Wandering Eyes

New Plymouth trainer Kim Reid is looking at the New Zealand Cup carnival with a fair bit of regret following Hi Yo Sass Bomb’s dominant resuming victory at Hawera on Saturday. Reid had considered nominating her for some loftier targets this spring but was deterred by outside opinion, and her belief in the mare was proven correct when she claimed the competitive Johnny Neil Builders LTD 1400. The speed was hotly contested in the early stages of the Rating 75 event, apprentice Ciel Butler patiently settled Hi Yo Sass Bomb second-last and found the better part of the Soft7 track wide around the home turn, the mare exploding out of the ground at the 300m and scored easily at the post by two-and-half lengths to Chikira Lass and race-favourite Cognito. “She ran super against a few little odds, I was really thrilled,” Reid said. “She’s improving every time and becoming very professional. She knows what she’s there for and relaxing really nicely in her races now, she used to over-race a bit but she’s just getting better and better.” Assisted by Butler’s three-kilogram claim, carrying just 51.5kg, Hi Yo Sass Bomb handled the soft track conditions with ease, however, Reid sees improving tracks as a positive for the mare heading into the warmer months. “It’s always an unknown until you try them, but I think she will run on anything, and the better tracks won’t stop her. She’s just a tough horse and she’ll do it no matter what,” she said. The daughter of Complacent returned to winning form fresh-up from a short spell, having claimed two wins and two minor placings in her last preparation before an uncharacteristic eighth-placed run at Te Rapa in July. “In hindsight, there were a couple of little things heading into her last start that I wasn’t quite happy with, but I think the break has helped her mentally and physically.” Reid admitted to having some regret in not backing herself to nominate the promising five-year-old for the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week, despite always having belief in the lightly-raced mare’s ability. “Watching the way she ran, I have a little bit of a regret not entering her into a bigger race down at Riccarton, I should’ve backed myself because I did have a think about nominating her earlier on, but I probably let other people’s thoughts and opinions get in the way,” she said. “I never picked her as a sprinter and thought she would be more suited over ground, but we haven’t had to step her up over ground yet and I think the mile would really suit her. “I’ve always really believed in the horse and had a high opinion of her, you always wonder if they’re good enough, but I do think she’s quite classy. “I think she has the class to match it with some of those better horses in the bigger races.” Hi Yo Sass Bomb will potentially have an opportunity for stakes success in the North Island though, with Reid planning to nominate her for the Gr.3 Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham in a fortnight. “I am thinking of the Thompson, she’ll be nominated for that but just whether she makes the field is probably the thing,” she said. “I think the distance and the Trentham straight will suit her, she gets back a bit at the start and the long straight gives her time to get out and get going.” View the full article

Sydney is calling La Crique following her placing in last Saturday’s Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), With trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander having withdrawn her from the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) a week prior, the couple elected to give her a hit-out over a mile closer to home where the lightly-framed mare was lumbered with 60kg. Pitted against star mare Legarto, La Crique was taken forward early by Jasmine Fawcett, eventually assuming control of the race and kicked clear of her opposition at the turn. However, she felt the weight on her back down the straight and finished third behind her more fancied rival. Her connections were pleased with what they saw, with her performance giving them the confidence to continue with their Sydney spring plans. “I think we had to go forward carrying that weight, it would have just made it harder for her chasing anything from the back. I don’t think we would have ended up in the placing we had if we had taken that option,” Katrina Alexander said. “Under the circumstances, I think Jasmine rode a good race and tried to use all the back straight to get across quietly to end up in the lead. “The horse showed she wanted to let down in the straight, but she is probably one of the lightest weighing racehorses out there, let alone lugging that weight around. “I thought it was a nice, brave run. We achieved what we wanted to – she had to have a hit-out and it was nice to see if we could resume our normal racing pattern if we wanted to, which she did. “Everything went to plan and it was as good as we could have expected from the day.” La Crique is now set to fly to Sydney later this week where she is set to contest the Gr.3 Craven Plate (2000m) and A$2 million Five Diamonds (1800m). “She is booked to fly on Sunday, so as long as we are happy with her this week, we will continue with those plans,” Alexander said. View the full article

