Wandering Eyes

Sonata Stable's Arzak is back in the bluegrass to defend his title in the $400,000 Shakertown Stakes (G2T) April 8.View the full article

The 6-year-old will look to become the first to complete the unofficial Sprint Triple Crown when attempting to add the Golden Shaheen to the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) and Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2).View the full article

Tenma, with a record of four wins in five starts, is the even-money, morning-line favorite in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) March 5 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Three-time group 1 winner Zougotcha will provide buyers with a rare opportunity when she goes under the hammer at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast next month.View the full article

Most of the racehorses entered in these races have previous experience on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and several have strung together a sequence of impressive stakes wins, but some are entered for their first try in a stakes race. View the full article

“Inside Churchill Downs,” the popular weekly horse racing radio show, returns for its 11th season Friday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN Louisville's ESPN 680/105.7. Co-hosted by Churchill Downs Racetrack's Communications Team–Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein–the one-hour program will feature insights from a rotating cast of Churchill Downs' expert racing analysts: Joe Kristufek, Kaitlin Free, Tony Calo and Kevin Kilroy. Friday's season opener will spotlight this weekend's key Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks Championship Series races. Fans outside the Louisville area can listen live at www.espnlouisville.com or catch the show on-demand via podcast on the station's website. The post ‘Inside Churchill Downs’ Returns Friday for 11th Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There will be a significant increase in prize-money for Group 3 and listed races, handicaps, and juvenile maidens during the 2025 Leopardstown Flat season, the racecourse announced on Thursday. Each of the 16 Group 3 races at the course will see their value rise to a minimum of €60,000 while overall prize-money for the course's eight listed races increases to €45,000. A guaranteed minimum value has been confirmed for each of the five new handicap bands with all 2-year-old maiden races rising to ensure a minimum prize fund of €20,000 per race. Paul Dermody, CEO HRI Racecourses, said, “We are delighted to be making these significant improvements at Leopardstown to its prize money for the 2025 Flat season. This season, Leopardstown will be increasing their contribution to prize-money by in excess of €271,000 compared to 2024 levels. The total prize-money for the Flat programme at Leopardstown in 2025 is expected to exceed €5.5m before their season ends in mid-October. “In addition to the increases in the Group 3 and Listed race categories, the minimum values of 0-60 handicaps at Leopardstown will be €12,000, the 0-70s will be €15,000, the 0-80 races will be €20,000, the 0-90 are €25,000, while the 0-100 rated handicaps will come in at €30,000. In conjunction with the Irish EBF, all two-year-old maidens at Leopardstown will now have a minimum value of €20,000.” The post Leopardstown Hikes Prize-Money For 2025 Flat Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Ancient Truth (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was ruled out of G1 2000 Guineas contention with a setback earlier this week, has succumbed to the injury, Godolphin posted on X on Thursday. The G2 Superlative Stakes hero and three-time winner last ran third in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes. He won a Newmarket novice in his debut last May good for a 'TDN Rising Star' badge, and added a similar affair in June, prior to his Superlative victory. “Promising three-year-old Ancient Truth sustained a serious injury earlier this week and, despite veterinary intervention, could not be saved,” Godolphin said in a statement. “It's very sad news for everyone at Godolphin.” The homebred was out of the G2 Prix du Calvados and G3 Prix Six Perfections heroine Beyond Reason (Ire) (Australia {GB}), herself a daughter of GIII Gallorette Handicap winner No Explaining (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}). The post One-Time Guineas Hopeful Ancient Truth Succumbs To Injury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DUBAI, UAE–Owners Jim and Claire Bryce have admitted to feeling “like kids in a sweet shop” ahead of Saturday's UAE Derby where their own Heart Of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.) could help jockey Saffie Osborne create history by becoming the first female jockey to win a race on Dubai World Cup night. Trained by Jamie Osborne, who won the same race 11 years ago with Toast Of New York (Thewayyouare), Heart Of Honor is the most high-profile Flat performer for the husband-and-wife owners who admitted to having mixed emotions about being forced to bypass Aintree where their Warren