Wandering Eyes

La Crique winning last year’s Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate. Photo: Trish Dunell Spring hasn’t been kind to La Crique in New Zealand and punters might get their last glimpse of her racing during the fickle season in her homeland when she contests the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) on Saturday. The five-year-old mare’s spring preparation has been interrupted by track conditions for the second year in a row, leading trainers Katrina and Simon Alexander to contemplate heading straight to Australia next year with their stable star. The daughter of Vadamos was set to contest the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), a race she won last year, at Hastings on Saturday, but the Alexanders decided to scratch her from the Hawke’s Bay feature after being met by a rain-affected track. “We may not have a spring preparation here at all. It is becoming quite difficult to get a good track horse ready for that Hawke’s Bay Carnival,” Katrina Alexander said. “We got the first day under our belt, but that wasn’t the day that she is most suited to. “We need to rethink the timing there for that type of horse. I think it is okay if you come off the winter with a hardened warhorse that can cop a range of surfaces, but I don’t think we will necessarily have that in our sights next year. “It does make you rethink just how early you would bring a horse like her in for next season.” The Alexanders are backing their decision to withdraw their mare from the race and are looking forward to pursuing their plan b this weekend. “I don’t regret the decision not to run, even though the horse was down there,” Alexander said. “We kind of got ourselves into that position last year, thinking we had to run. Where she is at in her prep, there was really no need to. The horse has come home in really good shape and we are able to press on. “We had a couple of options going forward on two different timeframes and that will still work out for us. It (week delay) is not really a problem at all.” La Crique has been lumbered with 60kg for Saturday’s test and Alexander is intrigued about how she will handle the weight. “It will be interesting to see how she manages to carry weight. We all know she is not a strongly built horse and it is something she hasn’t been asked to do before,” she said. “We just want to get a solid run under her belt. She is just there for a hit-out, there are no expectations for her on Saturday. “It was either there or have a trial and she needs to have a solid hit-out, which they don’t always get in a trial, so we thought we might as well run around and see if we can pick up a little bit of money and we can advance from there.” La Crique will be ridden on Saturday by Jasmine Fawcett, with regular rider Craig Grylls committed to ride at Hawera this weekend. “Unfortunately, because it (Matamata Cup) wasn’t on the cards early on, it clashes with the Hawera meeting, and Craig is fully committed to Hawera with that being the more feature meeting for a lot of the jockeys this weekend,” Alexander said. “Jasmine Fawcett has been engaged for this Saturday. She rode her very early on in her career (at the trials), so she has had the feel of the horse before.” Following the weekend, La Crique is set to fly to Sydney where she will have a two-run campaign, culminating in a tilt at the A$2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on November 11. “After a meeting with the owners yesterday, we have picked out a path,” Alexander said. “At this stage she is going to go to Sydney. The end target is a race called the Five Diamonds over 1800m, which we think will suit her nicely. Heading into that is the Craven (Group 3, 2000m). “There was an option to take on one earlier, but we just think with the timing we would have had to get her on a plane this Sunday, which is a little but rushed.” More horse racing news View the full article

