Wandering Eyes

Daryz overhauled favorite Minnie Hauk just strides from the finish to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) Oct. 5 in the colors of the late owner-breeder, the Aga Khan.View the full article

Aidan O'Brien and Christophe Soumillon completed the juvenile group 1-double on Arc day Oct. 5 as Puerto Rico dominated the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1) from the front, holding Nighttime and Rayif at bay for a 2 1/2 length success. View the full article

The final round of preps for the Breeders' Cup took place this weekend and there was no shortage of stories or races. There were 26 graded stakes run from Friday through Sunday and nine of them were Grade I's. As always, this weekend helped to clear up the Breeders' Cup picture. Here's a look at what happened: GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile: You had three races, the GI Champagne, the GI Breeders' Futurity and the GI American Pharoah and each race featured a potential superstar in Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) and It's Our Time (Not This Time). It was a somewhat disappointing show from the juveniles as Desert Gate and It's Our Time didn't come through, but Ned Toffey did in spades. Yes, Brant (Gun Runner), the $3-million colt residing in the Bob Baffert barn passed the American Pharoah and will go in the Juvenile as one of the horses to beat. But not the horse to beat. That's clearly Ted Noffey, who looked very good while beating a tough competitor in Blackout Time (Not This Time) by 2 3/4 lengths in the Breeders' Futurity. He was the star 2-year-old of the day. In the Champagne, It's Our Time didn't come back to run anywhere close to his smashing debut. He finished fourth, beaten 8 1/4 lengths. Would be surprised if trainer Tom Amoss sent him to the Breeders' Cup. The winner was Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) who won by 6 1/2 lengths and obviously deserves a spot in the Juvenile. In the American Pharoah, Bob Baffert started four of the six horses in the field, but could not win the race for the 14th time as Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) mowed down Baffert's Desert Gate in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a lengths for trainer Jeff Mullins. He looks like an improving horse who will have a shot in the Juvenile. GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies: This does not look like a particularly strong group and the GI Frizette came up particularly weak. The winner was the New York-bred Iron Orchard (Authentic), who won by a nose over Rileytole (Mitole). Neither one looks like they'll be a major factor in the Juvenile Fillies. In the GI Oak Leaf at Santa Anita, the Baffert-trained Explora (Blame) was an easy winner at 2-5, making amends for her losing the GI Del Mar Debutante at 3-5. Baffert also has Del Mar Futurity winner Bottle of Rouge (Vino Rosso) waiting in the wings. The GI Alcibaides was certainly the strangest race of the weekend. Heavy favorite Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) crossed the wire second, but was placed first when the stewards took down Percy's Bar (Upstart), who mugged Tommy Jo. Even if she had crossed the wire first, this was not a great effort from Tommy Jo, who wasn't the same horse who won the GI Spinaway by 6 1/2 lengths. Her stock has fallen. The GI Breeders' Cup Turf: There was only one race for this group, the GI Canadian International at Woodbine. The even-money favorite was Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who disappointed in a third-place effort. The winner, however was another European shipper, Wathnan Racing's Silawi (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won by a nose over Tawny Port (Pioneerof the Nile), who suffered his 15th consecutive loss. Can't see anyone from the group winning on Breeders' Cup day. The GI Breeders' Cup Sprint: The key prep this week was Friday's GII Phoenix S. at Keeneland. Nakatomi (Firing Line) won by a neck over Durante. It was a modest field of six. Don't expect a Sprint winner to come out of this. The GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint: There were two preps for this group, the GII Nearctic S. at Woodbine and the GII Woodford at Keeneland. Woodford winner Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) ran an incredible race. He lost about two or three lengths when breaking slowly and was still last in midstretch. But, under Frankie Dettori, he somehow got by the whole field to win by a neck. The amazing 9-year-old ran third in a Grade II race at Kentucky Downs in his prior start. Certainly belongs in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Bring theband Home (Into Mischief) went off as the 1-2 favorite in the Nearctic and laid an egg, finishing last. The winner was No Nay Hudson (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is a solid turf sprinter, but doesn't look like Breeders' Cup material. More interestingly, 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}) ran a much-improved effort to finish second and might be rounding back in top form. The GI Breeders' Cup Filly Sprint: Seven lined up for the GII Thoroughbred Club of America S. and the bettors thought it was a two-horse race between Vahva (Gun Runner) and Zeitlos (Curlin), but neither was able to handle the 3-year-old Praying (Vekoma). Also the winner of the GIII Prioress S., Praying is hot right now, but might find the waters to be too deep in the Breeders' Cup. Vahva, who finished second, may not have liked the six-furlong distance. A seven-furlong specialist, she'll return to her favorite distance in the Breeders' Cup and will deserve another chance. The GIII Chillingsworth S. featured the return of Tamara (Bolt d'Oro), the daughter of Hall of Famer Beholder. She had had just one start since the 2023 Breeders' Cup, so she has to have some problems. But winning this race was a big step and makes her a contender in the Filly Sprint. She got a 95 Beyer. GI Juvenile Fillies Turf: Brendan Walsh and Frankie Dettori teamed up to take the GII Jessamine S. with Imaginationthelady (Not This Time). But her Beyer figure of 73 doesn't bode well for the Breeders' Cup. Remember Ground Support (Army Mule)? She won on debut at Kentucky Downs at the price of 100-1. She was only 12-1 in the GII Miss Grillo S. at Aqueduct, and rewarded her backers again. She wired the field under Adam Beschizza. Can she win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf? Why not? She obviously likes to win, no matter what her odds are. GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Chad Brown had been invincible in the GI First Lady, winning the race eight times, including the last seven runnings. But nobody's perfect. The best Brown could do was a second-place finish with Segesta (Ghostzapper). The win went to Simply in Front (Summer Front), who was dismissed at 13-1. Simply in Front is a consistent sort and is in particularly good form now. But will need a huge effort to win in the Breeders' Cup. GI Breeders' Cup Mile: They made European Group 1 winner Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) the heavy favorite in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile, but he could do no better than fifth for Aidan O'Brien. Meanwhile Rhetorical (Not This Time), a New York-bred trained by Will Walden, won his fourth straight and his first open company stakes. He also got a 101 Beyer, the best number given to any of the weekend's stakes winners. Beating the Euros in the Mile is never an easy task. They have won four of the last five years, but this horse is for real. Editor's Note: Sunday's GI Spinster S. was run after the deadline for this story. The post The Week in Review: A Slew of Stakes Races and How They Might Affect the Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In many ways, the seven-furlong