It’s been a frustrating last few months for the connections of Prowess, but they were relieved to finally see their mare back at the races on Saturday. An abscess ruled the multiple Group One winner out of her first-up target, the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) last month, while a stone bruise resulted in her withdrawal from a trial at Taupo. Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood got on top of those issues and kicked-off her delayed spring preparation in the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), where she finished runner-up behind Town Cryer. James and Wellwood were happy enough with her first-up run and said she would take plenty of improvement from the outing ahead of her next target, the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley on October 28. “It (run) was good, and looking back on it probably better (than initially thought),” Wellwood said. “She was wide most of the way and she didn’t handle the (Soft7) track. Michael (McNab, jockey) said she dipped and dived, and he had to pick her up and try and get her travelling again. “She came up to them like she was going to win and probably peaked on her run. “It has been a long time since she has had a run, or a trial, and I think she is really going to come on from the day out. “She trotted up in nice order on Sunday and has eaten most of her tucker, so all-in-all we are very happy with how she has come through the run. “It has been very frustrating, but we are on the road now and I am really looking forward to seeing her up over a mile and further going forward.” Kingsclere Stables also scored a runner-up result at the same meeting with Pinion in the Egmont Cup (2100m). “He is a horse that doesn’t like wet ground and was probably in the worst part of the ground, but he was very good,” Wellwood said. “I am really happy with him and looking forward to seeing him on a better track. “He may have the one run up here prior to heading down to (Riccarton for) the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and then into the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m).” Looking ahead to racing this week, the Cambridge barn will take three-year-old fillies Sonnet and Sudbina to Taupo on Wednesday, where they are hoping they can improve on their last start placings in the Placemakers Rotorua (1300m) and McLeod Hiabs (1300m) respectively. “Both have drawn nicely enough and they had very good runs at Matamata first-up,” Wellwood said. “They are both fillies that in time will probably be better, but if they improve off their first-up runs, they should go reasonably well.” View the full article

Petrucci made the perfect start to her preparation at her home track of Matamata on Saturday when taking out the Colchester Engineering LTD (1200m). The daughter of I Am Invincible was resuming following a pleasing three-year-old season where she won two of her four starts and was runner-up in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) in her final outing last term. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were pleased with what they saw from their mare first-up. “Vinnie (Colgan, jockey) managed to get her settled well enough, he presented her at the right time and she was really strong through the line,” Bergerson said. “It was a really impressive victory. We thought she could be a bit vulnerable first-up, but it was a really strong effort.” Colgan was similarly impressed with Petrucci’s 1-3/4 length victory. “I drew badly (12), but things panned out quite nicely over the first furlong and a half (250m) and she ended up getting quite a nice run,” Colgan said. “I wanted to get her rolling and she was running through the line pretty strongly. She showed a bit last season and I think they were expecting a good run today.” Petrucci was purchased by owners Brent, Cherry Taylor and Faith Taylor of Trelawney Stud, for A$450,000 out of Segenhoe Stud’s 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale draft, with a view to proving herself on the racetrack before retiring to their high-quality broodmare band. “She matured nicely for the break. We’ve raced a few of these I Am Invincible fillies and mares and not many of them are early maturing two-year-old types,” Brent Taylor said. “Most of them are progressive mares, like the stablemate Imperatriz, in Melbourne at the moment, and Vamos Bebe of ours who had her best years at four and five. “Hopefully this mare will progress along similar lines and as a speed mare, can keep finding the right races for her. It may be that we don’t see the best of her until next season, who knows. “I was pretty impressed with her win as she had to overcome the draw, and Vinnie rode her very well.” View the full article

A journey down to Invercargill’s Ascot Park Racecourse paid off for Bruce Tapper on Sunday, with the Timaru horseman claiming the Washrite & Hyde Landscaping Winton Cup (1400m) with Redford (NZ) (Raise The Flag). Redford jumped from the ace draw and travelled comfortably midfield along the fence under leading Southern hoop Tina Comignaghi, who made her move aboard the son of Raise The Flag around the 700m mark, cruising into contention despite the testing Heavy8 track conditions and entered the home straight four-wide. The pair looked to be running away with the feature event before the Kelvin Tyler-trained Go Lotte (NZ) (Telperion) stormed home late, Redford just holding on by a nose in a photo finish. “The horse has been very well and he’s been a bit unlucky last start, and with Tina on he had to be a good chance,” Tapper said. Comignaghi, who had claimed three runner-up placings during the Invercargill meeting before Redford’s victory has a strong record with the nine-year-old, producing her third win aboard Tapper’s charge in his five career victories. Tapper has no immediate plans for Redford but may target the Open 1400m event on the final Saturday (November 18) of the upcoming New Zealand Cup Week carnival at Riccarton Park. “He’s just been a bit unlucky in those top races, he’s always thereabouts but never can win one of them so that’s why I decided to come down to Ascot Park today,” he said. Redford was bred by Tapper and wife Karen out of their four-win mare Ruby Red, and the gelding has now earned over $120,000 in prizemoney for the Timaru couple. View the full article