Owner Mike Repole was brimming with enthusiasm heading into Travers Stakes (G1) weekend, eager as could be to see his champions Forte and Nest race. View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds, VIC, 3039 When Friday, October 6, 2023 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Another Friday night of racing at Moonee Valley awaits, and despite no black-type events, a strong eight-race program is set down for decision. With plenty of wet weather in Melbourne throughout the week, the track has come up a Soft 6 and should remain in that range for this meeting. Having been in the true position last Friday, the rail comes out 7m the entire circuit. The action from The Valley is set to commence at 6:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Little Eagle With three wins under her belt from as many starts, Little Eagle looks to have found a nice race as she comes to town for the first time. She was a smart BM58 winner at Donald first-up and then went on to smash her rivals in a BM64 at Seymour on September 17. She stays in BM64 grade on Friday night, and with the aid of Laura Lafferty’s 2kg claim, Little Eagle gets in perfectly at the weights. She may need a touch of luck from barrier four, but if the breaks come her way, this girl can remain undefeated. Best Bet Race 5 – #7 Little Eagle (4) 4yo Mare | T: Patrick Payne | J: Laura Lafferty (a2) (61.5kg) +340 with Betfair Next Best at Moonee Valley: Frilled Frilled comes to Melbourne for the first time and looks set to relish the Moonee Valley circuit. The four-year-old mare returned as a smart all-the-way winner at Kembla Grange, and from barrier six on Friday night, she should have no issues finding the rail and dictating terms. She gains the services of Damien Oliver for her toughest assignment to date, but with a relatively uncontested lead expected, Frilled should prove too hard to chase down. Next Best Race 7 – #5 Frilled (6) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Smith | J: Damien Oliver (60kg) +120 with PendleburyBet Next Best Again at Moonee Valley: Alsonso We will be looking to kick the night off in style when the Leon & Troy Corstens-trained Alsonso looks to break maiden ranks at start six. The three-year-old gelding put in an eye-catching run when finishing third behind Wolfy at Flemington last time out, and he looks to have struck a winnable race fourth-up. Craig Williams hops on board for the first time, and from barrier seven, if ‘Willow’ can gain a tow into the race approaching the home turn, Alsonso should be far too good for this field. Next Best Again Race 1 – #1 Alsonso (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Leon & Troy Corstens | J: Craig Williams (58kg) +135 with Dabble Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, October 6, 2023 5-7 2-5-13-14 1-5 6-8-9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Skew Wiff will kick-off her Australian campaign in Saturday’s Group 2 Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Trainer Mark Walker is optimistic that his talented mare, Skew Wiff, can replicate her New Zealand success at Flemington this Saturday in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m). The Waikato Stud-bred four-year-old commenced her spring campaign impressively, securing a runner-up spot in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa in August and clinching her maiden Group One victory in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last month. Skew Wiff recently made the journey across the Tasman to join Te Akau Racing’s newly-established Cranbourne stable, and Walker is hopeful that she can contribute to the stable’s success in Victoria. Despite carrying the Group One winners’ penalty, Walker emphasizes Skew Wiff’s credentials, stating, “She carries the Group One winners’ penalty, but she has earned it, she is a Group One winner, and we think that she is a nice mare.” “She did have all favours in the Tarzino; she had a nice draw. She has a very short sprint, and Opie (Bosson) tactically rode a brilliant race to hold her up as long as he could.” Skew Wiff’s notable performances in the Group 1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m), and Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) last year highlighted her potential, and Walker believes she could be well-suited for the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in Sydney next month. “She was placed in a couple of Group One races as a three-year-old, but probably 1400m is her pet trip, and if she went well enough (on Saturday), we would consider going up to Sydney for the Golden Eagle.” In other stable news, Walker reports that Imperatriz, the stable star, is in good form following her victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley. She is on track to compete in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) later this month. “She was a little bit scratchy the next day but by Sunday she was pretty good and was pretty bouncy again, so we are really happy,” said Walker. “It (Manikato) should be really good for her. She is pretty versatile, as a three-year-old she won up to a mile, so 1200m will be a perfect fit.” Walker plans for Imperatriz to familiarise herself with Flemington, stating, “She will probably go and have a look at Flemington one morning; we are hoping (prior to the Manikato).” More horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Danny Shum and Romantic Warrior at Werribee. Danny Shum is hopeful Romantic Warrior can cast aside 15 quality rivals when he lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, however, the trainer is expecting his triple Group 1 winner to improve out of his first Australian race and reach tip-top condition for his Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) tilt on October 28 at Moonee Valley. Speaking to media on Wednesday morning at Werribee in Melbourne, Australia, Shum declared his delight after seeing Romantic Warrior – who appeared in fine heart at trackwork under work rider Gary Lau – ahead of this weekend’s contest. “I do think he’s fit enough to handle (this weekend’s race), for him, it’s the potential and I never doubt his potential. “When I watched James McDonald gallop him at Flemington on Sunday, I was really, really happy, and I absolutely agree with James when he said, ‘the horse is really good, the horse has improved day-by-day and after the Turnbull Stakes, I think he’ll be spot on for the Cox Plate’,” Shum said. Romantic Warrior was led out on Wednesday morning by his mafoo Chan Chun-yin alongside stablemate Romantic Charm, who was ridden by Ben So. The pair worked a few circuits of the inner sand course at Werribee before returning to the stables in front of a watchful Shum. “Romantic Warrior is a talent, he’s a superstar. You saw the gallop on the first of October, you can see something. James didn’t do anything, but he went with him. He loves James, every horse loves James – he can ride, he is a talented jockey, but he (Romantic Warrior) uses himself to tell the jockey ‘I can run for you, have confidence in me!’ you can see something like this, and as a trainer, it’s perfect,” Shum said. Versatile but generally an on-pacer, especially across last season in Hong Kong, Romantic Warrior will step away from barrier 11 in Saturday’s 16-runner contest under McDonald. First-up since finishing second in the 2023 Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 28 at Sha Tin, the five-year-old son of Acclamation is aiming to add to his HK$84.365 million in earnings and 10 wins from 14 starts. A graduate of the 2021 Hong Kong International Sale, Romantic Warrior was sold to owner Peter Lau for HK$4.8 million, and last season came within a head of Hong Kong’s record-setting superstar and three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year (2020/21, 2021/22 & 2022/23) – Golden Sixty – in the 2023 Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m). Overall, Romantic Warrior has five wins from six attempts over Sha Tin’s 2000m. He’s twice been crowned Hong Kong Champion Middle-Distance Horse (2021/22 & 2022/23), and he will race anti-clockwise for the first time this weekend. “Fingers crossed – we’ll do our best. I’ve seen him every day, even in Werribee by WhatsApp – I always watch him. I can guarantee to you guys he’s not 100 percent, he’s around 85 to 90 percent and he will improve – just exactly what James McDonald said after his gallop. He will make a big improvement,” Shum said. The Group 1-placed West Wind Blows features, as does Soulcombe, who finished a fast-closing fourth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) last time out at Caulfield. West Wind Blows is trained by Simon and Ed Crisford in Great Britain. He is a five-time winner and has twice prevailed at Group 3 level in France with form also around the likes of Hurricane Lane, Pyledriver, Paddington and Emily Upjohn. Talented four-year-old Osipenko is also included for trainer Chris Waller following on from his last-start third in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) behind Mr Brightside. Gold Trip, Francesco Guardi, Uncle Bryn, Right You Are and more feature. The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) will be run at 4.25pm AEDT at Flemington in Melbourne, Australia. More horse racing news View the full article

