Wandering Eyes

The Arqana October Yearling Sale concluded with Part 3 on Saturday when another 184 lots went under the hammer, including a Texas colt who achieved the day's top price when knocked down to KGS for €63,000. Consigned by Haras de Bourgeauville, lot 768 is from the family of Group/Grade 1 winners Adayar, Ave and National Defense. Of the 184 yearlings offered, 155 sold (84%) for a total of €1,649,500. The average was €10,642 and the median was €8,000. Over the five days of the October Yearling Sale, 600 of the 763 lots offered changed hands at a clearance rate of 79%, which represented a 4% decrease on last year's edition. The average decreased by 12% to €42,333, while total turnover dropped by 10% to €26,421,000. “The results of this October Sale, although showing a decline, demonstrate the true resilience of the yearling market in an environment that is less buoyant than last year,” read a statement issued by Arqana on behalf of president Olivier Delloye and CEO Freddy Powell. “The total turnover once again exceeded €26 million, the level reached two years ago; while the average of €42,333 and the median of €23,000, although down on 2024, remained at levels very comparable to previous years. “Major players from the August Sale were once again present in October: Sumbe, Coolmore, Al Shira'aa Racing and Godolphin secured the four top prices during the first part of the sale. France, Spain, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia also featured prominently among the buyers. “Nevertheless, the market proved to be highly selective: the drop in the percentage of horses sold, below 80% for the first time since 2020, illustrates this and invites us to question the size of the October Sale's offering, given that the most dynamic sales in Europe this year are those that have significantly reduced their catalogues. “Over the entire yearling sales season – August, v.2 and October combined – the auction volume exceeded €90 million this year, nearly €5 million more than last year's record.” The post Texas Colt Leads the Way as Curtain Comes Down on Arqana October appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nearly four dozen horses preparing for the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar breeze across the country, including 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Sierra Leone. View the full article

Yulong Investments' Via Sistina became the oldest mare to land the Cox Plate (G1) and joined an elite list of dual winners in a fittingly classic edition of the race Oct. 25 in its last staging at Moonee Valley Racecourse before its redevelopment.View the full article

Six hopefuls pre-entered into their respective Breeders' Cup races turned in final works Saturday morning at Keeneland, and connections are reporting positive prognoses ahead of shipping dates. On the dirt track went Bentornato (Valiant Minister), breezing four furlongs in :49.40 (34/89). Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. was in the irons. The 4-year-old is pre-entered into the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint and is looking to improve a placing from last year as the runner-up in the 2024 edition. “[I was] looking for a nice, easy workout,” trainer Jose D'Angelo said. “We were pushing him a little bit last weekend when working in company. We wanted to use this last workout to help. He's ready.” Going through her paces as well was Praying (Vekoma) for trainer Robert Medina and owner Newtown Anner Stud Farm. She also breezed four panels in :48.20 (7/89) in company. The filly is pre-entered for the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. “She went very well,” said Medina afterwards. Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) put in his final move with a four-furlong work in company with maiden winner Favorable Scenario (Good Magic). Jockey Flavien Prat was in the irons as the pair was clocked in :49.40 (34/89). Program Trading is pre-entered for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. “The work was smooth–just a nice easy maintenance work,” Baldo Hernandez, assistant to trainer Chad Brown, said. “We are in good shape.” Over the grass, trainer Wesley Ward sent out a trio of his hopefuls on the firm turf, namely No Nay Hudson (Ire) (No Nay Never), 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyward Outfielder (Speightstown), and Schwarzenegger (Not This Time). The elder statesman by No Nay Never worked five furlongs in 1:02.80 (3/3) and showed Ward exactly what he wanted to see from the gelding. He's currently pre-entered for the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. “He had an excellent workout last week and repeated again this week. We're going to see what's coming over from Europe and see if we can get in because he is sitting on a big race.” Outfielder's trek was a bit different from his stablemate's move as the juvenile was tasked with running down a target from 10-15 lengths behind. He clocked his five furlongs in 1:00.40 (1/3) with Hall of Famer John Velazquez in the irons. “He looked really good,” Ward said. “I told Johnny, I said 'Look, he's kind of a lazy horse. He's a big colt, bit of a lazy guy.' You wouldn't notice that in his races because when he gets in with all the other horses in the gate, the gate opens, and he's fired up. In the mornings, he is a real easy-going guy.” “I wanted to get him behind another horse, Monterey Bay [maiden winner by Good Magic], who broke off about 10-15 lengths in front, so we'd have a sort of target to look at, and Johnny was a bit surprised. But he worked really well.” Outfielder has pre-entries for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Schwarzenegger [GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint] breezed four furlongs in :52.20 (2/3) with Walter Rodriguez in the saddle. “Pretty good,” Ward said. “The