Wandering Eyes

4th-BAQ, $85K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 2:40 p.m. ET. Coolmore's SPECIAL ENJOY (Not This Time) gets his start for trainer Chad Brown, who strikes with 17% of his first time starters on the turf. A $1-million Keeneland September yearling purchase, the Kentucky-bred is out of SW Stillwater Cove (Quality Road) and was bred by Marcus Stables and Grouseridge LTD. Working at steadily at Belmont over the past few weeks, the bay will get the services of Flavien Prat for this unveiling. Harrell Ventures LLC's Oban (Constitution) debuts for trainer Todd Pletcher, who doubles up with Kendrick Carmouche. The jockey-trainer combo connect at a 31% clip when they have joined forces over the past year. Bred by Siena Farms, the colt, who is the first foal out of unraced Joyful Addiction (Munnings), was a $500,00 September buy. The 7-year-old mare is a daughter of GI Vanity winner My Sweet Addiction (Tiznow). The post Thursday’s Insights: Seven-Figure Not This Time Colt Debuts at Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 09/26/2025 Licensee: Vladimir Cerin, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Saqeel on 8/13/25. Date: 09/26/2025 Licensee: Harry Lynch, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Flunixin–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Cutlass King on 8/12/25. Pending ADMC Violations 10/01/2025, Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez, trainer: Pending out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Albuterol (Salbutamol)–a banned bronchodilator–in a sample taken from Jet Set Warrior on 7/23/25. 09/30/2025, William Robert Bailes, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methylprednisolone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Goodluckchuck, who won at Timonium on 8/29/25. 09/30/2025, Karyn Wittek, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Aubrey's Unbridled on 8/27/25. 09/30/2025, Armando Hernandez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Guaifenesin (glycerol guaiacolate)–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Gray Lightning, who finished third in the Lady Carey Turf Sprint Stakes on 7/27/25. 09/29/2025, Tanner Tracy, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Golden Biz, who won at Prairie Meadows on 8/25/25. 09/29/2025, Michael Sabine, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Not My Type, who finished tenth at Finger Lakes on 8/25/25. 09/29/2025, Jesus Esquivel, trainer: Pending out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Albuterol (Salbutamol)–a banned bronchodilator–in a sample taken from Summonyourcourage on 6/17/25. 09/26/2025, Isidro Tamayo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Ballyvaughan Gig, who won at Del Mar on 8/14/25. 09/24/2025, Jabdiel Yojan Castillo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Nikethamide–a banned stimulant–in a sample taken from City Signs, who finished fourth at Thistledown on 6/16/25. Violations of Crop Rule Delaware Park Angel Rodriguez–violation date Sept. 28; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings: Sept. 25-Oct. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Takashi Saito is eager to use the experience of an unsuccessful Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe bid as he puts the finishing touches to Croix Du Nord's preparation for Sunday's ParisLongchamp showpiece. Back in 2021, Saito saddled his first runner in the Arc in the shape of Chrono Genesis, a four-time Group 1 winner in her native Japan. At ParisLongchamp, however, she could manage only seventh in a race run on very soft ground, with the daughter of Bago tiring late on after more than three months on the sidelines. Croix Du Nord, on the other hand, has the benefit of a recent outing on French soil, having denied fellow Arc contender Daryz (Sea The Stars) by a nose in last month's G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange at Sunday's venue. Beaten just once in six career starts, with his victories including this year's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), the son of Kitasan Black is currently trading at around 8/1 as he tries to become the first Japanese-trained winner of Europe's richest race. “I raced the Arc with Chrono Genesis four years ago and that didn't go well, but having this opportunity again, I'm so delighted and feeling honoured to run again. It's a different horse but I'm delighted to have a challenger again,” said Saito. “After the race [the 2021 Arc], I kind of realised it was too much. We trained hard and it was too hard for her [Chrono Genesis] – that's what I learned from that time. Many different horses taught me many different things. Croix Du Nord, coming back with him, it's very hard to win the race, but we think it's the right thing to do. “It's hard to point out one thing, but I learnt many things from different horses in Japan and outside of Japan. I would like to show what I learned and how I improved in these four years.” Croix Du Nord is one of three Japanese-trained challengers, with the possible field rising to 18 on Wednesday after Aidan O'Brien supplemented leading three-year-old filly Minnie Hauk (Frankel). Byzantine Dream (Epiphaneia) is the shortest-priced of the trio after winning last month's G2 Prix Foy over the Arc course and distance, having also won the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi Arabia back in February. Oisin Murphy was in the saddle on both of those occasions and is set to continue the association on Sunday. In winning the Prix Foy, Byzantine Dream clocked a time that was a second faster than Arc favourite Aventure (Sea The Stars) recorded in the G1 Prix Vermeille over the same course and distance, but his trainer Tomoyasu Sakaguchi does not believe a straight comparison can be drawn. He said, “You cannot simply compare because the pace, field size and level of the field will all be different in the Arc. But it was a great run by him and I think he's still improving from that race. “Probably, we don't want heavy ground. We're not sure how he would handle that because we have never experienced that. We know he likes better ground, but we don't know about soft or heavy, if he can handle it.” Alohi Alii completes the Japanese challenge and is another with a French success under his belt having made all to beat Rashabar (Holy Roman Emperor) by a comfortable three and a half lengths in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville. The three-year-old was returning from a 118-day break when claiming that Group 2 prize and trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka believes the son of Duramente will improve for the outing. He said, “We were originally aiming for the Grand Prix de Paris, but there was a minor setback. The horse came back well to prepare for the Guillaume d'Ornano. It was great to win as I know it's a high-class race. “The Guillaume d'Ornano was after his four-month lay off and the training did not go as we planned. He definitely wasn't fit – 10 days or a week before the race we were concerned about scratching him – but that week we thought he was fine to race and he did really well. “In his training, he got keener in a good way after the race, coming back for this autumn campaign. He's adapted to the French track, so he's definitely fitter and improving. Rain is expected, but we don't want to make an excuse. I hope he will handle the ground.” The post Croix Du Nord Leads Three-Pronged Japanese Assault on the Arc appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Resolute Racing's Woodshauna, a group 1 winner in France, has the turf course all to himself Oct. 1 as he prepares for the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland Oct. 4.View the full article

