Wandering Eyes

Darley has extended their Irish race sponsorship of six races for fillies and mares through 2025. Each race is worth up to €70,000 with a prize-money total of €350,000. The races receiving boosted prize-money are as follows: Naas, May 10 – Naas Oaks Trial Stakes (LR), 10f, €55,000 Navan, June 7 – Kooyonga Stakes (LR), 1m, €55,000 Cork, June 13 – Munster Oaks (G3), 12f, €60,000 Fairyhouse, July 9 – Stanerra Stakes (G3), 14f, €70,000 Gowran Park, August 13 – Hurry Harriet Stakes (LR), 9f, €55,000 Curragh, October 4 – Brigid's Pastures Stakes (LR), 6f, €55,000 In addition, the breeder of the winner of each race will also receive a nomination to champion 2-year-old and G1 Irish 2000 Guineas winner Native Trail (GB), who welcomed his first foals this year. Eamon Moloney, nominations manager at Darley, said, “Following a successful series last year, we are delighted to continue our sponsorship of these important races. “Darley remains committed to supporting breeders through race sponsorship and would like to thank the IEBF as co-sponsors–another organisation that we are proud to support in its vital work for our industry.” The post Darley Extends Irish Race Sponsorship For Six Filly And Mare Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

OCALA, FL– Just before the start of the Thursday session of the OBS April 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stood up at the OBS rostrum to tell the assembled crowd that “you can count on me as one that is not going to look favorably on legislation that is going to decimate any of our signature industries.” The statement was in reference to the decoupling legislation pushed by The Stronach Group that is currently winding its way through the Florida House of Representative and Senate. DeSantis stopped short of saying that he would absolutely veto any bill that comes to his desk that would decouple casino gaming from live racing in Florida, but the appearance certainly appeared to deal a blow to The Stonach Group's efforts to get a decoupling bill passed in Florida. DeSantis arrived on the sales grounds at 10 a.m. with his wife, Casey, and three children. They were met by Mike Repole, one of the chief organizers of the appearance, which had been kept under wraps until Wednesday night. The pair spent 25 minutes looking at horses and talking to horsemen like David O'Farrell, Barry Eisaman and Nick Zito. In conversations with different people on the sales grounds, and at the podium before the assembled crowd, DeSantis said that he couldn't understand the support for a bill that would have so many negative downstream effects to one of Florida's signature industries. “There are certain things that some groups push for; we have a big, diverse state,” he said. “Different populations can be for different things. That's just the way it goes. I just try to not put my finger in the wind; just do what's right. But on this issue with the horses, it seems to me that we have proposals that will have the effect of harming the industry here in Florida to basically benefit one special interest. That's not how you do good policy. And so we're watching all this very carefully and I'm having to play the role now of having to protect the people of Florida from any sabotage that's going on in the House of Representatives. The people that you sent there, they're not doing what they said they would.” DeSantis's appearance was met on several occasions by standing ovations from the assembled crowd. “On this issue, you can argue it different ways, but are you standing up for Floridians, or are you not?” he asked. “Are you for the folks who don't even live here, or other interests or are you standing for the people? I understand the importance of the industry to the state, to the economy, which is important, but to culture, and way of life and things that people have known for many generations. We'll be looking at what ends up being produced in the Florida legislature, but you can count me as one that is not going to look favorably on legislation that is going to decimate any of our signature industries.” “I feel pretty confident saying decoupling ended today” If DeSantis didn't come right out and say the decoupling issue was dead, Repole did not hesitate to do so. “I know the governor very well,” said Repole. “He's not only honest; he's bluntly honest. I feel pretty confident saying decoupling ended today. I think if I were the House or the Senate, I'd move on to another bill and not even waste my time with it.” “The governor of Florida worries about the people of Florida and the industries that are not just the best economic industries, but part of the culture of Florida,” he continued. “And horse racing is part of the tradition of Florida, for a lot longer than he and I have been here. In many ways, Florida is more important to the breed than even Kentucky. Almost every horse from Kentucky or New York or other tracks, they come and train here. The training centers are here and if you want to buy a yearling, most people go to Kentucky. If you want to buy a 2-year-old, you come to Florida. It's such an important part of the fabric of the sate of Florida.” Repole said that he and DeSantis have a long-time relationship, and that their wives and children were friendly. “I'm excited that today went as well as it did.” The effort to get DeSantis to OBS was a multi-faceted one, said Barry Eisaman, who is on the board of the newly formed Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, launched to fight decoupling. Asked if he thought DeSantis would veto the bill if it arrived on his desk, even though he stopped short of promising that, Eisaman said, “I think so.” “All of this began when Gulfstream introduced a decoupling bill,” said Eisaman. “It suprised many horsemen and it really has rallied the horsemen together like nothing I've seen in my lifetime. We all as horsemen have different interests, but this has brought everybody all together. We have gone to Tallahassee to several of the committee meetings in the House and the Senate.” Dr. Eisaman said the effort to meet with DeSantis started as an initiative by Robert Zarnegin, a promiment California Republican and supporter of DeSantis for whom Eisaman breaks horses. “We met with Governor DeSantis three or four weeks ago,” he said. After his speech, DeSantis sat with his wife and children and Repole, and even bid on a horse–lot 613, a Practical Joke filly who sold to Repole for $140,000. Repole said that DeSantis's children have asked him to name the filly “Epic.” At 11:15, DeSantis went to meet with several industry representatives. His jet left Ocala at noon. “Mike Repole has been the quarterback of the team, and he has managed the team very well to get this done,” said Eisaman. “He's been very very helpful. You can see the man sitting down there with his wife and kids. He's going to meet with about 15 of us now for more personal interactions with people so they can ask him some questions. I think it's a good day for horse racing. ” Others involved in the initiative include O'Farrell, Mandy Pope and Bill Farish, Eisaman said. The decoupling saga began Jan. 7, when 1/ST Racing's Gulfstream Park and the Florida horsemen's group announced that they had reached an agreement to support changes to Chapter 550 of the existing state legislation's decoupling regulations that would “enable Gulfstream Park's live racing schedule to become independent of the venue's parimutuel license,” they said in a joint statement at the time. House Bill 105 was filed Monday, Jan. 6, and would allow tracks to operate slot machines and card games when they are not running live racing. The outcry from racing entities was swift. The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National HBPA and others issued statement opposing decoupling, and the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative-an industry collaborative–was launched to fight the measure. Still, the bill continued to advance, first in the Florida House, and in a Senate committee Apr. 1, albeit with a seven-year timetable. As recently as Monday, the decoupling legislation was taking more twists and turns. A standalone bill that had already passed out of one legislative committee was temporarily postponed in the state Senate. But similar language was inserted as an amendment into a separate and much larger gambling