course today has a little give in it–we're kind of kicking it up a little bit. When we get out to Del Mar, he's really going to like it on the turf.” With plans still undecided, Way to Be Marie (Not This Time) put in a strong gallop at Keeneland with an eye on coming in off the also-eligible list for the GI Maker's Mark Filly and Mare Turf. “That was 100% perfect because we are not sure we will get into the Filly and Mare Turf,” assistant Brittney Atras, wife of trainer Rob Atras, said. “Nice big two-mile gallop and finishing up the last three quarters. She is very fit.” The post Breeders’ Cup Works: Six Pre-Entrants Put in Final Moves at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Brendan Walsh says Clicquot has not stopped improving as her 3-year-old season has progressed, hoping it culminates in another step forward Nov. 1 at Del Mar against older horses in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1).View the full article

Trainer Keith Desormeaux says he can see Bear River's confidence building ahead of a start in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) at Del Mar Nov. 1.View the full article

Dozens of horses preparing for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar breeze across the country, including 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Sierra Leone. View the full article

A classy 5 1/2-length maiden winner going six furlongs Sept. 27, LETMECOUNTTHEWAYS (f, 2, Yaupon–Draft, by Dialed In) become her freshman sire's (by Uncle Mo) latest stakes winner Saturday, taking the Maid of the Mist Stakes under Joel Rosario. Never asked while on the lead as the 2-5 favorite, she cruised up front through fractions of :23.53 and :46.75 and turned for home completely unchallenged as Rosario stayed motionless in the saddle minus a few looks behind to see the field fading in the distance. Galloping under the wire the easiest of winners, Letmecounttheways became the sixth stakes winner for top freshman sire Yaupon. 14-1 shot Grazie (Modernist) led in the rest of the juvenile fillies. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Paradise Farms Corp., JP Racing Stable, Staudacher, David and Zilla Racing Stables; B-Dr. Jerry Bilinski (NY); T-Michael J. Maker. Sales History: $115,000 wlg' 23 FTKNOV, $190,000 ylg '24 SARAUG. LETMECOUNTTHEWAYS is now 2-for-2 after she dominates the Maid of the Mist Stakes under @JRosarioJockey for trainer Mike Maker. pic.twitter.com/pap2kmjaTM — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) October 25, 2025 The post Letmecounttheways Canters To Maid Of The Mist Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Crunched from a morning line of 5-1 into 8-5 favoritism while attempting to negotiate nine furlongs at first asking, C R K Stable's REMEMBER MAMBA (c, 2, Kitten's Joy–Gizmo, by Uncle Mo) turned in a performance as professional as the legend for whom he his named, streaking away through the final 100 yards to become a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Saturday at Keeneland. Drawn gate three, the $270,000 Keeneland September yearling bounced well and was able to secure a prominent position just behind the speed with Jose Ortiz sitting against him for the run down the back. Held together while racing off the inside passing the three-eighths pole, Remember Mamba was asked to quicken on the swing for home, went to his more-experienced chief market rival Maginnesontap (Omaha Beach) three off the inside nearing the eighth pole and went clear with every stride to take it by about five lengths. Sales history: $270,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Burning Daylight Farms Inc & November Hill Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. On debut #3 REMEMBER MAMBA ($5.52) kicks away late to win race 2 at @keenelandracing. The 2yo son of Kitten's Joy was ridden by @jose93_ortiz and is trained by @reredevaux. C R K Stable owns. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/YQio79zxRC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 25, 2025 The post Slam Dunk: Kitten’s Joy Firster Runs To The Money, Becomes a New ‘TDN Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The horse Contrary Thinking has been pre-entered in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic and, as is generally acknowledged, to serve as a “rabbit” to ensure a lively pace in the race. I do not wish to comment on how Contrary Thinking may or may not affect the race from a handicapping point of view. Rather, as a horse racing fan, my concern is about the negative image his participation casts on one of horse racing's premier races in front of a major audience. The horse racing industry has come a long way, in recent years, on issues pertaining to the safety and integrity of the sport. Considerable effort has gone into both reducing injuries on the race track and demonstrating to the public at large and to everyday racing fans alike that the sport takes safety and integrity seriously. Horse athletes are given the utmost consideration. Nothing less is expected from society at large. Contrary Thinking is likely, if put into the race to do what is anticipated, to finish well up the track. Daily Racing Form terminology used to read “distanced” as a way to describe a horse that has fallen far back from the field in summary comments. If this occurs, (and this almost seems assured), it will not be in the true spirit of competition of the sport of horse racing and run antithetical to the effort in recent years to show how magnificent and thrilling horse racing competition on the racetrack really is. If Contrary Thinking is indeed “distanced”, at the very moment a thrilling finish is experienced by observers, their exuberance will be tempered when glancing at a horse lumbering home just crossing the finish line. Why do this? Yes, putting “rabbits” in major races was often done at