Wandering Eyes

It's not often a jockey wins two Grade I races in a span of four days at two different tracks, but Brian Hernandez, Jr. did. The dual Grade I feat led the panel of racing experts to vote Hernandez Jockey of the Week for April 7-April 13.View the full article

Despite proving his stamina with a 2 1/16-mile stakes win last year, Limited Liability aims to win his first 1 1/2-mile race in the $400,000 Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland April 19.View the full article

Having last been seen in the starting gate nine months ago, Amerman Racing's Endlessly finally returns to racing April 20 in the $100,000 American Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Keeneland has catalogued 80 horses for its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will be held the evening of Friday, Apr. 25 following the races on closing day of the Spring Meet, according to a press release from the sales company on Wednesday. Supplemental entries to the April Sale will be accepted until the sale date. The auction, which will be livestreamed on Keeneland.com, will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET following the 10-race card. With a post of 5:09 p.m. ET, the ninth race is the featured GIII Bewitch Stakes. “Strategically positioned at the end of the Spring Meet and just before Kentucky Derby Week, the April Sale gathers the industry's top owners, trainers and bloodstock agents in one central location,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “This competitive buying bench combined with a catalog of proven and ready-to-run Thoroughbreds create the perfect opportunity for buyers to secure talent for the summer season.” Horses entered in the sale include more than a dozen winners of their most recent races and more than 25 horses that have earned 80+ Beyer Speed Figures in their last starts. Twenty entries are by stallions in the top 10 of progeny earnings in 2025. Several horses of note in the catalogue are: Chandigarh (hip 37), a 4-year-old gelding by Speightstown who in his second start won a maiden special weight race on the turf on Apr. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs. Consigned by ELiTE, agent, he is out of GSW Colonial Flag, (Pleasant Tap). Graffiti Writer (hip 58), a 3-year-old colt by Into Mischief who is coming off a win in a maiden special weight race at Tampa Bay. ELiTE, agent, consigns the son GSW Paid Up Subscriber (Candy Ride {Arg}). Instant Coffee (hip 77), a 5-year-old MGSW by Bolt d' Oro who finished third in the GIII Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in March in his most recent start. Consigned by Greenfield Farms, agent, Instant Coffee is out of the SP Uncle Mo mare Follow No One. Miso Spicy (Fr) (hip 73), a 3-year-old filly by Mehmas (Ire) who scored a 4 1/2-length victory in a 5-furlong turf race Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Consigned by ELiTE, agent, she is out of the winning Exceed And Excel (Aus)mare Karishma (Ire). Normandy Coast (hip 80), a 3-year-old colt by Omaha Beach who won Keeneland's Palisades Stakes Apr. 6. The winner of three races in five starts, he is consigned by Kenneally Racing, agent. Normandy Coast is out of the winning Congrats mare Alliteration. Star of Wonder (hip 18), a 4-year-old colt by Uncle Mo who is a half-brother to MGSW Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil). The 'TDN Rising Star' honoree is a winner of four of five career races, most recently a one-mile optional claimer at Aqueduct Apr. 4. He is consigned by ELiTE, agent. Click here for the enhanced digital catalogue. The book is also available through the Equineline Sales Catalog iPad app, includes pedigrees, Daily Racing Form past performances, and Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures. Consignors may upload photographs and walking videos. Beginning Thursday, Apr. 17 a print catalogue will be available for pickup at Keeneland's Information Center (formerly called the Welcome Center) located near the Grandstand South and Clubhouse entrance. A supplement will be printed prior to the sale. The post Keeneland Catalogs 80 For April Selected Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An Into Mischief full-brother (hip 416) to MSW Taraz lit up the bid board at OBS Wednesday, selling for $1,400,000 to Mahmud Mouni from the Kings Equine consignment. Out of the Empire Maker mare Silk Route, the colt breezed his furlong in the sale's co-fastest time of :9 4/5. First dam Silke Route is a daughter of G1SP Jibe who also produced the dam of GSW Call Me Midnight (Midnight Lute) while third dam Slightly Dangerous is responsible for a pair of European champions in Commander in Chief (GB) (Dancing Brave) and Warning (GB) (Known Fact). The post Into Mischief Full To Taraz Lights Up OBS At $1.4m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A colt by Nyquist (hip 378) was the second to bring seven figures at the OBS Spring sale when bringing a final bid of $1.05 million from bloodstock agent Kerri Radcliffe Wednesday in Ocala. Radcliffe was bidding on behalf of Memo Racing, a new American-based racing partnership. The juvenile was consigned by Harris Training Center and had been purchased by Robbie Harris and Eric Sparks for $135,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, the dark bay is out of Saucy Dame (Distorted Humor), a daughter of Storm Beauty (Storm Cat), and half to graded winner Buffum (Bernardini). He worked a furlong last week in :10 flat. The post $1.05-Million Nyquist Colt to Radcliffe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite their horse running sixth in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S., the connections of Owen Almighty (Speightstown) have informed Churchill Downs that their colt will be pointed to the GI Kentucky Derby, after all. “Owen Almighty has re-entered the Kentucky Derby picture, according to trainer Brian Lynch,” Darren Rogers, the senior director, communications and media services wrote within an email that he sends out regularly updating the points standings for the Derby. With 65 points, Owen Almighty is in 12th place in the standings. At deadline for this story, trainer Brian Lynch had not returned a phone call seeking comment. After the sixth-place finish in the Blue Grass, Lynch told the Keeneland media team that Owen Almighty would be pointed to the GII Pat Day Mile S. at Churchill, instead of the Derby. “He did everything he was supposed to do,” Lynch said. “He got up with the leader (East Avenue) at the top of the stretch, but he just doesn't want to go that far.” This is not the first time the connections have apparently changed their minds. Owned by Travis Boersma and family's Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing, Owen Almighty entered the Derby picture after his win in the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby at a mile-and-a-sixteenth. Though the race is normally a steppingstone to the Derby, Lynch was already voicing doubts about running in the Derby. “There will be conversation (about perhaps targeting the Kentucky Derby),” he said following the Tampa race. “But if I was to have my way I'd still stick to the plan and go to the Pat Day Mile,” he said. After the Tampa win, Lynch told the Daily Racing Form that the ownership expressed a desire to point to the Derby. That led to speculation that the Blue Grass would be an experiment. If Owen Almighty ran well in the mile-and-an-eighth race he would head to the Derby. If he fared poorly and showed that the distance was out of his reach, the Pat Day Mile would be next. Owen Almighty prompted the pace until mid-stretch when he began to tire and lost by four lengths. He did not look like a mile-and-a-quarter horse. With Owen Almighty back in the Derby picture, Built (Hard Spun) is now 21st on the list and will need a defection to get in. This story will be updated as developments merit. The post Owen Almighty Back In Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cypress Creek Equine and Madaket Stables' Bless the Broken (Laoban) worked five furlongs in company in 1:00.80 (3/21) Wednesday morning at Keeneland as she prepares for her next start in the $1.5-million GI Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 2. “This is the first time I have worked her, and she worked nice,” said Velazquez of Bless the Broken, who breezed in the company of her unraced Will Walden stablemate Mackave (Quality Road). Second to Simply Joking (Practical Joke) in the Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes and third to undefeated Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes Feb. 15, the dark bay filly punched her ticket to the Oaks with a 2 3/4-length success in the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park Mar. 22. John Velazquez had the call for the first time that afternoon and has the assignment in the Oaks. “I thought it went well this morning,” Walden said about the work. “This is the one we wanted to get the most out of, and I think we did. “She's a filly that likes a routine, and we shipped her up to Turfway right after the Rachel Alexandra for the Bourbonette. “She has done very well in Kentucky.” The post Bless the Broken Tunes Up For Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Second Stride, one of the nation's leading equine-adoption programs, will host its 14th annual Derby week fundraiser at Valhalla Golf Club on Monday, Apr. