Wandering Eyes

Lance Gussey is hoping to put a last-start disappointment behind him when Joshua Brown lines up in the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m) on Saturday. Gussey trains and part-owns the Dalghar gelding, whose rise through the ranks during the winter months culminated in an impressive victory in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth in July. That performance earned Joshua Brown a shot at the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on August 23, but he never fired a shot and finished at the tail of the field. “That was a pretty average performance and a long way below what he’s capable of,” Gussey said. “I think he just didn’t want to be there that day. “He’s a real hot and cold horse. Sometimes he might have a little niggly thing that’s bothering him and you don’t even know about it, but he’ll just switch off and decide not to try at all. “You could see it from the way he was behaving going down to the start and holding the race up. “It’s just one of those things that can happen with horses, and especially a horse like him. We know he’s a lot better than that.” The Foxbridge failure prompted Gussey to abandon any thought of pressing on towards the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa last Saturday, for which he was originally nominated. But pleasing progress in more recent weeks has set the six-year-old up for a return to black-type company this weekend. “We gave him a couple of weeks off after the Foxbridge, and he’s been training extremely well since we brought him back in,” Gussey said. “He’s had another horse to work with, which seems to be helping him to focus and work better. “I’m quite looking forward to getting him back to the races on Saturday.” The Matamata Cup will be Joshua Brown’s second start over 1600m. His only previous attempt at the distance produced a second behind Drop Of Something in the Te Awamutu Cup on July 5. “I definitely believe that going back up to 1600m will suit him, I think he prefers it to the shorter distances,” Gussey said. “We did have him in the big 1600m race at Te Rapa last Saturday originally, but pulled him out after the Foxbridge. Now that he’s come back so well after his little break, there’s no reason not to give him a shot at a decent race like this.” A potential factor in Joshua Brown’s favour is Matamata’s Heavy10 track. Joshua Brown has had six starts on heavy ground for three wins and two placings. “We’ve been quite lucky with the way the weather’s been,” Gussey said. “I think he should handle it a bit better than some of the others. I hope so anyway.” Joshua Brown will continue his partnership with jockey Lynsey Satherley, who has ridden him in 13 of his 14 career starts. They have combined to record four wins and three placings. On Friday, the TAB rated Joshua Brown a $6 chance for the Matamata Cup, sharing favouritism with Aftermath. The others in single figures were My Lips Are Sealed ($6.50), Chantilly Lace ($8.50), Livid Sky ($8.50) and One Bold Cat ($9.50). View the full article

Morotiri Molly is in the mix ahead of the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes on Saturday. Picture: Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North). Foxton trainer Matt Dixon sees Saturday’s Group 3 Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) as an ideal target for Marotiri Molly in almost every way – apart from the Hawera weather and track conditions. Marotiri Molly’s rating of 100 is the highest in the field for the $100,000 fillies and mares’ feature. She has won six of her 16 starts and more than $245,000 in stakes, headed by a victory in last season’s Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and a third placing in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). More: NZ racing guide The classy daughter of Per Incanto resumed with a close third behind Spencer and Bold Belle in a 1200m open handicap at Trentham on September 20. It all points to her being primed for a bold performance second-up on Saturday over 1400m – a distance she has recorded four wins and a placing from six starts over. But Dixon is keeping a nervous eye on the skies and the Hawera track, which was rated a Heavy 8 on Friday morning. “Apart from the weather, I couldn’t be any happier,” Dixon said. “I was thrilled with that first-up run, and stepping up to 1400m is definitely her go. She has a great record at that distance. “If it was a Soft 5 or Soft 6, I’d be going into this race with a fair bit of confidence. If it stays Heavy 8 like it is now, she’ll probably run but I’m a bit less confident. “They’re supposed to get 10-12mm of rain overnight, which would take it down to a Heavy 9 and Heavy 10 and there’d be a high chance that she won’t run. I’ll see what happens and probably make a call in the morning.” This would be the second year in a row that Marotiri Molly has competed at this feature Hawera meeting. She was an impressive Rating 75 winner over the same 1400m distance 12 months ago. That added to the appeal of the Breeders’ Stakes for Dixon, who will likely follow a similar itinerary through the rest of the spring. “We had a few niggles with her in the early part of her preparation, but we managed that and she’s been really good since,” Dixon said. “Our main target was this race, because she gets in so well at the weights and we know she likes the distance and course. But we’ll wait and see what happens with the track. “We might carry on towards another shot at the Auckland Breeders’ Stakes at Pukekohe in November. She ran a really good race for third in that last year and it might be a suitable target again.” Marotiri Molly is paying $5.50 to win on Saturday with Australian betting sites, behind Andrew Forsman’s likely type Mary Shan ($3.80). View the full article

Toa Haka will contest the Snapback @ Clearview Park 1200 at Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday. Photo: Race Images South Lochmara Bay has been knocking on the door of a maiden win and trainer David Walsh is hoping she can secure it at Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday when she contests the Ecoglo International NZ 1200. The four-year-old daughter of Sweynesse has finished runner-up in three of her four starts this preparation, all over 1400m, and Walsh is hoping a drop back in distance will benefit his mare. Lochmara Bay is paying around the $2.90 quote with horse racing betting sites, with Let Me Loose ($5.50) and Morrie ($7) also seeing some respect from punters. “She has been racing really well and has led at the 200m several times and has got run down, so I thought I might as well drop her back to 1200m to see how she goes,” he said. Her wide alley of 10 in the 13-horse field and forecast rain are Walsh’s two biggest concerns heading into the weekend, but he is hoping jockey Tina Comignaghi can be the difference. “I don’t really know about a wet track, because the forecast isn’t very good,” he said. “She is going to need a bit of luck from there (10). Notoriously, wide draws at Timaru over 1200m aren’t very good, but Tina is on and she might be able to work some magic hopefully.” Later on the card, Graeme John will be out to score back-to-back victories in the Snapback @ Clearview Park 1200, but Walsh is unsure how he will handle the step up to rating 75 grade. “You never quite know if they are going to do it (step up to rating 75 grade),” he said. “There were plenty of pluses from last start but that was five weeks ago. If the track really deteriorated, I might consider withdrawing him, but at this stage he is starting. “He races on pace, pretty handy most of the time. He has done very well, but whatever he does he will improve on because it has been a wee while in-between runs. “I am very happy with him, he looks amazing.” He will be met in the race by stablemate Toa Haka, who heads into Sunday in good form, having placed over 1400m at Riccarton last month. He will have another wide draw to overcome but will get the assistance of apprentice jockey Floor Moerman’s three-kilogram claim. “It’s just typical for him. It’s staggering how many bad draws that horse gets,” Walsh said. “He has got a claim on and he likes to go pretty handy. We are thinking a bit of a loose track might suit him and I am really pleased with him. “He has had two runs under his belt, the last one over 1400m, so he should be competitive. It is a handy field and he is still going to need a bit of luck.” Walsh’s other runner at the Timaru meeting will be Loose ‘N’ Vegas in the Pink Ribbon & Heartland Chips 1200. The daughter of Turn Me Loose will be having her first start as a three-year-old and Walsh expects her to take plenty of improvement out of the run. “She has come up with a strong draw (13) with a horse that wants a bit of cover,” he said. “She didn’t have any luck at all as a two-year-old. Whatever she does she will improve on. “She had a trial at Riccarton last Monday and I am picking she will go a good race.” View the full article

