Wandering Eyes

Old Friends Farm will hold its Fall Fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 16, the Thoroughbred retirement home said in a release Thursday morning. Before the fundraiser, at 11:30 a.m. (ET) the farm will pay tribute to MGSW Timely Writer, who lost his life in a breakdown at Belmont Park in 1982. Due to construction of a new synthetic track in Elmont, his grave has been exhumed and his remains will now be reinterred at the Nikki Bacharach Memorial Cemetery at Old Friends. There is no cost to attend the service. Gates open at noon and the fundraiser features a light lunch with Old Friends items offered for sale. Mini farm tours and special guests will round out the afternoon. Admission is $40 for adults, $20 for 2023 Clubhouse Members, and Kids 12/under are free. Click here for more information. The post Old Friends Oct. 16 Fall Fundraiser Scheduled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stall Salzburg's Group 1 winner Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}–Mill Marin {Ire}), by Pivotal {GB}) has been retired and will stand his first season at stud at Haras de Lion in France beginning next season, Galopp Online reported. A fee for the 2022 G1 Grosser Preis von Baden victor will be announced next month. The deal was brokered by Richard Venn. Bred by Gestut Brummerhof, he was offered by his breeder at the BBAG September Yearling Sale in 2019 and made €58,000 when plucked out of the Baden-Baden ring by trainer Sarah Steinberg, who saddles Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) in Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Harald Schneider, racing manager of Stall Salzburg, said, “We didn't want to let him go into training at the age of six, so we were contacted to see if we could sell him as a stud stallion.” Also placed in the G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern in 2021, and the 2022 G3 Prix d'Hedouville, the well-traveled 5-year-old last ran third in the G2 Grosser Preis der Badischen Wirtschaft in May and did not race again due to injury. His record stands at 13-3-2-2 and $225,094 in earnings. A half-brother to German Group 3 victress Marshmallow (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) and a full-brother to the stakes-placed Millionaire (Ger), the chestnut is out of Mill Marin, who ran second at listed level in Sweden. This is the extended family of dual group winner Ronda (GB) (Bluebird), who was third in the GI Garden City Breeders' Cup H. Stateside, and her GIII Ack Ack H. and GIII Turfway Park Fall Championship S.-winning sire son Istan (Gone West). The post Group 1 Winner Mendocino Will Stand At Haras De Lion Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Bob Baffert has sued well-known Twitter (now known as X) posters Justin Wunderler and Daniel DiCorcia for defamation and extortion over frequent posts on the social media website, which Baffert's lawyers contend amounted to “a series of escalating threats and criminal conduct,” adding that the defendants “have urged others to engage in violent behavior toward Baffert and his family, baselessly accused Baffert of criminal conduct, and attempted to extort Baffert and his family under threats to his business, reputation, and occupational license.” The suit goes on to allege that Wunderler and DiCorcia attempted to extort money from Baffert in exchange for them not releasing information they contended would be so damaging that it would end Baffert's career. Wunderler goes by “Swifthitter” on Twitter and DiCorcia posts under the name of “barshoelife.” The suit was filed on Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, by Baffert and Bob Baffert Racing Stables, Inc. The Paulick Report and the San Diego Union-Tribune were among the first to report the story. “Bob Baffert has continued to put the sport of horse racing in a bad light,” Wunderler said in a reply to a direct message sent through Twitter. “This is not extortion. I want to do what's best for horse racing and what is best for the sport's longevity. Too many horses under his care have died. It's time we speak up for the horses that have no say. I want nothing from Bob Baffert or any of his associates. I want what's best for the game I love, horse racing.” According to the suit, Wunderler recently received a judgment of conviction for criminal online harassment and a subsequent money judgment against the victim, a former girlfriend, for publishing intimate photos online without the ex-girlfriend's consent. Just this week, Wunderler began to reveal that online that he had a serious gambling problem, which, he said, came about after he got addicted to the drug Adderall. Wunderler's attacks continued after the news of the lawsuit broke. A post he put online Wednesday evening read: “Bob Baffert has continued to kill horses. As in Pastor T. When will California and Horse Racing step up and ban this man.” The posts is accompanied by a picture of a horse, prone on the racetrack after apparently breaking down. As of deadline for this story, DiCorcia had not responded to a similar direct message. DiCorcia sells apparel online, where his followers can buy a T-shirt clearly aimed at Baffert, which replaces the two f's in his name with a pair of syringes. Wunderler has made dozens of posts contending he has a video of Baffert doing something so nefarious that if it is released it will end Baffert's career. In one tweet, he wrote “There is a video out there that will end Baffert.” He also tweeted that, when it comes to the video the New York Times and Washington Post “have reached out.” “Upon information and belief, the videos are deceptively edited to cast Baffert and his staff in a false light, and the intent to publish such videos was not to foster the quest for truth but to gain social media followers through the sensationalist nature of such falsehoods,” the suit contends. The Baffert suit includes a laundry list of additional complaints and charges against Wunderler and DiCorcia, both of whom have attacked Baffert relentlessly on the social media site. They include allegations that Baffert was guilty of blood doping his horses. “Defendants made various statements accusing Baffert by name of engaging in 'blood doping' and committing other criminal acts of animal cruelty,” the suit reads. “These statements were published and widely disseminated on the social media platform 'X,' formerly known as Twitter, to an audience that reasonably understood that the statements were about Baffert and that the statements accused Baffert of 'blood doping.' Specifically, Mr. Wunderler accused Baffert of scratching the Thoroughbred racehorse 'Muth' because of a “reaction to EPO…” According to the suit, before this year's running of the GI Belmont S., Wunderler “specifically asked his followers to bring dangerous objects to hurl at Baffert and his family. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Wunderler posted a picture of Baffert's house in California and claimed that he 'slaughters horses on National TV.'” Allegedly, Wunderler and DiCorcia sent a text to Baffert's wife, Jill, through a third-party that “demanded large sums of money in exchange for ending his vexatious, noxious, and unlawful behavior.” The suit includes a screen shot of a tweet from Wunderler that reads: “1 million Dollars. I'll leave Baffert/Keri all of them alone.” It is not clear who “Keri” is. Bob Baffert with Medina Spirit | Coady Photography “Mr. Wunderler and Mr. Dicorcia engaged in a conspiracy to extort money from Baffert, sent a text message demanding a certain sum of money, with specific payment instructions for wiring money, in exchange for a promise not to release information Defendants alleged is so damaging that it will end Baffert's career,” the suit charges. Additionally, the suit notes that the two charged that Baffert blood-doped Medina Spirit (Protonico) and that Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy) was “juiced.” According to the suit, the harsh criticism from the two came at a time where Baffert was working to restore his reputation after the controversy surrounding Medina Spirit testing positive for the medication betamethasone after he crossed the wire in front in the Derby. “The media frenzy that ensued resulted in major industry stakeholders –specifically Churchill Downs, Inc., and the New York Racing Association, Inc.–taking action to ban Baffert from major racetracks in Kentucky and New York for various periods of time. Baffert's position with Churchill Downs, specifically, is fluid and tenuous,” the suit reads. “Churchill Downs has repeatedly referenced negative media coverage associated with Baffert as grounds for extending his ban from the Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby.” Baffert is seeking compensatory damages in excess of $75,000 in addition to punitive damages. His lawyers have also asked the court to issue an order “requiring that the defendants to produce the video to the Court for the Court's and Plaintiffs' review.” The post Baffert Sues Twitter Antagonists Swift Hitter, Barshoelife For Extortion, Defamation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thursday's G3 Tattersalls S. was all about Dalham Hall Stud's resident Too Darn Hot (GB) as the exciting first-crop sire was responsible for a one-two in the Newmarket staging post. Despite Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Boiling Point (Ire) looking the one for the bragging rights in the final furlong, it was Shadwell's 4-1 shot Alyanaabi (Ire) who was finishing with the winning flourish from behind and was in front for the photo to prevail by a short head at the end of the seven-furlong feature of the Cambridgeshire meeting's opening card. There was a further 2 1/4 lengths back to TDN Rising Star Eben Shaddad (Calyx {GB}) in third, making it a trifecta for the first-season sire brigade. Alyanaabi edges Boiling Point in a thrilling Gr.3 Tattersalls Stakes at @NewmarketRace, a 1-2 for first season sire Too Darn Hot. 59 yearlings catalogued by the @DarleyEurope stallion at the #TattsOctober Yearling Sale. Book 1: 19 Book 2: 34 Book 3: 6pic.twitter.com/IKPnAk1JBM — Tattersalls (@Tattersalls1766) September 28, 2023 The post Alyanaabi Leads A Too Darn Hot One Two In The Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton's online catalogue has 1,605 yearlings for its Kentucky October Yearlings Sale, which will be held Oct. 23-26 in Lexington, Kentucky, the auction house said in a release Thursday morning. The four consecutive sessions, conducted Monday-Thursday, will begin each day at 10 a.m. (ET). “Kentucky October has developed into one of the most important yearling sales in the country,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “Every major sire in North America is represented in this catalogue, and the sale's graduates continue to perform at the highest levels. October is a sale not to be missed.” The catalogue will also be available via the Equineline sales catalogue app. Print versions will be available on-site in Lexington. “This year's catalogue cover features Goodnight Olive– winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on her way to being named Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter–as well as multiple Grade I winner Taiba,” Browning added. “They are just the latest stars in a long line of top horses to come out of October in recent years.” Online bidding and phone bidding services will be available. The post Fasig-Tipton’s Kentucky October Yearlings Catalogue Now Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

