Wandering Eyes

Bellagio Opera (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) earned a slice of history at Hanshin on Sunday as the five-year-old became the first back-to-back winner of the G1 Osaka Hai, blitzing his 14 rivals in a time of 1:56.20–a new course record for the 2,000-metre distance to boot. Trained by Hiroyuki Uemura, Bellagio Opera was a narrow winner of last year's Osaka Hai but failed to add to his tally in three subsequent starts at the top level in 2024, finishing third in the Takarazuka Kinen, sixth in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and fourth in the Arima Kinen. He faced another strong field in the defence of his Hanshin crown on Sunday, including the first two from last month's G2 Nakayama Kinen, where Sixpence (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) set a new course record for the 1,800-metre trip when beating Ecoro Walz (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}) by a nose, with Saturday's G1 Dubai Turf hero Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) back in third. Sixpence was the first choice of punters in his quest for a first Group 1 victory, ahead of Bellagio Opera and last year's G1 Oka Sho winner Stellenbosch (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), a stable-mate of the favourite and having her first start since finishing third in the G1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in December. Sixpence and Bellagio Opera raced together through the first part of the contest, handily placed in third and fourth, respectively, with Desierto (Jpn) (Drefong) taking the field along at a strong gallop, around five lengths clear of Ho O Biscuits (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) in second. Those positions remained largely unchanged until Desierto began to paddle early in the straight, with Kazuo Yokoyama opting to switch Bellagio Opera off the heels of Ho O Biscuits to guarantee a clear run. From there he produced a telling burst to take control entering the final furlong, always doing enough as Lord del Rey (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) stayed on well from mid-division to reduce the deficit to a length at the line. Lord del Rey was a Group 2 winner on his previous start at Chukyo, as was Kyoto scorer Yoho Lake (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who finished as well as any to snatch third from Ecoro Walz in the final strides, with Ho O Biscuits, Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Sixpence all close-up behind them in a bunched finish for the minor honours. Stellenbosch beat only two home in 13th. “As always, he broke remarkably,” Yokoyama said of Bellagio Opera, who became only the second dual winner of the Osaka Hai after Sunrise Pegasus (Jpn), who was successful in 2002 and 2005. “I expected a fast pace, but being able to sit in an ideal position and the horse finding his rhythm were definitely the key factors in today's win. Just as last year, I'm full of gratitude. Although the horse hasn't been able to show his true form since last year's victory, I'm hoping that this will mark a new start for him and that he'll be able to demonstrate that he still has a lot of potential.” 【 Osaka Hai (G1), Hanshin, 2000m, 4yo&up, approx US$ 4.61m】 Winner: Bellagio Opera(JPN) J: Kazuo Yokoyama T: Hiroyuki Uemura Sire: Lord Kanaloa Dam: Air Routine#大阪杯 は、#ベラジオオペラ が優勝！！ pic.twitter.com/x2dgAmlDDN — JRA World Racing (@JRA_WorldRacing) April 6, 2025 Pedigree Notes Bellagio Opera, who fetched ¥48,510,000 at the Chiba Thoroughbred Sale of 2-Year-Olds, is one of three winners from four runners out of the winning Harbinger (GB) mare Air Routine (Jpn), a half-sister to the G3 Hakodate Kinen hero Air Anthem (Jpn) (Symboli Kris S) and the G2 Spring Stakes third Satono Helios (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}). Air Routine is also responsible for an as-yet unnamed three-year-old colt by Just A Way (Jpn). Bellagio Opera's third dam is the Listed winner Air Deja Vu (Jpn) (Northern Taste), a half-sister to the Japanese champion three-year-old colt Air Shakur (Jpn) (Sunday Silence). His second dam was one of 10 winners produced by Air Deja Vu, with the others including the multiple Listed scorers Air Shady (Jpn) and Air Messiah (Jpn), both full siblings by Sunday Silence. Sunday, Hanshin, Japan OSAKA HAI-G1, ¥574,620,000, Hanshin, 4-6, 4yo/up, 2000mT, 1:56.20 (NTR), fm. 1–BELLAGIO OPERA (JPN), 128, h, 5, by Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) 1st Dam: Air Routine (Jpn), by Harbinger (GB) 2nd Dam : Air Magdalene (Jpn), by Sunday Silence 3rd Dam: Air Deja Vu (Jpn), by Northern Taste (¥48,510,000 2yo '22 CHIBAT). O-Shorai Hayashida; B-Shadai Farm (Jpn); T-Hiroyuki Uemura; J-Kazuo Yokoyama; ¥303,234,000. Lifetime Record: 12-6-1-1, ¥823,702,000. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Lord del Rey (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Lord Kanaloa (Jpn)–Delfino (Jpn), by Heart's Cry (Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Lord Horse Club; B-K. I. Farm (Jpn); ¥120,94,000. 3–Yoho Lake (Jpn), 128, h, 7, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Crow Canyon (Jpn), by French Deputy. O-Makoto Kaneko Holdings; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥75,464,000. Margins: 1, 1, NS. Odds: 5.10, 6.50, 13.60. Also Ran: Ecoro Walz (Jpn), Ho O Biscuits (Jpn), Justin Palace (Jpn), Sixpence (Jpn), Boldog Hos (Jpn), Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn), Sol Oriens (Jpn), Ravel (Jpn), Karate (Jpn), Stellenbosch (Jpn), Desierto (Jpn), Al Naseem (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post New Course Record as Bellagio Opera Goes Back-To-Back in the Osaka Hai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sent off the 1-2 favourite for Sunday's G2 Prix d'Harcourt, Wathnan Racing's progressive Map Of Stars (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) delivered in style to provide the red-hot Francis-Henri Graffard stable with a ParisLongchamp four-timer. Waited with in fourth early, the G3 Prix Exbury winner was sent to the front approaching the furlong pole by James Doyle and forged clear of Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}) to record a 2 1/2-length success. Map of Stars (J. W. Doyle – @GraffardRacing) se montre le plus fort dans le Prix d'Harcourt (Gr.2) à @paris_longchamp Horizon Doré (P. Cottier) Certain Lad (J. Channon) pic.twitter.com/HJ6GutiUPd — Equidia (@equidia) April 6, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX D'HARCOURT-G2, €130,000, ParisLongchamp, 4-6, 4yo/up, 10fT, 2:05.20, gd. 1–MAP OF STARS (GB), 126, c, 4, by Sea The Stars (Ire) 1st Dam: Bateel (Ire) (G1SW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Eng, $741,001), by Dubawi (Ire) 2nd Dam: Attractive Crown, by Chief's Crown 3rd Dam: Attirance (Fr), by Crowned Prince O-Wathnan Racing; B-Al Asayl France (GB); T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-James Doyle. €74,100. Lifetime Record: 6-5-0-0, €202,100. *1/2 to Tajlina (GB) (Kingman {GB}), GSW-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Horizon Dore (Fr), 126, g, 5, Dabirsim (Fr)–Sweet Alabama (Fr), by Enrique (GB). (€45,000 Ylg '21 ARAUG). O-Gousserie Racing, Ecurie du Sud, Ecurie Gribomont, Chantal Becq, Daniel Dumoulin & Michel Delaunay; B-Mme Chantal Becq (FR); T-Patrice Cottier. €28,600. 