Wandering Eyes

Unbelievably, there was a more expensive yearling purchase than My Ophelia (Wootton Bassett) in Saturday's mile novice at Newbury but it was Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy's 1.7million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase who emerged as the TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard. While the William Haggas-trained half-sister to the top-flight performers My Prospero (Iffraaj), My Oberon (Dubawi) and My Astra (Lope De Vega) played second fiddle to Alpinista's sister Alpinara (Frankel {GB}) at that auction, she was the one making headlines on the track as she rewarded even-money favouritism in style. At the line, the blueblood bred by Sunderland Holdings had two lengths to spare over stablemate Earth Shot (Time Test) to give her late sire a 17th Rising Star in a list that includes the likes of Camille Pissarro. Alpinara faded to be seventh. “She looks a nice horse and is bred to be nice,” Maureen Haggas said. “We've had quite a lot of the family and been lucky with them and she looks like she can go a bit.” “He couldn't pull her up and she is still pretty raw,” she added. “You'd probably start at a mile next year and see.” . Have we just seen a future star at @NewburyRacing? 1,700,000gns purchase My Ophelia is bred to be talented and comes home strongly to score on debut and in good style…@WilliamHaggas | @TomMarquand pic.twitter.com/epn7H44j9R — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 25, 2025 The post Bloom And McAleavy’s Millionaire My Ophelia A New TDN Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R7 (2) Was good over 1,800m first up and 2,000m looks ideal Jay Rooney GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R7 (2) Returns to his winning trip after a close second Owen Goulding DAZZLING FIT - R10 (7) Progressive last season and can resume that progress ahead of a big campaign Phillip Woo GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R7 (2) Resumed with a nice second and can go one better Shannon (Vincent Wong) SUNNY Q - R3 (13) Impressive last-start winner can score over the C&D once again Racing...View the full article

Aidan O'Brien had a stranglehold on Saturday's G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy and was able to wrap up the British trainer's title with a one-two-three in the Doncaster feature led home by Hawk Mountain (Wootton Bassett). Sent off the outsider of the trio at 18-5 under Ronan Whelan, the Beresford winner scrapped it out with Action (Frankel) as the 7-4 favourite Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel) floundered in the deep ground. At the line, he had half a length to spare over Lambourn's half-brother, with Benvenuto Cellini 2 3/4 lengths away. “He's a lovely big horse who stays and has pace and a great mind, so he's very exciting,” the trainer said of the son of Galileo's high-class Hydrangea, who was bringing up a dozen renewals for the stable and a 23rd Group 1 win this year. “We thought Action would be a middle-distance horse next year and he didn't surrender, whereas the winner could get away with being a miler before going up to middle distances.” “He is big, but athletic and so chilled, he's hardly even blowing which is unusual,” O'Brien added of the winner. “He's 100 per-cent homebred and there have been so many people involved with him all along–it's a big team. Christophe said Benvenuto Cellini didn't go in the ground, but he kept coming to the line. He's a good mover who handles fast ground well. They are three lovely horses.” HAWK MOUNTAIN WINS THE @WillHillRacing FUTURITY TROPHY! pic.twitter.com/LCXK5x17xt — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 25, 2025 Hydrangea, who is also responsible for Dubawi's Listed Hurry Harriet Stakes winner and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes runner-up Wingspan and Listed Tetrarch Stakes winner Officer, is a full-sister to the Group 1-winning The United States and Hermosa and to Salsa whose daughter of Wootton Bassett, Whirl, is one of the best in the yard having won this year's Nassau and Pretty Polly. Hermosa is also the dam of this year's G3 Hampton Court Stakes winner and Grand Prix de Paris runner-up Trinity College also by Dubawi, while this is the stellar dynasty of Last Tycoon. Hydrangea's yearling is a full-brother to Hawk Mountain, while she also has a colt foal by Justify. The post Hawk Mountain Leads Ballydoyle 1-2-3 In The Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Riley Mott, 33, will saddle his first Breeders' Cup starter at this year's World Championships. He will be represented by a solid contender in grade 1 winner Argos, a 2-year-old son of Nyquist, in the Oct. 31 Juvenile Turf (G1T) at Del Mar.View the full article