bill (HB 1467) heard that same afternoon during a House Commerce Committee hearing. This large gambling bill was successfully voted out of that committee, 17 to 9. The post DeSantis Expresses Support for Horsemen in Decoupling Fight in Surprise OBS Visit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Juddmonte's impressive G3 Craven Stakes hero Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) has earned a rating of 121p for that performance and now anchors Timeform's 3-year-old ratings. The grey, on ratings, is now favoured for the upcoming G1 2000 Guineas. Godolphin's Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), a winner of the G1 Dewhurst Stakes and Timeform's champion juvenile, is rated 120. Previously, Field Of Gold held a rating of 110p after winning the G3 Solario Stakes at two. He beat G2 Royal Lodge Stakes hero Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko) in the Craven, with Aomori City (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}) back in third. Juddmonte also has Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) for the 2000 Guineas, after he won the G3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. Timeform's highest rated 3-year-old colts are as follows: 121p, Field Of Gold, G3 Solario Stakes, G3 Craven Stakes 120, Shadow Of Light, G1 Middle Park Stakes, G1 Dewhurst Stakes 119p, The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), G3 Acomb Stakes 116p, Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), G3 Autumn Stakes, G3 Ballysax Stakes 116, Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), G3 Tyros Stakes, G2 Beresford Stakes, G1 Futurity Trophy Stakes Timeform's David Cleary said, “In contrast to one or two of the others in the field, Field Of Gold looked to have done well since last season and he looked ready to do himself justice as well. “Field Of Gold's performance in beating Wimbledon Hawkeye and Aomori City so comprehensively looks among the best in the Craven in the last decade and some way in advance of what Jonquil achieved in the Greenham. “While both Juddmonte colts would be worth their place in the Guineas line-up, Field Of Gold is the one that sets the standard, his position as favourite fully deserved.” The post Field Of Gold Leads Timeform’s 3-Year-Old Rankings After Craven Tally appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), the likely favorite for the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, turned in her most serious work to date Thursday morning at Churchill Downs with a five-furlong breeze in a sharp :59.40, the fastest of 10 at the distance. The undefeated filly hit the track at 7:15 a.m. EST wearing her usual set of blinkers and partnered with trainer Brad Cox's longtime exercise rider Edvin Vargas. She began her workout at the 4 1/2-furlong pole and broke off about two lengths behind stablemate and maiden Saucier (City of Light). After an opening quarter-mile in :23.60, Good Cheer ranged up to the outside of her workmate and the duo completed the work together. Good Cheer began to edge clear on the gallop out and completed six furlongs in 1:13. “The work was executed very well,” Cox said. “She was meant to sit a couple lengths off her workmate and ranged up alongside at the quarter pole. She eased away a little bit on the gallop out. Overall, I thought it was a really good move. She's doing really well. I was really happy with her and Edvin was very happy with her. She's just a solid filly.” Good Cheer is perfect in six starts, with three consecutive Grade II victories in the Golden Rod, Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra and Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks. “When horses are undefeated, you can feel a little bit of added pressure,” Cox said. “That's all part of it. It's a good position to be in. Hopefully, we can pull through. She's a straightforward horse. She's perfect in six starts and has won all her races by daylight. We're just trying to keep her happy and healthy.” Cox won the Kentucky Oaks in 2018 with Monomoy Girl and again in 2020 with Shedaresthedevil. “It's really hard to compare these three horses,” Cox said. “Obviously, if Good Cheer can win this race, she puts her name right there with those fillies. I think we have some unfinished business with her. We need to win some Grade Is and the Oaks will be the biggest challenge she's had to date–maybe the biggest she'll ever have, given the caliber of this race.” Cox is scheduled to travel to Payson Park on Thursday afternoon to watch GI Florida Derby winner Tappan Street (Into Mischief) work Friday. The colt is expected to van to Churchill Downs on Saturday, according to Cox. The post Kentucky Oaks Contender Good Cheer Fires Five-Furlong Bullet at Churchill Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs Racetrack has forged a new partnership with TEN20 Craft Brewery to release Churchill Downs Light, a light lager brewed to honor the legacy and lifestyle of enjoying a day at the races. Churchill Downs Light is crafted with crisp, clean finish and subtle hints of citrus that complement its light body. Housed in a 16 oz. can, the design features Churchill Downs' Twin Spires and a galloping Thoroughbred silhouette–set silks worn by jockeys. “Creating Churchill Downs Light has been a labor of love–rooted in craftsmanship, community, and celebration,” said Jim McGuire, co-owner of TEN20 Craft Brewery. “We set out to brew something approachable and refreshing that embodies the spirit of Churchill Downs, and we're proud to see it come to life alongside an iconic venue like Churchill Downs.” Churchill Downs Light will be available beginning Thursday, Apr. 17 at select retailers and on-site at TEN20 taprooms and Churchill Downs beginning with Kentucky Derby Week. To celebrate the official launch, fans are invited to the release party at TEN20's Butchertown taproom (1020 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206) on Friday, Apr. 18 at 6 p.m. ET. Guests will enjoy their first taste of Churchill Downs Light, alongside great food on-site, a live ESPN Louisville radio broadcast. The post Churchill Downs Partners with TEN20 Craft Brewery with ‘Churchill Downs Light’ Beer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 550 entries for its upcoming Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds in Training sale, to be held Monday and Tuesday, May 19-20, at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland. Recent graduates of the sale include reigning Eclipse Champion Male Sprinter Straight No Chaser, earner of more than $2.6 million to date. Straight No Chaser, whose victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint is featured on the catalogue's front cover, also captured this year's GII Riyadh Dirt Sprint on Saudi Cup night. He is joined on the cover by 2024 GISW winners Sacred Wish, winner of the GI Matriarch Stakes. and Full Count Felicia, winner of the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes. In addition, the catalogue's back cover features recent GSW graduates Dazzling Move, Irish Maxima, Non Compliant, Sabatini, and Tirupati. “Midlantic May is the only 2-year-old sale to produce an Eclipse Champion in 2024 in Straight No Chaser,” said Paget Bennett, Midlantic Director of Sales. “The dirt track at Timonium continues to be the launching point for the careers of top level horses both domestically and internationally, with Grade I success on both dirt and turf.” The under tack show will be held over three sessions, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 13-15. Each under tack show session will begin at 8 AM. The 150th Preakness Stakes will be held at nearby Pimlico on Saturday, May 17, and the sale will follow on May 19 and 20. Each sale session will begin at 11 AM. “Our consignors have supported us with another strong group of 2-year-olds this year,” Bennett continued. “We look forward to welcoming buyers to Timonium in a month's time to shop a strong catalogue and enjoy top class racing.” The catalogue may now be viewed online and will also be available via the equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues will be available beginning Apr. 22. Fasig-Tipton will also offer a supplemental catalogue and is now accepting entries. The post Midlantic May Two-year-olds in Training Catalogue Online, 550 Entered appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-KEE, $90K, Msw, 