Wandering Eyes

By Michael Guerin Winning stablemates rarely come from backgrounds as different as the double Phil Williamson trained at Addington early on Friday night. Because juvenile winner Becky’s Girl has been with Williamson since the day she was born while the Oamaru trainer still laughs about the fact he now trains former Aussie pacer He Aint Fakin, who also won as a trotter on Friday night. Williamson and wife Bev, who owns Becky’s Girl, started the meeting on a high as the two-year-old filly led throughout to win the $45,000 Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes Classique in the hands of their son Brad. The daughter of Majestic Son and the former Williamson-trained Alderbeck, made it two wins from three starts and while aided by the favourite Petite Armour galloping at the start, Becky’s Girl still trotted a 2:0.1 mile rate for the 1980m and her last 800m in 57.9 seconds so it would have taken a really good performance to beat her. “She is a natural trotter and will be up for any of the two-year-old races she is eligible for,” says Williamsom. “We had her dam Alderbeck who was a really good mare. She finished fifth in both a Dominion and Rowe Cup and was unlucky in both. “So we bred this filly and have had her all the way along.” It was the third straight year Williamson has trained the winner of the Group 3 race and he says breeding is a huge help when it comes to training young trotting winners. “Breeding really helps and then it up to the trainer to give them every chance to be a good horse, which we hope we do.” While Becky’s Girl is a home-bred the Williamson maiden trot winner He Aint Fakin couldn’t be further from it, being a former high class Australian pacer that Phil hadn’t laid eyes on until two months ago. “Chris Frisby was training him as a pacer in Bathurst and he was a good one too, I think he paced around 1:51 as a young horse,” explains Williamson. “I had met Chris when had a horse racing in Auckland and he was staying with Tony Herlihy like we do. “He rang me out of the blue a couple of months ago and said after some issues they were trotting this horse and he thought he went okay. “In Australia if a horse changes gaits they stay in the same class whereas here they drop back to maidens. “So he was keen to send him here but wanted to trial him first to see whether it was worthwhile. “He trialled him against the pacers and he trotted a mile in 1:57 and I told him to get him over here. “He is a lovely horse and if he stays sound he will do a really good job over here. “They are really excited by it and we are excited to have him.” While Williamson and family made the early running on Friday night the star later in the programme was John Dunn who drove a late double on Confessional and It’s Tough, the latter continuing his great spring in the race of the night. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Promising mare Aquila is on a roll, extending her winning streak to four at Cambridge Raceway last night and continuing a memorable run for young Pukekohe trainer Zev Meredith. Owned by Kenny Baynes, Aquila has become a flagbearer for Meredith’s small but growing team. She has now won six from 28. Last night’s victory came in the World Drivers Champs Thanks Breckon Farms Mob Pace, after Kate Coppins produced a stellar drive. From a wide draw, Coppins launched the mare early to cross and take up the running before handing up to Dixieland Delight for the final lap. When the passing lane opened, Aquila showed her trademark tenacity, diving through late to snatch victory by a head. Meredith admits he wasn’t expecting fireworks when Aquila first arrived at his Pukekohe barn, but her recent form has been a revelation. “It’s pretty neat to train a horse and put a picket fence up. She might only be a rating 55 and winning amateur races, but it’s still not an easy feat. I’ve got to give it to her, when she came to me, I said she was nothing more than a galloping pacemaker, but she’s really stepped up.” That turnaround, he believes, comes down to confidence. Working on her own at home, the mare has built a sense of self-belief that’s translating to race day. “She’s really shaped my belief around how much of a key factor confidence is in a horse,” Meredith said. “She works on her own, so she’s never getting beat at home, and with her winning every week she’s gained a huge amount of self-confidence.” Her latest effort has also reinforced Meredith’s belief that she’s capable of taking the next step. “I thought last night might have been a step up for her, but I was really impressed with the run,” he said. “She’s gone 2:42 with the quarter in 28, so I’m hopeful she might be able to handle the next step up and still be competitive in that grade.” The win was also a special moment for Meredith personally, with Kate Coppins, a former colleague from his time working at Arna Donnelly’s, in the sulky. “It was pretty cool to have Katie on,” he said. “She’s been driving super lately, and she was stoked with the win.” As for Aquila’s future? While the team has already fielded interest from potential buyers, Meredith isn’t rushing any decisions. “There’s been some interest in her, and after last night they might be a little more convinced,” he said. “With the way she’s racing, I’m not in any rush to put her on a plane, but it wouldn’t be the worst move for her either.” View the full article

It’s business – just not quite as usual – for Ascot Park in Invercargill this weekend. The Tuapeka Harness Racing Club meeting there on Sunday will go ahead as planned, despite dozens of stalls being destroyed in this week’s high winds in Southland and around the rest of the country. The carnage started on Monday as gale force winds whipped through the raceway and then there was a second wave of damage yesterday. “We’ve lost 60 or 70 stalls in total,” says Southern Harness General Manager Jason Broad. “We now have about 50 stalls left and we have 80 horses in on Sunday so we are just going to have to manage the situation.” “We’ll just have to be smart about getting horses in and out during the day and we are confident the trainers will help us out too.” Already the all clear has been given for the meeting to continue. “We’ve had a bit of working bee this morning and we’ve got a pass mark,” says Broad. The 10-race programme will start at 12.32pm with the feature being the Tuapeka Lodge Cup (4.56pm). To see the fields click here View the full article