Joshua Brown faces a stern test in the Matamata Cup on Saturday. He is pictured winning last year at Te Arapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Lance Gussey is hoping to put a last-start disappointment behind him when Joshua Brown lines up in the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m) on Saturday. Gussey trains and part-owns the Dalghar gelding, whose rise through the ranks during the winter months culminated in an impressive victory in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth in July. That performance earned Joshua Brown a shot at the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on August 23, but he never fired a shot and finished at the tail of the field. “That was a pretty average performance and a long way below what he’s capable of,” Gussey said. “I think he just didn’t want to be there that day. “He’s a real hot and cold horse. Sometimes he might have a little niggly thing that’s bothering him and you don’t even know about it, but he’ll just switch off and decide not to try at all. “You could see it from the way he was behaving going down to the start and holding the race up. “It’s just one of those things that can happen with horses, and especially a horse like him. We know he’s a lot better than that.” The Foxbridge failure prompted Gussey to abandon any thought of pressing on towards the Group 1 Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa last Saturday, for which he was originally nominated. But pleasing progress in more recent weeks has set the six-year-old up for a return to black-type company this weekend. “We gave him a couple of weeks off after the Foxbridge, and he’s been training extremely well since we brought him back in,” Gussey said. “He’s had another horse to work with, which seems to be helping him to focus and work better. “I’m quite looking forward to getting him back to the races on Saturday.” The Matamata Cup will be Joshua Brown’s second start over 1600m. His only previous attempt at the distance produced a second behind Drop Of Something in the Te Awamutu Cup on July 5. “I definitely believe that going back up to 1600m will suit him, I think he prefers it to the shorter distances,” Gussey said. “We did have him in the big 1600m race at Te Rapa last Saturday originally, but pulled him out after the Foxbridge. Now that he’s come back so well after his little break, there’s no reason not to give him a shot at a decent race like this.” A potential factor in Joshua Brown’s favour is Matamata’s Heavy 10 track. Joshua Brown has had six starts on heavy ground for three wins and two placings. “We’ve been quite lucky with the way the weather’s been,” Gussey said. “I think he should handle it a bit better than some of the others. I hope so anyway.” Joshua Brown will continue his partnership with jockey Lynsey Satherley, who has ridden him in 13 of his 14 career starts. They have combined to record four wins and three placings. On Friday, Neds Australia rated Joshua Brown a $6 chance for the Matamata Cup, sharing favouritism with Aftermath. The others in single figures were My Lips Are Sealed ($6.50), Chantilly Lace ($8.50), Livid Sky ($8.50) and One Bold Cat ($9.50). View the full article

Trav winning Saturday’s Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Kiwi jockey Masa Hashizume will step onto the Flemington turf for the first time this weekend when he attempts to qualify Bulls gelding Trav for next month’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). The 29-year-old hoop partnered the Raymond Connors-trained six-year-old to a memorable victory in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie in March, and the Manawatu horseman has stuck with Hashizume ever since. The pair have recorded two fourth placings in their two appearances together this season, including an eye-catching effort out wide at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. Hashizume was rapt with Trav’s effort, and he got a welcome surprise when Connors offered him the ride in Australia, and he immediately accepted. “I knew he was going to try to go to the Melbourne Cup, but I didn’t expect him to ask me to come to Melbourne with him,” Hashizume said. “It was a huge run at Ellerslie last start and when I hopped off the horse, he (Connors) asked me if I wanted to ride Trav in Melbourne, and I said yes.” Hashizume is excited to head to Melbourne on Saturday to ride Trav in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2520m), an important lead-in race to the Melbourne Cup, with the victor gaining an automatic spot in the A$10 million feature. Not only will it be Hashizume’s first look at the iconic Flemington track, it will also be his first time riding in Australia, a challenge he is looking forward to. “I have never ridden in Aussie before,” he said. “It’s a good raceday with lots of Group races and a lot of good jockeys there, so I am excited to ride against them.” Hashizume was going to have the presence of fellow New Zealand-based jockey Matt Cartwright to help guide him through the day, however, both jockeys fell during a race at Tauranga on Wednesday, with Cartwright’s injuries ruling him out of riding for a fortnight. “Matt Cartwright was going to ride his mum’s horse (at Flemington) on the weekend, and he was going to take me through the jockey room and walk the track with me, but unfortunately he had an accident on Wednesday,” Hashizume said. “Nothing is broken, he has just got a big bruise on his arm and he said he can’t ride for two weeks.” Hashizume was fortunately unscathed and continued to ride for the rest of the meeting, but now he said he will have to find another jockey to lean on for advice, and he has one leading hoop in mind. “I quite like Damian Lane and when he came to New Zealand for Karaka Millions night three years ago, he was happy to walk the track with me, so I might ask him,” Hashizume said. Trav will jump from barrier six on Saturday, and while Hashizume does not know how he will handle his first test on Australian soil, there is one thing that he can assure. “I will try my best,” he said. View the full article

Rosetown Princess will contest the Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m) at Matamata on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Darrell Hollinshead has two strong chances at Matamata to continue the good run of recent form of his boutique stable. The Te Awamutu trainer produced Bak Da Angel to score last weekend at Te Rapa where stablemate Digger also placed and Rosetown Princess and Ramblin’ Rose will represent the team on Saturday. Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m) contender Rosetown Princess has been in good touch this preparation and was an open handicap winner at New Plymouth three runs back. She then ran fifth at Te Aroha before the Redwood mare returned to Taranaki to finish runner-up and Hollinshead believes a case can be made for her to have gone closer on both occasions. MORE: NZ horse racing “She could possibly have won them all, she was in the worst part of the track on the fence two runs back,” he said. “Next time, Elen (Nicholas) got off her and said she rode her a bit too pretty and got held up a whisker and lost a bit of momentum.” Rosetown Princess began her career in Victorian racing with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr and placed in seven consecutive starts before returning to Hollinshead and is now a four-time winner. “We gave her one run over ground after she came back from Australia and she drew wide and over-raced the whole way,” he said. “We were a bit scared to put her over ground again, but when she gets a bit of cover she’s as good as gold.” Rosetown Princess will be ridden by Ashlee Strawbridge, who will also be aboard Ramblin’ Rose in the Mitre 10 Matamata Handicap (2000m). The daughter of Complacent got home strongly to finish third over 1600m last time out when resuming at Te Rapa. “She clipped heels at the start last time and that’s why she was three lengths last and then ran on nicely,” Hollinshead said. Meanwhile, Hollinshead is considering his options with Ace High five-year-old Bak Da Angel with a tilt at the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) a possibility. “I may put in a nomination for that weight-for-age race and she could be a horse for the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) at Pukekohe. I think she’s the most improved horse we’ve had for years.” Close relatives Bak Da Angel and Rosetown Princess were bred by Hollinshead with their pedigrees featuring the family’s Group 1 Easter Handicap (1600m) winner Pondarosa Miss and the ill-fated dual top-flight winner Te Akau Shark. View the full article