High class sprinter Dragon Symbol (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}–Arcamist {GB}, by Arcano {Ire}) has been retired from racing and will stand at Whitsbury Manor Stud in 2024. A fee will be announced later. A winner of his first four starts before missing by a nose in the G2 Sandy Lane S. in May of 2021 for Roger Varian and owner Yoshiro Kubota, he was first past the post in the G1 Commonwealth Cup a month later before being disqualified and placed second. The son of the winning Arcamist was also runner-up in the G1 July Cup, the G2 King George S., and third in the G1 Nunthorpe S. in succession that term. A five-time winner, Dragon Symbol also placed in the Listed Achilles S. in 2022. His record stands at 17-5-5-1, with $538,828 in earnings. Ed Harper, director of Whitsbury Manor Stud, said, “In the helter-skelter world of sprinting it is very rare to find elite level consistency, but Dragon Symbol put together a sequence of five top-class performances every month from the Sandy Lane in May, to the Nunthorpe in August, marking him down as an exceptional sprinter.” Bred by Whitsbury Manor, the grey was picked up for 67,000gns out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 3 by Mags O'Toole and Oak Tree Farm. His second dam is the G1 Prix Saint-Alary third Good Enough (Fr) (Mukaddamah), who foaled the stakes winners Smart Enough (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) and Oasis Dancer (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). The post “Exceptional Sprinter” Dragon Symbol Retired To Whitsbury Manor Stud For 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell's Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was on Thursday handed stall 14 for Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, with the long-time favourite and G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}) in the middle in stall eight. Wide draws are notoriously difficult to overcome in the autumn showcase and the Owen Burrows-trained G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth S. hero will have to emulate the feats of Golden Horn (GB) in 2015 and Dalakhani (Ire) in 2003 if he is to defy the unfavourable post position. Angus Gold was left to reflect on the poser and said, “Golden Horn had a lot of tactical speed, he went forward and stayed out wide and got a brilliant ride. There is no point making a fuss about it, as there is nothing we can do. We'll just have to work around it, see how he breaks and go forward and hope to slot in somewhere.” Gousserie Racing and Ecuries Serge Stempniak's Ace Impact is next door to the G1 St Leger winner Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), with Ballydoyle's supplemented entry in seven. Juddmonte's Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) has the inside stall, while Jean-Louis Bouchard's G1 Grand Prix de Paris-winning TDN Rising Star Feed The Flame (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) is in two. The post Hukum Handed Wide Draw For Arc, No Woes For Ace Impact appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When the Kiwi’s travel, it pays to keep a close watch. In the case of Mark Walker, he is in a slightly different situation establishing an Australian base at Cranbourne, but he does have an Australian first-starter set to run at Moonee Valley on Friday night. Unbeaten in New Zealand, Zourion (NZ) (Zoustar) runs in the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) having done the majority of her work in New Zealand, just like Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) had before her explosive win in the McEwen Stakes at The Valley almost three weeks ago. Walker has high hopes for Zourion and is targeting the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield in November, but first he wants to see how the filly shapes up against her Australian counterparts. Zourion is unbeaten in two starts, winning at Taupo on debut before scoring in Group Two company on heavy ground at Matamata. Walker took advantage of taking the filly to Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning to work with stablemate Imperatriz. “I thought she was pretty good as she is still pretty new,” Walker said. “It’s a bit of an ask to come over, and whatever she does in the spring, she’ll improve on physically. “We’re happy with her, but two-year-old New Zealand form, compared to Australian form, she’s probably got to find a few lengths.” Walker said he has been impressed with the way Zourion had settled into the surrounds at Cranbourne. “She has been eating well, which is a big thing with young horses,” Walker said. “She trialled up against the older horses at Taupo and we thought her trial was good enough to come and have a crack. “She’s owned by Cambridge Stud and she’s a Group Two winner at home, so if you can add to that record, even if it’s a Group placing, it adds to pedigree.” All going well, Zourion will head to the Gr.3 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) on October 21 and then into the Thousand Guineas at her third run for the campaign. “Once she gets to the Thousand Guineas trip, that will suit her even better,” Walker said. “She’s quite a leggy sort of filly and I think in the autumn you’ll see a really nice filly.” View the full article

By Michael Guerin Don’t let the shock driver change for B D Joe put you off the favourite in Friday’s $60,000 Canterbury Classic at Addington. The 2600m standing start race sees the road to the New Zealand Trotting Cup get far steeper as three of the biggest names in pacing Akuta, Self Assured and Krug resume in a capacity field. While that trio will all improve with their outings any could win without surprising but the fitter stablemates B D Joe and Aardie’s Express have an obvious advantage. That comes with slight twist that B D Joe’s regular reinsman Tim Williams will partner Aardie’s Express even though she is the open class newcomer. So Terry Chmiel, who rarely drives at the highest level these days, will partner B D Joe for his now bosses Steve and Amanda Telfer. “I wouldn’t read too much into Tim driving the mare because that was my decision,” says Steve Telfer. “She is still learning and new to this grade and I didn’t want to be putting a new driver on her, which we would have had to do if Tim had driven B D Joe. “This is sort of her main NZ Cup trial and if she performs really well then she can remain in a Cup path but if not then things night change and that could see Tim back on B D Joe for his next start. “Terry has been working for us for 2-3 months now and is a very experienced horseman so I still think B D Joe is the best chance of our three (Allamericanlover being the other) in the race.” The first 200m will be crucial as if the favoured Telfer pair can work themselves to handy positions, or even the dream lead-trail scenario, they could be too slick over the last 800m. But the raw class in the field belongs to Akuta and Self Assured, the latter also with an unexpected driver change as Zachary Butcher fills in for regular driver Natalie Rasmussen. Earlier in the night two of the other big names of the harness game both face awkward tasks form tricky starting positions. Muscle Mountain (R6, No.8) should be able to overcome his 20m handicap in the main trot as it was only an early check that saw him beaten by Aardiebythehill last start and he will strip fitter. Don’t Stop Dreaming (R7, No.10) is one of our two best three-year-olds but that forces him to start from the outside of the front line over 1980m with plenty of fit, hard-running rivals inside him who will make his life difficult. He can still win because he has the x-factor of a top All Stars pacer but with trainer-driver Mark Purdon suggesting he will drive him conservatively early, punters should be careful about anchoring him in all their multis. View the full article