The winning roll of the Te Akau Racing team continued unabated when former European galloper I’m A Dirty Rascal (Galileo) produced an eye-catching Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) trial when taking out the NZB Airfreight Road To Jericho (3000m) at Riccarton. Te Akau Racing trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson had large teams racing at both New Zealand venues with I’m A Dirty Rascal’s win their fifth combined victory on the day. Having just his sixth run in New Zealand since joining the stable last year following eight in the United Kingdom and Ireland and another 14 in Australia, I’m A Dirty Rascal showed the further the distance the better he will be as he relished the 3000m trip on Saturday. Rider Opie Bosson had his mount ideally placed in midfield on the rail as tearaway pacemaker Malfy Rosa set up a solid clip out in front. Off the rail with 700m to run, I’m A Dirty Rascal was bolting on the home bend and once he hit the front at the 200m he always looked the winner despite a brave fight from Cambridge visitor Tempest Moon (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) who stuck doggedly to be beaten by just a neck with Star Ballot (NZ) (Tarzino) finishing gamely for third. “It’s really good to see him back in the winner’s circle,” Walker said. “It had been 1573 days since his only win, but he still remembered how to get the job done, so congratulations to the horse. “We bought him with the idea of having a Cups horse and he was actually really unlucky in the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m), earlier this year, when he was coming into it. “It was really good to get that confidence-building win today, and his next start will be the New Zealand Cup, where we expect him to run out the trip very strongly.” Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $95,000 at the 2024 Inglis Digital Online November sale, I’m A Dirty Rascal won over 2500 metres in Ireland, where he also finished second in the Down Royal Ulster Derby (2551m) and fourth in the Gr.1 Irish St Leger (2816m). He also finished fourth in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Rosehill prior to his sale to New Zealand. TAB Bookmakers reacted swiftly as they installed I’m A Dirty Rascal as the $6 Fixed Odds favourite for the New Zealand Cup which will be run at Riccarton on 15 November. The victory, just the second of his 28-start career, has taken his prizemoney earnings over the $223,000 mark. Te Akau Racing added another win to their tally when Origin Of Love (Snitzel) claimed the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton just one race after the win of I’m A Dirty Rascal. View the full article

Chad Ormsby and Ben and Ryan Foote have plenty on their plate in the build-up to next month’s NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, but the multi-talented Cambridge horsemen also made their mark on the racetrack on Saturday with victories in $65,000 open handicaps at Ellerslie. Ormsby will offer 20 two-year-olds under his Riverrock Farm banner during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on November 12 and 13, and they breezed up over a busy couple of days at Te Rapa last Monday and Tuesday. Ormsby quickly switched his attention back to his racing stable and sent out quality sprinter Master Fay (Deep Field) for a dominant first-up victory in Saturday’s Almanzor – Proven Value (1200m). Just over an hour later, it was the Footes’ turn. The father-son partnership, who will offer an 11-strong St Kilda Lodge draft at the Ready to Run Sale, took out the Show By Skycity (1600m) with The Odyssey (NZ) (Zacinto). There have been many setbacks in the stop-start career of Master Fay, who is now eight years old but lined up for only his ninth start on Saturday. He has now won four of those races including the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie in January of 2024. Saturday’s open sprint was the Deep Field gelding’s first raceday appearance for 273 days, and he was sent out as a $6.50 second favourite among a six-horse field. He was given a patient ride by apprentice jockey Sam McNab, settling at the back of the field before angling to the outside to make his run in the straight. Master Fay moved through his gears and strode past his rivals with ease, beating fellow back-marker Hitabell (NZ) (Embellish) by three-quarters of a length with another two and a quarter lengths back to the third-placed Celestial Wonder (Xtravagant). Ormsby and his wife Aliesha Moroney-Ormsby are spending the weekend in Hong Kong, where they are set to catch up with expat Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards. The stable was represented at Ellerslie on Saturday by Richards’ sister Libby. “It was so exciting to see the horse finish the race off like that today,” she said. “All of the team at home have been working so hard. With the Ready to Run Sale breeze-ups last week, there’s a lot going on. So this is really rewarding for all of us. “Chad and Aliesha are in Hong Kong at the moment, and they’re going out for dinner with Jamie and Danielle (Johnson), so they’ll have something to celebrate now. Master Fay’s a former Hong Kong horse too, so it’s a great result and we’re really thrilled.” The Odyssey followed a similar script in Saturday’s open mile. Two weeks after resuming with an eye-catching run into third over 1300m at Taupo, the son of Zacinto settled in second-last before being set alight in the straight by jockey Courtney Barnes. The Odyssey powered home down the outside and went on to win by three-quarters of a length from Meaningful Star (Pivotal) and Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir). “He’s come back really well this time in, he’s a lot stronger now and racing really well,” Ryan Foote said. “He appeared to do it pretty easily today, so we can start thinking about some other targets once we see how he comes through this win.” The Odyssey has now had 21 starts for seven wins, five placings and $400,570 in stakes. He made his mark in New Zealand’s staying ranks last season with a third in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) and fourth in the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m). View the full article