one time. But this is not 1970, and the general public is far keener on issues involving animals. Contrary Thinking is a worthy horse in his own right, but he should not participate in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic. Whether he is eligible or not, or may affect the pace of the race or not, is not what is relevant here. Rather, what is the crux of the issue is that whole of the industry is far more important than the result of any one race. The post Letter to the Editor: Contrary Thinking Should Not Run in ’25 BC Classic to Protect Horse Racing’s Image appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Edited Press Release Ironhorse Stallions's Bucchero (by Kantharos–Meetmeontime, by General Meeting), the sire of MGISW Book'em Danno, will stand the 2026 breeding season for $12,500, with an early-bird discount available through Dec. 31 for mares foaling in New York and a breeder-friendly mare cap of 140, the farm said in a release on Saturday morning. With the fewest named foals of the top 15 fourth-crop sires, Bucchero continues to distinguish himself among the elite of his generation. Competing alongside comparable rising stars such as Girvin (by Tale of Ekati) who will stand for $30,000 in 2026 and Army Mule (by Friesan Fire), standing for $25,000, Bucchero has led both throughout the year, despite covering mares with a lower average quality index. The Comp. Index (C.I.) of mares bred to Girvin is 1.26, to Army Mule 1.18, and to Bucchero 1.03, demonstrating that Bucchero's foals continue to perform well above expectations. “While we recognize that Bucchero's credentials and performance could justify a larger rise in his stud fee, we wanted to send a clear message,” said Harlan Malter, managing partner of Ironhorse Stallions. “With the top stallion in New York, our goal is to be partners with breeders, to make top-quality stallions accessible at a level that allows loyal New York breeders not just to survive, but to thrive. We believe that kind of collaboration is what will strengthen and grow this program for years to come.” Further underscoring his consistency, Bucchero leads all fourth-crop sires with 100 or more starters in two key productivity measures: over 60% winners from named foals, and an impressive 82% starters from named foals. These numbers highlight the hallmark of the Bucchero line, durability, soundness, and the ability to compete and win at a remarkably high rate. “Bucchero just keeps showing up where it matters,” said John Dowd of Ironhorse Stallions. “He's proven he belongs in the same conversation as the top young sires in the country, and he's done it the right way, through consistency, toughness, and results. When you pair that with the opportunities in the New York-bred and New York-sired programs, it's an unbeatable formula for breeders who want both quality and value.” Bucchero's success has carried through to the sales ring, where demand for his progeny continues to surge. His 2025 yearlings sold strongly at Fasig-Tipton New York Yearlings and OBS October, highlighted by a $240,000 yearling sold just a few miles from Saratoga Race Course, the same venue where Book'em Danno swept a historic Trifecta of graded sprint victories this summer. Along with Book'em Danno, a leading contender for the Eclipse Award for champion male sprinter, Bucchero is also the sire of MGSW Queen Maxima and MSW Buccherino. The New York-based stallion is also on track to repeat his 2024 status as top synthetic sire in the U.S., further proof of his ability to sire fast, durable and versatile runners across all surfaces. Standing at Ironhorse Stallions in Schuylerville, New York, Bucchero offers breeders the rare chance to access a proven national-caliber sire while staying in-state and taking advantage of one of the most lucrative breeding incentive programs in North America. The post Ironhorse Stallions Sets 2026 Stud Fee For Bucchero At $12.5k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sent off the 3-5 chalk on the back of a strong-figure debut victory going six furlongs over this surface Sept. 28, BRAVARO (c, 2, Upstart–Opera Star, by Tamarkuz) deftly slid across the heels of four of his five rivals nearing the entrance to the final furlong of Saturday's $200,000 Sleepy Hollow Stakes at Aqueduct and leveled off beautifully beneath Dylan Davis to earn his first black-type victory in handy fashion. Not the quickest away from the inside gate in this field of six and a bit awkward through the early exchanges, the bay colt gradually worked his way up to be behind the pacesetters and was under a good hold after a half in a crisp :45.19. Going strongly and in need only of running room as they approached the stretch, Bravaro was angled off the heels of a wall of horses to find clear sailing at the furlong grounds, raced on his incorrect lead for a stride or two and then finished the deal with a fair bit of authority. The final time for the one-mile distance over a fast strip was 1:35.68. Bravaro is the 25th stakes winner for his New York-bred, but Airdrie Stud-based stallion. Sales history: $57,000 RNA Ylg '24 FTNAUG; $95,000 RNA 2yo '25 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Ciuffetelli, Albert, Brennan, Stephanie S. and Shining Stables, LLC; B-Stephanie Baltzan (NY); T-Saffie Joseph Jr. BRAVARO is now 2-for-2 after winning the Sleepy Hollow Stakes under @DavisJockey for @SaffieJosephJr. pic.twitter.com/NLVUNGfGEA — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) October 25, 2025 The post Upstart Colt Bravaro Tons The Best In Sleepy Hollow appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Kit Gow/TTRAusNZ Last year James McDonald stood in the irons approaching the line in the G1 Cox Plate as his mount Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) surged to an astonishing eighth-length victory. This year, the Moonee Valley