By Jonny Turner The two favourites for the New Zealand Cup are set to take the build-up for the great race up a notch at Addington on Friday night. Akuta and Self Assured return to racing for trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon to make up a capacity field for the Group 2 Canterbury Classic. The two superstars have taken exactly the same path back to the races and they head into their resumptions very closely matched. “I think they are very much in the same boat,” Mark Purdon said. “They have come up together right the way through and I think they are right on the mark together.” Though they bring star power and undoubted class to the Canterbury Classic, Purdon knows there is still a lot more to come from his two brilliant pacers. “I think they are reasonably fit, but it is their first run back and I think it will come down to what kind of runs they get.” “I am sure they will go good races, but their winning chances will depend on what kind of runs they get into it.” “If things go their way, I am sure they will both go very good races.” Purdon admitted Don’t Stop Dreaming is in a similar position to his two open class stars heading into Friday night’s Lazarus Stakes. Don’t Stop Dreaming is clearly the class horse of the race, but he is also fresh up against horses that have had the benefit of a run or two. From barrier 9, the superstar three-year-old is likely to need the right kind of track into the race. “He is ready for a nice return to the races, but he is first up for quite a while,” Purdon said. “With that in mind, I don’t think it is the type of race where he can go blasting forward and really making a statement.” “So, it will depend on what sort of run into it he gets.” “If he is handy enough to them, they will definitely know he is there.” All Stars pacer Anything Goes drops back in class after running strong races in the recent New Zealand Cup lead ups. The five-year-old starts from a 10m handicap, behind his stablemate Franco Indie who will be on the front line. Running third in the recent Hannon Memorial looks great form for Anything Goes to bring to his assignment on Friday night. “He was going to foot it with the good ones in the Hannon, he just didn’t get all the luck there,” Purdon said. “But he still ran well and he should be hard to beat if he does everything right on Friday night.” Franco Indie will have his first standing start when stepping out in race 5. Major Hot and Chase A Dream will carry the Purdon colours in Friday night’s two-year-old event. While the All Stars trainers also start With Style and Carrera Rapido, who look leading chances in race 11, as well as Look To Da Stars in race 2. View the full article

Mr Hong Kong Racing to Australian punters considered following in the footsteps of his trainer dad, Bruce, before choosing presenting over trainingView the full article

Codigo will contest the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) on Saturday. Photo: Race Images The friendly rivalry between stablemates Burn To Shine and Codigo will continue as they return to Hastings on Saturday for the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). Both trained by Stephen Marsh, the duo is in excellent form for the age group feature, although the rain-affected going is a concern. Marsh commented on their path to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, saying, “It’s far from ideal for either of them, but they need to run and are on exactly the same path to the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). “They’ll have a go at Hastings and then the Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) before they get on a plane to Christchurch.” Burn To Shine and Codigo previously met in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival, where Burn To Shine finished second and Codigo came in fourth. Marsh assessed their performances, stating, “Burn To Shine just didn’t really get out when he needed to, and the 1200m was a bit short for him, but he attacked the line well. “Codigo was three wide without any cover, and he fought on really well.” While both horses have shown their ability on rain-affected surfaces, the less-than-ideal track conditions at Hastings are not their preference. “They’re certainly no duffers, that’s for sure, but I think they are far better on top of the ground, and we’re all in the same boat,” Marsh said off the expected track conditions on Saturday. “They have both drawn nicely, and I would have loved to have seen a good track for them to have had a fair crack at it.” Marsh will have a strong presence at Hastings and is also looking to Financier as a leading contender after consecutive runner-up finishes. “I really like Financier, he’s probably a little bit of an unknown on the wet track, but he is going great guns, and as long as it’s not bottomless, I think he will be hard to beat,” he said. The stable also has promising youngsters Tower Flypass and Sako running at Te Rapa on Friday. Despite the tricky track conditions, both horses impressed in their previous outings. Stakes-placed filly Glamour Tycoon is set to take advantage of a drop in class in the 3YO Maiden (1400m) following her strong sixth-place finish in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). “Glamour Tycoon is going terrific, and she has drawn a bit of a sticky gate (16), but the distance suits her, and with the rain, the draw may not be so bad later in the day,” Marsh said. Marsh also expects a solid performance from last season’s Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) winner Mazzolino in the Waikato Handicap (1400m). The mare finished midfield in her previous race at Hastings and will carry 58kg in her second-up run. Marsh noted her as a quick improver off her last start and expects further improvement from this outing. More horse racing news View the full article

Legarto will contest the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Ken and Bev Kelso are gearing up for the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings on Saturday with high hopes for their hot favourite, Legarto. However, the Matamata trainers are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for Hawke’s Bay, hoping for the predicted warm and windy conditions on Thursday and Friday to help improve the track conditions, which were rated a Heavy 10 on Thursday morning. Legarto has emerged as the horse to beat in the $400,000 feature after her impressive performance in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) earlier this month, where she stormed home to finish third. Online bookmakers currently rates her as the clear favourite at +140. Despite the challenging track conditions due to over 40mm of rain in Hastings this week, Ken Kelso expressed confidence in their preparations, saying, “We’re all systems go for Hastings on Saturday, but obviously we’re on weather watch. “She can handle a little bit of give in the ground, but we probably wouldn’t want it to stay in that heavy range. “Hopefully, the weather will get better through the next couple of days, maybe with some wind as well, and it might come back a little bit. “Apart from that, we’ve been very happy with our build-up to the race.” Legarto, a standout winner of the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) as a three-year-old last season, kicked off her four-year-old campaign with an impressive run in the Tarzino Trophy. She settled towards the back of the field, faced some traffic issues at the top of the home straight, but charged home strongly to finish just two half-necks behind the first two placegetters. Ken Kelso praised Legarto’s performance, saying, “I thought it was a very good run first-up in the Tarzino. “The way that she found the line was really pleasing. “I think everything has gone to plan in the few weeks since that run. “To my eye, she’s improved in every aspect – in her fitness, her condition, and her coat. “We’re very happy with her. She’s been working really well.” More horse racing news View the full article

Trainer eager to see his Classic Cup winner pave the way for more ambitious targets by snaring Sunday’s Class Two Beijing Handicap (1,600m) at Sha TinView the full article

Crocetti will contest the St John’s College Foundation 3yo (1200m) at Te Rapa on Friday. Photo: Race Images Danny Walker, a South Auckland trainer, is convinced that he has found his horse of a lifetime in the Zacinto gelding Crocetti, who has won all three of his starts. Walker and his training partner, Arron Tata, are preparing Crocetti for the St John’s College Foundation 3yo (1200m) at Te Rapa on his path to the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11. Walker has been impressed with Crocetti’s natural ability, saying, “He’s got that natural ability, and he’s been winning on natural ability so far. “He just seems to be faster than the rest at the moment, but the better ones are still to come. But he just gives us all the indications of a good horse.” Walker had a strong belief in Crocetti’s potential last year and even envisioned him as a Sires’ Produce winner. However, the horse faced setbacks related to growth issues, which kept him out of racing during the autumn. Walker recalled his early impressions of Crocetti, saying, “Even before Christmas, I said to Daniel: ‘I think this horse is special,’ and he said: ‘Really, pal?’ “I told him I really thought he was the bee’s knees.” Despite concerns that Crocetti might be sold, owner Daniel Nakhle chose to retain him. Crocetti’s natural ability and strong work ethic have stood out to Walker and his team. “He’s not a big, robust horse but he’s a nice-boned horse, and he’s got stronger now. He’s just a born racehorse really,” Walker added. While Walker expressed some nerves about Crocetti encountering a genuinely rain-affected track at Te Rapa, he has confidence in the horse’s ability to adapt. The race at Te Rapa serves as ideal timing on the path to the Guineas. Walker believes that Crocetti is the most naturally talented horse he has trained, and he is optimistic about the horse’s potential to achieve Group 1 success. In addition to Crocetti, Walker and Tata will also run Crystallize, an Iffraaj eight-year-old gelding, in a 1600m at Te Rapa. Crystallize will carry a lighter weight due to apprentice Triston Moodley’s 4kg allowance, making it a rare opportunity for the veteran runner to compete under suitable conditions. Walker mentioned that Crystallize may be nearing retirement but has found a good home for him when that time comes. “He’s our old mate, a real character, but there’s just a lack of suitable options for a mudlark like him with where he’s at in the handicap,” Walker explained. “I’ve found him a really good home for when he does retire. He’ll go to a lady at Waiuku who has her own farm and he’ll make a great hack.” More horse racing news View the full article

