Wandering Eyes

By Adam Hamilton The two key Aussie hopes for next month’s New Zealand Cup step-out on Saturday night. Decorated Grand Circuit performer Spirit Of St Louis steps into elite company in the $300,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton. His rivals include the likes of Leap To Fame, Catch A Wave, Honolua Bay, Rock N Roll Doo, Encipher and Better Eclipse. Co-trainer Luke McCarthy has openly declared the stable’s intent to focus on the New Zealand Cup after this week’s feature. In an interesting move, Swayzee returns to racing for trainer Jason Grimson in the $30,000 Les Chant free-for-all (2300m) against moderate company at Menangle on the same night. It’s a clear pointer Grimson’s prime focus is going one better in the NZ Cup than he did with Majestic Cruiser last year. Swayzee hasn’t raced since upstaging Leap To Fame in his own backyard in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake at Menangle on July 22. It was sixth win from as many starts since joining Grimson’s Menangle stable. In the moments after the Blacks A Fake win, Grimson said: “The New Zealand Cup is the target … that’s the next big one. “It actually was before this because he’s such a great stayer this horse. He’s actually not that fast, but he can just keep rolling along. “I’m not sure what we’ll do before then or even if we’ll come back here (Brisbane) for the Inter Dominion, but we’re going back to NZ.” Grimson’s Victoria Cup hopes will sit with his latest “find” Hi Manameisjeff, who made it four wins from as many starts for the stable when he scored easily at Menangle last Saturday night. View the full article

BHA Announces 170 'Premier' Race Days With £3.8m Extra Funding The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has released the 2024 fixture list for British racing which, it claims “includes significant customer-focused innovations designed to deliver a more competitive, engaging and exciting racing product”. The major change in next year's programme includes the introduction of a two-year trial of 170 'Premier' race days, 89 of which will be staged on a Saturday afternoon. The move has received a mixed response from within the industry and involves a window during Premier afternoons being restricted to just three race meetings being run between 2pm and 4pm. Prize-money has been redistributed from other fixtures to boost the Premier meetings and to strengthen the programme of Sunday racing. The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has agreed to provide an extra £3.8 million in funding for Premier fixtures, but minimum race values at the 'core fixtures' which fall outside these 170 days will remain unaltered. A statement released by the BHA on Tuesday read, “The changes aim to grow British racing by increasing engagement among new and existing customers, improve revenues across all areas of the industry, promote investment in the sport through the recruitment and retention of owners, and encourage the best horses to be trained and raced in Britain. “Industry modelling projects an estimated £90m improvement to British racing's finances over a five-year period from 2024 to 2028 as a result of the work of the industry strategy, when compared with a 'do nothing' scenario, in which industry revenues would continue to decline.” The announcement also contained the caveat that the success of the 'premierisation' trial period would be strenuously assessed to review “a range of factors, including economic, attendance, fan and TV audience engagement, betting, ownership, performance of the racing product, customer feedback and participant wellbeing.” Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA, said, “Compiling this year's fixture list was a truly collaborative process on a scale which I have never before seen in our industry, with the sport pulling in the same direction to achieve a shared objective. I am extremely grateful to my teams at the BHA and everyone across the sport who has engaged so constructively in this process. “There was agreement across the industry that steps were required to increase racing's appeal to customers at the earliest opportunity, as well as addressing the current headwinds facing the sport.” Harrington acknowledged the disquiet felt in some quarters to the concept, particularly by certain racecourses that will either lose some key Saturday fixtures from next year, or be forced to race earlier or later in the day. A total of 41 fixtures in 2024 have been moved from Saturday afternoon slots, with 36 of those being run as late afternoon meetings and five being staged in the morning. She added, “We accept and expected that, with significant change, there will always be some who feel that the cards have not fallen their way. However, the objective for these changes is that they grow the sport as a whole, with benefits that reach throughout the entire industry in the medium to long-term. “This is the first major step in what is a long-term transformational plan. The expectation is that the changes should generate more revenue, which will allow us to invest in other key areas – including attracting new fans and new owners and increasing the reward and recognition of all our existing participants. “All of these changes are being introduced on a trial basis. They will be closely monitored and measured.” HBLB Announces 2024 Contribution In a separate announcement on Tuesday, the Levy Board confirmed its contribution of £70.5m to British prize-money in 2024, an increase of £3.2m from this year and around £11m more than for each of 2018 and 2019 in the seasons immediately preceding the pandemic. Referring to the “substantial time” in consultation with the BHA prior to the publication of the new-look fixture list for 2024, the HBLB statement read, “The Board's increased funding in 2024 has been made possible by the significant upswing in Levy in the latter part of the 2022/23 year, resulting in higher than forecast Levy income of £100m and a small budget surplus, the first in three years. “After providing markedly bigger contributions than usual to prize money in 2021 (£81m) and 2022 (£74m) in light of Covid, the Board had signalled that it would need to scale back expenditure in 2023, in part because of the repayment of the first instalment of the £21.5m Sport Survival Package (SSP) loan taken from Government to assist with racing's recovery from the effects of Covid. “HBLB reported in May 2023 that, over the Levy year to 31 March 2023, there had been a continuing decline in betting turnover on British racing which was being partially mitigated by profit margin exceeding recent comparative levels. This pattern has continued since.” HBLB chairman Paul Darling noted that the Levy Board's extra financial support of the BHA's Premier race days will be reviewed next year despite this being a two-year trial. He said, “As a principle, the board fully supports racing's aspiration to make change to ensure the sport is relevant and attractive now and in the future. A number of changes are being made simultaneously for 2024 but it is recognised that a consensus has been reached through the sport's complex infrastructure. “The board has been in discussion with BHA and others in the sport to probe and question appropriately. This is the duty of the board in fulfilling its functions before the release of monies. We are pleased to see the commitment by BHA to the publication of clearly defined objectives, reasonable expectations of outcomes in key areas and regular updates through the year on progress.” He continued, “Although racing sees this as a two-year trial, we have given a funding commitment for 2024 with a formal review point in autumn next year before we confirm funding for 2025. We have been consistently assured by Racing that the initiatives being trialled are all capable of being unwound if deemed to be unsuccessful. This has been a key factor for the board in its decisions.” The post BHA Announces 170 ‘Premier’ Race Days With £3.8m Extra Funding appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It’s hard to be confident lining up against Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni), but trainer Tony Gollan says his rising star gelding Antino (NZ) (Redwood) will acquit himself well in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday. All the better for two Victorian runs under his belt this spring campaign, Gollan says the five-year-old is beginning to reach his physical peak ahead of his first crack at the top level. “He’s building nicely, his work, everything about him, his body condition, his skin tone is coming along very nicely so we’re very happy,” Gollan said. “Confidence levels are good that he can run well, obviously we’re racing against a very short-priced favourite who’s obviously very talented, so we’re under no illusions how tough that’s going to be. When it comes to a fight, he’ll get into it.” With the race set to be Antino’s third Victorian start at a third different track, a look at Caulfield before the Toorak was essential. “He was just getting a bit familiar with the place, he’s never been here before or raced at this track and we all know it can be that little bit tricky,” Gollan said following a gallop on Tuesday morning. “His work this morning was great, he sat off a workmate of Ciaron (Maher) and Dave’s (Eustace) and worked up nicely.” With 13 days between runs after winning the G3 Sandown Stakes (1800m), Gollan says Antino’s work has been about keeping him up to the mark. “There’s not a whole lot you can do, just keep him happy, keep him moving forward,” Gollan said. Blake Shinn will again ride Antino, with Gollan confident his versatility can aid his winning chances. “He’s a versatile horse, he can race forward, back, mid, doesn’t really matter,” he said. “Every time he (Shinn) sits on him he finds something new about him and gets more confidence in the horse.” View the full article