What 2023 Turnbull Stakes Where Flemington Racecourse When Saturday, October 7, 2023 Prizemoney $750,000 Distance 2000m Conditions Set Weights & Penalties 2022 Winner Smokin’ Romans (6) | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Ethan Brown (55.5kg) Visit Dabble The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) is the headline act at Flemington on Saturday afternoon and a capacity field of 16 stayers (and two emergencies) have accepted for the 2000m event worth $750,000. Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior headlines the field, with Simon & Ed Crisford bringing West Wind Blows over from England. Throw in some Australia’s best up-and-coming stayers and the 2023 Turnbull Stakes looks set to be a cracking edition. 2023 Turnbull Stakes odds Romantic Warrior is without a doubt the class animal in the field and online betting sites are not taking any chances, enlisting the Danny Shum-trained runner as a +120 favourite. Fellow international West Wind Blows is on the second line of betting at +550, whilst the Chris Waller-pair Osipenko (+600) and Soulcombe (+700) are the only other runners at a single figure quote. 2023 Turnbull Stakes speed map Unless second emergency Goldman gains a start, there is no real known leader in the Turnbull Stakes. The likes of Smokin’ Romans, Right You Are, and Spanish Mission will all look to hold a prominent position, as will race favourite Romantic Warrior. With a host of runners looking to slot in midfield, there could be a few trapped wide in running, so those with low barriers could prove to be smart betting plays. Soulcombe, Duke De Sessa, and Lunar Flare will all be the ones making their runs from the rear of the field. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Turnbull Stakes. 2023 Turnbull Stakes Preview & Form No matter how good the horse is, first-up over 2000m in Australia is always a tough ask, so on that note, we are taking on Romantic Warrior. Soulcombe was a smart winner of the Listed Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) first-up and was taking off ground off the likes of Alligator Blood, Tuvalu and Duais when finishing fourth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m). The step up to the 2000m third-up looks ideal, and despite not running a drum in any of his three starts at the trip, he still looks like a great play. The four-year-old from Chris Waller’s barn, who has a win and a second to his name in two runs at Flemington and was drawn favourably in barrier two under Craig Williams, will be given every chance to claim his first Group 1. Soulcombe is armed with a strong turn of foot for a stayer, and if he is anywhere near his best, he looks like the one who will spoil the Romantic Warrior party. Romantic Warrior is a genuine superstar. However, at +120 first-up in Australia, he is just not a betting prospect in a cracking edition of the Turnbull Stakes. He hasn’t been seen since finishing second as a -500 favourite to Russian Emperor in the Group 1 Chater Cup (2400m) on May 28, but his win in the Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) over multiple Australian Group 1 winner Dubai Honour indicates he may just blow this field away. From barrier 11, there is a chance he gets caught three or four wide and exposed a long way from home, but if Romantic Warrior puts his best hoof forward, then he is easily the one to beat. West Wind Blows brings genuine Group 1 staying credentials into the Turnbull, having chased home the likes of Passenger, Paddington and Pyledriver leading into his Australian campaign. Osipenko has been running on nicely without threatening in recent starts, whilst Francesco Guardi, Gold Trip and Right You Are will be looking to hit their straps ahead of the Caulfield Cup. 2023 Turnbull Stakes selections & best bets Selections: 11 SOULCOMBE 1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR 5 WEST WIND BLOWS 15 RIGHT YOU ARE $100 betting strategy $100 win Soulcombe (#11) @ +700 with Betfair More horse racing tips View the full article