The value of raceday experience and a touch of class saw two-year-old Out Of The Blue retain his unbeaten record when taking out the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (800m) contest for the juveniles at Riccarton. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared son of Tivaci had looked good when winning on debut over the same distance at the venue last month and punters were keen on his chances again as they sent him out a red-hot $1.45 favourite in the hands of Opie Bosson. Bosson had the gelding away nicely and sat outside the well backed ($4.20) trial winner Outback Girl as the pair dominated proceedings from in front throughout. Despite Outback Girl giving her all in the home straight, Out Of The Blue looked to have her covered as he eased clear in the final 100m for a tradesman like one length victory. “It was another really professional effort to win again today,” Walker said. “It was a good ride of Opie’s to get across, kept him nice and balanced the whole way up the straight, and the beauty of that win means he’s assured of getting into the Karaka Million in January at Ellerslie. “The trip down south to our stables at Riccarton has helped the horse to grow up mentally and Hunter (Durrant) and the team have done a really good job with him. “He’ll go back north, now, for a short break and he’ll concentrate on getting ready for the Karaka Million. He’s certainly a very nice horse in the making and doing everything asked of him.” Raced by the Te Akau Tangerine Army Racing Partnership 1, Out Of The Blue was a $65,000 purchase by David Ellis CMNZ from the Waikato Stud draft during Book 1 at Karaka earlier this year. He is out of the Group Three winner Cornflower Blue and from an extended family that includes multiple Australian Group One winners Tiger Tees, and Terravista and the New Zealand champion two-year-old of 2007-2008, Il Quello Veloce. He has now won over $37,000 in prizemoney which places him second on the current order of entry for the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on 24 January next year. The Te Akau Racing team tried hard to make it a winning inter-island double with debutant Sword Of Stars starting the $2.90 second favourite in the Eagle Technology 1100 (1100m) at Ellerslie just ten minutes later, but had to settle for the runner-up position as race favourite Harvey Wallbanger ($2.70) scored decisively in the opening race of that meeting. The Tony Pike-trained Home Affairs gelding had looked a handy customer when winning nicely over 950m at the Waipa trials on 9 October and produced a similar effort first time to the races in the hands of Jasmine Fawcett. Fawcett took the initiative at the 700m when the early speed slackened, to send Harvey Wallbanger around to sit outside pacemaker Shambo Jack before easing clear early in the run home. Chased hard by Sword Of Stars, Harvey Wallbanger never shirked his task as he maintained a strong gallop to open his winning account in decisive style by more than three lengths at the line. “It was a smart ride by Jasmine as he is not brilliant out the barriers, Pike said. “She was caught three-wide early when they eased the tempo and it was very smart to go and sit outside the leader. “He’s done it very comfortably, a little bit new and green when he hit the front, but I think he has plenty of upside as he isn’t a big horse but has a very big action. “Unfortunately, he is not Karaka Million qualified as he is a homebred from Wentwood Grange but congratulations to them as he is the first foal out of their smart mare Mai Tai.” Bred and raced by Wentwood Grange Stud owners the Hawkins family under their Llanhennock Trust brand, Harvey Wallbanger is out of smart racemare Mai Tai who numbered the Listed Awapuni Mile (1550m) amongst her six career wins, while she also finished runner-up in both the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). View the full article

Harry Bentley is eager to bag his first Group Two in Hong Kong and the British jockey believes the in-form Tomodachi Kokoroe is the right galloper to deliver the goods when he tackles Sunday’s Premier Bowl (1,200m) at Sha Tin. A two-time Group Three winner in the city, Bentley has guided Tomodachi Kokoroe to outstanding victories on his two starts this season – the David Hayes-trained seven-year-old’s first successes at Sha Tin. Returning from a summer break in scintillating form, the Australian...View the full article

Armed with three runners in Sunday’s Premier Bowl (1,200m), Francis Lui Kin-wai hopes the brilliance of Zac Purton will help Packing Hermod and barrier one will boost Divano as they bid for Group Two glory. Purton hops back aboard Packing Hermod after his first-up fourth to My Wish in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and will be out to add to his impeccable record on the consistent galloper. The champion jockey has booted home Packing Hermod in four of his six career wins, with his only...View the full article

In a race where the favorites failed to show up, Claiborne's Admit was left to pick up the pieces, powering to her first graded stakes victory in the $396,013 Valley View Stakes (G2T) Oct. 24 at Keeneland. View the full article

Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 14:05, THE WILLIAM HILL FUTURITY TROPHY-G1, £200,000, 2yo, c/f, 8fT Field: Action (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Benvenuto Cellini (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hawk Mountain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Oxagon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), Rochfortbridge (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: A small field, but some quandaries with the line-up not yet confirmed. Heavy ground could see one of the big two Ballydoyle hopes taken out and it is not a given that the Champions Juvenile winner Benvenuto Cellini and the Beresford winner Hawk Mountain will take each other on, as Wayne Lordan has been declared on Lambourn's half-brother Action. Dewhurst fifth Oxagon is not guaranteed to start if it is deep and, with so many ways this could go before the off, the weather really is key. If it rides anywhere near good, it should be Benvenuto Cellini. It is early days, but he's giving off that St Nicholas Abbey vibe at present. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 15:45, THE BETVICTOR ST SIMON STAKES-G3, £75,000, 3yo/up, 12fT Field: Al Aasy (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Hamish (GB) (Motivator {GB}), Military Academy (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), Mount Atlas (GB) (Masar {Ire}), Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Starzintheireyes (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Miss Wong (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Revoir (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}). TDN Analysis: The Haggas stable's grizzled old-timers Hamish and Al Aasy are taken on by some young upstarts, with last year's Zetland winner Starzintheireyes one of the most intriguing having made his three-year-old bow only last month. Given how well Miss Wong's relatives like this type of ground, she is a live longshot with David Simcock happy to take the plunge from handicaps. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 15:10, THE BETVICTOR HORRIS HILL STAKES-G3, £55,000, 2yo, 7fT Field: Arabian Desert (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Boiling Over (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), May Angel (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Pandemonium (Ire) (No Nay Never), Stellar Sunrise (GB) (Space Blues {Ire}), Time To Turn (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Wechaad (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}). TDN Analysis: Simon and Ed Crisford won this two years ago with Knight and put forward a similar type in Pandemonium, who recorded taking wins at Yarmouth and Redcar. Godolphin's Pat Eddery Stakes winner Time To Turn bids to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Jean-Luc Lagardere, while the York nursery scorer Stellar Sunrise is a key player from the Andrew Balding stable which has vital yardsticks to measure him against. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 14:40, THE WILLIAM HILL PROSPECT STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE DONCASTER STAKES)-Listed, £50,000, 2yo, 6f 2yT Field: Boston Dan (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Quarter (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), Spanish Waltz (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Figjam (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Lam Yai (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Trust Amy (Ire) (Starman {GB}). TDN Analysis: The Firth Of Clyde runner-up Lam Yai sets the form standard and has done little wrong so far, but there is always the chance that something like Valmont's Pontefract maiden winner Spanish Waltz has something powerful under the bonnet. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 14:00, THE D&H RACING STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE RADLEY STAKES)-Listed, £35,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Assaranca (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Caim (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Leading Dancer (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Ourbren (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Passing Thought (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Senorita Vega (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Slay Queen (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Something Coming (GB) (Kodi Bear {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Karl Burke knows where Teme Valley's promising Leading Dancer sits among his team of classy two-year-olds and there was much to like about the way she went through her work in a Newcastle novice last month. Caim also looked a smart prospect when winning on her sole start at Beverley last month, but Senorita Vega was third in Newmarket's Oh So Sharp Stakes and may only need to repeat that effort. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 13:30, CRITERIUM INTERNATIONAL-G1, €250,000, 2yo, c/f, 8fT Field: Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Campacite (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), New Zealand (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hardy Warrior (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Cape Orator (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Port Of Spain (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Puerto Rico needs to prove he stays a mile here, having made a leap forward going up from six furlongs to seven when dominating the Champagne and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere from the front. Bred to appreciate it, he is joined by New Zealand, Piazza San Marco and Port Of Spain who all have claims on their own terms and who could all make a jump up on testing ground at this trip. Third behind Puerto Rico at Doncaster, Cape Orator is back in the country in which he captured the valuable Arqana Series races Criterium d'Ete and Criterium d'Automne and his experience will count for a lot renewing rivalry with Ballydoyle's first-string. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:34, CRITERIUM DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €250,000, 2yo, c/f, 10fT Field: A Taste Of Glory (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Christmas Day (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Pierre Bonnard (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Shosholoza (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Czajkowski (Fr) (Flintshire {GB}), Waybreaker (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Endorsement (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Isaac Newton (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Proof (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Zambezi (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Impressive in the Zetland, Pierre Bonnard has to deal with contrasting ground which leaves a small question mark over him. The Eyrefield winner Christmas Day has no problems with it and is a colt moving forward at the right time, while the Zetland runner-up Endorsement could make it closer with stamina more essential. Outside of the Ballydoyle colts, Joseph O'Brien has a live contender in the wide-margin Tipperary maiden winner Shosholoza who has been supplemented. The French colts look to have it to do, with the Prix de Conde winner Waybreaker probably a level below the Irish. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 15:50, PRIX ROYAL-OAK-G1, €350,000, 3yo/up, 15 1/2fT Field: Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Sevenna's Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Arrow Eagle (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Caballo De Mar (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), Espoir Avenir (Fr) (Montmartre {Fr}). TDN Analysis: It is hard to see past a third consecutive success for Double Major, who probably faced a stiffer test 12 months ago and who has been trained to peak for this moment. There is no obvious reason why last year's runner-up Sevenna's Knight can reverse the form, while the Cadran hero Caballo De Mar will need to step up on that form. Arrow Eagle is interesting up from a mile and a half for the first time and his Arc sixth makes him a dangerous proposition if he stays. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Kyoto, Japan, post time: 15:40, KIKUKA SHO (JAPANESE ST. LEGER)-G1, ¥419,370,000, 3yo, 3000mT Field: Coachella Valley (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Amakihi (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), Right Track (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Yamanin Bouclier (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Giovanni (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Mirage Knight (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}), Shohei (Jpn) (Saturnalia {Jpn}), Rex Novus (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Energico (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), G T Adamant (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), My Universe (Jpn) (Rey de Oro {Jpn}), Goltzschtal (Jpn) (Bricks and Mortar), Arrondi (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), Excite Bio (Jpn) (Rey de Oro {Jpn}), Eri King (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Ra Shalom (Jpn) (Tosen Ra {Jpn}), Layered Red (Jpn) (Fierement {Jpn}), Red Bande (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 12:26, PRIX BELLE DE NUIT-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, f/m, 14fT Field: Agile (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), Bas Bleu (Ire) (Masar {Ire}), La Isla Mujeres (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Allonsy (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Bibbiena (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}), Uluru (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Calamandra (Fr) (New Bay {GB}), Kiamba (Ire) (Australia {GB}). TDN Analysis: This is open, with Allonsy marginally ahead on her two Listed wins. Calandagan's half-sister Calamandra was third in the Listed Prix Joubert, but if she's anything like her sibling won't be at her best on this testing ground while La Isla Mujeres is in the mix on her Listed Oyster Stakes win. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 12:58, PRIX PERTH-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Saidi El Fal (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Vertbois (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Anthorus (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Chibitty (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Elim (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Darius Cen (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Another tight contest, with the mares Sparks Fly and Exxtra of particular interest. The former is back at the scene of her Listed Prix Isola Bella success in November, while the dual Group 3 winner Exxtra tackles a mile for the first time. Vertbois took the Listed Prix Altipan over this course and distance in March and doesn't have stablemate Tribalist in the way for once. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:02, PRIX DE FLORE-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, f/m, 10 1/2fT Field: Skellet (Ire) Kingman (GB), Ashariba (Fr) (Ribchester {Ire}), Grand Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Saxon Girl (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Dare To Dream (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Ginalyah (Ire) (Chachnak {Fr}), Light The Ghost (Ger) (Waldgeist {GB}), Zia Agnese (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Safia (Fr) (Sottsass {Fr}), Whataboutism (Fr) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Analysis: Third in the Prix Jean Romanet, Grand Stars is very much owed one of these and loved the place when taking last year's Listed Prix Solitude on heavy ground. British raider Ashariba took the Listed Prix Dahlia earlier this month and rates a big threat, while Safia bids to get back on track after an interrupted campaign and justify being a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 14:05, SHADWELL STALLIONS – HERBST STUTENPREIS-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 11fT Field: Anna Riva (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Avola (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}), Namouria (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Weltbeste (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Aglaia (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}), Ruby Lips (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}), Santagada (GB) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Silaway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). TDN Analysis: Four-time Group 3 scorer Santagada displayed grit when annexing this month's G3 Preis der Deutschen Einheit and is the one to beat here. Her chief threat is G3 Hamburger Stutenpreis placegetter Ruby Lips, who made a black-type breakthrough at this venue three weeks ago. The dual stakes-placed Namouria has never ventured beyond Listed level, but is best placed of the older generation to make an impact. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 12:30, GESTUT WITTEKINDSHOF – YOUNGSTER FILLIES CUP-Listed, €25,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Amazing Girl (Ger) (Japan {GB}), Burguesinha (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cardea (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Fast Angel (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Only Luck (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Pietra Fortunata (GB) (Wooded {Ire}), Salonglaenzende (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Scaletta (Ger) (Victor Ludorum {GB}). TDN Analysis: Gestut Wittekindshof homebred Salonglaenzende accounted for the reopposing Cardea and subsequent G3 Preis der Winkerkonigin heroine Alsterperle over one mile at Dortmund last month and bids to retain her perfect record dropping down in trip for this black-type debut. Scaletta, Fast Angel and the two-for-two Polish raider Only Luck all line up coming back of clear-cut victories in their most recent start. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 13:30, ALSON – YOUNGSTER STEHER CUP-Listed, €25,000, 2yo, 10fT Field: Abachi (Ger) (Japan {GB}), Abdulhamid (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Dardanos (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Kairos (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Nariman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Sancak (Fr) (Flintshire {GB}), Tailwind (Ger) (Windstoss {Ger}), Ajaxania (Ire) (Zelzal {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Liberty Racing's one-for-one Kairos was 2 1/2 lengths too good for Abachi when the pair met at Cologne last month and is taken to maintain superiority in this stakes debut. Abachi subsequently defeated Tailwind and Abdulhamid over this course and distance three weeks ago and is the likely favourite's main danger. Nariman, one of three from the Bohumil Nedorostek stable, is the only newcomer in the field. [Sean Cronin]. The post Black-Type Analysis: Benvenuto Cellini Brings Star Potential to the Futurity Trophy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Troubleshooting, victorious in the Sept. 6 Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G1T) at Kentucky Downs when sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs on turf, ventures into new territory Oct. 25 at Keeneland when he routes in the one-mile Bryan Station Stakes (G3T).View the full article