2yo, 4 1/2f, 1:32 p.m. ET. Owned by Epic Horses, EPIC DESIRE (Uncle Mo) is ready for his unveiling. Out of Brooklynsway (Giant Gizmo)–who incidently won the GIII Doubledogdare Stakes which appears later on this card–the colt is trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher. Epic Desire's full-sister is MGISW Adare Manor. She was a $2.8-million purchase by Katsumi Yoshida at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale last year. Brooklynsway also claims current 3-year-old filly in-training Nosleeptilbrooklyn (Ghostzapper) and she foaled a filly by Curlin Feb. 9. TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Insights: Adare Manor’s Full-Brother Set For A Start In Keeneland Baby Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Newmarket, £10,000, Novice, 4-17, 2yo, 5fT, 1:00.08, gd. MILITARY CODE (GB) (c, 2, Wootton Bassett {GB}–Wishfully {Ire} {SP-Fr, MSP-Ger}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}), sent off at 6-1, tracked the early pace before being committed against the rail approaching two out. Soon in front, the newcomer asserted to beat fellow newcomer Moonfall (Ire) (Starman {GB}) by 1 1/2 lengths, with a telling 3 3/4-length gap back to the Brocklesby third Exclamation (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). “We came here with a bit of confidence, as he'd done some nice work with a small group of 2-year-olds and hopefully they'll come along together,” trainer Charlie Appleby said. “You couldn't fault him as a physical and he'll have no problem stepping up to six and possibly beyond. He was a bit green down at the start, but he's been very professional at home, he travelled well and picked up well. We had hoped he'd be an Ascot-type horse and he could go for the [Listed] National Stakes [at Sandown] again over five beforehand, but we have a couple of others for that too. Six is probably the trip for Ascot, so it's the Coventry at this point.” The multiple listed-placed dam, whose yearling colt is by Too Darn Hot (GB), hails from the family of the G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Nightime (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) whose son Ghaiyyath (Ire) was a luminary for this yard and is making his mark at Stud. She also produced the GI Man o' War Stakes heroine Zhukova (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who has thrown this year's G2 Al Maktoum Classic winner and G1 Al Maktoum Challenge runner-up Imperial Emperor (Ire) also by Dubawi and whose daughter Ilda Rosa (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) had gone two-for-two at Lyon-Parilly 24 hours earlier. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,824. O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. Classy debut Wootton Bassett colt Military Code produces a taking debut performance over a trip that is surely sharp enough, even at this early stage. Stacks of potential @godolphin | @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/HqFmliThRV — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 17, 2025 The post Godolphin Plot Coventry Raid With Wootton Bassett’s Military Code appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aiming to crown an unblemished season with victory in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on 27 April, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) produced an almost flawless barrier trial this morning (Thursday, 17 April), delighting trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton. Jumping away moderately on Sha Tin’s dirt track, Ka Ying Rising quickly built momentum to lead from the 1000m and eventually won the hit-out by three and a half lengths from HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner My Wish in 1m 10.49s. Swift Ascend was third ahead of John Size’s FWD Champions Day aspirants Helios Express (fourth) and Beauty Eternal (seventh). “He (Ka Ying Rising) jumped, by his standards, a fraction slow and then he gathered incredibly quickly. You would call it a perfect trial, his recovery is excellent and hopefully he’s going to finish the season undefeated,” Hayes said. With seven wins this campaign, including three victories at G1 level – LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), HK$13 million Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) and HK$13 million Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) – Ka Ying Rising will attempt on Sunday week to match Lucky Sweynesse and Beauty Generation’s record of slotting eight wins in a Hong Kong season. Purton said: “He (Ka Ying Rising) has trialled well, as he always does. He pulled up nicely, so we’re ready for next week.” Ka Ying Rising will face last year’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize victor Invincible Sage, Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse), Victor The Winner, Helios Express as well as Japan’s Satono Reve, Lugal, Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer, among others, next week. Purton will also partner Galaxy Patch in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) after the gelding trialled impressively in batch two at Sha Tin this morning, finishing powerfully while sporting cheek pieces. Near the tail of the field on the home turn, Galaxy Patch closed the 1200m trial only a length behind Yuen Long Elite, who clocked 1m 10.74s, with Red Lion (FWD Champions Mile, 1600m) in fourth place and Ensued (G1 FWD QEII Cup, 2000m) seventh. “He (Galaxy Patch) was nice and relaxed and cruised around. What I liked the most was compared to last time I trialled him, when the gap was there and he came through, he was more determined in the cheek pieces,” Purton said. “I’d like to go with them (cheek pieces), I just have to let them (trainer Pierre Ng) decide whether they want to. It’s going to be a strong race – probably the strongest race we’ve had in a while, so he’s going to need to get everything right and be at his best.” BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) runner-up My Wish will be among Galaxy Patch’s opposition in the FWD Champions Mile along with a cast of high-class contenders including Voyage Bubble, Mr Brightside, Royal Patronage, Gaia Force, Beauty Eternal, Gaia Force and Goemon. Trainer Mark Newnham was pleased with My Wish’s work. “I’m really happy. It was a smooth trial. He jumped well, settled nice, quickened well and ran through the line strongly – so, all the things we wanted to see. He looks like he’s held his form,” Newnham said. Ricky Yiu’s FWD Champions Mile entrants Straight Arron and Sunlight Power trialled this morning over 1200m at Conghua, finishing second and third, respectively, in a batch won by Righteous Arion in 1m 11.86s. Several visiting FWD Champions Day contenders took to Sha Tin’s dirt this morning, including Liberty Island, Prognosis and Calif, who will clash in the HK$28 million FWD QEII Cup, Gaia Force and Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) (FWD Champions Mile) and Japan’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize entrants Lugal, Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer. Sha Tin’s 10-race fixture on Sunday (20 April), starting with the Class 5 Luk Wu Handicap (1650m, dirt) at 12.45pm. View the full article