Frankie Lor celebrates his 400-win landmark. Frankie Lor continued whirlwind career progress by posting his 400th Hong Kong win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (8 October), reaching the milestone in only his seventh season with Heroic Master. Licensed as a trainer in 2017, Lor struck with his first runner – Yourtheoneforme – and surged to a record debut season haul of 65 winners. Formerly 12-time Hong Kong handler John Size’s assistant trainer, Lor then advanced to his first title in 2021/22 with 90 wins for the season to extend a prodigious sequence. Now entrenched in Hong Kong training’s elite, 57-year-old Lor took 3,227 runners to reach 400 wins with a career winning strike rate of 12.4% – a figure bettered only by the astonishing Size, whose 1,493 wins have come at 13.8%. While Size remains the fastest to reach the 400-win landmark, taking 2,941 runners, Lor was quicker than Tony Cruz (3,649) and Ivan Allan (3,703). Typically deflective of praise, Lor said: “It’s not easy. I need to say thank you for the stable team – at Conghua and also Sha Tin – they work really hard. Owners also, without their support, I don’t win 400 races,” he said. “I will not count how many numbers but I always try to win for the owners. Of course, I still want to get on top again (and win another championship) – always try, always try.” Third in last season’s title race to Size and Francis Lui with 65 victories, Lor is again in the championship hunt with seven wins so far for the campaign to trail Lui (11), Caspar Fownes (10), Danny Shum (eight) and Pierre Ng (seven). Cody Mo jubilated in his first training success after Zac Purton piloted Romantic Laos to victory. “I’m very happy and I want to thank my team and also the owners’ support,” Mo, 45, said. “I thought this horse would run well because he trialled well and I came here tonight feeling good – but I was a bit concerned about having barrier 12. I’m feeling really good and very thankful.” A vastly experienced assistant trainer after stints with Tony Cruz, David Hall, Benno Yung and David Ferraris, Mo was granted a licence for this season and has made a conservative start to his maiden campaign. Romantic Laos was Mo’s eighth starter for the season so far. Lor and Fownes shared the first dead-heat of the season when the judges could not separate Capital Legend and Vincent Ho and Lucky Archangel and Angus Chung as Capital Delight claimed a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million in securing his first Hong Kong victory. Six-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton regained the lead in this season’s standings with a treble which included a race-to-race double for Danny Shum. Purton struck first with struck with Hong Kong International Sale graduate Denfield and followed up with Copartner Ambition before closing the meeting aboard Romantic Laos. Purton (13 wins) holds a slender lead over Hugh Bowman (12), who teamed with Fownes to win aboard June Planet. Manfred Man’s Viva A La prevailed under a clever front-running ride from Derek Leung to post his second Happy Valley victory in three starts – and his first for Man since transferring from retired trainer Peter Ho. Another former Ho charge, My Intelligent, won for Chris So and Matthew Chadwick. More horse racing news View the full article

Four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown has already won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf a record five times, and he appears headed back to the $1 million race Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park with Hard to Justify.View the full article