Te Akau Racing made a blistering start to the afternoon across both New Zealand meetings on Saturday, racking up six wins in a three-hour period including with a pair of potential candidates for next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). The syndication powerhouse won the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) for the seventh time as improving filly Origin Of Love (Snitzel) followed in the footsteps of the stable’s previous winners Noverre (2021), Hall Of Fame (2016), Risque (NZ) (Darci Brahma) (2015), Burgundy (2011), King’s Ransom (2009) and Tell A Tale (2008). Origin Of Love was part of a two-pronged hand for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson in this year’s War Decree, and she was sent out as a $3.40 second favourite behind her highly regarded stablemate War Of Silence (Snitzel) ($2). Jockey Joe Doyle took up a handy position along the rail, tucked in behind the leaders Student Of War (So You Think) and Shoma (NZ) (Contributer). Origin Of Love was racing keenly and getting her head up through the early stages of the race, but settled into a smooth rhythm coming down the side of the track. War Of Silence was alongside her but covering extra ground three wide. Doyle got Origin Of Love into the clear early in the home straight, and she and War Of Silence soon swallowed up Student Of War and Shoma and went to the lead together. Origin Of Love edged ahead of War Of Silence in the last 150m, then withstood a withering finish from Professional Lad (NZ) (Proisir) to score by a nose. “She’s a talented filly,” Doyle said. “She travelled a bit strongly and she’s still a touch green, so there’s more in there, but she’s a very likeable filly. “We got a split when we needed it and she’s a nice filly. She’s got a good constitution. “I’m delighted to be riding for Mark and Sam and their connections. Even if you’re not riding their best one, you could still be on the best one.” Origin Of Love is by Snitzel out of the Camelot mare Re Edit, who won three races in Australia and placed in the Gr.2 PJ O’Shea Stakes (2200m). David Ellis bought Origin Of Love for A$440,000 from the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. From a four-start career, Origin Of Love has recorded two wins and a placing and has earned $76,040 for the Te Akau 2024 Magic Fillies Breeding Syndicate. The TAB now rates Origin Of Love a $21 chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) on November 8 and offers a $26 quote for the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) a week later. “It was great to win that race today with Origin Of Love,” Walker said. “She’s a filly with a really good pedigree, being by the late, great, Snitzel, and a good ride to match her effort by Joe Doyle. “She was a great-walking filly when we first saw her at the Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast, and she’s continued to improve and she’s peaking at the right time for the 1000 Guineas. “It’s terrific to win a black-type race with a filly with her pedigree, and great for her breeders and owners.” Meanwhile at Ellerslie, the premiership-leading stable unveiled another potential classic contender when Belle Cheval (NZ) (Savabeel) took out the TAB (1400m). The $30,000 maiden race was the second career start for the Savabeel filly, who caught the eye with a big finish for third over 1300m on debut at Taupo on October 10. Strongly supported from $18 all the way into $6, Belle Cheval settled just worse than midfield before pouncing out wide in the straight and dashing away to win by two and a half lengths. “The thing I liked about her, even when they slowed up, she didn’t pull or anything,” jockey Craig Grylls said. “She really switched off, and then in the straight she changed legs and took off.” Belle Cheval races in the colours of breeder and co-owner David Archer and is a half-sister to Archer’s multiple Group One winner (The) Bostonian (NZ) (Jimmy Choux). The pair are both out of Keepa Cheval (NZ) (Keeper), who is a half-sister to a 10-time Group One winner in the same colours, Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire). “The plan was to be positive today and she was a little bit slow away again, like she was at Taupo,” Bergerson said. “But fair play to Gryllsy, he got a lovely track into it, three wide with cover, and she was pretty electric late. “It was very exciting and a massive thrill to have a winner for David Archer and Diane Wright, our first horse for them. She looks pretty top-drawer, so exciting times for them, and we’re grateful for their support.” Belle Cheval is now a $10 fourth favourite for the 1000 Guineas behind Well Written ($2.80), Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca) ($4.50) and Tajana (NZ) (Darci Brahma) ($6). “She could potentially go down to Christchurch,” Bergerson said. “We’ll have to sit down and have a team talk about that, because she was so impressive today. There’s a couple of good ones in the 1000 Guineas, she’d have to take that next step to beat them. But we’ll sit down with David and Di, Mark (Walker) and David (Ellis) and have a good team talk and a think about it, because she probably deserves a shot at it now.” The results provided a timely boost for Ellis, who is recuperating after undergoing surgery in August. “It’s a massive thrill to have a day like we’ve had, with six winners between the two meetings at Ellerslie and Riccarton,” he said. “And it’s special to win the War Decree Stakes with Origin Of Love and finish third with War Of Silence, who never gave up after receiving a tough run. “It’s a great tonic for me, I’m feeling better every day, and it’s a real credit to all the hard-working team we’ve got at Te Akau.” View the full article

Classy gelding Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel) starred in the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m) at Riccarton on Saturday in another winning double for Terri Rae, but the local trainer was only a nose and a neck away from an even more remarkable day. Rae recorded back-to-back wins at Ashburton two weeks ago when Spot On Time (NZ) (Time Test) took out the GD Jones Salute (1200m) and Sir Albert followed suit in the McCrea Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup (1600m). The same two horses provided a repeat performance at Riccarton on Saturday, with Sir Albert’s Spring Classic success coming 35 minutes after Spot On Time won the TAB Mile Trial (1400m). Earlier on Saturday’s card, Rae’s runner Professional Lad (NZ) (Proisir) was beaten by a nose when second to Origin Of Love (Snitzel) in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m), while Kindling Spark (Manhattan Rain) was runner-up in the Canterbury Landscapes Supplies Rating 75 (1800m) and a neck away from Peachy Keen (NZ) (Reliable Man). “I think the good barrier made a difference today for Sir Albert, as it did for Spot On Time,” said Rae, who has recorded seven wins from just 26 starters so far this season. “Our three-year-old (Professional Lad) copped a bad draw and he missed by a nose, so I think that made the difference.” Rae is forming a strong hand for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival on November 12, with Sir Albert’s Spring Classic success earning him second favouritism at $5 behind the northern raider Tardelli (I Am Invincible) ($3.20). Spot On Time has also taken up a prominent position in the market at $12. Sir Albert was beaten by a nose by Richard Stomper (NZ) (El Roca) when he resumed over 1600m at Timaru on September 7, but he has made a big impression winning both subsequent starts by a combined margin of four lengths. The six-year-old was ridden by Leah Hemi on Saturday and took up a perfect position in fourth on the outside of Smooth Operator (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), cruising around in the slipstream of Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion) and Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer). Hemi pushed the button in the straight and Sir Albert took command, going clear to win by two lengths from the late-finishing Cognito (So You Think). Sir Albert was bred by Waikato Stud, whose principal Mark Chittick remained in the ownership after the son of Savabeel was passed in during the 2020 National Weanling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus. From a 25-start career, Sir Albert has recorded eight wins and seven placings and has earned $265,350. “He loves the 2000m as well as a mile when he is fresh,” Rae said. “We tried him past 2000m last season in the Dunedin Gold Cup (Listed, 2400m) and that was a mistake. He is not overly big and he just couldn’t cope. “He is such an honest horse, a real character, and his record is very good. It was a good win today, he loves Riccarton and he beat a very nice field. “We won’t do much with him now and he’ll go straight to the TAB Mile alongside Spot On Time.” View the full article

The Cliff Brown-trained Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel) swamped his rivals late under a patient rider from Ethan Brown to land the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday. The six-year-old son of Savabeel had been luckless when fourth in last year’s Crystal Mile and was back in the winner’s circle for the first time in 18 months despite racing well. Von Hauke got back in the run and closed well to get the better of fellow New Zealand-bred gallopers Golden Path (NZ) (Belardo) and Rise At Dawn (NZ) (Almanzor). “He has gone great,” Ethan Brown said following the win. “We couldn’t change his pattern. I wanted to stay in, just with the way the track is playing. I had to ride a very patient race and when the gap came I was confident I was on the right horse. “I had him humming underneath me, and I could see the leaders rolling round, so it was just a matter of time. “It is great to get a winner for Cliffy. We haven’t had a lot of luck lately, but he has stuck solid and we were able to get the job done today.” Cliff Brown was full of praise for his jockey. “He does a great job for the stable,” he said. “The horse settled very well, maybe a bit keen, but a lot were keen, but he did come back under him, and he was very good. “He just needed the breaks, and this year we got them. “I think he has really mentally matured, and everyone at home has done a great job with him.” Brown said he would now consider a tilt at the Gr.1 Champion Stakes (2000m) with the gelding. “We will just see what’s in it first,” he said. Von Hauke was bred by Waikato Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Tiara (NZ), who is a granddaughter of the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Royal Tiara (NZ) (Blanco). Von Hauke is the best of four winners from five foals to race from Tiara and is another example of the Savabeel nick with O’Reilly mares, which operates at a remarkable 14 percent stakes winners to runners. Offered by Stonehouse Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Von Hauke was bought by Cliff Brown Racing for A$190,000. View the full article