Chris Waller is renowned for not pushing his young horse too early in their careers, so it is rare to find a two-year-old Group One winner among his ever-expanding haul. Caulfield Guineas favourite Militarize (NZ) (Dundeel) is an exception to that rule being a dual Gr.1 winner as a two-year-old, winning the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes and the Champagne Stakes at Randwick during the autumn. Stablemate Shinzo won the Golden Slipper last season, which combined with Militarizes wins doubled Waller’s Group One two-year-old successes to six. Militarize has returned as a three-year-old to claim the Gr.1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill at his most recent outing and will be out to build on that in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. “He’s a good horse and it’s exciting to bring a horse like that down here,” Waller said. “He does everything that we ask. “First-up at 1200 metres, a few things went against him but then he was sharp enough to beat the best three-year-olds in the Golden Rose and we know the mile is no problem.” Waller said he had barely had starters in the feature Gr.1 races for two-year-olds during the Sydney Autumn Carnival but said Militarize was ‘pretty good’. So ‘pretty good’ that Arrowfield Stud, who stands his sire Dundeel, bought into the colt last week. Waller is not getting too far ahead of himself but said the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 28 could be on the agenda for Militarize after the Guineas. But Waller has all but ruled out a start in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 4. “Maybe (the Cox Plate), but we’ll take one step at a time,” Waller said. “For sure (it will be looked at), but it’s all about the Caulfield Guineas, protecting his value and getting that job done and then we can look a bit higher.” Waller has won the Guineas twice with The Autumn Sun (2018) and Press Statement (2015) who were Gr.1 winners in Brisbane as two-year-olds. The trainer said Militarize was potentially the best three-year-old he has trained, but there was still unfinished business. “At this stage he looks pretty good and the next six months will tell us,” Waller said. “Those extremely good horses, they keep lifting and he’s right up there with the best I’ve had, but he’s still got to finish off.” Joao Moreira, who won the Golden Rose on Militarize, has been booked for the ride in the Guineas. 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

The Gavin Sharrock-trained galloper Stipulator (NZ) (Darci Brahma) announced her candidacy for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month with a stylish performance to break her maiden status in the Metcalfe Real Estate 3YO (1200m) at Hawera. Having just her fourth start and first in a new campaign, the daughter of Darci Brahma relished the Soft5 surface as she powered home out wide in the home straight to race away from last year’s Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), scoring comfortably by just on two lengths in the hands of apprentice Ciel Butler. Sharrock was delighted to see his charge put her first win on the board after displaying some improved racing manners. “She has always been promising but has been a bit slow in the gates and done things wrong, however she is a very good galloper,” Sharrock said. “I’m hoping she is going to get over a bit more ground as she holds a nomination for the 1000 Guineas. “She has had a win and a second at he jumpouts before today and I was happy with her. “I haven’t mapped how we will get to the 1000 Guineas just yet but I will step her up to 1400m next and see how we go.” Butler was all smiles as she described how the race unfolded after a slow getaway. “I’ve ridden her the whole way through and she is always tardy out of the gates,” she said. “I wasn’t too worried because I know how good a finish she has. “I wanted to put the pressure on turning for home and go a good drag into it before she let down really well in the straight. “I have done three jumpouts on her before this and every time she has improved and just keeps getting better. “She was able to show her real ability today.” Rated a $21 chance by TAB bookmakers for the 1000 Guineas, Stipulator is the first foal of Ekraar mare Katie’s Dynasty and comes from a family of blueblood performers including Group One winners Gurner’s Lane, Sovereign Red, Trichelle and 1997 Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Foxwood. Race favourite Pignan lost no admirers with a gritty effort in her campaign opener, with plenty of improvement to come as she also heads towards the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on 18 November. View the full article