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Just 151 tickets will be sold and will require pre-purchase. Guests will be able to meet and mingle with a veritable racing who's who including Triple Crown winning jockey Jean Cruguet, Derby winning jockey Mike Manganello, and successful jockeys Sandy Hawley and Kaoru Tsuchiya-Hawley. NBC racing celebrity and former jockey Donna Brothers will be on hand to lend insight into the big race and interview racing notables including Whit Beckman, trainer of Kentucky Derby contender Flying Mohawk and Kentucky Oaks filly Simply Joking. The evening will also feature Derby handicapping from a panel of experts and friends of Second Stride. Official Derby and Oaks artist Tyler Robertson will be present to sign any posters sold of his limited-edition artwork. Distillers Elijah Craig and Makers Mark will be on hand to provide bourbon tastings for patrons while the heavy hors d'oeuvre menu will feature items like shrimp and grits cups, mini hot browns, beef tenderloin with Henry Bain's sauce as well as staple desserts bourbon balls and Derby pie. The Valhalla pro shop, normally only open to members,will be open for business during the evening. Plans are also in the works for a putting contest to benefit Second Stride on the famous 18th green in front of the clubhouse. Guests will also have chance to interact with the two Second Stride ambassador horses residing on the Valhalla property. Interested parties will be taken by golf cart to visit 2014 Triple Crown contender General A Rod and graded stakes winner Hawaakom who came to reside seasonally at the property entrance just following the PGA Championship last year. “An event partnership like this will give people the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and history of Valhalla while also providing needed support for the hundreds of horses we serve in the racing industry. It's a win-win for everyone,” said Second Stride founder and Executive Director Kim Smith. As always, proceeds from the event enable the Louisville-based organization to continue to provide professional rehabilitation, retraining and placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses. The post Second Stride To Host Annual Derby Week Fundraiser at Valhalla appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist Grace Potter will perform the national anthem and gold medal-winning gynmast Simone Biles will deliver the call for 'riders up' for the running of this year's GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3. “Grace Potter's soulful vocals have transcended genres for more than two decades, making her a fantastic choice to lead our fans in the stands and around the country in the national anthem at this year's Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Her powerful stage presence and electrifying performances embody the spirit and spectacle of Derby Day, and we're thrilled for Grace to bring her powerhouse voice to Churchill Downs.” Over the span of her career, Potter has received GRAMMY® nominations for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, celebrating her incredible talent. In addition to the upcoming release of her album “Medicine” this spring, the singer/songwriter is set to join Chris Stapleton on tour in July. Biles is the most-decorated gymnast in history, with 41 medals across World Championships and Olympic Games. She holds the most World Championships medals (30) and gold medals (23) in history. A three-time Olympian, her 11 Olympic medals and seven Olympic gold medals are the most by a U.S. gymnast. The post Grace Potter, Simone Biles Named For Derby Day Roles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Iconical and Sunday’s Serenade lift Kiwi handler’s spirits at city circuit as he battles for winners this term.View the full article

A total of nine winners for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin and supported by the Irish Stable Staff Association, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) and the Racing Post, were announced on Wednesday. The awards ceremony will take place in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare on Tuesday June 3 where the flagship award–The Irish Racing Excellence Award–will be announced and presented to one of the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners. The eight individual TIEA winners are: Paul Croke, Farm Manager, Bert House Stud, Athy, Co Kildare. Andrew Duff, Assistant Trainer, Ger Lyons Racing, Dunsany, Co Meath. Oliver Geraghty, Stud Manager/Groom, Castle Farm Stud, Narraghmore, Co Kildare. David Nolan, Travelling Head Man, Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, Co Wicklow. Peter O'Riordan, Yearling Manager, Croom House Stud, Croom, Co Limerick. Katie Peate, Assistant Farm Manager, Bert House Stud, Athy, Co Kildare (Newcomer Award). Philippa Proctor-Quinn, Racing Secretary, Gordon Elliott, Longwood, Co Meath. Siobhan Sheridan, Foaling Unit Assistant, Ballykeane Stud, Redcross, Co Wicklow. The winner of the Racecourse Award, chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association and based on a quality programme evaluation, is Roscommon Racecourse. Each Irish TIEA winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau and €4,000. In addition, €2,500 will be awarded to their employers to be used for the benefit of each winner's colleagues. Along with an Ani Mollereau trophy, Roscommon Racecourse will receive €2,500 to be spent on upgrading facilities that will benefit stable employees.The Irish Racing Excellence Award winner will receive an additional €5,000 and €2,500 for their employer to be used for the benefit of their work colleagues. Joe Osborne, managing director, Godolphin Ireland, said, “All of us at Godolphin are delighted to continue our support of these awards. We are particularly grateful to the many nominators who took the time and put in the effort to praise their industry colleagues.” The post Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award Winners Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Juddmonte's Classic team seemingly grows with each passing day and each trial and Wednesday's G3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket followed the same pattern as a new 2,000 Guineas favourite emerged for then operation in Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). Labelled a work in progress by John Gosden as he captured the G3 Solario Stakes and finished fourth in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere last term, the TDN Rising Star travelled like a dream throughout this established course-and-distance trial with Kieran Shoemark able to pick his path. Unleashed passing the furlong pole, the 100-30 favourite surged up the rise to the line for an emphatic 3 1/2-length success. The G2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko) followed him home, a head in front of the G2 Vintage Stakes winner Aomori City (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}) as last year's key pattern-race form held up. Shoemark was blown away. “He got me out of trouble, but I had so much horse underneath me,” he said. “He's got an incredible amount of ability. He's pretty special.” Field Of Gold is now in the hot seat to complete John Gosden's set of British Classic wins on the first Saturday in May. “John came painstakingly close with Kingman and, as he said just now, he didn't do a lot when he got to the front and Kieran said that this horse doesn't do a lot when he hits the front either, so there are a lot of similarities between them,” Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon said. This followed the successes of the operation's Classic contenders Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Cosmic Year (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in recent days and while connections have an enviable quandary in placing the trio, it would be a surprise if Field Of Gold was not representing them in the 2,000 Guineas. “It's probably a big plus that this horse has shown that he is handling Newmarket,” Mahon added. “Jonquil hasn't been here, while Cosmic Year had a gallop here at the back end of last year and handled the track well. I think we'll sit down in a week's time with the owners and see what the ground is going to be like and see what the owners want to do–that's what's most important.” “I'd like to think we probably wouldn't run more than two, but you've Ireland and there's France–there is more than one Guineas,” he added. “If the races pan out and we can separate them then we will, but I'm sure we wouldn't be afraid of running two.” Gosden Sr was impressed. “He showed a lot of speed today. I probably haven't had a colt win a Guineas trial like that before, he did it in splendid style,” he said. “I think he'll get a mile and a quarter, I don't seem him getting a mile and a half. One day he might be good enough to run in a race like the Eclipse, we'll see. I see him more on that trajectory.” Impressive Could provide John Gosden with his first 2,000 Guineas winner? He's blown them away in the Craven Stakes.