Wandering Eyes

Damian Lane returns to the mounting yard on Wishlor Lass after winning the Catanach’s Jewellers Vase at Caulfield. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Wishlor Lass (+120) has taken out the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase to take her career record to five wins from seven starts, proving that the Symon Wilde-trained mare still has a lot of upside. The daughter of Mshawish was heavily backed with online bookmakers, from +200 into her starting price of +120, suggesting that many punters were in the camp of the expected leader in another race that was dominated by a horse that settled in the first four. Damian Lane was having his first ride on Wishlor Lass, and after she jumped well from barrier six, Lane allowed the five-year-old mare to roll along at her own speed. After the field rounded the home turn, it appeared as though Barbie’s Fox (+380) was going to run straight on by, but the leader picked herself up off the canvas and kicked back to win the race by neck on the line, with Foxy Frida (+750) running into third place just under two lengths away. Symon Wilde spoke about the win of his lightly-raced mare post-race. “She’s a bit untapped and we threw her in the deep end today. I think she’s got really good staying potential,” Wilde said. “I think that horse (Barbie’s Fox) levelling with her actually pushed her on a bit. She’s still very green and has got plenty of upside. “That is a really valuable win for her and we’ve got the mare and a lot of the progeny so it is an important win. “She is a winner and for the two runs that she didn’t win she was desperately unlucky. “She’s building a really nice record, and it will be so interesting where else we go in the springtime. “She handled today beautifully. I led her around and she was lovely and relaxed. “For a country horse coming to the city with people screaming with The Everest on, she handled it really well. “She’s just starting to mature, and I don’t know where the ceiling is. “I don’t know. Maybe the Empire Rose. We loosely pencilled in the 2000-metre mares race (Matriarch).” Damian Lane brought up a riding double on Wishlor Lass, and he spoke post-race. “She was great. Big bold-going horse. Big stride,” Lane said. “She just floated out in front there a little bit but when the other horse came at her she knuckled down. “She tends to pull but she’s got the stamina and was strong to the line.” Wishlor Lass is an +1000 chance in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes futures market with online betting sites. More horse racing news View the full article

Think About It etches his name in The Everest folklore. Photo: RacingNSW Think About It (+320) continues to add to his astonishing resume, going on to score an impressive win in the $20 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The son of So You Think was given a perfect ride, courtesy of Sam Clipperton, finding the one-one throughout the worlds’ richest race on turf. The stage was set with Overpass (+900) kicking up to find the lead as Alcohol Free (+5000) injected a bit more speed into the race, sliding across to sit outside the leader. Zac Lloyd gained a perfect position aboard the three-year-old Cylinder, gaining the leaders back on the rail, while the eventual winner got the ideal stalking position. I Wish I Win (+380) settled bang on mid-field turning into the home straight and when asked for the ultimate effort by Luke Nolen, the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) winner obliged, powering between runners. Think About It hit the front with 100m to go, and was simply too strong to the line, as I Wish I Win claimed second spot, leaving the winner’s stable companion Private Eye (+600) surging into the trifecta after sitting three-wide for most of the journey. It’s 11-career wins and almost $10 million in prizemoney accumulated for Think About It, continuing his rise as one of Australia’s best. Joe Pride spoke with affection for both Think About It and Private Eye, while crediting I Wish I Win as well. “That is unbelievable,” said Pride. “They both (Private Eye – 3rd) ran terrific. I was pretty confident coming into the race that not only my two would run well but Peter Moody’s (trainer of I Wish I Win – 2nd) was the only danger. “It doesn’t really matter at the end, but I thought they were the three and sure enough they fought it out. “It was an incredible performance to stay at 1200m because after he won the Stradbroke if it wasn’t for The Everest being what it is I never would have aimed him at this race. A 1200m race that is, but I’m glad I did.” Sam Clipperton was emotional after the race and reminisced on his career while speaking to the magnitude of the victory. “I don’t know. Blown away,” said Clipperton. “I had such a nice run in the race and travelled so well. This stuff doesn’t happen, it just went too perfect. “I guess that’s what very good horses do, maybe even champions, they eliminate the opposition. “I’m just so privileged to be in a position of riding this horse. “I had my apprenticeship here at Randwick with Ron Quinton and I know every blade of grass at this joint. If you had have told me when I started that I was going to win an Everest well A, The Everest didn’t exist and now it’s exploded into one of the most incredible races in the world and I’m just incredibly proud.” More horse racing news View the full article