3–Certain Lad (GB), 126, g, 9, Clodovil (Ire)–Chelsey Jayne (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (13,000gns Ylg '17 TAOCT; 170,000gns RNA 3yo '19 TATAHI). O-Christopher Richard Hirst; B-Barry Walters (GB); T-Jack Channon. €13,650. Margins: 2HF, 1, 1HF. Odds: 0.50, 3.40, 5.90. Also Ran: Birr Castle (Fr), Daring Prince (GB). The post Graffard Hot Streak Continues As Sea The Stars’ Map Of Stars Takes The Prix d’Harcourt For Wathnan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeping it simple on the 6-5 favourite Mandanaba (Fr) (Ghaiyyath (Ire), Mickael Barzalona allowed the exciting Francis-Henri Graffard-trained homebred to roll from the front and capture Sunday's G3 Al Shira'aa Racing Prix Vanteaux at ParisLongchamp. Sufficiently impressive on her debut at Chantilly in November to earn TDN Rising Star status, Princess Zahra Aga Khan's daughter of her triple group 1 winner Mandesha (Fr) (Desert Style {Ire}) dominated throughout and despite the game effort of Juddmonte's Listed Prix la Camargo winner Flaming Stone (GB) (Kingman {GB}) maintained the momentum to score by 3/4 of a length, with a respectable 3 1/2-length margin back to White Birch Farm's G3 Prix des Reservoirs scorer Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}) in third. Mandanaba (@mickaelbarzalon) triomphe dans l'Al Shira'aa Racing Prix Vanteaux (Gr.3) à @paris_longchamp et conserve son invincibilité. La pouliche de @GraffardRacing est engagée dans l'Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (11 mai) et dans le Prix de Diane @Longines (15… pic.twitter.com/Q4ry1eChaT — Equidia (@equidia) April 6, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France AL SHIRA'AA RACING PRIX VANTEAUX-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 4-6, 3yo, f, 9fT, 1:49.89, gd. 1–MANDANABA (FR), 126, f, 3, by Ghaiyyath (Ire) 1st Dam: Mandesha (Fr) (MG1SW-Fr & G1SP-Eng, $974,461), by Desert Style (Ire) 2nd Dam: Mandalara (Ire), by Lahib 3rd Dam: Madiriya (Ire), by Diesis (GB) TDN Rising Star. 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Princess Zahra Aga Khan (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-Mickael Barzalona. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €55,000. *1/2 to Mandour (Smart Strike), SW-Eng & G1SP-Fr, $198,499. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Flaming Stone (GB), 126, f, 3, Kingman (GB)–Burning Rules (Ire), by Aussie Rules. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (425,000gns Wlg '22 TATFOA). O-Juddmonte; B-Mrs Anita Wigan & Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Henri-Francois Devin. €16,000. 3–Gezora (Fr), 126, f, 3, Almanzor (Fr)–Germance, by Silver Hawk. O-White Birch Farm; B-Haras d'Etreham (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €12,000. Margins: 3/4, 3HF, 3. Odds: 1.20, 3.50, 2.00. Also Ran: Wassail, Blown By The Wind (Fr), Premonition (Fr). The post Ghaiyyath’s Mandanaba Wins The Vanteaux For Zahra Aga Khan And Graffard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Let go at 8-1 for Sunday's G3 Prix la Force at ParisLongchamp despite his trainer Andre Fabre holding the record of eight successes in the Prix du Jockey Club trial, Godolphin's Cualificar (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) emerged front and centre to extend that tally. Off the mark over 10 furlongs at Saint-Cloud last month, the son of the 2015 Oaks heroine Qualify (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) followed the early pace and had first run on The Aga Khan's Studs' 6-4 favourite Azimpour (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) to score by a neck. Juddmonte's New Ground (GB) (New Bay {GB}) was 3/4 of a length way in third. Cualificar (@pouchinalexis / @godolphin) repousse les attaques de ses adversaires dans le Prix La Force (Gr.3) à @paris_longchamp Le poulain d'André Fabre est engagé dans le Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, le 1er juin à Chantilly. pic.twitter.com/ryldDdbLpp — Equidia (@equidia) April 6, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX LA FORCE-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 4-6, 3yo, c/g, 9fT, 1:50.02, gd. 1–CUALIFICAR (GB), 128, c, 3, by Lope De Vega (Ire) 1st Dam: Qualify (Ire) (G1SW-Eng & GSW-Ire, $485,356), by Fastnet Rock (Aus) 2nd Dam: Perihelion (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 3rd Dam: Medicosma, by The Minstrel 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Andre Fabre; J-Alexis Pouchin. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-1, €63,500. *1/2 to Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal), GSW-UAE, $198,861. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Azimpour (Ire), 128, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Azmiyna (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Suc. H H The Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan's Studs SC (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €16,000. 3–New Ground (GB), 128, c, 3, New Bay (GB)–Gaining (GB), by American Post. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Juddmonte Farms Inc (GB); T-Henri-Francois Devin. €12,000. Margins: NK, 3/4, 3/4. Odds: 8.10, 1.50, 6.70. Also Ran: Dreamliner (Fr), Nizam (Fr), Reach The Sky (Fr), Waka Waka (Fr). The post Fabre Extends Force Record With Lope De Vega’s Cualificar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler returns from Dubai World Cup night to land a brace, including the Class Two feature with classy five-year-old.View the full article