You probably know that Terry Bradshaw won four Super Bowls, has been inducted into the College and Pro Halls of Fame and was the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1978. You probably know that Bradshaw has been a mainstay on Fox's coverage of the NFL since 1994. But you probably didn't know that Bradshaw owns a piece of a possible starter in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Along with Magdalena Racing and Graham Leveston, Bradshaw is the co-owner of the GIII Pocahontas Stakes winner Taken by the Wind (Rock Your World). He says it's been a great ride and he came on this week's edition of the TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland to tell us all about it. He was this week's Gainesway Guest of the Week. Bradshaw was also a part owner of GI Donn Handicap winnner Graydar (Unbridled's Song) and Mission Impazible (Unbridled's Song), the winner of the 2010 GII Louisiana Derby. Where did this love of horses come from? “When I grew up I spent most of my time on my grandfather's farm and he had Clydesdales and I used to sit on top of them while he plowed and the smell of the horse sweat was something,” Bradshaw said. “It was like perfume to me. I thought it was the coolest thing and I was always down there loving on them and crawling on them. My uncles were all cutting horse riders. They all rode cutting horses. So that's how it happened. It's kind of like with a kid, introduce them to a bunch of stuff and they'll pick what they like and I picked horses. It's just a natural thing for me.” Bradshaw first went into the Quarter Horse business. His Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses, specializes in breeding and raising halter and pleasure horses and not race horses. He has reduced his Quarter Horse Stock by 90%, so he now has more time and more money to devote to his other passion, Thoroughbreds. “I watch FanDuel TV all the time,” he said. “I never really got out of it mentally. I got out of it physically. then I always wanted to get back in, I actually called (Thoroughbred owner) Steve Davison and said, Steve, 'we've done this Quarter Horse thing , and I got my stallion business going.' I said, 'you know what, I'm a little bored.' I needed to get some of that action back. I said, 'what do you have that I can buy into?' To his credit, he said that he really didn't have anything that I would want you and I to be in. I appreciated that.” Then he went to Kenny McPeek, the trainer of Taken by the Wind. Curt Menifee, who works with Bradshaw on the Fox football shows also worked the 2024 and 2025 GI Belmont S. broadcasts and told Bradshaw how impressed he was by a trainer named Kenny McPeek. So with McPeek leading the way, he brought two yearling fillies last year and is a partner on eight yearlings from this year's sales. None of the horses cost a lot at the sales. Taken by The Wind was purchased by bargain hunter McPeek for just $20,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale. Bradshaw's expectations were modest. “I wasn't expecting anything,” Bradshaw said. “And then she was right in the pack. It was all clustered up and she was just sitting there about fifth and running easy. I thought, 'look how easy she looked coming out of the turn. She's still right where she was, not straining, not doing anything. And then she came out of the turn and she made here move. I said to (his wife) 'Tammy you got to be kidding me.'” Should Taken by the Wind win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, don't be surprised if Bradshaw doesn't show up to work for Fox two days later. “I told Curt, that if I get in the Breeders' Cup with my mare and we win the race on a Friday I won't be there on Sunday. I will call in sick because I'll still be celebrating,” he said. “Yeah, I won't be there. Where's Terry? He's in San Diego. He rented out a hotel.” The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who got a 106 Beyer for his win in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/st TV, the KTOB, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association and West Point Thoroughbreds, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Randy Moss talked about the Paco Lopez suspension. Their opinions were split, with former jockey Cadman being the most sympathetic to the oft-suspended rider. The team also did a review of last week's big race and previewed what should be an exciting weekend of racing coming up. Click here to watch this week's podcast or here to listen to it. The post Terry Bradshaw Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

210 main catalogue entries, including the likes of reigning Broodmare of the Year Puca, have been catalogued for the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, the company's selected mixed sale to be held in Lexington, Kentucky on Monday, November 3, following the Breeders' Cup. The single-session sale will begin at 4 p.m. “The Fasig-Tipton November Sale is the world's premier breeding stock event, where the sport's finest bloodstock is offered in one spectacular, star-studded evening session after the Breeders' Cup,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “This year's catalogue once again lives up to those lofty standards, with over 60 graded stakes winners or producers catalogued–25 of which are Grade I.” “We're offering an Eclipse Champion and Breeders' Cup winner, multiple international champions, and the first reigning Kentucky Broodmare of the Year to be presented at auction in 17 years,” Browning continued. “The catalogue also features race fillies in peak form, blue-blooded mares in foal to the world's leading stallions, and a selected group of weanlings. It's a sale not to be missed by the sport's leading collectors of top quality bloodstock.” The catalogue may now be viewed online, including the sale's Enhanced Catalogue. The Enhanced Catalogue provides up-to-date catalogue pages, Daily Racing Form past performances, and race replays; an Alan Porter pedigree analysis and five-cross pedigrees for all racing/broodmare prospects and broodmares; stallion register pages for all sires of weanlings and covering sires; as well as other tools to aid prospective buyers. All Grade I-winning females off the track or carrying their first foals will also be profiled with individual feature videos. Print catalogues will be available by October 7. The catalogue will also be available via the Equineline sales catalogue app. Online bidding and phone bidding will be available. The November Sale will also offer a supplemental catalogue. The first three supplemental entries were included as hips 211-213 in Wednesday's release. Fasig-Tipton will accept approved