Alligator Blood ridden by Tim Clark wins the Might And Power at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Alligator Blood (+220) has become the fourth horse in the 21st century to claim the Underwood Stakes/Caulfield Stakes (Might And Power) double after taking out the Group 1 Might And Power, defeating Vow And Declare (+7000) by two lengths eased down. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained galloper recorded his seventh Group 1 success with the win in the Might And Power and he will now push onto the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley for his second attempt in as many years at the Weight For Age classic. With Deny Knowledge (+3300) setting up an extremely fast tempo, Alligator Blood had to do bring the field up to the leader, but when Tim Clark went past the slowing leader, his mount still hadn’t hit top gear. However, when Clark went for his son of All Too Hard, he kicked clear by three lengths and continued to extend the leading margin until he was eventually eased down in the final 75m. Vow And Declare and Duais (+300) ran on nicely from the back of the field and would have done their chances in a Caulfield Cup or Melbourne Cup no trouble at all with a second and third-place finish, respectively. After another Group 1 win for Alligator Blood, Gai Waterhouse was delighted with the win, and she spoke post-race. “He just did it so easily,” Waterhouse said. “He’s joyous. The horse in front (Deny Knowledge) made it a bit more of a tempo and Alligator just said ‘see ya later, alligator’. “This is his fourth or fifth group one for us. “He’s so tough, he’s so special. “He’s an elite racehorse and we’re very privileged to see a horse like him.” Tim Clark has been victorious in four Group 1’s on Alligator Blood, and he spoke post-race. “It’s unreal,” Clark said. “What he has done for me and my family over the last twelve or 18 months, he’s been a wonderful horse and obviously disappointed I wasn’t able to ride him up until now but I’m grateful to Gai and Adrian to give me the opportunity to get back on him. “All the staff here and back home, they’ve prepped him up so well and these horses, they don’t come along very often and a seven-time group one winner – five at weight-for-age, he’s a real start and showed that he could run a strong 2000 (metres) today.” Alligator Blood is now an +1000 chance in the Cox Plate futures market with online bookmakers. More horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald guides I Am Me to victory in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW James McDonald and team Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have combined with I Am Me proving too strong in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday. It was another case of on-speed success at Randwick with the first three runners turning for home able to finish in the first four. Coal Crusher (+4000) was able to find the rail from barrier three and looked to be traveling well enough for Tyler Schiller, while I Am Me was able to sit outside the leader for the duration of the 1200m journey. Airman (+550) was cast wide for a large portion of the race and stuck on gamely to finish in the quinella spot, while Bella Nipotina (+380) showed her consistent best to fly into third position. It was all honours to the winner, however, as I Am Me was able to bounce back from a disappointing showing in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) to claim victory on Saturday. Ciaron Maher was on course to represent his stable and spoke to the consistency of I Am Me and stable companion Bella Nipotina. “Both of them have been so consistent (the winner and Bella Nipotina – 3rd),” said Maher. “I Am Me just got on the chewy a little bit last start and overdid it. “James (McDonald) said he was going to ride her like Nature Strip prior to the race and he got it perfect. He got her relaxed, he got her out quickly, he got over nice.” James McDonald was always assured his mare would give a strong kick and referenced her toughness throughout the race. “She hightailed it out of the stalls,” said McDonald. “Got a nice spot pretty early too and I backed it off. She had to be tough, but fast. “She had to be tough late because they felt like they were surging, but gee she stuck her head out and had a crack.” “Credit to the second horse (Airman) because I knew he was there. I accelerated brilliantly and he was stuck to me like glue. I was cursing about the furlong, but I was pretty happy over the line.” The stable are yet to confirm what’s next for I Am Me, however, online bookmakers have installed her a +600 chance in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on October 28. More horse racing news View the full article

Satono Aladdin (Deep Impact) colt Raf Attack (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) burst into contention for staying three-year-old features with a determined front-running performance in Saturday’s A$500,000 Gr.3 Toyota Forklifts Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Randwick. A stylish maiden winner on the Kensington track in early August, the New Zealand-bred three-year-old was close up in sixth in the Gr.3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) and fourth in the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) in his two subsequent appearances. On Saturday his rider Regan Bayliss threw down the gauntlet to his dozen rivals, dominating the race from the front and getting Raf Attack to produce a strong kick at the top of the home straight. Chasers lined up across the track and tried to reel him in, led by the warm favourite Tom Kitten (Harry Angel), but there was no catching Raf Attack. He kept kicking and held on all the way to the line, winning by a head. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Raf Attack is now likely to be pointed towards the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on October 28. “He’s a free-rolling horse and he’s very tough,” Bayliss said. “He’s a bit tricky to ride. You can’t go too slow, but you also can’t just run him into the ground. He was a little bit keen still today. So I reckon that run will just knock the edge off him – and it’s going to, have to heading into the Spring Champion Stakes.” The Gloaming has been won by seven subsequent Group One winners in the last 14 years – So You Think (High Chaparral) (2009), Dundeel (High Chaparral) (2012), Complacent (Authorized) (2013), Vanbrugh (Encosta De Lago) (2015), Ace High (High Chaparral) (2017), Shadow Hero (Pierro) (2019) and last year’s winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood), who won the Spring Champion Stakes in his next start. Raf Attack was bred by Alan Galbraith and was offered by Rich Hill Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, where Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing and Chris Rutten Bloodstock bought him for $150,000. His five-start career has now produced two wins and A$332,500 in stakes. He became the sixth southern hemisphere-bred stakes winner for Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin, who has also been represented by dual Group One winner Pennyweka (NZ), Group Two winner Lantern Way (NZ), and fellow black-type winners Tokyo Tycoon (NZ), Sacred Satono (NZ) and Grand Impact (NZ).Raf Attack’s unplaced dam Sima (Commands) is a half-sister to the stakes winners Brave Mead (Brave Smash) and Solemn (Bernadini). After producing Raf Attack in 2020, she has foaled a colt by Vadamos (Monsun) and another colt by Satono Aladdin. She returned to Satono Aladdin again last spring. View the full article