@bet365 | @JuddmonteFarms | @thadygosden pic.twitter.com/WwVu20uXtM — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 16, 2025 Pedigree Notes Field Of Gold's dam Princess De Lune (Ire) (Shamardal), who is also responsible for the Listed Rosemary Stakes winner Zanbaq (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), is a full-sister to the dual Group 2 winner and multiple Group 1-placed sire Puissance De Lune (Ire) and the G2 Middleton Stakes scorer Queen Power (Ire) (Shamardal). She is also a half to the G1 Prix d'Ispahan hero Zabeel Prince (Ire) by Shamardal's son Lope De Vega (Ire) and to the dam of the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes and G1 Coronation Stakes heroine and stakes producer Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Kingman's fellow TDN Rising Star Summer Romance (Ire) who was successful in the G2 Balanchine and G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes and runner-up in the GI Just A Game Stakes and GI Diana Stakes. The third dam Serena's Sister (Rahy), as her name suggests, is a full-sibling of the multiple Grade I-winning matriarch and champion Serena's Song whose progeny were headed by Storm Cat's GII Oaklawn Handicap-winning sire Grand Reward and G1 Coronation Stakes heroine Sophisticat. Princess De Lune's yearling filly is by Ghaiyyath (Ire). Wednesday, Newmarket, Britain BET365 CRAVEN STAKES-G3, £85,000, Newmarket, 4-16, 3yo, c/g, 8fT, 1:39.26, gd. 1–FIELD OF GOLD (IRE), 128, c, 3, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Princess De Lune (Ire), by Shamardal 2nd Dam: Princess Serena, by Unbridled's Song 3rd Dam: Serena's Sister, by Rahy (€530,000 Wlg '22 GOFNO1). O-Juddmonte; B-Roundhill Stud (IRE); T-John & Thady Gosden; J-Kieran Shoemark. £48,204. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-1, $151,170. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB), 128, c, 3, Kameko–Eva Maria (GB), by Sea The Stars (Ire). O-The Gredley Family; B-Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd (GB); T-James Owen. £18,275. 3–Aomori City (Fr), 128, c, 3, Oasis Dream (GB)–Setsuko (Fr), by Shamardal. (€260,000 Ylg '23 ARAUG). O-Godolphin; B-SCEA Haras De Saint Pair & Ecurie Peregrine SAS (FR); T-Charlie Appleby. £9,146. Margins: 3HF, HD, HF. Odds: 3.30, 3.50, 9.00. Also Ran: Benevento (Ire), New Century (GB), Opera Ballo (Ire), The Waco Kid (Ire), Matauri Bay (Ire), The Watcher (Ire). The post Kingman’s Field Of Gold Dominates The Craven For Juddmonte And The Gosdens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This week, we debut a new feature: who were the five fastest maidens to race in North America last week, as measured by the Beyer Speed figures? We count them down. 5. TROUBLESHOOTING, KEE 4/10 – 5 1/2f (turf), Beyer Speed Figure: 86 (c, 3, Not This Time–Into Trouble, by Into Mischief) O/B-Donamire Farm; T-Greg Foley; J-Edgar Morales. After three losses as a 2-year-old, Foley did a little “troubleshooting” and switched this colt to grass–with immediate results. Morales positioned him in the rail pocket behind the Bill Mott-trained 5-2 favorite Bright Skittle (Twirling Candy) and Flavien Prat, slid beautifully outside that one into the stretch and gradually edged past him. His pedigree doesn't scream turf and he had no published turf workouts, but he was bet down from 20-1 morning line to 7-2 third favorite, so perhaps his training was good enough to indicate that he'll be just as effective on either surface. 4. DR. PARK, KEE 4/9- 6f, Beyer Speed Figure: 86 (c, 4, Uncle Mo–Queen Caroline, by Blame) O-CRK Stable LLC; B-South Gate Farm; T-Peter Eurton; J-Flavien Prat. Sales history: $850,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP If the pedigree sounds familiar, it should: the $850,000 Keeneland September yearling is a half-brother to GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and GI Florida Derby winner 'TDN Rising Star' Forte (Violence), as the second foal to race from dam Queen Caroline. He was bet down to 3-5 on the basis of his debut fourth in January at Santa Anita behind talented runners Santarena (Omaha Beach) and Extensive (City of Light), and was given a beautiful solo stalking trip here by Prat. He swung four wide into the lane and ran down pacesetter Chaching Chaching (Munnings) while bumping up his debut Beyer a couple lengths. 3. SHANGRALA ROAD, KEE 4/8- 1 1/16m, Beyer Speed Figure: 87. (c, 3, City of Light–Hi So Ci, by Scat Daddy) O-James Rupp; B-Claiborne Farm; T-Brad Cox; J-Joel Rosario. Sales history: $130,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP A distant second to the runaway Pletcher maiden winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Disruptor (Gun Runner) in his seven-furlong debut, the Claiborne-bred colt was stretched out by Cox and went wire-to-wire, setting moderate fractions and nicely turning back a strong stretch bid from Godolphin/Mott runner Chillax (Bernardini). 2. INVICTUS, KEE 4/8- 7f, Beyer Speed Figure: 87. (c, 3, Into Mischief–Serengeti Empress by Alternation) O-CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm; B-Joel Politi; T-Brad Cox; J-Flavien Prat. Sales history: $1,200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP How about a $1.2 million son of Into Mischief out of a Kentucky Oaks winner? Serengeti Empress's owner Joel Politi parted ways with this one, and understandably so given the seven-figure bid. And he can run. He was taken out of training in late August after fading in his Saratoga debut in Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie)'s 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy maiden win, and made his comeback here in style. He might be even better than his number, too–his Beyer figure here was projected downward on the basis of a track surface that appeared to be faster for this first race than for the later dirt races, so stay tuned. 1. BIG TRUZZ, KEE 4/12- 6 1/2f, Beyer Speed Figure: 88. (c, 3, Justify–Saralin, by Curlin) O-Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Kaleem Shah Inc; T-Brian Lynch; J-Luis Saez. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP Dutch Bros. Coffee co-founder Travis Boersma didn't get to the Kentucky Derby this year, but Owen Almighty (Munnings) isn't his only nice 3-year-old. Big Truzz was bet down to 7-2 on debut, dropped 4-5 lengths back early after bobbling just a touch at the break, and made an extended run to open daylight on these despite greenly leaning left in the upper stretch to become a 'TDN Rising Star'. His dam is a half-sister to $1.5-million earner Salutos Amigos (Salute the Sarge), but this one's pedigree doesn't suggest distance limitations. He tops a parade of Keeneland fast maiden graduates; the eight fastest maidens of the week and nine of the top 10 came out of Keeneland races. The post The Five Fastest Maidens For the Week of Apr. 7-15, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Switzerland (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) will stand at Coolmore Australia for A$60,500 (inc. GST) in his first season, Coolmore announced on Wednesday. Bred by Arrowfield Group, the colt was an A$1.5 million Inglis Ester yearling and would go on to take the G2 Todman Stakes. At three, he added the G2 Roman Consul Stakes and the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, the same double completed by successful stallion Zoustar (Aus). Rated 125 by Timeform for his effort in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Switzerland