entries for the supplement through the Breeders' Cup. The post Broodmare Of The Year Puca Leads 210 Entries For Fasig-Tipton November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They understand how it goes with livestock, of course, and have enjoyed many clusters of high fortune as well. But the loss of Wootton Bassett must still seem a callous twist of fate to a Coolmore team that has also, within the last year, grieved the abrupt death of Uncle Mo, equivalent talisman on their Kentucky roster. True, an unapologetic commitment to volume–extending, in this case, to shuttling a 17-year-old to Australia–means that neither of these sires will be lacking a footprint by which to extend their legacy. And we have seen how accessibly priced sons of Uncle Mo are emulating him in the numbers game, from Golden Pal on his own farm to Yaupon elsewhere. Having been much the slower burn, Wootton Bassett will doubtless bequeath further stallion sons among the stock yet to emerge from the steep upgrading of his mares in Ireland. In contrast, Uncle Mo landed running as champion freshman in 2015, his debut crop headlined by a horse who has since consolidated a reputation as premier as well as first among his heirs. At stud Nyquist matched his sire with a flying start, champion freshman in 2020. Some dazing lurches in fee admittedly ensued: subsiding to $55,000 for a couple of years, after mustering a solitary graded stakes winner in 2021, but since catapulted to $175,000. His status as one of the Bluegrass big guns is underpinned by that useful knack, conspicuous in certain stallions, of ensuring that his good ones are terribly good. Of 11 stakes winners in 2024, Nyquist had no fewer than four at Grade I level. With 13 black-type scorers already, this time round, he has had 10 in graded stakes and three at the elite level. Overall his nine Grade I performers this year represent a 3.7 percent clip, to starters, rivalled among the big guns only by the Indian summer of Medaglia d'Oro. (Of the top three in the table, Into Mischief and Not This Time have been getting their 2025 Grade I protagonists at 1.9 percent, while Gun Runner is batting 2.7 percent.) In another fertile weekend, two of Nyquist's Grade I scorers amplified their Breeders' Cup claims with Grade II wins at Santa Anita. On Saturday, Johannes added the City of Hope Stakes to his Shoemaker Mile last year, taking his turf record round Santa Anita to eight-for-eight. Next day, over on the main track in the Zenyatta Stakes, Cavalieri extended her immaculate record on her first start since winning the Beholder Mile. Both are out of mares by sons of A.P. Indy, in Congrats and Stephen Got Even, and it would not have been easy to predict their contrasting aptitudes. Johannes actually started out sprinting on dirt, only thriving once switched to grass. He's the first foal out of the first Thoroughbred purchased by Joe and Debby McCloskey, for $50,000 at the 2014 September Sale. Cuyathy (Congrats) divided her three wins in 20 starts between synthetic, turf and dirt, on which surface she also gained a stakes placing. Cuyathy's second foal, Sea Dancer (Mastery), similarly won her maiden and allowance on turf before later adding a couple of stakes on dirt; while her next, by Gun Runner, made only a brief experiment on dirt and owes her Listed podium to grass. Now Cuyathy has a Knicks Go filly underway, a debut winner on turf at Del Mar before running midfield in a stakes last month. In other words, this mare is imparting either versatility or an outright preference for grass despite covers primarily associated with dirt. So where is this coming from? Her mother Dance Darling was an unraced daughter of Devil's Bag: a dirt brand, albeit let's not forget that his full sister Glorious Song (Halo), herself a dirt champion, produced turf monsters Singspiel (Ire) (In The Wings {GB}) and Rahy (Blushing Groom {Fr}). Dance Darling's most accomplished runner was Join in the Dance (Sky Mesa), who missed the GII Tampa Bay Derby by a neck and led them a mile in Mine That Bird's Derby. More pertinent, perhaps, is her unraced daughter by Uncle Mo's sire Indian Charlie: Elm Drive (Mohaymen) first made a splash winning the GII Sorrento Stakes, but ended up switching to grass, where she was a Listed winner repeatedly placed in graded stakes. The next dam was a dirt stakes winner whose best foal (among several black-type performers and/or producers) by Miswaki also won three stakes on dirt. She was admittedly by a stallion who made a huge impact in Europe, in Danzig. But her own mother was by Buckpasser, and delivered a dual graded stakes winner on dirt in Canadian champion Pennyhill Park, by Danzig's European export Ascot Knight. Only when reaching Cuyathy's fourth dam, both of whose parents were foaled in France, do we find a deep well of chlorophyll. In summary, there aren't sufficient green zones in Cuyathy's background to discourage me from concluding (yet again) that horses are simply more versatile, in terms of surface, than we allow them to be. And, another favorite motif, if Johannes can find a place at stud, I'd be more interested in the quality that might filter through a family seeded by sons of A.P. Indy and Halo, and then by Danzig and Buckpasser, than the fact that he has given Nyquist another major talent–following dual Royal Ascot winner Crimson Advocate–on turf. Congrats | Louise Reinagel Stiffed Gets Even That last remark is admittedly sheer prejudice. We all know many cases of top runners and/or sires from families carrying few of those breed-shaping brands. Whereas Cuyathy's sire Congrats can be acknowledged a good broodmare sire–with the likes of Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), Caravel (Mizzen Mast) and Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) on his resume–the two best runners out of a Stephen Got Even mare seem to be Cavalieri herself and her half-sister, GII Gulfstream Oaks winner Affirmative Lady (Arrogate). Their third dam, meanwhile, is by the largely forgotten Marfa. Yet something in their background, demonstrably, is functioning. Cavalieri and Affirmative Lady are out of the expressively named dual stakes winner, Stiffed. She was bought by Alastar Thoroughbred Co. for $320,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale and fortunately failed to meet her reserve, at $140,000, when sent back a couple of years later carrying Cavalieri. (The latter proved a tremendous pinhook, from $170,000 September yearling to $900,000 OBS juvenile.) With two out of her first three starters so talented, Stiffed has at the very least repaid a couple of well chosen covers. Her unraced dam High Noon Nellie (Silver Deputy) did not fare so luckily, overall, but nonetheless came up with three stakes winners, all at Monmouth, by Mr. Speaker, Sea Wizard and of course Stephen Got Even. Moreover Stiffed's full sister added to the family's Monmouth black-type record when her son Great Navigator (another Sea Wizard) won the New Jersey Breeders' Handicap only last month. A Grade III success for the next dam, Full and Fancy (Marfa), puts her pretty close behind his outlier Farma Way in the output of their sire. Overall this is an old American family, tracing to a mare imported from England in 1888, but there has lately been little other than longevity to lend it an aristocratic allure. As noted, daughters of Stephen Got Even haven't otherwise set the world alight. But while his sire A.P. Indy will achieve only a sporadic connection, from the third generation, it's fun to see him doing so with a touch of his own tremendous prowess as distaff influence. Is that perhaps what we saw across the spectrum last weekend, not just with Johannes but also between Bracket Buster (Vekoma) in the GIII Oklahoma Derby and Locked (Gun Runner) in the GII Woodward Stakes? For the damsires of both are also by A.P. Indy. And while Locked is out of a daughter of Malibu Moon, Bracket Buster was rescuing his damsire–Dance With Ravens!