Matamata horseman Glenn Old’s million-dollar dream continued with Adam I Am (NZ) (Almanzor) on Saturday, after the classy galloper backed up his highly-discussed maiden victory with an equally impressive performance to score at Hastings. Old and the remainder of the Adam I Am syndicate had received high interest from buyers for their Almanzor gelding since his Matamata showing, but have retained their ownership aiming to target the first edition of the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) for four-year-olds at TAB Karaka Millions in January. Adam I Am took his first step on a potentially lucrative journey when contesting the competitive Dan D’Esposito Memorial MAAT (1400m) event on Livamol Classic Day, starting a firm $2.00 race-favourite with TAB bookmakers and broke boldly from the 1400m start under Jasmine Fawcett. The four-year-old eventually settled in prime positioning fourth behind a strong tempo set by Herbert (NZ) (Sweet Orange) and was carefully guided off the fence by Fawcett turning for home. Despite racing greenly in the earlier stages of the straight, Adam I Am swept past Herbert and pulled away to score comfortably by two-and-a-quarter lengths to The Diviner (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and second-favourite Channel Surfer (NZ) (Derryn). “I was just really happy with how Jasmine handled him, very retractable in the box seat and he relaxed well. She pulled him off heels and presented him, and he found the line nicely,” Old said. “We’ve always had a feeling from him, you get a gut feeling once in your life from a horse and we believe this horse could be a ride.” Regular rider Fawcett was thrilled to claim a second victory aboard the gelding, who handled the confines of the inside running rail comfortably. “That was his first time being cuddled up amongst them so I was a bit nervous, but he just fell asleep beautifully and found the line really strong,” she said. “Glenn’s preparing him to go over more ground, obviously the Karaka Million 4YO Mile so I think he’s right on for that. Glenn’s had a few good horses in his time so he knows.” Adam I Am is the current second-favourite for the newly-instated four-year-old feature at $8 with TAB bookmakers, the first line of betting sitting at $4 with $10 million Golden Eagle-bound mare Legarto. “I’d like to give him a little break somewhere for two or three weeks, then bring him back and have one or two runs before the big one,” Old said. “He’s put the starting fee away today so that’s good.” Adam I Am also rewarded passionate punting club Boys Get Paid with his Hastings victory, the racing enthusiasts placing a $40,000 bet on the gelding at $2.30 (fixed odds), returning a $92,000 purse. View the full article

Livamol Classic Day at Hastings got off to an action-packed start on Saturday, with a dead heat and a protest before Cannon Hill (NZ) (Ardrossan) was declared an outright winner of the Tims Construction Premier (1300m). The $65,000 race for three-year-olds was won by subsequent dual Oaks heroine Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Alaadin) last year, and the 2023 edition again attracted a talented line-up of promising youngsters that could be heading for bigger and better things later in the season. In the end it was dominated by Cambridge raiders Tower Flypass (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Cannon Hill. They held the first two positions throughout the race and set down to fight it out in the straight, with local filly Grid Girl (NZ) (Time Test) trying to poke through in between them. Tower Flypass began to lay out in the closing stages, causing Grid Girl to duck to the right and into the line of Cannon Hill. Cannon Hill was able to rebalance and have one last lunge, hitting the line in a complete deadlock with Tower Flypass. But the drama continued long after the race, with the connections joint winner Cannon Hill and third placegetter Grid Girl both lodging protests against Tower Flypass. Grid Girl’s protest was eventually dismissed, but Cannon Hill’s was upheld and he was promoted to an outright victory. It was the second win of a four-start career for Cannon Hill, an Ardrossan colt bred and sold by Waikato Stud. He was bought by Pike Racing for $150,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2022, and he has now banked $49,985 for a syndicate of owners that includes Noel Greenhalgh, Norcross Bloodstock, Magic Bloodstock Racing, Waikato Stud, Haunui Farm and Whakanui Stud. “He never really looked like he was going to get up today, but he dived well late,” trainer Tony Pike said. “He’s a horse that’s probably still learning his trade. It was obviously a step up in class today and he got the job done. He’s a nice horse going forward. “The race mapped to be dominated by those on the speed, which probably made it difficult for the favourite (Molly Bloom (NZ (Ace High)), but our horse was given a nice ride (by Opie Bosson) and has done well. “He’s still quite an immature and weak three-year-old, so I think he’s going to improve with a bit of time. We’ll probably be a bit quiet with him over these early stages and maybe look for a nice three-year-old race over the Christmas-New Year period.” Stephen Marsh, the trainer of eventual runner-up Tower Flypass, was pleased with the U S Navy Flag gelding’s performance. “He just wanted to do a little bit wrong, getting away from the fence,” he said. “This was probably his biggest test and he’s run well. We’ll look for a 1400m race next. He wouldn’t head down south or anything like that, but he’s a very nice horse that’s just not quite doing things 100 percent right at the moment.” Attention in the lead-up to Saturday’s race was dominated by the impressive last-start winner Molly Bloom, who arrived at Hastings as a $5 joint favourite for next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). But little went right for the Ace High filly, who dropped out to the back of the field in a race dominated by on-speed runners. She copped interference at the home turn and then raced greenly in the straight, eventually making up good ground for a close fifth. View the full article