In just his first racing preparation, Nick Ryan says it’s a credit to his colt Wolfy (NZ) (Tivaci) that the three-year-old is even up to contesting the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. Wolfy debuted at Caulfield in July, running second, and has continued to please Ryan as his debut campaign progresses. “Everything he’s done this prep has continuously improved, his mannerisms are getting better,” Ryan said. “He’s a colt, he’s a really good doer, he’s furnished while he’s been in prep, he’s done so well. “I think it’s an effort from the team itself just to get him here in his first prep. I know how good a colt he is, I can’t wait to see him in the autumn but he’s put his hand up and we’ll roll the dice. “I was very mindful that he’s a very good colt and it’s his first prep, but we took him to the beach on the Monday morning after he raced on the Sunday at Flemington and he was bucking in the water, he licked his bin – it would be a sin to not run here Saturday.” Wolfy returned to Caulfield on Tuesday morning for a gallop under the guidance of regular hoop Blake Shinn ahead of his first test at Group 1 level in the stallion-making contest. “He gave us a glowing report, Blake’s done a lot of work on the horse, he put him through the gates his first time before he’d even had a jumpout, he knows the horse very well,” Ryan said. “Really happy, he galloped with Regardsmaree, an old stable warrior, Blake Shinn rode him and was very happy.” After back-to-back victories at 1400m, Ryan can’t wait to unleash Wolfy at the mile. “He’s been running good sectionals and good times, I think if anything he’s crying out for the mile,” he said. “I think he’s going to relish getting up to the mile … I’m excited to see him on Saturday as I know he’s trained on.” View the full article

Like many trainers around the country, Vicki Prendergast has been frustrated by the wet weather of late, but is welcoming the sunny forecast leading into the final leg of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival at Hastings on Saturday. The Matamata trainer is set to head south this weekend with her Group One performer Our Alley Cat (NZ) (Atlante), who will be vying to break through for her maiden stakes victory in the Gr.3 Valley D’Vine Restaurant Spring Sprint (1400m). “We have just been waiting for some good weather, so hopefully the weather gods shine on Hawke’s Bay,” Prendergast said. “We can’t get too excited until it’s actually sunny on the day, but I am pretty hopeful that we will get a good track.” The seven-year-old mare had a pleasing preparation earlier this year where she placed in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m), Gr.3 Kings Plate (1200m), and Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). She returned to beat a star-studded line-up in a 1100m trial at Taupo in August, which included Group One winners Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) and Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), before finishing fourth first-up on an unsuitable rain-affected track at Ruakaka last month. Prendergast has been playing weather watch since then and is looking forward to getting her mare’s spring preparation back on track this weekend. “She is really well, but you never know when they get a little bit older,” she said. “It has been a shame that we have had a bit of wet weather lately and she has got a little bit fat, but we gave her an exhibition gallop at Matamata the other day and she has come on nicely from that. Hopefully that will have tightened her up a little bit.” With Our Alley Cat in the twilight of her racing career, Prendergast said the broodmare paddock is awaiting the daughter of Atlante if she doesn’t perform up to expectations this weekend. “At her age, and she isn’t the soundest horse anymore, we will see how she pulls up after Saturday,” she said. “If she says she doesn’t want to do it anymore then she will be off to see a stallion.” However, Prendergast is hopeful of a good showing and is eager to head towards the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie in January, a race Our Alley Cat has been twice runner-up. “We will probably do the same thing we did last year and head towards the Westbury at Christmas time,” Prendergast said. “She so deserves to win it.” View the full article

Trainer Frankie Lor is buoyant Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax) can take another step forward this season as he readies for Sunday’s HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin. The six-year-old returns first-up after steadily climbing the ranks last term, where he rose from a 95-rating to be Group One-placed behind Hong Kong’s standout duo – Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’oro) and Romantic Warrior (Acclamation). Targeting December’s HK$118 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races with Money Catcher, specifically the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), Lor hopes a lengthy break at Conghua and two barrier trials have his earner of HK$19.203 million feeling good. “His form looks great. The 1600 metres might be a little bit too short, but he’s first-up and I think it should be ok. I hope he can improve again this season, he’s a one-paced horse, sometimes it depends on the pace and the jockey to determine how he performs,” Lor said. The Ferlax gelding finished third in the 2022 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup at odds of 43/1, while Romantic Warrior won the race with Japan’s Danon The Kid (Just A Way) finishing second. Later that season he finished third in the 2023 Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) won by Golden Sixty. “I think if he can, he’ll be in the Hong Kong Cup again. The 2400 metres maybe a little too long but the 2000 is ok,” Lor said. “I hope he can still improve a little bit, if he does improve a little bit then it would be better. The 2000 metres, well, we have Romantic Warrior but we don’t know what his form will be like after travelling overseas.” Money Catcher’s two wins in Hong Kong came in the 2022 Gr.3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) and 2023 Gr.3 January Cup Handicap (1800m). Alexis Badel will ride the New Zealand-bred this weekend. The lightly-raced King Invincible (NZ) (Darci Brahma) is one of three entrants for Lor at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The four-year-old tackles the Class 4 Lei Yue Mun Handicap (1000m) with jockey Zac Purton engaged from barrier ten. “He’s a nice horse, but I think the pace should be fast. So maybe he jumps, sits midfield and waits for his chance. I don’t want to push him in the run, so that he can finish,” Lor said. The 52-rater has placed once in Hong Kong from five starts last season, following which he has had corrective throat surgery before logging an impressive first-past-the-post trial effort under Purton last month. View the full article

The 12 runners for Australian racing’s richest prize have been assembled and saddlecloth numbers allocated ahead of Saturday’s $20m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick. View the full article