Super Typhoon Ragasa cost Wrote A New Page a run at last week’s cancelled Happy Valley meeting and now connections of the in-form galloper are hoping Tropical Storm Matmo stays at bay long enough to ensure Saturday’s Sha Tin meeting goes ahead as planned. Jockey Club officials are hopeful the worst of any weather won’t arrive until after Saturday’s card, meaning Wrote A New Page should be clear to chase a fourth straight success in the card-closing Class Three Nam Long Shan Handicap...View the full article

Melody Belle was a classy type that had success in group races. Picture: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song, a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle, makes her debut. Raced by New Zealand syndicator Fortuna, Melody Belle won 19 races for former Te Akau trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, including 14 at Group One level. She accrued more than $4 million in prize-money and was crowned New Zealand Horse of the Year in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Following her racing career, she was offered at Magic Millions’ 2021 Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale where she was purchased by Yulong Investments for A$2.6 million. Her first mating was with resident stallion Written Tycoon, with the resulting foal being Lyrics ‘N’ Song, who would be entrusted to the care of Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne barn. Lyrics ‘N’ Song is the second favourite to win on Friday night at $2.70 with horse racing betting sites, behind Eden Rose ($2.60) with the pair the only two showing any life in the markets. The now three-year-old filly has had three jumpouts, including winning her last outing over 1000m at Cranbourne, and she has made a good impression on Walker. “She has jumped out nicely and she has inherited some of mum’s ability, I don’t know how much yet, but I think she is well above average at this stage,” he said. “We are very grateful that Yulong gave us the first foal to train, and hopefully she is a good broodmare for them.” Lyrics ‘N’ Song will line-up in the Drummond Gold Plate (1200m) on Friday and Walker is looking forward to seeing how she performs under the pressure of racenight. “It has come up quite a strong field, there is a fair bit of depth to it, but she has drawn nicely (1) and should acquit herself well,” he said. On Saturday, Walker will take three runners to Flemington, including debut winner Azazel, who will contest the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m). “I liked it (debut run) because he was headed and he fought back and he was really strong through the line,” Walker said. “I think Flemington will suit him over 1800m, it is just hard weighing up different form lines. I see they have put him up as a $23 shot, but I certainly rate him a better chance than that.” A race prior, Walker will have a dual-pronged attack in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) courtesy of debutants Harry Met Sally and Flash Of Class. “They have had three jumpouts and they have had the benefit of a jumpout down the Flemington straight,” Walker said. “They have been well schooled. “They are all first starters and have got different form lines, so it is hard to weight it up.” Meanwhile, back in New Zealand, Te Akau Racing’s Matamata barn will be seeking to take out their home cup, the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m), with My Lips Are Sealed. The Group Three winner had only been fair in her trials early in her prepation, but Walker, who trains in New Zealand in partnership with Sam Bergerson, was buoyed by her first-up run at Ellerslie last month. “Her trials before her first start were a bit below par, but I thought her run first-up was quite good and she has improved,” he said. “She is down on the minimum and a wet track shouldn’t worry her.” View the full article

Hugh Bowman is confident Helios Express is every bit the horse he was when placing behind Ka Ying Rising seven times last season after putting the sprinter through his paces in a trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning. Helios Express travelled nicely behind the speed over 1,200m on the all-weather track before picking up nicely when asked by Bowman and crossing the line in third. “He feels as good [as last season]. He’s had a nice puff this morning. A bit like Red Lion, he probably needs to go to...View the full article

Darrell Hollinshead has two strong chances at Matamata to continue the good run of recent form of his boutique stable. The Te Awamutu trainer produced Bak Da Angel to score last weekend at Te Rapa where stablemate Digger also placed and Rosetown Princess and Ramblin’ Rose will represent the team on Saturday. Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m) contender Rosetown Princess has been in good touch this preparation and was an open handicap winner at New Plymouth three runs back. She then ran fifth at Te Aroha before the Redwood mare returned to Taranaki to finish runner-up and Hollinshead believes a case can be made for her to have gone closer on both occasions. “She could possibly have won them all, she was in the worst part of the track on the fence two runs back,” he said. “Next time, Elen (Nicholas) got off her and said she rode her a bit too pretty and got held up a whisker and lost a bit of momentum.” Rosetown Princess began her career in Victoria with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr and placed in seven consecutive starts before returning to Hollinshead and is now a four-time winner. “We gave her one run over ground after she came back from Australia and she drew wide and over-raced the whole way,” he said. “We were a bit scared to put her over ground again, but when she gets a bit of cover she’s as good as gold.” Rosetown Princess will be ridden by Ashlee Strawbridge, who will also be aboard Ramblin’ Rose in the Mitre 10 Matamata Handicap (2000m). The daughter of Complacent got home strongly to finish third over 1600m last time out when resuming at Te Rapa. “She clipped heels at the start last time and that’s why she was three lengths last and then ran on nicely,” Hollinshead said. Meanwhile, Hollinshead is considering his options with Ace High five-year-old Bak Da Angel with a tilt at the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) a possibility. “I may put in a nomination for that weight-for-age race and she could be a horse for the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) at Pukekohe. I think she’s the most improved horse we’ve had for years.” Close relatives Bak Da Angel and Rosetown Princess were bred by Hollinshead with their pedigrees featuring the family’s Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) winner Pondarosa Miss and the ill-fated dual top-flight winner Te Akau Shark. View the full article

Kiwi jockey Masa Hashizume will step onto the Flemington turf for the first time this weekend when he attempts to qualify Bulls gelding Trav for next month’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). The 29-year-old hoop partnered the Raymond Connors-trained six-year-old to a memorable victory in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie in March, and the Manawatu horseman has stuck with Hashizume ever since. The pair have recorded two fourth placings in their two appearances together this season, including an eye-catching effort out wide at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. Hashizume was rapt with Trav’s effort, and he got a welcome surprise when Connors offered him the ride in Australia, and he immediately accepted. “I knew he was going to try to go to the Melbourne Cup, but I didn’t expect him to ask me to come to Melbourne with him,” Hashizume said. “It was a huge run at Ellerslie last start and when I hopped off the horse, he (Connors) asked me if I wanted to ride Trav in Melbourne, and I said yes.” Hashizume is excited to head to Melbourne on Saturday to ride Trav in the Gr.3 The Bart Cummings (2520m), an important lead-in race to the Melbourne Cup, with the victor gaining an automatic spot in the A$10 million feature. Not only will it be Hashizume’s first look at the iconic track, it will also be his first time riding in Australia, a challenge he is looking forward to. “I have never ridden in Aussie before,” he said. “It’s a good raceday with lots of Group races and a lot of good jockeys there, so I am excited to ride against them.” Hashizume was going to have the presence of fellow New Zealand-based jockey Matt Cartwright to help guide him through the day, however, both jockeys fell during a race at Tauranga on Wednesday, with Cartwright’s injuries ruling him out of riding for a fortnight. “Matt Cartwright was going to ride his mum’s horse (at Flemington) on the weekend, and he was going to take me through the jockey room and walk the track with me, but unfortunately he had an accident on Wednesday,” Hashizume said. “Nothing is broken, he has just got a big bruise on his arm and he said he can’t ride for two weeks.” Hashizume was fortunately unscathed and continued to ride for the rest of the meeting, but now he said he will have to find another jockey to lean on for advice, and he has one leading hoop in mind. “I quite like Damian Lane and when he came to New Zealand for Karaka Millions night three years ago, he was happy to walk the track with me, so I might ask him,” Hashizume said. Trav will jump from barrier six on Saturday, and while Hashizume does not know how he will handle his first test on Australian soil, there is one thing that he can assure. “I will try my best,” he said. View the full article