By Jonny Turner There’s no disputing that Miki’s Deal’s impressive debut win in the Group 2 Entain Southern Fillies Classic at Winton was a local triumph. The filly made the most of her trip in the one-one for driver Matthew Williamson, charging away from her rivals for an emphatic win. Miki’s Deal was raised by her breeders and owners, Marty and Daphne Fairbairn, who live just minutes from Central Southland Raceway, and she is trained by Winton committee member Brett Gray. The filly had had all of her trial outings at Winton before making an explosive start to her racing career there on Thursday. “That was a great win. I think there will be a fair old party in Winton tonight,” Gray said. While Miki’s Deal was enjoying home advantage ahead of her Group 2 victory, her trainer was not. Gray spent 10 days in Japan this month before returning home about a week before Winton Cup Day to put the finishing touches on his team. That included making crucial final adjustments to Miki’s Deal’s shoeing before the race. “Her last trial was outstanding, but she just went rough on the bend, so we got Franksy (Brendan Franks) to reshoe her.” “Matty said she paced beautifully today.” “She has been a lovely horse all the way through, and she has just kept stepping up every time we’ve taken her back to the trials.” “She’s got a great nature and a great attitude.” “Not many win their first start in a Group Two. It’s a great result for Marty and Daph.” Matthew Williamson found the one-one with Miki’s Deal — the same spot that Nathan Williamson secured for Betterthancash in the All Lay Carpets & Drapes Winton Cup. Nathan made the most of his catch-drive behind the Regan Todd-trained pacer, who continued his outstanding recent form in Southland with a victory in the 2400m feature. Williamson enjoyed an outstanding Winton Cup Day, also driving Our Pinocchio, Passchendaele, and Utah Jazz to victory. The latter two were among a training treble for the trainer-driver, who also produced Chez Dale to score. Utah Jazz is set for a big showdown with her stablemate, Captains Mistress, after her impressive win in the final heat of the Southern Oaks Series. The filly kept her unbeaten record intact with a powerful front-running display. Captains Mistress looks like she will scrape into the Southern Oaks field. The filly is eligible for the Group 2 event after nominating for a cancelled heat. Though she’s at the bottom of the qualifying ladder, the expected withdrawal of other fillies will secure her a spot. Who earns top honours between Utah Jazz and Captain’s Mistress will be of most interest to harness racing fans and punters, rather than their connections. Both fillies are trained by Williamson and raced by Mick Boots. View the full article

By Michael Guerin The Alexandra Park meeting postponed on Thursday because of shocking weather in Auckland will move to Saturday, but with one race less. The meeting is a crucial lead-up to next Friday’s five Group-1 race meeting at the same venue, with Thursday’s canned meeting scheduled to hold both the Oaks and Derby Preludes. But Cyclone Tam has brought heavy rainfall and strong winds and left thousands of homes in the upper North Island without power. Ferries have also been cancelled and many domestic flights in and out of Auckland have been delayed or cancelled. The call to postpone the meeting was made early afternoon on Thursday over weather and safety concerns. An almost identical meeting will now be held on Saturday night but with the last race, a maiden, canned because of TAB scheduling constraints. To assist the connections of horses who would have started in that maiden race HRNZ will add a new maiden race to next Friday’s massive meeting, with the stake raised from $15,000 to $20,000 and preference given to horses who were in the now deleted race. Almost all bets on the meeting scheduled for Thursday have been refunded but the TAB are sticking solid on their Box Seat Boosted Bet, having given a $3 price for a $100 maximum bet on Beside Me to win the Northern Oaks Prelude. TAB bookmaker Ben Grimstone confirmed the special bet will stand even though Beside Me was into $1.70 on Thursday afternoon. Horses who had been scratched from Thursday’s programme are eligible to go back into the fields for Saturday. The Alexandra Park meeting will now run alongside a huge programme from Addington. To see the Auckland fields click here View the full article

HRNZ is hitting the road in late April-early May. It will host roadshows from Invercargill to Auckland to explain the latest initiatives by the Utilisation Reference Group (URG) that have been endorsed by the HRNZ Board. Among the topics that will be addressed are : The Conduct of Race Meetings Handicapping and Programming of Races The Rating System Scratchings Operating of the National Bureau Amendments to Claiming Races. The schedule for the Roadshows is : Invercargill, 1 pm, Monday April 28 – Racecourse Oamaru, 2pm, Tuesday April 29 – Racecourse, after the trials Timaru, 11am, Wednesday 30 April – Racecourse Ashburton, 2pm, Wednesday 30 April – Racecourse Christchurch, 7pm, Monday May 5 – Blossom Lady Lounge, Addington Cambridge, 1pm, Wednesday May 7 – Cambridge Raceway Pukekohe Training Centre, 7pm, Wednesday May 8th For more information contact john.mooney@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

What W.A.T.C. Derby Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, April 19, 2025 First Race 11:54am AWST Visit Dabble The Group 2 W.A.T.C. Derby will headline the nine-race card at Ascot this Saturday afternoon, where the opening event is scheduled to jump at 11:54am AEST. The track is expected to remain in the Good 4 range with no rain and perfect weather forecast in the lead-up to the meeting. The rail will move back into its true position for the entire circuit. W.A.T.C. Derby tip: Machine Gun Gracie Machine Gun Gracie recorded another dominant three-length victory in the Group 3 WA Oaks, where the Justine Erkelens-trained filly was ridden confidently on speed before running away from her rivals late. The daughter of Maschino has beaten up on her fellow fillies throughout this campaign and now she will clash with the geldings in the W.A.T.C. Derby. Given there is no speed expected in this race, Machine Gun Gracie can dominate from the front and win again. W.A.T.C. Derby Race 6 – #4 Machine Gun Gracie (3) 3yo Filly | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Shaun O’Donnell (55kg) Best Bet at Ascot: Jaz Session Jaz Session is a galloper who is in career-best form, following a hat trick of wins in as many starts over 1000m and 1200m at this track. Justine Erkelens and Shaun O’Donnell will combine with this daughter of Sessions for the fifth straight start, seeking their fourth win this preparation. From barrier six, Jaz Session will need to find a back to follow, and if she does, another win will be on the cards. Best Bet Race 9 – #7 Jaz Session (6) 4yo Mare | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Shaun O’Donnell (56.5kg) Next Best at Ascot: Black Ora After returning with an arrogant victory at Pinjarra when first-up off a 13-week spell, Adam Durrant brings Black Ora to Ascot for the third time in her career. The daughter of Playing God settled behind the speed and received a great run in transit before peeling off the leaders heels to run away from her rivals and record a 2.2-length win. William Pike has retained the ride on Black Ora, and from barrier four, a similar run and result is expected in the opening race. Next Best Race 1 – #4 Black Ora (4) 3yo Filly | T: Adam Durrant | J: William Pike (54.5kg) Best Value at Ascot: Pull The Trigger Pull The Trigger returns from 21-week spell with the benefit of a nice barrier trial over 1000m at Pinjarra on April 7. The Daniel & Ben Pearce-trained gelding settled at the back of the field and ran on strongly in the final 300m under no riding to finish fourth. An in-form Lucy Fiore hops in the saddle for the first time, and if Pull The Trigger can get to the outside of runners on the home turn, the +2000 with horse racing bookmakers will turn out to be a great each-way bet. Best Value Race 4 – #5 Pull The Trigger (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Lucy Fiore (57kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, April 19, 2025 1-4 1-2-3-7-9 1-3-7 1-4-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Australian handler prepares to break new ground with first overseas runner in Hong Kong on Sunday week.View the full article