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Nick Scholfield has announced his retirement from race-riding and is set to join the training ranks next season. In a career which spanned nearly two decades and brought 680 winners, Scholfield enjoyed four victories at the top level, in addition to his three triumphs on the biggest stage of all at Prestbury Park. “As a child, all I ever wanted to do was become a jockey, following in my father's footsteps,” said Scholfield. “I feel incredibly privileged to have ridden professionally and shared the weighing room with some amazing jockeys over the years. “I would like to extend my thanks and express my deep gratitude to so many people who have helped me over the years–the owners, trainers, stable staff, my agents and sponsors. “They have all supported me throughout my career, many of whom have been with me since my early days as a 7lb claimer. I'm excited for the next chapter as a trainer!” Melodic Rendezvous (2013 Tolworth Hurdle), Irving (2015 Fighting Fifth Hurdle), Adrien Du Pont (2016 Finale Juvenile Hurdle) and San Benedeto (2017 Maghull Novices' Chase) were the four horses who provided Scholfield with a taste of success at the top level, while his breakthrough victory at the Cheltenham Festival came in 2014 when the remarkable Hunt Ball won the Listed Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase from a BHA mark of 142. That was his seventh win of the campaign, the first of which had been achieved from a mark of just 69. “He was an absolute gentleman,” the rider said of Hunt Ball. “Every time I rode him, I believed we'd win.” Scholfield's best season numerically came in 2012/13 when he partnered 66 winners in Britain, while his final victory in the saddle came aboard Hot Rod Lincoln in a handicap chase at Uttoxeter on February 8. Monbeg Genius was unable to provide the rider with a fairytale finish when pulled up in Saturday's Grand National at Aintree. The post Cheltenham Festival-Winning Jockey Nick Scholfield Announces Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mauritian jockey fires in a much-needed treble aboard Top Throne, Good Luck Babe and Mr Cool.View the full article