The LNJ Foxwoods and MSK Racing Ventures-owned Treason heads into Saturday's 1 1/16-mile Durham Cup (G3) with his eye on adding another graded win to his tally. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a relative of Grade I sire Gio Ponti (Tale Of The Cat). 14.15 Thurles, Mdn, €15,000, 2yo, f, 8f 11yT Aidan O'Brien trainee GUSHING (American Pharoah), a $435,000 Keeneland September graduate, is a daughter of GIII Cardinal H. third Antonia Autumn (Bernstein), herself a half-sister to seven-time Grade I-winning sire Gio Ponti (Tale Of The Cat) and GI Gazelle S. third Bon Jovi Girl (Malibu Moon). She is accompanied by Ballydoyle stablemate and 500,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase Gleaning (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who is out of a half-sister to G2 Prix Greffulhe victor and G1 Grand Prix de Paris third Ocovango (GB) (Monsun {Ger}). O'Brien won the 2019 renewal of this heat with subsequent G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine and G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Matron S. placegetter Peaceful (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). 13.52 Salisbury, Nov, £10,000, 2yo, 8fT Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's MATSURI (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a half-brother to G3 Darley S. victrix Feliciana De Vega (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), was the joint-second highest-priced lot at last year's Tattersalls October Book 2 sale when knocked down to Roger Varian for 700,000gns. His rivals include fellow newcomer Promethean (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), who is a David Menuisier-trained half-brother to G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Morandi (Fr) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). 14.25 Salisbury, Nov, £10,000, 2yo, 8fT Andrew Balding trainee MACH TEN (IRE) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), another debutant for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, is kin to dual Group 3-winning G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) runner-up Djumama (Ire) (Aussie Rules). He is confronted by 10 rivals here including fellow debutant Sir Galahad (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), who is a James Ferguson-trained son of G2 Blandford S. victrix and G1 Oaks and G1 Prix de l'Opera third Katiyra (Ire) (Peintre Celebre); and Roger Varian incumbent Joycean Way (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), who is a once-raced half-brother to this term's G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S. runner-up Sacred (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). 14.57 Salisbury, Nov, £10,000, 2yo, 6f 213yT INVERSION (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a half-brother of this year's GI Diana S. heroine Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio) who hails from the yard of Harry and Roger Charlton, is one of two Juddmonte contenders in this nine-runner contest. Opposition includes the operation's Kempton novice victor Qirat (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), who is a half-brother to Ralph Beckett stablemate and G1 Irish Oaks runner-up Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) out of G1 Matron S. heroine Emulous (GB) (Dansili {GB}). 15.27 Salisbury, Nov, £10,000, 2yo, 6f 213yT Juddmonte homebred INDELIBLE (IRE) (Shamardal) is a Ralph Beckett-trained daughter of six-time elite-level heroine Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and encounters seven rivals in this first go. She is kin to a trio of black-type performers headed by G3 Sandown Classic Trial and G3 N E Manion Cup victor Midterm (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). Opposition includes Bjorn Nielsen's twice-raced High Handed (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), who is a half-sister to G1 Coronation S. and G1 Matron S.-winning matriarch Lillie Langtry (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), from the Brian O'Rourke stable. The post Relative Of Gio Ponti Set For Thurles Unveiling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

FanDuel TV heads up the road to Lexington for Keeneland's prestigious Fall Meet beginning Oct. 6. FanDuel TV will cover every race, every day through the meet's conclusion Oct. 28.View the full article

Santa Anita Park and Keeneland have announced that both tracks will combine to present the Keeneland/Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 to players nationwide Oct. 7.View the full article

Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's AGATE ROAD (c, 2, Quality Road–Yellow Agate, by Gemologist) saved his best for last, as he found his best stride inside the final furlong and edged away to take Wednesday's GII Pilgrim S., earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Santa Anita for the Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in the process. Favored at 2-1 off a Saratoga 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy maiden victory that really had to be seen to be believed, the $650,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase was content to sit one from the tail as the outposted Spirit Prince (Cairo Prince)–a latest third in the GIII With Anticipation S. Aug. 31–crossed and cleared all the inside traffic to lead through an opening quarter in :23.51. Quietly ridden down the back by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Agate Road was asked for some acceleration as the field hit the turn, but was consigned to an overland run and lost some ground. Spun wide into the stretch, Agate Road began to zero in on the front-runners with less than a furlong to travel and did his best work through the wire. The final time for the 8 1/2 furlongs was 1:42.83. Fulmineo (Bolt d'Oro) knifed through late for second ahead of the dead-heating Liam's Journey (Liam's Map) and Spirit Prince. Sales history: $650,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stable; B-CHC Inc (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Agate Road Earns BC Berth In Pilgrim appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rodney Lundock's Maryquitecontrary clinched an eye-turning victory when last at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28 in the seven-furlong Inside Information (G2) and she looks to have a repeat Oct. 7 in the $200,000 Princess Rooney (G3) over the same distance.View the full article