Talented five-year-old mare She’s A Hustler scored a game victory in the Gr.3 Tesio Stakes (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday. Under a positive ride from Jordan Childs, She’s A Hustler sat just behind the leader Sea What I See, and packed too many punches for that rival in a muddling run race. The daughter of Ace High has been a model of consistency for trainer Grahame Begg since crossing the Tasman. She placed on debut at Matamata for Roger James and Robert Wellwood. From nine career starts, She’s A Hustler boasts six wins and three runner-up finishes with Saturday’s victory her first at stakes level. “Winners win, don’t they,” said stable representative Rohan Hughes. “She has a great record and Grahame has been careful in the way he’s raised the bar for her. I think he thought this preparation she’d go to a nice level and a race like this. “We targeted this race a long way out. We wanted to go via the Coongy (Gr.3, 2000m) but he was very happy with her fitness, and that was an extremely tough effort. She had to absorb a lot of pressure from the half-mile onwards, but she’s very, very genuine. “It is a rare thing. Horses have got it psychologically. They are very competitive and in the end their record shows it. “She’s still very lightly raced and inexperienced. She’s got good upside. She’s a big, scopey Ace High mare and I’m sure in time with further development she’s going to develop into a nice staying horse and the way Grahame has explained it, 12 months down the track she may have a role to play in the spring carnival.” The Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) on the final day of the Flemington Carnival is the likely next assignment for She’s A Hustler who hadn’t raced since winning a Benchmark 78 in September, with two jumpouts prior to Saturday’s triumph. “Full credit to Grahame and the team. It was a good training performance,” winning rider Jordan Childs said. “It has been a while between runs and up to the 2000 (metres) today, she’s a damn good racehorse. She does everything right, jumps well, puts herself on speed and makes her own luck. “They took off early and we really had to dig deep because she came off the bridle quite soon but once she got her revs up, she kept going. “She demolished the line then, so I don’t think going up in distance would be an issue. She’s a very exciting horse for the future.” By Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High, She’s A Hustler was a $70,000 purchase by Phill Cataldo at the Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale in 2022 from the Rich Hill draft. She’s A Hustler is out of Snow Petal, a winning daughter of Group One winning mare Zirna. View the full article

Japan's Triple Crown wraps up this Sunday with the 86th running of the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger). Run over 3,000 metres at Kyoto Racecourse, the Kikuka Sho is the longest of the three races in the country's Triple Crown, which also includes the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) and the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in the spring. Although the race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, this year's field will be made up of only colts, with 20 nominees, but only 18 runners permitted to race. Only one of the top three finishers from the first two Classics will be in the field on Sunday, namely Shohei (Saturnalia), who finished third in the Tokyo Yushun won by Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black). Trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, Shohei received an automatic ticket for the Kikuka Sho when last seen filling the runner-up spot in one of the key trial races, the G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai. “The Kobe Shimbun Hai was his first race of the autumn and he went all out,” said Tomomichi. “However, the way the race unfolded worked more for the horse that won. The race has sharpened him up. This week, he worked alone under an assistant and breezed over the polytrack. He looked fresh and eager. I didn't really feel his power this time, but he is mentally tough and doesn't give up. “His competitive spirit is his strongest point. I'd admit that 3,000 metres is a bit long for him, but I've been working him behind another horse to help him be better able to handle the distance. Competing against horses of the same age, I don't foresee any problems. It shouldn't be a problem if the ground is a bit slow, but I would like the pace to be fairly strong.” The winner of the Kobe Shimbun Hai, Eri King (Kizuna), reopposes on Sunday, having beaten Shohei by a neck at Hanshin, along with Giovanni (Epiphaneia), who was beaten only two lengths into third. “Of course, we had the Kikuka Sho in mind when racing in the Kobe Shimbun Hai,” trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida said of Eri King. “He ran well-balanced and had a good turn of foot in the final stage. I think it was an adequate performance. He showed improvement after that race and his overall condition is better, too. He still isn't fully mature but, in a test amongst his peers, I think he's at a good place. I'll be a bit concerned if the ground is slow. I'm hoping he'll have firm ground.” The likely race favourite is the Mizuki Takayanagi-trained Energico (Duramente), who made it three victories from as many starts when winning April's G2 Aoba Sho at Tokyo, before forfeiting his unbeaten record with a runner-up finish in August's G3 Niigata Kinen. Back against his own age group on Sunday, he will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire. “He ran very well last out,” said Takayanagi. “He has a lot of talent and speed and he was able to bring that out. As for the distance this time, he's able to settle well and, even though he hasn't had any experience at this distance, I think he'll handle it.” He added, “After the Niigata race, he also needed some treatment at the farm. Though I had shipped him to Ritto right away, I could sense he was bothered somewhat by the change in surroundings. He almost went off his feed. Now he's his usual self. That he's only raced to the left is only by coincidence, but his balance isn't the best. It may be a factor this time, but at the training level you can't see any difference. I'd prefer ground that isn't too heavy.” Other notable contenders include the G2 St. Lite Kinen winner Yamanin Bouclier (Kitasan Black), the consistent My Universe (Rey de Oro) and Goltzschtal (Bricks And Mortar), who wasn't far behind Energico when finishing third in the Aoba Sho. The post Shohei Among Leading Contenders as Kikuka Sho Wraps Up Japanese Triple Crown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sha Tin hosts another cracking day of action this Sunday, with the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) the highlight of the meeting. There are 10 races on the card and Owen Goulding is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Panasonic Air-Conditioner Handicap (1,800m) Yiu Cheung Victory finally has a good draw to work from and, dropping in grade with Zac Purton aboard, he can take advantage of the step up to 1,800m. Race 2 – Class Four Panasonic TV...View the full article

