1 58kg 6 Fender Brett Cavanough Damien Oliver 7 57kg 7 Cause For Concern Shawn Mathrick Ben Allen 8 57kg 8 Altivo Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jye McNeil 9 57kg 9 Times Square Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Carleen Hefel 3 56kg 10 Nunthorpe Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman TBC 10 55kg 11 Climbing Star Phillip Stokes Craig Williams 4 55kg Previous Moonga Stakes Field 2022 Moonga Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Lightsaber Peter Moody Luke Nolen 15 58.5kg 2 Ayrton Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr Jamie Kah 17 58.5kg 3 Regalo Di Gaetano Patrick Payne Michael Dee 13 58.5kg 4 Sinawann Anthony & Sam Freedman Ben Melham 2 58.5kg 5 Bandersnatch Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jye McNeil 14 58kg 6 More Than Exceed Phillip Stokes Daniel Moor 3 58kg 7 Open Minded Anthony & Sam Freedman Damien Thornton 1 58kg 8 Ironclad Will Clarken Todd Pannell 8 58kg 9 Streets Of Avalon Shane Nichols Zac Spain 16 57kg 10 Shaquero Chris Waller Brett Prebble 11 57kg 11 Aegon Andrew Forsman Blake Shinn 12 57kg 12 Wild Planet Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jason Collett 6 57kg 13 Catalyst Michael Moroney Mark Zahra 9 57kg 14 Riddle Me That Matt Laurie Daniel Stackhouse 5 57kg 15 Old Flame Peter & Paul Snowden Tommy Berry 7 57kg 16 Lady Of Honour Ben & JD Hayes Damien Oliver 10 56kg 17 Poland (1E) Michael Moroney Craig Newitt 4 57kg 2022 Moonga Stakes result 1st – Aegon (+600) 2nd – Bandersnatch (-142.86) 3rd – Lady Of Honour (-166.67) Recent Moonga Stakes results 2022: Aegon returns to fine form in Moonga Stakes Aegon (+600) has claimed the Group 3 Moonga Stakes over Bandersnatch (+320) and Lady Of Honour (+300) in the last race of the day on Caulfield Cup Day. The win gave Andrew Forsman a treble across Caulfield Cup day after Mr Maestro and Saint Bathans won. Blake Shinn gave this five-year-old gelding a peach of a ride, by going back to the inside and ultimately winning the race by not going around a single horse. Aegon won the final event at a nice price for punters, winning at +600 with online bookmakers, knocking off Bandersnatch in a very tight photo. 2021: Buffalo River leads all the way Buffalo River (+170) won his first Stakes race in the 2022 Moonga Stakes, displaying his trademark toughness after racing on the pace in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield. Under a great ride from Jye McNeil, the son of Nobel Mission held on in the final stages from a fast-finishing King Magnus (+600), with Justacanta (+1500) sticking on for third place. 2020: Wild Planet nabs Morrissy on the line After letting down with a blistering turn of foot, the Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained Wild Planet (+450) has nabbed Morrissy (+1600) on the winning post to claim the Group 3 Moonga Stakes. Wild Planet was given a perfect ride from Hugh Bowman who settled him behind the leaders and managed to get him home in a photo, with Fifty Stars (+1100) running home nicely into third place. 2019: Streets Of Avalon claims Moonga Stakes Streets Of Avalon (+400) returned to the winner’s circle at Caulfield on Saturday by claiming the Group 3 Moonga Stakes with Ben Melham on board. Ben Melham took over with 300m to go, and even though he appeared vulnerable, the son of Magnus kept kicking and held on from Variation (+1300) and Royal Meeting (+260), who filled the placings. Moonga Stakes past winners list Moonga Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2022 Aegon Blake Shinn Andrew Forsman 2021 Buffalo River Jamie Kah Michael Moroney 2020 Wild Planet Hugh Bowman Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes 2019 Streets Of Avalon Ben Melham Shane Nichols 2018 Sircconi Linda Meech John Sadler 2017 Ulmann Damian Lane Darren Weir 2016 Voodoo Lad Brad Rawiller Darren Weir 2015 Vashka James McDonald John O’Shea 2014 Lucky Hussler Glen Boss Darren Weir 2013 Boban Glyn Schofield Chris Waller 2012 Whateverwhenever Craig Williams Liam Birchley 2011 Love Conquers All Darren Beadman Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes 2010 Rothera Brent Evans Currie 2009 McClintock Glyn Schofield Mark De Montfort 2008 Royal Discretion Nash Rawiller Gai Waterhouse 2007 Lord Of The Dance Danny Nikolic Mark Lewis 2006 Perfectly Ready Glen Boss Mick Price 2005 Voliant Darren Gauci Michael Hibbs 2004 Amtrak Steven King Mick Price 2003 Thorn Park Glen Boss Bob Thomsen 2002 Assertive Lad Jim Cassidy Gai Waterhouse 2001 Flavour Darren Beadman John Hawkes 2000 Cellar Darren Gauci John Hawkes Moonga Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Moonga Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Another Neptune 1998 Buster Jones 1997 Monets Cove 1996 Mamzelle Pedrille 1995 Royal Blue 1994 Star Dancer 1993 Cogitate 1992 Rough