crowd had their hearts in their mouths as the returning champion rounded the corner out wide, fighting to get past Nepotism (Brutal) and Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) to defend her crown. But it wouldn't be a fitting swansong for the Valley before its reconstruction without that height of drama. For fleeting seconds as the pack straightened, it appeared that fellow Yulong-owned Treasurethe Moment might hang on to her lead before Yulong's mightier mare clawed her way to the front – only to be challenged by stablemate Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock). The pair duelled over the Plate's closing furlong and McDonald was afforded no early moment of celebration until Via Sistina thrust her head in front as they crossed the line. It was a fourth-straight win in the race for McDonald, who steered Anamoe and Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) to victory in the years preceding his partnership with Via Sistina, and a sixth win in the race for trainer Chris Waller. The first four wins, of course, came courtesy of Winx (Street Cry). “I'm blessed to ride champion racehorses, blessed to be a part of a champion stable, and she was trained to the minute,” said McDonald. “It was a sensational feeling. It was funny because she began well and I thought, 'This is beautiful.' “I thought I was in a great spot. Zac Lloyd [on Neopitism] was jostling for a position. We came back, she raced a little bit keen for a bit, but her incredible will to win shone through there and she's a champion racehorse. “I'm so proud of her. She deserved to be in the same breath as Sunline and those sorts of horses with two Cox Plates. You know what? I'm just rapt that it was a proper-run Cox Plate. That's what Cox Plates are all about. The best horse shone through and she deserves all she gets.” When asked about the pressure he felt returning to defeat Via Sistina's crown, McDonald could only draw a comparison to what Hugh Bowman must have felt returning year after year with Winx, saying, “How did Hugh do it?” Waller is, of course, no stranger to pressure, and while he must have felt it, he expressed he had always had such great confidence in his current champion. He said, “I know she hasn't won her last two runs, but all the data suggests she's flying and, once they set those benchmarks, providing the horse is healthy and well, you know they're going to get somewhere close to it. Let the horses do the talking. She had a lovely run. Attrition, I thought, was the winner at the 200 (metre mark). She had to dig deep. I know she can and she did.” Pedigree Notes Yulong have spent a collective A$6.93 million to acquire Via Sistina, her dam Nigh (Galileo), and her half-sister Via Sienna (Bated Breath), which pales in comparison to Via Sistina's earnings of over A$17 million to date. She is the standout child of the unraced Nigh, who is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1-winning sprinter Kingsgate Native (Mujadil). Nigh produced a colt by Too Darn Hot in 2024 as her most recent documented foal. The post Via Sistina Digs Deep in Cox Plate Defence appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unbelievably, there was a more expensive yearling purchase than My Ophelia (Wootton Bassett) in Saturday's mile novice at Newbury but it was Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy's 1.7million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase who emerged as the TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard. While the William Haggas-trained half-sister to the top-flight performers My Prospero (Iffraaj), My Oberon (Dubawi) and My Astra (Lope De Vega) played second fiddle to Alpinista's sister Alpinara (Frankel {GB}) at that auction, she was the one making headlines on the track as she rewarded even-money favouritism in style. At the line, the blueblood bred by Sunderland Holdings had two lengths to spare over stablemate Earth Shot (Time Test) to give her late sire a 17th Rising Star in a list that includes the likes of Camille Pissarro. Alpinara faded to be seventh. “She looks a nice horse and is bred to be nice,” Maureen Haggas said. “We've had quite a lot of the family and been lucky with them and she looks like she can go a bit.” “He couldn't pull her up and she is still pretty raw,” she added. “You'd probably start at a mile next year and see.” . Have we just seen a future star at @NewburyRacing? 1,700,000gns purchase My Ophelia is bred to be talented and comes home strongly to score on debut and in good style…@WilliamHaggas | @TomMarquand pic.twitter.com/epn7H44j9R — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 25, 2025 The post Bloom And McAleavy’s Millionaire My Ophelia A New TDN Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R7 (2) Was good over 1,800m first up and 2,000m looks ideal Jay Rooney GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R7 (2) Returns to his winning trip after a close second Owen Goulding DAZZLING FIT - R10 (7) Progressive last season and can resume that progress ahead of a big campaign Phillip Woo GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R7 (2) Resumed with a nice second and can go one better Shannon (Vincent Wong) SUNNY Q - R3 (13) Impressive last-start winner can score over the C&D once again Racing...View the full article