What Epsom Handicap Day 2023 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, September 30, 2023 First Race 11:55am AEST Visit Dabble Royal Randwick Racecourse is the destination this Saturday for quality metropolitan racing, as they get set to host Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) Day. The undercard is stacked, with the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) for the stayers, while the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) is the final leg of the Princess Series as the three-year-old fillies look to etch their name into racing history. There’s a total of 10 races for the occasion, with the rail heading back to the true position, and with warm days forecast leading into race-day, expect the course to be a genuine Good 4. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 11:55am AEST. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections Race 1: BM72 Midway Handicap (1800m) We kick-off the program in Midway company, where State Of America will be seeking to rectify his last start defeat. You can argue the son of American Pharoah was a good thing beaten at Canterbury on September 13, cluttered up behind a wall of horses when turning into the straight, trying to chase down race rival Our Maryanne. Once he got clear the four-year-old gelding was finishing best, and now with a 2kg swing in the weights, we’re confident State Of America can get followers off to winning start on Saturday. Selections: 5 STATE OF AMERICA 10 LOVING CILLA 2 EXTREME FREEDOM 9 OUR MARYANNE Next Best Race 1 – #5 State Of America (3) 4yo Gelding | T: David Payne | J: Zac Lloyd (57.5kg) +280 with Dabble Race 2: Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) We get our first look at the two-year-olds on Saturday, starting with the fillies in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m). Lady Of Camelot was impressive winning her jump-out by four lengths at Randwick (Kensington) on September 18 and you had to appreciate the early toe she was able to produce. She pinged the lids and went straight to the front like most Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained gallopers tend to do, holding them off nicely through the line. James McDonald picks up the ride for race-day, and with her pattern seemingly a favourable one for the 1000m, we’re happy to land with Lady Of Camelot on top. Selections: 6 LADY OF CAMELOT 5 INVINCIBLE MADISON 7 LADY TASSORT 3 CELESTIAL BLING Race 3: Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) Now it’s the boys turn in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m), with 14 colts & geldings to make their debut. Scampi was one of the more eye-catching performers on September 18 when coasting through the line under Jason Collett. He was able to take control from the jump, and when asked for minimal effort, the son of Blue Point put them away stylishly, scoring the jump-out victory by 2.6 lengths. Scampi seems to be maturing already for the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace camp, and we’d be shocked if he wasn’t in the finish here. Selections: 11 SCAMPI 14 VOLATILE 8 HIGHNESS 5 ESPIONAGE Race 4: BM88 Handicap (1600m) Renaissance Women is a terrific each-way bet in the fourth race of the card, and although the 1600m may be short of her best, she’s been going super in her work leading into Saturday. The mare by Reliable Man has made her way back to Sydney after a Queensland campaign that may have left a bit to be desired, starting a beaten favourite in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) and Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) respectively. The Bjorn Baker-trained galloper was far from disgraced, however, steaming through the line on both occasions. Her barrier trial was exceptional upon return and at the price, we’re happy to lean in favour of Renaissance Women. Selections: 7 RENAISSANCE WOMEN 8 UNSPOKEN 13 ALTIVO 4 POLITICAL DEBATE Best Value Race 4 – #7 Renaissance Women (13) 4yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Tim Clark (58kg) +800 with Neds Race 5: Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) The Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) is at set-weight conditions for the three-year-olds, where Tom Kitten looks extremely hard to beat. It sets up beautifully for the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) winner, getting to the mile after a bold effort in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m). He swooped from an impossible position to secure a third-place finish and the James Cummings-trained colt clocked some impressive closing sectionals doing so. He draws to get a much softer run under Nash Rawiller, and if he runs up to his best here, the set-weight conditions should be a massive favour to his chance. Selections: 1 TOM KITTEN 4 CAFE MILLENIUM 3 TANNHAUSER 14 ASHFALL Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Tom Kitten (7) 3yo Colt | T: James Cummings | J: Nash Rawiller (56.5kg) +140 with PendleburyBet Race 6: Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) It’s the final leg of the Princess Series, with the Group 1 Flight Stakes drawing a strong field of 12 fillies lining up. Kimochi is the horse we’ve stuck with throughout the campaign, and we can’t get off her now. She was sensational chasing home Tiz Invincible on a three-wide line without cover last start in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and finished a clear second despite the torrid run in transit. The winner was far too good on the day; however, this time Tiz Invincible has a tricky task to overcome from barrier 12, while Kimochi should get a lovely spot somewhere mid-field with cover drawn gate seven. French Endeavour and Tutta La Vitta both closed gamely in the Tea Rose as well, but Kimochi held ground well enough to suggest the 1600m will be no issue for the daughter of Brave Smash. Selections: 2 KIMOCHI 10 TUTTA LA VITA 1 TIZ INVINCIBLE 5 FRENCH ENDEAVOUR Stocks Stakes Race 6 – #1 Tiz Invincible (13) 3yo Filly | T: Zac Lloyd | J: Damian Lane (56kg) +170 with Betfair Race 7: Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) Think About It is set to return in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) and is already guaranteed a lot in The Everest (1200m) in a fortnight. That’s why we’re taking a risk on the first-up mare from the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yard, Alcohol Free. She was purchased at a massive price tag for Yu Long Investments and was thrown in the deep end first-up in the autumn, finishing worse than mid-field in the Group 1 Coolmore Legacy (1600m). The Everest has always been a target race, with the European import winning the Group 1 July Cup (1200m) before her arrival. She’s classy enough and with Joao Moreira in the saddle, the each-way quote with online bookmakers is too good to pass up. Selections: 8 ALCOHOL FREE 2 THINK ABOUT IT 9 BELLA NIPOTINA 3 MAZU Premiere Stakes Race 7 – #8 Alcohol Free (5) 5yo Mare | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Joao Moreira (56.5kg) +1100 with Boombet Race 8: Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) There’s been a dramatic shift in the market with online bookmakers in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) as The Inevitable is now the favourite at +550. Hope In Your Heart opened best with bookies has now drifted out to an +750 hope, while Nugget is now on the second line of betting at +650. You can find double-figure odds for every other runner engaged in what’s sure to be a wide-open edition of the race. Click here for our full betting preview & $100 betting strategy for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap Race 9: Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) Online bookmakers have seemingly marked the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) a one-act affair, with Just Fine a short-priced commodity. It’s hard to disagree with the assessment, however, as Just Fine has put together two outstanding wins since arriving in Australia. His latest in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) was simply stunning, going on to score by 1.7 lengths and securing favourtism for this race back on September 16. They had every chance to rein him in but couldn’t round up the five-year-old gelding, who now with 50kgs on his back is going to be even tougher to chase down. Selections: 14 JUST FINE 17 MR WATERVILLE 12 BENAUD 3 CLEVELAND The Metropolitan Race 9 – #14 Just Fine (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Zac Lloyd (51.5kg) -125 with Picklebet Race 10: BM94 Handicap (1200m) Kibou was sensational in the get-out stakes a fortnight ago at this course and distance, and we’re happy to stick solid with the son of Maurice. He went straight to the front and bolted clear of his rivals, with only the ultra-talented Garza Blanca chomping at his heels late. Kibou was too classy in the end though, clinging to victory and sending home favourite backers very happy. He can do something similar here to finish the day, and with some relief in the weights heading into BM94 level, Kibou may well prove too good again. Selections: 8 KIBOU 18 AIRMAN 2 RECOMMENDATION 6 KNIGHT’S CHOICE Randwick quaddie tips for Epsom Handicap Day 2023 Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, September 30, 2023 1-2-4-6-8-11 8 7-8 1-2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Sagunto will line-up at Hastings on Saturday. Photo: Race Images On Wednesday morning, trainer Peter McKay was on the verge of culling his team of Hawke’s Bay-bound runners but ultimately decided to keep all six of them in contention for the southern journey. The Matamata-based horseman, who co-trains with his son Shaun, had initially considered withdrawing several of his horses but changed his mind after a conversation with Hastings track manager Richard Fenwick. “I was five minutes away from pulling most of them out, and then I talked to Richard, and he said the sun had popped out and it was blowing,” McKay explained. “You wouldn’t know what could happen in the next few days, and if the track does come back, I would have been kicking myself if I had pulled them out.” Sagunto, a stalwart of the McKay stable, will aim for a carnival double after an impressive first-up victory over 1600m three weeks ago. Despite the weight increase to 60.5kg, McKay is confident in Sagunto’s abilities, stating, “He likes to free roll and tries very hard, so he makes the races interesting if the track isn’t too bad.” McKay also reflected on Sagunto’s past success on heavy tracks, mentioning his surprise win in last season’s Group 3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) on a heavy track. “I was going to scratch him because of the heavy track, and he had been a bit of a duffer on them before that, but he got the job done,” McKay recalled. “He’s very well and a happy horse, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday.” Strange Love will make her return from a break on Saturday, while stablemate Don Pauly, who finished in the money on the first day of the carnival, is also an acceptor. McKay noted that Strange Love has previously won on a heavy track, and Don Pauly has shown improvement, saying, “Strange Love has won on a heavy track, and she’s well, and Don Pauly is getting there. “He was a weakish three-year-old, and he’s strengthened up a bit.” The Oaklane Stables Chaff Premier (1300m) will witness multiple winners Langkawi and Cavallo Veloce going head-to-head. McKay emphasized the importance of these races for the two horses, stating, “They need to get a run under their belts, and Langkawi can sometimes take two or three runs, and Cavallo Veloce does go well fresh.” He also expressed his hope for a good performance from Cavallo Veloce, who has often placed at Hawke’s Bay. Finally, Bad ‘n Bouj, who finished third on the opening day of the carnival, is set to appreciate the step up to 1600m. Owned by McKay’s son Jacob, the mare may benefit from a softer track, with Jacob noting her previous performance on a Slow 7 or possibly an 8. Despite carrying top weight (59.5kg), the distance suits her style of racing if the track conditions improve. More horse racing news View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Saturday, September 30, 2023 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble The traditional AFL Grand Final Day meeting at Mornington is set to greet punters on Saturday with an eight-race program. The Listed R.M. Ansett Classic (2400m) headlines proceedings on a track that is rated a Good 4, with the rail in the true position the entire circuit. Racing is set to get underway at 12:10pm AEST. R.M. Ansett Classic Tip: Dick Whittington Having grown another leg on the Pakenham synthetic in recent times, we’re hoping the Phillip Stokes-trained Dick Whittington can transfer that form to the turf. The six-year-old gelding has won three of his last four starts on the Pakenham all-weather track and brings strong form to a race where a few of the main fancies have struggled to win. Jye McNeil will look to stalk the speed throughout, and when asked to quicken, we are hoping Dick Whittington can kick clear. R.M. Ansett Classic Race 7 – #7 Dick Whittington (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Jye McNeil (54kg) +500 with PendleburyBet Best Bet at Mornington: Miss Galore Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr will be looking to add a second-straight win to Miss Galore’s record following a smart win at Geelong when fresh on September 15. She stays at the 1200m and brings some genuine Group-level form lines to this BM70 for fillies and mares. She finished a length off subsequent Group 1 winner Royal Merchant at her last run before heading for a spell, and we expect she will show her class this weekend. From barrier five, Wiremu Pinn can land the one-one, and with even luck as they turn for home, Miss Galore should prove too good. Best Bet Race 8 – #3 Miss Galore (3) 4yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Wiremu Pinn (a2) (60kg) +240 with Betfair Next Best at Mornington: Prancing Spirit Hailing from the Phillip Stokes barn, Prancing Spirit looks ready to strike third-up from a spell. He chased home the smart Nokbhah first-up at Cranbourne before just falling short at Sandown behind Luna Cat on September 20. The son of Sir Prancealot looks set to gain a beautiful run in transit from barrier four, and with Sheridan Clarke on board claiming 3kg, Prancing Spirit should be asserting his dominance on this field. Next Best Race 6 – #6 Prancing Spirit (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Sheridan Clarke (a3) (58.5kg) +210 with Neds Best Value at Mornington: Krakarib A winner of the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) as a two-year-old, the Simon Zahra-trained Krakarib looks to have struck a winnable race third-up. He was simply outclassed first-up behind Cylinder in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) and had a few excuses at Sale when finishing third last time out. He stays at the 1000m, which should not be too much of an issue, and if Winona Costin can roll forward and hold a prominent position, Krakarib can bounce back in style. Best Value Race 2 – #7 Krakarib (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Simon Zahra | J: Winona Costin (57.5kg) +1000 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Mornington races Mornington quadrella selections Saturday, September 30, 2023 2-3-5-9-10-11 6-8-9 3-4-7 2-3-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

