Wandering Eyes

With a big kick down the lane, Asbury Park (GB) (Frankel (GB)–Limonar (Ire), by Street Cry {Ire}) rolled home to take the GII Jockey Club Derby Invitational Stakes at the Big A on Saturday. Named a 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyard, after the colt won at the Spa in early June, the 3-year-old went off as the second choice on the tote behind fellow 'Rising Star' and stablemate Hill Road (Quality Road). Asbury Park settled towards the rear of the field into the first turn, as Crudo (Justify) attempted to run them off their feet. By the top of the lane though, the dark bay was ready to gun his engine and that is exactly what put him in the thick of the action past the eighth pole. His nice turn of foot won the day over Noble Confessor (Quality Road). The final running time was 2:14.45. A Tattersalls October Yearling sale grad who went in Book 1, Asbury Park has a half-brother by Cracksman (GB) who sells in Book 2 this year. ASBURY PARK gets his first stakes win in the Grade 2 Jockey Club Derby Invitational with @jockeyfranco up for trainer Chad Brown. Another stakes win today for Manny! pic.twitter.com/OjDyFzbn74 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) October 4, 2025 Saturday, Belmont Big A JOCKEY CLUB DERBY INVITATIONAL S.-GII, $500,000, Belmont The Big A, 10-4, 3yo, 1 3/8mT, 2:14.45, fm. 1–ASBURY PARK (GB), 122, c, 3, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Limonar (Ire) (SW-Fr, $124,447), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Trylko, by Diesis (GB) 3rd Dam: Gossamer, by Seattle Slew 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'. (250,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Peter M. Brant and St. Elias Stable; B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (GB); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Manuel Franco. $275,000. Lifetime Record: 5-2-0-1, $350,860. *1/2 to Dude N Colorado (GB) (Uncle Mo), SW & GSP, $273,376; 1/2 to Mokarris (More Than Ready), SW & GSP-Eng; 1/2 to Spanish Mission (Noble Mission {GB}), MGSW & G1SP-Eng, SW-USA, MG1SP-Aus, $2,139,535. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Noble Confessor, 122, c, 3, Quality Road–Sweeter Than Wine, by Noble Mission (GB). O/B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $100,000. 3–Hill Road, 122, c, 3, Quality Road–Exotic Notion, by Lemon Drop Kid. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'. ($350,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Amo Racing USA LLC; B-Lynch Bages LTD & Camas Park Stud (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $60,000. Margins: 2, HF, NK. Odds: 2.48, 9.08, 1.29. Also Ran: Crudo, Hammerhead, Game Warrior, A Bourbon for Toby. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Asbury Park Sails Home To Take Jockey Club Derby At BAQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Jose D'Angelo shares his thoughts on Bentornato's four-furlong work in :48 2/5 over Keeneland's dirt as the Valiant Minister colt targets the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar Nov. 1.View the full article

Fallen Angel blew her rivals away on a windswept Rowley Mile in the Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) to complete a third straight group 1 win and set up a possible showdown with the colts in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) Oct. 18 at Ascot.View the full article

Named a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' at Churchill Downs for his May 23 turf debut, OUTFIELDER (c, 2, Speightstown–Notte d'Oro, by Medaglia d'Oro) returned to Keeneland a winner Saturday on the main track for the first time having last been spotted in France finishing fourth in the G1 Prix Morny Stakes Aug. 24. Positioned wide and on the pace from the jump, the 3-5 favorite had to get by a determined run from Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) down the stretch but ultimately prevailed by a clear margin under John Velazquez. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0. O-Amo Racing USA, LLC, Ward, Wesley A. and Werth, Jayson R.; B-SF Bloodstock LLC; T-Wesley Ward. Sales History: $300,000 RNA wlg '23 KEENOV, $850,000 ylg '24 FTSAUG. Outfielder is now a winner on both turf and dirt! He gets back into the winner's circle in R3 at @keeneland. Wesley Ward trains and @ljlmvel was in the saddle. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/MwQwhxrbk1 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 4, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Outfielder Returns A Winner At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He hasn't been seen since November, but unbeaten Rated by Merit (Battalion Runner) returned to the winner's enclosure like he never left it in the first place in the Discovery Stakes. A sensation who garnered national attention last season in Florida while in the shedrow of Michael Yates, he was unveiled July 13 at Gulfstream to an eye-catching 9 3/4-length tour-de-force against open maidens–soundly beating MSP Forged Steel (Vekoma)–and just kept going from there. He rolled right through the Florida sire stakes circuit with open margins in the Dr. Fager Stakes Sept. 7–where he soundly defeated SW & GISP Neoequos (Neolithic) for the first time–and repeated that effort Oct. 19 in the Affirmed Stakes over that rival. Behind that pair in both starts was SW Classic of Course (Awesome of Course) and they'd left a couple eventual black type winners in their wake to boot. Rated by Merit was last seen Nov. 30 as he rolled home to a six-length victory in the In Reality Stakes over Classic of Course, and claimed the 'Triple Crown of the Florida Sire Stakes'. Unfortunately, bone bruising forced him to the sidelines, ending any chances of a potential tilt at the Kentucky Derby. He moved to the barn of Chad Brown at Saratoga before his first work in August, and built up a healthy worktab before this jump. Appropriately, the public bet him like he couldn't lose, and as the overwhelming 1-5 favorite, Rated by Merit did not disappoint. As was tradition, the grey went right to the front to control the tempo through :22.96 and a half in :45.63 while taking pressure from his outside. Getting away from that early challenger around the turn after six panels in 1:09.05, Rated by Merit's margin had grown to a clear advantage with Wise Up (Lookin At Lucky) chasing in second, but a long way in front of third. Despite drifting out inside the furlong marker, the Brown-trainee held his pursuer to 1 1/4 lengths on the