Wandering Eyes

Rangiora racecourse is out of action “until further notice” after gale force winds caused widespread damage over the weekend. Gusts of around 200 kilometres an hour swept acrosss the province, with Rangiora racecourse losing around 600 tons of its racing surface. “The track is down to its base in some parts,” says Harness Racing New Zealand’s Track and Venue Inspector John Denton, who was on site first thing this morning. “The worst part is just by the home bend.” A grader will start work today on re-distributing the remaining surface equally before tons of new product is trucked in during the week. “We hope to have the job completed by the end of the week,” says Denton, “but until further notice the track is closed.” Wednesday’s scheduled trials at the track have been abandoned. Instead Ashburton’s trials will now be delayed a day, from Tuesday to Wednesday. Addington also suffered some damage over the weekend, but, according to Denton, “to a far lesser degree.” Repairs will be carried out during the week and there’s not expected to be any disruption to Friday’s meeting. View the full article

One very lucky TAB customer has scooped up $10 million after correctly predicting the finishing order of the 12 horses in Saturday’s The Everest race at Royal Randwick in Sydney. TAB’s The Everest Mega Millions promotion gave customers the free opportunity to submit their predictions for the chance to win a life changing prize and one punter was able to beat the odds and do just that. New Zealand’s newest millionaire from Auckland is an existing customer of the TAB who happened upon the competition as he was taking a punt on the Rugby World Cup. With the promotion free to enter, our winner thought it wouldn’t hurt to take a shot. The winner said: “I’m absolutely blown away. I saw the promotion on the TAB site and thought I’d give it a crack. I didn’t put too much thought into my picks and just dropped the runners where I thought it could go. I honestly could not believe I’d won it. I actually thought it was a hoax when they first rang me – I called the TAB back, and it took quite a lot of convincing before it sank in! To have pulled it off, winning $10 million in a free to play competition, is truly incredible for my family and I.” Managing Director of Entain New Zealand (operator of the TAB), Cameron Rodger, says the whole Entain team is thrilled for the Mega Millions winner. “It was great to see so many Kiwis getting involved in The Everest through our Mega Millions promotion, and to have someone take home the $10 million prize is an amazing result. The Everest is the world’s richest race on turf and this customer has managed to take home more than the winner’s purse by pulling off one of the most impressive selecting feats we have ever seen. The race had over 400 million possible finish results, and he managed to nail the exact one needed. We’re thrilled with the customer engagement this innovative competition was able to generate and a huge congratulations to our winner!” There was plenty of New Zealand interest in this year’s edition of The Everest, with Kiwi star I Wish I Win (Wish) running in the Trackside Media slot. 43 percent of entrants had backed Wish to finish first in the Mega Millions, with 25 percent correctly backing him to finish second. Wish finished a gallant runner up behind race favourite Think About It, having been blocked for a run at a crucial stage in the straight. “Having I Wish I Win representing Trackside Media, but also flying the flag of our nation in Australia has been amazing. We were determined to get Kiwis excited about this incredible horse, and in this magnificent Everest event – and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result” Rodger says. “Watching him compete confirmed everything we knew about his tenacity and from a tough start in Matamata to go on to compete in the $20m race that is The Everest, and very nearly take it out, is just amazing. We couldn’t be prouder of everyone who was involved in getting Wish here and we’re indebted to the team at Waikato Stud, the Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW for giving us this opportunity to put this spectacular race on the map for NZ punters.” For the Chittick family and all the team at Waikato Stud, being involved in The Everest was a hugely memorable experience. “We are so incredibly proud of I Wish I Win. He showed his trademark fighting spirit yesterday to run second and we can’t thank Luke Nolen, Peter Moody, Katherine Coleman and all their team enough – our boy was in tip top condition for the race. If we’d had just a bit more room at the right time in running, we may well have seen a different result”, said Waikato Stud Principal Mark Chittick. “We’ve been blown away by the commitment of everyone involved in I Wish I Win’s Everest campaign both here and in Australia – it’s been 110 percent effort from the inception of this idea with Trackside Media to when Wish crossed the finishing post. “We send big congratulations to the Mega Millions winner, what a prize to collect. As for next year, you never know, we might be back to have another crack at conquering Everest!” Kiwi punters certainly rallied behind I Wish I Win, and Entain was delighted with customer engagement in the race and across the whole Randwick card. Turnover on The Everest race was more than double last year, generating a total of $1.85 million, whilst the number of customers engaged on the race was also double that of last year. The campaign put behind the race saw it skyrocket up our highest turnover thoroughbred race list, going from 10th all the way to second, sitting only behind the Melbourne Cup. Turnover on the entire meeting at Randwick also saw a massive increase, up more than 57 percent on last year, to $4.4 million. It was also a big day of domestic racing here in New Zealand, highlighted by the Group 1 Livamol Classic at Hastings. Turnover on that meeting also saw a big jump from last year, up more than 21 percent to $5.1 million. More than 6,000 customers jumped on board The Boys Get Paid Punters Club who were active across both the Randwick and Hawkes Bay meetings. The club opened the day with $320k in the bank, striking early with Adam I Am in Race 5 at Hawkes Bay with their first bet. They also landed the winner of the Group 1 Livamol Classic with Ladies Man saluting. A rematch with the bookies beckons at TAB Karaka Millions Night on January 27. The 2023 edition of The Everest has certainly been one to remember reflects Rodger: “Since Entain became involved in the industry on 1 June 2023, the New Zealand racing industry has received much needed stakes increases and extra funding to reinvigorate the sport. With results like we saw on the weekend, it’s clear that Kiwis’ interest in these big-ticket annual events is only increasing, which can only help support the industry to continue growing.” Key Information: One $10m winner after correctly selecting the order of the 12 runners home in TAB’s The Everest Mega Millions free-to-play competition. Kiwi boy I Wish I Win did us all proud – running in the Trackside Media NZ slot and coming second in the world’s richest horse race on turf. Turnover on The Everest race doubled from last year, generating $1.85m. Turnover on the entire meeting at Randwick up more than 50% on last year to $4.4 million. The Group 1 Livamol Classic at Hastings, up more than 20 percent from last year to $5.1 million. More innovation and initiatives to come to boost racing industry from Entain Australia and NZ. View the full article

One day after fetlock arthrodesis surgery to repair broken sesamoids in her left front leg, Echo Zulu (Gun Runner) spent an uneventful day at Steve Asmussen's barn at Santa Anita, according to David Fiske, racing manager for co-owner Ron Winchell. “No significant change from yesterday,” texted Fiske in response to a TDN request for an update. “(She) splits her time between lying down and standing at her stall door eating hay. At this stage, that feels like a win. No news is good news.” Echo Zulu was working in company with stablemate Gunite (Gun Runner) on Friday morning at Santa Anita when she suffered the injury. She was operated on Saturday by California veterinarian Dr. Ryan Carpenter. “The surgery went very good,” said Carpenter on Saturday after the surgery. “She's up and headed back to the barn. From this point on, we take it day by day. These cases are not out of the woods for the next four to six weeks but every good day is a day closer to a successful outcome.” In 2023, Echo Zulu won the GI Ballerina H., GII Honorable Miss H., GIII Winning Colors S. Her overall racing record was 11 starts, with nine wins and earnings of $2,640,375. Fiske said it was too soon to determine what happens next for the four-year-old filly, trained by Steve Asmuseen. “Too early to say,” he said. “Steve will go out sometime in the near future to better assess the situation. Then we can look at our options. A lot will depend on when she is deemed able to travel.” The post Echo Zulu Has Another Good