Regency Happy Star, Good Luck Babe and the brown-lamped Sea Sapphire deliver British handler a maiden three-timer in the city.View the full article

Dan Meagher is pondering a first-up Group One tilt with Singapore pin-ups Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) and Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress). The gallopers, who boast 12 Gr.1 wins in Singapore between them, have returned with Meagher to Australia and are in work at his Pakenham base. Both are slated to trial at Caulfield on Thursday, after which the trainer will make a call about whether either horse travels to Adelaide for next month’s A$1 million Gr.1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville. A combination of the set-weights-and-penalties conditions of the race, as well as the way Singapore Gr.1 races are classed under Australian handicapping conditions, means both horses will likely carry between 55kg and 56kg. “The race I’m looking at is The Goodwood,” Meagher said. “Both horses, Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro, have had one trial each and they’ll have another trial at Caulfield on Thursday. “The plan is to have a third trial two-and-a-half weeks later and that fits in well because it’s 10 days before The Goodwood. “I’m under no illusions that I don’t know where they are going to fit in Australia and it’s going to be a pretty solid race, just looking at the futures markets. “I spoke to the handicapper and it was quite interesting – I know it’s Singapore form but Lim’s Kosciuszko did race internationally and he had an international rating but it looks like he’ll carry around 55.5kg, which isn’t too bad for a horse that’s won $4 million. “He’s won 10 Group One races in Singapore but they are classed as Listed races here, so I think he gets in really well. “Lim’s Saltoro is a multiple Gr.1 winner in Singapore as well but again, they are classed differently here so I think he gets in with about 55kg.” While both horses established themselves as the standout gallopers in their respective generations in Singapore, Meagher is happy to reserve judgement on how they will measure up in Australia until after their first racing campaigns. Trelawney Stud bred Lim’s Kosciuszko, now seven, won 10 Gr.1 races from 1200m to 2000m and was crowned Singapore’s Champion Racehorse on multiple occasions. Meagher is bullish that the younger Lim’s Saltoro, a five-year-old who won Singapore’s Triple Crown culminating in the Gr.1 Derby last year, still has some of his best racing ahead of him. “I might be aiming a bit high for their first starts but it does work in very well from a timing perspective,” he said. “I definitely think Saltoro has got the ability and he’s a progressive horse so I’ve got no doubt he can be a good horse here. “Twelve months ago, Kosciuszko would have been right in that Group level for sure but he’s a bit older now and he hasn’t raced for six months so I don’t know. “They don’t lose their ability, but you don’t get faster as you get older.” View the full article

Leonard Stewart celebrated a winning double on Sunday from the comforts of his home in Timaru, with Miss Miranda (NZ) (Time Test) and Vague (NZ) (Tobique) collecting each of the open handicaps at Ascot Park. The pair were Stewart’s only runners at the meeting, with Miss Miranda taking her place in the Editor’s Cut Sports Bar Handicap (1200m) off the back of a narrow defeat to Tikki at Gore last month. The daughter of Time Test showed her customary early speed, finding the lead under Samantha Wynne and running along at a strong tempo. Cruising into the home turn, it was going to take a big effort to run Miss Miranda down and her rivals were no match, the mare holding off the late-closing Industrialist and Rochello to win by three quarters of a length. “I think she was in the right place, in the right field, with the right rider,” Stewart said. “As long as the ground was reasonable, she was going to be tough. She can really run along and she does things right, and Sam seems to get along very well with her.” Bred by Daniel and Elias Nahkle, Miss Miranda has put together a tidy record, with four wins and four minor placings from 16 appearances for owners Hoofbeat Ltd. “We’re just going to let her cruise along and mature a bit more, I’ll try to pick out nice races for her,” Stewart said. “You go to Riccarton now and there are some very good horses up there.” Two races later, Stewart and Wynne were back in the winner’s circle with evergreen mare Vague, who caused an upset winning the Ascot Sports Bar Handicap (2225m) as an outsider of the field. The nine-year-old was coming off a sixth placing in the Wyndham Cup (2000m) and was initially taken back in Sunday’s contest, before Wynne found her position in the trail of Lovelock who had the field walking along the back stretch. The race turned into a sit and sprint as they approached the home corner and Vague swept into contention, fending off the challenge of race-favourite Complicate to draw clear in the closing stages by over two lengths. Once the tempo slowed, Stewart had been quietly confident that his mare would come right into play and he was rapt with the result. “I started to laugh and I thought Sam might’ve fallen off laughing when the pace slackened and she was able to give her that breather,” he said. “They were playing right into her hands. “She let the brakes go and once you turn for home with a bit of a break at Invercargill, they are hard to catch. “She’s not happy in very heavy ground, so we’ll just take it as the ground conditions suit going forward, with suitable racing.” A mare by Tobique, Vague is raced by Stewart’s granddaughter Lacy, who was on course at Ascot Park while the 92-year-old recovered from recent illness. “I’ve just come out of hospital the other day, so I’m watching from home,” he said. “The girls will have a nice drive home.” View the full article