I Wish I Win will jump from barrier one in The Everest. Photo credit: Bruno Cannatelli Race favourite I Wish I Win has copped a horror draw as the final field and barriers were confirmed for The Everest (1200m). The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained star has a racing pattern that sees him settle towards the rear of the field and thunder down the heart of racetracks. That plan copped a massive roadblock as The Everest favourite with online betting sites drawn the typically ideal barrier one. Co-trainer Peter Moody had been on record leading into the barrier draw, emphasising that barrier one was the only barrier they wanted to avoid. I Wish I Win drew barrier one in his only run of this campaign leading into The Everest six weeks ago in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m). He would go on to finish third in the event, beaten by a half-length by Mr Brightside. The tricky barrier draw sees I Wish I Win share favouritism at +320 with the Joe Pride-trained Think About It. Think About It has drawn perfectly for the $20 million affair, drawn barrier five with Sam Clipperton booked to ride. The up-and-coming sprinter will be hunting his ninth straight win on Saturday. Bjorn Baker’s Overpass was arguably the biggest winner in Tuesday night’s barrier draw, with the natural front-runner drawn directly outside I Wish I Win in barrier two. Once markets reopened for The Everest, Overpass went from a +1400 hope into +800 Having beaten arguably the country’s best horse in WA’s version of The Everest, The Quokka (1200m) earlier in the year, Overpass will be looking to add further sprinting success to an already impressive record. Mazu (11) and In Secret (12) copped the two widest barriers and will need to overcome history to salute in The Everest. Who will etch their name into Everest folklore? The Everest 2023 Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 I Wish I Win Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Luke Nolen 1 58.5kg 2 Private Eye Joseph Pride Nash Rawiller 9 58.5kg 3 Think About It Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 5 58.5kg 4 Mazu Peter & Paul Snowden Tommy Berry 11 58.5kg 5 Overpass Bjorn Baker Joshua Parr 2 58.5kg 6 Buenos Noches Matthew Smith Dylan Gibbons 8 58.5kg 7 Hawaii Five Oh Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott James McDonald 10 58.5kg 8 Alcohol Free Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Craig Williams 7 56.5kg 9 In Secret James Cummings Zac Purton 12 56.5kg 10 Espiona Chris Waller Hugh Bowman 3 56.5kg 11 Shinzo Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 6 53kg 12 Cylinder James Cummings Zac Lloyd 4 53kg 13 Bella Nipotina (1E) Ciaron Maher & David Eustace TBC TBC 56.5kg 14 Zapateo (2E) James Cummings TBC TBC 56.5kg 15 King Of Sparta (3E) Peter & Paul Snowden TBC TBC 58.5kg 16 Vilana (4E) James Cummings TBC TBC 58.5kg More horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Danica Guy (left) was pleased with Moeraki’s trial at Matamata on Tuesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Moeraki, a Group Three performer, marked a promising return to his homeland by winning his 800m trial at Matamata on Tuesday. Originally trained in New Zealand by Danica Guy, Moeraki showed early potential as a juvenile, including placing in the Group 3 Waikato Stud Slipper (1200m). After a stint in Hong Kong, where he won two races, Moeraki has returned to Guy’s care. “I was very happy with his trial today,” said Guy. “We got him back from Hong Kong, and he has been a bit of a work in progress, but he seems to be really good.” The seven-year-old son of El Roca, known for his natural ability as a two-year-old, has worked out his quirks and is back with his original trainer. With a patient approach this preparation, Guy plans to take one race at a time. Moeraki may kick off his campaign with a rating 65 race at Te Rapa next week, according to Guy. “We will just assess him after each run and hopefully he will go back through the grades a little bit here, and we will see how far we can go.” Looking ahead to Taupo on Wednesday, Guy has entered two runners, but there’s uncertainty about Sazuka’s participation due to concerns about the track’s firmness. Reflecting on her past experience, Guy mentioned, “I took the same horse there last year, and he jarred up badly and needed three months in the paddock, so I am not sure he will be taking his place tomorrow.” Discussing another runner, Guy expressed optimism about Sazuka’s potential maiden victory, saying, “If he puts in a similar performance, he will definitely be right in it.” She also shared plans for stablemate Ghazzah, noting, “This will probably be his last run this campaign, and then he will go for a spell. He would want to improve a little bit to warrant me getting excited about wanting to bring him back.” More horse racing news View the full article

Our Alley Cat will contest the Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Vicki Prendergast, like many trainers across the country, has faced challenges due to recent wet weather but welcomes the sunny forecast as she prepares for the final leg of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival at Hastings on Saturday. Prendergast is bringing her Group One performer, Our Alley Cat, to compete in the Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m) with hopes of securing her maiden stakes victory. “We have just been waiting for some good weather, so hopefully the weather gods shine on Hawke’s Bay,” says Prendergast. “We can’t get too excited until it’s actually sunny on the day, but I am pretty hopeful that we will get a good track.” Our Alley Cat, a seven-year-old mare, had a promising preparation earlier this year, placing in the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m), Group 3 Kings Plate (1200m), and Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). She returned with a victory in a 1100m trial at Taupo in August, beating a star-studded field that included Group One winners Imperatriz and Legarto. However, her first-up performance on a rain-affected track at Ruakaka resulted in a fourth-place finish. Despite the setbacks caused by the weather, Prendergast remains optimistic about Our Alley Cat’s spring preparation. “She is really well, but you never know when they get a little bit older,” she noted. “It has been a shame that we have had a bit of wet weather lately and she has got a little bit fat, but we gave her an exhibition gallop at Matamata the other day, and she has come on nicely from that. Hopefully, that will have tightened her up a little bit.” Acknowledging that Our Alley Cat is in the twilight of her racing career and not the soundest horse, Prendergast mentions the possibility of retirement to the broodmare paddock. “If she says she doesn’t want to do it anymore, then she will be off to see a stallion.” However, Prendergast expresses hope for a good showing and outlines plans for the future, targeting the Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie in January, a race in which Our Alley Cat has been twice the runner-up. “We will probably do the same thing we did last year and head towards the Westbury at Christmas time,” she revealed. “She so deserves to win it.” More horse racing news View the full article

Star jockey is realistic about the Hong Kong Mile champ’s chances when he rides him for the first time in Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m)View the full article

Money Catcher has a rating of 117 in Hong Kong. Trainer Frankie Lor is buoyant Money Catcher can take another step forward this season as he readies for Sunday’s HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin. The six-year-old returns first-up after steadily climbing the ranks last term, where he rose from a 95-rating to be Group 1-placed behind Hong Kong’s standout duo – Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior. Targeting December’s HK$118 million Hong Kong International Races with Money Catcher, specifically the HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m), Lor hopes a lengthy break at Conghua and two barrier trials have his earner of HK$19.203 million feeling good. “His form looks great. The 1600 metres might be a little bit too short, but he’s first-up and I think it should be ok. I hope he can improve again this season, he’s a one-paced horse, sometimes it depends on the pace and the jockey to determine how he performs,” Lor said. The Ferlax gelding finished third in the 2022 Hong Kong Cup at odds of +4300, while Romantic Warrior won the race with Japan’s Danon The Kid finishing second. Later that season he finished third in the 2023 Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) won by Golden Sixty. “I think if he can, he’ll be in the Hong Kong Cup again. The 2400 metres maybe a little too long but the 2000 is ok,” Lor said. “I hope he can still improve a little bit, if he does improve a little bit then it would be better. The 2000 metres, well, we have Romantic Warrior but we don’t know what his form will be like after travelling overseas.” Money Catcher’s two wins in Hong Kong came in the 2022 Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) and 2023 Group 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m). Alexis Badel will ride the New Zealand-bred this weekend. The lightly-raced King Invincible is one of three entrants for Lor at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The four-year-old has jockey Zac Purton engaged from barrier ten. “He’s a nice horse, but I think the pace should be fast. So maybe he jumps, sits midfield and waits for his chance. I don’t want to push him in the run, so that he can finish,” Lor said. The 52-rater has placed once in Hong Kong from five starts last season, following which he has had corrective throat surgery before logging an impressive first-past-the-post trial effort under Purton last month. Sword Point stepped out ib Tuesday morning to trial on the dirt for Lor at Sha Tin. The chestnut gelding has now finished first in two trials ahead of his impending return. “He’s doing well. He’ll resume in a Class 2 over 1800 metres (on 22 October), then hopefully the (Group 3) Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) and then the (Group 2) Jockey Club Cup (2000m) – hopefully get into the Hong Kong Cup, I think,” Lor said. The American Pharoah five-year-old won two races last season and finished runner-up to Straight Arron in the 2023 Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) last May. More horse racing news View the full article