Two weeks after a luckless run over the same course and distance, well-related local mare Candyflip (NZ) (Kermadec) turned her fortunes around in style in Saturday’s Fairview Motors Matamata Maiden (1400m). Trained by Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard, the Kermadec mare has tended to get back in the running in her recent races – particularly in her last-start fifth at Matamata on September 20, when she was slow to begin, settled near the tail of the field and then was badly blocked in the straight. She ended up crossing the line 2.2 lengths from the winner Pow Tong, giving the impression that she should have been much closer. It was a very different story on Saturday, where Candyflip overcame 25-to-one odds and a wide barrier draw to land an upset victory. Ridden positively by Jasmine Fawcett, Candyflip broke alertly from the starting gate and slid forward to sit outside the front-running Sense Of Style. Candyflip quickened stylishly in the straight and went clear, keeping up a strong gallop to the line to score by half a length from the fast-finishing Wallen. “She jumped too well today to try to restrain her, so I just let her slide forward,” Fawcett said. “I galloped her midweek, so I knew she had a good finish on her, and she just let rip today. “She got checked last time and ended up well back and had to run on, but today we had no trouble at all and just had a beautiful, clear run.” The 1400m maiden race on Matamata Cup Day has previously been won by a number of rising three-year-old talents, including the subsequent Gr.1 Levin Classic winner Romancing The Moon last year. Candyflip is a little older at age six, but still appears to be a mare with plenty of upside. Her 12-start career has now produced a win and three placings. Candyflip is out of the Lonhro mare Frothed, who is a half-sister to Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Fiumicino and a granddaughter of the great Horlicks. Second dam Latte is a half-sister to Group One stars Brew and Bubble. Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables paid $110,000 to buy Candyflip from the Book 1 draft of breeders Inglewood Stud at Karaka in 2019. “She’s always tended to get back, take her time to get breathing and then finish it off, but she really came out racing today,” Gerard said. “She’s run up to how she worked the other day, which was very impressive.” View the full article

Foxton trainer Chrissy Bambry admits to having a few doubts about Kingfisher Lad (Unencumbered) when she took him to Hawera for Saturday’s NZ Farmers Livestock Ltd Egmont Cup (2100m), but he came out on top with one of the toughest performances of his 26-start, six-win career. The six-year-old son of Unencumbered has had a roller-coaster campaign in recent weeks. He was a four-length winner at Awapuni on August 26, then produced a big late run for a close second in the Waverley Cup (2200m) behind the in-form Semper Magico. Kingfisher Lad blotted his copybook last start in the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Awapuni on September 23, finishing at the tail of the 16-horse field and slipping off the radar to be sent out at double-figure odds for the Egmont Cup a couple of weeks later. But he was right back on top of his game in Saturday’s $60,000 feature. Ridden by Lily Sutherland, Kingfisher Lad was prominently placed throughout, settling in second on the outside of the front-running Pinion. Those two were still in the thick of the action at the top of the home straight, but they were soon joined by strong-finishing rivals Aljay, Inmyshadow, Uareastar, Za’faran and Waisake. The stayers lined up across the track in a desperate scramble to the finish, and Kingfisher Lad dug the deepest of all to win by a long neck. “He loves to prove me wrong,” said Bambry, who also bred and part-owns the gelding. “I didn’t think he was completely spot on today, but then he came out and produced that performance. He was very good and so tough. “I think the rain on the day was what brought him undone in that Metric Mile in his previous start. People have him pegged as a wet-tracker, but it doesn’t actually suit him at all when it rains like that on the day and the track ends up being so loose. He can probably get away with it in lower classes, but not against those top horses. So it was good to see him back on track again today.” Bambry is now keen to point Kingfisher Lad towards the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) on December 2. “I’ll probably look to give him a bit of a freshen-up now, then concentrate on getting him to the Wanganui Cup,” Bambry said. Saturday’s Egmont Cup could also have a bearing on another upcoming staying feature, with a number of the protagonists nominated for the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on November 18. Runner-up Pinion is now rated a $10 chance for the New Zealand Cup, while defending champion Aljay is a $6 joint favourite after his eye-catching third on Saturday. The fourth and fifth placegetters in the Egmont Cup, Inmyshadow and Uareastar, are rated $8 and $16 chances respectively in the New Zealand Cup market. View the full article