A technical video fault meant very few got to see Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) jumpout at Flemington last Friday morning, but co-trainer Will Hayes was happy to confirm the 800-metre test was a worthy exercise with a view to racing in Hong Kong later this month. “We’re really happy,” Hayes said at Caulfield on Saturday. “It was just a shame there was a technical fault in the trial so no one else got to see it. “It was a classic first trial (800m) for us. Craig (Williams) just fell on his neck and was beautiful in behind and just worked through his gears to the line and finished second. We were really happy how he came out of it. “He’ll have a second, more serious trial next Friday, and then off the back of that we’ll assess if we are going to go to Hong Kong, but that is still the plan.” Mr Brightside is entered for the Gr.1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin on April 27, which looms as a big day for the Hayes family. On the same card, the Hayes boys’ father David will saddle the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), who last month made it 11 wins in a row in Hong Kong. Hayes said if Mr Brightside comes through his next jumpout in the same order, he will be on the plane to Hong Kong just three days later. “We’d fly out Monday after the Friday trial,” he explained. “Everything is all organised to go. “Dad’s got Ka Ying Rising aimed at the 1200 (Chairman’s Sprint Prize). If everything goes to plan, it should be a good Sunday dinner.” View the full article

The team review Day One of the Championships where the Kiwi’s were again to the fore. Plus, we review the domestic action and look forward to Awapuni returning. Weigh In, April 6 View the full article

Talented galloper Duncan Creek (NZ) (Super Easy) showed his prowess over ground at Wanganui on Saturday, giving Patrick Campbell the confidence to press on to the Listed Valley D’Vine Restaurant Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) in a weeks’ time. A previous winner over 1200m and 1400m, Duncan Creek looked right at home last start in his first attempt over the middle-distance trip, finishing third behind Orlov and Tshiebwe. Stepping back to Rating 75 company, he was allocated the 61kg topweight, with two kilograms of relief courtesy of Jim Chung’s claim. Contesting the Palamountains Nutrition (2050m), the quirky gelding was up to his usual tricks in the gates, kicking out and was fortunate to still get away on even terms with the remainder of the field. Ears pricked, he went straight to the lead and settled in a comfortable rhythm ahead of Lincoln Star. The challengers began to swarm at the top of the straight, but Duncan Creek had plenty left to offer, holding off Lincoln Star at the post to score by three quarters of a length. Campbell was rapt with the performance, despite the pre-race antics which he has come to expect from his charge. “It was only his second start beyond a mile and he went very well at his first attempt, also at Wanganui, but he over-raced a bit in the early running,” Campbell said. “Yesterday, there didn’t appear to be a lot of speed in the race other than himself, so we elected to let him bowl along. “It was pleasing the way that he ran the distance out and the way he settled in front, so hopefully that turns his outlook around because he’s been a bit wayward all the way through. “He’s done that at virtually every race start, there’s always some sort of procedure in the gates. I think it was on cup day at Trentham, he actually reared in the gates which he’d never done before and missed the start by about six lengths. “Other than that, he just kicks out, it’s his game and it’s a very bad habit that he’s got. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to rectify that.” After pulling up well, the son of Super Easy is likely to make the journey from Hastings to Trentham next Saturday, with the $120,000 feature in his sights. “It’s probably a bridge too far, but he’s come through the race overnight very well and he’s out in the paddock, so he’ll freshen up nicely,” Campbell said. “All going well, we’ll certainly look towards the Hawke’s Bay Cup next week. “The race would be much better suited to this horse run at Otaki over 2100, instead of Wellington over 2200, but we’re playing musical chairs with where meetings are held at the moment. “The fact that he’s stepped up over ground and handled it so well, he’s earned the right to be in it, so we’ll give it our best shot.” The Wanganui success boosted Duncan Creek’s earnings above $216,000, with four wins and 12 minor placings from 42 starts. Bred and raced by Alex Smith, Duncan Creek is out of a King’s Chapel mare Classic Blonde. View the full article