Day After Surgery appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Deebee Zapower returned to the winner’s circle at Rotorua on Sunday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Deebee Zapower, a consistent performer, defied a couple of lacklustre outings to reclaim his winning form at Rotorua on Sunday. The six-year-old Power gelding had previously impressed with a victory at Te Rapa in August, but subsequent races at Te Rapa and Hastings saw him finish towards the rear. Trainer Gavin Opie chose to focus on the positive side of things, despite the two disappointing runs. He had a clear vision for Deebee Zapower on Sunday, and the horse delivered as expected. Under the guidance of apprentice Niranjan Parmar, Deebee Zapower settled off the pace. He made a spectacular move, surging four wide around the home bend, ultimately winning comfortably by a three-length margin over Gwen’s Daughter. “His last two runs looked bad on paper but actually weren’t as disappointing as some were saying,” said Opie. He had nothing go his way at either Hastings or Te Rapa, so we went into today with plenty of confidence.” With this victory, the team is now looking ahead to more significant challenges. Opie is considering an open 1500m contest as the next target for Deebee Zapower, who has now secured four wins in his 20 starts. “He is getting up in the weights now, so I think we will try for an open handicap next time. “There is a nice 1500m open at Pukekohe at the end of the month, and he will get some weight relief in it, which will suit him nicely.” Opie also expressed his satisfaction with the recent performances of his small team at Te Aroha, with Just A Tipple contributing to the win record with three victories in the last six starts. “Things have been going well for us, and all of our horses seem to be rounding into form nicely. We only have a small team, so getting wins from them on a Saturday is a real buzz.” More horse racing news View the full article

California Spangle lands the Sha Tin Trophy. Hugh Bowman crowned an outstanding display – and sealed a quartet – at Sha Tin on Sunday with a masterful ride on California Spangle in the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) to lay the foundations for Tony Cruz’s classy galloper’s defence of the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on December 10. Bowman’s precise front-running ride allowed California Spangle to become the first horse since Beauty Generation in 2017 and 2018 to post successive Sha Tin Trophy victories, while Cruz secured his third win in the first Group 2 contest of the season after California Memory’s 2011 triumph. Oozing confidence after dominating the undercard with wins aboard David Hall pair Kyrus Unicorn and Summit Cheers and also Noble Pursuit for Caspar Fownes, Bowman reserved his best ride for the afternoon’s feature. Taken immediately to the lead from the outside barrier (gate 10), California Spangle (135lb) sauntered through the first 800m in 48.54s before Bowman gradually increased the tempo to clock 45.64s for the closing 800m to defeat Encountered (117lb) by half a length with a similar margin to Beauty Eternal (123lb) in an overall time of 1:34.18. Bowman, who inherited the California Spangle ride from Zac Purton after the six-time Hong Kong champion’s decision to partner Beauty Eternal, was lauded by Cruz. “Hugh Bowman is a top-class jockey. The horse showed his class today and the jockey rode a perfect race,” Cruz said. “After the second trial, California Spangle seemed to be going very badly but he came on after that trial. That was the big difference. “He’s always been the star horse in my stable – he’s the only star horse in my stable at the moment – and Hugh Bowman will be riding him in the races ahead.” Those assignments include the Group 2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) on November 19 and the Hong Kong Mile. Now the winner of 11 of 19 starts, California Spangle’s classy display was the high point of Bowman’s day and capped an eventful week for the Australian, who drew a two-day suspension at Happy Valley last Wednesday and a further three-day ban at The Everest meeting at Randwick on Saturday. Those travails faded as Bowman joined forces with Cruz’s banner horse. “I was just concentrating on my horse and his rhythm. He’s a free-rolling type and I was surprised there wasn’t a little more pressure during the early stages, but it wasn’t in my interests to go too strong anyway,” he said. “There wasn’t a lot of pressure and with the impost of 135 pounds and that helped him at the business end of proceedings. I was confident of a big performance today – win, lose or draw – and he hasn’t disappointed.” Reflecting on his day, Bowman said: “I had a nice book of rides. I didn’t have any stand outs but I started off on a good note with Kyrus Unicorn. He trialled really well at the Valley and it didn’t surprise me to see him perform like that at this grade. Summit Cheers was outstanding and Noble Pursuit was outstanding last start. “Unfortunately, I made an error of judgement (careless riding) in Sydney yesterday and that’s cost me a few meetings here but it’s no good dwelling on it. I mean, I should be a bit more mature than that but, look, it is what it is. Fair’s fair, so I’ll serve my suspension after next Sunday. I’ve got a big week ahead, so I’ll focus on that.” Bowman and Hall combined with Kyrus Unicorn in a victory Hall attributed to “the class factor.” Rated 85 after winning twice in Ireland for Dermot Weld, the grey prevailed today as a 39-rater at his 36th Hong Kong appearance. Bowman and Hall sealed a race-to-race double when Summit Cheers swept to victory before Pierre Ng-trained I Give posted his third win this season over the 1200m Sha Tin course under Andrea Atzeni. Bowman continued the spree aboard Fownes-trained Noble Pursuit, a Savabeel four-year-old having only his third start before elevating with California Spangle’s success and building a slender lead over Purton – 17-16 – in the jockeys’ championship. Ensued made an impressive debut with victory under Purton to provide 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer John Size with his first success of the term – and collect a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Bred in the United States of America, Ensued placed twice in England for James Fanshawe and was too strong today first-up over 1800m, suggesting a Hong Kong Derby (2000m) tilt might be within the three-year-old’s grasp. Lucky Encounter validated trainer David Hayes’ lofty opinion of the Epaulette gelding with his fourth win from six starts under Karis Teetan as Leslie gave Michael Chang’s stable its second success of the campaign when Angus Chung drove the gelding to a narrow win over Always Fluke. Ng and Purton teamed with Taj Dragon as the Mehmas gelding surged to an impressive win before Atzeni finished the day with a brace aboard Frankie Lor’s Lucky With You. More horse racing news View the full article

What Newcastle Races Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling St, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Tuesday, October 17, 2023 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing heads to the Hunter on Tuesday afternoon, as Newcastle Racecourse plays host to a competitive eight-race program. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit, and with some light showers expected in the region leading into race-day, we’re anticipating the surface to come up a Soft 5 on Tuesday morning. The first race is set to get underway at 1:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Newcastle: Godzilla Godzilla will be second-up into the campaign on Tuesday afternoon after being a beaten favourite first-up at Kembla Grange on October 7. He was beaten by seven lengths on that occasion on a day where it was suitable to be ridden on-speed. He was way too far back to figure over the 1300m as Candlelit went on to make every post a winner. Godzilla did enough to suggest he’s worth following, however, and as Tommy Berry hops in the saddle for the Snowden’s, we’re confident he’ll improve greatly here. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Godzilla (7) 3yo Colt | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Tommy Berry (58kg) +130 with Dabble Next Best at Newcastle: Port Lockroy Port Lockroy comes through some superior form-lines heading to Newcastle on Tuesday and should prove very hard to beat. He finished fifth in the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) on September 30 and was far form disgraced in what was an ultra-competitive contest. This is a much more obtainable task for the three-year-old colt, and although he’s got a sticky draw (15) to overcome, Port Lockroy should prove too good for Class 1 company. Next Best Race 6 – #6 Port Lockroy (15) 3yo Colt | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Heavelon Van Der Hoven (57.5kg) +170 with Neds Next Best Again at Newcastle: Incessant Incessant was climbing all over the back of his opposition on debut at Randwick (Kensington) on October 4 and was impressive running into a second-place finish. The son of Savabeel continued to get checked back in the running and turned for home from the rear. It was no fault of jockey Jason Collett, and once getting clear stormed through the wire. If Incessant can replicate his first-up effort, with a bit more luck in transit, he’ll find himself in the finish once again. Next Best Again Race 5 – #6 Incessant (9) 3yo Colt | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Jason Collett (56.5kg) +180 with Betfair Tuesday quaddie tips for Newcastle races Newcastle quadrella selections Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6-7-11-13 6-7-12 2-4-7-9 1-2-5-11-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Between winning the COVID-delayed Kentucky Derby in September and giving thousands of microshare owners cause to celebrate, Authentic was a major talking point the fall of 2020. His first foals, yearlings of 2023, include 10 who fetched $700,000 or more at recent Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton sales. “Authentic is a very special horse to us here at Spendthrift,” said the farm's general manager, Ned Toffey. “He is a horse that we initially pursued the breeding interest in, but very quickly we found ourselves taking it a step farther and buying him outright. It was exciting for us to have a son of Into Mischief with so much potential and especially so much Classic potential. At the end of the day I think he gave Mr. [B. Wayne] Hughes one of the biggest thrills to win the Breeders' Cup Classic right here in Lexington. He is very, very special to us.” Authentic (2017 bay horse, Into Mischief–Flawless, by Mr. Greeley) Lifetime record: Horse of the Year, Ch. 3yo colt, MGISW, 8-6-2-0, $7,201,200 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); O-Spendthrift Farm LLC, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables LLC, and Starlight Racing; T-Bob Baffert; J-John Velazquez. Current location: Spendthrift Farm, Lexington, Ky. The post Catching Up with 2020 Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner Authentic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first of back-to-back GI Breeders' Cup Classic winners retired to Spendthrift, Vino Rosso currently leads the U.S. freshman sire list and has had four individuals place in Grade I races in the last five weeks, including three on Oct. 7. “Since he is a son of Curlin, we were fortunate enough to acquire the breeding rights to him in his 4-year-old year, and that's when he really began to take off,” said Ned Toffey, general manager of Spendthrift. “He won the Wood Memorial, so he was good early in his 3-year-old year, too. He had talent, did have some precocity, and really got good as he got into those Classic distances. His Breeders' Cup Classic was one of the most impressive. He was a horse that had a really good fall and continued to thrive into Breeders' Cup week. He was the wise guy horse and didn't disappoint on race day; he's come to stud and done the same. He's demonstrated more precocity as a sire than we even expected. We're really excited about him.” Vino Rosso (2015 chestnut horse, Curlin–Mythical Bride, by Street Cry {Ire}) Lifetime record: Ch. older male, MGISW, 15-6-1-3, $4,803,125 Breeders' Cup connections: B-John D. Gunther (KY); O-Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable; T-Todd Pletcher; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. Current location: Spendthrift Farm, Lexington, Ky. The post Catching Up with 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner Vino Rosso appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tripolina, the lone filly in the field, bounded home an easy winner of Woodbine's CA$125,000 Display Stakes for 2-year-olds, confirming the promise she showed in an impressive debut win in August. View the full article

Arcangelo, the top-rated contender for the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 4 at Santa Anita Park, worked for the second time at the Arcadia, Calif., track Oct. 15 with trainer Jena Antonucci in from New York to observe.View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat timed Tony Ann's move just right as the improving filly edged heavily favored Caravel in a duel to the wire in the Oct. 15 $350,000 Franklin Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland.View the full article

Group 3 winner Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) will likely start next in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. on British Champions S. Day at Ascot if the anticipated wet weather holds, Team Valor's Barry Irwin said Sunday. The 4-year-old gelding was most recently third behind Sauterne (Fr) (Kingman {GB}) in the G1 Prix Du Moulin de Longchamp on Sept. 3. “It's the plan and he could run on any type of surface, but he's better with some give in the ground and the wetter the better, like when he won the Prix Perth at Saint-Cloud,” Irwin said. “We have skipped some other races he could have run in waiting for the race next weekend figuring it would be really wet again.” “I think at this point we're looking at it as much, if not more, as a test to see how he handles that [quicker] going at this point of his life, as our goal next year is the G1 Dubai Turf. This will be a good test to see how he handles that type of track. That mile up the straight at Ascot is more like a mile and eighth and that's the distance of the Dubai Turf.” The post Facteur Cheval to Queen Elizabeth II on British Champions Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If the saga over the supposedly pending sale of now-closed Turf Paradise was a soap opera, its title would surely be “AZ the World Turns.” The state's racing is hanging in the balance amid an increasingly acrimonious long-term feud between the track's owner and horsemen, leading one trainer at last Thursday's Arizona Racing Commission meeting to liken the horse community's predicament to children “being used as pawns in a divorce battle” by vindictive parents on the verge of a nasty split. Although TDN's original story about that Oct. 12 commission meeting didn't have the space to cover all aspects of the ongoing bickering among the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) and Turf Paradise's owner, Jerry Simms, one subplot is worth further mention here, because its irony resonates at the federal level (and perhaps soon all the way to the United States Supreme Court). Lloyd Yother, the president of the AZHBPA, alleged on Thursday that Simms is so far behind in making necessary repairs and upkeep that a new, incoming owner would never be able to open Turf Paradise for a race meet in January, a target date that Simms has said is perfectly reasonable as he attempts to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement with a buyer who has thus far refused to speak publicly about the deal at Arizona commission meetings. In particular, Yother and Simms sparred verbally over the specific issue of whether or not extensive repairs are needed for the main track railing, with Yother claiming the fencing is not up to spec and Simms countering that Turf Paradise had fixed problems related to a non-compliance warning issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety (HISA) Authority earlier this year after an inspection turned up “numerous gaps and exposed edges in the railing material that could inflict serious harm upon jockeys…” Darrell Haire, the western regional manager for The Jockeys' Guild, told commissioners on Thursday that the Turf Paradise rail during the 2022-23 season “was patched up the whole meet. And I don't know what condition it's in now, because it's just getting older. It's just deteriorated. So I believe that it has to be replaced. The patchwork they did was finished the last week of the meet, and it was supposed to be done at the beginning of the [last] meet.” Haire's points are well-taken. But to understand where things got interesting in this particular argument, you have to widen the lens to encompass the HBPA's 2 1/2-year-old legal quest to kill off HISA over alleged constitutional violations. Keep that court fight in mind when considering what Yother next suggested at that meeting: “I have a recommendation that maybe we ought to ask HISA to come back in and take a look at the track, to maybe get a step ahead of some of the delays that we're encountering now,” Yother said. “If we get HISA to send somebody in to look at the track [we can] see what's going to have to be done before anybody will be able to race, whether it be current owner, future owner, or whatever.” Yes, that's the president of an HBPA affiliate, whose own organization–plus its national parent and 11 other HBPA affiliates–have written in court documents that the HISA Authority functions like “a private police department” with sweeping powers that equate to “oligarchic tyranny,” now calling upon that very same Authority to intervene when the AZHBPA needs an entity with federal clout to advocate for its own cause. This unlikely juxtaposition of the AZHBPA asking the HISA Authority for help while it's simultaneously trying to eradicate that regulator and its enabling law would be stunning were it not overshadowed by the truly dire overall predicament that Arizona racing now faces. 