–from total oblivion. Ultimate Love | Jeffrey-Snyder/MJC Patience Achieving Ultimate Reward How much we credit A.P. Indy for his principal distaff influence, Bernardini, is also a matter of conjecture. But even if Ultimate Love (Curlin) becomes the latest champion out of a mare by Bernardini, the latter will have to share the plaudits with one of the breed's greatest families. For Live Oak Stud to travel to Tattersalls in December 2002 and top the sale at 1.8 million guineas, for a barely formed May weanling, was pretty nerveless stuff. But she was by Giant's Causeway out of Urban Sea (Miswaki), whose 1998 foal Galileo (Ire) had won the Derby the previous year. The immediate dividends were gratifying, My Typhoon (Ire) retrieving around half the investment in prizemoney, notably winning the GI Test Stakes as a 5-year-old. To have persevered that far showed an edifying love of the sport, but her most precious assignment still lay ahead–especially given that she retired to the paddocks even as another half-brother, Sea The Stars (Ire), was dominating Europe. And, on the face of things, she flunked it. She was unfortunate to assemble a flew blanks on her breeding record; and most of the foals she delivered proved anonymous. All but one of her colts were soon gelded; and her Bernardini filly, Tsunami of Love, was vanned off from her only start. In her second career, moreover, Tsunami of Love started out no more productively. But after Ultimate Love's Selima Stakes last weekend, everything may finally have fallen into place. Who knows, someday she may yet become as valuable as her granddam. The post Breeding Digest: Nyquist Headlining Claims As Uncle Mo’s Successor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Breeders' Cup will offer a new sweepstakes, “The Champion's Ticket,” awarding one fan and their guest with the ultimate VIP journey–an all-expenses-paid trip to both the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course and the 2027 Championships at the newly re-imagined Belmont Park. Two second prize winners will win tickets to the 2026 edition at Keeneland. Fans can enter for free here through 11:59 PM ET on Nov. 30, 2025 with winners selected at random on or before Dec. 12, 2025. “This is our most ambitious VIP sweepstakes yet, awarding back-to-back trips to the World Championships,” said Justin McDonald, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Breeders' Cup Limited. “These upcoming editions will feature an elevated on-site experience and the same world-class hospitality and top-class international competition Breeders' Cup fans have come to expect. We can't wait to share those incredible moments with our global audience, especially the lucky sweepstakes winners.” The grand prize winner of The Champion's Ticket will be treated to the kind of access reserved for the sport's insiders. From luxury accommodations and travel expenses to premium seating and private tours during the World Championships, every detail has been designed to showcase the elegance, excitement, and passion of the Breeders' Cup lifestyle. It is a prize that transcends tickets, offering entry into a world of world-class hospitality and international competition where unforgettable memories await. The post Breeders’ Cup To Offer ‘The Champion’s Ticket’ Sweepstakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Sangster's group 1 winner Diego Velazquez acclimates himself to Keeneland Oct. 1 as he prepares for a start in the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1T) Oct. 4.View the full article

Twelve winning photos of Thoroughbreds were selected by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be featured in the fifth annual TAA calendar. All photos feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either in residence at or has been rehomed by a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. Each winner will receive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded merchandise and a copy of the calendar. Out of the twelve winners, the grand prize winner, Sara Ruggerone, was selected to be featured on the cover of the calendar and will receive a Tipperary helmet of their choice, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian. Sara's photo, titled “Best Friends” captures OTTB Centerofattention and her best friend Apollo, both permanent residents at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Paso Robles, California. The winning photographs for the rest of the calendar are: January: “Winter Whispers” photographed by Scott Purdum and submitted by Grace Purdum, featuring Chosen Moon at Hope for Horses. February: “Best Friends” photographed by Deb Hofstetter and submitted by Sara Ruggerone, featuring Centerofattention at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. March: “Fostering Idaho” photographed by Matthew Chew and submitted by Candace Chew, featuring Point Breeze and London Follies at Champions Retreat. April: “My Pot of Gold” photographed by Lani Dake and submitted by Lani Dake, featuring Dancing Bella, rehomed by Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. May: “Dressage at Lone Tree” photographed by Aleshia Snyder and submitted by Heather Rowan, featuring Lamartine (BRZ), rehomed by CANTER Michigan. June: “This is Why” photographed by Michelle Horgan and submitted by Jaime Douglas, featuring Glacier Express at New Beginnings Thoroughbreds. July: “Splendor in the Grass” photographed by Len Armer and submitted by Karen Wagner, featuring Major Deegan at Equine Advocates. August: “The Astral Rascal” photographed by Sheri Knauer and submitted by Laura Otten, featuring The Astral Rascal, rehomed by Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers. September: “Lava Mud Pots” photographed by Laura Battles and submitted by Laura Battles, featuring Lava Man at Old Friends Equine Retirement. October: “Sailing Through Summer” photographed by Hallie Burden and submitted by Joy Nakrin, featuring Enduring Honor, rehomed by Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption Program. November: “Establishing Ties” photographed by Rebecca Lazarus and submitted by Hannah Ong, featuring The Other Chad, rehomed by Thoroughbred Placement Resources. December: “Viracocha” photographed by Carlos Orellana and submitted by Caitlin Dever, featuring Viracocha, rehomed by LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society. Over 475 photographs were submitted to this year's calendar photo contest. Along with the primary