Ladies Man and Ryan Elliot cruise to Group 1 glory in the Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Respected New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock has always seen Ladies Man as a superstar in waiting, and Saturday’s Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) marked the big gelding’s arrival on the major stage. The lightly raced six-year-old overpowered his elite weight-for-age opposition at Hastings, joining his half-sister Ladies First as a Group One winner. It was the seventh win of a 22-start career for the son of Zed, who had won three races last season headed by the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m). He also ran third in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) and Listed Marton Cup (2200m) and was fourth in the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m). “He got up into open company last year but he was still quite an immature five-year-old,” Sharrock said. “He did a good job, but a few things went wrong along the way. I thought we might have to wait one more year with him. “From the moment he came into work, it was obvious that he was a very different horse this year. He’s grown into a man, and he’ll probably be better again next year. “His work on Tuesday morning was absolutely outstanding. He gave his poor old stablemate Ned (Justaskme) a hiding. Ned has run a good race today too (eighth), I’m proud of him, but Ladies Man was set for this race.” Ladies Man became the latest in a long line of big winners at the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival for Sharrock, who had previously won this race with Shez Sinsational (2012). He saddled I Do (2014) and Kawi (2015 and 2016) for three consecutive wins in the race now known as the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), while Kawi also won the 2015 edition of the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m). Ladies Man was a respected +450 third favourite for Saturday’s Livamol, and his star quality well and truly shone through. Ridden by Ryan Elliot, he settled into an effortless rhythm in midfield as Times Ticking strode forward to put pace into the race as the field turned into the back straight. Elliot got Ladies Man rolling coming down the side of the track, and by the home turn, he had ominously moved up into fifth out wide on the track. Ladies Man worked through his gears in the straight, lengthened stride and took control at the 150m mark. Pearl Of Alsace surged through along the inside to lodge a major challenge, with Platinum Invador launching a powerful run from near the back of the field. But Ladies Man was too big and too strong, holding them out by three-quarters of a length. Platinum Invador got up to take second place from Pearl Of Alsace, with beaten favourite Mustang Valley close up in fourth but perhaps not as effective on Saturday’s Good4 track. “I’m ecstatic,” Elliot said. “I have to thank Allan Sharrock and his team, as well as Michael McNab – it was his ride originally, but he’s gone to Sydney today to ride Sacred Satono. “He travelled really strongly all the way. I didn’t want to overdo it, but he tracked into it so nicely. Coming up to the turn I thought I’d have to get going, otherwise they might outsprint me. But he toughed it out really well and still had a bit under the hood.” Saturday’s big win may have earned Ladies Man a trip across the Tasman. He holds a nomination for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7, for which online bookmakers the rate him an +8000 chance. “I guess we’ve got to go now,” Sharrock said. “He’ll probably have just the one more run before the Cup, in that race on the Saturday before it that Bart Cummings used to use (the 2500m Group 3 Archer Stakes). “He’s done enough. We’ll come up a little bit short of Bart’s famous 10,000km, but only marginally. He’s doing very well.” More horse racing news View the full article

Tyler Schiller salutes aboard Front Page to claim The Kosciuszko. Photo: Racing NSW Front Page (+450) has made it back-to-back victories in The Kosciuszko (1200m) on Saturday at Randwick and his first for new trainer Matthew Dale, securing the major portion of the $2 million prize. It was another front-running effort as Tyler Schiller pinged the lids aboard the now seven-year-old gelding from barrier eight, charging across to secure the lead. Kimberly’s Secret (+5000) tried to match motors but was simply no match for the leader as the race went on. It left James McDonald stalking behind the leading pair and when he pushed the button, Opal Ridge (+190) did seem to be making up the ground late, as was Far Too Easy (+650). It was to no avail in the end as Front Page had already cleared out for the prize, going on to score a dominant victory. Winning trainer Matthew Dale spoke about how he inherited Front Page and heaped plenty of the praise on former trainer Geoff Duuryea. “Geoff (Duryea – previous trainer) and the team, what they’ve done with this horse before getting him to me, I’m in awe,” said Dale. “They told me every little thing I needed to know so that I could be well prepped and have him as good as I could here today. It’s been a little bit stressful, the last few weeks, but wow what a win. “Geoff done a remarkable job with this horse his whole career. “He handed me the keys 14 weeks ago, we had a few chats about how to prepare him and what he needs and we nailed it.” Tyler Schiller was elated in his post-race assessment, thanking the connections before speaking on the feeling of winning back-to-back editions of the race. “Can’t thank the owners and obviously Matt (Dale) enough,” said Schiller. “Geoff (Duryea – previous trainer) has done a great job to give Matt all the knowledge about the horse, I know he’s not easy but gee he’s done a terrific job to get him here in that order and to beat them like that he’s a cracker. “It was great last year to do it for Geoff but they’ve passed the baton onto Matt Dale and he’s done a terrific job. I can’t say he’s improved the horse but he’s got him going as good as he can.Gee he’s a terrific animal.” More horse racing news View the full article