'Notion' is 'Great' in two states Saturday's win by Witty in the $100,000 Maryland Million Turf Sprint S. over 5 1/2 furlongs at Laurel Park extended an impressive streak set by Great Notion, the state's top stallion by progeny earnings every year since 2018 (and the leader so far this season). His offspring have now won at least one Maryland Million Day stakes in 14 runnings of that event, dating to 2010. But the Maryland Million win wasn't even the biggest payday for a Great Notion-sired runner in a state-restricted stakes on Saturday. Later that evening, Coastal Mission splashed home by 5 3/4 lengths in the $300,000 Sam Huff West Virginia Breeders' Classic at Charles Town. Despite racing beyond seven furlongs for the first time, the 4-year-old was pounded to 1-5 favoritism and delivered by wiring the field over the three-turn, nine-furlong distance. Owned, bred and trained by Jeff Runco in partnership with his wife, Susan (Coleswood Farm), the win was the sixth straight for Coastal Mission. The gray has won nine of his last 10 dating to December, with all of the victories coming at Charles Town. His lone defeat was a fifth back in March when the gelding ventured to Laurel for a stakes engagement. In West Virginia, he's scored in state-bred stakes, open allowances, and also in the open-company $250,000 Russell Road S. last time out. Coastal Mission's lifetime mark stands at 11-3-1 from 16 starts, with $572,728 in earnings. Bred, owned, and trained by Elizabeth Merryman, Witty is a 4-year-old half-brother to last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint victress Caravel (Mizzen Mast). She was also bred and initially trained by Merryman prior to joining trainer Brad Cox for owners Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables. On Sunday, the 6-year-old Caravel just missed giving her dam, Zeezee Zoomzoom, two six-figure stakes winners on the weekend. She ran second as the odds-on favorite in the GII Franklin S. at Keeneland. Jockeying for Graded Stakes Flavien Prat won that aforementioned Franklin S., closing the gap to one victory in the North American jockey race for most graded stakes wins in 2023. Heading into the lucrative Breeders' Cup championships, this battle is shaping up as a two-rider run-off, with Irad Ortiz, Jr., (36) narrowly ahead of Prat (35). Through Sunday's races, the next closest jockeys are Juan Hernandez (24), Luis Saez (21), then Tyler Gaffalione and Joel Rosario (20 each). Ortiz has ridden in 11 more graded stakes than Prat. Interestingly, Hernandez is the top percentage rider among the leaders, winning graded stakes at a 31% clip from only 77 chances (everyone else mentioned has ridden in at least 121 graded stakes). Last year Ortiz topped Prat 50-42. The post The Week in Review: HBPA Tries to Derail HISA in Federal Court–But Also Wants Its Help in Arizona appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Now that many of the very best horses are coming out to play we are regularly updating what’s happening at the trials right around the country. Here’s the latest installment. Pukekohe Workouts Friday 13th October Weather Fine Track fast Perun (3g Betting Line – Bianca) Driven by his trainer Brent Mangos, Perun led from the outside gate and kept going too well for rivals MR:2:05.2, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.3 Penny Black (3f Sweet Lou – Tessa Rocks) trailed then was denied racing room on straightening, poked through late and did look a tad unlucky in second. The Jeremy Young trained filly does have some breeding behind her and was a very good 3rd behind Mantra Blue at only her 2nd start where she rated a 1:57 MR. Easily good enough to win a maiden. That’s What We Do (4g Love You – Great Getaway)) The Dickie trained winner of four (from just 12 starts) started off 20m and settled fourth of four before getting a drag into the race by American Muscle, outfinished that runner final 50m without being pushed, MR2:07.6, 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.2. American Muscle (4g Muscle Mass – Liberty City) also the winner of four trailed third before improving 600m out to sit parked, kept going strongly to be equally as impressive as winner. Pacemaker Bangkok Betty led and gave plenty of cheek at the business end, also the winner of four. The winner did give these runners a 20m start. Nelson’s Boy (7g Washington VC – Pennys A Flyin) The Wallis/Hackett trained runner trailed third before enjoying 1×1 cover over the last lap, finished best in straight MR:2:01.5, 800m in 57.0, 400m in 28.2. There were good runs in behind from Romeo Shard (came from three deep) and Frankie Major who poked between runners late, coming from last of 6 and he in particular looked to have more in the tank. Better Knuckle Up (2c Bettor’s Delight – Bare Knuckle) The Purdon/Phelan colt trailed stablemate Escape Artist mostly and did best after challenging strongly on straightening. MR:2:02.9, 56.9, 400m in 27.0 Fourth at his only start, he should prove competitive wherever his astute team place him in the coming weeks Escape Artist (2c Art Major – American Tart) has had a minor health issue in recent times and goes to Auckland this week to confirm he is good enough to warrant a trip south for the rich Sires Stakes final on cup day. Previously, the stable had rated him as good as Cold Chisel Next Level (2g Bettor’s Delight – Unforgiving) This was only a ‘learner’s’ pace but the Reid trained runner moved up to lead at the 800m and proceeded to run away from his rivals over the final stages, official margin 6 1/2L, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.0 There is some breeding behind this young fella and the manner of his win suggested that he would be good enough to be a ‘racehorse’ Winton Workouts Friday 13th October Weather Overcast Track Good Dawson (2g Sweet Lou – Speights Girl) The Stratford trained 2yo was again at the forefront of discussions this day as he led then cleared out from his rivals over the final 400m. MR:2:01.2, 800m in 55.7, 400m in 27.0 Sure to be a ‘hottie’ when making his debut in the coming weeks. Hydeeho (2g Betterthancheddar – Twist N Shout) made ground for a distant third but that was noteworthy considering what the winner did. He is a ½ to 5 in better than 2 mins so the breeding is on his side. Miraculous (2g Bettors Delight – Kelly Maguire) The Nathan Williamson trained runner has been mentioned in this forum before and is still unqualified at this time but it didn’t stop him working to the front and running clear of his three rivals in the final stages. MR:2:05.4, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 27.1 Certainly one to paste away when that debut comes around. Always Ticking (2f Always B Miki – Happy Ticker) The Brett Gray trained winner of the time honoured Leonard Memorial at Group 3 level earlier in the season trailed third (of 3) and finished strongly to place second but found stablemate Connie Jaccka (trailed) too good over the final 100m. MR: 2:06.2, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 27.9. She will have benefited from the run and has some big assignments coming up in the Canterbury area Wyndham Workouts Saturday 14th October Weather Showery Track Fast Da Vinci (3g Art Major – Rockin Cullen). The Ferguson trained runner was back again and showed his class by leading then clearing out from his rivals. MR:2:02.6, 800m in 55.4, 26.9 Ready to make a statement when he resumes and we all know how well stablemate Wagstar has been going in quality Canterbury fields, not to be underestimated wherever he lines up. Smokin Bandar (7g Monkey Bones – The Fiery Filly) Back from an Australian campaign (three starts) that didn’t go as well as hoped for, the 10 win trotter started against the maiden pacers here, quickly made the lead and on his best behaviour, kept going to win nicely by 2L, MR:2:03.2, 800m in 56.2, 27.6 Looks ready to make the trip north to Addington in November and good enough to upset some of the favourites in the big races Rangiora Trials Wednesday 11th October Weather Fine / Track Good Smoke On The Water (3g Art Major – Left In The Dark) The Purvis trained runner, in the hands of the trainer, sat midfield before working into the 1×1 1000m from home swept up around the final turn to quickly establish his superiority. MR: 2:03.3, 800m in 56.9, 400m 28.5. Big runs from the Dalgety trained pair Franco Sinatra and Ohoka Le Bron who were content to sit at the back of the field mostly and were giving the winner a start beginning the last 800m. Franco Sinatra (2nd place) in particular dashed home very late to get up a 1/2L from the Purvis runner. Aardiebytheseaside (3f Downbytheseaside – Divine) The Telfer trained filly, already the winner of six and over a $102k in stakes, settled last of six, from 30m, stayed there until