G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret around ParisLongchamp's bends was tailor-made for Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) and with the all-important draw and testing ground in his favour he was able to produce a career-defining performance on what looks to be his swansong. While this is a 'Win And You're In' for the Breeders' Cup Mile, the chances are we have seen the last of Bond Thoroughbred's high-powered cruiser who had so long promised to live up to his status as a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard. Always full of energy on the front end under Aurelien Lemaitre, the 9-2 shot who had been placed in the Prix Jean Prat and City Of York kicked decisively in the straight en route to a 1 1/4-length success from The Aga Khan Studs homebred Zarigana (Siyouni). “He is definitely the best horse I've trained–he is so good,” Christopher Head said. “He has something else. It's incredible to deal with that kind of strategy throughout his three-year-old season and come back and do this. He could be one of best stallions around in the future. He goes on any ground, so I need to talk to the owners to see what they want to do but this could be the end of the road. What a road it's been, I've loved it! It was insane!” MARANOA CHARLIE TAKES THEM ALL THE WAY IN THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/2bBihljFAt — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET-G1, €350,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-5, 3yo/up, 7fT, 1:20.80, vsf. 1–MARANOA CHARLIE (FR), 126, c, 3, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Koubalibre (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Kheleyf's Silver (Ire), by Kheleyf 3rd Dam: Silver Arrow, by Shadeed TDN Rising Star. 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€220,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG). O-Bond Thoroughbred Ltd; B-Haras d'Etreham, Riviera Equine SARL & Gestut Zur Kuste AG; T-Christopher Head; J-Aurelien Lemaitre. €199,990. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Eng, 10-6-1-1, €617,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Zarigana (GB), 122, f, 3, Siyouni (Fr)–Zarkamiya (Fr), by Frankel (GB). TDN Rising Star. O/B-Aga Khan Studs; T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €80,010. 3–Ten Bob Tony (Ire), 128, g, 4, Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Hug (Ire), by Dark Angel (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€65,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR; €100,000 2yo '23 ARQMAY). O-TBT Racing; B-Knocktoran Stud; T-Ed Walker. €40,005. Margins: 1 1/4, 1HF, HD. Odds: 4.50, 2.10, 19.00. Also Ran: More Thunder (Ire), Geography (Ger), Exxtra (Fr), Godspeed (Fr), Roshvar (Fr), King's Gamble (Ire), Sajir (Ire), Zoum Zoum (GB), Witness Stand (GB), Topgear (Fr), Devil's Point (Ire), Zerostress (Ger), Exactly (Ire). The post ‘He’s Definitely The Best I’ve Trained’: Head Hails Foret Hero Maranoa Charlie appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines had an open feel beforehand and there was a predictable bunch finish with Alpha Racing's Barnavara (Calyx) hanging on to clinch victory from See The Fire (Sea The Stars). Sent forward by Shane Foley to dictate, the Jessica Harrington-trained three-year-old who had been impressive in last month's Blandford kept digging in as threats emerged on either side to prevail by a short neck at 9-1. Less than a length covered the first five home, with One Look (Gleneagles) getting third, a short head behind See The Fire. This is an automatic qualifier for the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. “This was always my main ride today and she has improved all year,” Foley said. “She wears her heart on her sleeve and I've been saying all year she's very good–she's just learning how to relax and race now. She was a big girl at two and has matured now.” BARNAVARA WINS THE GROUP ONE LONGINES PRIX DE L'OPERA! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/EmTzWFiZYm — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX DE L'OPERA LONGINES-G1, €500,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-5, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT, 2:05.52, vsf. 1–BARNAVARA (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Calyx (GB) 1st Dam: Alfea (GB), by Kentucky Dynamite 2nd Dam: Askania Nova (Ire), by New Approach (Ire) 3rd Dam: Bal De La Rose (Ire), by Cadeaux Genereux (GB) 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€70,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Alpha Racing; B-Andriy Milovonov & Viktor Tymoshenko; T-Jessica Harrington; J-Shane Foley. €285,700. Lifetime Record: MGSW-Ire, 13-5-0-5, €533,475. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–See The Fire (GB), 128, f, 4, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Arabian Queen (Ire), by Dubawi (Ire). O-J C Smith; B-Littleton Stud; T-Andrew Balding. €114,300. 3–One Look (Ire), 128, f, 4, Gleneagles (Ire)–Holy Salt (GB), by Holy Roman Emperor (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€40,000 RNA Wlg '21 GOFNO1; €65,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Tullpark Ltd; T-Paddy Twomey. €57,150. Margins: SNK, SHD, SNK. Odds: 9.80, 3.40, 13.00. Also Ran: Wemightakedlongway (Ire), Grand Stars (Ire), Tamfana (Ger), Start Of Day (GB), Nicoreni (Ger), Royal Dress (Ire), Qilin Queen (Ire), January (Ire), Merveilleux Lapin (Ire). The post Barnavara Prevails In Blanket Finish To The Opera appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Producing a stirring finale to Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, The Aga Khan Studs runner Daryz (Sea The Stars) wore down Ballydoyle's star filly Minnie Hauk (Frankel) to cap a stellar season for Francis-Henri Graffard. Having been given an unorthodox preparation for this monument which culminated in a close second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange, the 16-1 shot followed swooped off the pace set by the Japanese challenger with just the triple Oaks-winning 5-2 favourite to catch. Minnie Hauk looked to have sealed a treble for O'Brien and Soumillon everywhere bar the last 50 metres, where Mickael Barzalona was able to conjure a decisive surge to earn a head success. Sosie (Sea The Stars) was 5 1/2 lengths away in third. This was the first Arc winner in these famed colours since Zarkava in 2008 and the first since the passing of the The Aga Khan IV. “We've always held him in high regard and he came back a lot stronger from [the Juddmonte International at] York, which was a messy race,” Barzalona said. “He was very relaxed today, travelled very well and quickened up well. I knew Minnie Hauk would give me a tough race, but my horse is very talented. It is a big privilege to ride for The Aga Khan Studs and be part of this team.” Graffard added, “That was a great horse race and everything worked to plan,” he said. “The spirit of the horse at the end! This is special.” WHAT A RACE! DARYZ WINS THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/qr2qiOMT3j — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 The post Daryz Prevails In Epic Arc Tussle With Minnie Hauk appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unable to take part in Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines moments before the off due to a misplaced passport, Asfoora (Flying Artie) followed all that pre-race drama with a welcome straightforward display to make history. Overpowering the outsider Jawwal (Wooded) inside the final furlong, the 5-2 favourite asserted her superiority under Oisin Murphy to record a half-length success, the first of any kind for her nation in France. “It's surreal–we were within a minute and a half of not running,” trainer Henry Dwyer said of the seven-year-old who had plundered the Nunthorpe in August. “I had an Uber driver on a retainer of £200 to get the passport here in time!” “We planned this whole journey, trying to experience new things and here we are winning a Group 1 on Arc day,” he added. “We were confident it was fresh ground where she was and hopeful that she might be okay on it and she was.” Murphy added, “She was on the bridle throughout and still had her summer coat today, which takes some managing.” ASFOORA WINS IN THE GROUP ONE PRIX DE L'ABBAYE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/tLHjpLXXBa — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX DE L'ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES-G1, €350,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-5, 2yo/up, 5fT, :56.39, vsf. 1–ASFOORA (AUS), 133, m, 7, by Flying Artie (Aus) 1st Dam: Golden Child (Aus), by I Am Invincible (Aus) 2nd Dam: Predestined (Aus), by King's Best 3rd Dam: Hard Rider (NZ), by Maroof (24,000 RNA Ylg '20 MGMADE). O/B-Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd; T-Henry Dwyer; J-Oisin Murphy. €199,990. Lifetime Record: MG1SW-Eng, MGSW & MG1SP-Aus, 29-12-3-2, €2,290,826. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Jawwal (Fr), 136, g, 3, Wooded (Ire)–Al Johrah (GB), by Bated Breath (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€13,000 2yo '24 ARQNOV). O-Jiri Odchazel-Joly; B-Al Shaqab Racing; T-Vaclav Luka. €80,010. 3–She's Quality (Ire), 133, f, 4, Acclamation (GB)–Quality Time (Ire), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€195,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR). O-Aristia Park Bloodstock & Partners; B-Rathbarry Stud; T-Jack Davison. €40,005. Margins: HF, 2HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 2.70, 32.00, 20.00. Also Ran: Ponntos (Ire), Mgheera (GB), Monteille (GB), Ain't Nobody (Ire), Afjan (Fr), Star Of Lady (GB), Frost At Dawn, Sky Majesty (Ire), Jm Jungle (Ire), First Instinct (GB), Washington Heights (GB), Night Raider (Ire), Rumstar (GB), Against The Wind (GB). Scratched: Megarry (Ire), Rayevka (Ire). The post Abbaye Heroine Asfoora Breaks New Ground As Australia’s First Winner In France appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race two on Arc day saw a quickfire double for Ballydoyle and Christophe Soumillon, with Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett) making all to dominate the G1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, a Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” for the Juvenile Turf. Up to this seven-furlong trip for the first time to cause a minor upset in Doncaster's G2 Champagne Stakes last time, the 4-1 shot was again placed straight on the front and despite veering off a true line in the run to the line was always in control. Aidan O'Brien, who was winning this for the 10th time, has the Breeders' Cup in mind for the 2 1/2-length winner who was followed home by the crack French colts Nighttime (Wootton Bassett) and Rayif (Sea The Moon). “He won very well the last day and is a lovely straightforward horse who handles this ground well,” he said. “He took a little bit time to come, but as every month went by he's got stronger and this was only his second time at seven.” “He still very green and Christophe was worried about that–he thought he might be here too and he was right,” he added. “Wootton Bassett was an incredible stallion and we are so lucky to have three generations of them still to come. Like [last year's Lagardere winner] Camille [Pissarro], he's a big powerful horse and so I think the Breeder's Cup is very possible as he's strong, mature and experienced.” PUERTO RICO LEADS THEM ALL THE WAY IN THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/9AsRdNXbL1 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 The post Quickfire Group 1 Double For O’Brien and Soumillon With Breeders’ Cup-Bound Puerto Rico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ParisLongchamp's Arc card got underway in style as Ballydoyle's Diamond Necklace swooped to provide St Mark's Basilica with his first Group 1 winner in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac. Sent off the favourite for the first of the fixture's six Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” races, the Listed Ingabelle Stakes winner who is a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, was always comfortable and when asked to mow down the Wertheimers' unbeaten Green Spirit (Kingman) did so without any need for the whip. “She's amazing,” commented a smitten Christophe Soumillon after steering the 11-10 favourite to a cosy length success. “I was very confident, she was my best ride of the weekend. The last time, she gave me a great sensation and was so relaxed going to the start and professional. She picked up so easily and it was just hands and heels only. She will be a great filly for next year, she is going to do something great.” Aidan O'Brien revealed that the 1,000 Guineas is the likely starting point in 2026. “A first [Group 1] for St Mark's Basilica makes it very special,” he said. “We were a little bit worried she was a little bit babyish to come here, but Christophe was adamant it would suit her. She's a lovely Classic filly and I'd say she'll be very comfortable starting at a mile and she will stay a trip I would imagine. She's very exciting and a typical St Mark's, every week goes by they're getting better and stronger.” DIAMOND NECKLACE WINS THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/LJ6GxsPHGI — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 The post ‘She Is Going To Do Something Great’: Soumillon Wowed By St Mark’s Basilica’s First G1 Winner Diamond Necklace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All eyes will be on Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising at the Randwick barrier trials but the session will also provide an important hit-out for Group One winner Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth). Originally being targeted at Saturday’s Epsom Handicap (1600m), the four-year-old was ruled out of the feature after a setback caused him to miss a scheduled start in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) last month. While it was only a minor ailment, it was enough to force a rejig of Linebacker’s spring program. “In simple terms, he sprained an ankle. It just meant being on the easy list for a week or so,” co-trainer Tom Charlton said. “Once he missed that run we were never going to the Epsom half-prepared. “But if he can have a good couple of weeks’ now there might be a light at the end of the tunnel in the Golden Eagle, which was always his aim throughout the campaign anyway.” The winner of the Randwick Guineas (1600m) in the autumn, Linebacker raced handy to the speed from a wide draw first-up, finishing seventh to Pericles in the Tramway Stakes (1400m). He will step out in a 1050m heat at Randwick on Tuesday with the Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) on October 18 his likely next start ahead of the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) a fortnight later. While connections would have preferred the horse’s campaign had gone to plan, Charlton was optimistic Linebacker’s set back could prove a blessing in disguise. “It might work out for the best,” he said. “The one thing you don’t like having is hiccups throughout the preparation but if we can have a good trial and go to the Silver Eagle we’ll be back on track.” “The 1300 of the Silver Eagle should be good for him and keep him on the fresh side.” Tuesday’s trial session is highlighted by the opening 1000m heat restricted to horses contesting The Everest (1200m) and King Charles III Stakes (1600m) and has attracted an elite line-up of six. Along with marking Ka Ying Rising’s first public appearance in Sydney, it will also include fellow Everest contenders Joliestar, Angel Capital and Overpass along with King Charles Stakes hopefuls Fangirl and Mr Brightside. View the full article