wire. Light Forever (Frosted) was over 13 lengths behind them to wrap the trifecta. The final time was 1:33.45 for the one-turn mile. “[Rated by Merit is] really fast and he's got natural speed,” said Manny Franco. “I just was trying to sit chilly on him. I got the pressure outside, but he don't really bother me because I was focused on my horse, it was me and him. I get him to relax. He was going fast, but the right way. He was pretty comfortable and then in the stretch, I've got horse under me, so I'm happy.” Out of Banner Waving (Speightstown), Rated by Merit is her last foal to the races thus far, but stands tall as the most accomplished of the three winning offspring she's produced. Hailing from the female line of GISW Runup the Colors, the mare is out of a half-sister to MGSW & GISP Revolutionary (War Pass). Banner Waving went to Liam's Map for 2026. This is the immediate female family of Mineshaft (A.P. Indy) and his full-siblings MGISW Tomisue's Delight and MSW & GSP Rock Slide. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Still undefeated! RATED BY MERIT stays perfect as he wins his fifth race in a row in the Discovery Stakes under @jockeyfranco for trainer Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/7K65haw4WS — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) October 4, 2025 DISCOVERY S., $121,250, Belmont The Big A, 10-4, (C), 3yo, 1m, 1:33.45, ft. 1–RATED BY MERIT, 120, c, 3, by Battalion Runner 1st Dam: Banner Waving, by Speightstown 2nd Dam: Freedom Flag, by Dixie Union 3rd Dam: Runup the Colors, by A.P. Indy O/B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (FL); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Manuel Franco. $68,750. Lifetime Record: 5-5-0-0, $468,750. 2–Wise Up, 120, r, 3, Lookin At Lucky–Five Diamonds, by Flatter. ($65,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $120,000 2yo '24 OBSOPN). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Wise Racing LLC; B-Arrowwood Farm (PA); T-Chad C. Brown. $25,000. 3–Light Forever, 120, c, 3, Frosted–Tiz Ladys Legs, by Tiznow. ($30,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Silver Trail Stables LLC; B-Stepaside Farm LLC (KY); T-Guadalupe Preciado. $15,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 13 3/4, 1HF. Odds: 0.29, 4.90, 33.15. Also Ran: Uncaged, Dreambuilder. The post Rated By Merit Takes the Big Apple by Storm, Remains Perfect in Discovery appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's freshman sire sensation Yaupon (by Uncle Mo) picked up a third 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Saturday as Local Knowledge ran the field down late to take the second race on the opening weekend of Keeneland's Fall Meet. Breaking from post 12, the 5-2 second choice never had a chance to save ground and was hung out wide nearly the entire trip under Dylan Davis. In no rush through the opening furlongs, Local Knowledge sat outside of nearly the entire field paced by 6-5 race favorite Gallivant (Into Mischief) who was pressured quickly by 7-1 shot Rockies Balboa (Girvin). That pair led into the far turn but the Spendthrift-owned Local Knowledge was already making moves from the middle of the pack, sweeping up into fifth and gaining ground in a hurry on the leaders. Gallivant hit the stretch with the lead but the white and purple silks loomed on the outside and Davis seemed to know what he had as Local Knowledge swept to the front under mostly hand-ridden urging to graduate in style. Rockies Balboa got the better of Gallivant in the final strides for second with the race favorite settling for third. Local Knowledge joins Tennessee Belle and MSW Sassy C W as 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard' for their freshman sire who leads the first-crop sires list by earnings ahead of Knicks Go and Spendthrift stablemate Rock Your World. Yaupon now sits at 18 winners from his first crop. Bred in Kentucky by Stoneriggs Farm, Local Knowledge first brought $260,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September last year before being pinhooked for $625,000 as a 2-year-old at OBS April for Spendthrift Farm. He is the second winner for Chestnut Street, a winning daughter of Scat Daddy whose first foal Ang N Ash (Audible) has earnings of nearly $200,000. The mare is a half to MSW Saratoga Snacks (Tale of the Cat) and Peruvian MGSP Rajman (Thunder Gulch) while another half-sister produced MSW Split Time (Take Charge Indy) and SP Fast and Flirty (Into Mischief). Local Knowledge has a weanling half-sister by Charlatan while Chestnut Street was served by Omaha Beach for 2026. Two in a row for @spendthriftfarm as (12) Local Knowledge proves best in race 2 for Dylan Davis. (9) Rockies Balboa takes second and (7) Gallivant is third. pic.twitter.com/F587vm7owY — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) October 4, 2025 2nd-Keeneland, $103,565, Msw, 10-4, 2yo, 6f, 1:10.23, ft, 1 1/4 lengths. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, c, 2, Yaupon 1st Dam: Chestnut Street, by Scat Daddy 2nd Dam: Near and Dear, by Red Ransom 3rd Dam: Deputy Dear, by Deputy Minister Sales History: $260,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $625,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $62,233. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree. O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Stoneriggs Farm (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Local Knowledge A Third ‘TDN Rising Star’ For Yaupon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson shares his thoughts on Methven today. View the full article