Habit 1991 Steineck 1990 Royal Pay 1989 Heavenly View 1988 Vo Rogue View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Caulfield Classic Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023 Location: Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 2000m The Group 3 Caulfield Classic is a 2000m event held as a set weights contest for three-year-olds at Caulfield. First run as a Listed race up until 1998, the Caulfield Classic was elevated to a Group 3 status until 2000, when it was made a Group 2 from 2000-2004, before resorting back to Group 3 status. The Caulfield Classic is traditionally the final tune up for horses heading towards the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m), held at Flemington a fortnight later. Just five horses have completed the Caulfield Classic/VRC Double, with Polanski the most recent to achieve the feat in 2013. As of 2023, the Caulfield Classic is run for $200,000. The next running of the Group 3 Caulfield Classic is set to be hold on October 21, 2023. 2023 Caulfield Classic Betting Odds Mr Maestro ridden by Harry Coffey winning the 2022 Caulfield Classic. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) The 2023 Caulfield Classic odds as of October 20 look like this: Riff Rocket – -222.22 Gold Bullion – +400 Apulia – +1000 Sunsets – +1400 Sunsource – +1600 Complete Caulfield Classic odds available at Bet365. Best Caulfield Sprint bookmakers The Caulfield Classic isn’t a race that’s on the tip of every punters’ tongue, but Australian betting sites do have markets out in the weeks leading up to the event. Some of the top online bookmakers will open up Caulfield Classic all-in markets which don’t provide insurance if your selected runner doesn’t start in the race, but the odds are more appealing. All of our horse betting sites offer betting on the Caulfield Classic and bookmaker offers will also be available in the days leading up to the race. These horse racing betting sites generally have apps available for iOS and Android smartphones. Sport Table Latest Caulfield Sprint News Caulfield Cup Day preview & betting tips | October 21, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 20 hours ago Elevate your Caulfield Cup Day 2023 bets with expert racing tips and quaddie selections for free on HorseBetting.com.au … Read More Caulfield Classic attracts eight three-year-old stayers Australia horse racing news 2 days ago The Group 3 Caulfield Classic will feature eight runners this Saturday afternoon, with the VRC Derby favourite Riff Rocket headlining … Read More Mr Maestro continues his winning ways in the Caulfield Classic Horse Racing News 1 year ago Mr Maestro hasgotten the better of Muramasa in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic, with the Andrew Forsman-trained three-year-old in prime … Read More Tutukaka continues march towards Victoria Derby Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Kiwi raider Tutukaka will continue his march towards the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) next month when he lines-up in … Read More 2023 Caulfield Classic Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Sunsource Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Ben Melham 7 57kg 2 Riff Rocket Chris Waller James McDonald 1 57kg 3 Apulia Ben, Will & JD Hayes Michael Dee 6 57kg 4 Gold Bullion Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 3 57kg 5 Sunsets Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young John Allen 8 57kg 6 Gates Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Luke Nolen 5 57kg 7 To Be Frank Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Mark Zahra 2 57kg 8 Tokyo Run Dean Mirfin Opie Bosson 4 57kg Previous Caulfield Classic Field 2022 Caulfield Classic field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Mr Maestro Andrew Forsman Harry Coffey 9 57kg 2 Red Sun Sensation Peter Moody Luke Nolen 2 57kg 3 Fearless Knight Kacy Fogden Tommy Berry 7 57kg 4 Dream Hour Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Damien Oliver 6 57kg 5 Muramasa Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 8 57kg 6 Distrustful Award Paul Preusker Dean Yendall 4 57kg 7 Maxxi Bon Kevin Corstens Damien Thornton 5 57kg 8 Fierce Legend Richard & Will Freedman Jye McNeil 1 57kg 9 Hereditary Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Jamie Kah 3 57kg 2022 Caulfield Classic result 1st – Mr Maestro (-166.67) 2nd – Muramasa (+170) 3rd – Distrustful Award (NTD) Recent Caulfield Classic winners 2022: Mr Maestro arrives in time Mr Maestro won the 2022 Caulfield Classic over the very game Muramasa and Distrustful Award. The $1.60 favourite with online bookmakers didn’t get things his own way like he had in previous starts. Harry Coffey had to take his medicine from the widest barrier and was positioned towards the rear for most of the race. Coffey made his move at the 800m mark and despite being three and four wide on the home turn, Mr Maestro never looked in trouble and managed to reel in the leaders in time to secure a smart victory in the Caulfield Classic. 