Constitution (Tapit), the leading sire of 2-year-olds of 2023 whose progeny were highly coveted at auction this summer, will stand the 2024 breeding season for $110,000, stands-and-nurses terms, as WinStar Farm. The 12-year-old is responsible for new fewer than 18 juvenile winners this season, led by Aspenite, impressive winner of the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile last month. The sire's current crop of yearlings proved extremely popular at the recently concluded Keeneland September Sale, with five horses sold in excess of $750,000, including a colt out of Solo Uno (Medaglia d'Oro), who was purchased by OXO Equine for $1.3 million. A son of Dothraki Sea (Union Rags) was hammered down to Mayberry Farm for $1.25 million at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Life Is Good (Into Mischief), who covered a first book 192 mares this past season, will stand his second year at WinStar for $85,000 S&N, while perennial leading sire Speightstown (Gone West) will cover mares at $80,000. Outwork (Uncle Mo), sire of leading juvenile filly and the GI Darley Alcibiades S.-bound Brightwork, will stand for $10,000. New additions to the WinStar roster include G1 Dubai World Cup hero Country Grammer (Tonalist, $10,000) and GSW and GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil's (Hard Spun, $12,500). Stud fees for Audible and Always Dreaming, recently represented by GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Saudi Crown, will be determined based on the results of the coming months. “We are very excited about our roster for 2024,” said Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager of WinStar Farm. “Constitution's 2-year-olds have him exactly where we thought he would be, and Life is Good is coming off a very promising start. We have four stallions–Improbable, Tom's d'Etat, Global Campaign, and Promises Fulfilled–whose progeny hit the track next year, and give a breeder a very nice upside if they are willing to take a chance. I have had top horsemen tell me they think Two Phil's is the best 3-year-old in the country, and he is priced right. Country Grammer's record speaks for itself. Our team can't wait to get started.” WINSTAR FARM — 2024 STUD FEES Always Dreaming (Bodemeister), TBA Audible (Into Mischief), TBA Constitution (Tapit), $110,000 Country Grammer (Tonalist), $10,000 Global Campaign (Curlin), $12,500 Good Samaritan (Harlan's Holiday), $5,000 Improbable (City Zip), $15,000 Independence Hall (Constitution), $10,000 Life Is Good (Into Mischief), $85,000 Nashville (Speightstown), $15,000 Outwork (Uncle Mo), $10,000 Paynter (Awesome Again), $5,000 Promises Fulfilled (Shackleford), $5,000 Speightstown (Gone West), $80,000 Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy), $10,000 Tom's d'Etat (Smart Strike), $7,500 Two Phil's (Hard Spun), $12,500 Yoshida (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), $7,500 The post Constitution Tops WinStar Stallion Roster for 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Rules Committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission passed a motion recommending Kentucky raise minimum fees earned by jockeys. View the full article

Hard to Justify (f, 2, Justify–Instant Reflex, by Quality Road) punched her ticket to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with a 7-1 upset in Wednesday's rescheduled 'Win and You're In' GII Miss Grillo S. at the Big A. She sat a stalking trip in second and turned up the heat on the far turn. The bay stuck her head in front in the stretch and dug down deep to get the money by 3/4 of a length. Life's an Audible (Audible) was second; Whimsically (Uncle Mo) was third. Hard to Justify, a narrow debut winner after overcoming a troubled trip in her unveiling over the Saratoga lawn July 23, becomes the 13th graded winner for Justify and ninth Miss Grillo winner for trainer Chad Brown. Sales history: $190,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Wise Racing LLC; B-Yeguada Centurion S.L. (Ky); T-Chad C. Brown. #2 Hard to Justify steps up to stakes company and stays perfect in the G2 Miss Grillo S. at Belmont! Chad Brown trains the 2-year-old filly by Justify and Flavien Prat had the mount. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/5cF3UX88eq — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 4, 2023 The post Justify’s Hard to Justify Punches Breeders’ Cup Ticket in Miss Grillo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Among the fatalities at Saratoga, the biggest commonality was that 92% sustained exercise-associated fatal musculoskeletal injuries.View the full article