Triple Group 1 winning Dundeel colt Militarize is favourite in a 15-horse field for Saturday’s Group 1 $3 million Neds Caulfield Guineas (1600m). 2023 Golden Rose winner Militarize is favourite to win Melbourne’s $3 million Neds Caulfield Guineas this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart. The Chris Waller-trained galloper is Melbourne-bound for the first time on the weekend following his last start flash home to salute in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m). That was his third elite level success following a big autumn where he took out the Inglis Sires’ over 1400m and the Champagne Stakes over 1600m. He returns to a mile fit in the Caulfield Guineas jumping from out in barrier 12 with Brazilian hoop, the ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira retaining the ride. Waller chases a third Caulfield Guineas success following previous victories Press Statement (2015) and The Autumn Sun (2018). He is tipped to collect another trophy according to the bookies with the latest Caulfield Guineas odds online at Ladbrokes installing Militarize as the $2.80 favourite. Following closely in Caulfield Guineas betting at $3.60 is Steparty who is unbeaten heading into his Group 1 acid test. The Paul Preusker-trained son of Artie Schiller brings in a flawless five-from-five record to Saturday’s Melbourne feature including winning his opening Group assignment to take out the Prelude by a nostril flare on September 23. No three-year-old has completed the Caulfield Guineas Prelude – Caulfield Guineas double since Helmet back in 2011. Steparty is being kept safe in the markets to be the first in over a decade however following his ideal barrier seven draw for jockey John Allen. Dominating the Caulfield Guineas field numbers-wise this spring with four final acceptors are Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. The stable’s contingent is led by King Colorado at $8 who completes the single-figure fancies in post-acceptance markets. Like Militarize the Kingman colt is a proven Group 1 winner over the distance having saluted in Brisbane’s J.J. Atkins as a two-year-old in the winter. He took on the older horses fresh to run 2.39 lengths back ninth to Fangirl in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) before crossing under two lengths seventh in the Golden Rose. Maher & Eustace also saddle-up last start Group 2 Stutt Stakes winner over the Moonee Valley mile Griff from barrier 15 of 15, along with the Prelude place-getters Southport Tycoon and Scentify drawn better in gates four and five respectively. The other best out of the Prelude at $13 to improve and win the Group 1 on Saturday is the Ken & Kasey Keys-trained Real Steel colt Scheelite who ran fourth. Other standout hopefuls include the autumn’s Blue Diamond Stakes winner Little Brose for Team Hayes, the rails-drawn Grunt colt Veigth who won the Group 2 VRC Sires’ back in March, and untapped Tivaci colt Wolfy chasing a third consecutive win but up notably in grade. The 2023 Neds Caulfield Guineas is one of three Group 1 features taking place in Melbourne on Saturday while Sydney is host to a huge race card at Randwick headed by the $20 million The Everest race. 2023 Caulfield Guineas Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 13011×51 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller Joao Moreira 12 57kg 108 2 21x218x436 LITTLE BROSE Ben, Will & JD Hayes Damien Oliver 10 57kg 96 3 411×97 KING COLORADO Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Michael Dee 8 57kg 96 4 111×11 STEPARTY Paul Preusker John Allen 7 57kg 86 5 114×15 VEIGHT Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damian Lane 1 57kg 88 6 5x51x6511 GRIFF Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Ben Melham 15 57kg 86 7 11×554 SCHEELITE Ken & Kasey Keys Mark Zahra 13 57kg 77 8 1×123 SCENTIFY Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Ben Allen 5 57kg 77 9 112 SOUTHPORT TYCOON Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Harry Coffey 4 57kg 78 10 26211 WOLFY (NZ) Nick Ryan Blake Shinn 11 57kg 68 11 12 VERDAD Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Beau Mertens 14 57kg 74 12 17 ROCK EMPIRE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 3 57kg 65 13 9×6324 LIMBURG Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jye McNeil 9 57kg 64 14 3×23 COPACABANA Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jordan Childs 6 57kg 62 15 155 THE LONGEST YARD Matthew Brown Brian Higgins 2 57kg 62 Table Credit: Racing Australia. The post 2023 Caulfield Guineas Field & Betting Update: Favourite Militarize in Barrier 12 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

In the final episode of this series Greg O’Connor goes one-on-one with Zachary Butcher. View the full article