also eclipsed a 20-year-old record with that win, when covering the six furlongs in 1:08.03. “Switzerland is a horse that we have been looking forward to standing at Coolmore for a long time,” said Coolmore Australia's Tom Magnier. “He was always the head of his class from when he was broken-in at the farm to when he first arrived in Chris Waller's stable. “He was a top-class 2-year-old, the fastest ever winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes and the highest-rated spring 3-year-old ever by the great Snitzel. Physically, he is a stunning horse who we believe will be extremely easy for breeders to mate to, with a high-class American speed pedigree that lends itself to much of the Australian broodmare population. He is a very exciting addition to our roster and we will be supporting him with quality mares from the start.” Added Waller, “As his price tag suggests, he was an absolute standout at the sales. The whole team were adamant we should have him. He had so much presence, just a big, strong handsome colt with a beautiful action and what a racehorse he turned into. “They couldn't touch him in the Todman … and he was electric again in the Coolmore. Switzerland is a very special horse. I can't wait to see what he does in the next chapter.” Switzerland is out of the GIII Ladies Turf Stakes heroine Ms Bad Behavior (Blame), who was placed three more times at graded level in the U.S. She, in turn, is a half-sister to Queen's Plate hero One Bad Boy (Twirling Candy), as well as stakes winner Blessed Truly (Souper Speedy). The post ‘Stunning’ Switzerland To Stand For A$60.5k At Coolmore Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With Spanish moss hanging smokily in the sunbeams, live oaks spread their embrace like wise old graybeards in conference. They make the pasture a little harder to maintain, but it's worth the extra effort to give the horses all that deep shade during the dog days of summer. And while Dr. Krista Seltzer tends to apologize that there's “nothing fancy” about Solera Farm, in many ways it appeals as an edifying alternative to more industrial operations. Certainly there are a couple of stallions here exemplary of the independent outlook Krista and her father Ed have brought to their farm outside Williston, Florida. True, one of those stallions is now pensioned. But for those who hanker for the days when limits on quantity locked quality into stallion books, even the chance to pat a horse like Greatness on the neck feels a treat. This was the last active son of Mr. Prospector at stud in North America–and he's out of a Danzig mare! This glorious throwback's final handful of foals were delivered in 2023: while the old fires might still burn, his hindlegs would no longer support them. But he's looking terrific, at 26, beautifully tended by a team headed by farm trainer Curtis Garrison. No fewer than 176 of 225 lifetime starters by Greatness have been winners. Only three at graded stakes level, admittedly, but he also has a millionaire besides several that broke track records; and there are limits to what any horse can achieve, standing in Florida at $2,500. The question now is whether his young neighbor Rogueish will be given more opportunity, having mustered two stakes winners, and 11 overall, from just 20 starters through his first two crops. (Not to mention his conversion of a $1,500 short yearling into a $220,000 2-year-old.) A homebred son of Into Mischief, Rogueish was a juvenile meteor who won what turned out to be his only start at the Fair Grounds by nearly seven lengths. “Curtis knew the horse was special when he left here,” Krista says. “Of course we're only working against our own horses, but Curtis has done it long enough. And then Steve Asmussen really liked him, too. After that first race, my dad was offered good dollars. But he said, 'Why would I want to sell, at my age?' Because we'd never go out and buy an expensive colt, and here was one we had bred ourselves. But then he strained a tendon. And my dad said, 'I know it's crazy, but I believe in this horse, and I believe in the pedigree: let's stand him.'” Getting traction has been challenging, but Krista hopes that people will respond to the way he has seized limited opportunity. “They're sound and they have good brains,” Krista says. “He's a decent-sized horse, not towering–16, 16.1–but he has a huge hip, and that Into Mischief speed and precociousness. Which is actually in the granddam, too. She never ran, she had some knee problems, but she was very fast.” Moreover she was a half-sister (by A.P. Indy) to Greatness, and that makes Rogueish an apt symbol of the way Krista and Ed are still looking to the future–whatever the impression made by a dispersal at Keeneland last year. For while Ed had lately turned 90, that was not a case of a family getting out of the business. There were simply partnerships to be dissolved, market value to be established, that kind of thing–and Krista and Ed were glad to invest in retrieving some cherished stock. It wasn't always cheap, notably in the case of a $1-million Gun Runner filly out of Rogueish's sister at the September Sale; but $10,000, for instance, was a small price to pay for a 14-year-old daughter of Greatness in foal to Rogueish. Nobody else, after all, could be quite so attached to the prospect of a foal inbred 4×3 to Harbour Club, who ran second in three Grade Is (once by a nose) before giving them Greatness. That has always been Ed's way: while the idea is to make the business pay, he has never been enslaved by commercial vogues, preferring to plow the lone furrow. “He's been amazing for picking out stallions on the cusp,” Krista says. “I remember, way back, people saying, 'Okay, who are we going to? Don't tell me, your dad's new favorite stallion, right? Into Mischief?' And rolling their eyes, because nobody was using the horse at that time. Twirling Candy, same thing, before he had really hit. Looking at one of his babies, we said, 'Nice horse!' And the consignor said, 'Yeah–but what can you do with a Twirling Candy?' So, method to his madness!” That outlying approach is consistent with Ed's entry into the game. He knew zilch about horses, as a young man in Chicago, when one of the guys in a card game said he had just bought one for $2,000, and somehow Ed found himself taking an eighth. That horse did nothing, but Ed became intrigued and starting claiming horses at Arlington and elsewhere. Long before the internet facilitated research, he was seeking turf strains in the pedigrees of horses struggling on dirt. Ed was born with brains not money and, after Harvard on a sports scholarship, deployed one to make the other. He built up automobile dealerships, then played up the winnings in real estate. As he thrived, he was able to upgrade his Thoroughbred program, extending to a Kentucky farm that consecutively produced Classic winners either side of the Atlantic: Midway Lady (Alleged) won the 1000 Guineas and Oaks in 1986, a year after Tank's Prospect won the Preakness. Krista remembers spending the summer after school on the farm–in total contrast with her dad, she has been a hands-on horsewoman all her life–and watching a Mr. Prospector colt out in the field. “He was plain brown wrapper, a bit of a Roman nose–and I absolutely loved him,” she recalls. “His gallop stride, he'd be doing two fence posts, and all so effortlessly. He just had this incredible fluidity. And he was such a cool horse, too, chill and easygoing just like his mother.” Wayne Lukas bought Tank's Prospect for $625,000 at the old July Sale in 1983, in the same Keeneland ring where the dispersal took place over four decades later. In between, a double tragedy–Krista lost both her mother and brother–naturally prompted the suspension of the program for a time, but ultimately the horses provided valuable solace. “After all that grief, they were like Dad's happy place and he immersed himself back in it,” Krista explains. “But actually going round the sales has always been a chore for him, so he'd pick out filly pedigrees and I would go look at them. Anyway one of the last times he did come to the barns, a September Sale maybe 20 years ago, was to see one in Beth Bayer's consignment. And I didn't really like the filly, but Beth said, 'Can I show you this other one I really like?' She was by Yes It's True, and I loved her. I opened the catalogue and said, 'Dad, look!' The fourth dam was Midnight Pumpkin, the dam of Tank's Prospect.” The page, otherwise, was not quite up to Ed's standards but he thought she might warrant $30,000-$40,000. “So she comes into the ring and I sit in front of Dad,” Krista continues. “And she goes past $42,000, $45,000, makes $72,000. And I said, 'Darn, I really liked her. Too bad.' And then I see the guy bringing the ticket to my dad. 