Claiborne Farm's homebred filly ADMIT (f, 3, Blame–Profess, by War Front) came roaring down the center of the Keeneland turf course Friday to capture the GII Bank of America Valley View Stakes under John Velazquez, earning her first graded stakes win. Dispatched at 9-1 from the rail slot, the Thomas Drury trainee was comfortably in the back flight for much of the running but was already making up ground along the outside midway around the far turn. Fanned out at least five wide with less than a quarter-mile to run, Admit got first jump on the field and was well clear inside the final sixteenth, too far ahead to be caught by a closing Classic Q (Classic Empire). Lifetime Record: 11-4-1-3. O/B-Claiborne Farm. T-Thomas Drury. Admit picks up her first graded stakes victory in the G2 Valley View! @tomdruryracing trains the @claibornefarm homebred and @ljlmvel was aboard! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/i3ujcgEHtO — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 24, 2025 The post Claiborne Homebred Admit Captures The Valley View appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran jockey Willie Martinez will retire from riding this month and will begin work as a regional manager for the Jockeys' Guild effective Nov. 1. View the full article

Valerie Dailey, a Thoroughbred breeder in Florida since 1985, has been elected President of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association at a board meeting following the annual member meeting, the organization announced Friday. “I'm honored to have been selected to serve as president for a second time,” Dailey said. “The industry has definitely changed since my initial term in 2022 and we have a challenging road ahead. My goal is to educate and get the word out about greatness of the Florida-bred Thoroughbred and our significant impact on the national Thoroughbred industry.” The board also selected executive committee officers for 2025-26 with Nick de Meric, a Thoroughbred breeder and leading consignor of 2-year-olds, named First Vice President and Francis Vanlangendonck, of Summerfield Sales based in Williston, named Second Vice President. Richard Heysek, who breeds under the banner of his Caperlane Farm, was named Treasurer while Beckie Cantrell, a small Thoroughbred breeder from Ocala, will serve as Secretary. Additionally, Jerry Campbell of Tampa and Mary Lightner of Williston were re-elected as incumbent board members while Nick de Meric of Ocala; Christine Jones of Reddick; Phil Matthews, DVM of Ocala; and Jean White, DVM of Ocala join the board as new directors. White's term ends October, 2027 while the other terms end in October of 2028. Leaving the board because of term limits as outlined in the FTBOA by-laws were Joe O'Farrell, Marilyn Campbell and Mike Hall. Colin Brennan resigned following a move to Texas. Other returning FTBOA board members include Beth Bayer, Brent Fernung, Milan Kosanovich, and Dr. Tiffany Atteberry. Lonny Powell enters his fourteenth year at the Association helm as the CEO and executive vice president. The post Valerie Dailey Named New FTBOA President appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a seven-figure yearling from Tattersalls Book 1. 2.34 Newbury, Novice, 2yo, f, 8fT ALPINARA (GB) (Frankel {GB}) makes her eagerly-anticipated debut for Amo Racing and Sir Mark Prescott, having cost the operation 2.5million gns at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1. True goldmine material, the full-sister to the trainer's brilliant Arc heroine Alpinista is later getting going than her illustrious sibling whose July two-year-old debut was a winning one as she began her epic saga. In any other race, Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy's 1.7million gns purchase at that auction, My Ophelia (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), would be the headline act given that the William Haggas-trained newcomer is a half-sister to his trio of heavyweights My Prospero (Iffraaj), My Oberon (Dubawi) and My Astra (Lope De Vega). The post Alpinista’s Headline-Making Sister Alpinara Debuts at Newbury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-GP, $70k, Msw, 2yo, f, 7 1/2fT, post time: 12:50 p.m. ET The produce of Machmer Hall's sensational broodmare Special Me (Unbridled's Song) have earned nearly $4.4 million to date, and KEEPSAKE BOX (Twirling Candy) is set to become her 10th runner when she debuts in the Saturday opener at Gulfstream. Since being purchased by Machmer Hall for just $6,000 at the 2009 Keeneland January Sale, Special Me has thrown seven winners, including this filly's Grade I-winning full-brother Gift Box; Gina Romantica (Into Mischief), a three-time Grade I winner on the turf, who took her first start on the grass in the 2022 Riskaverse Stakes; and multiple graded winners Stonetastic (Mizzen Mast) and the late Special Forces (Candy Ride {Arg}). Campaigned in partnership by CMNWLTH and Machmer Hall's Carrie Brogden, the Mar. 27 foal is trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr. and faces a full field for this first go. TJCIS PPs 3rd-SA, $60k, Msw, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 5:02 p.m. BLACKSMITH (Liam's Map), a $525,000 KEESEP yearling trained by Bob Baffert for Wathnan Racing, is the first foal from Sweet Achiever (Curlin), an unraced full-sister to Cezanne, a $3.65-million breezer who won the GII San Carlos Stakes and GIII Kona Gold Stakes while under Baffert's care. The colt's second dam Achieving (Bernardini) was also responsible for SW Counterforce (Smart Strike) and GSW & G1SP Arabian Hope (Distorted Humor), the dam of SW Hope Mission (Medaglia d'Oro). Third dam Teeming (Storm Cat), a half-sister to GI Belmont Stakes winners Rags to Riches and Jazil et al, produced GISW Streaming (Smart Strike) and the dams of Sovereign Award winner Tyson (Tapit) and Belmont hero Arcangelo (Arrogate). Second-time starter Acknowledgemeplz (Bucchero) was a well-meant second on debut June 13 behind the Baffert-conditioned Desert Gate (Omaha Beach), who went on to win the GIII Best Pal Stakes before completing the exacta in the GI Del Mar Futurity and GI American Pharoah Stakes. TJCIS PPs 10th-KEE, $110k, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/8mT, 5:48 p.m. WARGAMER (IRE) (Wootton Basssett {GB}) tries nine panels at first asking for Brookdale Racing and leading trainer Brendan Walsh and is a full-brother to Apples And Bananas (Ire), a listed winner and Group 1-placed at two in France for trainer Joseph O'Brien. The stakes-winning third dam Sinntara (Ire)–a champion daughter of inaugural GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Lashkari (GB)–bred nine winners, chief among them 2000 G1 Epsom Derby, G1 Irish Derby and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Sinndar (Ire) (Grand Lodge). TJCIS PPs The post Special Me Filly Makes First Apperance At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