Greatrex-trained Good And Clever (Ire) (Soldier Of Fortune {Ire}) lines out for a Grade 1 novice hurdle on Grand National day. But speaking at Breakfast With The Stars at a sun-kissed Meydan racecourse on Thursday morning, the owners explained how Heart Of Honor is the culmination of a plan hatched by their trainer to target and buy dirt horses at the breeze-up sales for this very meeting. And the confidence in the camp is beginning to grow. “I don't think it's unreasonable to think that we're in it to win it,” Jim said. “We think that the boy has more in him than what he has shown on the track so far. It's just whether we can extract it on Saturday or not. We're hopeful.” He added, “Saffie is already the first female jockey to have won a race out here in Dubai full stop. I know she likes to play it down and she doesn't want to think about it as she wants to focus on the race but we'd love it for her if she did achieve it. We should also mention Adrie de Vries, as he rode Heart Of Honor three times and has been very supportive throughout the horse's career. Saffie is the stable jockey but he has been very helpful to us as well.” Heart Of Honor is one of eight horses that the Bryces bought through Osborne at the breeze-up sales last year and is described by Jim as the “golden nugget” within the group. He is quite a unique horse in that he has been through three different sales houses already. He was first sold as a foal by Tweenhills Stud at Tattersalls for 35,000gns with David Redvers having sourced the dam [Ruby Love (Chi) (Scat Daddy)] the previous year at Keeneland for $90,000. Heart Of Honor was then sold for €42,000 to Hurley House Stud at the Book 1 session of the Goffs Orby Sale before being knocked down to Osborne for €160,000 after posting an eye-catching breeze for Meadowview Stables in Arqana last May. Jim said, “If you were to look at him on an individual basis, you could say that he was a great bargain. Jamie came up with a project plan and, when you do a project like this, you need to buy a few horses. This horse is the golden nugget of what we bought at the breeze-up sales. To get us to Dubai World Cup in the first year of this project is quite remarkable, really. “In essence, Jamie came to me to tell me that he had been thinking about doing this for a while. We had already started coming out to Dubai and really enjoyed that. Equally, we'd seen through Jamie's past exploits, that it has been very hard to take on the Godolphin-owned horses on the turf. So we tried to do something different. It sounded interesting and I have to say we had a lot of fun going to the breeze-ups. We bought eight in total. We still have some nice ones who just weren't quite forward enough to make this campaign.” Asked about opting to go to Dubai over Aintree, Jim added, “We love it all, really. Jetting off over the winter to get a bit of sun and going racing, it's quite nice. That said, we're just as into the jumps as we ever were before. We enjoy both sides of it. It's actually quite difficult, because we have Good And Clever (Ire) (Soldier Of Fortune {Ire}) running in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree. I think we have to say that this is more special, given it's World Cup night, but we are a little bit gutted that we had to make the choice.” There's no doubt that the journey the couple have been on with Heart Of Honor over the winter months has left a lasting impression. Claire, who is being blamed by Jim for their rapidly-expanding string, admitted to being captivated by a horse auction and revealed that plans are already being hatched to go back in search of the next Heart Of Honor at the Craven and Arqana breeze-up sales. She explained, “It's been quite a dramatic increase! We've only been in ownership for the past eight years and I suppose the interest stems from my Dad, who used to take me to our local racecourse in Uttoxeter when I was young. Dad and I used to have a couple of horses that we used to go riding together on. I just love horses. Heart Of Honor has given us some great trips already and we've really enjoyed being out here.” Claire added, “I am becoming renowned for sticking my hand up at the sales! It's difficult to describe how much we love this sport but, we've been very lucky with the sale of Jim's business that, financially, we have found ourselves in a place that we never expected to be in. We're retired now but it seems as though we're as busy now as we ever were.” It's at this point where Jim points out, “Going back to your original question, about how we got into the sport, safe to say I attribute all blame to Claire!” Some people buy a boat and others take up golf in retirement. The Bryces have gone into racing in a big way and, regardless of how Heart Of Honor performs on Saturday night, one gets the feeling that they wouldn't change it for the world. There is, however, a suggestion that the couple could cash in on what is one of the hottest young dirt prospects out there. But for now, Jim and Claire are keen to enjoy the ride. Jim said, “I suppose you could say that we are very much like kids in a sweet shop right now. As the