Santa Anita Park, which will host this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record 11th time Nov. 3 and 4 and storied Keeneland Racecourse, site of last year's Breeders' Cup, have announced that both tracks will combine to present the Keeneland/Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 to players nationwide on Saturday, Oct. 7. A traditional $1 Pick 6 with a player-friendly 15% takeout, the Keeneland/Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 will include the following Breeders' Cup “Win & You're In” Challenge Race qualifiers and be offered in this order: Thoroughbred Club of America (KEE)–4:12 p.m. ET Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (KEE)–5:14 p.m. ET Coolmore Turf (KEE)–5:45 p.m. ET American Pharoah S. (SA) Chandelier S. (SA ) Rodeo Drive S. (SA) “We are excited to offer a compelling bet for the horseplayer,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager. “It's going to be a can't-miss sequence combining Breeders' Cup Challenge Races at both Keeneland and Santa Anita with a player-friendly 15% takeout.” Players are advised that the Keeneland/Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 will be listed as a separate wager/track on all tote and ADW platforms as: Keeneland Santa Anita Pick 6 (KEE/SAP Pick 6). The post Breeders’ Cup Challenge Pick Six Set For Oct. 7 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In the Sept. 30 edition of the Thoroughbred Daily News, we ran an interview with John Sikura (Sikura: No Simple Solutions for a Fractured Sport, TDN, Sept. 27) in which he raised questions about the funding mechanism and purse of the Kentucky Derby. In Tuesday's TDN, industry insiders weighed in with their own commentary. Today, we publish additional opinions on the subject. Scott Heider, owner It made me smile recently when I saw my friend John Sikura shared his opinions in the TDN. Similar to the ongoing discussions we have on the equine industry (and also plenty of non-industry topics), John has gained some real wisdom over the last few decades. But but he's always open to new ideas and he's far from stuck in his ways, which is why he's succeeded and will continue to do so. John's opinions the other day contained some great nuggets including his view on Churchill Downs and The Derby. I will submit that money does not by itself fix problems and I know John very much agrees with this, too. It doesn't work this way in business (perhaps short term occasionally), and it certainly doesn't work this way in philanthropic endeavors. We'd have largely eradicated poverty and poor school systems in this country by now if it did. What it does take in the public and private sectors is leadership. Leadership that has vision and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide its clients with an experience and/or product that they want more of, not less. Leadership that inspires others, both within a company and within an industry, to raise their games and be better. It's largely what this country is built on. I think most of us either live this or at least fully understand and appreciate it. Churchill Downs is a publicly traded company, and that, in and of itself, is not an issue. Churchill Downs is a very important player in the industry. They are stewards of two of the most important race days our sport offers each year. Two incredibly visible worldwide race days that can and absolutely should represent everything that makes this amazing sport what it is today. In some ways, they do shine a proper light on our sport for these 48 hours and should be commended for the constant reinvestment that takes place. In other ways, they fail pretty spectacularly for all the reasons we know all too well. Churchill Downs, a storied brand in our industry and a high visibility player that should be setting the proper tone for the sport itself, is not playing long ball. Far from it, in my opinion. That is the real issue. Everything else, from purses to engagement with industry participants to fan experiences, follows. Can it change and what would it take to embrace a larger role as a high-profile industry leader? That's unclear, but I do know we must have Churchill Downs in this role. Can you imagine for a moment if Augusta National adopted a similar mentality to Churchill for its presentation of The Masters? I can't, either. Rick Dawson, Owner, Rich Strike In the weeks leading up to Kentucky Derby #148 in 2022, and even after Rich Strike was fortunate enough to make it into the race at the last minute, the value of the purse never entered my mind. Not once. Winning the most prestigious horse race in the world, in my opinion, was more gratifying than any purse amount. As for Rich Strike, he's returning to full training with Bill Mott in the next couple of weeks. GO RICHIE! Larry Kerr, Fan and Gambler, Miami, Florida Why would anyone be surprised that Churchill Downs Inc.(CDI) has not raised the Kentucky Derby purse in years, that said purse is woefully inadequate and that CDI does not seem to really care, as they know they will get a full starting gate year after year? After all, this is the same corporate entity that does not even allow the Daily Racing Form to be sold under the Twin Spires. CDI could care less about what is good for the game. They only care about themselves and their shareholders. The post Is The Derby Purse Fair? More Opinion from Readers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New York State Equine Medical Director Dr. Scott Palmer has described Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan as a “fantastic diagnostic tool” and that “it can play a very important role” in helping to identify and pinpoint subtle musculoskeletal injuries in horses, but that the can is not the best initial screening tool in singling out horses at risk for catastrophic injuries. Palmer addressed the issue during an equine health and safety briefing held at Tuesday's meeting of the New York State Gaming Commission and also offered some preliminary findings on the 17 equine fatalities recorded during this summer's Saratoga meeting. “Identification of horses at risk for catastrophic injury must begin with a screening protocol that can be scalable, practical, affordable, and can be used by every horse while training or racing without regard to any clinical indication of injury,” Palmer said in revised comments issued Wednesday. “Wearable biometric sensors are best suited to accomplish this first level of screening. These sensors detect subtle abnormalities in a horse's gait that are not detectable with the human eye. They serve as a 'check engine' light that alerts us to the possibility that there is something wrong with the horse and that the horse should be examined by a veterinarian. “The veterinary examination is the second level of screening for an abnormality that might predispose a horse to injury. The goal is to reach a diagnosis of musculoskeletal abnormalities and typically will include use of diagnostic nerve blocks and digital radiography. If lameness is detected in a limb during this examination and digital radiographs are inconclusive, then advanced imaging such as PET can be employed as a final screening step in this process. “In summary, PET can play a very important role in the diagnosis of subtle musculoskeletal injuries in horses, but it is not useful at the initial screening level,” he concluded. Palmer added that biometric sensors placed in horses' saddlecloths that can help identify at-risk animals, are “not quite ready for 'prime time' use” at this time. In referencing the 17 Saratoga fatalities–a number that is approximately 1% of the 2000 horses stabled at the track but three times higher than 2021 and 2022–Palmer noted that the incidents were clustered around Whitney and Travers weekends. He added that fetlock injuries, typically responsible for 48-50% of fatal musculoskeletal injuries in New York and California over the last decade, represented 92% of all the exercise-associated fatal musculoskeletal injuries at Saratoga, a “significant finding” in Palmer's estimation. Twelve of the 13 exercise-associated injuries occurred either during the final furlongs of the race or during the gallop out, suggesting that fatigue was also a contributing factor. Palmer explained that the unprecedented 11 inches of rain that fell during the meet–compared to nine inches in 2021 and 8 inches in 2022–had a material impact on the consistency of the racing surfaces. During the meet, there were 65 surface changes (16%) compared to just 17 (4%) in 2022. With those facts in mind, “increased moisture in the Saratoga main dirt track and spatial and temporal variation of the moisture content of the track during the meet were likely contributing factors to the increase in the number of racing fatalities.” A comprehensive report of the investigation will be made available to the public as soon as the investigation is complete. The post Palmer: ‘PET Scan Not Appropriate As Initial Screening Tool’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