tracking up co-backmarker Donmaro (7 wins) inside the final 800m, ducked to the inside on straightening to get within a neck of the latter. MR:2:07.1, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 28.8 These two had nearly 10L back to their rivals and their class shown through over the final stages. Of note, the one-win Louie (from only four starts) ran on from last for trainer Mark Smolenski albeit in a gap for fourth but back in his own racing grade, one might give him more than a second glance. Head Em Up (2g Waterloo Sunset – Eva Longoria) The Nairn trained 2yo, a regular mention in this forum, reminded punters again what a natural talent he is by pressing on to lead soon after the gate pulled away and then ran away from his opposition in the straight. The official margin was 13L. MR:2:04.4, 800m in 61.1, 400m in 30.5 His manners were perfect on this day and if he replicates that on race day, then he should be a winner sooner than later. A Fine Patrick, another to be highlighted previously, made a mistake after 400m and settled a long way off the pacemaker/winner, was close to 20L away at the 800m and put in an eyecatching run to beat the stragglers, finishing third. His final sectionals would have easily match the winner. Elizabeth Hill (3f What The Hill – Iwi Alex) The Telfer trained runner stepped beautifully to lead and kept going strongly to keep her rivals at bay. MR 2:09.9, 800m in 59.8, 400m in 30.7. A winner on debut back in April and the veteran of only two starts, the filly has a lot of breeding to live up to. Her dam won 10 on the way to winning $107k and her second dam Elizabeth Bay was an open class trotter winning eight and competed at Group 1 level. The trainers should be able to place her to advantage in the coming weeks. Confessional settled last off his 20m handicap and while working closer inside the final 400m, was only pulled out late and allowed to run home under his own steam for a closing 3rd Marlborough Trials Saturday 7th October Weather Fine Track Fast The Mantis (2g Sportswriter – Redback Jars) The Thomas trained runner qualified on this day and what was impressive was the way in which he dispatched his two rivals by 4L over the concluding stages. MR:2:05, 800m in 57.3, 400 NA. Obviously raceday is quite different but the final 800m suggested that there is a ‘motor there’ and one to paste away especially if wrapped up until the summer meetings at Nelson and Blenheim. Cambridge Trials Thursday 12th October Weather Overcast Track Good. Dear God (2f Betterthancheddar – God Forbid) The Marshall trained filly began well but then was restrained to trail her two rivals in a qualifying heat, came wide on the final turn to challenge, raced greenly before balancing up the last 100m to get up over the top of the pacemaker. Times not available at time of writing. God Forbid won 12 here and $111k before taking a time of 1:50 in America. Dear God is her second foal and she is a half to God Dam Pukekohe Workouts Saturday 7th October Weather Showery Track fast Merlin (3c Art Major – Imaginary Bet) In his final hit out before heading south, the class 3yo trailed stablemate Sooner The Bettor (who trailed the galloping pacemaker), both popped out at the 400m, Merlin widest of all, and the two Purdon/Phelan runners could not be separated at the line, MR:2:02.9, 800m in 57.8, 400m in 27.1 This heat was run the Addington way of going. Cambridge Workouts Saturday 7th October Weather Overcast Track Fast Le Major (2g Art Major – Le Girl) Talking of those going to Addington for the big money, the Donnelly trained 2yo has been a ‘big mover’ in the last month and he had little trouble outfinishing stablemate Mr President in a MR:2:03, 800m in 57.1, 400m in 27.4 in what was just a ‘quiet run’ to keep him ticking over. He looms as a ‘major’ player in the 2yo specials coming up. Wyndham Workouts Saturday 7th October Weather Fine Track Fast Dawson (2g Sweet Lou – Speights Girl) The Stratford trained 2yo trailed throughout then got the better of the pacemaker in the last 100m. The half brother to Bubbled Up was a $35k purchase by astute trainer Graeme Anderson at the 2022 Auckland yearling sale with his ‘liking’ of the stock of Sweet Lou well known. He has gathered some high profile ‘mates’ to join him in the ownership and on this day, they saw their charge rush home in 56.2, 400m in 27.5 in an unqualified pace. The track spies would have put him straight into the black book. Da Vinci (3g Art Major – Rockin Cullen) The Ferguson trained runner (winner of 4 from just 11 starts / 3 as a 2yo) strutted his stuff in impressive fashion running his last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.3 to outfinish Flying Ellie by 3/4L He has always been highly regarded by his connections and throughout his career he has been pitted against quality opposition. He won’t be afraid to come to Addington and we all saw what Wagstar did to the opposition last week Flying Ellie heads to Addington this week for the 2yo fillies Harness Million race for those sold through the yearling sales and is yet to taste defeat on raceday. Manawatu trials Thursday 5th October Weather Fine Track Fast Stealer’s Wheel (2g A Rocknroll Dance – Miss Sunshine) The Doug Gale trained 2yo qualified this day all by himself MR:2:02.8, 800m in 59.9, 400m in 29.2 Noteworthy because of the solo effort, he is also a half brother to four in better than 1:55, the best being Mattgregor who won 18 in Australia, won $190k and took a time of 1:50.6. This is a family developed over a long period of time by Graham Pearson (of Under Cover Lover fame) and is the immediate family of present day ‘superstar’ Millwood Nike North Otago trials Wednesday 4th October Weather Fine Track Good Huzuni (3f A Rocknroll Dance – VC Windermere) The Matty Williamson trained runner impressed clearing out from her two rivals winning by 3L, MR:2:01.0, 800m in 58.8 (time honours for the day) Former Central Otago trainer Geoff Knight has a share in the half sister to Mufasa (10 wins mainly in Queensland) and her dam won 4. Huzuni qualified back in May and has been given time to strengthen up and that patience could be rewarded sooner than later. Winton Workouts Thursday 5th October Weather Overcast Track Good Mach’s Back (9g Mach Three – Dream Angel). The Forbes trained 9yo boomed to the front from the outside of seven and kept going too well to hold his rivals at bay MR:2:03.2, 800m in 56.5, 400m in 27.8. The winner of nine and nearly $100k was not disgraced when fourth last time behind the promising Captain Tom and he would seem to be on a ‘cushy’ rating (R55) in the deep south. He might think he is only 5 years old ! Montage (3g A Rocknroll Dance – Shamrocks) The Hunter trained runner went to the front and spent most of the heat out on his own by 5-8 lengths from his 4 rivals, looked home until Craigsyde (who ran 2nd throughout) nabbed him via the passing lane in the last 30m. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 28.4 Interestingly, he qualified way back in January but he has real size about him and the connections have obviously been patient. Still a work in progress but one to paste away. Now that many of the very best horses are coming out to play we are regularly updating what’s happening at the trials right around the country. Here’s the latest installment. Invercargill Workouts Friday 29th September Weather Showery Track Easy Miki Knows (4g Always B Miki – Who Knows) The Douglas trained winner of three (from only 9 starts) raced third of four in indian file mostly but was back to last at the 400m peg when ‘tailender’ Joe’s Rock improved to challenge pacemaker Raklou (2yo filly), came stylishly down outer to grab those two runners but less than 1L covering the four horse field and all runners looked to have something in hand. MR:2:02.8, 800m in 58.4, 400m in 29.5 Raklou looks on target to come north to Addington for the Sires Stakes heat this coming week Miraculous (2g Bettor’s Delight – Kelly Maguire) The as yet unqualified Nathan Williamson trained, Breckon owned 2yo looked quite ‘green’ leading but was doing his best work over the final 200m in holding out his three rivals by nearly 2L, MR:2:11.2, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 29.3 Buckie Dundee (2c Net Ten Eom – Tact Ruby) paced roughly in the early stages but put in a determined run wide out on final turn to push the winner Flying Ellie (2f Art Major – Hi Ho Silver Lining) The unbeaten filly (two wins from two starts) trained by Nathan Williamson missed the start (mobile) by 5L, recovered to attach herself to the five horse trial in indian file, ran on under her own steam in the straight to finish officially 4th. MR:2:07.6, 800m in 60.3, 400m in 28.7. The weather was particularly bad for this heat and her sectionals would have been at least the equal of the winner Takeitout. ‘Ellie’ is well staked for the upcoming 2yo filly specials. Pukekohe Workouts Friday 29th September Weather Showery Track fast Merlin (3c Art Major – Imaginary Bet) The class 3yo trained by the Purdon/Phelan partnership sat