Mitchell Aitken returns to the mounting yard on Asfoora after winning the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) The Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield appeared to be a match race between Asfoora (+110) and Uncommon James (+140); however, the Henry Dwyer-trained mare had her nearest rival in the market well beaten by the 200m mark as she ran away with a dominant victory. Many speed map experts had the top two chances settling near the speed, but it would have surprised most when the two favourites cleared out and led the third horse by a good three lengths for most of the 1100m journey. Damian Lane clearly had a plan to pester Mitchell Aitken’s mare, as he raced on the outside of the leader, but it appeared that Uncommon James slightly overraced with the blinkers on and didn’t give himself the best chance as they turned the home bend. As soon as Asfoora straightened for home, you could see that Aitken still had a strong hold of his mare, while Lane was asking the runner-up for an effort, so when Aitken pushed the button Asfoora booted two lengths clear and put the race to bed within three or four strides. 2023 Schillaci Stakes Replay – Asfoora |T: Henry Dwyer |J: Mitchell Aitken Henry Dwyer was very happy with the win, and he spoke post-race. “I said that (we were confident) last time and she ran the second quickest time ever last start at The Valley and still got beaten,” Dwyer said. “I haven’t seen the times yet but Damian Lane (Uncommon James) made a conscious effort to serve it up to her and he was probably on the stronger horse but as it turns out she was really brave and kicked away. “I thought it was a bit stick (mid-race) but whether he (Uncommon James) overdid it with the blinkers on, I don’t know. “She’s just so good around here and we didn’t win an Oakleigh Plate here because it was at Sandown but I think of we can find an Oakleigh Plate here next year that will be ok. “One more run for the prep at Flemington and then away towards the autumn in the Lightning and/or Oakleigh Plate and then maybe Royal Ascot. We’ll see what happens.” Mitchell Aitken brought up his maiden Group 2 victory in the Schillaci Stakes, and he spoke post-race. “It is awesome. It means a lot. Biggest race of my career and I think she has more ahead of her. Really exciting,” Aitken said of Asfoora. “She jumped away well, and I walked the track beforehand – and watching the previous races – they were coming about four to six (horses) off and I really wanted that lane. “When we got there, I was quite confident that she was going to hold on. She was good enough to hold on. “I think she runs out a nice 1100 metres and I was always quite confidence. They did serve it up to her and she was strong.” Asfoora is now an +1000 chance in the Champions Sprint futures market with online bookmakers. More horse racing news View the full article

Regan Bayliss guiding Raf Attack to victory in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott team have added the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) to the trophy cabinet in what’s fast becoming a very memorable early spring for the stable. Raf Attack ($8.00) made every post a winner in the 1800m feature for the three-year-olds, as jockey Regan Bayliss expertly timed his sectionals to hold off all challengers in the shadows of the post. The son of Satono Aladddin used his early speed to lob in the lead from barrier two but did have some company in the form of Kintyre (+4000), ensuring they went at a genuine clip. Once he galloped clear of the outsider, there was only one late closer that issued a major challenge, as Tom Kitten (+150) made massive inroads down the centre of the course after a luckless run in transit. 2023 Group 3 Gloaming Stakes Replay – Raf Attack | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss Both will now be likely to meet again in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on October 28 as Adrian Bott alluded to in his post-race praise of his promising colt Raf Attack. “He’s been in a couple of high pressure races that just haven’t suited him,” said Bott. “So getting out in trip has been the key and he’s been able to sustain a good gallop and they’ve broken a very good record. “They’ve run along all the way and he can sustain a good speed like that. He’s going to go onto the Spring Champion in great shape.” Regan Bayliss has had a strong association with this horse being his third time in the saddle and thinks Raf Attack may only improve into the Group 1 feature in two weeks’ time. “I’ve loved the horse since he won here back on the Kenso track and he’s continuing to improve,” said Bayliss. “Adrian (Bott), I and Gai (Waterhouse) have said along the whole way that once he gets to 1800m, this race and the Spring Champion, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with and he proved that today.” Raf Attack is now a clear second choice at +350 with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes on October 28, while Tom Kitten is the current favourite at +150. More horse racing news View the full article

Adam I Am strides away to an impressive victory at Hastings under Jasmine Fawcett. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Matamata-based horseman Glenn Old’s ambitious million-dollar dream continued its trajectory with Adam I Am on Saturday, as the impressive gelding followed up his highly-discussed maiden victory with another stellar performance at Hastings. Despite significant interest from potential buyers following his Matamata triumph, Old and the rest of the Adam I Am syndicate opted to retain ownership, setting their sights on the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) for four-year-olds at Karaka Millions in January. On Livamol Classic Day, Adam I Am, a firm +100 race favourite, showcased his prowess, breaking boldly from the 1400m start under the guidance of jockey Jasmine Fawcett. Positioned strategically in fourth behind a brisk pace set by Herbert, the four-year-old gelding, though initially green in the straight, surged past Herbert, securing a comfortable victory by two-and-a-quarter lengths over The Diviner and second-favourite Channel Surfer. Old expressed his satisfaction with Fawcett’s handling of Adam I Am, stating, “I was just really happy with how Jasmine handled him, very retractable in the box seat, and he relaxed well. She pulled him off heels and presented him, and he found the line nicely.” Fawcett, who claimed her second victory aboard the gelding, shared her excitement, noting, “That was his first time being cuddled up amongst them, so I was a bit nervous, but he just fell asleep beautifully and found the line really strong.” Looking ahead to the Karaka Million 4YO Mile, Old emphasised the horse’s readiness, saying, “Glenn’s preparing him to go over more ground, obviously the Karaka Million 4YO Mile, so I think he’s right on for that. Glenn’s had a few good horses in his time, so he knows.” Adam I Am currently holds the second-favourite position for the newly-established four-year-old feature at +700 with online betting sites, with the top spot occupied by +300-favourite Legarto, a mare bound for the $10 million Golden Eagle. Old outlined the future plans for Adam I Am, stating, “I’d like to give him a little break somewhere for two or three weeks, then bring him back and have one or two runs before the big one. He’s put the starting fee away today so that’s good.” More horse racing news View the full article