2024 winner Via Sistina and Underwood Stakes (G1) victor Sir Delius have been handed polar opposite barriers in the 14-horse Turnbull Stakes (G1), one of four group 1 events in Australia Oct. 4View the full article

Amber Cascade, Long Ago, and Speed Shopper come out of races at Saratoga to tackle California distaffers on the turf in the Oct. 4 Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

The agenda has been released for the 51st Annual Global Symposium on Racing, which will be held Dec. 8-10 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. According to a release from the Race Track Industry Program, “This year's program will spotlight the forces reshaping the industry and the solutions needed to prosper in a rapidly evolving landscape. Topics include examining the racing business model, the rise of prediction markets, Thoroughbred breeding trends, and supporting mental wellness.” In addition, entrepreneur and owner Mike Repole will share his insights in a presentation named “Straight From Repole: An Unfiltered Look at Racing's Future.” “The Symposium has always been where racing's most important conversations happen,” said Robert Hartman, Chair of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. “This year, we're proud to continue that tradition with sessions designed to inform, challenge, and inspire.” A complete agenda is available here. For more information and registration, click here. The post Agenda Announced for 2025 Global Symposium on Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong’s Group One club is a rather exclusive one, with only eight active local gallopers enjoying top-level success in the city. The club welcomed only two new inductees in season 2024-25 – Ka Ying Rising and Red Lion – and it’s difficult to see any more than a couple joining the ranks this campaign. Whether there are even that many probably depends as much on what the established brigade has left to offer and the quality of the raiders as it does on the ability of the current crop of...View the full article