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Amid swirling winds across the Rowley Mile, Economics (Night Of Thunder) made a long-awaited public appearance when galloping prior to racing at Newmarket on Saturday with stable-mate Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai). Ridden by Ted Durcan, the four-year-old Economics surged ahead of lead horse Irish Admiral heading into the dip and, followed through by Dubai Honour and Andrew Tinkler, stretched out nicely on the rising ground. The winner of the 2024 G1 Irish Champion Stakes and G2 Dante Stakes, Economics could reappear in the G1 Champion Stakes, in which he finished sixth last year, with another key gallop next week set to determine his racecourse return. The globetrotting four-time Group 1 winner Dubai Honour meanwhile has potential forthcoming engagements in Italy, Germany or France and also holds an entry for the Japan Cup. Trainer William Haggas said of Economics, “He was a bit rusty, but he moved well and finished off well and it was good. I was hoping there would be a bit more of a crowd here to gee him up, but everyone stayed inside. “We're trying to get him to Ascot and this is part of the process and I suppose he will be doing another piece of work Thursday or Friday and then we'll know if he is another step closer, but that has gone as well as we could have hoped for. “Ascot is a big, prestigious race so we would like to get him there if we can but he needs to run properly, there's no point running him there just for a day out, we can do that anywhere.” He continued, “There's a big race in Bahrain [the $1m G2 International Trophy] which the owner looks after which is obviously a big factor and there's a little Listed race [James Seymour Stakes] here in November which we could do, but that would make Bahrain difficult and I'm not sure I want to do that, so we'll see.” The post Blustery Newmarket Breeze for Economics and Dubai Honour appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just as ParisLongchamp became enveloped in gloom, one of its beloved sons Andre Fabre produced some illumination with the reinvigorated First Look in the G2 Qatar Prix Dollar. Providing his sire Lope De Vega with a quickfire double after the exploits of Consent minutes earlier, Wathnan Racing's 2024 Prix du Jockey Club runner-up built on recent momentum to deny the Prix Niel runner-up Bay City Roller (New Bay) by 1 1/4 lengths. In the recent past, this 10-furlong contest has been used as a stepping stone to Ascot's Champion Stakes, with Cirrus des Aigles, Skalleti, Dubai Honour and Horizon Dore all featuring prominently there having won this. First Look, who has been transformed by a gelding operation and was building on his latest win in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron, is not entered at Ascot but would not be out of place on the evidence of this performance. Mickael Barzalona was on the 4-1 winner, whose stablemate Bright Picture (Intello) was a further 1 3/4 lengths behind in third. Gutsy performance! First Look proves too tough in the Group Two Qatar Prix Dollar! pic.twitter.com/eQU1uDtOPY — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 4, 2025 The post ParisLongchamp Group Double For Lope De Vega As First Look Takes The Prix Dollar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:05, QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE-G1, €5,000,000, 3yo/up, c/f, 12fT Field: Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Arrow Eagle (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Byzantine Dream (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Quisisana (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Leffard (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Cualificar (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Croix Du Nord (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Alohi Alii (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Leading contenders Minnie Hauk, Sosie, Daryz and Cualificar have received favourable draws, while the Japanese contingent enjoyed mixed fortunes as another large field has assembled for ParisLongchamp's autumn showpiece. Impressive G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano victor Alohi Alii fared best of the trio, while the hopes of G2 Prix Foy scorer Byzantine Dream and G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange winner Croix Du Nord were allocated outside post positions. The latter's gatespeed offers hope to connections and supporters. Others to have been blighted by double-digit draws include last year's runner-up Aventure, G1 Prix de Diane heroine Gezora and Ballydoyle second string Los Angeles. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:40, QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC – CRITERIUM DES POULICHES-G1, €400,000, 2yo, f, 8fT Field: Narissa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Aylin (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Clea Chope (Fr) (Muhaarar {GB}), Bandiagara (GB) (Zelzal {Fr}), Esna (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Venosa (Gun Runner), Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Green Spirit (Kingman {GB}), Ozone (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: The ante-post betting lists has this tagged as a match between France's unbeaten G2 Prix d'Aumale winner Green Spirit and Ireland's similarly perfect TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, Diamond Necklace, who was last seen powering to an impressive win in Leopardstown's Listed Ingabelle Stakes on Irish Champions weekend. Alain and Gerard Wertheimer provide back up to first string Green Spirit with the Christophe Ferland-trained Listed Criterium de Lyon victrix Ozone, who is two-for-two, while champion trainer-elect Francis Graffard saddles Narissa, another Rising Star, who was just over one length behind Green Spirit in both G3 Prix Six Perfections and G2 Prix d'Aumale. He is also represented by Listed winner Cleo Chope, who ran unplaced in those heats. Britain's hopes rest with G2 May Hill heroine Aylin and Sandown winner Esna. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:15, QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE-G1, €400,000, 2yo, c/f, 7fT Field: Rayif (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Vardif (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Campacite (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Time To Turn (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), A Bit Of Spirit (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), CIelo Di Roma (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Nighttime (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Imperial Me Cen (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Francis Graffard has yet to taste success in this “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and has two Aga Khan Studs representatives declared. Confidence is very much on the side of the highly regarded G3 Prix Francois Boutin winner Rayif, who arrives here as an undefeated winner of two. His stablemate Vardif ran third behind Christopher Head trainee Nighttime in last month's G3 Prix La Rochette over course and distance, with the latter also trading at short odds in the ante-post betting markets. Aidan O'Brien has nine renewals in the books, two shy of Henry Jennings's 19th century record, and relies on G2 Champagne Stakes winner and G1 Phoenix Stakes fourth Puerto Rico this time around. Godolphin's Time To Turn is Charlie Appleby's only runner at the meeting and he finished a head in front of subsequent G3 Solario Stakes winner A Bit Of Spirit when garnering July's Listed Pat Eddery Stakes in his most recent start. That seven-furlong Ascot heat was utilised as a springboard by this contest's 2023 hero Rosallion. Jean-Claude Rouget's Campacite is three from four and shouldn't be discounted. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:50, PRIX DE L'ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES-G1, €350,000, 2yo/up, 5fT Field: Against The Wind (GB) (Earthlight {Ire}), Washington Heights (GB) (Washington DC {Ire}), Ain't Nobody (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Megarry (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}), Jm Jungle (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Jawwal (Fr) (Wooded {Ire}), Rumstar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Frost At Dawn (Frosted), She's Quality (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Monteille (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), First Instinct (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Star Of Lady (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire]), Afjan (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Anyone who had a heart, as Cilla Black once sang, would not begrudge Czech speedster Ponntos his day in the sun and Eva Nieslanikova's front-running seven-year-old has been favourably drawn for his fourth attempt at this dash. As always, it will be a case of how far the elastic will stretch before the tank empties. He finished third to Monteille and Rayevka in last month's G3 Prix du Petit Couvert over course and distance and both rivals feature prominently in ante-post betting markets. Dry conditions, a rarity at this meeting, will be to the benefit of popular antipodean Asfoora, who rewarded connections' faith with a rousing G1 Nunthorpe triumph before hitting the buffers in last month's G1 Flying Five. She has the ideal draw alongside Ponntos in stall three. Britain has claimed a staggering 18 editions since the turn of the century and G1 King Charles III Stakes runner-up and G1 Nunthorpe third Frost At Dawn is the chief hope among a 11-strong raiding party from across La Manche. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:50, PRIX DE L'OPERA LONGINES-G1, €500,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Royal Dress (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Grand Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Start Of Day (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), See The Fire (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Barnavara (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Wemightakedlongway (Ire) (Australia {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Merveilleux Lapin (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Qilin Queen (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Nicoreni (Ger) (Brametot {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Foreign challengers hold the key to this distaffers' contest, a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, with the ultra-consistent G2 Middleton Stakes victrix See The Fire due a big one after earning minor prizes in a trio of Group 1 contests this term. Last term's G1 Sun Chariot heroine Tamfana has not been out since a seventh in May's G1 Lockinge and is another to feature prominently in ante-post betting lists. Coolmore's January has also placed three times at the highest level this year and comes back off a seventh in last month's G1 Matron Stakes, while Cayton Park Stud's G1 Irish Oaks second Wemightakedlongway and G1 Preis der Diana heroine Nicoreni, now in the ownership of Teruya Yoshida, are others worthy of consideration. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:25, QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET-G1, €350,000, 3yo/up, 7fT Field: Roshvar (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Sajir (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Zoum Zoum (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Topgear (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Geography (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Zerostress (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), More Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Maranoa Charlie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Godspeed (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}). TDN Analysis: All eyes will be on Aga Khan Studs homebred Zarigana, whose second dam Zarkava brought the curtain down on an unbeaten seven-race career on this date in 2008. William Haggas secured a hat-trick of victories with One Master in 2020 and sends forth More Thunder, who defeated Witness Stand and King's Gamble in August's G2 Hungerford Stakes when last seen. Others with solid claims include G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Sajir and the enigmatic Maranoa Charlie, who will be a serious threat if allowed to dictate off the front. This race is a “Win And You're In” qualifier for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Dusseldorf, Germany, post time: 15:50, 105TH GROSSER PREIS DER LANDESHAUPTSTADT DUSSELDORF-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 8 1/2fT Field: Best Lightning (Fr) (Sidestep {Aus}), Short Final (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Aigle Vaillant (Fr) (Wings Of Eagles {Fr}), Sommersby (Ger) (Amaron {GB}), Stingray (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Daydream Express (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Stugardia (Ger) (Tai Chi {Ger}). TDN Analysis: Last year's winner Best Lightning has to contend with a half-dozen rivals this time around and seeks a fifth pattern-race victory here. Cometica's multiple stakes-placed G1 Preis der Diana also-ran Stugardia receives the maximum weight concessions as a three-year-old filly and is accompanied by Henk Grewe stablemate Daydream Express, who finished seventh last year and ran unplaced behind Quest The Moon in his two most recent starts. Short Final and Aigle Vaillant have both run second to G1 Prix de la Foret contender Geography, and ahead of Best Lightning, this term, while Sommersby and Stingray have recent winning form. [Sean Cronin] Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Can Minnie Add The Arc To Her Oaks Triple? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Relishing the testing ground at ParisLongchamp on Saturday, Denford Stud's three-year-old Consent (Lope De Vega) dominated the G1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu to announce her arrival. Patiently campaigned by Sir Mark Prescott, the 12-1 shot who had been second to Santorini Star (Golden Horn) in Doncaster's Park Hill last month kept that compatriot company on the lead before brushing her aside approaching the final quarter mile. “She's improved all year and that was an easy a watch as it gets,” assistant trainer William Butler said of the Luke Morris-ridden 4 1/2-length winner. “The plan was to sit second or third and it all worked out.” “It's a special day for the owner and the plan was to train her next year, so I would think on the back of today everyone will be keen to stick to that.” What a performance! Consent is in a class of her own in the Group One Qatar Prix de Royallieu! pic.twitter.com/CA13SMROY4 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 4, 2025 Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU-G1, €300,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-4, 3yo/up/up, f/m, 14fT, 3:05.15, vsf. 1–CONSENT (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Lope De Vega (Ire) 1st Dam: Flora Danica (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Daneleta (Ire), by Danehill 3rd Dam: Zavaleta (Ire), by Kahyasi (Ire) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN; 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€260,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Denford Stud; B-Airlie Stud, S M Rogers & Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd; T-Sir Mark Prescott; J-Luke Morris. €171,420. Lifetime Record: GSP-Eng, 6-3-3-0, €258,236. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Santorini Star (Ire), 130, f, 4, Golden Horn (GB)–Livia's Dream (Ire), by Teofilo (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (290,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy; B-Olivia Hoare; T-William Haggas. €68,580. 3–Rabbit's Foot (Fr), 123, f, 3, Golden Horde (Ire)–Harem Mistress (Ire), by Mastercraftsman (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€50,000 Ylg '23 ARQOCT). O-BS Racing SARL; B-Jean-Paul Cayrouze; T-Francois Rohaut. €34,290. Margins: 4HF, NK, 4HF. Odds: 7.60, 4.30, 33.00. Also Ran: Kiamba (Ire), Latakia (GB), Island Hopping (Ire), Bedtime Story (Ire), Shaha (Ire), Bibbiena (Fr), Indalimos (Fr), Kathina (Fr), Survie (Ire). The post Lope De Vega’s Consent In Command For Denford Stud In The Royallieu appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Completing a trio of consecutive Group 1 successes on Saturday, Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) laid claim to being Wathnan Racing's flagbearer as she made all in Newmarket's Sun Chariot Stakes. Regaining her old prowess in the Prix Rothschild and Matron Stakes in recent weeks, the Karl Burke-trained 11-4 second favourite set out her stall from the outset under James Doyle and despite being made to fight by Blue Bolt (Blue Point) from two out drew away from that Juddmonte runner on the climb to the line to score by 2 1/4 lengths. The 11-8 favourite Cinderella's Dream (Shamardal) was 4 1/2 lengths further behind in third. “I would be lying if I said I thought she was going to win three Group 1s earlier this year, but she needed her run in the Lockinge and the ground was too fast at Ascot,” Burke said. “She should be racing over further, but she's tough and over a mile you can be aggressive with her. She doesn't like being pulled around and loves being competitive.” “We were worried about good-to-firm ground here earlier in the week, so that nice storm saved the day for us and the plan is the QEII now,” he added. “She'll have a shot at the boys and I can't wait. The plan is she will stay in training next year as long as she is sound at the end of the season.” simply divine in the @BetMGMUK Sun Chariot Stakes @NewmarketRace A third Group One on the spin for @karl_burke's magnificent filly pic.twitter.com/A4fpq67N0F — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 4, 2025 The post ‘I Can’t Wait For The QEII’: Burke Relishing Ascot Bid After Fallen Angel’s Sun Chariot Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With all the leaders of the staying category AWOL on Saturday, Caballo De Mar (Phoenix Of Spain) took full advantage as the one true improver with the stamina for ParisLongchamp's G1 Qatar Prix du Cadran. Having conquered Dortmund's G3 Deutsches St Leger last month, Victorious Racing's 9-2 shot refused to give compatriot Coltrane (Mastercraftsman) more than a length advantage throughout and once sent by the 11-5 favourite by Tom Marquand two out asserted to score by 1 3/4 lengths. “He's a one-off with a huge heart,” trainer George Scott said after greeting his first Group 1 winner as a trainer. “It's a very special day for my team and there are so many people to thank.” “There are a couple of dances left this year and he'll be out in the Middle East for Red Seas and World Cup night,” he added. “He's such a unique character and so tough. You could pull him up at halfway and then start him again!” A first Group One for @GScottracing! Caballo De Mar digs deep to win the Group One Qatar Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp! pic.twitter.com/b6VjeC6kyx — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 4, 2025 The post Victorious Racing’s Caballo De Mar Gives George Scott His First Group 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Hayes has a New Zealand-bred superstar heading into the A$20 million Gr.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 Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) hero War Machine kicked off his new campaign in sparkling style in Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.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. 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 Gr.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

New Zealand-bred mare Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) 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 (Dundeel) 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. “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 (Gr.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 (NZ), whose full-brother Cut Me Loose (NZ) won two races and placed in the Gr.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