California Spangle is a 10-time winner from 18 starts in Hong Kong. California Spangle will chase consecutive wins in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Aiming to become the race’s fourth dual winner after Silver Lining (1978 & 1981), Right Way (1992 & 1996) and Beauty Generation (2017 & 2018), the Group 1-winning California Spangle links with jockey Hugh Bowman as trainer Tony Cruz’s popular on-pacer makes his highly anticipated return after finishing third behind Golden Sixty last April at Sha Tin. Bowman rides the Irish-bred for the first time this weekend, while Zac Purton – who has won seven times aboard California Spangle – is atop emerging talent Beauty Eternal, a dual Group 3 winner, who capped a sparkling first term with seven wins from 10 starts. “I said all last season that the thing I was missing in my repertoire was a top-line horse and this could well be the one. His form is excellent, obviously Zac was in a position where he had to go one way or another, but the phone call came and I was happy to take the reins,” Bowman said. Famed for partnerships with Winx, Werther, Samantha Miss and many more, Bowman hopped aboard California Spangle in a barrier trial on October 3 at Sha Tin where the pair finished second in a time of 1m 10.41s behind Dream Winner over 1200m on dirt. “He has an excellent racing pattern and what I was inclined to be happy about in the trial is that I felt like he had a lot more to give me and I feel like he could be a horse like that. You’re probably never at the bottom of him, but I’m going to know a lot more after the race than what I do before. His form’s there for everyone to see, his record is consistent and it’s right up there with the best horses in Hong Kong and abroad – let’s see,” Bowman said. Cruz also saddles Beauty Joy and Circuit Stellar in this weekend’s feature, while Russian Emperor, Money Catcher, Senor Toba, Straight Arron, Encountered and Tourbillon Diamond are also entered. California Spangle will shoulder a 135lb impost as top-weight in the season’s first Group 2 contest, while Beauty Eternal has been assigned 123lb along with Money Catcher. “I think he (California Spangle) has the job ahead of him from a winning point of view to be perfectly honest at a mile with 135 pounds – he’ll be giving some weight to some very good horses, so we’re pretty open minded about that and it’s going to give us a very clear indication of where we lie for the months ahead,” Bowman said. Looking to more immediate targets on Wednesday evening at Happy Valley, Bowman takes seven out of a possible eight rides including Sugar Sugar for trainer Caspar Fownes. “It was a good run, he’s drawn a bit awkward but he looks very well placed to me. He has a good record at the track and the stable is firing,” the Australian rider said. Sugar Sugar narrowly missed first-up and steps away from barrier nine against 11 rivals tomorrow night. Bowman also rides Regency Happy Star, Beautyverse, Kokushi Musou, Savvy Delight, Cosmo Navigator and Lean Hero at the city circuit. Bowman was aboard the David Hayes-trained Lean Hero first-up and has previously won atop the Maurice colt. “His winning form is at Happy Valley. I really like the way he’s trained on since his first-up run, I thought it was full of merit – not beaten far. And he gets his preferred track and distance – so he’ll run well,” Hayes said. Bowman heads to Royal Randwick this Saturday in Sydney, Australia to ride Espiona in The Everest (1200m) and Buckaroo in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m). “I think it opens the race up (the withdrawal of Giga Kick from The Everest). I still think I Wish I Win seems to be a bit forgotten, I think he’s an outstanding horse – he’s a TJ Smith (Group 1, 1200m) winner and I think he’s the benchmark. “Espiona, she’s a little bit under the radar – she’s a very consistent horse, she’s good on any ground and she’s in winning form,” Bowman said. More horse racing news View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Herbert Power Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023 Location: Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 2400m The Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes is horse race for stayers held annually at Caulfield Racecourse. It was run over a mile to start with but gradually increased up to 2400m where it has been since 1920. Run for $300,000 in 2023, the Herbert Power Stakes is one of the final chances for connections to earn direct qualification into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) the following weekend. The last horse to complete the Herbert Power/Caulfield Cup double was Master O’Reilly in 2007. In total the double has been completed seven times. Notable winners of the Herbert Power Stakes include The Chosen One (2019), Yucatan (2018), Alcopop (2009), Master O’Reilly (2007), Leica Falcon (2005), Freemason (2001), Rogan Josh (1999), Great Vintage (1993), Aquidity (1992), Just A Dancer (1990), Congressman (1988), Rising Fast (1955), Eurythmic (1921), Poseidon (1906/1907) and Wakeful (1902/1903). 2023 Herbert Power Stakes Betting Odds 2023 Herbert Power Stakes odds are currently unavailable, Horsebetting.com.au will update this page when Herbert Power Stakes betting odds open. Best Herbert Power Stakes bookmakers The Herbert Power Stakes isn’t one of the star races of the spring carnival, so online bookmakers won’t open early all-in markets. Bookmakers will open markets for the Herbert Power the week of the race, with these odds usually launching when the field is available. Some Herbet Power Stakes betting sites will allow you to bet via the TAB in advance, which means you can wager without seeing what the current odds are, while as the race draws closer fixed odds will become available. All of our recommended horse betting sites offer betting on the Herbert Power Stakes and bookmaker bonuses will also be available in the days leading up to the race. These horse racing betting sites generally have apps available for iOS and Android smartphones. Sport Table Latest Herbert Power Stakes News Saracen Knight beautifully placed for Moonee Valley Cup Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Danny O’Brien believes Saracen Knight is beautifully placed for a Moonee Valley Cup assault after his classy 1 ¼-length victory … Read More Baker and Forsman throw in dual entry for Victoria Derby Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have set their sights on another Derby triumph in Australia. In the past … Read More Herbert Power Stakes 2020 betting tips & latest odds Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds, racing form and value bets for Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield … Read More Guineas credentials on the line for talented Unition New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Unition may be ready to become a man – in a manner of speaking. The Fastnet Rock three-year-old will tackle … Read More 2023 Herbert Power Stakes Final Field Horsebetting.com.au will update this page when the 2023 Herbert Power Stakes field is released. Previous Herbert Power Stakes Field 2022 Herbert Power Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Grand Promenade Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Mark Zahra 3 59kg 2 Persan Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Damian Lane 10 59kg 3 Sheraz Chris Waller Damien Oliver 9 59kg 4 Desert Icon Chris Waller James McDonald 1 58kg 5 Emissary Mike Moroney Jye McNeil 11 56kg 6 Makram Ben & JD Hayes Craig Williams 14 56kg 7 Schabau Robert Hickmott Ethan Brown 15 55.5kg 8 Point Nepean Robert Hickmott Michael Dee 6 55kg 9 Regal Lion Annabel Neasham Blaike McDougall 7 54.5kg 10 Attorney Matthew Smith Craig Newitt 12 53.5kg 11 Good Idea Phillip Stokes Michael Poy 4 53kg 12 Saracen Knight Danny O’Brien Jamie Kah 2 53kg 13 The Good Fight Mike Moroney Patrick Moloney 8 53kg 14 Tigertiger Rob Blacker Daniel Moor 5 53kg 15 Harmysian Clayton Douglas Damien Thornton 13 53kg 2022 Herbert Power Stakes result 1st – Saracen Knight (+320) 2nd – Makram (+500) 3rd – Desert Icon (+160) Recent Herbert Power Stakes winners 2022: Saracen Knight makes a mess of rivals Despite not nominating for the Caulfield Cup, the Danny O’Brien-trained Saracen Knight made a mess of Caulfield Cup hopefuls in the 2022 Herbert Power Stakes. Aided by a perfect steer from Jamie Kah, Saracen Knight justified his favourite take when putting a length on Makram ($21) and Desert Icon ($8), who was a further head away in third. The win handed Danny O’Brien his first win in the racing since 2007 after Master O’Reilly reigned supreme 15 years prior. The win ensured Saracen Knight was finally making a good fist of his career after being lost in the wilderness over the past 12 months with his penchant for soft tracks. 2021: Delphi proves a class above Having finished second in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes, the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Delphi went one better to claim the Herbert Power Stakes and book his spot in the Caulfield Cup. Jockey Damien Oliver again did favourite backers a favour after winning the Caulfield Guineas on favourite Anamoe two races earlier. Oliver went for home before the home turn before Delphi ($1.95 fav) held The Chosen One ($11) to score by a length. 2020: Chapada gets better of rivals Chapada won his way into the Caulfield Cup when he scored impressively in the Group 2 Herbert Power, getting the better of Orderofthegarter. Having run second to Orderofthegarter in the Naturalism Stakes, the Mike Moroney-trained Chapada managed to turn the tables on his rivals in the “win and you’re in” qualifier. Having claimed the Herbert Power Stakes in 2002 with The Secondmortgage, it took Moroney 18 years to taste success in one of the more iconic Group 2 races on the Australian horse racing calendar. 2019: The Chosen One claims dramatic Herbert Power win In an impressive display of staying power, The Chosen One, a Kiwi stayer, secured a coveted spot in the Caulfield Cup and teetering on the brink of a potential Melbourne Cup run. This achievement follows a commanding performance in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield. The stakes were raised even before the race commenced as the favoured Steel Prince suffered an injury, cutting a leg in the barriers and subsequently being withdrawn. This unforeseen event cast doubt on Steel Prince’s Melbourne Cup campaign, despite being exempt from the ballot. Guided skillfully by jockey Damian Lane, The Chosen One saw his odds tighten from $9 to $6.50. He clinched victory by a margin of half a length over Prince Of Arran ($8.50), with Sully ($9.50) trailing a further three lengths behind in third place. Herbert Power Stakes winners Herbert Power Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2022 Saracen Knight Jamie Kah Danny O’Brien 2021 Delphi Damien Oliver Anthony & Sam Freedman 2020 Chapada Daniel Stackhouse Mike Moroney 2019 The Chosen One Damian Lane Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman 2018 Yucatan James McDonald Aidan O’Brien 2017 Lord Fandango Ben Allen Archie Alexander 2016 Assign Katelyn Mallyon Robert Hickmott 2015 Amralah Hugh Bowman Robert Hickmott 2014 Big Memory Tommy Berry Tony McEvoy 2013 Sea Moon Hugh Bowman Robert Hickmott 2012 Shahwardi Kerrin McEvoy Alain de Royer Dupre 2011 Tanby Nicholas Hall Robert Hickmott 2010 Linton Nicholas Hall Robert Hickmott 2009 Alcopop Domenic Tourneur Jake Stephens 2008 Dolphin Jo Clare Lindop Terry & Karina O’Sullivan 2007 Master O’Reilly Vlad Duric Danny O’Brien 2006 Growl Craig Williams David Hayes 2005 Leica Falcon Craig Williams Richard Freyer 2004 Rizon Corey Brown Cliff Brown 2003 Yakama Damien Oliver Stuart Laming 2002 The Secondmortgage Kerrin McEvoy Mike Moroney 2001 Freemason Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2000 Majestic Avenue Glen Boss Tony Noonan Herbert Power Stakes winners pre-2000 Herbert Power Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Rogan Josh 1998 Magneto 1997 Bonsai Pipeline 1996 The Bandette 1995 Unsolved 1994 Solo Show 1993 Great Vintage 1992 Aquidity 1991 Princess Pushy 1990 Just A Dancer 1989 Nayrizi 1988 Congressman 1987 Cossack Warrior 1986 Pharostan 1985 Fil De Roi 1984 Colonial Flag 1983 Nostradamus 1982 Carringbush 1981 Flashing Light 1980 Mr. Independent 1979 Pigalle 1978 Arwon 1977 Impeller 1976 Van der Hum 1975 Suleiman 1974 Big Angel 1973 Gala Supreme 1972 Scotch And Dry 1971 Spectre 1970 Beer Street 1969 Alsop 1968 Impetus 1967 Padtheway 1966 Gala Crest 1965 Captain Blue 1964 Sybeau 1963 Straight Irish 1962 Silver Pelt 1961 Nilarco 1960 Optic Prince 1959 Mac 1958 King Nero 1957 Pandie Sun 1956 Fighting Force 1955 Rising Fast 1954 Wodalla 1953 My Hero 1952 Durham 1951 Durham 1950 Dashing Beau 1949 Dashing Beau 1948 Howe 1947 Riot 1946 Sir Actor 1945 Logical 1944 Claudette 1943 Mac Rob 1942 Portfolio / Colonus 1941 Historian 1940 Rex Felt 1939 Respirator 1938 Marauder 1937 International 1936 Desert Chief 1935 Red Ray 1934 Broad Arrow 1933 Segati 1932 Scalpel 1931 Shadow King 1930 Second Wind 1929 Taisho 1928 Strephon 1927 Royal Charter 1926 The Banker 1925 Royal Charter 1924 Easingwold 1923 Easingwold 1922 Purser 1921 Eurythmic 1920 Tangalooma 1919 Eusebius 1918 Outlook 1917 Pah King 1916 Cyklon 1915 Burrabadeen 1914 Anna Carlovna 1913 Anna Carlovna 1912 Lady Medallist 1911 Comedy King 1910 Master Soult 1909 Alawa 1908 Alawa 1907 Poseidon 1906 Poseidon 1905 Marvel Loch 1904 Nuncio 1903 Wakeful 1902 Wakeful 1901 Bonnie Chiel 1900 Kinglike 1899 Australian Star 1898 Cocos View the full article