What Turnbull Stakes Day 2025 Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, October 4, 2025 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Group 1 racing returns to Flemington on Saturday afternoon with the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) the headline event on the day. Known as “Moving Day”, there should be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the program, with the rail out 9m the entire circuit and the track expected to remain a Good 4 all day. The first event is set to jump at 12:25pm AEST. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s free tips for Turnbull Stakes Day 2025. Turnbull Stakes tip: Antino Antino has had two fitness-building runs and looks primed to strike in a red-hot Turnbull Stakes. The seven-year-old gelding was beaten two lengths in a sit-and-sprint Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) when finishing a half-length off Aeliana and Via Sistina. Saturday’s Turnbull will have a lot more pressure in it, and that suits the son of Redwood, who will get back upon settling and look to blouse his rivals late. With the right run in transit, Antino can cause a minor upset down the heart of the track. Turnbull Stakes Race 8 – #1 Antino (6) 7yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Danehill Stakes tip: Tentyris Tentyris will have his first start since winning the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) in March, a race where he powered over the top of Wodeton and Nepotism. That form stands out like a sore thumb heading into the 2025 Danehill Stakes (1100m). The son of Street Boss has warmed up for this with a couple of smart jumpouts, and with Mark Zahra hopping back on board, he looks ready to run a big race fresh. He has had one start for one win at the Flemington 1200m, testiment that he can handle the straight, and that perfect record can stay intact on Saturday. Danehill Stakes Race 6 – #1 Tentyris (5) 3yo Colt | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (58.5kg) The Bart Cummings tip: Mark Twain Mark Twain now comes to The Bart Cummings (2500m) fourth-up and should be reaching peak fitness. He is an out-and-out stayer, so the step up to 2500m should suit him perfectly, especially considering he won the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at this track last year. He stormed home from the rear of the field on that day with a breathtaking finish, and if Mark Twain brings anything similar to that effort, then the $35 with horse betting sites is a ridiculous price. The Bart Cummings Race 7 – #4 Mark Twain (10) 6yo Gelding | T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood | J: Jamie Mott (58kg) Gilgai Stakes tip: Star Patrol Star Patrol was only beaten half a length when fresh off a long spell in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) and gets his chance to go one better in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m). The seven-year-old was unable to quicken immediately when placed under pressure but boxed on well to suggest there is still improvement to come. Ben Melham will have him close to the front throughout once again, and with natural improvement, Star Patrol can run his rivals ragged this time around. Gilgai Stakes Race 9 – #13 Star Patrol (15) 7yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Ben Melham (57kg) Best Bet at Flemington: On Display On Display gets the chance to bounce back after a horror run in transit in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) where she saw nothing but backsides at a crucial point. The four-year-old mare was an impressive BM78 winner at Caulfield with 60.5kg on her back the start prior, and with even luck this time around, she gets her chance to measure up in Stakes grade. Barrier eight should mean Ben Melham can present the Fastnet Rock on the home turn, and with a strong finish, there is no reason why On Display should not be able to overhaul her rivals. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 On Display (8) 4yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Ben Melham (56kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Flemington Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, October 4, 2025 2-4-6-12-16 1-2-3-4-6-7 1-4-8-13-17 3-5-7-9-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Friday is the start of the unofficial Kentucky state holiday known as Opening Weekend at Keeneland, and GI Spinaway victress Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) headlines a strong card for fantastic racing not just at the venue but across the country. Largely considered the last hurrah for anyone trying to get into the World Championships by way of the 'WAYI' challenge series, several tracks across the country have such opportunities in October, and Keeneland will be hosting three such chances on Friday. The last of the graded races for the opening card at the Kentucky institution is the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes, and Tommy Jo has been instated as the 2-5 morning line favorite. An unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' after her July 26 unveiling, it was a tour-de-force effort in the aforementioned Grade I race at Saratoga where she defeated returning face Percy's Bar (Upstart). That rival finds herself drawn on the rail here and a 3-1 morning line chance, and just like Tommy Jo, figures to be the other controlling pace in the race. When able to make the lead, Percy's Bar put up similarly dominating victories as what the likely betting choice has shown thus far, but was forced out of her element in the Spinaway when asked to close from the rear of the field. She has been running Beyers at least 10-15 points lower than what Tommy Jo has been doing though, so she's going to have to improve quite a bit to catch up to this daunting favorite. The rest of the field largely composes of closers who come on late to pick up the pieces, like Go to Girl (Knicks Go) has been able to do. The addition of Irad Ortiz Jr. is always a big checkmark in a horse's favor, and if there's a pace meltdown, few can time a rally better than Ortiz Jr. But they're all chasing Tommy Jo, who on paper is the clear one to beat with a 'Win and You're In' golden ticket on the line to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Time to Dream Will Need Some Luck in Jessamine It's about as close to getting the 20-hole in the Kentucky Derby as a turf horse will likely ever get–drawing the far outside of a 12-horse field and not having a lot of time to get over. Such is the fate of Time to Dream (Not This Time) in the GII Jessamine Stakes, but perhaps some what fortuitously, the filly has been a closer thus far in her career. It's been a dominating display from her all the same, with her unveiling July 25 culminating in a 2 1/4-length score and the P. G. Johnson Stakes Aug. 27 turned into a masterclass when she left them in her wake by five lengths in her first try at this distance. Owner Mike Repole shelled out $750,000 at FTSAUG last year for this half-sister to MGSW & GISP Red Carpet Ready (Oscar Performance), and she's been living up to those expectations so far. On the other side of the gate will be Mackinac (Twirling Candy), who's improved in both of her career jumps for owner BBN Racing and trainer George Arnold. She debuted July 30 at Saratoga behind SW Snow Face Princess (Midshipman), who has since gone on to not only collect a stakes victory but also run second for her new connections in the Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs. Mackinac herself found some success at the boutique meeting, and collected an expensive allowance victory Aug. 28 by 1 1/2 lengths while coming on from the rear of the field. She's stretching out from the sprints for the first time though, and this is no lightweight field to try that against. There's a lot of pace in the race, so if that ends up being the worst enemy, Godolphin's Infinite Sky (Not This Time) could also pose a threat alongside Mackinac from the back of the pack. She too closes from well off the speed, has experience at the 1 1/16-mile trip, and is bred top to bottom for the grass. She improved 11 Beyer points from her unveiling Aug. 3 at Ellis to when she broke her maiden Sept. 7 at Kentucky Downs. Her half-sister Wet Paint (Blame) had a similar improvement early on in her career before eventually becoming a Grade I winner. It should not shock anyone if Infinite Sky does the same. The Jessamine is a 'WAYI' race for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Battle of the Speedsters in Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Last on the previews but the first graded on the day is the GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes, the 'WAYI' challenge for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. At the top of the class is the elder statesman Skelly (Practical Joke), who stands a measure apart from the rest of the field even if his recent for hasn't entirely been his best. Skelly | Coady Media While his 2025 hasn't been quite as sensational as his 2024 year had been, the gelding is still running some of the fastest figures in the field even in defeat. He started his campaign running a 107 Beyer coming off a five-month layoff Apr. 11 at Oaklawn and turned around to post a scintillating 110 in the Lake Hamilton Stakes May 2 when he drew off to win by over 10 lengths. He was not himself in the GIII Aristides Stakes before going on a freshening but he returned Sept. 13 in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes and begrudgingly yielded to third late. He'll face three familiar opponents here, but if he fires his usual race, this will not be the same horse they beat in his prior two outings. Speaking of, GSW World Record (Gun Runner) is one of those who have beaten Skelly, and who returns here for another shot at playing spoiler. He was last seen making his introduction to the West Coast in the GI Bing Crosby Stakes, and ran on from fifth to claim the last of the trifecta over the same surface where the Breeders' Cup will be run. He's been a consistent horse his entire career, and he'll be looking to claim an automatic berth here. The morning line has him tabbed at 8-5 odds with the lingering question of which Skelly we'll see Friday. If neither of these two fire, it will be anyone's game as the Ogden Phoenix is arguably one of the most competitive races on the card. Pletcher's DQ'd 1-2 Back for Pilgrim, Turf Speed on Display in Futurity Todd Pletcher was in the unenviable position of enjoying a one-two finish between his runners on debut Aug. 17 at Saratoga and then having to smile through the photos as Teleport (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) was elevated to the win by way of Scope (Gun Runner)'s disqualification for alleged interference. Now the two are both back in the GII Pilgrim Stakes, and are both gunning for the guaranteed berth into the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf via the 'WAYI' Challenge Series. Standing in their way is a small army of well-bred turf horses, led by 'TDN Rising Star', presented by Hagyard' Capital Partner (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and the late-closing Bottas (Vekoma). The former and latter are the types to come off the pace, and with plenty of speed in here, this is a contest that is shaping up to be right in their wheelhouse. Capital Partner did everything he could to lose first-out and still came home best of all by a half-length in his Aug. 2 Saratoga unveiling. He weakened late in the GIII With Anticipation Stakes at that venue last out but comes into this race with a healthy worktab to his credit for trainer Chad Brown. To his far inside is the Miguel Clement-trained Bottas, who debuted at this distance Aug. 23 and roared home from the five path to win by 2 1/4 lengths. He's taking on graded company in his second start, and as it pertains to the 1 1/16-miles, he'll have the experience edge over some of his competitors–many of whom are stretching out for the first time. Two races before the Pilgrim will be the GIII Futurity Stakes, which will function as the return of Outfielder (Speightstown) after his tilt at French Group 1 black-type. After a monster debut May 23 beneath the Twin Spires, his connections looked to Europe and went ahead with the plan to take on the G1 Prix Morny. For the domestic audience, that's not an easy contest to win, and not only was he well-supported by the international bettors, but he didn't disgrace himself to finish fourth behind an unbeaten filly. He's been training very well since returning and if the ship across the Atlantic truly didn't take anything out of him, Outfielder is going to be very hard to beat with electric speed from a rail spot. Stone Farm's Expressway (Hard Spun) and the Tom Morley-trained Attfield (Vekoma) have faced some quality company between their respective debuts. If Outfielder falters, they figure to be the most likely to claim the moment in the sun, especially the latter. Attfield has already faced, and beaten, Outfielder's equally highly-regarded stablemate Schwarzenegger (Not This Time)–who well could end up the favorite in Saturday's Speakeasy Stakes at Santa Anita Park, The post Tommy Jo Looks to Claim Second Elite-Level Win in Alcibiades appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's not very hard to figure out Thoroughbred owner Al Gold's all-time favorite television shows. View the full article