Champion harness racing trainer Mark Purdon turned his talents to the galloping code on Saturday at Ellerslie, winning his first thoroughbred race with Buster Shaw (NZ) (War Decree). With over 2600 victories to his name preparing standardbreds, Purdon took on a new challenge in mid-2023, stepping into the thoroughbred industry in the South Island, before moving to his new base at Matamata. Among his first runners was Buster Shaw, a four-year-old by War Decree who narrowly missed scoring during New Zealand Cup Week in 2023, and had been lightly-raced since then with Saturday’s TAB 1600 just his eighth start. Well-related galloper Wind Rush was the odds-on favourite for the maiden contest at $1.60, while Buster Shaw flew under the radar, starting a $17 hope in the hands of Jasmine Fawcett. Wind Rush led from the outset and set a solid tempo, while Buster Shaw found a comfortable position off the rail in fourth. The favourite clung on to the lead for majority of the straight but a swarm of horses were hunting him down, with Buster Shaw coming out on top in a blanket finish where the first five home were separated by half a length. Fresh off a successful evening at the Night Of Champions in Cambridge on Friday, Purdon was thrilled to get on the board in his new venture. “He had a little bit of time between races, but he’s certainly tightened up from then to now and he’s got the job done,” he said. “I don’t get too excited because I’m still learning, but I’ve had a lot of help from some of the trainers there (at Matamata). I must make mention of Andrew Scott and Lance (O’Sullivan), they’ve been really good to me. “It’s been a help in preparing him.” Purdon races Buster Shaw alongside co-breeder Kerry Shaw, one of two gallopers he has in work. “I’ve just got two, if I was younger I would (have more horses) but I’ve left my run a bit late,” he said. “I’m enjoying my hobby. “He was given to me by Kerry Shaw who is a good friend, he encouraged me and there were times where I wasn’t sure whether I should be thanking him or cursing him, but he was really the turning point that got me involved. “We’ve had a fun journey so far.” Training in partnership with his son Nathan, Purdon had prepared and driven two winners at Cambridge’s feature meeting in Andretti and Without You, while Chase A Dream finished a gallant second behind superstar pacer Leap To Fame in the $1 million The Race By Betcha. Purdon reflected positively on the evening, despite his top-class trotter Oscar Bonavena galloping away his chances in the $600,000 TAB Trot. “I’ve run a great race and been beaten by the best horse in Australasia (Leap To Fame), he probably could be the best horse in the world,” he said. “For a young horse (Chase A Dream) coming out of two and three-year-old racing to take on the older horses like that, I was very proud of him. “We won a couple on the night, Oscar was the one that let us down and he could’ve been here today the way he went. It was a great night and great for the industry.” View the full article

What Donald Races Where Donald Racecourse – Racecourse Rd, Donald VIC 3480 When Monday, April 7, 2025 First Race 2pm AEDT Visit Dabble A new week of racing gets underway in Victoria with a quickfire seven-part program from Donald Racecourse. A perfect autumn day is forecast for race day, and with no rain forecast leading into the meeting, the Good 4 track rating should hold true for the entire card. The rail sticks to its true position, with the first event set to jump at 2pm AEDT. Best Bet at Donald: El James El James ended his initial campaign with three straight wins and despite needing to lug 63kg first-up off a four-month spell, he is going to take a power of beating. The four-year-old gelding settles close to the speed in his races and from barrier three will be given every opportunity throughout to land leaders back over 1350m. As long as the son of Wrote can handle the big weight, El James should have a bit too much class for his BM64 rivals in the second leg of the quaddie. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 El James (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: John Allen (63kg) Next Best at Donald: Tochka Tochka proved too speedy for her rivals over 1112m at Kilmore on March 14 and looks poised to go on with the job in the Donald finale. The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained filly retains the services of Linda Meech and from barrier 12, the pair will roll forward once again and likely not have to work too hard to hold a prominent position throughout. If Tochka does not have to burn too many carrots early, the Russian Revolution filly should prove too hard to gun down. Next Best Race 7 – #13 Tochka (12) 3yo Filly | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Linda Meech (58kg) Best Value at Donald: Damas Damas has run into one better at both of his two starts this campaign but gets his chance to go one better in the opener on Monday. The three-year-old gelding has led or settled outside the lead in those runs, so barrier 17 looks seemingly offset considering his clean barrier manners. Billy Egan shouldn’t have to work too hard early to land in a prominent role, and as long as he isn’t caught wide throughout, Damas has race fitness on his side and at $8 with horse racing bookmakers, looks a great price. Best Value Race 1 – #3 Damas (17) 3yo Gelding | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Billy Egan (58kg) Monday quaddie tips for Donald Donald quadrella selections Monday, April 7, 2025 2-4-5-7-8 1 3-5-6-9-13 6-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The connections of Rodriguez are hoping they have a case of "like father, like son" on their hands after their colt, a son of 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Authentic, won the April 5 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