Exciting four-year-old Bulb General continued to stamp his Classic Series credentials after notching an electrifying third consecutive victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Sent off the raging $1.5 favourite in the Class Three Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1,200m), the Jamie Richards-trained gelding made light work of gate 12 when storming home under Zac Purton to bolt in by two and three-quarter lengths. Despite being labelled “a shocking mover” by Purton and lazy trackworker by Richards, Bulb General...View the full article

War Princess wins the NZB RTR 3YO (1400m) at Hawera on Saturday.Photo: Jane Davidson (Race Images Palmerston North) War Princess was the hottest favourite on the card at Hawera on Saturday, and she lived up to the hype with an effortless and confidence-boosting victory in the NZB RTR 3YO (1400m). The daughter of U S Navy Flag showed enormous promise as a two-year-old last season, winning her first two starts by a combined margin of four and a half lengths. She earned herself a shot at the big time, where she finished 11th in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in March and then seventh when she resumed in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) at the end of August. Trainers Peter and Trent Didham found an easier assignment on Saturday, where only three rivals stood between War Princess and the lion’s share of the $40,000 stake. War Princess showed explosive speed out of the starting gates to immediately take up a clear lead, and that was where she stayed. Jockey Sam Collett gave her a breather with some easy sectionals through the middle stages, then asked her to quicken after rounding the home turn. War Princess, priced at $1.40 with Australian betting sites, showed her class with a smart turn of foot in the straight. She pulled clear to win by three lengths from Belzoni, Star Onehundred and Tulsa King. “I almost feel bad taking money for this ride,” Collett said. “Dids (Peter Didham) said she might have been a bit soft going into the Wanganui Guineas first-up. She had another trial under her belt this time and was much stronger today. “It was a nice race for her, drawn one in only a four-horse field. I don’t think heavy is her favoured going, but she’s done it easily. “She showed a fair bit of ability in her two-year-old season, and the signs have been encouraging in her work. Onwards and upwards from here.” War Princess was bred by Don and Dame Wendy Pye, who are enjoying a highly successful spring as the breeders and part-owners of the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) winner and Group 3 Sunline Vase (1400m) runner-up Lollapalooza. A half-sister to the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) placegetter Appellant, War Princess was bought by Exempt Bloodstock and Peter Didham Racing for $77,500 from Haunui Farm’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. War Princess has now had five starts for three wins and $57,560 in stakes, with the promise of much more to come. “She’s got such a beautiful action, and I think you’ll see an even better horse on a good track,” Peter Didham said. “It’s just been a matter of finding the right races for her. The Wanganui Guineas might not have been my best work. “It was a $40,000 race today, and clubs like Hawera are very supportive of racing, so it’s good to come here and race. “I have to thank all the good owners and staff I’ve got. I’m the one who waves my arms around, but it’s them who make the music. “It’s good to get the win today. We might give her a week in the paddock now to get over this run on a heavy track, then make a plan from there.” View the full article

Mark Newnham celebrated his first ever trifecta and savvy punters were also in raptures after Sing Dragon landed an extraordinary betting plunge in Saturday’s Class Two High West Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin. Brown-lamped in betting when firming from $16 to $4.45, Sing Dragon led his rivals a merry dance under Karis Teetan as Talents Ambition and Mojave Desert trailed him home to complete a perfect result for Newnham. “I’ve had quinellas before, but not the first three,” the Australian handler...View the full article

Luke Ferraris’ hot start to the season continued as he swept the first three races on the Sha Tin card on Saturday to leapfrog into fourth in the jockeys’ premiership race. It was a third race day treble for the South African, who got his day off to the perfect start when Yoda’s Choice went from pillar to post in the Class Five Tung Chung Handicap (1,650m) on the dirt. That would be a theme of the day for Ferraris, who controlled the pace to a tee from stall one and never looked in any real...View the full article

Ben, Will and JD Hayes know a thing or two about the juvenile progeny of Per Incanto, and they unveiled another exciting son of the Little Avondale Stud stallion in Melbourne’s first two-year-old race of the season on Saturday. The Lindsay Park team took out the A$175,000 Listed Darley Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington with Eurocanto (Per Incanto), who is by Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Shespending (NZ). Eurocanto’s perfect debut came just under three years after the Hayes brothers saddled another Per Incanto first-starter, Little Brose, to finish second in the Gr.3 Maribyrnong Plate over the same course and distance. Little Brose went on to capture the Gr.1 Blue Diamond (1200m) and Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) and is currently standing his first season alongside his sire at Little Avondale. Comparisons are inevitable after Eurocanto’s heroics on Saturday, where he launched a brilliant finish from the back of the field in the hands of jockey Mark Zahra. Eurocanto still had only two horses behind him with 150m to run, but he stretched out powerfully down the outside to finish over the top of Streisand (Magnus) and snatch victory by a half-head. “It’s a little bit early for comparisons, but he was a little bit ‘Brosey’ there,” JD Hayes said. “It was a terrific ride. He got last crack at them and he attacked the line, which is what you like to see. It was a professional performance. “We’ll see how he pulls up and it would be tempting, all systems go to head into Cup Week (for the Maribyrnong Plate). But first and foremost, we’ll see how he is first thing in the morning.” Eurocanto’s performance made a big impression on Zahra. “To be honest, I usually don’t like riding two-year-olds too early,” he said. “But I always pick up the phone when the Hayes brothers call, because