Aidan O'Brien had a stranglehold on Saturday's G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy and was able to wrap up the British trainer's title with a one-two-three in the Doncaster feature led home by Hawk Mountain (Wootton Bassett). Sent off the outsider of the trio at 18-5 under Ronan Whelan, the Beresford winner scrapped it out with Action (Frankel) as the 7-4 favourite Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel) floundered in the deep ground. At the line, he had half a length to spare over Lambourn's half-brother, with Benvenuto Cellini 2 3/4 lengths away. “He's a lovely big horse who stays and has pace and a great mind, so he's very exciting,” the trainer said of the son of Galileo's high-class Hydrangea, who was bringing up a dozen renewals for the stable and a 23rd Group 1 win this year. “We thought Action would be a middle-distance horse next year and he didn't surrender, whereas the winner could get away with being a miler before going up to middle distances.” “He is big, but athletic and so chilled, he's hardly even blowing which is unusual,” O'Brien added of the winner. “He's 100 per-cent homebred and there have been so many people involved with him all along–it's a big team. Christophe said Benvenuto Cellini didn't go in the ground, but he kept coming to the line. He's a good mover who handles fast ground well. They are three lovely horses.” HAWK MOUNTAIN WINS THE @WillHillRacing FUTURITY TROPHY! pic.twitter.com/LCXK5x17xt — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 25, 2025 Hydrangea, who is also responsible for Dubawi's Listed Hurry Harriet Stakes winner and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes runner-up Wingspan and Listed Tetrarch Stakes winner Officer, is a full-sister to the Group 1-winning The United States and Hermosa and to Salsa whose daughter of Wootton Bassett, Whirl, is one of the best in the yard having won this year's Nassau and Pretty Polly. Hermosa is also the dam of this year's G3 Hampton Court Stakes winner and Grand Prix de Paris runner-up Trinity College also by Dubawi, while this is the stellar dynasty of Last Tycoon. Hydrangea's yearling is a full-brother to Hawk Mountain, while she also has a colt foal by Justify. The post Hawk Mountain Leads Ballydoyle 1-2-3 In The Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Riley Mott, 33, will saddle his first Breeders' Cup starter at this year's World Championships. He will be represented by a solid contender in grade 1 winner Argos, a 2-year-old son of Nyquist, in the Oct. 31 Juvenile Turf (G1T) at Del Mar.View the full article

Te Akau Racing made a blistering start to the afternoon across both New Zealand meetings on Saturday, racking up six wins in a three-hour period including with a pair of potential candidates for next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). The syndication powerhouse won the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) for the seventh time as improving filly Origin Of Love (Snitzel) followed in the footsteps of the stable’s previous winners Noverre (2021), Hall Of Fame (2016), Risque (NZ) (Darci Brahma) (2015), Burgundy (2011), King’s Ransom (2009) and Tell A Tale (2008). Origin Of Love was part of a two-pronged hand for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson in this year’s War Decree, and she was sent out as a $3.40 second favourite behind her highly regarded stablemate War Of Silence (Snitzel) ($2). Jockey Joe Doyle took up a handy position along the rail, tucked in behind the leaders Student Of War (So You Think) and Shoma (NZ) (Contributer). Origin Of Love was racing keenly and getting her head up through the early stages of the race, but settled into a smooth rhythm coming down the side of the track. War Of Silence was alongside her but covering extra ground three wide. Doyle got Origin Of Love into the clear early in the home straight, and she and War Of Silence soon swallowed up Student Of War and Shoma and went to the lead together. Origin Of Love edged ahead of War Of Silence in the last 150m, then withstood a withering finish from Professional Lad (NZ) (Proisir) to score by a nose. “She’s a talented filly,” Doyle said. “She travelled a bit strongly and she’s still a touch green, so there’s more in there, but she’s a very likeable filly. “We got a split when we needed it and she’s a nice filly. She’s got a good constitution. “I’m delighted to be riding for Mark and Sam and their connections. Even if you’re not riding their best one, you could still be on the best one.” Origin Of Love is by Snitzel out of the Camelot mare Re Edit, who won three races in Australia and placed in the Gr.2 PJ O’Shea Stakes (2200m). David Ellis bought Origin Of Love for A$440,000 from the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. From a four-start career, Origin Of Love has recorded two wins and a placing and has earned $76,040 for the Te Akau 2024 Magic Fillies Breeding Syndicate. The TAB now rates Origin Of Love a $21 chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) on November 8 and offers a $26 quote for the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) a week later. “It was great to win that race today with Origin Of Love,” Walker said. “She’s a filly with a really good pedigree, being by the late, great, Snitzel, and a good ride to match her effort by Joe Doyle. “She was a great-walking filly when we first saw her at the Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast, and she’s continued to improve and she’s peaking at the right time for the 1000 Guineas. “It’s terrific to win a black-type race with a filly with her pedigree, and great for her breeders and owners.” Meanwhile at Ellerslie, the premiership-leading stable unveiled another potential classic contender when Belle Cheval (NZ) (Savabeel) took out the TAB (1400m). The $30,000 maiden race was the second career start for the Savabeel filly, who caught the eye with a big finish for third over 1300m on debut at Taupo on October 10. Strongly supported from $18 all the way into $6, Belle Cheval settled just worse than midfield before pouncing out wide in the straight and dashing away to win by two and a half lengths. “The thing I liked about her, even when they slowed up, she didn’t pull or anything,” jockey Craig Grylls said. “She really switched off, and then in the straight she changed legs and took off.” Belle Cheval races in the colours of breeder