One bill designed to restore the gambling losses tax deduction to 100% is languishing in committee and has, for all intents and purposes, politically flat-lined. The giant tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump in July caps gambling loss deductions to 90% of winnings (from 100%)–a provision set to go into effect next year. Industry leaders have warned this rate change could hit horse racing hard through reduced revenues from gambling dollars. Those jurisdictions with no supplemental purse revenues, like California, are especially vulnerable to the impacts from Trump's spending bill. At the same time, new language was recently added to another bill that seeks to restore the gambling losses tax deduction to 100% and has moved to the House Ways and Means Committee. “I'm really happy to see congressman Barr decided to sponsor the bill. I spoke to him about it and urged him to do so, and I know a lot of other people did as well,” said Damon Thayer, a veteran lawmaker with 22 years serving the Kentucky State Senate, about the “Winnings And Gains Expense Restoration Act of 2025” (or the WAGER Act), introduced by Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr. “It's pretty alarming the Senate put that 90% deduction in there in the first place so now we're in a triage situation,” said Thayer. “Let's hope it gets some momentum.” Until recently, the bill had only the one co-sponsor, Texas congressman Troy Nehls, a Republican. According to a spokesperson from Barr's office, Kentucky congressman Morgan McGarvey, a Democrat, is now a co-sponsor on the bill. “As Chairman of the Congressional Horse Caucus, I'm proud to lead the WAGER Act in the House. This is a bipartisan bill, and I'm confident we can get it across the finish line–just as we did with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, the most transformational reform to Thoroughbred racing in a generation, and with the restoration of bonus depreciation in the Big Beautiful Bill, which helped fuel a record yearling sale at Keeneland. I'll keep fighting until we secure this victory for the industry and for Kentucky,” wrote Barr, in a statement to TDN this week. Barr is in the middle of a tough fight for Mitch McConnell's soon-to-be-vacant seat in the Senate. He squares off against two other Republicans in the primary: former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and first-time candidate Nate Morris. The other bill seeking to restore the gambling losses tax deduction to 100% is the Fair Accounting for Income Realized from Betting Earnings Taxation (FAIR BET) Act, introduced by representative Dina Titus, a Democrat from Nevada. “While the FAIR BET Act had gained support on both sides of the aisle, Rep. Titus's bill has languished in the Ways and Means Committee, most likely because of the current Republican trifecta in the House, Senate, and the Presidency,” wrote the NTRA in a press release this week. “Barr's bill is seen as having a better chance to pass, because of the support in Congress Republicans currently enjoy,” the NTRA added. The WAGER Act could be passed either as an attachment to a larger piece of legislation or as a standalone bill. Titus tried to amend the FAIR BET Act to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “As an observer, I would say there's a better chance that this legislation gets included in another package of related tax or appropriation matters,” said Thayer, of the WAGER Act. “But I still think it's really important that Congressman Barr, a member of the majority party, file the bill because he'll be a champion for the issue, and hopefully, figure out a way to get it passed,” he added. Even if the tax deduction rate is not restored before the end of this year, that's not the end of matters, however. Tom Rooney, NTRA president and CEO, told the TDN Thursday that if Congress changes the rate back to 100% during the course of 2026, it will work retroactively to the beginning of the calendar year. Rooney and Thayer both said they have not heard of any serious opposition to the WAGER Act. Though Rooney hasn't seen any estimates of the potential shortfalls to horse racing if the 90% rate goes into effect, he expects it to have serious ramifications for the industry's revenues, he said. Rooney added, “we're taking this very seriously.” The post One Gambling Losses Tax Deduction Bill Falters, Another Moves Forward appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, Hoppegarten, Germany, post time: 13:20, 35TH WETTSTAR.DE – PREIS DER DEUTSCHEN EINHEIT-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 10fT Field: Atoso (Ger) (Guiliani {Ire}), Petit Marin (Ger) (Flamingo Fantasy {Ger}), Quest The Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Koffi Kick (Ger) (Zarak {Fr}), Delgardo (Ger) (Best Solution {Ire}), Eagle Emblem (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Santagada (GB) (Soldier Hollow {GB}). TDN Analysis: Stall Salzburg's veteran Quest The Moon, successful seven times at pattern-race level and winner of this event last year, confirmed his well-being with a defeat of Petit Marin, Atoso and Eagle Emblem in August's G3 Spreti-Rennen when last seen. His chief threats come from the Classic generation, headed by Listed Dusseldorf Derby-Trial winner and G1 Deutsches Derby also-ran Delgardo, who heads postward coming back off a confidence-boosting success in a Hannover conditions heat in August, and G3 Hamburger Stuten Meile victrix Santagada, who ran sixth in the G1 Preis der Diana and a close-up fourth in last month's G2 Badener Stutenpreis. Rennstall Darboven's multiple Listed winner Koffi Kick completes the line-up. [Sean Cronin]. Friday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 16:03, PRIX DE CONDE JOCKEY CLUB DE TURQUIE-G3, €73,200, 2yo, 10fT Field: Gentlemanlike (Fr) (Australia {GB}), French Colorado (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}), Command The Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Czajkowski (Fr) (Flintshire {GB}), Waybreaker (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Victoire Magique (GB) (Victor Ludorum {GB}), Proof (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Analysis: George Scott trainee Command The Stars is the lone stakes winner in the field and his Listed Criterium de l'Ouest victory last month received a timely boost when that heat's second and third, Zambezi and Waiting For You, filled the places in this week's Listed Grand Criterium de Bordeaux. Victoire Magique defeated Proof on debut at Lyon-Parilly last month, while Francis Graffard's similarly undefeated representative Gentlemanlike makes his black-type bow returning off a four-length tally at Chantilly in July. Derby second and Irish Derby third Lazy Griff annexed this contest last year. [Sean Cronin]. Friday, Ascot, post time: 16:05, THE BETMGM NOEL MURLESS STAKES-Listed, £100,000, 3yo, 14f 34yT Field: Arabian Force (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Circus Of Rome (GB) (Circus Maximus {Ire}), Defiantly (Fr) (Kameko), Fantasy World (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Many Men (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Push The Limit (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Too Soon (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Analysis: Third in the Great Voltigeur, Arabian Force should be winning this if he stays the trip, which doesn't look guaranteed on pedigree. Push The Limit looked ready for the distance when second to Arabian Force's stablemate Tenability in a 12-furlong heritage handicap here last time and may give him most to think about. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Dundalk, post time: 18:30, IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF LEGACY STAKES-Listed, 2yo, 5fT Field: Controlled (Ire) (No Nay Never), Howd'yadoit (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Jack The Bachelor (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Namiid (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Sir Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Sirius A (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Aegina (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), By The Lake (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Rosie Frith (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Soulful Diva (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), Strait And Narrow (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Treasured Royal (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Xerling (Ire) (Sioux Nation). TDN Analysis: Another of Ballydoyle's rare selection of geldings, Controlled came alive in first-time blinkers in a Naas maiden last month and has obvious appeal. Ipanema Queen beat Controlled's stablemate Kansas in the Listed Curragh Stakes in August and probably didn't like soft ground last time. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Dundalk, post time: 19:30, IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF STAR APPEAL STAKES-Listed, €28,500, 2yo, 7fT Field: Andab (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Eleven A (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), L L Koulsty (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Straight Up (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Suspicious Mindz (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Which Wolf Wins (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Fairy Oak (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), Lookingforarainbow (Justify), Moments Of Joy (Justify). TDN Analysis: Andab got close enough to the heavily-hyped Albert Einstein and subsequent Phoenix hero Power Blue in the Marble Hill in May and his fourth in the Coventry and second in the Prix Francois Boutin makes him the one to beat here. Interestingly, Aidan O'Brien has opted to send Straight Up back into action just 10 days after his debut win at Listowel and Wayne Lordan picks him in preference to the Chesham third and Flame of Tara runner-up Moments Of Joy. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:18, PRIX MATCHEM-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 7fT Field: Nizam (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Libyan Pharoah (Fr) (American Pharoah), Kaadi (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), Dynamitic (GB) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Mise En Boite (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Misunderstood (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Scandalo (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Summer Sail (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Vadinska (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Morgan Bay (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Temptable (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Jokla (GB) (Zarak {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Haras d'Etreham's G3 Prix des Chenes winner and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere third Misunderstood and Gousserie Racing's Kaadi are the only stakes winners on display and hold the key to this open renewal. The latter has finished out of the money in just two of 21 starts, but both may be vulnerable to progressive types. That category includes Francis Graffard trainee Vadinska, who makes her fifth start coming back off a Le Lion d'Angers conditions score in August, and the twice-raced maiden winner Morgan Bay, who flashed home late to finish a close-up fourth at Dax in her second start three weeks ago. Temptable, another Graffard nominee, Listed Prix Amandine third Jokla and last year's G3 Prix Francois Boutin placegetter Scandalo all have winning form and merit respect. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 14:40, THE BETMGM SUN CHARIOT STAKES-G1, £275,000, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Cheshire Dancer (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Lady Of Spain (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Atsila (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Blue Bolt (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Saqqara Sands (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). TDN Analysis: All the current momentum is with the Prix Rothschild and Matron Stakes winner Fallen Angel, perhaps more than it is with the Falmouth winner Cinderella's Dream who has been on the go all season in a race that can throw up an upset. This renewal is enhanced by the inclusion of the unbeaten Lady Of Spain, who was making her seasonal bow when having her first run on turf as she ended Blue Bolt's sequence in the Atalanta. Dangerously fresh against some fillies who have been through the mill in recent weeks, she bids to emulate Tamfana and Saffron Beach in adding this to that Sandown staging post in recent times. This one does look to be between the four-year-olds, with the Celebration Mile runner-up Saqqara Sands possibly the pick of the Classic generation. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:58, QATAR PRIX DU CADRAN-G1, €300,000, 4yo/up, 20fT Field: Alsakib (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Tashkhan (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}), Coetzee (Frankel {GB}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Caballo De Mar (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Sacred Spirit (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Analysis: The farcical scenario of having just three contenders lining up was averted with five last-minute supplementees ensuring a more competitive renewal of the weekend's opening Group 1 contest. Recent G3 Deutsches St Leger hero Caballo De Mar provides last year's third and likely favourite Coltrane with sterner opposition than initially envisaged, while Sunway bids to curtail a 13-race losing streak stretching back to 2023's G1 Criterium International. Aidan O'Brien and Francis Graffard have embellished their contingents by adding last week's Irish Cesarewitch third Queenstown and G3 Prix Gladiateur third Coetzee, respectively, with Graffard hoping the latter can run into a place in his first start at the highest level. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:00, QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU-G1, €300,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 14fT Field: Survie (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Kathina (Fr) (Magneticjim {Fr}), Latakia (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Bibbiena (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}), Shaha (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), Santorini Star (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Rabbit's Foot (Fr) (Golden Horde {GB}), Indalimos (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Consent (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Kiamba (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Island Hopping (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: William Haggas annexed the 2022 and 2023 editions of this distaffers' test and sends forth the progressive G2 Park Hill Stakes victrix Santorini Star. Dangers include Juddmonte's G2 Prix Alex Head winner Latakia, who will bid to provide Francis Graffard with an 11th Group 1 success of the campaign, Coolmore's G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix Vermeille placegetter Bedtime Story, G3 Prix Lady O'Reilly victrix Indalimos and last season's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe seventh Survie, who has hit the board in this season's G1 Pretty Polly Stakes and G1 Prix Jean Romanet. Sir Mark Prescott trainee Consent finished adrift of Indalimos and Santorini Star in her two most recent starts and requires more in this first attempt at the highest level. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:23, QATAR PRIX CHAUDENAY-G2, €183,000, 3yo, c/f, 15fT Field: Surabad (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Native Irish (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Emit (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Espoir Avenir (Fr) (Montmartre {Fr}), Enea (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Zingaro (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: This Arc Weekend opener features two from Joseph O'Brien's Carriganog base, with last year's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Tennessee Stud set to go beyond 12 furlongs for the first time. The G1 Derby third and G1 Irish Derby fourth has failed to win in four starts this term and will head postward coming back off a close-up fourth behind leading Arc contender Cualificar in last month's G2 Prix Niel. He will be accompanied by stakes-winning stablemate Emit, who was trounced five lengths by Espoir Avenir in August's G3 Prix Gerald de Geoffre over this course and distance. Of the remainder, the Francis Graffard-trained Listed Prix de l'Avre winner Surabad makes most appeal. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:25, QATAR PRIX DANIEL WILDENSTEIN-G2, €183,000, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Qirat (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Zabiari (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Skukuza (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Ridari (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), Dreamliner (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Princess Child (Fr) (Dariyan {Fr}), Darius Cen (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Last year's third Alcantor is back for more and has finished fourth three times since accounting for 2023 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Marhaba Ya Sanafi in March's G3 Prix Edmond Blanc. He finished behind Quddwah and Ridari in July's G3 Prix Messidor, but gained some measure of revenge when just over four lengths in front of the former in last month's G1 Prix du Moulin and sets the standard here. Stephane Wattel representative Dreamliner has annexed his last three starts, including August's G3 Prix Quincey, while Qirat notched a 150-1 shock in July's G1 Sussex Stakes before running fifth in York's G1 City Of York Stakes last time. Francis Graffard trainee Zabiari, a dual Group 3 winner, is another who merits respect. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:35, QATAR PRIX DOLLAR-G2, €183,000, 3yo/up, 9 1/4fT Field: First Look (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Bright Picture (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), King Of Cities (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Swagman (Ger) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Jenilat Bright (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Damysus (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: Wathnan Racing's First Look defeated Goliath in August's G3 Prix Gontaut Biron and seeks a record-breaking eighth win for Andre Fabre, who also saddles last term's G2 Prix Eugene Adam winner Bright Picture. The John and Thady Gosden-trained Damysus, who bounced back off a below-par effort in the G1 Derby to snag Deauville's Listed Prix Nureyev, is another Wathnan entry. Rashabar has performed with credit in all seven starts since annexing 2024's G2 Coventry Stakes and ran second to Arc runner Alohi Alii in August's G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, while Arc clues are also provided by G2 Prix Foy fourth Uthred, G2 Prix Niel second Bay City Roller and Niel seventh Swagman. Richard Hannon trainee King Of Cities, winner of the G3 Strensall Stakes last time, is no back number. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:25, THE BETMGM CUMBERLAND LODGE STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 11f 211yT Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Hamish (GB) (Motivator {GB}), Military Academy (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Tenability (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: The unquenchable desire within Hamish will take him far in his bid for a second edition, having won it in 2022, but he encounters a true Group 3 bully in Al Qareem who is dead-set on a third consecutive renewal. Hamish's stablemate Tenability boasts the unusual distinction of having won three course-and-distance handicaps in succession, but up against these gruellers he faces something altogether different. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 15:00, THE JOHN GUEST RACING BENGOUGH STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Apollo One (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), Elmonjed (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Run Boy Run (GB) (Rajasinghe {Ire}), Kullazain (GB) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Prince Of India (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Tuco Salamanca (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}), Alfa Kellenic (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Jabaara (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Lou Lou's Gift (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Nariko (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Tiger Bay (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Analysis: This features a rematch between the Shergar Cup Sprint winner Prince Of India and Elmonjed who beat him in the Listed Garrowby Stakes. It's not that long ago that Celandine was beating Time For Sandals in the Lowther and this is a lot easier than the Nunthorpe, while last year's Falmouth runner-up Jabaara is interesting dropped back in trip. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Redcar, post time: 15:20, THE WILLIAM HILL TWO YEAR OLD TROPHY-Listed, £208,735, 2yo, 5f 217yT Field: Exclamation (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Ardisia (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Born Slippy (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Song Of The Clyde (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Storm Esme (GB) (Palace Pier {GB}), Inca Heights (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Kanishka (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Straight Ahead (GB) (Dream Ahead, Cotai Belle (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Isle Of Fernandez (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Mystical Eye (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Hollywood Treasure (Ire) (Gregorian {Ire}), Magistery (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Golden Brown (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}). TDN Analysis: The Harry's Half Million winner and Weatherbys Scientific runner-up Song Of The Clyde goes big pot-hunting again here, with his weight a reasonable one based on his sire's median. Based on that, Argentine Tango is thrown in at the bottom and as a Listed Empress Stakes winner who was placed in the Duchess Of Cambridge and Molecomb is a lurking danger to all. That also applies to Hollywood Treasure, winner of the Listed St Hugh's Stakes. [Tom Frary]. 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 compromised by outside allocations. 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 and ante-post favourite Aventure, G1 Prix de Diane heroine Gezora, and Ballydoyle second string Los Angeles. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Friday Appetiser Before Parisian Weekend Extravaganza, As Arc Fields 17 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-Horseshoe Indianapolis, $32,000, Msw, 10-2, 2yo, f, 1m, 1:38.29, ft, 14 3/4 lengths. LIFE OF JOY (f, 2, Gun Runner–Jordan's Leo {SP, $137,050}, by Malibu Moon) debuted in style Thursday as the 3-2 favorite. Eased from the gate under Fernando De La Cruz, the filly settled in the back flight through the half in :47.23 before angling out to begin a furious rally, overhauling pacesetter Command the Stars (Complexity) in a matter of strides. With free rein and plenty of room to run at the top of the stretch, Life of Joy put on a show, winning her debut by 14 3/4 lengths with Cairosa (Cairo Prince) leading in the rest of a strung-out field. Life of Joy, a $375,000 Keeneland September grad last year, is the first foal and winner out of SP Jordan's Leo. This is the family of GISW Jeanne Jones (Nijinsky II) who is Life of Joy's third dam. Jordan's Leo, who last RNA'd at FTKNOV for $585,000 in 2022, saw her Epicenter yearling bring $700,000 at Keeneland last month. She also has an Elite Power weanling and is due in 2026 to Arabian Knight. Sales History: $375,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O-Will Stroud; B-Springhouse Farm (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. The post Gun Runner’s Life Of Joy Debuts With A Bang At Horseshoe Indy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Star filly Minnie Hauk was made the clear 7-2 favorite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) after being drawn in stall 1 for Europe's most valuable flat prize at Longchamp Oct. 5.View the full article