third in the three horse trial then exploded around the 400m and literally ‘zoomed’ up to take control over the final stages for Zac Butcher. While obviously not race day, observers had to be impressed with his work MR: 2:03.5, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.3 Whispering Artist (4m Art Major – Serena’s Whisper) The Hughes trained winner of six (from only 11 starts) led her two rivals from the stand (Old Town Road raced third of three from 10m behind) and when that rival attacked inside the final 400m, kept up a strong run to be only a head away in the hands of Tony Herlihy. MR:2:07.4, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.6 She hasn’t started since May when she strung 4 wins together to end her last campaign. The patient connections should reap reward when asked to compete against her own sex. Bettor Knuckle Up (2c Bettor’s Delight – Bare Knuckle) The Purdon/Phelan runner trailed stablemate Duchess Megxit throughout then outfinished that runner as they came away from their three rivals from as far as 800m out. Both impressed in a MR:2:02.5, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.3 Bettor Knuckle Up debuted back in April for 4th and looks to have strengthened up during his spell. Mum won 8 & $106K (mostly in Australia) and took a best mile time of 1:51.5. He is her first foal. Cold Chisel (2c Always B Miki – Shezaball) In the fastest heat of the day, the Purdon/Phelan 2yo sat last of five in indian file, was still last starting the final 600m before improving through the middle for driver Zac Butcher and was seen doing his best work over the concluding stages without being extended. MR:2:00.4, 800m in 57.6, 400m in 28.6 Given time to get over a tough trip fourth in the Cambridge Sires Stakes heat, he now heads south to Addington to lock horns with the best of his age group and a potential place in the Cup day Sires Stakes final. Invercargill Trials Friday 29th September Weather Showery Track Easy Cochise (3c Father Patrick – Rae Galleon) The Ferguson trained trotter trotted solidly in front throughout and was far too good, winning by some 9L. It was a qualifying heat but he had got his ‘ticket’ back in the beginning of May. He has plenty of breeding to suggest he can win races and his 2:10.5 MR would be good enough to be competitive in most maiden trots down south. His debut is keenly awaited from a stable kicking many goals. Cambridge Trials Thursday 28th September Weather Overcast Track Good Its Nae Or Never (2f Art Major – Juice Brogden). The first foal from Juice Brogden (9 wins + $147k in stakes) was an impressive qualifier trailing two and three deep before letting loose in the home straight to power away from her two rivals, winning by 3L. MR:2:02.2, 800m in 60.8, 400m in 29.5 Trained by Nicky Chilcott, she looks to have inherited some of her dams ability on this effort and would be one to paste away for future reference. The Addington Trials Wed 27th September Weather Raining and cold and windy / Track Easy Patani (2c Father Patrick – Sagan) The Hope trained 2yo trotter trailed before improving to lead 1000m out, extended nicely last 300m and in the end 4 1/2L clear of rivals. MR:2:07.9, 800m in 61.9, 400m in 29.1. Only the two race day starts so far but did win on debut back in May then struck Wilma’s Boy when a resuming sixth, some 11L from winner. Should be further improved next up and from a stable that does well when placing its trotters. Ohara (3f Always B Miki – Paula’s On Fire ) The Howe trained filly trailed before popping out at the 400m to challenge in her qualifying heat run in trying conditions, too good for her two rivals in the straight, winning by 4L, MR:2:03.9, 800m in 62.5, 400m in 30.6. This filly comes from the immediate family of Hot N Treacherous and The Orange Agent so has a few things going for a potential race career. A Fine Patrick (2g Father Patrick – Harriet Of Mot) The Edmonds trained 2yo again showed why he is so highly regarded by his connections while the time did not set any records. Driver John Dunn bided his time back in the field before launching wide out on final bend, picked up his rivals with ease over the final stages without being extended. MR:2:14.4, 800m in 63.2, 400m in 30.6 Conditions again were not conducive to quick times but he will be at cramped odds when he makes his debut this season The Quiet Pirate (2g Captaintreacherous – Silence Is Golden) The Purdon trained 2yo broke briefly when crossing to lead just after the start but came down pacing in the hands of Mark Purdon and kept going to be way too good for his rivals MR:2:05.5, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 28.7. He was a $60k purchase at the 2022 Auckland Yearling Sales and is from the Auckland Reactor family that Purdon has had considerable success with in the past …. there must be a story behind that name ! We Walk By Faith (2g Bettor’s Delight – Wicked Nights) Another Purdon trained 2yo with plenty of breeding. He trailed mostly then used the passing lane to win in good style MR:2:03.6, 800m in 60.4, 400m in 28.7 Qualified back in June, owned by the Dunfords who have had much success with their ‘faith’ horses. Zara Tindall (3f Vincent – Royal Impression) The Robbie Holmes trained filly boomed off the gate, steadied midrace before coming home sharply, 400m in 27.8 (on an ‘off’ track) to win well She has placed four times already in just eight raceday starts including a meritorious second to the capable Treacherous Miss back in June, freshened, she should be one to follow in races restricted to Non Winners F&M. Kawhi (3g Andover Hall – Miss Lovalot) The Tom Bagrie trained runner is a full brother to the well performed Harold Smith (6 wins) and after 400m led for driver John Dunn, cleared out from the 400m and officially 8L clear of his rivals at the line. MR:2:04.9, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 29.0 Already the winner of one from 12 raceday starts and good enough to place twice as a 2yo, has not raced since May, but good enough to build upon his record at short notice. Millwood Nike (3f Captaintreacherous – Alburquerque) The star Purdon trained filly (14 starts for 14 wins) took time honours on what was quite a miserable day. She settled 4th of seven in indian file, received a nice 1×1 cart into race by a game Sweet Diamond at the 400m, not pushed to get over the top of her rivals, MR:1:59.7, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.2. With a number of her 3yo rivals hardened by recent racing and with the filly specials looming, one imagines that this hit out was much needed and her trainers would have been smiling post race. Her unbeaten stablemate Vessem (5 starts for 5 wins) set the pace and fought strongly when challenged to just hold second from the above mentioned Sweet Diamond and Celtic Spirit (trail) close up Piccadilly Pete (2g Sweet Lou – Piccadilly Princess) The Purvis trained 2yo is yet to qualify but proved too good for his six rivals, winning by a comfortable margin in the hands of his trainer, MR:2:08.7, 800m in 58.9, 400m in 27.8. His dam, of course, won 17 races and some $760k for the same connections and he is the first live foal from the mare. Needless to say, he looks to have inherited a fair amount of the family ability. Ashburton trials Tuesday 26th September Weather Fine Track Fast She’s Tough (6m He’s Watching – Cullen’s Mercy) The Mowbray trained mare started off 20m behind but soon trailed third of five in indian file, out to attack 400m out and kept up strong run to come away from rivals final stages MR:2:06.3, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 26.7 While a natural fast track in good fine conditions, the seven win mare put plenty of dash into her work in the hands of Matty Williamson Lime In A Bottle (2f Imperial Count – Gina) The Williamson trained 2yo raced third of four before being set alight by her trainer inside the final 600m, led around final corner, cleared out by 6L at the line MR:2:12.2, 800m in 58.7, 400m in 28.6 She qualified in early May but has yet to make her raceday debut. She is a half to some handy types including Time In A Bottle (9w and $101k) The Vixen (3f Always B Miki – Pocket Of Jewels) High strike rate trainer Laurence Hanrahan produced a handy qualifier in the hands of Rick May, soon led and kept going too well for her rivals, 3 1/2L clear at the line MR:2:06.7, 800m in 58.0, 400m in 28.4 The filly has a bit of breeding behind her and the ‘Miki’ fillies have proven good racehorses, one to watch when the astute trainer elects to take her to the races. Wyndham Workouts Sunday September 24 Weather Fine Track Fast Cormac Leo (3g Sweet Lou – Athena Matai) The Craig Ferguson trained 3yo settled third off five in indian file before improving midrace to take control and kept going strongly to win impressively, last 800m in 55.6, 400m in 27.5 Taken all the way to Addington for his debut where he duly won earlier in the season and then placed fifth in the Group 2 Southern Supremacy at his last start back in April (from only four race day starts), he