they’ll usually identify one that they’re happy with and they want me to trial it. It is a good process, and if I like the horse, I’ll stick with it. “That is what happened with this guy. I trialed him twice and liked him two times, and he’s got the job done today. “His manners in the barriers left a little bit to be desired, but I just left him alone. It is a tough test first-up up the straight over 1000m and I like to be the last one on the scene. He did that well. He was able to travel up behind them and then showed good grip late to win. I was able to come down the middle and quicken, which is hard for them to do without a rail. Good effort and well-trained.” Eurocanto was bred by Evergreen Stud Farm and is out of a full-sister to the Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m) winner Tilianam. The third dam is Waikato Stud’s Group Three-winning and Group One-placed O’Reilly mare Splashing Out (NZ), who produced the Group winners Splurge (NZ) (Savabeel), Shopaholic (NZ) (Pins) and Packing Eagle (NZ) (Pins). Splashing Out is a three-quarter-sister to the multiple Group One winner and sire Sacred Falls. Lindsay Park secured Eurocanto for A$250,000 from the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. “He was picked out by our sales team up at the sales,” he said. “Dean Hawthorne does a terrific job. We really liked this colt, and we’ve had good success with the stallion. He’s an athletic style of horse with plenty of improvement to come and it was good to be able to kick off his career in that fashion.” View the full article

Quality mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent) showed she is in for another plentiful spring campaign when she exploded over the final 150m to storm over the top of her female rivals and score a stunning victory in the feature race at Hawera on Saturday, the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders Stakes (1400m). Kim Reid’s now seven-year-old daughter of Complacent has fashioned a top-class record over the past two years including a runner-up finish behind Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) alongside a win in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and numerous honest efforts in elite company. Reid gave her a lengthy summer break after finishing well back in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) in early January and brought her back to the trials at Foxton in August where she ran third over 1000m before winning her second trial over the same distance a fortnight later. Expected to perform creditably first-up over 1400m at Otaki last month, a seventh out of eight effort had Reid scratching her head somewhat before tackling Saturday’s Group Three feature as her second-up target. The application of blinkers and a deteriorating Heavy10 surface that had copped plenty of rain during the week and again on raceday played into her hands as rider Chris Dell had her trucking along beautifully on the rails behind a slow pace set-up by race favourite Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) ($2.90). Dell angled Hi Yo Sass Bomb across heels at the 500m and followed eventual runner-up Rareza (NZ) (Exosphere) into the contest before burying her rivals with a powerful burst that carried her to a one-and-a-half-length victory. Reid, who co-owns the mare in conjunction with her parents Josephine and Graeme, cut an emotional figure after the race. “I just love this horse, as I know she is a champ,” Reid said. “Last start was really disappointing and I knew she was behind the eight ball. “When she is on she is on and so deserves this, it really means a lot. “She is sassy but classy and really gets her game face on. Today she was really cool and calm and that is what she gets like on raceday (at her best). “I’ve been saying all week I was ninety percent happy with her and there was still ten percent to go, so we will see how she is over the next few days and decide where to go from there.” Dell admitted it was a strangely run race due to the lack of a true pacemaker, although he didn’t want to be as handy as he was in the early running knowing she has a devastating sprint when saved for a last run from the back. “She has been jumping and putting herself there at the trials and when she jumped and wanted to be there I was okay with it,” he said wryly. “If you look at the way the races have been playing they have been flying down the outside. I wasn’t in the greatest spot and wanted to get off (the rail) as soon as I could and luckily got the drag into it behind Sam Collett (Rareza). “She is a class horse who has been competitive at the top level and her class got her there today. “When she has won she has won with authority and that has what she has done today.” Bred by the Reids, Hi Yo Sass Bomb has now had six wins and four placings from her 25 starts, earning $392,770 for her connections. View the full article

Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood) was runner-up in a time-honoured Riccarton feature at the beginning of the season, and she earned favouritism for another one with an emphatic victory in the Weir Tours Egmont Cup (2100m) at Hawera on Saturday. The $60,000 open handicap was the fifth win from only a 16-start career for the Redwood mare, who has placed on another four occasions, including a second behind Chase (NZ) (Zed) in the Gr.3 128th Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on August 2. Wanganui trainer Niall Quinn is eyeing a return to Christchurch for the Gr.3 162nd New Zealand Cup (3200m) on November 15, for which the TAB now rates her a $9 market leader alongside I’m A Dirty Rascal (Galileo) and Titicaca (NZ) (Tarzino). Saturday’s Egmont Cup success was a notable training performance by Quinn, with Who Knows having been away from the raceday scene since finishing fourth in the Heatstore Open Handicap (1800m) on the final day of the Grand National Carnival at Riccarton on August 9. She had made a solitary trials appearance in between times, finishing fourth over 1200m at Foxton on September 16. But the six-year-old’s quality shone through on Saturday. Who Knows was given a perfect run by jockey Kate Hercock, who took up a position in fifth behind Tobias (NZ) (Complacent), Solidify (NZ) (Redwood), Wheelitin (NZ) (Ekraar) and Royal Flower (NZ) (Proisir). The leading pair had a margin of at least two lengths on their nearest rival for the majority of the race, and they seemed to be travelling as well as anyone coming up to the home turn. But Hercock never panicked. She