winners, 41 additional photos were chosen to be featured in the calendar as honorable mentions. A total of 275 Thoroughbreds are featured in the calendar, representing 59 Thoroughbred Aftercare “Congratulations to all our Photo Contest winners, and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest,” said Catherine Flowers, Data Director & Office Manager, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It is heartwarming each year to receive so many photos of Thoroughbreds connecting with humans and excelling in their second careers. This is why ensuring the fate of our industry's horses is so crucial–because they give us everything and deserve everything in return.” The 2026 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar will be available for pre-sale this month with a donation of $20. The calendars will then be available starting on December 1, 2025 with every online donation of $50 or more. Donations can be made here. The post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fifth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The new official logo of Belmont Park, which will open in September 2026 following a multi-year redevelopment project designed to create a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island, was unveiled Wednesday by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). Inspired by one of the defining features of the property, the iconic Japanese White Pine, the new logo represents the evolution of Belmont Park while honoring the rich history of thoroughbred racing in New York. Centered around an updated version of the white pine, the Belmont Park logo incorporates a new typography and refreshed but familiar color palette to retain the visual elements so closely associated with Belmont Park. Throughout Belmont Park's 120-year history, each era of the facility has been marked by a distinct logo. The original logo debuted in 1905 when the Belmont Park grandstand was first constructed. Following the 1968 renovation, a new logo was introduced to reflect an updated brand by incorporating the Japanese White Pine for the first time. The official logo of the new Belmont Park coincides with the ongoing transformation of the facility, which will re-establish Belmont Park as a global capital of thoroughbred racing. At the outset of the current redevelopment of Belmont Park, NYRA committed the resources and expertise necessary to protect the Japanese White Pine during both the demolition and construction phases of the project. As a result, the tree will continue to serve as a centerpiece of the saddling paddock at the new venue. New York State and NYRA's ongoing $455 million redevelopment of Belmont Park revolves around a 300,000-square foot, five-story building offering flexible hospitality options and modern amenities. By reducing the footprint of the grandstand from the previous version and unlocking the infield through the construction of a series of pedestrian and vehicular tunnels, the new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more accessible green space than ever before. The new Belmont Park will feature four newly constructed racing surfaces including the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt main track along with two turf courses and a one-mile Tapeta track to be used as the exclusive surface for winter racing. Belmont Park will re-open for live racing in September 2026 with the GI Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets set to return to its Long Island home in 2027. In addition, Belmont Park has been selected to host the 2027 Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will mark the first edition of the Breeders' Cup to be held in New York State since 2005. For additional information on the evolution of the Belmont Park logo, visit here. The post Belmont Park Unveils New Official Logo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Forever Young looked fit and ready for a return engagement in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) as he easily won the Nippon TV Hai Oct. 1 at Funabashi Racecourse.View the full article

Bryce Bevan has been appointed as head of digital at Magic Millions. A graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start programme, Bevan will front the new Magic Millions Digital platform which will be launched soon. “I am very excited to join Magic Millions many years after they gave me my start in the Thoroughbred industry,” said Bevan, who began bidspotting for Magic Millions in 2011. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and its many clients to establish a digital platform designed to enhance the online sales space in the industry.” He added, “Magic Millions is renowned for creating an unmatched atmosphere with its live sales across the country, and that's the energy and experience we're looking to bring to Magic Millions Digital as well, continuously striving to innovate and evolve, for the benefit of our clients – buyers and vendors alike. I can't wait to hit the ground running.” Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said Bevan was joining the team at an exciting time for the company. “We have been investing and developing the technology we feel is best for the online sales space,” said Bowditch. “Bryce's appointment is exciting and we will continue to build a team to work with him to help grow Magic Millions Digital into a positive selling platform for our industry.” The post Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The list of former breeders, owners, trainers, stallion farms and other connections participating in the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Makeover Champions, an initiative to encourage more public support of Thoroughbreds in careers beyond racing via the Thoroughbred Makeover, was unveiled Wednesday morning. Makeover Champions have pledged to share updates about their former connected horses that are participating in next week's Thoroughbred Makeover, the largest and most lucrative retraining competition in North America for recently-retired racehorses and former broodmares. Additionally, many participating Champions will attend the event in person to connect with the new owners and trainers of their former horses; Champions have signed on to volunteer at the event, and some have made monetary gifts to support the charitable mission of the RRP. “There's a tremendous value in the visibility created by connections participating in Makeover Champions,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Highlighting the achievements of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers helps to dispel the narrative that the horses are somehow a failure when they move on to their next career, and a message of success and embracing the natural continuum of the Thoroughbred lifecycle is that much more powerful coming from those that produced the horses in the first place. Our entire team applauds this year's group of Makeover Champions: thank you for your commitment to your horses!” The list of 2025 Makeover Champions includes the following: Breeders: Ambassador Earle I. Mack (Street Ready), BTE Stables (Conspiractherapist), Ehris Stables (King Of Comedy), Evan Ferraro (Illusioned), Glen Hill Farm (Lexi's Spirit), Godolphin (Battle Creek, Call West, Last Cookie, Phra Phrom, Prevalence, Remuda, Sanquist), Hinkle Farms (Meet George Jetson), Laura Donohoe (Akari), Oak Rock Racing LLC (Akari), PTK LLC (Gullane, Gunleather Al, Misfit Toy, Praline Pecan), Repole Stable (Overwhelm), Stonestreet Farms (Sarpedon), Tommy Town Thoroughbreds (By My Side, Route Sixty Six), Wertheimer & Frere (Salesman {Ire}), WinStar Farm (Battle Born, Hozier, Origami, Thunderstrike), Woodslane Farm (Mythic Performance) Past Owners: Averill Racing (R Hot Mess), BTE Stables (Conspiractherapist), e Five Racing (Snarky), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (Avenue, Gray Magician, My Princess {Ire}, Ritualistic), Godolphin (Battle Creek, Last Cookie, Prevalence, Remuda, Sanquist), Jose D'Angelo (Elusive Empire), Laura Donohoe (Akari, Jeff the Lion), Little Red Feather Racing (Annabelle's Smile, La Peer), Oak Rock Racing LLC (Akari), Paterpop Racing (My Man Vito), PTK LLC (Conure, Gullane, Gunleather Al, Praline Pecan, Sekt, The Pepsodent Show), Repole Stable (Dynamic One, Money Magician, Patou Road, Quantity, Sole Risk), Tommy Town Thoroughbreds (By My Side, Route Sixty Six), Two Eight Racing (R Hot Mess), Wertheimer & Frere (Salesman {Ire]}) Past Trainers: Brad H. Cox (Bandon), Eoin Harty (Remuda), Jose D'Angelo (Elusive Empire), Philip D'Amato (Annabelle's Smile, La Peer), Richard Mandella (Salesman {Ire}), Ryan Hanson (Big Rainbow) Stallion Farms Standing Sires of Makeover Horses: Claiborne Farm (Akari, Baby Fade, Bamboo Garden, Eddie Lea, Ginnsu Warrior, In The Numbers, Leo's Roar, Lorenzen, Macassar, Masked), Coolmore America (American d'Oro, Conure, Kittansett, Logan's Red Falcon, Majestic Pharoah, Markitoff, Mentha, Miss Pretender, Mo's Treasure, Moonlight Joker, No Foolin Mo, Qia, Revelatory, Sekt, Spanish Pharoah, Top Secret), Darley (Arrowheart, Call West, Gullane, Honorandprinciple, Last Cookie, Major Spin, Money Magician, Phra Phrom, Prevalence, Praline Pecan, Reach, Salesman [IRE], Sarpedon, Shot Girl, Starquist), Gainesway (Afleet Sniper, I'm Just, Rookie Year, Single Ruler), Lane's End (Avenue, Bella Skye, Bushwick Bruiser, Dynamic One, Game Change, Nucci, Patou Road, Robitaille, Route Sixty Six, Sanquist, The Malbec Factor, The Wayne Factor, Tonality), WinStar Farm (Battle Born, Big Pete, Dream Time, Dreamer's Disease, Go Grad, Insouciant, Leopard Bait, My Man Vito, Proper Grammar, Remuda, Reserve Judgment, Smart and Fast, Street Ready, V Lo) Other: Claiborne Farm (Team T. S. Strong) The 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, takes place October 8-11 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Over 260 horses are expected to compete over the course of the week, with competition available in ten riding sports. The event is free and open to the public to attend. Learn more here. The post Retired Racehorse Project Announces 2025 Makeover Champions Participants appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ironhorse Stallions and Ironhorse Racing Stable have entered into a long-term agreement to establish a permanent base of operations at the former Stone Bridge Farm Training Center in Schuylerville, NY, the pair announced Wednesday. Minutes from Saratoga Springs, the new property offers a “uniquely integrated equine hub for breeding, foaling, raising and race preparation all under one roof.” “This location isn't just a facility–it's a statement,” said Harlan Malter, Managing Partner of Ironhorse Stallions and Ironhorse Racing Stable. “To be able to breed, foal, raise, and campaign in one unified base is a dream for any stallion and racing operation. It allows us to keep breeding capital, talent, and energy right here in New York, while continuing to collaborate with the important programs in Kentucky and Florida. This farm gives breeders and owners every reason to stay, and it shows that world-class breeding and race horse development can thrive right here on home turf.” John Dowd, who will be on-site managing operations, breeding shed and bloodstock, added: “I've spent my career working across farms, tracks, and sales, and I know how critical it is to offer breeders a complete program. With this facility we can stand stallions, manage our mares, and raise top-class foals that never have to leave the state. New York breeders gain a true cradle-to-track solution while continuing to benefit from the broader national industry.” The post Ironhorse Stallions And Ironhorse Racing Stable Secure Permanent Base At Former Stone Bridge Farm Site appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Major Dick Hern and Enable have been named as the latest inductees to the British Horseracing Hall of Fame, with their induction ceremony set to take place on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 18. The brilliant Juddmonte homebred Enable raced for five seasons, garnering 11 Group 1 victories in four different countries. The daughter of Nathaniel made history by becoming the first horse to win the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes three times. She is also one of only eight horses to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice. Enable's trainer John Gosden said, “I've never known a filly like her that could take the training and the racing. She probably did something that may never be done again as a three-year-old to go and win the Oaks, then the Irish Oaks followed by the King George, then to York to win the Yorkshire Oaks and then dust them all off in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. I don't know if I'll ever be lucky enough to see another filly who could do something like that. She was without doubt one of those absolute racemares of a lifetime.” Simon Mockridge, Juddmonte's general manager in the UK, added, “I think her first win at Chantilly in the Arc was a real highlight. It was away from Longchamp, and it was a very special day because her draw wasn't perfect and it was a big field, and she ran away with that race. As a three-year-old she was quite imperious. She had seven starts, six wins by a cumulative 24 lengths. She was very, very good that year.” Multiple Classic-winning trainer Major Dick Hern died in May 2002 at the age of 81 in May 2002, and his posthumous inclusion in the British Racing Hall of Fame caps a career in which he was champion trainer on four occasions, in 1962, 1972, 1980 and 1983. His British Classic triumphs included three Derby winners in Troy (1979), Henbit (1980) and Nashwan (1989). He also became the first trainer to saddle five winners of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, plus won every Irish Classic at least once. Hern joins his fellow trainers Vincent O'Brien, Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien in the Hall of Fame. Panel member Brough Scott, who has narrated a special video to celebrate Hern's achievements, said, “A great trainer, and a great man, Dick Hern is the most deserved of entries to the Hall of Fame. He was a champion; champion trainer, handler of the greatest of horses, and a champion in life itself. “Of all his achievements, nothing can match what Dick did with Nashwan in the summer of 1989. By then paralysed from a hunting fall, he had to use his