She may've been in another zip code early, but A Fine Chardonnay (Maclean's Music) was moving fastest late to inhale her rivals en route to victory in the Dean Dorton Myrtlewood Stakes at Keeneland. Debuted beneath the Twin Spires Sept. 11, she came off the pace and closed smartly to win by two lengths as a massive 45-1 longshot. She went off here at a much lower 2-1 on the back of some strong works at Churchill since that unveiling. A Fine Chardonnay jumped evenly with the field, but soon found herself trailing well off the early pace as 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyard On Time Girl (Not This Time) eventually took a contested lead–passing the half in :46.03 with challengers coming as they swung for home. Having been the caboose for most of the race, the Ian Wilkes-trainee was rolling from far off the pace, but was coming wide with a full head of steam to her advantage. Overhauling the leaders passing the sixteenth pole, she edged away from an ultra game On Time Girl to win by a length. Woodstock (Yaupon) held on for third. “It's almost impossible to even think about being at this point in our lives, and to win our first two races with our first horse,” said Philip Griesinger of Double 22 Stables, who were celebrating their first win on their own as owners. “It's just incredible. I just wish my son, who's my partner, and my family were here with me. I just can't put it into words. It's just amazing.” “I probably can't say on air (what I was thinking when she dropped so far back in the race), but I looked at (trainer) Ian (Wilkes) and he said, 'She's fine, she's fine,' and then Charlie, the farm manager, said, 'You've got this.' And that's when I started to go ballistic. I'm going to (celebrate with) a couple bottles (of a fine chardonnay). I'm not going to feel good tomorrow.” When asked if he believed his filly would end up being on her current trajectory, Wilkes said, “Would I have thought she was this kind? No. I'm going to have to say no. She did work good going into the first race, but she didn't train the way she trained coming into this race. I was quite comfortable (with how far back she was) because they were all going, and she was traveling–she looked good to travel. I watched her work, and her turn of foot to finish is really good.” The victress is the last registered offspring for Andele before the dam was exported to Turkey. She is the sixth winner to make the races for that mare, who herself is a half-sister to GSW Northern Causeway (Giant's Causeway) and to the dam of GISW Du Jour (Temple City). Second dam Getaway Girl (Silver Deputy) is a half-sister to a pair of the best racehorses and stallions in the industry, namely Horse of the Year Ghostzapper (Awesome Again) and GISW City Zip (Carson City). That trio hail from 2005 Broodmare of the Year Baby Zip (Relaunch), whose half-brother was a champion imported handicap horse in Turkey. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #6 A FINE CHARDONNAY ($6.26) and @Tyler_Gaff go last-to-first in the $250,000 Myrtlewood Stakes at @KeenelandRacing. The juvenile Maclean's Music filly is trained by @IanWilkesRacing. pic.twitter.com/5RMBpLk93C — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 24, 2025 DEAN DORTON MYRTLEWOOD S., $250,000, Keeneland, 10-24, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:11.80, ft. 1–A FINE CHARDONNAY, 118, f, 2, by Maclean's Music 1st Dam: Andele, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Getaway Girl, by Silver Deputy 3rd Dam: Baby Zip, by Relaunch ($20,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $85,000 2yo '25 EASMAY). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Double 22 Stables, LLC; B-Alpha Delta Stables, LLC (KY); T-Ian R. Wilkes; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $153,063. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $222,363. 2–On Time Girl, 118, f, 2, Not This Time–Girl Daddy, by Uncle Mo. 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyard. ($375,000 RNA Ylg '24 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O/B-Albaugh Family Stables LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $49,375. 3–Woodstock, 120, f, 2, Yaupon–Hot Hippie, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($35,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $100,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR). O-Paradise Farms Corp., David Staudacher, Gata Racing Stable LLC and Turman Racing Stable LLC; B-Southern Comfort Farm LLC (KY); T-Michael J. Maker. $24,688. Margins: 1, NK, 1HF. Odds: 2.13, 2.12, 8.55. Also Ran: Kingsolver, Counting Stars, Storm Cloud Rising. The post Toast of the Town: A Fine Chardonnay Roars Home to Claim Myrtlewood appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Workouts from anticipated Breeders' Cup starters pick up across much of the country, one week before the start of the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships.uView the full article