and co-owner David Archer and is a half-sister to Archer’s multiple Group One winner (The) Bostonian (NZ) (Jimmy Choux). The pair are both out of Keepa Cheval (NZ) (Keeper), who is a half-sister to a 10-time Group One winner in the same colours, Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire). “The plan was to be positive today and she was a little bit slow away again, like she was at Taupo,” Bergerson said. “But fair play to Gryllsy, he got a lovely track into it, three wide with cover, and she was pretty electric late. “It was very exciting and a massive thrill to have a winner for David Archer and Diane Wright, our first horse for them. She looks pretty top-drawer, so exciting times for them, and we’re grateful for their support.” Belle Cheval is now a $10 fourth favourite for the 1000 Guineas behind Well Written ($2.80), Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) ($4.50) and Tajana (NZ) (Darci Brahma) ($6). “She could potentially go down to Christchurch,” Bergerson said. “We’ll have to sit down and have a team talk about that, because she was so impressive today. There’s a couple of good ones in the 1000 Guineas, she’d have to take that next step to beat them. But we’ll sit down with David and Di, Mark (Walker) and David (Ellis) and have a good team talk and a think about it, because she probably deserves a shot at it now.” The results provided a timely boost for Ellis, who is recuperating after undergoing surgery in August. “It’s a massive thrill to have a day like we’ve had, with six winners between the two meetings at Ellerslie and Riccarton,” he said. “And it’s special to win the War Decree Stakes with Origin Of Love and finish third with War Of Silence, who never gave up after receiving a tough run. “It’s a great tonic for me, I’m feeling better every day, and it’s a real credit to all the hard-working team we’ve got at Te Akau.” View the full article

Classy gelding Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel) starred in the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m) at Riccarton on Saturday in another winning double for Terri Rae, but the local trainer was only a nose and a neck away from an even more remarkable day. Rae recorded back-to-back wins at Ashburton two weeks ago when Spot On Time (NZ) (Time Test) took out the GD Jones Salute (1200m) and Sir Albert followed suit in the McCrea Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup (1600m). The same two horses provided a repeat performance at Riccarton on Saturday, with Sir Albert’s Spring Classic success coming 35 minutes after Spot On Time won the TAB Mile Trial (1400m). Earlier on Saturday’s card, Rae’s runner Professional Lad (NZ) (Proisir) was beaten by a nose when second to Origin Of Love (Snitzel) in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m), while Kindling Spark (Manhattan Rain) was runner-up in the Canterbury Landscapes Supplies Rating 75 (1800m) and a neck away from Peachy Keen (NZ) (Reliable Man). “I think the good barrier made a difference today for Sir Albert, as it did for Spot On Time,” said Rae, who has recorded seven wins from just 26 starters so far this season. “Our three-year-old (Professional Lad) copped a bad draw and he missed by a nose, so I think that made the difference.” Rae is forming a strong hand for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival on November 12, with Sir Albert’s Spring Classic success earning him second favouritism at $5 behind the northern raider Tardelli (I Am Invincible) ($3.20). Spot On Time has also taken up a prominent position in the market at $12. Sir Albert was beaten by a nose by Richard Stomper (NZ) (El Roca) when he resumed over 1600m at Timaru on September 7, but he has made a big impression winning both subsequent starts by a combined margin of four lengths. The six-year-old was ridden by Leah Hemi on Saturday and took up a perfect position in fourth on the outside of Smooth Operator (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), cruising around in the slipstream of Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion) and Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer). Hemi pushed the button in the straight and Sir Albert took command, going clear to win by two lengths from the late-finishing Cognito (So You Think). Sir Albert was bred by Waikato Stud, whose principal Mark Chittick remained in the ownership after the son of Savabeel was passed in during the 2020 National Weanling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus. From a 25-start career, Sir Albert has recorded eight wins and seven placings and has earned $265,350. “He loves the 2000m as well as a mile when he is fresh,” Rae said. “We tried him past 2000m last season in the Dunedin Gold Cup (Listed, 2400m) and that was a mistake. He is not overly big and he just couldn’t cope. “He is such an honest horse, a real character, and his record is very good. It was a good win today, he loves Riccarton and he beat a very nice field. “We won’t do much with him now and he’ll go straight to the TAB Mile alongside Spot On Time.” View the full article