The catalogue for the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale features the progeny of 92 different sires, including some of the cream of the stallion crop from both sides of the Tasman. New Zealand-based sires New Zealand stallions had an extraordinary season in 2022-23, with no fewer than 16 of them siring Group One winners in Australia or Hong Kong. The progeny of many of these high-flying stallions can be found in the Ready to Run Sale catalogue. Savabeel SAVABEEL Waikato Stud’s supremo Savabeel needs little introduction, boasting no fewer than eight New Zealand sires’ premierships. His long reign at the top of the domestic table may have been broken by Proisir last season, but he still had another incredible year in his own right. Savabeel’s progeny amassed a mind-boggling A$20m on Australian racetracks during 2022-23, which earned him third place on the sires’ premiership on that side of the Tasman – trailing only I Am Invincible and So You Think (NZ). He sired four individual Group One winners during the 2022-23 season and has already continued in the same vein in the early stages of the 2023-24 season with Skew Wiff (NZ) taking out New Zealand’s season-opening Tarzino Trophy (1400m). The Ready to Run Sale is a proven source of Group One-winning progeny of Savabeel, with Hall Of Fame (NZ) and Sangster (NZ) coming out of this sale in previous years. The 2023 Ready to Run Sale catalogue features nine sons of Savabeel, including: Proisir Lot 80, the second foal out of stakes-performed American mare Joyous Thunder (Kitten’s Joy). Lot 182, out of dual Group Two winner Platinum Princess (NZ) (Keeper). Lot 218, whose dam is a half-sister to the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) winner Shamal Wind (Dubawi). Lot 279, a half-brother to the dual Group One winner Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly). Lot 383, a half-brother to the three-time Group Two winner Spanish Whisper (Lope De Vega). PROISIR Rich Hill Stud’s Proisir claimed his first New Zealand sires’ premiership in 2022-23, and in the process, he did something that had never been done before. Proisir became the first stallion to ever have total progeny earnings break through the $4m barrier in a single New Zealand season. He had no fewer than five individual Group One winners – Dark Destroyer (NZ), Pier (NZ), Legarto (NZ), Levante (NZ) and Prowess (NZ). Proisir’s service fee has soared from $17,500 to $70,000 for the 2023 breeding season, and he had eight yearlings sell for $230,000 or more at Karaka earlier this year. The 2023 Ready to Run Sale catalogue features 12 progeny of Proisir, including: Lot 125, a son of the Group Three-winning High Chaparral mare Mangaroa Flo Jo (NZ). Lot 210, whose dam Rocknrolla (NZ) (Towkay) won eight races and placed at Group Three level. She is closely related to the Group One performers Spin ‘N’ Grin (NZ) (Spinning World) and Burgundy Belle (NZ) (Burgundy). Lot 324, a filly out of a three-quarter-sister to the dam of Proisir’s Group Three-winning daughter Aimee’s Jewel (NZ). Another close relative is the multiple stakes winner Irish Girl (NZ) (El Roca). Lot 357, whose unraced dam Cabsav (NZ) is a Savabeel half-sister to the Group One winner Juice (NZ) (Bertolini). Per Incanto PER INCANTO The star quality of Little Avondale Stud’s Per Incanto has been well known for several years, courtesy of Group One stars such as Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ), Little Brose, Lost And Running (NZ), Shadows Cast (NZ), Belclare (NZ), Santa Monica (NZ), Dal Cielo (NZ) and Bonham. Per Incanto is the sire of six two-year-olds in the Ready to Run Sale catalogue, including: Lot 77, a half-brother to the high-class Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai), who won last season’s Group Two Avondale Guineas (2100m) and placed in another three stakes races including the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the $1m Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Lot 278, the first foal out of Group Three-winning mare Tinkalicious (NZ) (Nadeem). ALMANZOR Shuttle stallion Almanzor brought outstanding credentials with him when he first arrived at Cambridge Stud, having been Europe’s Champion 3YO Colt in 2016 with exceptional Group One triumphs in the Prix Du Jockey Club (2100m), Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) and British Champion Stakes (2000m). He has wasted no time in living up to the hype. Almanzor Almanzor sired $1m Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) winner Dynastic (NZ) in his first crop of juveniles, and that was followed in the spring of 2022 by a first-crop Group One Victoria Derby (2500m) win with Manzoice. Almanzor will be represented by nine two-year-olds in the Ready to Run Sale catalogue, including: Lot 144, a close relative of the Group One-winning Australian superstar Sunshine In Paris (Invader). This colt’s dam Montrachet (NZ) (High Chaparral) is a five-time winning half-sister to two stakes winners including multiple Group One winner Vosne Romanee (NZ) (Electronic Zone). Another half-sister, Zenaida (NZ) (Zabeel), is the dam of Sunshine In Paris. Lot 201, who is out of Quintessential (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous), the winner of the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m). Quintessential is also the dam of three winners from three foals to race, including the stakes-placed Steely (All Too Hard). Lot 321, whose dam Alpena Rosea (NZ) (Thorn Park) is a full-sister to the Group One winner and black-type producer Norzita (NZ) (Thorn Park). SWEYNESSE Sweynesse Novara Park’s Sweynesse has been thrust into the spotlight by his spectacular son Lucky Sweynesse (NZ), who himself was bought from the 2020 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka for $90,000. Lucky Sweynesse has risen to superstardom in Hong Kong, where his 18-start career has produced 13 wins, four placings and total prize-money of more than HK$51m (the equivalent of NZ$11m). Overall, Sweynesse is the sire of 70 winners from 138 runners. He has been represented by six individual stakes winners, with Lucky Sweynesse backed up by Group Two Doomben Roses (2000m) winner Only Words (NZ), Group Two Westbury Classic (1400m) winner Dragon Queen (NZ), Group Three Rough Habit Plate (2000m) winner Special Swey (NZ) and fellow black-type winners Bonita Aurelia (NZ) and Brix (NZ). Buyers will have access to 12 of Sweynesse’s progeny during the Ready to Run Sale, including: Lot 169, whose dam Panama (NZ) (Traditionally) won four races and placed at Group Two level. Panama is a half-sister to the Group One winner Captivate (NZ) (Stravinsky). Lot 174, whose dam is a sister to four stakes winners including the Group Two winner and Group One-placed Bella Martini (Stratum). Other Kiwi-based sires who enjoyed Group One success in Australia last season and feature in the Ready to Run Sale catalogue include: Ocean Park (NZ), the sire of Queensland Derby (2400m) hero Kovalica (NZ). He has no fewer than 20 two-year-olds in the Ready to Run Sale catalogue. Redwood, whose son Sharp ’N’ Smart (NZ) was New Zealand’s Horse of the Year in 2022-23. Also the sire of Hong Kong’s Group Three winner and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) placegetter Tuchel (NZ), not to mention the exciting Queensland gelding Antino (NZ), Redwood has 12 yearlings catalogued for the Ready to Run Sale. Australian-based sires Buyers will also have access to the progeny of some of the best of the best from across the Tasman, with all of the top 10 stallions from last season’s Australian sires’ premiership featuring in the catalogue. I AM INVINCIBLE I Am Invincible Australia’s reigning champion sire is I Am Invincible, who commands a service fee of A$302,500 at Yarraman Park. The phenomenal stallion has been credited with 845 winners from 1059 runners, with 98 stakes winners including 14 at Group One level. His 2022-23 season was extraordinary, with 202 winners from 377 runners on Australian racetracks, amassing total prize-money of A$23.4m. His headline acts were Group One-winning sprinters In Secret and Imperatriz. I Am Invincible’s progeny have sold for up to $625,000 at Karaka as yearlings, and he has two well-credentialled progeny going under the hammer during the Ready to Run Sale. Lot 107, out of the three-race-winning Lope De Vega mare Lope De Lope. Notably, the cross between the I Am Invincible and Lope De Vega sire lines has produced two stakes performers from two runners – Group Two winner The Ridler and Group Three-placed Blatant, both by I Am Invincible’s son Brazen Beau. Lot 172, whose dam Pecans (Skilled) won six races including the Group Three Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) and Group Three Hawkesbury Crown (1300m). SO YOU THINK Karaka graduate and New Zealand-bred champion So You Think (NZ) made his mark on the racetrack with five Group One wins in Australia and another five in England and Ireland, and he has gone on to become one of the biggest names on the Australian stallion landscape. The son of the influential High Chaparral has sired 567 winners from 843 runners, with 54 at black-type level including 11 Group One winners. So You Think’s sole entry in the 2023 Ready to Run Sale catalogue is Lot 314, whose dam is a half-sister to In The Vanguard (Encosta De Lago). Herself a winner and a placegetter in the Group Two Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m), In The Vanguard is better known as the dam of super-talented Group One winner and young Cambridge Stud stallion prospect Sword Of State. SNITZEL A four-time champion Australian sire, the mighty Snitzel has been credited with 136 individual stakes-winning progeny including 19 at Group One level. More than 25 of his sons stand at stud across Australasia, including the likes of Shamus Award and Russian Revolution. Snitzel is the sire of Lot 54 in the 2023 Ready to Run Sale catalogue. This colt is out of Guiseppina (NZ) (Johar), who won eight races including the Group One Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham, along with the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) and Levin Stakes (1200m). She also placed in the Group One Livamol Classic (2040m) and WFA Classic (1600m). Zoustar ZOUSTAR Himself an outstanding winner of six of his nine starts including the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) and Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), Zoustar has passed on plenty of that star quality to his progeny. He is the sire of 497 winners from 729 runners, with 40 stakes winners including Group One winners Sunlight, Zoutori, Zougotcha, Mizzy and Lezoo. In New Zealand, his super-talented daughter Zourion (NZ) was an unbeaten two-year-old last season. Zoustar’s progeny have sold for as much as $800,000 at Karaka as yearlings. Three of his sons feature in the catalogue for the 2023 Ready to Run Sale. Lot 106, whose dam is a full-sister to Group Three winner Wu Gok (Sebring) and a half-sister to Group One winner Levendi (Pierro). Lot 190, out of the Group Three Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) winner Princess Of Queens (Magnus). Lot 203, out of the winning mare Reconstruct (NZ) (Swiss Ace), who is the dam of three winners from three foals to race. She is closely related to the Group Two winner Alma’s Fury (Refuse To Bend). DEEP FIELD Quality sire Deep Field and the Karaka sale ring have already proven to be a winning combination, producing numerous winners headed by the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) hero Sky Field. Deep Field has sired a total of 382 runners from only 558 runners, with 25 stakes winners. Sky Field is joined on the Group One-winning list by Portland Sky and Al Muthana. Deep Field Deep Field is a major player in the 2023 Ready to Run Sale, with 10 of his progeny in the catalogue, including: Lot 223, a filly who is a half-sister to four winners including Group Three winner Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War) and the stakes-placed Illumination (NZ) (Iffraaj). Lot 296, whose dam is a full-sister to Group Two winner Vilanova (NZ) (Commands) and a half-sister to Group Two winner Vavasour (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), Group Three winner Celebrity Dream (NZ) (Thorn Park) and the multiple Group One placegetter Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park). Lot 329, out of the three-time winner and Group Three James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) placegetter Anyaas (Commands). Lot 367, a half-brother to Fundamentalist (Not A Single Doubt), who won at Listed level and placed in the Group One Randwick Guineas (1600m), Surround Stakes (1400m), Thousand Guineas (1600m), Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m). Lot 372, whose dam Clearly (Invincible Spirit) won at Listed level and is half-sister to the Group One winner Polarisation (Echo Of Light). The catalogue also features two-year-olds by other superstar Australian-based sires such as Written Tycoon, Exceed And Excel, Dundeel (NZ), Pride Of Dubai, Capitalist and Russian Revolution. The 2023 edition of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on 22 and 23 November, with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on 16 and 17 October. Online bidding is available for all prospective purchasers via bidonline.nzb.co.nz, plus an extensive online catalogue at www.nzb.co.nz that will host pedigrees, parade videos and photos, breeze up clips and data analysis, updates and important information to assist your buying decisions. View the full article