'Well, you really liked her, right?' And that was It's True Love: stakes winner, graded stakes producer–and granddam of the Into Mischief weanling that we sold for $900,000 at the November Sale. So, in a way, that really brought things full circle.” It was around the same time that Ed bought these 300 acres in Florida. Krista had meanwhile qualified as a vet, an ambition dating to a girlhood in rural Oklahoma. She remembers making her brother bring torn stuffed animals to her surgery (the closet) to be sewn up. This is also a woman with hinterland, having strayed from her vocation with college stints in art history and French, but a summer internship in Lexington under a cherished mentor, Dr. Chief Stipe Byars, clarified a fascination not just with animals but explicitly with medicine. After deep qualification, taking in five universities, she now has the unusual distinction of serving as resident veterinarian (excepting repro) on a family farm where she also manages the breeding stock. “Of course, Dad always had the final word,” she stresses. “But I'll have a lot of input into what we keep or sell, and work with consignors, keep an eye on what we have in Kentucky, a lot of clerical stuff. And managing the stallion. So I wear a lot of hats. I don't really do surgery anymore, obviously. If it can't be knocked down on the lawn, then we don't do it!” The respective expertise of father and daughter complement each other ideally–and find a common margin in the belief, hardly fashionable these days, that you build a family by putting winners under a mare. They seldom use new sires; never, certainly, with unproven mares. Broodmare recruitment has been driven by blood, and if that requires flaws of size or conformation, for the sake of affordability, so be it. “It's a crapshoot,” Krista acknowledges. “My dad and I will have discussions about which stallion to go to. I'll say, 'She needs this and this, physically; this, mentally; or this, for soundness.' Sometimes we'll disagree, of course. A lot of times he's right, and sometimes I am. He's probably more right than me, but he's been doing it longer!” And the show goes on, as emphasized by that seven-figure docket for the Gun Runner filly. “That's a sixth-generation horse,” Krista notes. “For someone that has loved the game so long, and has put so much into these families, that was very emotional. Dad said, and I get this, 'I'm 90 years old! Breeding from that filly, by the time they're running, I've got to live till at least 100!' But the passion is still there. I have to say, he's amazing. “And that filly's doing great. She can get a little hot-headed. Curtis doesn't want to put speed into her too early, because she already wants it and it'll crank her brain up. So he's like, 'Slow down, girl.' He's so good like that.” Solera plays a long game, and an attentive one. There are pensioned geldings, pensioned mares, and of course even a pensioned stallion. “They've been good to us,” Krista says with a shrug. “So long as a horse is going to live an okay life, then we're going to try. We feel like when you breed, you are responsible for them–and you stay responsible.” That's the length of perspective arising from the parallel bonds between father and daughter, on the one hand, and the families they have cultivated together. “Wherever I'm handing them off into the world–the weanling sale, the training barn, wherever–I want them to have as solid a foundation as they can,” Krista concludes. “I love breeding a good horse, and love raising one. We always strive for a pedigree that can bring mentality, soundness, physique. You don't always get everything, but you're always trying. From day one, we want to give those babies everything we can to be successful.” The post Greatness In Small Things appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — Beyond the action on the racecourse at Newmarket this week, there are plenty of pointers to the first two Classics of the season to be found in the mornings and Charlie Appleby took to the Rowley Mile early on Wednesday with a team which included his two best juveniles of last year. Desert Flower (Ire), the unbeaten G1 Fillies' Mile winner, was by far the most visually impressive of the Godolphin workers as she powered through the dip and up the hill under William Buick. Her efforts were certainly enough to leave her trainer in a bullish mood with a little over a fortnight to the Betfred 1,000 Guineas. “You've all seen that,” said Appleby of the daughter of Night Of Thunder (Ire). “You couldn't help but be impressed by that, really. So far she has just been straightforward and those good horses, they can go on any ground. That is what she is showing, that she's really versatile. “I knew before she ran in the Fillies' Mile that she might get a little bit lost going into the dip but then she hit the rising ground and she was away. She's done that again here. When you have got those unbeaten fillies, they are always exciting – and she is definitely that.” The homebred Desert Flower currently heads the market for the 1,000 Guineas and she could then head on to the Betfred Oaks. “I see no reason why she shouldn't stay or why she won't step up in trip,” Appleby said. “With Epsom, it would be just how she handled the track because of her size. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.” The European champion two-year-old of 2024, Shadow Of Light (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who was beaten just once into second from five starts last year, had been Buick's first mount of the morning, and Appleby was similarly upbeat about the Dewhurst winner. He said, “The best races in the autumn are the Dewhurst and the Fillies' Mile and people may want to go against Shadow Of Light at their peril but he's a Dewhurst winner and they are often the horses that are often going to be very competitive in the Guineas. “His preparation has gone faultlessly. He's done well physically. It was never in my mind to come for a trial. We're stepping him up to a mile, and that's a question mark of course, but I'm not worried about that because of what I saw in the Dewhurst.” Shadow Of Light and William Buick | Emma Berry Appleby added, “We have a lot of confidence in the horse on what we saw on Dewhurst day and what we're seeing physically – we think he'll see the mile out. And if he does, great, it opens his options up for the rest of the summer, and if he doesn't, then we'll drop him back to the Commonwealth. But from what we've seen we're very happy with him and it's all systems go towards the Guineas.” Appleby also brought the Jumeirah 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court (Justify) to the Rowley Mile for a spin under James Doyle. The Betfred Derby is his main Classic target, and his trainer is currently mulling options for the build-up to Epsom. “We planned originally to go to Sandown with him and with the work this morning, once the dust has settled, we'll decide what to do. He's in the Guineas mix for sure and the Guineas is one of the best Derby trials anyway,” he said. “It might just be a race we look towards for his Derby trial. I was pleased with what I saw out there this morning. Of course he's coming into today's gallop off a run in Meydan which was visually very impressive. He's come out of it very well. We'll look at him as a Derby horse but we feel he could be competitive in the Guineas as well.” Last year Notable Speech used a Rowley Mile gallop in lieu of a formal Classic trial and the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner returned with his younger stable-mates for a piece of work under Colm O'Donoghue. His first target of the year is the Lockinge Stakes on May 17. Declaring himself to be “delighted with him”, Appleby added, “The race obviously we're going to be working back from is the Queen Anne and hopefully we'll get quick ground.” The post ‘All Systems Go Towards The Guineas’: Godolphin Stars Shadow Of Light and Desert Flower Step Out appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Thursday, April 17, 2025 First Race 5:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Southside Racing will host an eight-race card at Pakenham on Thursday evening, with the opener scheduled to jump at 5:45pm AEST. Warm and dry conditions are forecast throughout Thursday, and the track is expected to remain at the Good 4 rating that was posted at acceptances. The rail will be out 3m for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Pakenham: Puglia Puglia returned with an eye-catching run at Sandown when beaten a length by The Muffin Man on March 19, but second-up she looks primed to strike. In her four-start career, the Archie Alexander-trained filly has shown she is blessed with a strong turn of foot, and with a genuine tempo expected on Thursday night, the race sets up perfectly for Puglia to produce her best. Best Bet Race 5 – #9 Puglia (8) 3yo Filly | T: Archie Alexander | J: Craig Williams (59kg) Next Best at Pakenham: Zouper Fund Zouper Fund could not have been more impressive when breaking his maiden first-up at Ballarat on March 25, stalking the speed over the 1000m before putting his rivals away with ease. As long as he can step cleanly from the barriers for his third career start, Ben Allen will likely have Zouper Fund in a similar role just behind the speed. Barring any bad luck, it is hard to see how Zouper Fund doesn’t win. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Zouper Fund (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ben Allen (59.5kg) Best Value at Pakenham: Perfect Gold Perfect Gold won impressively first-up in BM64 company at Bendigo on March 2, coming from deep with a blistering finish. Then, on March 19, she chased home the smart Zloties in a Sandown BM70 and finished a length off Pink Chandon in third despite having plenty of excuses in running. If Billy Egan can have her in clear air in the home straight, Perfect Gold should prove hard to hold out as she drops back in grade. Best Value Race 8 – #2 Perfect Gold (1) 4yo Mare | T: Dominic Sutton | J: Billy Egan (61.5kg) Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, April 17, 2025 6-9 2-3-4-7-9 1-2-4-5 1-2-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2025 All Aged Stakes Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, NSW When Saturday, April 19, 2025 Prizemoney $1,500,000 Distance 1400m Conditions Group 1, WFA 2024 winner Magic Time (6) | T: Grahame Begg | J: Michael Dee (57kg) Visit Dabble The final Group 1 of the Sydney autumn carnival headlines the action at Royal Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a star-studded field of 14 set to battle it out in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m). 12 of the 14 runners engaged in the $1.5 million feature boast a Group 1 win on the CV, including last year’s winner Magic Time who proved too classy on testing conditions 12 months ago. Which form-line will prove best to follow in this year’s edition? Will it be via the Group 1 T.J Smith Stakes (1200m) stepping up in trip? Or perhaps a miler coming back in journey? 2025 All Aged Stakes odds After a soft win in the 2025 T.J Smith Stakes on Day 1 of the Championships, the team Hawkes-trained Briasa was quickly installed as the $3.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers in Saturday’s All Aged Stakes. Three horses can’t be split on the second line of betting, with Broadsiding and Joliestar opening at $6.50 apiece with , while Jimmysstar is the early firmer from $8 into $6.50 with . Double-figure odds are available for every other runner, including the Tony Gollan-trained Antino ($12) returning from a trip to Hong Kong, while last year’s winner Magic Time is being shown plenty of respect at the $12 with . 2025 All Aged Stakes speed map Punters can expect an even tempo in this year’s All Aged Stakes, with the Bjorn Baker-trained Belclare (2) likely to surge forward under the urgings of Rachel King. Antino hasn’t shown much early speed in the past, however, gets the opportunity to slot onto the leaders’ back from the inside draw (1), while the lone three-year-old Broadsiding will look to hold a position under James McDonald in barrier three. Briasa looks likely to slot into the one-one from gate four, while Magic Time (7) and Desert Lightning (5) appear poised to sit in the top-half of the field. Joliestar (9) and Jimmysstar (6) will drag back to sit off them, while the likes of Kimochi (10), My Oberon (14) and New Zealand raider Grail Seeker (12) have work to do finding cover from their respective draws. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 All Aged Stakes. All Aged Stakes 2025 preview & form It’s worth splitting your stake between two key runners in the 2025 All Aged Stakes, however, it’s the Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar that gets the verdict. The son of Per Incanto was the flashing light in the T.J. Smith Stakes, storming through the wire in a moderately run affair to suggest the 1400m would be right up his ally. The tempo should be genuine for the lightly raced five-year-old, and although Ethan Brown may drop out the back from barrier six, watch for this guy to come with a withering burst as Jimmysstar circles them all in the All Aged Stakes. The other runner worthy of a saver bet comes in the form of Antino. The $12 with is simply too big to ignore as he returns to Australia after a luckless effort in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m). He was poleaxed in what turned out to be a non-event for the Tony Gollan-trained gelding, and with strong Group 1 credentials behind the likes of Mr Brightside, Antino warrants plenty of respect in an attempt to claim a second Group 1 victory. All Aged Stakes 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 4 JIMMYSSTAR 1 ANTINO 2 BRIASA 10 JOLIESTAR $100 betting strategy $70 Win Jimmysstar (#4) @ +550 with $30 Win Antino (#1) @ +1100 with All Aged Stakes 2025 final field 1. Antino (1) T: Tony Gollan J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg Age: 6 Colour: Brown or Black Sex: Gelding Sire: Redwood Dam: Mahamaya +1200 +280 2. Briasa (4) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 59kg Age: 4 Colour: Grey-bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Smart Missile Dam: Mary’s Grace +280 -142.86 3. Desert Lightning (5) T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Tommy Berry W: 59kg Age: 5 Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Isstoora +2600 +550 4. Jimmysstar (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ethan Brown W: 59kg Age: 5 Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Per Incanto Dam: Anniesstar +450 +115 5. My Oberon (14) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Joshua Parr W: 59kg Age: 8 Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dubawi Dam: My Titania +4000 +800 6. Osipenko (11) T: Chris Waller J: Tim Clark W: 59kg Age: 5 Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pierro Dam: Raskova +8000 +1400 7. Sunshine In Paris (13) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Chad Schofield W: 57kg Age: 5 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Invader Dam: Zenaida +1300 +300 8. Belclare (2) T: Bjorn Baker J: Ms Rachel King W: 57kg Age: 7 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Per Incanto Dam: Miss Rhythmic +2200 +500 9. Magic Time (7) T: Grahame Begg J: Jordan Childs W: 57kg Age: 5 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Time Awaits +1000 +240 10. Joliestar (9) T: Chris Waller J: Zac Lloyd W: 57kg Age: 4 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Jolie Bay +550 +140 11. Kimochi (10) T: Gary Portelli J: Nash Rawiller W: 57kg Age: 4 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Brave Smash Dam: Summer Fun +1200 +280 12. Benedetta (8) T: Jason Warren J: Ms Jamie Melham W: 57kg Age: 5 Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Whatalovelyday +1800 +400 13. Grail Seeker (12) T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Jason Collett W: 57kg Age: 4 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Iffraaj Dam: Starwish +4500 +850 14. Broadsiding (3) T: James Cummings J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg Age: 3 Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot Dam: Speedway +600 +150 Horse racing tips View the full article