looks to have come back stronger this time in and will be one to follow in the coming weeks Pukekohe Workouts Saturday September 23 Weather Overcast Track Good Chimichurri (4h Bettor’s Delight – Saucycullen) The Telfer trained entire missed away from the 2500m stand but quickly recovered to assume control after 600m from Bolt For Brilliance (T) who had stepped nicely. Kept up a strong run to hold out Old Town Road. The latter settled last of five then took the short way home inside the final 600m, was giving leader 4L at 400m and got within a neck at the line. Winners last 800m in 58.1, 400m in 27.1 Bolt For Brilliance sprinted sharply from the trail to be a 1/2L away in third and trainer Tony Herlihy would have been super happy with the effort against open class pacers Yourdoinamazinsweety (2g Sunshine Beach – Alesandra Ambrosio) The Herlihy trained 2yo raced last of five before improving to sit parked last 800m, fought strongly for his third, less then 1L from winner Lenny Lincoln who trailed then came along inner to just get up. MR:2:04.7, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 27.7 He won a heat of the Young Guns earlier in the season but being a big type he has been given time and should show the benefit from the patient approach once he reappears on raceday Minjee (2f Bettor’s Delight – Western Confidential) The Hollis/Robertson filly only had one rival but showed plenty of dash after leading throughout and coming clear by some 5L, running her last 400m in 28.3.Her breeding would suggest she will just get better as she gains further experience. One to paste away. The McGowan stable produced 3 workout winners who all showed enough to be followed when they resume. Lucky Mum (2f Father Patrick – Girls On Film) Already placed behind The Moonstone earlier in the season, she trailed against her two rivals then showed plenty of dash to clear out by 5 1/2L, 800m in 62.7, 400m in 29.3 Castana (3g Quaker Jet – Rosemaryz Luck) Already the winner of two from nine starts, he trailed last of four before improving to lead 600m out, he cleared out in the straight to win impressively, last 800m in 60.3, 400m in 28.4 Broken Promise (5g Sweet Lou – On A Promise) Settled third of five in indian file before improving to sit parked inside final lap, kept going strongly to win well, MR:2:05.1, 800m in 57.9, 400m in 28.1. The trainers must have some faith in him as he has raced only 5 times over 2 seasons and now nearly 6yo! Cambridge Workouts Saturday September 23 Weather Overcast Track Slushy Diamonds Are Forever (3f Always B Miki – Three Jewels) The Neal trained filly was good enough to place behind Millwood Nike at Group 1 level earlier in the season. In this trial she trailed throughout, elected to come out on the home turn and without too much effort finished best over her 3 rivals. MR:2:03.3, 800m in 58.8, 400m in 28.6 She would have have derived much benefit from the outing as she prepares to take on the best 3yo fillies in the coming weeks The Rangiora Trials Wed September 20 (Weather Fine but windy / Track Fast) Tinkerbelle (2f What The Hill – Belle Galleon) The Mark Jones trained half sister to top trotter Stent led and then did enough to hold out Bounce N Beyond with 24L to the rest. MR:2.10, 800m in 60.1, 400m in 28.6. The latter was good enough to beat Wilma’s Boy in a recent Rangiora trial and that runner came out and won a 2yo trot by 9L at Addington on the 15th September. Tinkerbelle qualified way back in early March where she dead-heated with High Step, now winning in Australia for her connections at Group level. All these references add up to her being a major player in the upcoming 2yo specials. Its fair to say that the current crop of 2yo trotters is collectively one of the strongest ever ! Masterly (4g Love You – Brilliant) Formerly with Paul Nairn (4 wins from 14 starts) but now with part owner Bob Butt, the Love You gelding stepped beautifully and was soon in front then had little trouble holding his rivals at ‘arms length’, MR:2:08.7, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 29.4 Remembering he won the 3yo Sires Stakes championship at Alex Park by nearly 7L at Group 2 level and competed at Group 1 level against the best of his age, this fellow has a touch of class and with another year on him, could be a big mover amongst the Canterbury trotters. Posh Painter (2f Terror To Love – Hanover Glory) The Robbie Close trainer filly raced 4th in indian file before improving to lead 600m out and kept giving to win nicely, last 800m in 57.8, 400m in 28.5. The head wind was quite strong down the back at this time and this qualifying effort looked full of merit. The trainer also has a share in this one. Winton Workouts Thursday 14th September (Weather Fine Track Fast) Mallory Maquire (2f Art Major – Miranda Maguire) Trained by Alister Black, the unqualified filly raced in a learners heat but it was the way she finished that suggested she might have a future when she gets to the races. ‘Mallory’ trailed early but lost her place as a couple of runners went rough in the running, well back starting the last 500m, she came very wide on final turn then collared the leader in the final 50m under her own steam for young driver Riley Black. 800m in 59.6, 400m in 30.3 She is a 3rd foal half sister to a nice maiden in Lewey Maguire (trained by Telfers) and Sonny Maguire now the winner of three in Queensland. Pukekohe Workouts Friday 14th September (Weather Showery Track Slushy) The Surfer (2g Downbytheseaside – Styx On) Another of the Telfer 2yo fillies Seafield Rose in the hands of Alicia Harrison sped out to lead and kept going too well for her rivals, nearly 3L to the good at the line. 800m in 58.2, 400m in 28.4 The only runner to make any headway over the final 600m was the Donnelly trained The Surfer (3rd) who made up good ground from well back for driver David Butcher. He also qualified back in April where he ran a 2:02MR at Cambridge and has some quality breeding behind him as well. Wyndham Workouts Saturday 16th September (Weather Fine Track Fast) Falcon’s Watch (4g He’s Watching – Touch Of Rose) The Ross Wilson-trained one race winner trailed three deep mostly before mounting a challenge around the final bend and was able to finish strongly and clear of his rivals at the business end, cutting the 2400 mobile out in a 2:02.8MR, last 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.8. Formerly trained by Nicky Chilcott where he was a winner at Alexandra Park, he has been given a good spell and this run suggested he could turn the poor formline around at short notice. Motukarara Workouts Saturday 16th September Weather Overcast Track Firm (Grass track) Quinn (2g Downbytheseaside – Vengance) Word is that trainer Bruce Negus thinks a lot of Quinn and it was the trainer who hopped in the cart to steer his charge to an impressive win over 3 rivals, last 800m in 61.0, 400m in 27.0 He qualified way back in April at Ashburton but has been given plenty of time to fill into his frame by the astute horseman. He is definitely one to paste away as we wait for that raceday debut. Footnote : Quinn went on to win his debut impressively at Wyndham on October 12. View the full article

Tony Ann, a 7-1 shot, outkicked heavily favored Caravel to the wire to earn the first stakes victory of her career in the GII Franklin S. at Keeneland Sunday. Caravel, who began a five-race win streak in last year's Franklin, broke from the rail and found herself chasing dueling pacesetters Twilight Gleaming (Ire) (National Defense {GB}) and B G Warrior (Run Away and Hide) through an opening quarter in :21.09. Tony Ann, who had raced just outside of the favorite early, fell back on the turn as Caravel attempted to reel in the pacesetters. Caravel looked to be spinning her wheels at the top of the stretch, as a resurgent Tony Ann swept to the lead. The champion battled back bravely on the inside, but could not get past Tony Ann. “It felt like the pace was strong enough, and I was traveling really well behind Caravel, so I was pleased with my trip,” said winning jockey Flavien Prat. “When I tipped her out, she responded really well. I was a bit worried by the sixteenth pole because Caravel came back on us, but she was really game. To go by Caravel you've got to go all out, but she was really game today.” Trained by California-based Phil D'Amato, Tony Ann was making just her third start of the year after opening the campaign with a runner-up effort in the July 28 Daisycutter S. going five furlongs over the Del Mar lawn. She headed east to be a close-up third after battling on the lead in the Sept. 9 GII AGS Ladies Turf Sprint S. at Kentucky Downs last time out. Caravel, who followed her win in last year's Franklin with a victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, was suffering her second straight loss Sunday. “The filly tried hard, but we just weren't able to get her head in front today,” said jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard the beaten favorite. “The fractions were solid, very fast, but I was content with where I was. I think my filly really struggled with the ground a bit today.” Trainer Brad Cox said a return trip to the Breeders' Cup was still in the plans for Caravel. “Good run, just came up a touch short,” Cox said. “I am proud of the effort. She likes it here at Keeneland and ran another great race. Breeders' Cup is definitely still something we are pointing towards. We'll see how she comes out of this race and go from there.” Pedigree Notes: Tony Ann's dam Never Ever is a half-sister to Grade I winner Cost of Freedom (Cee's Tizzy). She is the eighth graded stakes winner worldwide for her sire, Cairo Prince. Sunday, Keeneland FRANKLIN S.