With runners in action at four different venues, the influence of New Zealand’s leading stable is set to be felt far and wide this weekend. Te Akau Racing has 17 horses entered across Friday and Saturday’s meetings at Te Rapa, Hastings and Riccarton, while Imperatriz and Zourion will fly the flag in black-type features in Melbourne on Friday night. It all adds up to a busy few days for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson and their staff, along with the stable’s top jockey Opie Bosson, who has rides at Moonee Valley and Hastings within a 14-hour period. “It’s going to be an exciting weekend, we’re all looking forward to it,” Walker said on Thursday morning. “I’ll be staying in Melbourne, but Opie’s on a flight after the races tomorrow night and will be back in time for the big day at Hastings.” Walker, Bergerson and Bosson dominated the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, sweeping all of the three black-type features. They won the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) with Skew Wiff, the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) with Quintessa and the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) with Tokyo Tycoon. The Te Akau team will be shooting for more of the same at Hastings on Saturday, where Tokyo Tycoon is the favourite for the Gr.2 Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and Group Two-winning mares Campionessa and Aromatic will tackle the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m). The Sir Colin Meads Trophy was a particularly impressive three-year-old debut by Tokyo Tycoon, who was named New Zealand’s champion two-year-old of 2022-23 during the Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards in Auckland earlier this month. The son of Satono Aladdin towered over his opponents in last season’s Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), and his powerful finish over the top of his Sir Colin Meads Trophy rivals was more of the same. Tokyo Tycoon is a $1.55 favourite for the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, which Te Akau has previously won with outstanding three-year-olds Darci Brahma (2005) and Tell A Tale (2008). Walker reported that Tokyo Tycoon has gone the right way since his first-up heroics three weeks ago, and that he should be unfazed by rain-affected ground this weekend. “It was a highly impressive performance first-up and he seems to have only improved since then,” Walker said. “We’re very happy with him. I don’t think he’ll have too much trouble with a wet track, so I’m expecting him to run well again on Saturday.” Both Campionessa and Aromatic are second-up in Saturday’s Arrowfield Stud Plate, and Walker believes both will take good improvement from their resuming runs. Campionessa was a late-finishing fifth in the Livamol Premier (1600m) on the opening day of the carnival, while Aromatic made up good ground for eighth in the Tarzino Trophy. “They’re both big improvers from those first-up performances,” Walker said. “Aromatic in particular handles rain-affected ground very well, so a wet track is only going to help her chances this weekend.” Te Akau will have a big team in action at Riccarton on Saturday, including exciting mare It’s Business Time in the Plough Hotel Rating 75 (1200m). The five-year-old daughter of Turn Me Loose has had seven starts for four wins and two placings, and she resumed with a scintillating three-length win over this course and distance on September 2. “She looked good last season and seems to have improved even more this time in, judging from that first-up performance,” Walker said. “She’s really quite a promising mare. “She’s pleased us with everything that she’s done in the few weeks since that race. The plan is to work towards a potential crack at some black type during the carnival in November.” It’s Business Time holds a nomination for the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) on November 15, but could also be pointed towards the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) for fillies and mares on the same day. Trobriand will take another step towards the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) with a run in Saturday’s Rangiora New World Guineas Trial (1400m). The Kermadec colt won the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) last season and placed in the Karaka Million, and he resumed with a third placing behind the undefeated Crocetti in last month’s Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka. “We’re happy with Trobriand, he seems to be making good progress and we’re working our way towards the Guineas,” Walker said. “We have another three-year-old entered at Riccarton with Talisker, but we’re keeping an eye on track conditions with him. He might be saved for Timaru (October 6) instead.” The South Island will stage its first juvenile race of the season in Saturday’s Nobby Bussell Memorial Two-Year-Old (800m). Te Akau’s runner is Dream Of The Moon, who was bought by David Ellis for A$160,000 as a yearling on the Gold Coast earlier this year. The filly by All Too Hard has had two trials, finishing second at Te Rapa on August 1 and at Waipa on August 29. “She’s shown us quite a lot and we think she’s quite a promising filly,” Walker said. “I’d expect her to run a good race on debut on Saturday.” At Te Rapa on Friday, Te Akau’s four runners include the proven pair Prise De Fer and Brando in the Fluid Power Distributors Mile (1600m), along with last season’s Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) winner Cognito in the Traffic Management Waikato (1400m). View the full article