Om N Joy became the first black-type stakes winner for third-crop sire Om in capturing the April 5 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

Overcoming a troubled trip, Journalism ran down Baeza in the final strides to solidify Kentucky Derby (G1) favoritism with his victory in the $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park April 5.View the full article

Explore an exciting range of racing promotions available from top Australian bookmakers this Friday, April 6. Whether you’re chasing bonus-back specials or looking to stretch your value with smart offers, today’s promos can take your punting to the next level. Dive into the best racing promotions on offer to enhance your Friday betting experience. The top Australian racing promotions for April 6, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Geraldton Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Paid in bonus cash. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Sha Tin – Sunday Uplift All Races Uplifted odds on all runners. Available 1:00pm AEST Sunday. Fixed Odds Only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win A Bet On Your Own Horse Or Greyhound And Get An Extra 15% Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost! – Mornington Get 25% BOOSTED WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bet only. Max bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Eligible Customers Only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo First 4 Faves at Mornington! Any 3+ of Tel Aviv (R1), Southern Money (R2), Noble Steed (R3) or Steadfast (R4) to win at Mornington. Max Bet $25 Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Race Returns Bonus Back | Any Race Check BoomBox for full details. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does HorseBetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? At HorseBetting.com.au, we research and track the most rewarding daily deals from Australia’s top online bookmakers, bringing you the latest bonus-back and money-back promotions for April 6, 2025. With a dynamic bookmaker landscape, there’s always a deal to uncover—when one bookie pauses a promo, another steps in. That’s why we update our offers every day. Let HorseBetting.com.au be your daily destination for the best racing bookmaker promotions. Take advantage of competitive odds and specials that reward existing customers—just log into your betting account to unlock them. And if you’re looking for expert advice to pair with your promo bets, check out our latest free racing tips, updated daily. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior finishes a gallant second behind Soul Rush in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) with jockey James McDonald at Meydan Racecourse. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club Romantic Warrior’s quest for Hong Kong racing history was denied in extraordinary circumstances at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday night (5 April) when Danny Shum’s champion was thwarted by the barest possible margin by Japan’s Soul Rush in an epic staging of the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m). In front until virtually the last stride, Romantic Warrior was claimed by Soul Rush and jockey Cristian Demuro, who could scarcely believe Yasutoshi Ikee’s charge had timed his lunge to perfection to claim the most important win of his career. “It’s as good a performance as he’s ever produced, he beat the best horse in the world today,” Demuro said after he drove Soul Rush out of a chasing pack to cut down Romantic Warrior by a nose in 1m 45.84s with Maljoom third. “It is a special win because we are now part of the Romantic Warrior story. He doesn’t lose many races but today he found a good horse.” Jockey James McDonald and Danny Shum had to endure an agonising wait before the judges declared Soul Rush the winner as speculation whirled of a possible dead heat. Unfortunately for Shum, McDonald and owner Peter Lau, Soul Rush’s triumph was confirmed soon after. A regular competitor at Sha Tin where he has tasted defeat in the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) to Golden Sixty and Voyage Bubble, Soul Rush avenged his loss to Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) last year. Bidding for an unprecedented 11th Group 1 victory by a Hong Kong horse, Romantic Warrior earned HK$7.78 million for second place, taking his career earnings to a world record-extending HK$214.70 million. But McDonald was crushed after Romantic Warrior’s bid to add to his bulging haul of Group 1s – the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2022, 2023 & 2024), FWD QEII Cup (2022, 2023 & 2024) and 2024 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and three more in Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates – had come up desperately short. “He’s had a long campaign. He ran his heart out,” a downcast McDonald said. Resuming for the first time since an equally heart-breaking second in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in February, Romantic Warrior showcased his incredible quality and toughness in defeat against six individual Group 1 winners. Jumping cleanly from barrier nine he sat in third place, controlling the race under McDonald who set the seven-year-old alight entering the straight and led by more than a length at the 200m, only to be overhauled by one of Japan’s most mercurial talents. Romantic Warrior’s crushing second followed Howdeepisyourlove’s mishap in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) after he suffered a leg injury approaching the 450m when mounting his challenge. McDonald immediately eased down Howdeepisyourlove and dismounted as George Boughey-trained mare Believing sped away under William Buick to win her first Group 1 race. Dubai stewards confirmed Howdeepisyourlove was humanely euthanised after being assessed at the Dubai Equine Hospital. Frankie Lor-trained Sword Point finished last of 14 runners in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile (1600m, dirt), beaten 46.42 lengths under McDonald, as Frankie Dettori drove Chief Stipe O’Neill’s Raging Torrent to a comfortable victory – the Italian’s 23rd – a Dubai World Cup meeting record for a jockey. After jumping away fairly, Sword Point gradually lost contact with the leading pack and steadily drifted out of contention as McDonald glanced down at the gelding’s legs. Saeed bin Suroor continued his remarkable record at Dubai World Cup the meeting with veteran Dubai Future’s victory in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) under Silvestre de Sousa. The Dubawi nine-year-old’s win provided Bin Suroor with a record-extending 39th triumph at the meeting before Dark Saffron won the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m, dirt) for Ahmad bin Hamash and Connor Beasley. Japan clinched the Group 2 UAE Derby (1900m, dirt) with Admire Daytona under Christophe Lemaire for Yukihiro Kato and, in another incredible display of power and quality, added the Group 1 LONGINES Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) with Shogo Yasuda’s Danon Decile and Keita Tosaki. Hit Show provided an upset in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2000m) for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux, overhauling Mixto and Forever Young. Horse racing news View the full article