Lady Performer (NZ) (Sacred Falls) put plans of the broodmare paddock on hold for another year after capping off a consistent run of form in the Johnny Neil Builders (1400m) at Hawera on Saturday. The eight-year-old had nearly been retired at the end of the spring last season, but her owner-trainer Lydia Pickford opted to bring her back for another winter, which has paid off with Lady Performer recording a win, two seconds and five thirds since resuming in early April. She was due another winning turn, but facing Rating 75 grade for the first time, she was underrated in the market closing at $15, with Librero and Ghazzah the two fancied runners of the field. Carrying a featherlight 52kg under apprentice Amber Riddell, Lady Performer went back early to settle outside of Sotirio, while Our Akashinga eventually took the lead at a leisurely tempo. The pressure dialled up at the 600m and the mare was cruising into contention on the outside, hitting the lead at the 200m alongside Overdraft. Spread wide apart on the track, it was hard to line up Lady Performer and Overdraft as they powered to the line in unison, but there was no doubting the photo finish which crowned Lady Performer the victor by a head. “She’s a really honest mare and tries hard, she’s probably gotten better with the more racing she’s had this season,” Pickford said. “She really deserved that. “She’s not the soundest horse, she’s got a few little issues, so we nurse her along and she’s going very well. She’s probably the soundest she’s ever been. “It was interesting to see her step up to Rating 75 grade and cop it, that’s the grade she has to race in from now on so we’ll see how we go.” The daughter of Sacred Falls boosted her total earnings above $136,000, a far cry from the $1,200 outlaid to purchase her through gavelhouse.com in 2023. “She was a bit tricky when we first got her, she wasn’t the easiest to manage, but she’s a nice mare that has mellowed in her older age,” Pickford said. “I was actually going to retire her last year but Leah Hemi (jockey) said to me that she would be alright for another winter. “I was going to put her in foal at the end of last season but it got late enough, and she was sitting in the back paddock, so I thought we may as well then send her away this spring. But, you can’t retire her the way she’s going at the moment, so that’ll likely be put in hold until next year now. “She does a lot of jumping and enjoys that as well, my daughter likes show jumping her and mucking around with that so she may have a calling with that too. Out of a More Than Ready mare Peak Performer, Lady Performer is a half-sister to Toesonthenose, a six-race winner in Queensland, and recent maiden winner Paddy The Farmer. In 54 starts, she has recorded four wins and 17 minor placings. “It’s great to have one that tries so hard, it would be easy if they were all like her,” Pickford said. View the full article