Linda Meech returns to the mounting yard aboard She Dances after winning the Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on October 14, 2023. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman have recorded their first winner on a massive day for the stable, with She Dances (+800) running away from her rivals to claim her first Group victory in the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield. The daughter of Street Boss has always shown promise throughout her career but hasn’t been able to capture a Group win. However, after getting a great run behind the leader and online bookmakers’ race favourite Red Card (+290), Linda Meech allowed her mare to find a rhythm before releasing the brakes to then idle past the leader boot clear in the final 200m. Rose Quartz (+360) appeared as though she was going to challenge the winner, but was a bit wayward and finished second, whilst La Danseuse Rogue (+3300) ran another honest race at Group level to run home into third place. Northwood Plume Stakes Replay – She Dances | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Linda Meech Katherine Coleman was present on track with Peter Moody in Sydney, and she spoke post-race. “This horse and Linda, they really go so well together and thrilled for Linda to get this win and also for the connections of this horse,” Coleman said. “They seem to be in good form, those colours and it is fantastic. “They put so much into this industry, and it is great to see them rewarded. “She’s a tough little mare. “She’s got a great record over 1200 as well and when the race panned out the way it did, I thought this race has really worked in our favour.” Linda Meech recorded her fourth win at her eighth ride on She Dances and she spoke post-race about the win. “She’s a horse that can sprint off a really good tempo. She’s just a little rocket,” Meech said of She Dances. “Huge thanks to Peter and Katherine and all the team at Pakenham because they have done a great job with her. “Second-up, she’s done really well on her break, and I thought she carried a bit of excess last start. “Getting to the 1200 (metres) takes the pressure off and she can (could) dictate today, relax with a good cruisy speed. “She’s got a high cruising speed and over 1200 she really relaxes.” More horse racing news View the full article

Joao Moreira returns to the mounting yard aboard Military Mission after winning the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott appear to have another Cups contender, after their five-year-old gelding Military Mission (+700) claimed the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield. After claiming the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup two starts back and running a huge race in the Group 1 The Metropolitan last start, the son of Mastercraftsman is hitting form at the right time of the spring and with his win in the Herbert Power, he will have to be considered a big chance in the Melbourne Cup, if he can get into the race. Joao Moreira allowed his mount to settle near the rear of the field and get into a rhythm for most of trip before asking for an effort at the 500m mark, and when the winner gave his effort, he quickly started to gobble up the slowing leaders. With the race favourite Carini (+140) on the fence with nowhere to go, Moreira hit the go button and continued his wide run before taking the front at the 200m mark and record a strong victory. United Nations (+550) and Ferago (+6000) battled it out for the placings, but they weren’t strong enough to go with the winner over the final 200m. 2023 Herbert Power Stakes Replay – Military Mission | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |J: Joao Moreira Gai Waterhouse confirmed that Military Mission would be going to the Melbourne Cup when speaking to the media post-race. “Absolutely,” Waterhouse replied when asked if the Melbourne Cup would be next. “They’re nice to have. We’ve got one, it’d be lovely to have a second. “Joao, isn’t he music to your ears? “It was a bit of muddling run race but he just didn’t panic and just let the horse get into his rhythm. “He ran fourth to Just Fine the other day and was an absolute moral not to run second. He was back second-last. “I love the way he works himself into the race – both the jockey and the horse – and the way he was coming and coming at the end.” Joao Moreira has brought his first winner on Caulfield Guineas Day, with his big ride on Militarize in the Guineas still to come later. “What (a) nice horse,” Moreira said. “He broke alright. He never really fought me during the race. “He was always calm for me. “Once they started putting up the pace from the 800-metres onwards, I had to niggle him to make him stay in touch. “To the turn, he came a bit wide, shied away from the other horses, and struggled a little bit on the left turns, but into the straight, he was always going to win.” Military Mission is a +5000 chance in the Melbourne Cup futures market with online bookmakers. More horse racing news View the full article

Jockey Zac Purton is hopeful the two-time Group Three winner can kick off his four-year-old campaign and become a genuine elite-level contenderView the full article

Despite missing the feature and losing a winning chance through Enterprise Attack’s scratching, the jockey and the trainer still have reasons to be excitedView the full article