2021: Gunstock shoots best shot in Caulfield Classic Having been sent out a $3.80 favourite, the Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)-trained Gunstock rewarded punters in fine fashion in the Caulfield Classic. In the much-anticipated rematch, El Patroness, the Super Impose winner, emerged as a formidable contender yet again. Under Brett Prebble, the daughter of Shamus Award, trained by Danny O’Brien, made an assertive move early on, positioning herself on the outside of leader Sharper. As they reached the halfway mark, Prebble seized control, launching a challenge for the lead. The real showdown unfolded 400m from the finish. Gunstock, tactfully ridden by Jye McNeil, patiently bided his time and made a decisive move on the home straight. Surging ahead at the 100m mark, Gunstock took the lead, asserting his dominance over his previous conqueror. 2020: Albarado shows Derby credentials In the 2020 Caulfield Classic, Kiwi-bred Savabeel colt, Albarado, showcased remarkable resilience in a race that unfolded messily. Under the guidance of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, the colt, ridden by Mark Zahra, demonstrated tenacity to secure victory. Zahra strategically positioned Albarado towards the rear of the field, finding himself four deep early on and dealing with some over-racing tendencies before settling into a rhythm. The early leader, roughie Mr Roger set the pace ahead of the heavily backed favourite, Let’s Karaka Deel, who manoeuvred forward from a wide starting position to settle near the front. Amidst the muddling pace, Zahra navigated Albarado through the field, improving from a second-last position to midfield as the pace slowed with 800m left to travel. In a finish that showcased the colt’s toughness, Albarado, priced at $4.80, emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive contest. This edition of the Caulfield Classic concluded with a thrilling, diving finish, with Albarado crossing the line just ahead of the favoured Let’s Karaka Deel, who had to settle for second place. 2019: Thought Of That leads throughout Initially considered a $101 longshot when Derby nominations opened, Thought Of That’s fortunes dramatically shifted, and he became the $3 second favourite after a spectacular performance in the Caulfield Classic. The Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace-trained colt, starting at $4.20, delivered an extraordinary three-and-three-quarter-length victory from the front. Jockey Linda Meech executed the race strategy flawlessly, pushing Thought Of That early for the lead and then masterfully controlling the pace. As they approached the home turn, Meech had the race well in hand, with Thought Of That putting four lengths on the competition, effectively securing the win before the majority of the field had even turned for home. Caulfield Classic past winners list Caulfield Classic Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2022 Mr Maestro Harry Coffey Andrew Forsman 2021 Gunstock Jye McNeil Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) 2020 Albarado Mark Zahra Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young 2019 Thought Of That Linda Meech Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 2018 Thinkin’ Big Tim Clark Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 2017 Cliff’s Edge John Allen Darren Weir 2016 Good Standing Blake Shinn James Cummings 2015 Sacred Eye Damian Lane David Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2014 Fontein Ruby Mark Zahra Robert Smerdon 2013 Polanski Hugh Bowman Robbie Laing 2012 Hvasstan Glen Boss Peter Gelagotis 2011 Sabrage Damien Oliver Mike Moroney 2010 Retrieve Mark Zahra Peter Snowden 2009 Shamoline Warrior Michael Rodd Mark Kavanagh 2008 Pre Eminence Craig Newitt Mick Price 2007 Pillar Of Hercules Luke Nolen Peter Moody 2006 Get Square Darren Beadman John O’Shea 2005 Pendragon Greg Childs Bart Cummings 2004 Cedar Manor Damien Oliver Graeme Rogerson 2003 Casual Pass Noel Callow Mathew Ellerton 2002 Platinum Scissors Jim Cassidy Gai Waterhouse 2001 Amalfi Damien Oliver Peter Moody 2000 Royale Exit Peter Mertens Leon Corstens Caulfield Classic Past Winners Pre 2000 Caulfield Classic Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Blackfriars 1998 Lawyer 1997 Brave Prince 1996 Mustang Ranch 1995 Nothin’ Leica Dane 1994 Punctual 1993 Battle Hawk 1992 River Hero 1991 Lady Purpose 1990 Big Dermott 1989 Counterfeit 1988 Panneria 1987 Omnicorp 1986 Dundas Lane 1985 Born To Be Queen 1984 Gold Deck 1983 King Delamere 1982 Brightman 1981 Lordship 1980 Bright Halo 1979 Attack 1978 Society Beau View the full article