This week Guy Heveldt is joined by Aidan Rodley and Jayne Ivil to review a wet weekend of racing across the country. Kim Reid joins us to talk about the family connection of Hi Yo Sass Bomb and then we turn our sights across the Tasman after a star filled Saturday. Weigh In, October 5 View the full article

Progressive mare Afterglo (NZ) (Ardrossan) got her preparation back on track in impressive style in the deteriorating conditions at Matamata on Saturday. A winner on debut at the course in April, she has been patiently handled by local trainer Stephen Autridge and appeared first-up this spring in a competitive Rating 65 contest at Ellerslie, where she finished below expectations in 11th. Heeding advice from jockey Matt Cameron, Autridge moved on to the Colliers Waikato Rural Real Estate (1400m) with the daughter of Ardrossan, who started the eventual favourite in a field halved in size by scratchings. Ridden on this occasion by Opie Bosson, Afterglo settled a good rhythm midfield with cover, while the second elect Zenith took the early lead. After the pace steadied, Wiremu Pinn opted to go forward with Just A Tipple and he had stretched out to an eight-length lead at the 600m. Seeing what was unfolding, Bosson got moving on Afterglo and she looked to be the only chance of chasing down Just A Tipple on the corner, and she did just that, skipping through the heavy ground to take over and charge clear by 2 ¼ lengths, with a further seven lengths back to Zenith in third. Autridge was hoping she would have the ability to catch the tearaway leader, which he identified was no easy feat. “We were hoping we could, but it is a hard job to do and the horse that does it often comes off second best,” he said. “We were pretty rapt in the effort she put in. “We were expecting a big run at Ellerslie but she was cramped for room coming up the straight, which she’d never experienced before. “Matty Cameron said to forget about the run and make sure she’s got plenty of room next time, and he couldn’t ride her this time, so we grabbed Opie and he’s done a great job. “I’ve always been happy with the mare, she seems to be above average and loves wet ground.” There are likely to be options on rain-affected ground going forward, but Autridge is confident she can bring her form on to a better surface if need be. “The next month or six weeks will have wet tracks here and there, but we’re not frightened of better tracks,” he said. “She trialled well at Ellerslie and she handled the firmer ground there, so things are looking pretty good for the next couple of months. Who knows, if she does handle good tracks, we might find a nice race over Christmas somewhere.” The meeting set to stage the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) was abandoned following Afterglo’s win, but Autridge had already scratched his chance in the feature, Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir). A multiple Group Two performer, she had been eye-catching first-up when third behind Tardelli at Ellerslie, and Autridge is hopeful of another fruitful campaign for the five-year-old. “She’s ready, it was only the conditions that made us pull her out,” he said. “She’s only let us down once and that was on a heavy track, so we weren’t going to risk her. “Her sectionals were outstanding (at Ellerslie) and that was against very good horses, so where she is in the handicaps, if we get in the right race and everything goes our way, she’s a chance of getting some good black-type. “You’d think they’ll be rescheduling this race, so we’ll be looking at that.” Looking ahead to Avondale on Wednesday, Autridge will have a filly stepping out on debut in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m) in Shiniqua (NZ) (Hello Youmzain). By in-form sire Hello Youmzain, Shiniqua has shown good ability in three trial appearances. “She’s definitely trialled very well, she appears to have come on nicely and she’s in that race because she’s Pearl Series (eligible),” Autridge said. “It’s a big ask against older maideners, but she shows a fair bit, so we’ve got our fingers crossed.” View the full article

Iron Orchard has a perfect record, a grade 1 win, and a newfound ability to rally from off the pace. But will it be enough to propel her into the Breeders' Cup?View the full article

Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman's EXPLORA (f, 2, Blame–Collections Choice, by Bernardini) atoned for a runner-up effort to her stablemate Bottle of Rouge (Vino Rosso) in the GI Del Mar Debutante with a comprehensive success in Saturday's GII Oak Leaf Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar on Friday, Oct. 31. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard when romping in her 5 1/2-furlong debut at Del Mar Aug. 17 and fractionally disappointing after making the running in the Debutante, the 2-5 chalk, getting the blinkers off this time, was trapped out a bit wide at the first corner and had no choice but to punch the breeze three wide as 'Rising Star' stable companion Himika (Curlin) showed the way through a half in :46.98. Felt for by Juan Hernandez at the three-eighths pole, Explora raced upsides of Himika at the head of the stretch and she kicked on nicely through the final furlong to take it by about five lengths. Debutante third La Wally (Constitution) rounded out the exacta ahead of longshot La Ville Lumiere (City of Light). Sales history: $22,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $350,000 2yo '25 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0. O-Watson, Weitman and Pegram; B-Mesingw Farm (KY); T-Bob Baffert EXPLORA ($2.80) put on a show in the $200,000 Oak Leaf Stakes (G2) at @Santaanitapark. @BobBaffert trains the daughter of Blame (@claibornefarm). @JJHernandezS19 was up on the 2YO for the @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup #WAYI race for the Juvenile Fillies . pic.twitter.com/W0RGtVKms8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 5, 2025 The post Blame ‘Rising Star’ Explora Rolls Home In the Oak Leaf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Wesley Ward-trained No Nay Hudson travels north to Woodbine to win the $183,520 Nearctic Stakes (G2T).View the full article