By Michael Guerin Jason Teaz is aiming to end the harness racing season way better than he started it. Actually, the start wasn’t the problem for the Waikato trainer. It was the couple of months after the start that flattened him. Teaz is best known as a commentator but is making quite the name for himself as a trainer, with 15 horses in work and well on the way to his best season ever with Stone Cold bringing up win 13 for the term at Alexandra Park on Friday night. But there is a lot more to that number than you might think. “Back at one of the first meetings of the season at Otaki I trained a double so things couldn’t have started better,” says Teaz. “Two days later those same two horses ran last and so did almost every other horse I lined up for two months. “The whole team got a bug through it and around about the same time I had changed my feed and that didn’t work and everything went to the pack. “I reckon people were thinking, what is going on with him, but I just had to weather the storm.” Teaz has trained 10 or 11 winners in his last 50 starts though and is getting good results, sometimes with other people’s castoffs. “I am really proud of how it is going and I suppose with 15 horses I am no longer considered a small trainer. “But Alexandra Park wins are still hard to come by so to get one with this guy is great and he is far from finished.” Teaz bought Stone Cold as a yearling because he had another handy trotter by sire Wishing Stone and his owners are spread far and wide. “My mother Helen is in him as are Allan and Mark Bradley. Allan is a West Coast farmer who had a really good horse called Besta Kara a fair while ago. “And we have Art Shirley from down south, our Clerk of the Course up here in Ron Weller, former HRNZ chair John Coulam and of course Nicole.” Nicole as in Sims, the trackside presenter who used to work with Teaz and took a share in the diminutive trotter soon after he bought him and had now had the thrill of being at Alexandra Park on a Friday night when Stone Cold made it career win number two. “We have a great bunch of owners and he is doing a wonderful job for them,” says Teaz. “He has already won about $35,000, after only costing I think $5000 at the sales, and he is still only getting to full maturity now.” Teaz says he is eyeing the Harness 5000 series at Ashburton in December as the Four-Year-Old Trot division doesn’t appear to have an overly strong field at the moment for a $60,000 race. “We will keep monitoring how the field is coming together but that is the dream goal,” says Teaz. “I think he is eligible now and with some of his owners living down south I am sure they’d love it.” Matthew White had looked the horseman to follow at The Park on Friday and so it proved to be as he trained two winners in Mediator and Lord Popinjay (for Monika Ranger) and drove another in Tight Lines for Brian and Gareth Hughes. Opa’s Girl was very good in a strong juvenile race for trainer Arna Donnelly two hours before he older brother Double Parked won his Metro Pacing Heat. The latter was the first leg of a training and driving double for Tony Herlihy with the super impressive Youneverknow. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Winning stablemates rarely come from backgrounds as different as the double Phil Williamson trained at Addington early on Friday night. Because juvenile winner Becky’s Girl has been with Williamson since the day she was born while the Oamaru trainer still laughs about the fact he now trains former Aussie pacer He Aint Fakin, who also won as a trotter on Friday night. Williamson and wife Bev, who owns Becky’s Girl, started the meeting on a high as the two-year-old filly led throughout to win the $45,000 Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes Classique in the hands of their son Brad. The daughter of Majestic Son and the former Williamson-trained Alderbeck, made it two wins from three starts and while aided by the favourite Petite Armour galloping at the start, Becky’s Girl still trotted a 2:0.1 mile rate for the 1980m and her last 800m in 57.9 seconds so it would have taken a really good performance to beat her. “She is a natural trotter and will be up for any of the two-year-old races she is eligible for,” says Williamsom. “We had her dam Alderbeck who was a really good mare. She finished fifth in both a Dominion and Rowe Cup and was unlucky in both. “So we bred this filly and have had her all the way along.” It was the third straight year Williamson has trained the winner of the Group 3 race and he says breeding is a huge help when it comes to training young trotting winners. “Breeding really helps and then it up to the trainer to give them every chance to be a good horse, which we hope we do.” While Becky’s Girl is a home-bred the Williamson maiden trot winner He Aint Fakin couldn’t be further from it, being a former high class Australian pacer that Phil hadn’t laid eyes on until two months ago. “Chris Frisby was training him as a pacer in Bathurst and he was a good one too, I think he paced around 1:51 as a young horse,” explains Williamson. “I had met Chris when had a horse racing in Auckland and he was staying with Tony Herlihy like we do. “He rang me out of the blue a couple of months ago and said after some issues they were trotting this horse and he thought he went okay. “In Australia if a horse changes gaits they stay in the same class whereas here they drop back to maidens. “So he was keen to send him here but wanted to trial him first to see whether it was worthwhile. “He trialled him against the pacers and he trotted a mile in 1:57 and I told him to get him over here. “He is a lovely horse and if he stays sound he will do a really good job over here. “They are really excited by it and we are excited to have him.” While Williamson and family made the early running on Friday night the star later in the programme was John Dunn who drove a late double on Confessional and It’s Tough, the latter continuing his great spring in the race of the night. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Promising mare Aquila is on a roll, extending her winning streak to four at Cambridge Raceway last night and continuing a memorable run for young Pukekohe trainer Zev Meredith. Owned by Kenny Baynes, Aquila has become a flagbearer for Meredith’s small but growing team. She has now won six from 28. Last night’s victory came in the World Drivers Champs Thanks Breckon Farms Mob Pace, after Kate Coppins produced a stellar drive. From a wide draw, Coppins launched the mare early to cross and take up the running before handing up to Dixieland Delight for the final lap. When the passing lane opened, Aquila showed her trademark tenacity, diving through late to snatch victory by a head. Meredith admits he wasn’t expecting fireworks when Aquila first arrived at his Pukekohe barn, but her recent form has been a revelation. “It’s pretty neat to train a horse and put a picket fence up. She might only be a rating 55 and winning amateur races, but it’s still not an easy feat. I’ve got to give it to her, when she came to me, I said she was nothing more than a galloping pacemaker, but she’s really stepped up.” That turnaround, he believes, comes down to confidence. Working on her own at home, the mare has built a sense of self-belief that’s translating to race day. “She’s really shaped my belief around how much of a key factor confidence is in a horse,” Meredith said. “She works on her own, so she’s never getting beat at home, and with her winning every week she’s gained a huge amount of self-confidence.” Her latest effort has also reinforced Meredith’s belief that she’s capable of taking the next step. “I thought last night might have been a step up for her, but I was really impressed with the run,” he said. “She’s gone 2:42 with the quarter in 28, so I’m hopeful she might be able to handle the next step up and still be competitive in that grade.” The win was also a special moment for Meredith personally, with Kate Coppins, a former colleague from his time working at Arna Donnelly’s, in the sulky. “It was pretty cool to have Katie on,” he said. “She’s been driving super lately, and she was stoked with the win.” As for Aquila’s future? While the team has already fielded interest from potential buyers, Meredith isn’t rushing any decisions. “There’s been some interest in her, and after last night they might be a little more convinced,” he said. “With the way she’s racing, I’m not in any rush to put her on a plane, but it wouldn’t be the worst move for her either.” View the full article