His wait for a Hong Kong win goes on, but the Australian will be one of just seven trainers with a presence in Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m)View the full article

Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller believes his Kiwi-bred Militarize (NZ) (Dundeel) is a champion in the making and is confident he can take a step closer to that level when he contests Saturday’s Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). “He’s got all the qualities of a champion, he’s just got to tick a few more boxes to get to that status,” Waller told Racing.com. “We have just got to hold him together. We don’t need him to run faster. We don’t need to improve any aspect of the horse. Just keep him in good shape and keep him happy and he, being a racehorse, will do the rest. “He’s a lovely horse to work with. He’s an absolute gentleman. He doesn’t realise his price tag and doesn’t expect anything special. He just goes about his work in a tradesman-like way and is just a pleasure to work with. “He’s nice and compact. A well put-together horse. Not too big, not too small. Just perfect.” The son of Dundeel has won four of his seven starts to date, including the Gr.1 Inglis Sires’ (1400m), Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m), and Gr.1 Golden Rose (1400m), and bookmakers are favouring the quality colt to add a fourth to his tally this weekend. “On ratings he looks to have a pretty good hand in the race,” Waller said. “He’s certainly the benchmark. “He’s certainly done it at two and he’s come back and been very impressive in the early part of his three-year-old year, so it’s just a matter of continuing to progress. “Everything we ask of him to do, he delivers, and he delivers it in pretty good style. “His wins in Group One races at two were solid performances. He wasn’t just winning. He was beating up good horses by big spaces. “His run in the Golden Rose against the speedy three-year-old colts was good. He had to overcome a bit of a scrimmage in the straight and surged late, so everything he does has got the makings of a really good hose. “You can’t do much more than what he’s done at two and now coming back and won a stallion-making race at three.” “It’s no surprise to see him come back as well as he has because, as I said, we didn’t put him under pressure to win a Sires’ and Champagne. “He’s done it himself. They are the horses they train on.” Militarize was bred by Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock Limited and is out of the British-bred mare Amerindia, who foaled Militarize at Haunui Farm in New Zealand after being sent across the Tasman to be served by Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth in the 2020 breeding season. View the full article

Group Three performer Moeraki (NZ) (El Roca) made a pleasing return to his homeland on Tuesday when winning his 800m trial at Matamata. The former Hong Kong galloper was initially trained in New Zealand by Danica Guy, for who he placed in two of his three starts as a juvenile, including the Gr.3 Waikato Stud Slipper (1200m). He was subsequently sold to Hong Kong where he won two races before returning to Guy’s care earlier this year. The Matamata horsewoman is pleased to have him back in her stable and she is looking forward to returning to the races with the now seven-year-old son of El Roca. “I was very happy with his trial today,” Guy said. “We got him back from Hong Kong and he has been a bit of a work in progress, but he seems to be really good. “He has got a super owner that I sold the horse to, and he loves to send them back here and have them retire back in New Zealand. It is nice that he looks after his horses and cares about them. “He was a pretty impressive two-year-old on type and he had a lot of natural ability. He was doing things a little upside down as a two-year-old, but he has worked it out at seven-years-old.” Guy said she will take her time this preparation with the gelding, who will possibly kick-off his preparation next week. “It will be one race at a time. Hopefully he bounces back in time for a rating 65 at Te Rapa next week, which looks like a nice target to kick him off in,” she said. “We will just assess him after each run and hopefully he will go back through the grades a little bit here and we will see how far we can go.” Meanwhile, Guy is looking forward to heading south to Taupo on Wednesday where she has entered two runners, however, Suzuka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) is unlikely to take his place in The Simon Marcroft Farewell Sprint (1000m). “He has come up really well, I am just worried about the firm nature of the track tomorrow as they don’t have an irrigation system in at Taupo,” Guy said. “I took the same horse there last year and he jarred up badly and needed three months in the paddock, so I am not sure he will be taking his place tomorrow.” The son of Satono Aladdin was runner-up behind exciting four-year-old Adam I Am (NZ) (Almanzor) at Matamata last start and Guy said a maiden victory is looming if he can replicate that performance. “He blew out a little bit in the last bit. He would have garnered a lot of improvement from the run, but how much I don’t know,” she said. “I think Adam I Am is smart animal, so it was no disgrace in getting beaten by him. If he puts in a similar performance, he will be definitely be right in it.” Guy will be keeping a close eye on stablemate Ghazzah (Akeed Mofeed) when he contests the Placemakers Taupo (1800m). “This will probably be his last run this campaign and then he will go for a spell. He would want to improve a little bit to warrant me getting excited about wanting to bring him back,” she said. “He has got a bit of strengthening up to do so maybe he is worth another preparation.” View the full article