The fast-growing Wathnan Racing operation lands its second North American grade 1 winner with Silawi in the Oct. 4 Canadian International Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine. View the full article

RyZan Sun Racing LLC and Madaket Stables's Mission of Joy (m, 5, Kitten's Joy–Smart Mission, by Smart Strike), whose last graded win was two years ago, moved west this summer to Phil D'Amato's barn and must like the weather and the firm turf that's a hallmark of California grass racing. In her third California start, she captured Saturday's GII Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf in four weeks. It was a clean start for the field, with Alpha Bella (Justify) setting a :23.63 and :48.44 pace and a 1:37.36 mile while Mission of Joy took her time covered up near the back of the field. Coming into the lane, Mission of Joy tipped to the extreme outside, passing all late while Speed Shopper (Quality Road) and Starry Heavens (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) finished second and third, respectively. Watchtower (Demarchelier {GB}) was pulled up on the backstretch. Saturday, Santa Anita RODEO DRIVE S.-GII, $201,500, Santa Anita, 10-4, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/4mT, 2:00.03, fm. 1–MISSION OF JOY, 122, m, 5, by Kitten's Joy 1st Dam: Smart Mission, by Smart Strike 2nd Dam: Misty Mission, by Miswaki 3rd Dam: Hangin On a Star, by Vice Regent ($32,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT). O-RyZan Sun Racing, LLC and Madaket Stables LLC; B-Sam-Son Farm (ON); T-Philip D'Amato; J-Umberto Rispoli. $120,000. Lifetime Record: 21-6-0-4, $680,667. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Speed Shopper, 122, f, 4, Quality Road–Fast Retailing, by Malibu Moon. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($430,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $95,000 RNA 3yo '24 KEENOV). O-Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber; B-AR Enterprises, LLC. & Edward Easton (KY); T-William Walden. $40,000. 3–Starry Heavens (Ire), 122, m, 5, Mastercraftsman (Ire)–Etoile Filante (GB), by So You Think (Nz). O-R Unicorn Stable; B-Healthy Wood Co Ltd (IRE); T-Philip D'Amato. $24,000. Margins: HD, HF, 1. Odds: 11.90, 14.50, 3.90. Also Ran: Alpha Bella, Amber Cascade, Long Ago (GB), Hang the Moon, Watchtower. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #5 MISSION OF JOY ($25.80) comes flying down the outside under @umbyrispoli to win the $200,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2) and earn a spot in the @BreedersCup F&M Turf. The daughter of Kitten's Joy is trained by @PhilDamato11. pic.twitter.com/zDDbcE3D0L — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 4, 2025 The post Mission of Joy Earns Breeders’ Cup Berth in Rodeo Drive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton The Aussie raid on New Zealand Cup Week is looking more imposing by the day. Four confirmed raiders and possibly even a fifth, headed by champion Leap To Fame, impressively won lead-up races last night (Saturday). Having his first start since snaring his second Inter Dominion title on July 19, Leap To Fame cruised to victory over stablemates Aroda and Free Thinker in a 2138m free-for-all at Albion Park. The six-year-old was nursed to the line by trainer-driver Grant Dixon to win by 6.5m in a 1min53.9sec mile rate and ripped home in 54.7 and 26.3sec. Leap To Fame now heads straight into Saturday week’s $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup, the only historic Aussie major race to have so far escaped him. His stranglehold on Victoria Cup favouritism tightened even further when arch-rival and sibling Swayzee suffered a shock defeat at Menangle last night. Swayzee, who eased from $1.10 to $1.65, worked to the front, but was stalked by the emerging four-year-old Kingman, who easily ran him down late. It’s Swayzee’s second defeat in as many runs this campaign and raises doubts whether the mighty stayer and winner of the past two NZ Cups has come back as well as a rising eight-year-old. Much interest will now focus on whether he heads to Saturday week’s Victoria Cup, a race he won so brilliantly in Leap To Fame’s absence last year. The exciting Kingman is definitely Victoria Cup-bound. “Absolutely. He’s the new kid on the block,” owner Mick Harvey said. “We’re up for all the big races now. We think the world of him.” At Melton, the NZ-bound pair Tracy The Jet and Gatesys Gem – both with slots in The Ascent – won well. It was Gatesys Gem’s first run back from a spell, while Tracy The Jet made it five wins on end with an effortless display in the Group 1 Need For Speed Princess final. They are headed for a clash in the Group 1 Victoria Trotters’ Oaks on Saturday week. “We’re still in need of racing compared to Tracy The Jet, so I might back my mare up again next week,” Gatesys Gem’s trainer Glenn Hunter said. The “NZ watch” is growing on brilliant young Victorian trotting mare Jilliby Ballerini, too. She won her ninth race from just 11 starts this season and claimed some big names in the process in the Group 3 Australasian Trotting Championship. Having her first start from a stand, Jilliby Ballerini began well and worked around to take the lead early. Inter Dominion and TAB Trot winner Arcee Phoenix came around off his 20m handicap to sit parked, but Jilliby Ballerini left him standing on the home bend. She roared away to win by 20.7m in unheard of times for a trotter. The closing splits were 54.4 and 26.7sec. Arcee Phoenix battled away into fourth spot. “There’s a chance she (Jilliby Ballerini) could go to NZ. It’s likely we’ll take one, but Keayang Zahara is back at the races next week, too,” driver Jason Lee said. Also at Melton, eight-time Group 1 winner Catch A Wave returned to his best form in time for the Victoria Cup with a dominant front-running win in the $30,000 Casey Classic. He ran a brisk 1min53.9sec mile rate for the 2240m and dazzled home in 54.2 and 27.3sec. At Menangle, the underrated trotter Parisian Artiste showed he was on target for NZ with a dazzling 1min54.3sec mile win at his second run back from a spell. View the full article