It’s business – just not quite as usual – for Ascot Park in Invercargill this weekend. The Tuapeka Harness Racing Club meeting there on Sunday will go ahead as planned, despite dozens of stalls being destroyed in this week’s high winds in Southland and around the rest of the country. The carnage started on Monday as gale force winds whipped through the raceway and then there was a second wave of damage yesterday. “We’ve lost 60 or 70 stalls in total,” says Southern Harness General Manager Jason Broad. “We now have about 50 stalls left and we have 80 horses in on Sunday so we are just going to have to manage the situation.” “We’ll just have to be smart about getting horses in and out during the day and we are confident the trainers will help us out too.” Already the all clear has been given for the meeting to continue. “We’ve had a bit of working bee this morning and we’ve got a pass mark,” says Broad. The 10-race programme will start at 12.32pm with the feature being the Tuapeka Lodge Cup (4.56pm). To see the fields click here View the full article

The winning roll of the Te Akau Racing team continued unabated when former European galloper I’m A Dirty Rascal (Galileo) produced an eye-catching Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) trial when taking out the NZB Airfreight Road To Jericho (3000m) at Riccarton. Te Akau Racing trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson had large teams racing at both New Zealand venues with I’m A Dirty Rascal’s win their fifth combined victory on the day. Having just his sixth run in New Zealand since joining the stable last year following eight in the United Kingdom and Ireland and another 14 in Australia, I’m A Dirty Rascal showed the further the distance the better he will be as he relished the 3000m trip on Saturday. Rider Opie Bosson had his mount ideally placed in midfield on the rail as tearaway pacemaker Malfy Rosa set up a solid clip out in front. Off the rail with 700m to run, I’m A Dirty Rascal was bolting on the home bend and once he hit the front at the 200m he always looked the winner despite a brave fight from Cambridge visitor Tempest Moon (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) who stuck doggedly to be beaten by just a neck with Star Ballot (NZ) (Tarzino) finishing gamely for third. “It’s really good to see him back in the winner’s circle,” Walker said. “It had been 1573 days since his only win, but he still remembered how to get the job done, so congratulations to the horse. “We bought him with the idea of having a Cups horse and he was actually really unlucky in the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m), earlier this year, when he was coming into it. “It was really good to get that confidence-building win today, and his next start will be the New Zealand Cup, where we expect him to run out the trip very strongly.” Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $95,000 at the 2024 Inglis Digital Online November sale, I’m A Dirty Rascal won over 2500 metres in Ireland, where he also finished second in the Down Royal Ulster Derby (2551m) and fourth in the Gr.1 Irish St Leger (2816m). He also finished fourth in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Rosehill prior to his sale to New Zealand. TAB Bookmakers reacted swiftly as they installed I’m A Dirty Rascal as the $6 Fixed Odds favourite for the New Zealand Cup which will be run at Riccarton on 15 November. The victory, just the second of his 28-start career, has taken his prizemoney earnings over the $223,000 mark. Te Akau Racing added another win to their tally when Origin Of Love (Snitzel) claimed the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton just one race after the win of I’m A Dirty Rascal. View the full article

Chad Ormsby and Ben and Ryan Foote have plenty on their plate in the build-up to next month’s NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, but the multi-talented Cambridge horsemen also made their mark on the racetrack on Saturday with victories in $65,000 open handicaps at Ellerslie. Ormsby will offer 20 two-year-olds under his Riverrock Farm banner during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on November 12 and 13, and they breezed up over a busy couple of days at Te Rapa last Monday and Tuesday. Ormsby quickly switched his attention back to his racing stable and sent out quality sprinter Master Fay (Deep Field) for a dominant first-up victory in Saturday’s Almanzor – Proven Value (1200m). Just over an hour later, it was the Footes’ turn. The father-son partnership, who will offer an 11-strong St Kilda Lodge draft at the Ready to Run Sale, took out the Show By Skycity (1600m) with The Odyssey (NZ) (Zacinto). There have been many setbacks in the stop-start career of Master Fay, who is now eight years old but lined up for only his ninth start on Saturday. He has now won four of those races including the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie in January of 2024. Saturday’s open sprint was the Deep Field gelding’s first raceday appearance for 273 days, and he was sent out as a $6.50 second favourite among a six-horse field. He was given a patient ride by apprentice jockey Sam McNab, settling at the back of the field before angling to the outside to make his run in the straight. Master Fay moved through his gears and strode past his rivals with ease, beating fellow back-marker Hitabell (NZ) (Embellish) by three-quarters of a length with another two and a quarter lengths back to the third-placed Celestial Wonder (Xtravagant). Ormsby and his wife Aliesha Moroney-Ormsby are spending the weekend in Hong Kong, where they are set to catch up with expat Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards. The stable was represented at Ellerslie on Saturday by Richards’ sister Libby. “It was so exciting to see the horse finish the race off like that today,” she said. “All of the team at home have been working so hard. With the Ready to Run Sale breeze-ups last week, there’s a lot going on. So this is really rewarding for all of us. “Chad and Aliesha are in Hong Kong at the moment, and they’re going out for dinner with Jamie and Danielle (Johnson), so they’ll have something to celebrate now. Master Fay’s a former Hong Kong horse too, so it’s a great result and we’re really thrilled.” The Odyssey followed a similar script in Saturday’s open mile. Two weeks after resuming with an eye-catching run into third over 1300m at Taupo, the son of Zacinto settled in second-last before being set alight in the straight by jockey Courtney Barnes. The Odyssey powered home down the outside and went on to win by three-quarters of a length from Meaningful Star (Pivotal) and Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir). “He’s come back really well this time in, he’s a lot stronger now and racing really well,” Ryan Foote said. “He appeared to do it pretty easily today, so we can start thinking about some other targets once we see how he comes through this win.” The Odyssey has now had 21 starts for seven wins, five placings and $400,570 in stakes. He made his mark in New Zealand’s staying ranks last season with a third in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) and fourth in the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m). View the full article