eyes, not his hands, to feel for fitness and at Newmarket and then at Epsom, Nashwan was a training masterpiece.” The post Major Dick Hern and Enable to Join Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reigning Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bill Mott has been named recipient of the 2025 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award, the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners (KTO) announced Wednesday. Mott will be honored at the KTO's annual awards dinner Saturday, November 22 at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Warner Jones Award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing and sharing the passion exemplified by Jones, who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the iconic track's initial resurgence. Jones was the inaugural award winner in 1988, six years before his death. “For me, the biggest honor you can have is to be recognized by your peers as someone who does a good job,” said Mott, who won his second Kentucky Derby this year with Godolphin's Sovereignty. “That's the best compliment you can ever get. To be called Horseman of the Year? What's better than that?” KTO President Tommy Drury added: “My gosh, a Hall of Fame trainer who spent a big chunk of his career here–and still has horses racing in Kentucky–and actually trained for Warner Jones. I can't think of a more deserving winner. Bill has been outstanding his entire career, and the fact that he has so many owners who have been with him for so many years speaks volumes about his horsemanship and character.” In addition to Mott, Kentucky chief state steward Barbara Borden will be honored with the organization's Woman of the Year Award and Gabby Gaudet, Keeneland's new Director of Communications, will receive the KTO's John Asher Up and Comer Award. The cost to attend the dinner is $175 for non-members, with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, call Lynda Woods at 502-644-5251 or email her here. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 13. The post Trainer Bill Mott To Receive KY Thoroughbred Owner’s Warner Jones Horseman Of The Year Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The heroics of Mychel Sanchez at Parx Racing, along with the on-track accomplishments of John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, Mike Smith, and Frankie Dettori, result in them being collectively named Jockey of the Week.View the full article

A record number of tourists converged on Sha Tin for Wednesday’s National Day meeting, with Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges declaring the “initiative we have is going viral”. Of the 32,357 people on track, 13,097 travelled from abroad and the overall crowd figure was the biggest on National Day since 2018. There were also a record number of mainland visitors in attendance, with 12,060 crossing the border to soak in the action. “The news of the day is the attendance. We...View the full article

Kempes came from the clouds to complete a brilliant Sha Tin double for David Hall in the Class Three Shanghai Handicap (1,200m) on Wednesday. Green-lamped into $31.35, Kempes was drawn in the car park in stall 14 and was parked last behind a wall of horses on the rail under Andrea Atzeni as the field turned for home. The Sardinian weaved through horses despite limited room and despite being snatched up just before the 100m pole, Atzeni finally got daylight and burst into the lead in the final...View the full article

Making his first start since finishing a disappointing third as the heavy favorite in the G1 Dubai World Cup back on Apr. 5, Susumu Fujita's FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (c, 4, Real Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats) made a victorious return to action in Wednesday's Listed Nippon TV Hai (1800m) at Funabashi Racecourse, setting him up for a second consecutive appearance in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar in a bit more than four weeks' time. He was third to his close relation 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the 2024 renewal. Favored at 10 cents on the dollar, the earner of nearly $15.5 million to date broke away cleanly from the seven hole and raced at the back of the leading group down the stretch for the first time as the 10-horse field split evenly into two groups. Tracking outside and out of harm's way down the backstretch and into the final 800 meters, Forever Young began to warm up to the task with a bit less than three furlongs to travel. Circling three wide off the home corner, he nosed in front of his Yoshito Yahagi stablemate Revontulet (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) at the furlong grounds and edged away to score by about three lengths. Forever Young weighed in at 551kg, some 8kg heavier than when taking his first Group 1 in the Tokyo Daishoten last December. Forever Young outdueled Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in a stirring renewal of the G1 Saudi Cup last February, but the effort clearly took something out of him, as he finished two lengths' third to Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the Meydan feature some six months ago. Sales history: $720,603 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL. Lifetime Record: 12-9-0-3. O-Susumu Fujita; B-Northern Racing; T-Yoshito Yahagi FOREVER YOUNG returns with an easy win in the Nippon TV Hai (LR) – 9F at Funabashi Racecourse, @_RYUSEI_0531 up for trainer @yahagistable the perfect prep for his run next in the @BreedersCup Classic at Del Mar FOREVER YOUNG regresa de manera vicroriosa con fácil victoria… pic.twitter.com/6LI0UvCCBT — Agentes305 (@agentes305) October 1, 2025 The post Forever Young Runs Out An Easy Winner In BC Classic Prep appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Newcastle races Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling Street, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Thursday, October 2, 2025 First Race 1:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Racing in New South Wales heads to the Hunter Valley on Thursday afternoon with a competitive eight-race program set down for decision at Newcastle. With perfect spring conditions accompanying a Good 4 track, there should be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the day, even with the rail out 5m the entire circuit. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s betting tips for the Newcastle races on October 2, 2025. Best Bet: Maid Of Moolah Peter Snowden looks to have found the right Super Maiden for Maid Of Moolah, who brings three runner-up efforts from four starts and now draws to get a soft run with Braith Nock’s light weight. The Capitalist mare has trialled up neatly, handles all conditions, and her on-speed versatility should be rewarded around Newcastle at 1200m. From barrier 11 she can slide across to land just behind the tempo, and with race experience on her side, she gets every chance to put the maiden away. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Maid Of Moolah (11) 4yo Mare | T: Peter Snowden | J: Braith Nock (57kg) Next Best at Newcastle: Tonkatsu Goddess Tonkatsu Goddess returns to Benchmark 64 grade with a strong winning profile at 1200m and gets 2kg off for Mollie Fitzgerald. The mare’s tactical speed means she can tag the speed from gate seven and control the race from the hot seat; her winter form reads well for this, and the claim brings her right into it. If she holds a forward position in running and sees daylight at the 300m, her sustained gallop should prove hard to repel. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Tonkatsu Goddess (7) 5yo Mare | T: Matthew Smith | J: Mollie Fitzgerald (a2) (60.5kg) Best Value at Newcastle: Doradus Doradus draws the plumb inside alley in a big Class 1 and gets Andrew Adkins to do the steering, who should gain an economical map for a horse who can hold a spot and quicken. He has metro-level form lines, and the 1500m at Newcastle should suit his settle-and-surge pattern. At an each-way quote with horse racing bookmakers, the gate and run in transit could be the difference against a deep bunch. Best Value Race 4 – #2 Doradus (1) 4yo Gelding | T: John Thompson | J: Andrew Adkins (58.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Newcastle Newcastle quadrella selections October 2, 2025 1-2-4-5-6-7-9 3-5-8-9 1-3-9-10 2-4-6-10-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Fast Network is bound for a clash with the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising in December after unleashing a scintillating finishing burst to win Wednesday’s Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) at Sha Tin. Relishing a drop back from the 1,400m of his seasonal reappearance and a return to blinkers, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding blasted home from second last to deliver jockey Alexis Badel a third National Day Cup victory in the past five years. Settling several lengths off...View the full article

Progressive three-year-old Sulek (NZ) (Super Seth) notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton. The gelded son of Super Seth was having just his second start and after racing a little keenly early, settled midfield under jockey Billy Egan before comfortably reeling in the leaders and staving off the late challenge of runner-up Snitz Sonic (Snitzel). “He is still doing a little bit wrong. You could see in the home straight he just wanted to lug in slightly. I think it is just immaturity more than anything, but he definitely has a nice engine,” Sutton said. “He has done it in his trials, that is why we have put the winkers on to help him concentrate and make sure he is going as straight as possible, but with more experience under his belt, he will come good. “It looked a little bit messy early, just trying to get a spot and he just got up on the bridle a tad. He just had to bring him back and get him into a rhythm halfway through. Once he found that spot and he dropped his head, it was a pretty painless watch from there. “He has a contingent of UK owners in him, who are coming over for the carnival. It would be nice to be able to step him out for them when they arrive. But we will ultimately do what is best by the horse first. They are only three once, so we will just have a look at the calendar and see if there is a nice race for him over Melbourne Cup week.” Winning rider Billy Egan said the wind was somewhat problematic hence his decision to settle back with cover. “There was a big headwind down the back straight and a strong tailwind down the home straight,” he said. “He gave me a good feel. I think he is a pretty nice horse. He still has a few things to iron out, but he will make a nice horse when the penny drops. “He was very strong through the line. If get his racing manners in hand a bit early, that will help him settle and he will be able to run out a nice mile.” Sulek was purchased at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, with Sutton Racing and Byron Rogers signing for the chestnut for $420,000. Presented by Kit Brooks’ KB Bloodstock, Sulek is out of the O’Reilly mare Tiff And Co (NZ) and was bred by the Dowager Duchess of Bedford and Waikato Stud. Sulek stems from Bloomsbury Stud’s famed Mrs Moss family, with Group Three winning daughter of Nashwan, Myself (NZ), the three-year-old’s granddam. View the full article

Group Two performer Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). The five-year-old daughter of Almanzor has placed at stakes level on five occasions, including the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) and $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). This year’s edition of the Matamata Cup is on this weekend, and while Mary Shan has a good record in that race, The Breeders’ Stakes has been in Forsman’s crosshairs for some time, and the Cambridge trainer is looking forward to targeting the race with his mare this weekend. Mary Shan takes good form into the race, having won first-up over 1200m at Wanganui in August, and she has been freshened ahead of Saturday’s assignment. “Mary Shan is training very well. She had a good gallop yesterday (Tuesday) morning and she is spot on heading into it,” Forsman said. “She has drawn well (4) and I think it is a suitable sort of race. Hopefully she can utilise that draw and put herself in the first half of the field, and she should run really well. “It would be nice to make her a stakes winner.” Closer to home, Forsman will head to Matamata on Saturday with a pair of runners, including Privy Garden (NZ) (So You Think) in the Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m). “They were just a little sharp for her, those horses at a mile in that company the other day at Trentham,” Forsman said. “Hopefully the step up to 2000m is what she is looking for now.” Stablemate Hard Roca will also line-up in the COMAG LTD 1400. “He has been really good, he just hasn’t had much luck from wide draws,” Forsman said. “I think his run at Ellerslie the other day was great, so I think he will be very competitive again. “He has drawn well (3), I just hope the track isn’t too heavy. He doesn’t mind a bit of a wet track, but we are stepping up to 1400m. If it was to be very testing, that would be my only query.” Meanwhile, Forsman has been pleased with the way Quondo (Wootton Bassett) has come through his runner-up performance in last Saturday’s Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Te Rapa. “It was a big effort,” he said. “He got caught three-wide on-speed and I think the on-pace horses did dominate, which helped, I think they controlled that race. I thought he was very brave and he can only improve off a run like that.” The Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa later this month looms as his next obvious target, with a tilt at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) hanging in the balance. “We will give him a bit of time, he has had a few quiet days since that run,” Forsman said. “At this stage, we will probably go straight to the Sarten back at Te Rapa. “He is still physically getting there. He has got a lot of improvement and we may see the best of him early next year and into autumn. “He has clearly got good ability, and we are hoping to get him through to the Sarten and that will be the line in the sand as to whether we push south or we just give him a little bit of time off.” View the full article