The Kikuka Sho (G1) completes Japan's Triple Crown series and, at 3,000 meters (about 1 7/8 miles), poses a unique challenge for the nation's 3-year-olds by including a backstretch climb over 200 meters.View the full article

A lawsuit filed in a New York federal court accuses major national players in the horse racing industry of engaging in racketeering through their activities in computer assisted wagering companies.View the full article

An additional 23 yearlings have been added to the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale, which takes place from Monday, November 3 to Wednesday, November 5. The supplementary lots, catalogued as 814-836, will be offered on the final day of the sale. Among them are 12 yearlings eligible for next year's Goffs Two Million Series, including a Sioux Nation filly (lot 822) from Abban Farm, bringing the total number of eligible lots in the catalogue to 16. The sale also offers the final opportunity to secure a runner for Harry's Half Million, with two supplementary entries – a Mehmas filly (lot 816) and a Thunder Moon colt (lot 814) – increasing the total eligible to 17. Meanwhile, a Space Blues colt has been added to a bumper draft of 44 from Boherguy Stud. Offered as lot 832, he is a half-brother to the Listed winner Wexford Native (Teofilo) and the Listed-placed Monotone (Verbal Dexterity). So Golden Leads HIT Supplementary Entries Fourteen supplementary entries have also been added to the Autumn Horses In Training Sale, which takes place from 10am on Monday, November 3. They include the four-year-old filly So Golden (lot 114), who opened her account at Clonmel last month for trainer Ken Condon. Consigned by the Castlebridge Consignment, the daughter of Golden Horn is a half-sister to the G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas third Foxtrot Liv (Foxwedge). In addition, the three-year-old Shamrock Flame (Muhaarar) (lot 113) represents Sean Davis Racing as a dual-purpose prospect, having filled the runner-up spot when making his debut in a Leopardstown maiden last week. The post Supplementary Entries Added to Goffs Autumn Yearling and HIT Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Bayside Boy colt from Haras de la Louviere topped Friday's session at Part 2 of the Arqana October Yearling Sale when knocked down to Sebastien Desmontils, on behalf of Chauvigny Global Equine, for €67,000. Lot 538 is out of an unraced daughter of the G1 Preis der Diana heroine Penelopa (Giant's Causeway), whose other offspring include the Listed River Eden Stakes winner Pennymoor (Frankel) and G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas runner-up California Dreamer (Mehmas). Towards the end of the session, a Zelzal colt (lot 610) offered by the Fairway Consignment nearly stole away with top billing when going the way of Ludovic Gadbin for €65,000. Already named Lisan Al Gaib, he is out of a full-sister to the Listed winner Chartreuse (Lawman), who also filled the runner-up spot in the G3 Prix Chloe and G3 Prix de Lieurey. This is also the family of the Group/Grade 1 winners Ectot, Meditate and Most Improved. The pick of the remaining lots was a The Grey Gatsby colt (lot 553) whose unraced dam is a half-sister to the G3 Prix d'Aumale winner and G1 Coronation Stakes and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Lesstalk In Paris (Cape Cross), plus the G3 Prix Francois Boutin scorer Grey Man (Wootton Bassett). Elias Mikhalides stretched to €60,000 to secure the Haras des Capucines-consigned colt whose second dam, Top Toss (Linamix), also won the Prix d'Aumale, in addition to the G3 Prix de Psyche. Of the 102 yearlings offered, 87 sold (85%) for a total of €1,784,000. The average was €20,506 and the median was €18,000. On Saturday, the October Yearling Sale concludes with Part 3, with the first of 197 lots catalogued set to enter the ring at 11am (local time). The post Bayside Bay Colt Brings Curtain Down on Part 2 of Arqana October appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Workouts from anticipated Breeders' Cup starters pick up across much of the country, one week before the start of the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships.View the full article

What goes without question is that the field of 11 pre-entered in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) is so deep and star-studded that gamblers will have a field day betting on the race and getting odds way above the horses' prices in recent races View the full article

Troubleshooting, victorious in the Sept. 6 Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G1T) at Kentucky Downs when sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs on turf, ventures into new territory Oct. 25 at Keeneland when he routes in the 1-mile Bryan Station Stakes (G3T).View the full article