Afterglo winning the Colliers Waikato Rural Real Estate (1400m) at Matamata on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Progressive mare Afterglo got her preparation back on track in impressive style in the deteriorating conditions at Matamata on Saturday. A winner on debut at the course in April, she has been patiently handled by local trainer Stephen Autridge and appeared first-up this spring in a competitive Rating 65 contest at Ellerslie, where she finished below expectations in 11th. Heeding advice from jockey Matt Cameron, Autridge moved on to the Colliers Waikato Rural Real Estate (1400m) with the daughter of Ardrossan, who started the eventual favourite in a field halved in size by scratchings. Ridden on this occasion by Opie Bosson, Afterglo settled a good rhythm midfield with cover, while the second elect Zenith took the early lead. After the pace steadied, Wiremu Pinn opted to go forward with Just A Tipple and he had stretched out to an eight-length lead at the 600m. Seeing what was unfolding, Bosson got moving on Afterglo and she looked to be the only chance of chasing down Just A Tipple on the corner, and she did just that, skipping through the heavy ground to take over and charge clear by 2 ¼ lengths, with a further seven lengths back to Zenith in third. Autridge was hoping she would have the ability to catch the tearaway leader, which he identified was no easy feat. “We were hoping we could, but it is a hard job to do and the horse that does it often comes off second best,” he said. “We were pretty rapt in the effort she put in. “We were expecting a big run at Ellerslie but she was cramped for room coming up the straight, which she’d never experienced before. “Matty Cameron said to forget about the run and make sure she’s got plenty of room next time, and he couldn’t ride her this time, so we grabbed Opie and he’s done a great job. “I’ve always been happy with the mare, she seems to be above average and loves wet ground.” There are likely to be options on rain-affected ground going forward, but Autridge is confident she can bring her form on to a better surface if need be. “The next month or six weeks will have wet tracks here and there, but we’re not frightened of better tracks,” he said. “She trialled well at Ellerslie and she handled the firmer ground there, so things are looking pretty good for the next couple of months. Who knows, if she does handle good tracks, we might find a nice race over Christmas somewhere.” The meeting set to stage the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) was abandoned following Afterglo’s win, but Autridge had already scratched his chance in the feature, Livid Sky. A multiple Group Two performer, she had been eye-catching first-up when third behind Tardelli at Ellerslie, and Autridge is hopeful of another fruitful campaign for the five-year-old. “She’s ready, it was only the conditions that made us pull her out,” he said. “She’s only let us down once and that was on a heavy track, so we weren’t going to risk her. “Her sectionals were outstanding (at Ellerslie) and that was against very good horses, so where she is in the handicaps, if we get in the right race and everything goes our way, she’s a chance of getting some good black-type. “You’d think they’ll be rescheduling this race, so we’ll be looking at that.” Looking ahead to Avondale on Wednesday, Autridge will have a filly stepping out on debut in the Pearl Series (1200m) in Shiniqua. By in-form sire Hello Youmzain, Shiniqua has shown good ability in three trial appearances. “She’s definitely trialled very well, she appears to have come on nicely and she’s in that race because she’s Pearl Series (eligible),” Autridge said. “It’s a big ask against older maideners, but she shows a fair bit, so we’ve got our fingers crossed.” View the full article