Cygames, Inc., a Japanese video game company, has extended its partnership with the Breeders' Cup World Championships, remaining title sponsor of the $2-million GI Sprint, according to a release from the Breeders' Cup Thursday. The partnership was secured in collaboration with leading media rights and venue development company JMI Sports and B-Bridge International. “We are very pleased to continue and expand our partnership with Cygames,” said Heather Higgins, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Breeders' Cup Limited. “This enhanced collaboration demonstrates both of our organizations' shared commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and elevating the sport of horse racing to a global audience.” Cygames first joined the Breeders' Cup in 2024. The post Cygames Continues Breeders’ Cup Sprint Sponsorship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin The reason Merlin shouldn’t win tonight’s TAB Holmes D G at Alexandra Park isn’t as powerful as the reasons he should win it. The north’s best pacer faces the curse of the back makers in the Group 3 tonight, a win-and-you-are-in race for the IRT New Zealand Cup on November 11. Horses starting off back marks in major races in recent years have been regularly getting beaten and costing punters plenty, Merlin doing exactly that in the Spring Cup last start against many of those he races tonight. Even after sitting in the one-one for the last lap he could manage only third as stablemate Sooner The Bettor and trailer The Surfer used their superior trips to stay in front of him. Betting on back markers because they are the best horse in the race has become the new punter’s poison but every now and then they can pull it off, like Oscar Bonavena in the Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup or Merlin in this race last year. The set up last season was the same as tonight: Merlin was beaten fresh up in the Spring Cup but improved fitness and the extra 500m of the Holmes D G helped him turn that around. Co-trainer Scott Phelan says Merlin is fitter for that fresh up run this season too and is the best chance of the five reps he and training partner Barry Purdon have in tonight’s race. Merlin’s excellent manners coupled with a couple of his rivals still being inexperienced from a stand increases the possibility the favourite can be three back on the outer at worst starting the last lap and from there he would be the horse to beat. Particularly if Sooner The Bettor is not getting his own way in front, which is entirely possible after he drew barrier 1. Barrier 1 sounds great for a front runner and may well prove to be so but Sooner The Bettor bobbled away from the stand last start and if he does that from the 2700m start point he will be crossed by at least a couple of rivals. Even freewheeling in front Sooner The Bettor tends to find anything north of 2400m out of his comfort zone and he could be susceptible to Merlin’s magic later. So, Merlin is the best horse but has the handicap to overcome. Sooner The Bettor isn’t really suited by his barrier or the distance. But if you aren’t backing those two, who do you want to back? Their stablemates Better Knuckle Up and Jeremiah are good horses but still learning and neither has won an open class race so they are hardly ideally off in the handicaps. Their stablemate Cold Chisel is expected to need the run after only having one start back after a career-threatening injury. Arna Donnelly has three in the race and The Surfer and Jolimont went excellent in second and fourth respectively in the Spring Cup and should improve, so they deserve consideration. “If I had to pick one I’d go for Jolimont as he has gone two good races this time in,” says Donnelly. But Jolimont is still on the unruly so technically will be giving a start to those drawn inside him and his $5.50 opening quote is short enough. But at least he has actually won an open class race, the Lincoln Farm Founders Cup in March, which is more than you can say for most in tonight’s race. So punters have a choice tonight. Do you want to back a horse giving away a start that most horses can’t give away any more? Or a horse who doesn’t really like its draw and the distance? Or maybe Jolimont, a horse on the unruly who has run unplaced in its last six starts? The answer should be Merlin. View the full article

Racing Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza, best known for piloting American Pharoah to victory in the 2015 Triple Crown, will be a member of the Keeneland jockey colony throughout the fall meet, which opens its 17-day run Oct. 3.View the full article