South African jockey reunites with Douglas Whyte’s three-time Group One winner for Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m)View the full article

Group 1 winner Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is the latest high-class runner to be added to the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Trained by George Boughey, the five-year-old landed the G1 Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh in the colours of Becky Hillen and is sure to add plenty of intrigue to the second edition of the Sceptre Sessions. Boughey commented, “Via Sistina has been a star for us, very easy to train and an ultra consistent mare who has shown to be very versatile. She won the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on good ground and was outstanding prior to that in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes.” Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “Via Sistina is another high class Group 1 winning filly coming to the Tattersalls December Mares Sale and anyone who saw her emphatic victories in the Pretty Polly Stakes and Dahlia Stakes could not fail to have been impressed. “Her performances this season have marked her out as a racemare of the highest calibre and she is another wonderful addition to the Sceptre Sessions, which will showcase some outstanding fillies and mares at this year's December Mares Sale.” The post Group 1 Winner Via Sistina Added To Tattersalls December Mares Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A couple of ratings experts, a rising star of the training ranks and a Cox Plate-winning rider find reasons to keep the faith with Hong Kong visitorView the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, October 11, 2023 First Race 7:10pm HKT (10:10pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing will resume on Wednesday night as Happy Valley Racecourse plays host to an eight-race program under lights. Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting was forced to be abandoned after a typhoon warning; however, we should have clearing conditions for Wednesday evening. The rail is in the A position as the opening race is scheduled to get underway at 7:10pm HKT (10:10pm AEDT). Best Bet at Happy Valley: Awesome Treasure Awesome Treasure produced a terrific runner-up effort first-up at this course and distance on September 27. He looked to make every post a winner under Lyle Hewitson and was only narrowly defeated in the shadows of the post. Zac Purton gets the assignment this time, and with a chance to slot in for cover from barrier one, Awesome Treasure can go one better on Wednesday night. Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Awesome Treasure (1) 6yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (58.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Happy Valley: Winning Dragon Winning Dragon did enough on resumption to warrant following second-up for the preparation and looks beautifully placed in Class 3 company. He was forced to be ridden wide from barrier 10 on that occasion before tracking outside the lead over the 1650m journey. The six-year-old should find a much more economical run in transit this time, and with a lack of tempo engaged, Winning Dragon could even lead throughout this time. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Winning Dragon (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Tony Cruz | J: Angus Chung (a3) (61kg) Bet with Betfair Next Best Again at Happy Valley: Wood On Fire Wood On Fire is well-exposed galloper in Hong Kong now, with 59 career starts to his name. He’s found the winner’s enclosure on six occasions and his latest effort suggests he isn’t far away from adding to his tally. The son of Per Incanto raced between rivals on September 20 before checking off heels to eventually get to the middle of the course, and when he did, accelerated through the line. If Wood On Fire can replicate that effort, with a bit more luck, he can make it career win number seven. Next Best Again Race 4 – #6 Wood On Fire (4) 8yo Gelding | T: Michael Chang | J: Karis Teetan (58kg) Bet with Neds Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley races Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, October 11, 2023 2-3-4-7-8-10-11 4 1-2-3-8-9-12 2-3-4-5-7-8-10 More horse racing tips View the full article

1000 Guineas contender Stipulator takes an impressive first-up victory at Hawera. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Stipulator, trained by Gavin Sharrock, made a compelling case for her entry into the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600) at Riccarton next month, securing her maiden victory in style at Hawera. In her fourth start and first in a new campaign, the Darci Brahma daughter demonstrated her prowess on the Soft 5 surface. Stipulator, ridden by apprentice Ciel Butler, unleashed a powerful finish down the home straight, comfortably defeating last year’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner Pignan by just on two lengths. Sharrock expressed his satisfaction with Stipulator’s performance, noting her promising nature but acknowledging previous challenges in the gates. He said, “She has always been promising but has been a bit slow in the gates and done things wrong; however, she is a very good galloper. “I’m hoping she is going to get over a bit more ground as she holds a nomination for the 1000 Guineas.” Stipulator’s victory marked an improvement in her racing manners, and Sharrock outlined plans for her future races. “I haven’t mapped how we will get to the 1000 Guineas just yet, but I will step her up to 1400m next and see how we go.” Apprentice Ciel Butler, who rode Stipulator, shared her perspective on the race, emphasizing the horse’s tardy start but expressing confidence in her finishing abilities. “I’ve ridden her the whole way through, and she is always tardy out of the gates,” Butler said. “I wasn’t too worried because I know how good a finish she has.” Stipulator, rated at +2000 for the 1000 Guineas by online bookmakers, is the first foal of Ekraar mare Katie’s Dynasty and hails from a distinguished family of blueblood performers, including Group One winners Gurner’s Lane, Sovereign Red, Trichelle, and the 1997 Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) victor Foxwood. Race favorite Pignan, despite a slow start, displayed a gritty effort in her campaign opener, with plenty of room for improvement as she also sets her sights on the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 18. More horse racing news View the full article