The value of raceday experience and a touch of class saw two-year-old Out Of The Blue retain his unbeaten record when taking out the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (800m) contest for the juveniles at Riccarton. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared son of Tivaci had looked good when winning on debut over the same distance at the venue last month and punters were keen on his chances again as they sent him out a red-hot $1.45 favourite in the hands of Opie Bosson. Bosson had the gelding away nicely and sat outside the well backed ($4.20) trial winner Outback Girl as the pair dominated proceedings from in front throughout. Despite Outback Girl giving her all in the home straight, Out Of The Blue looked to have her covered as he eased clear in the final 100m for a tradesman like one length victory. “It was another really professional effort to win again today,” Walker said. “It was a good ride of Opie’s to get across, kept him nice and balanced the whole way up the straight, and the beauty of that win means he’s assured of getting into the Karaka Million in January at Ellerslie. “The trip down south to our stables at Riccarton has helped the horse to grow up mentally and Hunter (Durrant) and the team have done a really good job with him. “He’ll go back north, now, for a short break and he’ll concentrate on getting ready for the Karaka Million. He’s certainly a very nice horse in the making and doing everything asked of him.” Raced by the Te Akau Tangerine Army Racing Partnership 1, Out Of The Blue was a $65,000 purchase by David Ellis CMNZ from the Waikato Stud draft during Book 1 at Karaka earlier this year. He is out of the Group Three winner Cornflower Blue and from an extended family that includes multiple Australian Group One winners Tiger Tees, and Terravista and the New Zealand champion two-year-old of 2007-2008, Il Quello Veloce. He has now won over $37,000 in prizemoney which places him second on the current order of entry for the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on 24 January next year. The Te Akau Racing team tried hard to make it a winning inter-island double with debutant Sword Of Stars starting the $2.90 second favourite in the Eagle Technology 1100 (1100m) at Ellerslie just ten minutes later, but had to settle for the runner-up position as race favourite Harvey Wallbanger ($2.70) scored decisively in the opening race of that meeting. The Tony Pike-trained Home Affairs gelding had looked a handy customer when winning nicely over 950m at the Waipa trials on 9 October and produced a similar effort first time to the races in the hands of Jasmine Fawcett. Fawcett took the initiative at the 700m when the early speed slackened, to send Harvey Wallbanger around to sit outside pacemaker Shambo Jack before easing clear early in the run home. Chased hard by Sword Of Stars, Harvey Wallbanger never shirked his task as he maintained a strong gallop to open his winning account in decisive style by more than three lengths at the line. “It was a smart ride by Jasmine as he is not brilliant out the barriers, Pike said. “She was caught three-wide early when they eased the tempo and it was very smart to go and sit outside the leader. “He’s done it very comfortably, a little bit new and green when he hit the front, but I think he has plenty of upside as he isn’t a big horse but has a very big action. “Unfortunately, he is not Karaka Million qualified as he is a homebred from Wentwood Grange but congratulations to them as he is the first foal out of their smart mare Mai Tai.” Bred and raced by Wentwood Grange Stud owners the Hawkins family under their Llanhennock Trust brand, Harvey Wallbanger is out of smart racemare Mai Tai who numbered the Listed Awapuni Mile (1550m) amongst her six career wins, while she also finished runner-up in both the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). View the full article

Harry Bentley is eager to bag his first Group Two in Hong Kong and the British jockey believes the in-form Tomodachi Kokoroe is the right galloper to deliver the goods when he tackles Sunday’s Premier Bowl (1,200m) at Sha Tin. A two-time Group Three winner in the city, Bentley has guided Tomodachi Kokoroe to outstanding victories on his two starts this season – the David Hayes-trained seven-year-old’s first successes at Sha Tin. Returning from a summer break in scintillating form, the Australian...View the full article

Armed with three runners in Sunday’s Premier Bowl (1,200m), Francis Lui Kin-wai hopes the brilliance of Zac Purton will help Packing Hermod and barrier one will boost Divano as they bid for Group Two glory. Purton hops back aboard Packing Hermod after his first-up fourth to My Wish in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and will be out to add to his impeccable record on the consistent galloper. The champion jockey has booted home Packing Hermod in four of his six career wins, with his only...View the full article

In a race where the favorites failed to show up, Claiborne's Admit was left to pick up the pieces, powering to her first graded stakes victory in the $396,013 Valley View Stakes (G2T) Oct. 24 at Keeneland. View the full article

Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 14:05, THE WILLIAM HILL FUTURITY TROPHY-G1, £200,000, 2yo, c/f, 8fT Field: Action (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Benvenuto Cellini (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hawk Mountain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Oxagon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), Rochfortbridge (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: A small field, but some quandaries with the line-up not yet confirmed. Heavy ground could see one of the big two Ballydoyle hopes taken out and it is not a given that the Champions Juvenile winner Benvenuto Cellini and the Beresford winner Hawk Mountain will take each other on, as Wayne Lordan has been declared on Lambourn's half-brother Action. Dewhurst fifth Oxagon is not guaranteed to start if it is deep and, with so many ways this could go before the off, the weather really is key. If it rides anywhere near good, it should be Benvenuto Cellini. It is early days, but he's giving off that St Nicholas Abbey vibe at present. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 15:45, THE BETVICTOR ST SIMON STAKES-G3, £75,000, 3yo/up, 12fT Field: Al Aasy (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Hamish (GB) (Motivator {GB}), Military Academy (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), Mount Atlas (GB) (Masar {Ire}), Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Starzintheireyes (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Miss Wong (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Revoir (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}). TDN Analysis: The Haggas stable's grizzled old-timers Hamish and Al Aasy are taken on by some young upstarts, with last year's Zetland winner Starzintheireyes one of the most intriguing having made his three-year-old bow only last month. Given how well Miss Wong's relatives like this type of ground, she is a live longshot with David Simcock happy to take the plunge from handicaps. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 15:10, THE BETVICTOR HORRIS HILL STAKES-G3, £55,000, 2yo, 7fT Field: Arabian Desert (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Boiling Over (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), May Angel (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Pandemonium (Ire) (No Nay Never), Stellar Sunrise (GB) (Space Blues {Ire}), Time To Turn (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Wechaad (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}). TDN Analysis: Simon and Ed Crisford won this two years ago with Knight and put forward a similar type in Pandemonium, who recorded taking wins at Yarmouth and Redcar. Godolphin's Pat Eddery Stakes winner Time To Turn bids to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Jean-Luc Lagardere, while the York nursery scorer Stellar Sunrise is a key player from the Andrew Balding stable which has vital yardsticks to measure him against. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 14:40, THE WILLIAM HILL PROSPECT STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE DONCASTER STAKES)-Listed, £50,000, 2yo, 6f 2yT Field: Boston Dan (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Quarter (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), Spanish Waltz (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Figjam (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Lam Yai (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Trust Amy (Ire) (Starman {GB}). TDN Analysis: The Firth Of Clyde runner-up Lam Yai sets the form standard and has done little wrong so far, but there is always the chance that something like Valmont's Pontefract maiden winner Spanish Waltz has something powerful under the bonnet. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 14:00, THE D&H RACING STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE RADLEY STAKES)-Listed, £35,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Assaranca (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Caim (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Leading Dancer (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Ourbren (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Passing Thought (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Senorita Vega (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Slay Queen (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Something Coming (GB) (Kodi Bear {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Karl Burke knows where Teme Valley's promising Leading Dancer sits among his team of classy two-year-olds and there was much to like about the way she went through her work in a Newcastle novice last month. Caim also looked a smart prospect when winning on her sole start at Beverley last month, but Senorita Vega was third in Newmarket's Oh So Sharp Stakes and may only need to repeat that effort. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 13:30, CRITERIUM INTERNATIONAL-G1, €250,000, 2yo, c/f, 8fT Field: Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Campacite (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), New Zealand (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hardy Warrior (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Cape Orator (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Port Of Spain (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Puerto Rico needs to prove he stays a mile here, having made a leap forward going up from six furlongs to seven when dominating the Champagne and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere from the front. Bred to appreciate it, he is joined by New Zealand, Piazza San Marco and Port Of Spain who all have claims on their own terms and who could all make a jump up on testing ground at this trip. Third behind Puerto Rico at Doncaster, Cape Orator is back in the country in which he captured the valuable Arqana Series races Criterium d'Ete and Criterium d'Automne and his experience will count for a lot renewing rivalry with Ballydoyle's first-string. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:34, CRITERIUM DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €250,000, 2yo, c/f, 10fT Field: A Taste Of Glory (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Christmas Day (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Pierre Bonnard (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Shosholoza (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Czajkowski (Fr) (Flintshire {GB}), Waybreaker (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Endorsement (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Isaac Newton (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Proof (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Zambezi (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Impressive in the Zetland, Pierre Bonnard has to deal with contrasting ground which leaves a small question mark over him. The Eyrefield winner Christmas Day has no problems with it and is a colt moving forward at the right time, while the Zetland runner-up Endorsement could make it closer with stamina more essential. Outside of the Ballydoyle colts, Joseph O'Brien has a live contender in the wide-margin Tipperary maiden winner Shosholoza who has been supplemented. The French colts look to have it to do, with the Prix de Conde winner Waybreaker probably a level below the Irish. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 15:50, PRIX ROYAL-OAK-G1, €350,000, 3yo/up, 15 1/2fT Field: Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Sevenna's Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Arrow Eagle (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Caballo De Mar (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), Espoir Avenir (Fr) (Montmartre {Fr}). TDN Analysis: It is hard to see past a third consecutive success for Double Major, who probably faced a stiffer test 12 months ago and who has been trained to peak for this moment. There is no obvious reason why last year's runner-up Sevenna's Knight can reverse the form, while the Cadran hero Caballo De Mar will need to step up on that form. Arrow Eagle is interesting up from a mile and a half for the first time and his Arc sixth makes him a dangerous proposition if he stays. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Kyoto, Japan, post time: 15:40, KIKUKA SHO (JAPANESE ST. LEGER)-G1, ¥419,370,000, 3yo, 3000mT Field: Coachella Valley (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Amakihi (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), Right Track (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Yamanin Bouclier (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Giovanni (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Mirage Knight (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}), Shohei (Jpn) (Saturnalia {Jpn}), Rex Novus (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Energico (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), G T Adamant (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), My Universe (Jpn) (Rey de Oro {Jpn}), Goltzschtal (Jpn) (Bricks and Mortar), Arrondi (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), Excite Bio (Jpn) (Rey de Oro {Jpn}), Eri King (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Ra Shalom (Jpn) (Tosen Ra {Jpn}), Layered Red (Jpn) (Fierement {Jpn}), Red Bande (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 12:26, PRIX BELLE DE NUIT-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, f/m, 14fT Field: Agile (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), Bas Bleu (Ire) (Masar {Ire}), La Isla Mujeres (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Allonsy (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Bibbiena (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}), Uluru (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Calamandra (Fr) (New Bay {GB}), Kiamba (Ire) (Australia {GB}). TDN Analysis: This is open, with Allonsy marginally ahead on her two Listed wins. Calandagan's half-sister Calamandra was third in the Listed Prix Joubert, but if she's anything like her sibling won't be at her best on this testing ground while La Isla Mujeres is in the mix on her Listed Oyster Stakes win. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 12:58, PRIX PERTH-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Saidi El Fal (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Vertbois (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Anthorus (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Chibitty (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Elim (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Darius Cen (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Another tight contest, with the mares Sparks Fly and Exxtra of particular interest. The former is back at the scene of her Listed Prix Isola Bella success in November, while the dual Group 3 winner Exxtra tackles a mile for the first time. Vertbois took the Listed Prix Altipan over this course and distance in March and doesn't have stablemate Tribalist in the way for once. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:02, PRIX DE FLORE-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, f/m, 10 1/2fT Field: Skellet (Ire) Kingman (GB), Ashariba (Fr) (Ribchester {Ire}), Grand Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Saxon Girl (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Dare To Dream (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Ginalyah (Ire) (Chachnak {Fr}), Light The Ghost (Ger) (Waldgeist {GB}), Zia Agnese (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Safia (Fr) (Sottsass {Fr}), Whataboutism (Fr) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Analysis: Third in the Prix Jean Romanet, Grand Stars is very much owed one of these and loved the place when taking last year's Listed Prix Solitude on heavy ground. British raider Ashariba took the Listed Prix Dahlia earlier this month and rates a big threat, while Safia bids to get back on track after an interrupted campaign and justify being a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 14:05, SHADWELL STALLIONS – HERBST STUTENPREIS-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 11fT Field: Anna Riva (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Avola (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}), Namouria (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Weltbeste (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Aglaia (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}), Ruby Lips (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}), Santagada (GB) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Silaway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). TDN Analysis: Four-time Group 3 scorer Santagada displayed grit when annexing this month's G3 Preis der Deutschen Einheit and is the one to beat here. Her chief threat is G3 Hamburger Stutenpreis placegetter Ruby Lips, who made a black-type breakthrough at this venue three weeks ago. The dual stakes-placed Namouria has never ventured beyond Listed level, but is best placed of the older generation to make an impact. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 12:30, GESTUT WITTEKINDSHOF – YOUNGSTER FILLIES CUP-Listed, €25,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Amazing Girl (Ger) (Japan {GB}), Burguesinha (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cardea (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Fast Angel (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Only Luck (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Pietra Fortunata (GB) (Wooded {Ire}), Salonglaenzende (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Scaletta (Ger) (Victor Ludorum {GB}). TDN Analysis: Gestut Wittekindshof homebred Salonglaenzende accounted for the reopposing Cardea and subsequent G3 Preis der Winkerkonigin heroine Alsterperle over one mile at Dortmund last month and bids to retain her perfect record dropping down in trip for this black-type debut. Scaletta, Fast Angel and the two-for-two Polish raider Only Luck all line up coming back of clear-cut victories in their most recent start. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 13:30, ALSON – YOUNGSTER STEHER CUP-Listed, €25,000, 2yo, 10fT Field: Abachi (Ger) (Japan {GB}), Abdulhamid (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Dardanos (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Kairos (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Nariman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Sancak (Fr) (Flintshire {GB}), Tailwind (Ger) (Windstoss {Ger}), Ajaxania (Ire) (Zelzal {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Liberty Racing's one-for-one Kairos was 2 1/2 lengths too good for Abachi when the pair met at Cologne last month and is taken to maintain superiority in this stakes debut. Abachi subsequently defeated Tailwind and Abdulhamid over this course and distance three weeks ago and is the likely favourite's main danger. Nariman, one of three from the Bohumil Nedorostek stable, is the only newcomer in the field. [Sean Cronin]. The post Black-Type Analysis: Benvenuto Cellini Brings Star Potential to the Futurity Trophy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Troubleshooting, victorious in the Sept. 6 Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G1T) at Kentucky Downs when sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs on turf, ventures into new territory Oct. 25 at Keeneland when he routes in the one-mile Bryan Station Stakes (G3T).View the full article