NZB Airfreight, one of the leading equine airfreight services in Australasia, has announced a new regular flight route for domestic travellers. The Auckland to Christchurch and return service will commence in early October and offer a regular on demand flight for those travelling across the Cook Strait. NZB Airfreight Manager Sharon McDowell commented on the new route aimed to service the racing and equestrian sports industries. “The new domestic flight between Christchurch and Auckland is going to provide trainers, owners and riders a more efficient service when moving horses between the North and South islands.” “We’re glad to be able to commit to providing this route on a regular basis and on demand when there are upcoming carnivals, shows or events. “This will be a great option for not just those targeting Cup and Show Week, but also for our equestrian sports community who regularly travel around the country. “The flight which is just over an hour itself, could save hours or even days on the road for these horses, prioritising their wellbeing and safety,” added McDowell. Previous Cup & Show Week performers flown with NZB Airfreight include the likes of Desert Lightning, The Perfect Pink, Babylon Berlin and more. The first flight between Auckland and Christchurch with NZB Airfreight will commence on 10 October. To receive great rates as well as the NZB Airfreight team’s renowned experience and service when flying horses, contact +64 9 298 0055 or email airfreight@nzb.co.nz. A booking form is also available online to book your precious cargo on the new service or elsewhere: https://www.nzb.co.nz/airfreightbookings View the full article

Stablemates Burn To Shine (NZ) (So You Think) and Codigo (NZ) (Ardrossan) will continue their friendly rivalry on their return to Hastings on Saturday. The Stephen Marsh-trained duo will clash in the Gr.2 AHD Animal Health Direct – Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and while both are in tip-top order for the age group feature, the rain-affected going is a concern. “It’s far from ideal for either of them, but they need to run and are on exactly the same path to the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m),” Marsh said. “They’ll have a go at Hastings and then the Sarten Memorial (Gr.2, 1400m) before they get on a plane to Christchurch.” Burn To Shine and Codigo first met on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) with the former finishing runner-up and the latter ran fourth. “Burn To Shine just didn’t really get out when he needed to and the 1200m was a bit short for him, but he attacked the line well,” Marsh said. “Codigo was three wide without any cover and he fought on really well.” While pair do have form on rain-affected surfaces, they won’t strike their preferred conditions at Hastings. “They’re certainly no duffers, that’s for sure, but I think they are far better on top of the ground and we’re all in the same boat,” Marsh said. “They are very hard to split and went equally as good as each other at their last starts and I think it comes down to who gets the best run and who cops the track the best. “They have both drawn nicely and I would have loved to have seen a good track for them to have had a fair crack at it.” Marsh will have several representatives at Hastings and also rates Financier (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Colliers Commercial HB Premier (1400m) as a leading hope off the back of successive runner-up finishes. “I really like Financier, he’s probably a little bit of an unknown on the wet track but he is going great guns and as long as it’s not bottomless I think he will be hard to beat,” he said. The stable also has strong representation at Te Rapa on Friday with another pair of promising youngsters in Tower Flypass (NZ) (US Navy Flag) and Sako (NZ) (Ardrossan) in the St John’s College Foundation 3YO (1200m). “Again, the track will be a bit tricky but they both went really well last time,” Marsh said. Stakes-placed filly Glamour Tycoon (Written Tycoon) also looks well -placed to take advantage of a drop in class when she steps out in the BCD Group 3YO Maiden (1400m) following her game sixth in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). “Glamour Tycoon is going terrific and she has drawn a bit of a sticky gate (16), but the distance suits her and with the rain the draw may not be so bad later in the day,” Marsh said. He is further expecting a good showing from last season’s Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) winner Mazzolino (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Traffic Management Waikato Handicap (1400m). The daughter of Savabeel finished midfield when resuming at Hastings earlier this month. “The track won’t worry her too much, but she does have to carry 58kg second-up. She is a quick improver off her last start, although she will improve again with this outing,” Marsh said. View the full article