The Cliff Brown-trained Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel) swamped his rivals late under a patient rider from Ethan Brown to land the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday. The six-year-old son of Savabeel had been luckless when fourth in last year’s Crystal Mile and was back in the winner’s circle for the first time in 18 months despite racing well. Von Hauke got back in the run and closed well to get the better of fellow New Zealand-bred gallopers Golden Path (NZ) (Belardo) and Rise At Dawn (NZ) (Almanzor). “He has gone great,” Ethan Brown said following the win. “We couldn’t change his pattern. I wanted to stay in, just with the way the track is playing. I had to ride a very patient race and when the gap came I was confident I was on the right horse. “I had him humming underneath me, and I could see the leaders rolling round, so it was just a matter of time. “It is great to get a winner for Cliffy. We haven’t had a lot of luck lately, but he has stuck solid and we were able to get the job done today.” Cliff Brown was full of praise for his jockey. “He does a great job for the stable,” he said. “The horse settled very well, maybe a bit keen, but a lot were keen, but he did come back under him, and he was very good. “He just needed the breaks, and this year we got them. “I think he has really mentally matured, and everyone at home has done a great job with him.” Brown said he would now consider a tilt at the Gr.1 Champion Stakes (2000m) with the gelding. “We will just see what’s in it first,” he said. Von Hauke was bred by Waikato Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Tiara (NZ), who is a granddaughter of the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Royal Tiara (NZ) (Blanco). Von Hauke is the best of four winners from five foals to race from Tiara and is another example of the Savabeel nick with O’Reilly mares, which operates at a remarkable 14 percent stakes winners to runners. Offered by Stonehouse Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Von Hauke was bought by Cliff Brown Racing for A$190,000. View the full article

Talented five-year-old mare She’s A Hustler scored a game victory in the Gr.3 Tesio Stakes (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday. Under a positive ride from Jordan Childs, She’s A Hustler sat just behind the leader Sea What I See, and packed too many punches for that rival in a muddling run race. The daughter of Ace High has been a model of consistency for trainer Grahame Begg since crossing the Tasman. She placed on debut at Matamata for Roger James and Robert Wellwood. From nine career starts, She’s A Hustler boasts six wins and three runner-up finishes with Saturday’s victory her first at stakes level. “Winners win, don’t they,” said stable representative Rohan Hughes. “She has a great record and Grahame has been careful in the way he’s raised the bar for her. I think he thought this preparation she’d go to a nice level and a race like this. “We targeted this race a long way out. We wanted to go via the Coongy (Gr.3, 2000m) but he was very happy with her fitness, and that was an extremely tough effort. She had to absorb a lot of pressure from the half-mile onwards, but she’s very, very genuine. “It is a rare thing. Horses have got it psychologically. They are very competitive and in the end their record shows it. “She’s still very lightly raced and inexperienced. She’s got good upside. She’s a big, scopey Ace High mare and I’m sure in time with further development she’s going to develop into a nice staying horse and the way Grahame has explained it, 12 months down the track she may have a role to play in the spring carnival.” The Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) on the final day of the Flemington Carnival is the likely next assignment for She’s A Hustler who hadn’t raced since winning a Benchmark 78 in September, with two jumpouts prior to Saturday’s triumph. “Full credit to Grahame and the team. It was a good training performance,” winning rider Jordan Childs said. “It has been a while between runs and up to the 2000 (metres) today, she’s a damn good racehorse. She does everything right, jumps well, puts herself on speed and makes her own luck. “They took off early and we really had to dig deep because she came off the bridle quite soon but once she got her revs up, she kept going. “She demolished the line then, so I don’t think going up in distance would be an issue. She’s a very exciting horse for the future.” By Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High, She’s A Hustler was a $70,000 purchase by Phill Cataldo at the Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale in 2022 from the Rich Hill draft. She’s A Hustler is out of Snow Petal, a winning daughter of Group One winning mare Zirna. View the full article

Japan's Triple Crown wraps up this Sunday with the 86th running of the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger). Run over 3,000 metres at Kyoto Racecourse, the Kikuka Sho is the longest of the three races in the country's Triple Crown, which also includes the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) and the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in the spring. Although the race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, this year's field will be made up of only colts, with 20 nominees, but only 18 runners permitted to race. Only one of the top three finishers from the first two Classics will be in the field on Sunday, namely Shohei (Saturnalia), who finished third in the Tokyo Yushun won by Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black). Trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, Shohei received an automatic ticket for the Kikuka Sho when last seen filling the runner-up spot in one of the key trial races, the G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai. “The Kobe Shimbun Hai was his first race of the autumn and he went all out,” said Tomomichi. “However, the way the race unfolded worked more for the horse that won. The race has sharpened him up. This week, he worked alone under an assistant and breezed over the polytrack. He looked fresh and eager. I didn't really feel his power this time, but he is mentally tough and doesn't give up. “His competitive spirit is his strongest point. I'd admit that 3,000 metres is a bit long for him, but I've been working him behind another horse to help him be better able to handle the distance. Competing against horses of the same age, I don't foresee any problems. It shouldn't be a problem if the ground is a bit slow, but I would like the pace to be fairly