Exciting three-year-old Lupo Solitario (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) is exciting trainer Danica Guy ahead of his first tilt at stakes level next weekend. The son of Satono Aladdin has impressed in his two starts to date, winning on debut over 1200m at Te Rapa in August, before posting the same result at Tauranga over 1300m a month later. Guy has been pleased with his progress since that outing and is looking forward to tackling what is set to be a strong Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday-week. “Lupo is flying. Everything is going well and I am very happy with him,” Guy said. “He will go to the Sarten next weekend and he is on target for that at this stage. “There will be no shame in defeat there, I am sure, and there is still so much improvement to come from his racing style. “The penny hasn’t dropped with him yet. I think a run in a high-pressure race is exactly what he needs at this point to make a racehorse out of him.” The spelling paddock is beckoning Lupo Solitario following next weekend’s run, with an eye towards the $1.5 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) in January for the gelding purchased, who was purchased out of Rich Hill Stud’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft for $82,500. “I would say he will be freshened and then we will work backwards from the Karaka Million as that looks like the ideal target for him,” Guy said. “He has got to go to the Karaka Million as a finished racehorse and he has still got a bit to go I think.” View the full article

Enthusiastic’s (NZ) (War Decree) debut run last month was better than it reads on paper and, with a slice of luck this time, is expected to show his true worth on Wednesday when he returns to Taupo. The Ben and Ryan Foote-trained three-year-old will step out in the Placemakers Rotorua Maiden (1300m) with Lisa Allpress to guide his fortunes from an ideal barrier (four). The son of War Decree is one of a trio of chances from the father and son’s Cambridge operation, with first starters Alcaraz (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the Winstone Wallboards Maiden (1300m) and Mars (NZ) (Zoustar) in the McLeod Habibs Maiden (1300m). “I would be disappointed if all three didn’t run good races,” Ben Foote said. Enthusiastic was a trial winner before he finished a first-up sixth under Kozzi Asano behind current Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) co-favourite Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High). “He had trialled well and then Kozzi said he got a really bad bump in the race and it cost him quite a few lengths,” Foote said. “His sectionals were the second best behind the winner so with a better run I think he’ll be right in it.” The stable has also accepted in the race with Charmer (NZ) (Charm Spirit), who was stakes placed last season, but she is likely to be saved for another day. “She’s a tidy filly who tries hard and is working well. She will probably start on Sunday (at Rotorua) as I think the other horse is a good winning chance at Taupo,” Foote said. Per Incanto four-year-old Alcaraz, who will be partnered by Michael McNab, has made all the right moves ahead of his debut with a lead-up trial win on the all-weather track at Cambridge. “He kept going shin sore so we’ve waited with him and think he’s a proper horse,” Foote said. “I mucked the trial up a bit and was supposed to trial him over 1000m and it was 1300m, but it didn’t seem to matter anyway and he’s a very, very good galloper who will give a good sight.” Well-related Zoustar filly Mars also comes in with a Cambridge trial victory over 950m to her credit with McNab to ride her as well. “I think quite highly of her, she hasn’t got a great draw (10) but we’ve got to get her underway,” Foote said. “She’ll get back and should be hitting the line very strongly. She ran the quickest time at the trials the other day when she came from the back so I’m sure she’ll do the same again.” A $200,000 Karaka purchase out of Westbury Stud’s draft, Mars will carry the colours of Trelawney Stud and is out of a half-sister to the Group Two-winning sprinters First Command (Commands) and Oneworld (Danehill). She is the first horse Foote has trained for the Taylor family’s Cambridge nursery. “I bought a yearling off them last year and they said they would give me one to train,” he said. The Karaka purchase is now known as Ka Ying Victory (NZ) and the son of Charm Spirit was a trial winner at Ruakaka before relocating to Hong Kong where he is unbeaten in two appearances. “We’ve got a lot of young horses coming through and never have too many older ones, Babylon Berlin is the oldest horse in the stable,” Foote said. “She will trial in a couple of weeks and she’ll be cherry ripe for the Railway (Gr.1, 1200m) so we’ll plan a path to that. I’m really happy with her.” The six-year-old has won seven races, including three at Group Three level, and will be chasing a deserved top-flight title having placed four times against elite competition. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Ben Foote. Photo: Trish Dunell Enthusiastic’s debut run last month was better than it reads on paper and, with a slice of luck this time, is expected to show his true worth on Wednesday when he returns to Taupo. The Ben and Ryan Foote-trained three-year-old will step out with Lisa Allpress to guide his fortunes from an ideal barrier (four). The son of War Decree is one of a trio of chances from the father and son’s Cambridge operation, with first starters Alcaraz and Mars. “I would be disappointed if all three didn’t run good races,” Ben Foote said. Enthusiastic was a trial winner before he finished a first-up sixth under Kozzi Asano behind current Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) co-favourite Molly Bloom. “He had trialled well and then Kozzi said he got a really bad bump in the race and it cost him quite a few lengths,” Foote said. “His sectionals were the second best behind the winner so with a better run I think he’ll be right in it.” The stable has also accepted in the race with Charmer, who was stakes placed last season, but she is likely to be saved for another day. “She’s a tidy filly who tries hard and is working well. She will probably start on Sunday (at Rotorua) as I think the other horse is a good winning chance at Taupo,” Foote said. Per Incanto four-year-old Alcaraz, who will be partnered by Michael McNab, has made all the right moves ahead of his debut with a lead-up trial win on the all-weather track at Cambridge. “He kept going shin sore so we’ve waited with him and think he’s a proper horse,” Foote said. “I mucked the trial up a bit and was supposed to trial him over 1000m and it was 1300m, but it didn’t seem to matter anyway and he’s a very, very good galloper who will give a good sight.” Well-related Zoustar filly Mars also comes in with a Cambridge trial victory over 950m to her credit with McNab to ride her as well. “I think quite highly of her, she hasn’t got a great draw (10) but we’ve got to get her underway,” Foote said. “She’ll get back and should be hitting the line very strongly. She ran the quickest time at the trials the other day when she came from the back so I’m sure she’ll do the same again.” A $200,000 Karaka purchase out of Westbury Stud’s draft, Mars will carry the colours of Trelawney Stud and is out of a half-sister to the Group Two-winning sprinters First Command and Oneworld. She is the first horse Foote has trained for the Taylor family’s Cambridge nursery. “I bought a yearling off them last year and they said they would give me one to train,” he said. The Karaka purchase is now known as Ka Ying Victory and the son of Charm Spirit was a trial winner at Ruakaka before relocating to Hong Kong where he is unbeaten in two appearances. “We’ve got a lot of young horses coming through and never have too many older ones, Babylon Berlin is the oldest horse in the stable,” Foote said. “She will trial in a couple of weeks and she’ll be cherry ripe for the Railway (Group 1, 1200m) so we’ll plan a path to that. I’m really happy with her.” The six-year-old has won seven races, including three at Group Three level, and will be chasing a deserved top-flight title having placed four times against elite competition. More horse racing news View the full article