Chad Ormsby made a late call to ride his own horse Kirrawee (NZ) (Vanbrugh) in the Lest We Forget 1600 at Matamata on Thursday and that decision proved a winning one for the former top hoop. The former Group One-winning jockey stepped away from full-time riding in 2012, but briefly returned in the 2020/21 season, guiding home a further 10 winners during this period. Ormsby hasn’t ridden on raceday since Boxing Day in 2020, turning his complete focus to his business Riverrock Farm, which specialises in training, pre-training, young horse education and Ready To Run Sales preparation, all of which he has found success in, including winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) with Pulchritudinous. Since that triumph last year, Ormsby has continued to build his racing team, with Kirrawee entering his care initially for re-training purposes but now has had three starts for the Matamata horseman. The son of Vanbrugh didn’t have conditions to suit in another race on Thursday’s card, persuading Ormsby to take the reins in the highweight event. After jumping well from the inside draw, Ormsby eased Kirrawee out of the early contest for the lead, which was briefly held by Cuban Revolution (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) before Vadasha (NZ) (Vadamos) pulled her way to the front. Ormsby found the back of race-favourite Romanin (NZ) (Eminent) at the 600m and stalked him into the home turn, and after getting into the clear, Kirrawee powered away and coasted to the line to score by nearly four lengths. “This horse drew badly in the three-year-old only race and also couldn’t get a suitable rider there, purely because he can be a difficult ride and he needs a well-seasoned jockey to gel with him,” Ormsby said. “The option was to put him in the highweight, and after he drew one in race one, it tipped the scales a bit and I thought I’d better ride him myself. It wasn’t at all what I’d planned to do, to pull the silks back on, but it worked out well. “He’s not the easiest to ride as I’ve witnessed for myself today, but he’s still learning and there is a lot of potential there. Once the penny drops, I think you’ll see him go through the grades. “He came to us as a bit of a problem child, he was destined to go to another stable but through various reasons he’s stayed and we’re now reaping the rewards.” Ormsby also partnered Catherine Cameron’s Raajoices (NZ) (Iffraaj) to third in the other highweight contest for Rating 65 gallopers but said that it won’t be a regular occurrence for him through the winter. “I had a bit of a stint (riding) just after COVID, but I’m enjoying what I’m doing with our business at home and the idea of riding again has never really resurfaced, there wasn’t really an itch to scratch,” he said. “I’m not intentionally looking to continue riding in the highweights, but potentially if there was a highweight that suited one of my horses as similar to today, the opportunity to ride may come up later. “But being out there today was nice, it’s helpful with fast horses but even just going back to the jockeys room and seeing some of the older jockeys that I rode with all those years ago, it was nice to have that camaraderie again. “I definitely copped a bit of stick from the boys.” View the full article

Dubai’s Potiki (NZ) (Ocean Park) has inherited all the better qualities of his talented dam and Chrissy Bambry hopes he can follow in her Group Three-winning footsteps at Ellerslie on Saturday. He is the youngest and final foal out of Dubai Belle (NZ) (E Dubai), a winner of the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) in the care of Bambry’s father Tony. The mare passed away only days after Dubai’s Potiki was born, and after being passed in at the National Yearling Sales, he has been retained by the family to race. “She died when he was about three days old, but we had another mare here that had lost her foal two weeks prior and fortunately we managed to get her to take him,” Bambry said. “He’s a pretty special little horse. “They’ve both had their little quirks, but he is a really athletic type like her as well. She did good things as she got older and I think he’ll develop into a really nice Cups horse.” While still a maiden after 12 appearances, the gelding has placed on six occasions, highlighted by an impressive last-start second behind Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer) in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m). He started at a quote of $37 on that occasion and he may fly under the radar again when taking on the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m). In between the two contests, Bambry has taken Dubai’s Potiki back to her local trials at Foxton twice, including on Tuesday where he comfortably took out his 1200m heat. “He’s just taken a bit to mentally mature, but he’s always been a horse I’ve thought a heap of,” Bambry said. “He’s only going to get better with a little bit more time. “He can over-race a little bit and we’ve been trying to ride him cold, and he did the six-day back-up into the Manawatu Classic, so I thought this would take the sting out of him a little bit. “He’ll work on the water treadmill until he goes to Ellerslie, so it’s a system that works well for him.” Bambry had initially been aiming for the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) last month, but a trip to Brisbane is still on the cards for her charge if he was able to build on his last-start effort. “I thought he was going to be my Derby horse, but it just came around too quickly for him,” she said. “The Queensland Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) is still in the back of our minds if he could do something similar on Saturday.” Bambry will travel north with another two runners, including proven stakes-performer Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), who will resume in the KRA Trophy (1400m). A four-year-old by U S Navy Flag, Chantilly Lace is a dual-Listed winner and will follow a similar path that she did last winter, after failing to get in foal in the spring. “She’s come up really well this prep, she didn’t get in foal last year which was unfortunate, but hopefully a blessing in disguise,” Bambry said. “It’ll be her first run back, so we’ve elected to claim with a lot of weight on. She’s run well right-handed at Tauranga before, so since we were going up, with the forecast rain we felt it would be a nice starting point for her. “There’s a nice fillies and mares race at Tauranga that I’ll target with her (Listed Tauranga Classic, 1400m), and the Wanganui weight-for-age (Listed AGC Training Stakes, 1600m) that she ran fourth in last year as well, where she was pretty unlucky. “They’ll be her two winter targets, then hopefully we can pick up some more black-type in the spring.” Completing her representatives will be Phats (NZ) (Embellish), a talented stayer aiming to bounce back to form in the Manco 2100. Another homebred galloper, Phats found his best form at this time in his three-year-old term, earning himself a two-race campaign over winter in Victoria. He continued that consistency into the early part of this season, but failed to produce his best as favourite a fortnight ago at Wanganui. “He was a bit of a head-scratcher at Wanganui, I think the sticky track played a part there, but he can be a little bit on the lazy side, so I just asked Ryan (Elliot, jockey) to make him think about what he was doing on Tuesday (at the Foxton trials),” she said. “He may need a bit of encouragement, but up to 2100 will suit him and I don’t think going right-handed will be a drama for him. “Hopefully we’ll see the best of him again.” View the full article

What All-Aged Stakes Day 2025 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse When Saturday, April 19, 2025 First Race 11:25am AEST Visit Dabble The Sydney autumn carnival comes to a close at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday afternoon, with the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) headlining the action on a stacked 10-part program. The rail moves out +6m from the 1000m marker to winning post, while the remainder is out +5m. Drying conditions leading into the weekend should allow the surface to be upgraded into the Good range prior to the opening event at 11:25am local time. Check our Race-By-Race preview for All Aged Stakes Day down below. Race 1: BM72 Midway Handicap (1400m) The Kim Waugh-trained Northern Eyes appears ready to strike heading into this fourth-up assignment after contesting some testing Provincial-Midway Championship Qualifiers, with the Zoustar gelding taking a dramatic drop back in grade. He was a Midway winner at this course and distance towards the end of last preparation, stringing together a four-straight win in stylish fashion. He fits in nicely after the claim of apprentice hoop Anna Roper, and with barrier three allowing the pair to slot into the one-one, Northern Eye is a good each-way play with horse racing bookmakers to kick-off the card at Randwick. Selections: 1 NORTHERN EYES 14 ENGINE ROOM 12 STARBOARD 5 APOLLO MISSION Race 2: Class 3 Highway Handicap (1400m) Rouge Moulin was simply outclassed in his most recent outing in the $1 million Country Championships (1400m) at this same track and trip on April 5. He couldn’t chase a hot speed on that occasion and wants a bone-dry