strong.” The winner of the Kobe Shimbun Hai, Eri King (Kizuna), reopposes on Sunday, having beaten Shohei by a neck at Hanshin, along with Giovanni (Epiphaneia), who was beaten only two lengths into third. “Of course, we had the Kikuka Sho in mind when racing in the Kobe Shimbun Hai,” trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida said of Eri King. “He ran well-balanced and had a good turn of foot in the final stage. I think it was an adequate performance. He showed improvement after that race and his overall condition is better, too. He still isn't fully mature but, in a test amongst his peers, I think he's at a good place. I'll be a bit concerned if the ground is slow. I'm hoping he'll have firm ground.” The likely race favourite is the Mizuki Takayanagi-trained Energico (Duramente), who made it three victories from as many starts when winning April's G2 Aoba Sho at Tokyo, before forfeiting his unbeaten record with a runner-up finish in August's G3 Niigata Kinen. Back against his own age group on Sunday, he will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire. “He ran very well last out,” said Takayanagi. “He has a lot of talent and speed and he was able to bring that out. As for the distance this time, he's able to settle well and, even though he hasn't had any experience at this distance, I think he'll handle it.” He added, “After the Niigata race, he also needed some treatment at the farm. Though I had shipped him to Ritto right away, I could sense he was bothered somewhat by the change in surroundings. He almost went off his feed. Now he's his usual self. That he's only raced to the left is only by coincidence, but his balance isn't the best. It may be a factor this time, but at the training level you can't see any difference. I'd prefer ground that isn't too heavy.” Other notable contenders include the G2 St. Lite Kinen winner Yamanin Bouclier (Kitasan Black), the consistent My Universe (Rey de Oro) and Goltzschtal (Bricks And Mortar), who wasn't far behind Energico when finishing third in the Aoba Sho. The post Shohei Among Leading Contenders as Kikuka Sho Wraps Up Japanese Triple Crown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sha Tin hosts another cracking day of action this Sunday, with the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) the highlight of the meeting. There are 10 races on the card and Owen Goulding is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Panasonic Air-Conditioner Handicap (1,800m) Yiu Cheung Victory finally has a good draw to work from and, dropping in grade with Zac Purton aboard, he can take advantage of the step up to 1,800m. Race 2 – Class Four Panasonic TV...View the full article

By Michael Guerin Jason Teaz is aiming to end the harness racing season way better than he started it. Actually, the start wasn’t the problem for the Waikato trainer. It was the couple of months after the start that flattened him. Teaz is best known as a commentator but is making quite the name for himself as a trainer, with 15 horses in work and well on the way to his best season ever with Stone Cold bringing up win 13 for the term at Alexandra Park on Friday night. But there is a lot more to that number than you might think. “Back at one of the first meetings of the season at Otaki I trained a double so things couldn’t have started better,” says Teaz. “Two days later those same two horses ran last and so did almost every other horse I lined up for two months. “The whole team got a bug through it and around about the same time I had changed my feed and that didn’t work and everything went to the pack. “I reckon people were thinking, what is going on with him, but I just had to weather the storm.” Teaz has trained 10 or 11 winners in his last 50 starts though and is getting good results, sometimes with other people’s castoffs. “I am really proud of how it is going and I suppose with 15 horses I am no longer considered a small trainer. “But Alexandra Park wins are still hard to come by so to get one with this guy is great and he is far from finished.” Teaz bought Stone Cold as a yearling because he had another handy trotter by sire Wishing Stone and his owners are spread far and wide. “My mother Helen is in him as are Allan and Mark Bradley. Allan is a West Coast farmer who had a really good horse called Besta Kara a fair while ago. “And we have Art Shirley from down south, our Clerk of the Course up here in Ron Weller, former HRNZ chair John Coulam and of course Nicole.” Nicole as in Sims, the trackside presenter who used to work with Teaz and took a share in the diminutive trotter soon after he bought him and had now had the thrill of being at Alexandra Park on a Friday night when Stone Cold made it career win number two. “We have a great bunch of owners and he is doing a wonderful job for them,” says Teaz. “He has already won about $35,000, after only costing I think $5000 at the sales, and he is still only getting to full maturity now.” Teaz says he is eyeing the Harness 5000 series at Ashburton in December as the Four-Year-Old Trot division doesn’t appear to have an overly strong field at the moment for a $60,000 race. “We will keep monitoring how the field is coming together but that is the dream goal,” says Teaz. “I think he is eligible now and with some of his owners living down south I am sure they’d love it.” Matthew White had looked the horseman to follow at The Park on Friday and so it proved to be as he trained two winners in Mediator and Lord Popinjay (for Monika Ranger) and drove another in Tight Lines for Brian and Gareth Hughes. Opa’s Girl was very good in a strong juvenile race for trainer Arna Donnelly two hours before he older brother Double Parked won his Metro Pacing Heat. The latter was the first leg of a training and driving double for Tony Herlihy with the super impressive Youneverknow. View the full article