Bruce Tapper (pictured) was pleased to win the Winton Cup (1400m) on Sunday with Redford. Photo: Race Images South In a triumphant outing at Invercargill’s Ascot Park Racecourse, Bruce Tapper, the skilled Timaru horseman, secured victory in the Winton Cup (1400m) on Sunday with his charge, Redford. Drawing the coveted ace position, Redford, guided by the adept Southern jockey Tina Comignaghi, maintained a comfortable midfield position along the fence. Comignaghi strategically manoeuvred the son of Raise The Flag around the 700m mark, deftly navigating the challenging Heavy 8 track conditions. As they entered the home straight, Redford surged four-wide, seemingly poised to dominate the feature event. However, the Kelvin Tyler-trained Go Lotte made a late charge, and in a thrilling photo finish, Redford clinched the win by a nose. “The horse has been very well, and he’s been a bit unlucky last start, and with Tina on, he had to be a good chance,” said Tapper. Comignaghi, who notched up three runner-up placings earlier in the Invercargill meeting, boasts a strong record with the nine-year-old Redford. The Winton Cup marked her third win aboard Tapper’s charge out of his five career victories. “He’s just been a bit unlucky in those top races, he’s always thereabouts but never can win one of them, so that’s why I decided to come down to Ascot Park,” explained Tapper. While there are no immediate plans for Redford, Tapper is considering targeting the Open 1400m event on the final Saturday of the upcoming New Zealand Cup Week carnival at Riccarton Park. Redford, bred by Tapper and his wife Karen out of their four-win mare Ruby Red, has now accumulated over $120,000 in prizemoney for the Timaru couple. More horse racing news View the full article