Group One-performing sprinter Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) will have just his third start over a mile at Ellerslie on Saturday, with a bold showing opening up further opportunities in spring. Placed in both the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) and Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) this season, trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley felt it was the right time to test their charge over a mile once more. His two previous mile tests netted unplaced runs in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and Aotearoa Classic (1600m), and they are hoping it’s third time’s a charm in this weekend’s Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m). Sacred Satono heads into the race in good form, having run third behind Alabama Lass and Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Gr.3 Kings Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day before winning over 1300m at the Auckland track a fortnight ago. “He has gone a couple of good races so he’s probably looking for 1400m to a mile, so we will see how he goes,” Cooksley said. Sacred Satono has been lumbered with 60kg once more and will be ridden from barrier five by apprentice jockey Triston Moodley. “He carried 60 kilos last time, so the weight won’t worry him,” Cooksley said. Win, lose or draw, Cooksley said the five-year-old entire will head for a spell following Saturday in preparation for a spring campaign. He will be joined in Saturday’s contest by stablemate Meaningful Star, who drops back to a mile after finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie last month. “He is coming off not a bad run in that weight-for-age five weeks ago,” Cooksley said. “He has been freshened so he should go alright.” The stable will also be chasing stakes success with juvenile debutant Nocturne (NZ) (Contributer) in the Listed SkyCity Star Way Stakes (1200m). “He has had a couple of trials and trialled alright last time and he should go a nice race,” Cooksley said. On the undercard, the stable will also be represented by last-start winner He’s Classic (NZ) (Rageese)in the Manco 2100 and Toruk Makto (NZ) (Eminmet) in the Trackside.co.nz 1600. “He’s Classic is going along alright and this will probably be his last run before he goes for a spell,” Cooksley said. “It doesn’t look an overly strong field. “Toruk Makto has had a couple of runs since he has come back and both of them were quite nice, so he should be there somewhere.” View the full article

In-form three-year-old Atmospheric (NZ) (El Roca) will be given his first tilt at stakes level when he heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to contest the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m). The lightly-tried son of El Roca hasn’t finished outside of the money in his six starts to date, with his four starts this preparation netting two wins and two placings, and trainer Cody Cole believes he deserves his chance at adding some black-type to his name before heading for a spell. “He seems to be coping with the preparation well, we are obviously pretty deep into it,” Cole said. “He went up to Ellerslie last week and galloped between races and worked well, and he worked well again yesterday (Tuesday) morning. We can’t fault him and 2000m should suit him with how he raced last start. “We are just going to learn about him too and see if he will run a trip, and it gives us a bit of an idea of where we plan on heading with him next season. He is looking quite progressive at the moment. “It is a smart field. A lot of the horses are probably stepping up to a trip for the first time as well, but I couldn’t be any happier with him going into it, so hopefully he can do what he did last time and round off the race well.” Atmospheric will be joined on the float trip north from their Matamata base by Carajillo (NZ) (Ardrossan), who will line-up in the Trackside.co.nz 1600. “She has been a bit of an enigma,” Cole said. “She runs a winning race every time but she is missing the kick and making it very difficult on herself. “We have changed a bit of gear and put a barrier blanket on her and some visor blinkers and just see if we can invigorate her out of the gates. If she can get away with them, she is going to be a good chance.” Earlier in the week, Cole will head to his home track at Matamata on Thursday with a trio of runners, headlined by Social Racing’s Group Three performer Renovations (NZ) (Ardrossan), who will contest the Banking For Bloodstock 1400. The three-year-old daughter of Ardrossan has been freshened after she was forced to bypass last month’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), and Cole is hoping for a bold showing in her resuming run. “We are at a time of the season where there’s not a lot around for her,” Cole said. “She had a little bit of a setback on her way to the Oaks and didn’t get there. We have refreshed and will give her a run or two before she heads to the paddock for the winter and regroup for next season. “She has done a good job, she is obviously not quite up to the better fillies, but she has done a nice enough job and placed in a Group Three. “She is an honest type and has worked really well. The outside gate (16) is not going to help, but if the rain comes it’s not going to be a bad place to be by the last.” Stablemate Dudaday (NZ) (Darci Brahma) will be vying to make it back-to-back wins in the Matamata Function Centre Mile (1600m), where he will be reunited with high weight hoop Troy Harris. “Hopefully we have found the key to him with putting Troy on him because he won well last start,” Cole said. “The form out of that race seems to have stacked up well enough and he has worked as if he can go on with it.” Cole’s team will be rounded out by Luna Star (NZ) (Almanzor), who will carry owners Philip and Catherine Brown’s silks in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series 1200. “She is a nice filly, we really like her, and I think she is going to be paying overs there,” Cole said. View the full article

Saturday will prove to be a lucrative day for the winning connections of the Southern Cups Bonus Series as it comes to a head in the Kennedy Building Riverton Cup (2147m). Robert Dennis is intent on ensuring his owners scoop the $50,000 winner takes all bonus, with the Ascot Park trainer currently sitting in pole position in the series with his mare Loftys Gift (NZ) (Ghibellines) (eight points) following her win in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) and runner-up performance in the Gore Cup (2000m). She subsequently trekked north to Riccarton where she was runner-up in last month’s Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) before disappointing when beating just the one runner home in last Saturday’s $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m). Dennis is wary of the quick back-up but remains confident of a bold showing this weekend. “She’s on a one-week back-up after running second-to-last in the Southern Alps, but she has only been beaten by five lengths,” Dennis said. “We had to have a go for the money that was on offer and unfortunately the track was just a bit firm for her liking. “Hopefully that hasn’t taken too much out of her and she should front-up well.” Stablemate Sacred Dream (NZ) (Sacred Falls) is hot on Loftys Gift’s heels in the series, currently sitting second equal on five points following her win in the Wyndham Cup (2200m) last start. She hasn’t been sighted on raceday since that run early last month, but Dennis said he has kept her up to the mark with a pleasing jumpout victory. “We didn’t race her in-between the Wyndham Cup and this,” Dennis said. “We gave her a jumpout, which she won quite well, and everything seems to be on track with her, she looks great.” With double the points on offer in the Riverton Cup (1st – 10 points, 2nd – 6 points, 3rd – 4 points, 4th – 2 points), the series will come right down to the wire this weekend. On the undercard, Dennis is set to line-up The Hangover (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Riverton Butchery Aparima Handicap (1200m) after he finished runner-up behind Go Lotte (NZ) (Telperion) in the Beaumont Cup (1500m) at Wingatui last month. “It was a massive run in the Beaumont Cup,” Dennis said. “Coming back to 1200m we are purposefully spacing his runs, he seems to go much better like that. It is a reasonably strong field, so he is going to have to be good to be competitive.” Stablemate Medina (NZ) (American Pharoah) is second on the ballot in the same race, so will likely take her place in the Riverton Rural Transport Francolin Stakes (1400m), where she has drawn barrier nine. “She’s fresh,” Dennis said. “She was just feeling her fetlock joint after her last run in January so hopefully we are on top of all of that. She seems to go quite well in a fresh state, so I expect a big run from her.” Dennis also holds high hopes for Lemon Curd (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Vino Valentino (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Aparima Restaurant And Bar (1600m), while he will have a three-pronged attack in the Bupa Care Services Excellency Stakes (1100m) courtesy of Azilee Star (NZ) (Tivaci), Here’s Loosie (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), and Melo (NZ) (Per Incanto). “Lemon Curd is a good horse, but it might be a bit wet for her,” Dennis said. “Vino Valentino has been working very well and we will possibly run her on the Saturday and the Monday, we will just see how that goes. Wherever she goes she will run well. “We have got three in the two-year-old race that are all good chances. Melo has the blinkers on, which will sharpen her right up. It will be a big learning curve for Azilee Star, and Here’s Loosie is a first starter by Turn Me Loose who won a jumpout a couple of weeks ago quite easily, so we expect her to run well.” There is plenty of prizemoney up for grabs at Riverton, enhanced by the Southern Cups Bonus, and Dennis is looking forward to heading to the Southland meeting on Saturday. “It’s a meeting to target to try and get a good financial return for owners,” he said. “We aim some of our better horses at these races and it’s a real incentive to race down here in Southland. “We have got two mares going for the bonus and hopefully we can take it home.” View the full article