Claiborne Farm's homebred filly ADMIT (f, 3, Blame–Profess, by War Front) came roaring down the center of the Keeneland turf course Friday to capture the GII Bank of America Valley View Stakes under John Velazquez, earning her first graded stakes win. Dispatched at 9-1 from the rail slot, the Thomas Drury trainee was comfortably in the back flight for much of the running but was already making up ground along the outside midway around the far turn. Fanned out at least five wide with less than a quarter-mile to run, Admit got first jump on the field and was well clear inside the final sixteenth, too far ahead to be caught by a closing Classic Q (Classic Empire). Lifetime Record: 11-4-1-3. O/B-Claiborne Farm. T-Thomas Drury. Admit picks up her first graded stakes victory in the G2 Valley View! @tomdruryracing trains the @claibornefarm homebred and @ljlmvel was aboard! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/i3ujcgEHtO — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 24, 2025 The post Claiborne Homebred Admit Captures The Valley View appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran jockey Willie Martinez will retire from riding this month and will begin work as a regional manager for the Jockeys' Guild effective Nov. 1. View the full article

Valerie Dailey, a Thoroughbred breeder in Florida since 1985, has been elected President of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association at a board meeting following the annual member meeting, the organization announced Friday. “I'm honored to have been selected to serve as president for a second time,” Dailey said. “The industry has definitely changed since my initial term in 2022 and we have a challenging road ahead. My goal is to educate and get the word out about greatness of the Florida-bred Thoroughbred and our significant impact on the national Thoroughbred industry.” The board also selected executive committee officers for 2025-26 with Nick de Meric, a Thoroughbred breeder and leading consignor of 2-year-olds, named First Vice President and Francis Vanlangendonck, of Summerfield Sales based in Williston, named Second Vice President. Richard Heysek, who breeds under the banner of his Caperlane Farm, was named Treasurer while Beckie Cantrell, a small Thoroughbred breeder from Ocala, will serve as Secretary. Additionally, Jerry Campbell of Tampa and Mary Lightner of Williston were re-elected as incumbent board members while Nick de Meric of Ocala; Christine Jones of Reddick; Phil Matthews, DVM of Ocala; and Jean White, DVM of Ocala join the board as new directors. White's term ends October, 2027 while the other terms end in October of 2028. Leaving the board because of term limits as outlined in the FTBOA by-laws were Joe O'Farrell, Marilyn Campbell and Mike Hall. Colin Brennan resigned following a move to Texas. Other returning FTBOA board members include Beth Bayer, Brent Fernung, Milan Kosanovich, and Dr. Tiffany Atteberry. Lonny Powell enters his fourteenth year at the Association helm as the CEO and executive vice president. The post Valerie Dailey Named New FTBOA President appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article