War Machine and Blake Shinn win the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) David Hayes has a New Zealand-bred superstar heading into the A$20 million Group 1 The Everest (1200m) in two weeks, where his sons Ben, Will and JD Hayes might line up against him with a Kiwi-bred Group One winner of their own. Lindsay Park’s last-start Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) hero War Machine kicked off his new campaign in sparkling style in Saturday’s A$300,000 Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. The Hayes team hopes War Machine’s blockbuster first-up performance caught the eye of a slot-holder for The Everest at Randwick on October 18, for which he is now rated a $15 chance. That market is dominated by David Hayes’ freakish Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising at $1.70 with Aussie betting sites. The reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year is a son of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress. “It’s exciting,” Will Hayes said. “There’s a good one in there (Ka Ying Rising), but we are happy to take him on if we get the opportunity. “Ka Ying Rising is an amazing horse and we have a good one too. It’s a good problem to have.” War Machine was previously trained by the late Mike Moroney, then transferred into the Hayes stable following the respected horseman’s passing earlier in the year. War Machine is now unbeaten in four appearances for Lindsay Park – a 1400m Benchmark 100 handicap at Caulfield on May 10, the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Eagle Farm on May 24, the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 14, and Saturday’s Gilgai Stakes. The five-year-old went into his resuming run on the back of two jumpouts, finishing second in the most recent of them at Flemington on September 25. Despite a hefty 60kg topweight, War Machine was sent out as a warm favourite on Saturday at $2.90. Jockey Blake Shinn got War Machine away cleanly from his outside gate and he was able to take up a handy position, cuddled up in behind the second favourite and 2023 Gilgai Stakes winner Star Patrol. Shinn was still sitting quietly in the saddle when Star Patrol’s jockey pushed the button and drove his mount to the front with 400m to run. Under a hands-and-heels ride, War Machine swept past Star Patrol in the final 200m. Bridal Waltz tried hard to go with the favourite, but War Machine was on another level and went on to win by two lengths. He stopped the clock at 1:08.53 for 1200m. “Everything went to plan,” Shinn said. “Drawing 17, I felt we’d be able to follow Star Patrol and he could take us where we wanted to go. “I wanted to conserve his energy for as long as possible with the 60 kilos. He travelled strongly, but not too keen. I waited until just prior to the clock tower to really push the button and I knew he’d be there for me. Well done to the Hayes boys and their team. “He’s a Group One winner and I think he’s come back better this prep. It is exciting for Rupert Legh (owner) and his whole crew and it is nice to kick off his campaign here today. “We felt that he might be able to make a statement for The Everest today and there might be a few people knocking. Aside from Ka Ying Rising, it might be an open race, and he wouldn’t be out of place in an Everest. He’s got so much upside. Let’s see what happens.” Bred by MDJ Bloodstock Ltd, War Machine was offered for sale at both the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales and the Ready To Run Sale via the Wallace family’s Ardsley Stud, but failed to reach his $100,000 reserve on both occasions. By Harry Angel out of the winning Hussonet mare Caserta, the gelding subsequently went into training with Jim Wallace and won his only trial at Foxton by six lengths before his private purchase. War Machine has now had 14 starts for seven wins, four placings and A$2.66 million in stakes. “He’s a really special animal and he is a pleasure to train,” Hayes said. “Very proud of the horse carrying 60 kilos first-up down the straight today. He has thrived in the country environment and he can get a bit up on his toes, so he has relaxed in his trackwork. He has been nothing but a blessing for us.” View the full article

Perfumist and Regan Bayliss combine in the Melbourne Storm Mile at Randwick on Saturday. PIcture: Bradley Photos. New Zealand-bred mare Perfumist bounced back to her brilliant best with a dominant front-running performance in the A$160,000 Melbourne Storm Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. The daughter of El Roca burst onto the scene as a three-year-old last season with wins in five of her first nine starts, including four in a row in December and January. Those performances earned her a ticket across the Tasman for the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie in March, where she ran a close and creditable fifth. Perfumist was below that level in the early stages of her four-year-old season, finishing sixth over 1200m at Rosehill on August 16 and 11th over the same course and distance on August 30, but then she ran a more promising fourth over 1600m at Randwick on September 20. On Saturday the Bjorn Baker-trained mare showed the Randwick crowd what she is capable of. Drawn handily in three among a competitive 18-horse field, Perfumist broke brilliantly from the starting gates and quickly took up the lead for jockey Regan Bayliss. Bayliss began to up the ante coming down the side of the track and Perfumist pulled ahead by two and three lengths coming up to the home turn. Perfumist kicked hard at the 300m mark and powered clear, putting four lengths between herself and her nearest challenger. The favourite Idle Flyer ($2.70 with Neds betting) was able to eat into that advantage late in the piece, closing to within a length and a half with another five lengths back to third, but there would be no catching Perfumist. She set a new race record with her time of 1:33.01 for 1600m. Perfumist was the second elect at $6 with Australian online betting sites. “She pulled out the ‘dictate and dominate’ playbook and bounced back to her best,” Baker said. “Congratulations to a great group of owners. We might look to the Angst Stakes (Group 3, 1600m) from here.” The Angst Stakes will be run on October 18 over the same course and distance as Perfumist’s win on Saturday. Perfumist was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and is by Westbury stallion El Roca. She is the first foal to race out of the unraced Swiss Ace mare Tapputi, whose full-brother Cut Me Loose won two races and placed in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). Perfumist’s name stems from her dam, with Tapputi, a female perfumer, the first chemist in history. Perfumist breezed up in 10.7 seconds at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale and was purchased for $190,000 by the combination of Bjorn Baker Racing, bloodstock agents Phill Cataldo and Jim Clarke, along with OTI Racing. From a 15-race career, Perfumist has now recorded six wins and three seconds. She has earned A$542,508 in stakes. View the full article

Though owner Al Gold was not at Aqueduct Racetrack Oct. 4 to watch his 2-year-old Napoleon Solo win the Champagne Stakes (G1), he still got a taste of the bubbly.View the full article

Rhetorical, a 4-year-old New York-bred gelding by Not This Time, posted a 9-1 upset of an international field in the $1.25 million Turf Mile Stakes (G1T), giving trainer Will Walden his first grade 1 win Oct. 4 at Keeneland.View the full article

Colebrook Farms' Simply in Front prevailed in a thrilling blanket finish to capture her first grade 1 victory in the $776,750 First Lady Stakes (G1T) Oct. 4 at Keeneland. Jockey Ben Curtis lands his first grade 1 score.View the full article