Danny Walker believes he has found his horse of a lifetime. The South Auckland trainer had an inkling that Zacinto gelding Crocetti (NZ) might be special and now after three wins from as many starts, he’s convinced of it. Walker and his training partner Arron Tata will produce the Daniel Nakhle co-bred and owned Crocetti in Friday’s St John’s College Foundation 3yo (1200m) at Te Rapa as they continue his build-up to a planned tilt at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 51st NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11. “He’s got that natural ability and he’s been winning on natural ability so far,” Walker said. “He just seems to be faster than the rest at the moment, but the better ones are still to come. But he just gives us all the indications of a good horse.” Walker knew Crocetti had above average ability last year and had visions of him developing into a Sires’ Produce winner before a series of niggling issues relating to him growing saw him sidelined through the autumn. “Even before Christmas, I said to Daniel: ‘I think this horse is special’ and he said: ‘Really, pal?’ I told him I really thought he was the bee’s knees. “I was driving out from the jumpouts at Pukekohe and I said to Arron: ‘This might be the horse we’ve been looking for’.” However, Walker feared Crocetti would be sold. “We only race what we can’t sell but Daniel wanted to keep him, so that was great,” Walker said. “He just had this natural ability. Arron gets a great feel of a horse when he’s working them and he’s never far wrong. He said from day one this always had something. “He’s not a big, robust horse but he’s a nice boned horse and he’s got stronger now. He’s just a born racehorse really.” Walker admitted he was nervous about Crocetti striking a genuinely rain-affected track for the first time at Te Rapa. “He’s such a lovely actioned horse and sometimes those nice-actioned horses hit the wet and go out of kilter a bit. But I’m not worried about the horse at all – he’s happy,” he said. “This is a perfect race for timing. It’s three weeks to the Sarten (Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial over 1400m at Te Rapa on October 21) and then three weeks to the Guineas. “We backed off him after his last win at Ruakaka, which was always the plan. We didn’t want to go to Hastings and do too much travelling. We’re hoping the plan can come off.” Walker has no doubt that Crocetti is the most naturally talented horse he has trained, perhaps poised to give him his second Group One one, some 36 years after Rastes (NZ) (Super Gray) won the 1987 Welllington Cup (3200m) at Trentham. “Rastes was just a tough, old bugger. He was so lazy at home but he would put in on raceday. He’d been sacked for being too slow by two stables before he came to me. But he wouldn’t have been a patch on this horse (Crocetti) on class.” Walker and Tata will also produce Iffraaj eight-year-old gelding Crystallize (NZ) in the Fluid Power Distributors Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa. With Triston Moodley’s 4kg apprentice allowance, Crystallize will carry just 54.5kg on his favoured rain-affected track conditions, the combination of a light wet and suitable conditions a rarity these days for the highly-rated veteran. “He’s probably on the verge of retirement. He’s struggling with the big weights. He gets down to 54.5 kilos on Friday which is a luxury for him but this doesn’t happen very often now,” Walker said. “He might have one more run after this depending on how he goes but if we turn him out after that, it’s a long time waiting till June next year to get a suitable track for him as a rising nine-year-old. “He just loves being in the stable, loves being in work. He’s a pleasure to train. He’s our old mate, a real character, but there’s just a lack of suitable options for a mudlark like him with where he’s at in the handicap. “I’ve found him a really good home for when he does retire. He’ll go to a lady at Waiuku who has her own farm and he’ll make a great hack. He’ll go to the beach and to the forest so he’s got a great home to go to.” View the full article

As Ken and Bev Kelso prepare to saddle the hot favourite for Saturday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, the Matamata trainers are hoping the warm and windy weather predicted for Hawke’s Bay on Thursday and Friday will lift the track conditions up out of the heavy range. Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) stamped herself as the horse to beat in Saturday’s $400,000 feature with a slashing late run into third in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) earlier this month, and the TAB currently rates her a clear favourite at $2.40. However, more than 40mm of rain has fallen on the Hastings track this week, which was rated a Heavy10 on Thursday morning. “We’re all systems go for Hastings on Saturday, but obviously we’re on weather watch,” Ken Kelso said. “She can handle a little bit of give in the ground, but we probably wouldn’t want it to stay in that heavy range. Hopefully the weather will get better through the next couple of days, maybe with some wind as well, and it might come back a little bit. Apart from that, we’ve been very happy with our build-up to the race.” An outstanding winner of the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) as a three-year-old last season, Legarto’s Tarzino Trophy performance was an almost perfect way to kick off her four-year-old preparation. After settling well back in the field and being held up for a run at the top of the home straight, she charged home to get within two half-necks of the first two placegetters, Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) and Dragon Leap (Pierro), who are both bypassing the Arrowfield this weekend. Legarto’s sectional times were the fastest in the field for the last 800m (46.34 seconds), 600m (34.60), 400m (22.63) and 200m (11.37). “I thought it was a very good run first-up in the Tarzino,” Kelso said. “The way that she found the line was really pleasing. “I think everything has gone to plan in the few weeks since that run. To my eye, she’s improved in every aspect – in her fitness, her condition and her coat. We’re very happy with her. She’s been working really well.” View the full article

Impendabelle will contest the St John’s College Foundation (1200m) at Te Rapa on Friday. Photo: Race Images Hastings’ loss has turned into Te Rapa’s gain as the highly-regarded filly Impendabelle adjusts her racing plans. Trainer Tony Pike has decided to skip Saturday’s Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) due to weather concerns and instead focus on a race a day earlier at Te Rapa. Impendabelle, currently sharing the fourth line of betting at +1100 for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), will make her second appearance as a three-year-old on Friday. Pike explained his decision, saying, “I just don’t want to give her another trip away and run on a heavy track, so we’ll miss the Guineas. “She’ll stay in at Te Rapa where it’s going to be the first race on Friday, so if it comes up a reasonable surface, she’ll run there.” Impendabelle had a successful season last year, winning twice, including the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m). Her latest run saw her finish seventh in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) after a troubled start. “She was going really well leading into that, and I thought she was a proper live chance,” Pike said of her performance last start. “Unfortunately, she got pole-axed at the start, and they went slowly, but she ran the quickest last 400 and 200m of the day so she couldn’t have done much more from where she was positioned. “She ran really well, but obviously had her chances extinguished at the start.” Despite Impendabelle’s change in plans, Pike is likely to have a runner in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas with Overdrawn set to represent the stable following a sixth-place finish in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m). Pike expressed confidence in Overdrawn, saying, “I don’t think anyone can beat Tokyo Tycoon, but our horse has come up really well and he was probably a bit unlucky not to have gone closer to running in the money on the first day. “He never really got clear until too late, and he has improved a lot off that. “I think he is a horse that will get through a proper slow track, and the three-year-olds off Tokyo Tycoon on the first day at Hastings look pretty even.” Pike also has other promising young horses in his stable, and Awatere and Full Moon Fever are set to compete at Te Rapa. Pike highlighted Awatere’s potential, saying, “He is a nice horse going forward and got hammered at the start at Taupo and closed well late and has taken a lot of improvement from that.” Both Awatere and Full Moon Fever have nominations for the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, and Pike noted the convenience of having return flights to Christchurch should they choose to compete there. “It will make life a lot easier, but obviously a lot more expensive, if we do decide to go. There is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet to see if they warrant going down there,” he emphasized. More horse racing news View the full article