Little Avondale Stud created a slice of New Zealand racing history when they successfully brokered a deal to stand Little Brose (Per Incanto) at their Wairarapa farm. Principals Sam and Catriona Wiliams pulled off a breeding coup with the high-class colt, the first ever Australian Group One-winning two-year-old over 1200m to debut at stud in this country. He will stand his first season in 2025 at $15,000 + GST alongside his sire and stud stalwart Per Incanto, who off the back of a stellar season will serve a limited book of 85 mares at the increased fee of $60,000 + GST. Little Brose’s two-year-old season was highlighted by his victory in the Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), having earlier claimed the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m). “There’s been a lot of interest and to have a Blue Diamond winner going to stud at $15,000 is unheard of,” Sam Williams said. “Redoute’s Choice and Extreme Choice won it and so did Written By and Tagaloa, who both had stakes winners at the weekend, it’s a real stallion making race. “There were seven stakes horses to come out of Little Brose’s Blue Diamond and he beat Cylinder in the Merson Cooper, and he went on to run second in the Golden Slipper (Gr.1, 1200m) and win the Newmarket (Gr.1 1200m).” Major New Zealand stud farms were fast out of the gates to support Little Brose, who will make his first public parade at Little Avondale on May 15. “Little Brose was syndicated quickly through Cambridge Stud, Elsdon Park, Hallmark, Haunui Farm, Milan Park, Ardsley, Windsor Park, Mapperley, Beaufort Downs, Inglewood, Woburn Farm, Rich Hill, Goodwood, Fairdale and Novara Park,” Williams said. “There are a couple overseas as well with Sledmere Stud, who sold Little Brose as a yearling, and Ben Kwok of Singapore, involved.” Purchased for A$200,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Lindsay Park, the colt returned from his outstanding juvenile campaign to place in the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes (1200m). He then relocated from Ben, Will and JD Hayes’ stable to join their father David’s Sha Tin operation and finished runner-up in his second appearance before suffering a career ending injury. “I think we were lucky to get a deal done with Little Brose very early after he had arrived back in Australia, otherwise I feel we would have struggled to compete against some of the Australian studs,” Williams said. Little Brose is a son of the American-bred stakes winner Mohegan Sky, whose pedigree page features the Gr.1 Tatt’s Winter Stakes (1400m) winner Absolut Glam. Per Incanto has enjoyed another royal innings on and off the track this season. “His yearlings this year, off a $50,000 service fee, averaged $207,000 across the big five sales and a recent average of A$425,000 at Sydney Easter with a high of A$650,000,” Williams said. “Sale results only come by success on the track, and he’s had Group One winners Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) and a quartet of Group Two winners.” View the full article

Rising talent Zormella (NZ) (Almanzor) contested the NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie last month, and on Saturday she will return to the Auckland venue as a key player in the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m). The daughter of Almanzor was a late inclusion in the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race after stablemate Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High) was ruled out of the $3.5 million contest. At just her third start, she was far from disgraced and showed her class when returning to Rating 65 company last-start putting over three lengths on Monday Melody. Rapt with the performance, trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are looking forward to stepping their filly out over ground for the first time. “She couldn’t have been more impressive than what she was, it was there for all to see,” James said. “She did a little bit of work early, then relaxed well and kicked clear. “We’re going to see on Saturday, but we’re of the belief that it (2100m) will suit her better than the mile. It’s a big step up in quality of field, but we’re pretty certain she’ll be competitive. “We’ll see how she goes on Saturday and how she comes through it before making any further decisions going forward.” The Cambridge trainers prepare Zormella for a large ownership group, put together by the Racehorses New Zealand Frac Club and Surf Coast Racing. “It’s our first horse involved with them (FRAC Club), and I believe this is their first horse too,” James said. “They’ve picked a good one to get going with.” Joining Zormella in the three-year-old feature will be Grey Area (NZ) (Pierro), a Pierro gelding coming out of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “He had a tough run in the Derby and I think you can put a line through that run,” James said. “He worked with the filly (Zormella) on Tuesday morning and his work was equal to hers, they were both very good. He looks tremendous, he’s a big horse that has handled his preparation very well.” The Listed SkyCity Star Way Stakes (1200m) has attracted a tidy field of up-and-coming juveniles, with Kingsclere Stables represented by Trelawney Stud filly Steezy. A well-bred daughter of Russian Revolution, Steezy has finished runner-up in her first two starts, including at Ellerslie earlier this month behind Wyndstorm (NZ) (Wyndspelle). “She’s a very good worker at home and you know what you’ve got when you take her to the races,” James said. “She’s still a bit frail and getting there maturity-wise, this will be her last run of this prep. It’s black-type and if she can run in the first three, it’s very valuable for her.” Completing the stable’s runners at Ellerslie will be Hasstobeawinner (NZ) (Vadamos), a consistent galloper who collected the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final at the course on Boxing Day before placing in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m), won by El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking). He contested the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) last-start at set weights and penalties, and James believes he will find the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) a more suitable option. “I think the conditions of this race suit him better, he loves Ellerslie and he’s in grand order,” James said. Prior to the stakes racing action on Saturday, James and Wellwood will have two runners at Matamata on Thursday, including last-start winner The Charm (NZ) (Charm Spirit) in the Matamata Function Centre Mile (1600m). “He’d always promised that (maiden win) and it was nice to see in the end, I think he’s still learning his trade and he’ll get further at some stage as well,” James said. The Charm will be partnered by Hamish McNeill in the highweight contest, while James is unsure whether he will start Hephaestus (NZ) (The Autumn Sun) in the Lest We Forget 1600 or the Robow’s 1600. “I’m not certain which race we’ll run him in yet, but he’s a horse of the future and is probably six months away like a lot of The Autumn Sun’s,” he said. “He let himself down a little bit last-start after a promising run the time before, so we’ve freshened him and he comes into the race in nice order.” View the full article

The Team Hawkes stable, fresh off their TJ Smith Stakes victory with Briasa, are poised for further Group 1 success in Sydney this weekend, with their promising colt Nepotism heading the betting markets for the 2025 Champagne Stakes. Nepotism, a son of Brutal, is currently the $3.90 favourite at Ladbrokes for the Group 1 $1 […] The post Nepotism Heads Champagne Stakes 2025 Field & Betting appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article