-GII, $336,525, Keeneland, 10-15, 3yo/up, f/m, 5 1/2fT, 1:02.42, gd. 1–TONY ANN, 120, m, 5, by Cairo Prince 1st Dam: Never Ever, by In Excess (Ire) 2nd Dam: Freedom Dance, by Moscow Ballet 3rd Dam: In True Form, by Imasmartee 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O-A Venneri Racing, Inc. and Anthony Fanticola; B-Alex Venneri Racing, LLC (KY); T-Philip D'Amato; J-Flavien Prat. $208,863. Lifetime Record: 10-5-1-3, $511,883. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Caravel, 124, m, 6, Mizzen Mast–Zeezee Zoomzoom, by Congrats. ($330,000 RNA 3yo '20 WANOCT; $500,000 4yo '21 FTKNOV). O-Qatar Racing LLC, Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables LLC; B-Elizabeth M. Merryman (PA); T-Brad H. Cox. $57,750. 3–Train to Artemus, 120, m, 5, Tapizar–Pay Day Kitten, by Kitten's Joy. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O-M and W Stables, LLC; B-Kenneth L. Ramsey & Sarah K. Ramsey (KY); T-Kelly J. Breen. $33,688. Margins: NK, 3/4, HF. Odds: 7.80, 0.72, 43.20. Also Ran: Twilight Gleaming (Ire), Wakanaka (Ire), Bay Storm, Linguistic, B G Warrior. Scratched: Star Guest (GB). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Another upset at @Keeneland! #8 TONY ANN ($17.62) and #1 Caravel hook up in the stretch and Flavien Prat gets the Cairo Prince mare up for a victory in the (GII) Franklin Stakes at @Keeneland. Congratulations to trainer @PhilDamato11 and all the connections. pic.twitter.com/8hlB3vCkyN — TVG (@TVG) October 15, 2023 The post Tony Ann Bests Caravel At The Wire In Thrilling Franklin S. At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Liberty Island scored a confident victory in the Shuka Sho (G1) Oct. 15 at Kyoto Racecourse, landing the Japanese filly Triple Crown and opening the door to what jockey Yuga Kawada called "dreams for the future."View the full article

Champion Channel Maker retires at age 9. "He's given us so many thrills," Wachtel said. "I've been fortunate to own some pretty nice horses but I think my partners and I can all agree on this that Channel Maker's been the horse of a lifetime."View the full article

Shadwell will rely on Mostahdaf in the Oct. 21 Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse after it was revealed King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) winner Hukum will not be supplemented.View the full article

Blue Rose Farm's Arcangelo (Arrogate) continued preparations for the Nov. 4 GI Breeders' Cup Classic with a five-furlong drill in 1:00.00 (3/33) at Santa Anita Sunday. Trainer Jena Antonucci, in from New York to watch the work, clocked Arcangelo's final furlong in under :12. He galloped out an extra two furlongs, which Antonucci clocked in “:13 and change” for each furlong. “It was a serious work. A pretty work,” Antonucci said immediately after the drill. “I wanted sub-12 seconds the final furlong, which he gave me. I think I'm pretty spot-on with that. That's what he'll need to do on race day.” Ten days ago at Santa Anita, Arcangelo had his first local work when going five furlongs in 1:02.20. Antonucci said the 3-year-old ridgling will have one more work about 10 days ahead of the 1 1/4-mile Classic. “We'll increase the pace of his gallops and just continue to do what we're doing,” the trainer added. “For his final work, we'll see if we need to tighten something here or there, or if he needs more of a lung-opener.” Arcangelo, who will be facing older rivals for the first time in the Classic, is coming off wins in the May 13 GIII Peter Pan S., June 10 GI Belmont S. and, most recently, the Aug. 26 GI Travers S. The post Arcangelo Tunes Up for Breeders’ Cup Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features a full brother to Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) first out at Yarmouth. 13.55 Yarmouth, Novice, £9,950, 2yo, 7f 3yT GRANGER BAY (IRE) (New Bay {GB}) makes his debut for Jane Chapple-Hyam, who guided his full-sister Saffron Beach (Ire) through a stellar career which included successes in the G1 Sun Chariot S., G1 Prix Rothschild and G2 Duke of Cambridge S. Bought for €450,000 at Goffs Orby, Fiona Carmichael and Ballylinch Stud's newcomer meets the Gosdens' unraced Dubawi Time (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum's half-brother to the stable's high-class five-times group 2 winner Enbihaar (Ire) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}). HOW THEY FARED 14.33 ParisLongchamp, Mdn, €50,000, unraced 2yo, c/g, 9fT Al Asayl France's homebred newcomer Map Of Stars (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained son of G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Bateel (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), was out of his comfort zone throughout, but found plenty under pressure in the straight to score by an ultimately snug one-length margin. The post Saffron Beach’s Brother Debuts at Yarmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kate Bianco has been named sales director at Highgate Sales. A native of New Jersey, Bianco has worked in the yearling division and in sales and nominations at Three Chimneys Farm, and served as Thoroughbred Administrator at Stonestreet Farms. “I feel privileged to have worked for some of the best in the business and will forever be grateful for that opportunity. Sales have always been a passion of mine and I look forward to starting this new adventure with the team at Highgate,” Bianco said. Starting her new role before the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale, Bianco will oversee client communications and various pre-sale and sale-day tasks as part of Highgate's sales team. “I am thrilled to welcome Kate to the Highgate team,” said Highgate owner and partner Jill Gordon. “She has a wealth of experience, a great work ethic and an endlessly positive attitude that will make her an invaluable asset to our clients. We have grown a tremendous amount since launching Highgate last year, and Kate will play a pivotal role in continuing to best serve our clients.” The post Bianco Named Highgate Sales Director appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The West Virginia Breeders' Classic Stakes saw favorite Coastal Mission trounce home the winner with ease Oct. 15 over the 1 1/8-mile test on a sealed, sloppy track.View the full article

When Rick Dutrow looks at White Abarrio, his hopeful for the Nov. 4 $6 million Classic at Santa Anita Park, and sees some of the qualities he saw in Saint Liam, it's noteworthy.View the full article

The $200,000 New York Breeders' Futurity at Finger Lakes Oct. 16 brings forward a field of seven juveniles contesting six furlongs, with Bob Baffert's Tall Paul looking for redemption after finishing third in the Aspirant Stakes Sept. 25.View the full article

The R.A.C.E. Fund, a 501 C 3 non-profit organization established in 2004 and TAA accredited, will begin auctioning the private racing memorabilia of Christopher Hoff on eBay beginning Oct. 25. “As a Thoroughbred racing photographer, I had the opportunity to witness the performance of such equine athletes as Alysheba, Sunday Silence, Personal Ensign, Private Terms and many others,” Hoff said. “However, I also saw the fate of the 'discarded' horses who were deemed unprofitable for their owners. These beautiful horses are too often forgotten and I am thrilled that my collection of racing memorabilia can help provide a well-deserved pleasant retirement or help with the rescue of these wonderful animals.” R.A.C.E. Fund President Marlene Murray said, “We cannot thank Mr. Hoff enough for donating such a vast collection of racing memorabilia to our organization to help the horses.” The auction will be conducted in phases, with the first phase on eBay from Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. (EST) and ending Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. Featured items include: Breeders' Cup Programs from 1984 to 1992 in mint condition; Breeders' Cup Racing Forms; signed pictures of trainers Carl Nafzger, Jack Van Berg, Sonny Hine, D. Wayne Lukas and jockey Laffit Pincay; Share The Glory and Fly So Free saddlecloths; and a 1987 framed Washington, D.C. International program signed by jockeys. Subsequent phases and auction dates are yet to be determined. Updates can be found at www.racefund.org. The post R.A.C.E. Fund to Auction Hoff Racing Memorabilia Collection appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article