FanDuel TV heads up the road to Lexington for Keeneland's prestigious Fall Meet beginning Oct. 6. FanDuel TV will cover every race, every day through the meet's conclusion Oct. 28.View the full article

Rodney Lundock's Maryquitecontrary clenched an eye-turning victory when last at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28 in the seven-furlong Inside Information (G2) and she looks to have a repeat Oct. 7 in the $200,000 Princess Rooney (G3) over the same distance.View the full article

By Michael Guerin A perfect draw may have eased some of the pressure on junior driver Olivia Thornley when she takes the reins behind returning unbeaten pacer Millwood Nike at Addington tonight. The multiple Group 1 winner will be aiming to make it 15 wins without defeat when she contests the Nevele R 50 Years Of Success heat, her first race start since the Sires’ Stakes Championship at Alexandra Park on May 19. Millwood Nike looked ready for her return when beating stablemate Vessem at the trials last week but has encountered a slight judder bar on her return with usual driver and co-trainer Mark Purdon suspended at Addington last Friday. That sees the stable’s junior driver Thornley entrusted with the drive as she partnered Millwood Nike to win her first two starts last season, obviously a lot less expectation than the champion filly carries tonight. Co-trainer Nathan Purdon has total faith in Thornley and his filly. “Olivia has won an Oaks (No Matter Wat, last season) and driven some very good horses for us and driven them well,” says Nathan. “She knows this filly and they have the advantage of that while she is fresh up she is a horse who keeps herself very fit. “She showed that at the trials last week and she is ready to go. She matured during her break and I have no doubts she is better now than she was. She is a very special filly.” While some fellow drivers may have chosen to test Millwood Nike’s fitness and Thornley’s nerve had the filly drawn poorly she will start from the seemingly perfect barrier 3. With tonight’s race only a heat and the Group 1s for this filly crop next month and the NZ Oaks in December, it would seem unlikely many would want to get into a war with her tonight. The same could apply to the stable’s unbeaten juvenile pacer Vessem (R3, No.3) who will also need a new driver tonight because of Purdon’s suspension and top drivers Natalie Rasmussen and Blair Orange (suspended) being sidelined. Zachary Butcher will take the reins on Vessem and Nathan Purdon says he has been the spring bloomer in the team. “It is a strange thing to say because he is unbeaten but I wasn’t sure he was a really good juvenile or whether a better one was going to come along,” says Purdon. “But he has really thrived and improved the last few weeks and gone to another level. He is the real deal now. “We had Zac drive Self Assured for us last week and are really happy to have him on this horse and Treacherous Baby (R7, No.4) on Thursday because we rate him very highly.” View the full article

Just a handful of lots remained to sell on Wednesday evening, and lot 352, a son of Coolmore sire Wootton Bassett (GB) and a half-brother to G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}), attracted a final bid of 1.25 million from MV Magnier to become the fourth millionaire on the day. The Clara Stud-consigned son of Entreat (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) is also a half-brother to listed winner Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), and under the second dam is Turkish Group 2 winner Producer (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}). American Hall of Famer and blue hen producer Serena's Song (Rahy) is under the third dam. 1,250,000 million gns for Golden Horde's half-brother at #TattsOctober This colt by Wootton Bassett has been bought by M V Magnier & White Birch Farm. He was consigned by @ClaraStud pic.twitter.com/fXGUqJYqyG — TDN (@theTDN) October 4, 2023 The post Wootton Bassett Colt Another Millionaire For Magnier At 1.25m As Tattersalls Session Ends appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article