track, which is exactly what he should get in this Highway contest. Clayton Gallagher will be looking to drop in for cover from stall seven, and provided the breaks fall his way when trying to get clear, Rouge Moulin has the class to get the job done at this level. Selections: 7 ROUGE MOULIN 9 WIN THE DAY 7 MCKEON 6 HEIR JORDAN Race 3: Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) Swiftfalcon must be considered one of the better bets of the day as he steps out in the Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m). There’s no doubt he’s been testing the patience of punters, finishing in the minor money on all four occasions this preparation; however, this appears to be an ideal setup for the son of Exceedance. The likes of Shangri La Spring and Plymouth should mean they go along at a genuine clip, and although Swiftfalcon will be dropped out the back by Tyler Schiller from gate seven, watch for this guy to circling them all at the top of the straight, securing a much-deserved victory for believers. Selections: 1 SWIFTFALCON 7 MAISON LOUIS 2 FIRM AGREEMENT 10 MISS ALEXIS Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Swiftfalcon (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | J: Tyler Schiller (56.5kg) Race 4: Group 3 James H.B. Carr Stakes (1400m) Punters can be more than forgiving of Clean Energy last time out, sitting three-and-four deep without cover when finishing fourth behind She’s Got Pizzazz in the Group 3 P.J. Bell Stakes (1200m). She was brave to still finish within a half-length of some key rivals lining up here, and the daughter of Zoustar should have no issues in handling the step-up to 1400m fourth-up into the campaign. Tim Clark has the option to lead or slot into the one-one from barrier two, and provided Clean Energy can bounce back to her best after a testing effort, She’ll have no issue justifying the short price with . Selections: 1 CLEAN ENERGY 2 ZEITUNG 4 LILAC 3 SNOW IN MAY Next Best Race 4 – #1 Clean Energy (2) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (56kg) Race 5: BM88 Handicap (1200m) Countyourblessings returns after a 92-day spell and represents good value at the $9 with . The daughter of I Am Invincible comes back to Sydney after a disappointing trip to Queensland, finishing unplaced in two slow run affairs. She needs a hot speed to execute at her peak, with the BM88 contest presenting as the deal setup. Barrier one should allow Kerrin McEvoy to slot into a stalking position mid-field with cover, and provided the inside running is still good enough late in the day, watch for Countyourblessings to dart clear in the concluding stages. Selections: 9 COUNTYOURBLESSINGS 15 GETAFIX 8 NEED SOME LUCK 2 TOPANGA Best Value Race 5 – #9 Countyourblessings (1) 4yo Mare | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Kerrin McEvoy (55kg) Race 6: Group 3 JRA Plate (2000m) Flying Bandit gets his first crack at black-type and appears well placed in the Group 3 JRA Plate (2000m). The son of Trapeze Artist had to be gritty in his latest effort at Hawkesbury on April 9, lifting off the canvas after copping a chequered passage when turning for home. He still got the job done and now gets in on the minimum (53kg), dropping 6.5kg after lugging the big weight to a dominant win. Jay Ford maps to gain the run of the race from barrier three, and if he’s good enough, Flying Bandit should get every chance to keep rising through the grades. Selections: 14 FLYING BANDIT 3 ENCAP 4 KLONDIKE 6 NEW ENDEAVOUR JRA Plate Race 6 – #14 Flying Bandit (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Kerry Parker | J: Jay Ford (53kg) Race 7: Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) The Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) is for the two-year-olds, where a quality field of 12 has assembled for the $1 million feature. The team Hawkes-trained Federalist gets the nod at a good each-way price with after a moderate effort in the Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m), unable to sprint off a slow tempo in the second leg of the two-year-old triple crown. There should be plenty of speed as many of these step-up to the mile for the first time, and with Nash Rawiller likely to smoke the pipe towards the rear of the field, watch for Federalist to come with a withering burst to claim the 2025 Champagne Stakes. Selections: 6 FEDERALIST 1 STATE VISIT 7 WITHIN THE LAW 3 BUFFALO Champagne Stakes Race 7 – #6 Federalist (9) 2yo Colt | T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | J: Nash Rawiller (56.5kg) Race 8: Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) A star-studded field of 14 are set to battle it out for the $1.5 million prize in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m). 12 of the 14 runners engaged have already attained Group 1 honours in the past, including this year’s dominant favourite with horse racing bookmakers Briasa ($3.50). Jimmysstar, Joliestar and Broadsiding all share the second line of betting at $6.50 and have been well backed to cause an upset, while last year’s winner Magic Time ($12) leads the charge of those at double-figure odds. Click here for our full preview of the 2025 All Aged Stakes Race 9: Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) Mazu was well held in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) on April 1, where race rival General Salute was simply too strong to the line. He gets an all-important 6.5kg swing in the weights, however, and looks to gain complete control of this race from barrier one. Jamie Melham should land onto the leaders’ back throughout, and if Mazu can get back to his brilliant best, he’ll prove hard to hold out in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m). Selections: 5 MAZU 7 OSTRAKA 9 GENERAL SALUTE 1 JEDIBEEL Hall Mark Stakes Race 9 – #5 Mazu (1) 6yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Jamie Melham (58kg) Race 10: BM100 Handicap (1400m) The dartboard may be required for the final race of the program, with a stacked field of 15 set to go round in this BM100. It’s Tavi Time gets the nod, however, returning from a 114-day spell as he pinched a Group 3 success before heading to the paddock. He’s trialled nicely heading into this first-up assignment, and with the son of Tavistock luring Australia’s leading hoop, it suggest this guy can get the job done to round out All Aged Stakes Day. Selections: 5 TAVI TIME 10 I’MINTOWIN 12 GREEN FLY 8 STRAIT ACER All Aged Stakes Day quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, April 19, 2025 1-2-3-6-7 1-2-4-7-9-10-11-14 5-7 2-5-8-9-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

David Hayes and Zac Purton delighted with the three-time Group One winner’s effortless win on the dirt on Thursday morning.View the full article

What Eagle Farm Races Where Eagle Farm Racecourse – 230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, April 19, 2025 First Race 10:59am AEST Visit Dabble The Listed Daybreak Lover and Ascot Handicap will headline the 10-race card at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, but with warm weather forecast in the coming days, it is expected that the track will firm into the Good range by raceday. The rail will be in the +3m position for the entire circuit, with the first race scheduled to jump at 10:59am AEST. Daybreak Lover tip: Give Me Space Give Me Space will return from a 13-week spell to contest the Daybreak Lover, following an impressive preparation over the summer months. The Barry Lockwood-trained gelding concluded his campaign with a slashing second-place finish in the Magic Million 3YO Guineas on January 17. This son of Cosmic Force has a booming turn of foot on him, and if he is within four lengths of the leader rounding the home corner, Give Me Space will be right in the finish. Daybreak Lover Race 9 – #13 Give Me Space (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Barry Lockwood | J: Luke Dempsey (57kg) Ascot Handicap tip: Spacewalk James Cummings has chosen to switch Spacewalk from Victoria to Queensland after recording a fourth-place finish in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington first-up. This son of Exosphere was held up behind runners going past the 300m mark before getting into clear air to finish off nicely. Now that he strikes an easier race up north, expect a better performance from Spacewalk at great each-way odds with horse racing bookmakers. Ascot Handicap Race 8 – #3 Spacewalk (12) 5yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Ryan Maloney (58.5kg) Best Bet at Eagle Farm: Depth Of Character Depth Of Character was very good in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Randwick last start and he will drop back in grade to compete against lesser rivals here. Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald must be more than happy with how the son of Deep Field is going, after choosing to not put a claiming apprentice on board and allow him to carry 61.5kg. If Ryan Maloney can settle behind the speed and work off the fence before the home turn, Depth Of Character will prove too strong late. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Depth Of Character (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibals | J: Ryan Maloney (61.5kg) Next Best at Eagle Farm: Demon Darb After last weekend’s meeting at Doomben was cancelled, Demon Darb was made to wait another week before racing again, but it appears that he has found another winnable race on Saturday. The Robert Heathcote-trained gelding was a dominant 3.7-length winner over 1600m at Doomben on April 1, when he proved way too good for his BM70 rivals. Although he will need a scratching to get into the race, if things fall his way, Demon Darb can bring up back-to-back wins with another strong performance. Next Best Race 7 – #17 Demon Darb (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Robert Heathcote | J: Bailey Wheeler (56.5kg) Best Value at Eagle Farm: Sicilian Tony Gollan and Emily Lang will combine with Sicilian for the second straight start, when she competes in a BM70 contest over 1200m. This daughter of I Am Invincible finished second behind Enterprise Lucia over 1000m first-up, after settling on speed and slightly peaking on her run with 100m to go. With natural improvement expected in between runs, the +1200 on offer with Neds is over the odds for Sicilian in this contest. Best Value Race 4 – #5 Sicilian (18) 4yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Emily Lang (a1.5) (60.5kg) Saturday’s quaddie tips for Eagle Farm races Eagle Farm quadrella selections Saturday, April 19, 2025 4-10-12-17 1-3-4-9 1-2-3-5 4-6-9-22 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Giga Kick. (Photo: George Sal – Racing Photos) Dual Group 1-winning sprinter Giga Kick will launch his autumn campaign in The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 10, bypassing a return trip to Queensland for the Doomben 10,000. The five-year-old, owned by Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing, impressed in a 1000-metre jump-out at Balnarring on Wednesday, clocking a slick 59.03s. That performance sealed the decision to head south instead. “We spoke to Jonathan, and it’s too tempting with the minimum weight, so rather than go to the Doomben 10,000, he’s going to go to The Goodwood,” racing manager Rod Douglas told Racing.com. “He ran a fast time (59.03s) this morning, as quick as they go down there and reeled in that decent mare of the Freedmans (Austmarr). “He seems good, Mark (Zahra) was happy with him, he had a bit of a blow, so he’ll probably have a trial the week after next and that will leave him with ten or 12 days into The Goodwood.” Giga Kick, winner of the 2022 Everest and 2023 All-Aged Stakes, is expected to race just twice this autumn, with the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on May 31 also on the agenda. Mark Zahra will take the ride in Adelaide, with horse racing bookmakers rating Giga Kick a $3 favourite for The Goodwood. Horse racing news View the full article

Waltham. (Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au) Trainer Matthew Smith has the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in mind for Waltham following the import’s eye-catching second in last Saturday’s Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m). Sent out at $51, the gelding stormed home under Reece Jones to finish three lengths off Arapaho, and Smith believes the result could have been even closer with a cleaner run. “He got chopped out in the last 300 metres. It might have been interesting if he didn’t,” Smith told Racing.com. “That should nearly get him qualified for the Melbourne Cup. We’ll see what (rating) they give him and that will determine what we do.” The run came just a week after Waltham was unplaced in the Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m), but Smith said the conditions made all the difference. “We were expecting a run like that the week before, but the tempo didn’t suit him. They went slow. “He’s a genuine mile-and-a-half, two-miler and with the good speed on Saturday it suited him. “It was a really good ride and he was just a bit unlucky I suppose.” A dual winner in Ireland, Waltham notched his first Australian win three starts back in a Benchmark 85 (2400m) at the Gold Coast and also finished third in the Group 3 St Leger Stakes last spring. “I’ve been really excited about this horse since he arrived,” Smith said. “He’s a good horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Mornington Cup Day 2025 Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Saturday, April 19, 2025 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Feature racing in Victoria heads to Mornington Racecourse on Saturday afternoon for a stacked 10-race card commencing at 11:50am AEST. The Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) headlines the program, with the winner set to receive ballot exemption for the 2025 Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Mostly clear skies are forecast for race day, with the slight chance of a shower in the second half of the card, but with the rail in the true position, there should be no excuses for fancied runners. Mornington Cup Tip: Night Endeavor Night Endeavor caught the eye first-up from a short spell in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m). The son of Shalaa settled midfield on that day, and if it wasn’t for a hold-up in running for the first half of the home straight, the six-year-old arguably should have won. Jye McNeil only needs a bum to follow approaching the home turn, and Night Endeavor should be able to overhaul his rivals in the 2025 Mornington Cup. Mornington Cup Race 8 – #9 Night Endeavor (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jye McNeil (54kg) Hareeba Stakes Tip: Regal Vow Regal Vow has three wins from as many starts when second-up into a campaign, and if she takes any form of improvement from her fresh run at Caulfield over 1400m, she is sure to produce a bold showing stepping back to 1200m. The race was run to suit those up on speed, so the fact the Swear mare rattled home late to be beaten by a length reads pretty well. Hareeba Stakes Race 8 – #6 Regal Vow (3) 5yo Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Beau Mertens (54kg) Best Bet at Mornington: Verdad Verdad was simply awful last time out at Moonee Valley on March 22, but there were plenty of horses who put in a stinker on a poor track that day. The four-year-old gelding was excellent the start prior at Flemington when winning by 1.3 lengths. Verdad needs to lug 61kg, but Ben Melham will have him close to the speed throughout and poised to kick away in the home straight. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Verdad (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths | J: Ben Melham (61kg) Next Best at Mornington: Foujita San Foujita San has been impressive in his last three starts, albeit without breaking through for a victory. The five-year-old gelding was beaten by the barest of margins in the Group 3 Easter Cup and finished ahead of Night Endeavor, which reads well. Jye McNeil will need a touch of luck from barrier two, but if he can have Foujita San in the moving line, his finishing burst should prove too much for this field. Next Best Race 4 – #3 Foujita San (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Jye McNeil (56kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Saturday, April 19, 2025 2-7-11-14 1-2-5-6-9 1-2-3-4-6-9 2-3-4-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Kiwi Skyhawk will contest the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. (Photo: Peter Rubery – Race Images Palmerston North) Stephen Marsh will have numbers on his side on Saturday when he looks to build on his personal best tally of black type winners in a season. The Cambridge trainer has 14 stakes victories to his credit, two behind the Te Akau duo of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, and he will be heavy handed in two of the feature contests at Ellerslie. Marsh has Kiwi Skyhawk, Bourbon Proof and Roctave in the Group 3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) with Sneak Peek on the ballot and Little Black Dress, Lady Iris and Mazino to look forward to in the Listed Skycity Star Way Stakes (1200m). He also has Tardelli set to take on the older horses in Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) with regular rider Michael McNab to guide the three-year-olds chances and a wider gate (12) isn’t a concern. “I don’t mind the draw for him, it will give him a little bit of room to move and it certainly won’t worry him,” Marsh said. “There’s a good run down the back straight from the mile and with McNab on, I’m very keen on him.” Tardelli was successful on the course two runs back before he was unplaced after clipping heels in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Of his trio in the Championship Stakes, Marsh is leaning toward impressive last start Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) winner Kiwi Skyhawk with Matt Cartwright retaining the ride. “He has a beautiful gate in one and Bourbon Proof has 18, which won’t make it easy for him, and I’m happy with them both but Kiwi Skyhawk was great last time so the draws very much favour him,” he said. “They will go to the paddock after this, they’ve both had solid campaigns. “Roctave is only coming out of a maiden distance race and won it very well, we know he’s good and strong and he’s certainly a sneaky chance.” Star Way Stakes contenders Little Black Dress and Lady Iris won their respective debuts at Pukekohe and Matamata while Mazino was runner-up behind the former at the first time of asking. “They are three nicely bred fillies that deserve their chances at black type,” Marsh said. “The way Little Black Dress won, I think I’d learn her way if she gets a touch of luck from the draw (nine).” Wiremu Pinn will be on Little Black Dress again, George Rooke guides Lady Iris and Courtney Barnes partners Mazino. Horse racing news View the full article

You Say D’Orsay is among the key contenders for Saturday’s Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie. (Photo: Kenton Wright – Race Images) Cambridge trainer Chris Wood will head north to Ellerslie on Saturday with a trio of runners, headlined by his in-form gelding You Say D’Orsay, who will be aiming to secure an early easter treat in the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m). The four-year-old son of Under The Louvre just went down by a head to Saturday race-rival Sacred Satono over 1300m at Ellerslie a fortnight ago, and Wood is hoping his charge can turn the tables on the Group One performer this weekend. “He went a good race last time and just got beaten by Sacred Satono,” he said. “There wasn’t much in it and I see he (Sacred Satono) has got 60kg this week and we have got 53kg, which is similar to what it was last time. “There will be a bit of rain around, which won’t worry us too much, and the horse has trained on well. “This is his grand final this time around and he will go out for a break after this for six to eight weeks and then come back and we should have a nice, handy horse for the spring.” Earlier on the card, Wood’s promising juvenile That’s Gold is also set to have his last start before a break in the Listed SkyCity Star Way Stakes (1200m), but Wood said if the wet weather persists, he may head to the paddock a little earlier. “I like him, he just hasn’t had a lot of luck,” Wood said. “If it rains too much and it gets too wet, I will probably take him out and take his shoes off and give him six weeks out as well. “If he goes, I have put blinkers on, and he has worked well with them on. He is nice and bright and he has come through his last run well.” Wood’s trio of representatives will be rounded out by Noble Boy in the Trackside.co.nz 1600. The five-year-old son of Redwood has placed in his last two outings, and he will have to overcome his wide barrier to score a similar result this weekend. “He is well out in 18,” Wood said. “I don’t mind big fields, it gives the punters an option. He will probably go as long as it’s not bottomless, which I don’t think Ellerslie will be. He worked up well, has done everything right and he is a happy horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) has added two Group One victories to her record this season and she will attempt to make it a third when she heads to Randwick on Saturday to tackle the All Aged Stakes (1400m). The lightly-raced mare has just had three runs this season, winning the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last September before doubling up in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham in January. She didn’t handle the firm going when sixth in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa a month later and has been freshened ahead of her hit-and-run Australian mission. She travelled over to Sydney on Sunday, and trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have received positive reports ahead of her Easter weekend assignment. “She did a good, solid gallop in Matamata on Saturday, and we think her work was as good as it has ever been,” Scott said. “She went over on Sunday and Linda Burton, her regular attendant, accompanied her. She has really settled in well and it has just been quiet work on her arrival. We will just canter her through to the weekend. Linda is really pleased with her and she knows her really well.” While pleased with his mare ahead of her Australian debut, Scott is wary of the star-studded line-up and her tricky barrier of 12. “We would have liked to have got a bit better barrier to aid our chance, but hopefully she can step-up on the weekend and give us a good line going forward,” he said. “She is going as well as she can go, it’s just the quality of the field is somewhat stronger than what she has faced before. “We didn’t anticipate it would be this strong of a field, but it just means we are going to get a really good line on next season and where we set our targets. “Jason (Collett) is a good jockey, and he is in terrific form at the present time, and he is going to get off and give us a good lead forward too.” Grail Seeker will continue the one-and-done theme of her season and return to New Zealand in preparation for the spring following her All Aged Stakes run. “We are looking to bring her straight home afterward this,” Scott said. Back in New Zealand, the stable will be represented by a quartet of runners in the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, including Little Bit Of Love (NZ) (Time Test), Mosinvador (NZ) (Vadamos), Uderzo (NZ) (Vadamos), and Desert Mystic (NZ) (Satono Aladdin). “Little Bit Of Love loves when there is a bit of moisture in the ground,” Scott said of the last start winner. “He just needs a bit of luck and he’ll get a bit of one of these races. “Mosinvador is a promising young horse that is only getting better with age. He is going to be in these races next season, but it might just be 12 months away. “Desert Mystic got caught wide from a wide gate last time and didn’t draw much better on the weekend (16). He is another that gets around Ellerslie really well and he loves a bit of give in the ground.” On the undercard, Scott is also upbeat about the chances of Monday Melody in the Trackside.co.nz (1600m), Reptak (NZ) (Shocking) in the Trackside.co.nz 1200, and Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo) in the Join TAB Racing Club 1200. “Monday Melody is racing super consistent,” Scott said. “He has been drawing pretty wide gates and he just needs a good bit of fortune in the run to give him his best chance. “We think Reptak will sprint well fresh. He is owned by the same connections as Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and he trialled really well up there (Ellerslie) not so long ago. “Grande Gallo gets around Ellerslie well and is improving with racing. She is a big, burly mare that has certainly taken a bit of racing to get fit, and we think she is close to top fitness. With any kind of moisture in the ground that will only improve her chances as well.” View the full article