Cannon Hill (outside) crosses the line in unison with Tower Flypass, the outside runner gaining the victory by protest. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Livamol Classic Day at Hastings opened with excitement as Cannon Hill emerged as the outright winner following a dead heat and a protest. The $65,000 race, known for producing top-tier talent, featured a showdown between Cambridge raiders Tower Flypass and Cannon Hill, with local filly Grid Girl in close pursuit. The drama unfolded in the straight when Tower Flypass, veering out, affected Grid Girl, leading to protests from Cannon Hill and Grid Girl. While Grid Girl’s protest was dismissed, Cannon Hill’s was upheld, securing his victory. “He never really looked like he was going to get up today, but he dived well late,” said trainer Tony Pike. “He’s a horse that’s probably still learning his trade.” Cannon Hill, an Ardrossan colt, notched his second win in a career spanning four starts. Pike highlighted the horse’s potential for improvement, noting his immaturity as a three-year-old. The connections, including Noel Greenhalgh, Norcross Bloodstock, and Waikato Stud, celebrated the success of the $150,000 purchase from Karaka 2022. Stephen Marsh, trainer of runner-up Tower Flypass, acknowledged the challenges faced by the U S Navy Flag gelding. “He just wanted to do a little bit wrong, getting away from the fence,” said Marsh. Despite this, Marsh recognised Tower Flypass’s talent and hinted at future plans for a 1400m race. The pre-race focus was on Molly Bloom, a $5 joint favourite for the upcoming Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). However, Molly Bloom faced difficulties, dropping to the back of the field in a race favouring on-speed runners. Despite interference and green racing in the straight, Molly Bloom rallied for a close fifth. More horse racing news View the full article

Riodini will make his New Zealand return in Sunday’s Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua. Photo credit: Trish Dunell Seven-year-old Riodini is set to return to the New Zealand racing scene after a four-year absence, featuring in the upcoming Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes at Rotorua. Trained by Nigel Tiley, Riodini began his career in 2019 with notable wins, including the Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes. Following a stint in Australia under the guidance of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, where he achieved success in The Gong and placed in several prestigious races, Riodini has made his way back to Tiley’s stable. “It’s great to have him back in the stable again now, and he seems to be a very happy horse,” said Tilley. Despite being a seven-year-old, Riodini appears lively, and Tiley anticipates a need for a couple of runs to regain full fitness. Riodini is scheduled to kick off his New Zealand campaign in the Sweynesse Stakes with jockey Sam Spratt aboard. Online bookmakers have rated him as the third favourite at +450. Reflecting on Riodini’s future plans, Tiley outlined a target on the Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham on December 9, formerly known as the Captain Cook Stakes. “The Captain Cook is the main race that we’ll be targeting with him at this point,” revealed Tilley. Considering Riodini’s rating of 98, Tiley acknowledged the focus on weight-for-age and set weight and penalty races due to the horse being weighted out of handicaps. “I’ve been really happy with how he’s come up in this preparation. I’m expecting him to need the run on Sunday. “He’s a seven-year-old now and will probably take a run or two to build his fitness. But I’ve been pleased with his progress,” More horse racing news View the full article

Horses aren't supposed to be able to do what Ghostzapper did. The Hall of Famer was so dazzling that the 128 Beyer Speed Figure he registered in the GIII Philip H. Iselin H.–still the highest figure in the history of American racing at a route–isn't even remembered as one of his top races. Some people might count his GI Vosburgh sprinting at three against older horses as one of his best, others might prefer his GI Woodward battle over eventual Horse of the Year Saint Liam, and still others might best remember his spectacular daylight GI Met Mile win coming off a seven-month layoff. But there's no denying his GI Breeders' Cup Classic, his first and only time at 10 furlongs, left such an impression he still holds the stakes record of 1:59.02, having run the fastest Classic in the 39-year history of the Breeders' Cup. Javier Castellano was aboard Ghostzapper for every one of those remarkable performances. “He was one of the biggest horses and one of the best in my career,” said Castellano. “I say that because you don't see too many horses that do what he did. This horse was particularly diversified at distances. From sprint to long distances, he did everything. He won the sprint races, he won at 1 1/4 miles, he won at a mile, at all the distances. It's hard to stretch out a horse from six furlongs to long and back again, but he did it and he won. He did everything. “He still has [the Breeders' Cup] record. We're talking about 19 years ago and nobody has broken that record. It was against all the best horses in the world at the time: Funny Cide, Azeri, Pleasantly Perfect. “He's pretty amazing, such a special horse. He put me on another level in my career. People didn't know who Javier Castellano was at the time and for me to ride the best horse, he opened the door for myself and my family. He opened the door for my career. He's such a special horse. I love him. “He's just amazing. I'm blessed, thankful, grateful to have ridden such a special horse. Mr. Frankel told me Ghostzapper was the best horse he'd trained in all his life. For him to say that, with all those good horses he had, was pretty amazing.” Ghostzapper (2000 bay horse, Awesome Again–Baby Zip, by Relaunch) Lifetime record: Horse of the Year, Ch. older male, MGISW, 11-9-0-1, $3,446,120 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Adena Springs (KY); O-Stronach Stables; T-Robert Frankel; J-Javier Castellano. Current location: Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, Paris, Ky. The post Catching Up with 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner Ghostzapper appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tony Cruz’s reigning Group One Hong Kong Mile champion has not set the world alight at the trials and must carry the top weight from the outside gateView the full article

It’s Christmas in October with the running of the $20m The Everest the highlight of racing all around the country on Saturday. But it’s also a cracking 10-race card set for Randwick all round! View the full article