La Crique is set to fly to Sydney for a two-race campaign. Photo: Trish Dunell Following her impressive performance in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) last Saturday, La Crique is set to answer Sydney’s call. Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander had withdrawn her from the Group 1 Arrowfield Sud Plate (1600m) a week earlier, opting instead for a local mile hit-out where the lightly-framed mare carried a hefty 60kg. Facing tough competition, including star mare Legarto, La Crique, guided by Jasmine Fawcett, took an early lead and controlled the race, only to feel the weight down the straight and finish third behind her more favored rival. Katrina Alexander expressed satisfaction with the performance, indicating the confidence to proceed with their Sydney spring plans. “I think we had to go forward carrying that weight, it would have just made it harder for her chasing anything from the back,” said Alexander. Despite the challenges, Alexander praised Fawcett’s race-riding tactics. “The horse showed she wanted to let down in the straight, but she is probably one of the lightest-weighing racehorses out there, let alone lugging that weight around.” Describing the run as “nice and brave,” Alexander was pleased with the outcomes. “We achieved what we wanted to – she had to have a hit-out, and it was nice to see if we could resume our normal racing pattern if we wanted to, which she did. “Everything went to plan, and it was as good as we could have expected from the day.” Looking ahead, La Crique is scheduled to fly to Sydney later in the week for upcoming challenges, including the Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) and the A$2 million Five Diamonds (1800m). “She is booked to fly on Sunday, so as long as we are happy with her this week, we will continue with those plans.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – Governor Macquarie Drive, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, October 11, 2023 First Race 1:25pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metropolitan racing makes its way to Warwick Farm Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, with eight competitive races set for decision. The rail is out +5m between the 1000m-winning post and 3m the remainder of the circuit. Conditions should be pristine for race-day, with a lovely spring day forecast for racing enthusiasts as the opening event is set to get underway at 1:25pm AEDT. Best Bet at Warwick Farm: Fall For Cindy Fall For Cindy couldn’t have been more impressive without winning first-up at Rosehill on September 27. The daughter of Sacred Falls resumed after 18 weeks off the scene and raced wide towards the rear of the field; however, she still had the audacity to chew into the margin of Sequestered over 1300m. The four-year-old mare is undefeated second-up, and with James McDonald taking the reins from a soft draw (4), we expect that trend to continue Wednesday. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Fall For Cindy (4) 4yo Mare | T: John O’Shea | J: James McDonald (60.5kg) Bet with Betfair Next Best at Warwick Farm: Kundalini Kundalini is yet to record a victory for the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace barn but has been set some tough assignments to date. You only need to look at her two-year-old season, running into the likes of Learning To Fly and Blanc De Blanc in the Inglis Millennium (1100m) to understand the potential upside the now three-year-old possesses. She’s worth forgiving for her first-up effort when racing wide at a crucial stage, and we’re confident punters will observe a bold showing by Kundalini in this maiden contest. Next Best Race 3 – #7 Kundalini (2) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Jason Collett (55kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Warwick Farm: Broadcoaster Broadcaster continues to race consistently without much luck in her three career starts but gets a nice setup on Wednesday to change her fortune. Her latest effort at Rosehill on September 27 was tough viewing after she bombed the start and raced ungenerously under Zac Lloyd. She eventually settled when turning into the home straight and was held up with nowhere to go when the race went on. We’re convinced she would’ve finished much closer than the 3.8-length margin may suggest, and hopefully she can prove that here. Best Value Race 2 – #10 Broadcaster (10) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Zac Lloyd (54kg) Bet with Boombet Wednesday quaddie tips for Warwick Farm races Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, October 11, 2023 2-4-7-10 1-2 1-2-3-4-10-12 2-6-8-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

The blinkered Tourist ran into a scorching :21.81 and :44.61 pace in the 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Mile, split horses in a thriller, and emerged from battle not only with the win, but with the Mile record. In 39 years of Breeders' Cups and so many champions, no one has run the eight furlongs on the grass faster than his blistering 1:31.71. After standing his first few seasons at WinStar in Kentucky, Tourist relocated to Rockridge in New York for the 2023 season. “Tourist is the perfect blend of fire and nice,” said Maryke Roeloffze, Rockridge's stallion manager. “He knows just how handsome he is and loves to strut and prance, but bring out the peppermints–he turns to putty in your hands.” Erin Robinson, Rockridge's stallion director, added, “I'm delighted to have Tourist in the barn, and think he is a wonderful addition to New York for those breeding to race.” Tourist (2011 dark bay or brown horse, Tiznow–Unbridled Melody, by Unbridled's Song) Lifetime record: MGISW, 18-6-3-4, $2,170,340 Breeders' Cup connections: B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); O-WinStar Farm LLC, Wachtel Stable, and Gary Barber; T-William I. Mott; J-Joel Rosario. Current location: Rockridge Stud, Hudson, NY. The post Catching Up with 2016 Breeders’ Cup Mile Winner Tourist appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Endlessly remained a perfect 3-for-3, and one of the favorites for the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T), after his 2 1/4-length score in the Oct. 8 Zuma Beach Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Multiple Group One winner Prowess. Photo: Trish Dunell Prowess, a mare with a string of Group One victories, faced setbacks in recent months, keeping her connections on edge. An abscess and a subsequent stone bruise forced her withdrawal from the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) and a trial at Taupo, respectively. Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood successfully addressed these issues, and Prowess marked her return in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes, finishing as the runner-up to Town Cryer. “It (the run) was good, and looking back on it probably better (than initially thought).” Prowess navigated a challenging race, being wide most of the way and struggling on the Soft 7 track,” noted Wellwood. Jockey Michael McNab described her movements as dipping and diving, requiring effort to keep her on track. Despite peaking late, the trainers are optimistic about her future, eyeing the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on October 28. “It has been very frustrating, but we are on the road now, and I am really looking forward to seeing her up over a mile and further going forward,” Wellwood said. Prowess showed positive signs post-race, trotting up well and displaying a hearty appetite. At the same meeting, Kingsclere Stables secured a runner-up position with Pinion in the Egmont Cup (2100m). Wellwood expressed satisfaction despite unfavourable conditions. “He is a horse that doesn’t like wet ground and was probably in the worst part of the ground, but he was very good.” Pinion is now set for potential races in Riccarton, including the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and the New Zealand Cup (Group 3, 3200m). Looking ahead, the Cambridge barn is gearing up for more action, sending three-year-old fillies Sonnet and Sudbina to Taupo on Wednesday. “Both have drawn nicely enough and they had very good runs at Matamata first-up.” More horse racing news View the full article