Steparty, ridden by John Allen, returns to the mounting yard after winning the Caulfield Guineas Prelude at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) A competitive edition of the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) awaits punters on Saturday afternoon at Caulfield Racecourse. 15 three-year-old colts and gelding will compete for the $3,000,000 on the line as part of a stacked 10-race card. Having claimed the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m), the Chris Waller-trained Militarize will be looking to become the first horse since Ole Kirk in 2020 to complete the Golden Rose/Caulfield Guineas double. The three-time Group 1 winner will need to overcome barrier 12 if he is to achieve the feat, but Joao Moreira has been booked to ride as the pair looking to claim their fourth Group 1 win as a pairing. Leading the local brigade, is the Paul Preusker-trained Steparty. The undefeated son of Artie Schiller is aiming to complete the Caulfield Guineas Prelude/Caulfield Guineas double and would become the first since Helmet in 2011 to do the double. John Allen will remain on board, despite regular jockey Dean Yendall back riding. Steparty will be joined by the likes of Little Brose, Veight, Scheelite, Scentify, Southport Tycoon and Rock Empire as runners to come through the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m). Last start Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) winner Griff will have a new jockey in Ben Melham on board, with Mark Zahra, who has partnered the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained galloper to black-type success in his last two starts, booked to ride Scheelite. King Colorado and Verdad are seemingly the best of the rest in Saturday’s Group 1 at Caulfield. 2023 Caulfield Guineas Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Militarize Chris Waller Joao Moreira 12 57kg 2 Little Brose Ben, Will & JD Hayes Damien Oliver 10 57kg 3 King Colorado Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Michael Dee 8 57kg 4 Steparty Paul Preusker John Allen 7 57kg 5 Veight Tony & Calvin McEvoy Damian Lane 1 57kg 6 Griff Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Ben Melham 15 57kg 7 Scheelite Ken & Kasey Keys Mark Zahra 13 57kg 8 Scentify Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Ben Allen 5 57kg 9 Southport Tycoon Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Harry Coffey 4 57kg 10 Wolfy Nick Ryan Blake Shinn 11 57kg 11 Verdad Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Beau Mertens 14 57kg 12 Rock Empire Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 3 57kg 13 Limburg Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jye McNeil 9 57kg 14 Copacabana Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes TBC 6 57kg 15 The Longest Yard Matthew Brown Brian Higgins 2 57kg More horse racing news View the full article

What Kembla Grange Races Where Kembla Grange Racecourse – Princes Highway, Kembla Grange NSW 2526 When Thursday, October 12, 2023 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Illawarra Turf Club is the destination for provincial racing this Thursday afternoon, with eight competitive races set for decision. The rail is out +8m between the 1100m-winning post with the remainder out +6m. The weather is a mixed bag as well, with some showers expected in the region; however, we’ll expect a surface no worse than in the Soft range for race-day. The first race is scheduled for 1:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Kembla Grange: Joey D’or Joey D’or was unimpressive on debut at Rosehill on May 20 and finished 9.5 lengths away in last. It was surprising given his quality barrier trials prior to his debut; however, the son of Pariah clearly didn’t have his mind on the job for race day. He underwent the ultimate gear change now with a gelding operation and is now trialling like a fully furnished galloper. Joey D’or should get a lovely position in behind the speed from barrier three, and provided Rachel King can get clear aboard the three-year-old, he’ll be closing strong down the centre of the track. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Joey D’or (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Rachel King (59kg) Bet with BoomBet Next Best at Kembla Grange: Furious Furious is a very promising galloper from the Hawkes barn and after a magnificent debut win at Sandown on September 20, we’re confident the four-year-old can make it back-to-back wins. He showed an electric turn-of-foot to pick up his rivals with relative ease on that occasion and should only be suited for getting to 1400m for the first time. This is obviously tougher, and Zac Lloyd could have his work cut out from barrier 11, but we’re happy to take on trust that Furious has the ability to overcome these minor queries. Next Best Race 8 – #3 Furious (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Zac Lloyd (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best Again at Kembla Grange: Zondee Zondee has found the minor money in four career starts so far and doesn’t look far from producing a winning performance. He finished mid-field four lengths away from Ostraka at his latest start at Rosehill on September 27 and should’ve finished closer than the unflattering margin may suggest. The colt by Snitzel raced wide without cover in the middle stages, blunting his acceleration when the race went on. He draws softer this time in barrier three, and with the appointment of Zac Lloyd as a positive, Zondee will go close here. Next Best Again Race 2 – #1 Zondee (3) 3yo Colt | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Zac Lloyd (58.5kg) Bet with Betfair Thursday quaddie tips for Kembla Grange races Kembla Grange quadrella selections Thursday, October 12, 2023 2-3-6-10 4-5-6-7 4-5-7-9 1-3-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Flemington took centre stage last Saturday, as it hosted Turnbull Stakes Day, which is commonly referred to as “moving day” for all horses that expect to be contending late in the Victorian Spring Carnival. Outside of Melbourne, Rosehill hosted its Hill Stakes Day with three Group races on the card, while Eagle Farm, Murray Bridge and Kalgoorlie each hosted nice cards to compliment the main two. In this week’s edition of the Follow Files, we have found three runners that performed well enough to suggest that they are close to another win at their next start. Flemington Track rating: Soft 5 (up to Good 4 after R7) Rail position: +9m entire circuit Race 3: Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) | Time: 1:50.05 Horse to follow: Riff Rocket (1st) With the Group 1 VRC Derby under a month away, we may have found the top seed for this year. The Chris Waller-trained Riff Rocket recorded one of the best wins on the Flemington program in the Super Impose Stakes, where he ran away for his rivals to win by a massive 5.5 lengths over 1800m. James McDonald settled the son of American Pharoah behind the speed and had to wait for a gap to appear in between runners at the 400m mark, but once he found the gap, Riff Rocket exploded with a burst of acceleration to put the race to bed by the 200m mark. When to bet: After such a dominant performance at Flemington, it would be hard for Waller and his team to turn down the opportunity to go the VRC Derby in four weeks’ time. Riff Rocket has been heavily backed into +280 for the Derby, and that quote will only shorten once the stable confirms their intentions. Race 10: Listed Paris Lane Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:22.95 Horse to follow: Von Hauke (5th) The Cliff Brown-trained Von Hauke attempted Listed grade for the first time last weekend, and even though he finished fifth – beaten 3.3 lengths – the run was massive from the back of the field. This son of Savabeel ran home in the fastest 1200m sectional for the entire meeting, and recorded the fastest 1000m, 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m splits of any runner in the Paris Lane Stakes. Jye McNeil tried to go for a run in between horses but the gap closed, so he had to switch tracks and go to the outside, where this gelding ran home strong to finish an unlucky fifth place. When to bet: Von Hauke has shown Brown that he can mix it with older horses at Listed level, so if they choose to drop back to 3YO grade at his next start, we could see this gelding run in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield on October 21. Rosehill Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 8: Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) | Time: 1:55.88 Horse to follow: No Compromise (5th) After drawing a horrible barrier (14), No Compromise from the Chris Waller yard was huge from the back of the field, where he flew home in the final 300m to finish fifth – beaten by just over two lengths. As a Group 1 winner, this son of Pins finds it hard to get into races without lumping a huge weight, so he must compete at Group 1 and Group 2 level. However, his run over 1900m in the Hill Stakes showed that he is at peak fitness and a step up to 2000m will be ideal next start. When to bet: With limited options in Sydney, we expect to see No Compromise go down to Melbourne and take on some of the distance races at Caulfield or Flemington. Wherever he lines up next over 2000m, we will backing him with a lot of confidence. Latest horse racing tips View the full article