In possibly the most anticipated Derby prep of this year, Journalism (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo) proved he was the real deal Saturday in the GI Santa Anita Derby and will go to Louisville at the GI Kentucky Derby favorite. It was a field of just five in Arcadia, but it was a field bursting with quality, as the group stayed extremely compacted throughout. When last year's champion and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) sloughed off the ambitiously placed, but promising maiden Westwood (Authentic) for the lead, Baeza (McKinzie)-the half to Derby winner Mage and to Belmont winner Dornoch-joined him in the front as Journalism overcame trouble from the back to swing wide and wear his rivals down. Journalism flew down the middle of the track, catching Baeza and going right by him to win by about a length as Citizen Bull faded. It was approximately 10 lengths back to Westwood in third. Citizen Bull and the highly regarded GII San Vicente Stakes winner Barnes (Into Mischief) finished off the board. Final time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:49 2/5. The Santa Anita Derby rewards points on a scale of 100-50-25-15-10 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Sales History: $825,000 '23 'Yrl FTSAUG. O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Tbrd Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith & Michael B. Tabor; B-Don Alberto Corporation; T-Michael McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. Take notes, folks! An impressive battle down the stretch with Journalism (Curlin) ultimately surging past Baeza to win the GI Santa Anita Derby at @santaanitapark. Full steam ahead to the @KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/ICPChQW9AV — TDN (@theTDN) April 6, 2025 The post Journalism Remains Head of the Class in Santa Anita Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-KEE, 110K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 4:12 p.m. The second-highest priced yearling sold at Keeneland September in 2023, LADY SCUDERIA (Uncle Mo) went the way of John Stewart's Resolute Racing for $2,500,000. A daughter of Starship Warpspeed, the filly is a half-sister to GI Kentucky Derby winner (amongst other Grade I's) Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) who last sold to Whisper Hill Farm for $5,000,000 at FTKNOV in 2022. The mare has also produced GSP Mojovation (Quality Road) and strikes a perfect six-for-six record of runners to winners. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: $2.5m Uncle Mo Half To Shedaresthedevil Features On Keeneland Opening Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Japan's recent dominance in the UAE Derby (G2) continued April 5 at Meydan Racecourse as Admire Daytona scraped home over Heart of Honor in a thrilling photo finish, earning a berth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Ballerina d'Oro justified trainer Chad Brown's belief that she wanted more distance, needing every inch of the 1 1/8 miles of the $200,000 Gazelle Stakes (G3) to secure the victory April 5 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

The final Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed April 5 a few hours prior to the final major prep races with Journalism as the 5-1 favorite. Champion Citizen Bull, who will face Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), was second choice at 8-1.View the full article