Yulong Investments has announced that its multiple Group 1-winning mare, Alcohol Free, will run in its slot in the 2023 Everest (1200m). Defending champion Craig Williams, who rode Giga Kick to success in last year’s event, will take the ride. Alcohol Free, renowned for her victories in the July Cup, the Sussex Stakes, the Coronation Stakes and the Cheveley Park Stakes, brings an exceptional, elite-level track record and global form to the world’s highest-rated sprint event. Yulong’s Operations Manager, Sam Fairgray, expressed the team’s excitement about Alcohol Free racing in Yulong’s silks, in the organisation’s-owned slot. “We’re thrilled that Alcohol Free is running in the green and white in the upcoming Everest,” said Fairgray. “She embodies the world-class performance that Mr Zhang has built the Yulong brand to represent. We are confident that she will offer an excellent opportunity for us in the race, upholding Yulong’s successful history in The Everest.” Yulong won the 2018 running of The Everest with Redzel delivering the second of his three victories when lining up in the Mr Zhang-owned slot. Alcohol Free, a daughter of No Nay Never, ran a strong fourth in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1100m) first up from a spell, and the Waterhouse-Bott stable are confident that she is ready to take on the country’s best sprinters. “Alcohol Free is quite simply the most exciting mare to come to Australia,” said Waterhouse. “We are delighted that she has gained at start in the race, ridden by Craig Williams, who of course is already a winner of the race. “It was a good run in the Premiere Stakes, and she really needed that to take the edge off her freshness. I believe she is absolutely spot on now. More horse racing news View the full article

Representatives of the state's horsemen and breeders outlined their own vision of the future—one that may not include the current track operator at all.View the full article

While he didn't completely escape the rain, it proved a wise decision as the 4-year-old son of Declaration of War rallied down the stretch to win by a head in 1:11.31 on a yielding turf.View the full article

The undefeated Dreamfyre (f, 2, Flameaway–Appreciating, by Sky Mesa), both stretching out and trying turf for the first time, went straight to the front in Sunday's GIII Surfer Girl S. at Santa Anita. Sent at 9-5, she covered the first quarter in :23.55 and half in :48.59 with her ears flicking as Buttercream Babe (Twirling Candy) tested her from the outside while under a hard hold. Soho (City of Light) made a huge, eye-catching move on the turn but couldn't sustain her rally as the three lined up across the track coming into the lane. Dreamfyre wasn't done and neither was Buttercream Babe. The two battled to the wire with Dreamfyre holding on by a neck, but a lengthy stewards' inquiry and rider's claim of foul against the winner ensued. In the end, there was no change to the order of finish. Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf S. winner Flattery (Flatter) finished third. Dreamfyre was a $140,000 OBS April purchase. She broke her maiden on debut in Pleasanton's Everett Nevin S. before taking the GIII Sorrento S. at Del Mar. She is now three-for-three and a multiple graded stakes winner. O-Danny A. Eplin; B-John C. Oxley; T-O.J. Jauregui; T-Hector Berrios. Undefeated DREAMFYRE ($5.80) took them gate to wire and fought off a very game Buttercream Babe in the $200,000 Surfer Girl Stakes (G3) at @santaanitapark. @ojjauregui trained this Flameaway (@darbydanfarm) filly with @HIBerrios in the irons. Congrats to the connections! pic.twitter.com/Uqv8zIVqFj — TVG (@TVG) October 8, 2023 The post Flameaway’s Dreamfyre Sweats Out Inquiry to Win Surfer Girl appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading up to the Oct. 8 $350,000 Bourbon Stakes (G2T), six of the eleven stakes races opening weekend for the Keeneland fall meet were decided in a photo finish. View the full article