angled Who Knows to the outside of the leading pair and drove her home over the top of them down the straight. Who Knows drew away in the closing stages to beat Tobias by two and a quarter lengths. Solidify was the same margin away in third. “We’re really happy with that,” Quinn said. “I was hoping for a better track today. I would have been a bit more confident if it had been a Soft6 instead of a Heavy9. I thought it might be a bit testing for her, since it had been a while between runs. But we were quite happy with her work at home. “There was a bit of speed on today. Kate got her in a good spot, and then she finished it off well. There’s still a bit of improvement left in her too. “We’ll probably give her one more run between now and the New Zealand Cup. We won’t have to do too much with her between times. It’s a bit tricky to place her, there aren’t a lot of options in the Central Districts, but we’ll look to give her one more run towards the end of this month.” Who Knows was bred by Harry Parslow and has now earned $153,735 for owners the Fast Horses Syndicate. Who Knows is out of the Zabeel mare Bello Cappello (NZ), who is a daughter of the Gr.1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) and Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) winner Cinder Bella (NZ). View the full article

Enigmatic stayer Diamond Jak (NZ) (Jakkalberry) was on his best behaviour for the second start in a row when he strode clear in the closing stages to capture the Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m) at Matamata. The Jakkalberry seven-year-old has kept both his trainer Mark Brosnan and various jockeys on their toes with his barrier manners on occasion, but has never lacked real ability with his mind fully on the job, as he showed once again with a determined performance to register his seventh career victory. Fresh off a classy victory over 2100m at Ellerslie last month, Diamond Jak relished the Heavy10 underfoot conditions as rider Opie Bosson had him away cleanly in the seven-horse field before positioning him against the rail behind mid-field in the early stages. The action began to heat up at the 600m as race favourite Agera swooped around the outer to hit the front rounding the home turn. Bosson was well aware of the threat and quickly had Diamond Jak off the fence and into the clear on Agera’s (NZ) (Complacent) inner as the pair went head to head at the 300m. Diamond Jak asserted his superiority and burst clear before comfortably holding out the late runs of Rosetown Princess (NZ) (Redwood) and What A Charma (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) for a comprehensive win. Brosnan admitted he was in two minds as to what lay ahead for his charge who prefers the wetter conditions but had also won well on a much firmer Ellerslie surface last time. “He is running really well,” Brosnan said. “I don’t know what to do with him now, whether to turn him out or keep him in work. “There is a mile and a half (2400m) race at Te Rapa on Labour weekend. He likes Te Rapa so we might go there. “I also keep telling him he will be going jumping but he keeps pulling one out of the bag!” Bosson was pleased with the effort and the way his mount had handled the very testing Heavy10 conditions. “He is really in the zone at the moment and always travelled like the winner throughout,” he said. “I managed to cut the corner and while it is hard work out here, he got through it nicely.” Bred and owned by Gary and Linda Hodel, Diamond Jak has now won seven of his 35 starts and over $263,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Speedy mare I’munstoppable (NZ) (Charm Spirit ) never gave her rivals a look in as she maintained a powerful gallop in front throughout to capture the Colchester Engineering Ltd (1200m) on her home track at Matamata. The former Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner hadn’t been seen on raceday for nearly 300 days after finishing last of eleven at Te Rapa back in December last year. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott backed off her when she didn’t come up as well as they would have liked for an autumn campaign and that worked nicely in her favour as she made her spring debut on Saturday with two soft trial runs in August under her belt. A noted pacemaker, the daughter of Charm Spirit pinged away from the starting gates and made every post a winner as visiting Australian apprentice Sage Duric used her 4kg claim to good effect in having her mount clear of her rivals by nearly five lengths rounding the home bend. With Duric sitting as quiet as a church mouse, I’munstoppable never looked like being caught as she hit the finishing line still more than four lengths to the good of Moneypenny (NZ) (Proisir) and Latrelle (NZ) (Redwood) on the testing Heavy10 surface. Scott explained the circumstances of her long break away from racing which included a false start to her new campaign just a week ago. “We brought her back last autumn and she just wasn’t there,” Scott said. “She was off in her coat so we gave her a long break. We had her in last Saturday (at Te Rapa) where she was ready to go, but she banged her leg and we had to pull her out. “That was a great ride from young Sage as we said hug the rail and stay right in as there is a quick lane there. “She (I’munstoppable) held a strong gallop and you have to remember she won the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes which takes a good horse to win. “We hope to find a couple of nice races like this for her before Christmas, as with some give in the ground she is going to win a few more.” Duric, the daughter of Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winning rider Vlad Duric, was all smiles as she brought up her first win at her seventh ride in New Zealand. “She was a little bit keen in front and I thought we might be going a little bit too quick, but to her credit she travelled the whole way for me and never came off the bridle,” she said. “She obviously loves the ground and with the 4kgs off she was very hard to beat. “She always travelled and was happy where she was. I knew it would be hard to make up ground on that track and she proved too good.” Bred and raced by John MacLachlan and his wife Julie-Anne, I’munstoppable is out of their Rip Van Winkle mare Sisterella (NZ), who is a daughter of Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) placegetter Arabian Nights (NZ). She has now won four of her twelve starts and more than $122,000 in prizemoney. View the full article