Beauty Eternal during a stellar debut campaign. Acclaimed last season as Hong Kong’s Most Improved Horse, Beauty Eternal embarks on the first step towards the HK$32 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) when the talented five-year-old contests the G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Resuming after closing a wonderful debut season with success in the Group 3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) on June 25, Beauty Eternal (123lb) will jump from barrier three on Sunday under Zac Purton in search of his eighth win from 11 starts. Sharpened by a trial win over 1200m at Sha Tin on October 6, Beauty Eternal will face nine rivals in the HK$5.35 million feature including California Spangle (135lb), Russian Emperor (127lb), Money Catcher (123lb) and Beauty Joy (122lb). “He seems okay, he’s fine. He’s had a slow build up in his preparation but his trial was good the other day,” 12-time champion trainer John Size said. “He seemed to do what he normally does in a barrier trial and with a little bit of trackwork after his trial, he’s come on. “He’s in good enough condition to go to the races and perform well and I’m hoping he’ll improve again after the race.” Searching for his first success in the Sha Tin Trophy since Contentment’s 2015 win, Size will methodically approach the HK$118 million Hong Kong International Races on December 10 with Beauty Eternal, who swept from 52 to 117 in the handicaps last season. “The programme is there and because of his rating band or his rating, you don’t have much option. So, he runs in a couple of races and is heading towards the 1600m on International Day,” Size said before reflecting on the Starspangledbanner gelding’s startling 2022/23 advance. “Every horse has got something (fitness issues) and he had some interruptions but I think that he just showed he had the talent to overcome those things and kept on racing well.” Fresh from slotting his first Hong Kong winner with Happy Hero on Wednesday night (October 11) at Happy Valley, Mark Newnham is represented by Tourbillon Diamond in Sunday’s showpiece at Sha Tin. “I think he’ll run a good race, he’s in good order but the target the race is second-up in the (Group 3) Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap over 1800m (at Sha Tin on November 5),” Newnham said. “But from barrier one with no weight, we still need to see him run a forward race. “His form tapered off at the end of last season, so he needs to build a bit of confidence more than anything because physically he’s in really good shape.” Newnham was deluged with congratulatory messages following Happy Hero’s win. “It’s nice that people acknowledge it and it was hopefully a start here. It was enjoyable. I enjoy the atmosphere at Happy Valley, it was exciting to get the first win and it was exciting to see the way the horse won. “He was my lowest-rated horse and it was his first win. It was also nice to get a win for the owners – it was a bit of a first for all of us, really.” Frankie Lor is hopeful Dream Winner can rebound to winning form after suffering the first defeat of his four-start career when fifth over 1000m on September 17. “Last start, he didn’t run badly. He was beaten only one and a half lengths but, as I said last season, he needs further, so first-up over 1000m was a little bit short,” Lor said. “He’s a big horse, big stride and he’s over 1200 metres now. “I’ve been happy with the horse since. He’s drawn (barrier 12) this time but he’s got a big stride, so I’m hoping he can still run well. He’s still can improve with experience.” More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Saturday, October 14 will feature 14 meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Randwick, Caulfield, Eagle Farm, Morphettville, Ascot & Alice Springs. Saturday Racing Tips – October 14, 2023 Randwick Racing Tips Caulfield Racing Tips Eagle Farm Racing Tips Morphettville Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips Saturday’s Best Racing Bets Of The Day – October 14, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $98.19 odds return: Saturday, October 14, 2023 Randwick Race 6 – #2 Vilana Caulfield Race 3 – #8 Carini Eagle Farm Race 6 – #17 Mission Of Love Morphettville Race 5 – #8 Street Delight Ascot Race 7 – #1 Ruler Rocket Alice Springs Race 3 – #1 Flying Yishu | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on October 14, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

On Oct. 13 at Keeneland, British trainer Charlie Appleby and Godolphin tacked on another graded victory when Bold Act knifed through the field down the stretch under Jamie Spencer to defeat older horses in the $269,213 Sycamore Stakes (G3T). View the full article

Jockey Tyler Baze, the Eclipse-winning outstanding apprentice jockey of 2000 who now sports 2,889 wins, returned from a major health scare with his first visit to the winner's circle since Apr. 14 at Oaklawn Park. “I needed it,” Baze told the Santa Anita notes team Friday morning at Clocker's Corner. “It took a lot for me to get to this point after being in the hospital and almost dying.” Baze was hospitalized for about two weeks in Arkansas after that last win at Oaklawn with severe pain as doctors sought to diagnose the problem. They finally determined he had a bowel obstruction and quickly sent him to surgery. “It was my intestine. I literally was colicking like a horse,” Baze said. “They didn't have to cut any out. They untangled it basically. The doctor's words were 'We had to remold it.'” After 10 days recovering in the hospital, he returned to his home in California. He was told he would require 8-10 months to recover, but was back in the gym in eight weeks and rode his first race back at Del Mar Sept. 9. His first winner since the return came at the current Santa Anita meet in Monday's fourth race in a $50,000 maiden claimer going six furlongs on Lonesome Stew (Grazen) for trainer Mark Glatt. Baze is slated to ride seven races at Santa Anita this coming weekend. “Now with the winner, hopefully things will pick up and I'll get on better horses,” Baze said. “But this whole ordeal has given me a whole new perspective. I'm only here for a minute. I'm going to enjoy it.” Baze continued: “It's no longer going through the motions. You realize how precious life is. Instead of just getting through your morning or through the day, you need to enjoy every minute of it. I get to be out here and look at these beautiful mountains and watch the sun come up every morning. It's an amazing gift from God.” The post Tyler Baze Wins for First Time Since April after Life-Threatening Bowel Obstruction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article