years roll on, we might put a bit more structure to the thing. I owned a software business. It was a long slog–I was in it for over 30 years–before finally getting a good payday. We haven't decided exactly what level we're going to be operating at in the market but we're definitely going to buy a few more breezers and plan on going to the Craven and France. I don't think how Heart Of Honor performs on Saturday will determine anything but, in your head, you just really want to get a good result.” He concluded, “We know lots of people have been sniffing around but I don't think we have any interest in selling the entirety of the horse. As Jamie would put it, lowering our risk could be an option at some point, in that we would sell some of the horse. But equally, it's going to be a fantastic experience on Saturday to see him racing in our colours. We're happy to take the full ride for now.” The post ‘We’re Like Kids In A Sweet Shop’ – Meet The Owners Behind UAE Derby Contender Heart Of Honor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Better known for breeding and selling top racehorses, Carrie and Craig Brogden touched down in Dubai late Wednesday and were trackside at Meydan on Thursday morning to watch their G2 Godolphin Mile hopeful Steal Sunshine (Constitution) turn in some light work over the track. It isn't the first time that the high-class Machmer Hall operation has been represented on foreign soil. The late Tepin (Bernstein) was bred by and came through the consignment before beating the boys on three occasions, including the 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Mile and G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. But to participate in a seven-figure race at a meeting as prestigious as the Dubai World Cup? “It feels different,” said Carrie Brogden. “We have certainly cheered on a lot of horses that we bred in the Derby and Tepin and had some amazing, amazing experiences. But I don't think anything quite like this, actually. It probably hasn't hit me yet, but I do know if he were lucky enough to win, you'd probably hear me back in the United States. I'm well known for that, but I can't help myself.” And who could blame her? Steal Sunshine is a son of Warm Sunshine, a $50,000 purchase at the 2015 Fasig-Tipton October Sale who was a maiden winner from seven starts for Brogden. But anything the mare did on the racetrack was going to be a bonus, as producing daughters of her sire Unbridled's Song had already provided the Brogdens with any number of breeding successes. Among the 118 worldwide graded or group winners out of Unbridled's Song's daughters are the Machmer Hall-bred offspring of Special Me–Stonestastic (Mizzen Mast), Gift Box (Twirling Candy), Special Forces (Candy Ride {Arg}) and Gina Romantica (Into Mischief) in addition to Steal Sunshine. “Speed. He produces speed,” Brogden replied when asked exactly what makes Unbridled's Song such an important influence on the bottom side of pedigrees. “For whatever reason, he's well known for not producing the durability on top. But with the broodmare side of things, he has very good record of durability in all of our mares. Special Me, my gosh, she's the epitome of that. “So, for me, people keep asking me, who is the next Unbridled Song? Obviously there's a tremendous amount of unbelievable broodmare sires now, More Than Ready, Distorted Humor, Tapit, they're all emerging. But to me, there's nothing quite like Unbridled's Song. I haven't felt the next one where you offer speed, beauty, finesse, stretch, throws beautiful physicals, good vetting most of the time. I just think he has all the components of what we're looking for. Obviously, we love Bernardini mares and stuff, but the physicals, we're in a physical-driven market, so I think that Unbridled Song, ultimately, as a broodmare sire produced the athletes, it runs to their looks.” Warm Sunshine was among that tricky third book of mares bred to WinStar's Constitution, and when Brogden gets behind a stallion, she sticks to her convictions. “She was bred when Constitution was on his bubble year and WinStar actually gave me a bonus Constitution season as a thank you for booking so many mares to him that year,” she explained. “And this is the resulting foal. Steal Sunshine smoothly gallops by at Meydan ready for the Godolphin Mile pic.twitter.com/RHrBStVAvJ — Craig Brogden (@craigbrogden) April 3, 2025 “A.P. Indy with Unbridled Song is a well-known, very successful cross. And we were very good friends, or we still are very good friends with [Twin Creek Farm's] Randy Gullatt [who raced Constitution in partnership win WinStar]. But like I said, it was a complimentary season on a bubble year and sometimes you just get lucky. We”ve seen enough through breeding that we know there are no crystal balls and horses will make liars out of everyone and anyone.” The Brogdens wouldn't ordinarily keep a colt like Steal Sunshine, and he was ticketed for the breeze-up sales in 2021, but came up with an issue. “He got a shin as a 2-year-old, which is why I didn't go the 2-year-old sale, and the rest is history,” Brogden explained. “Torie and Jimbo Gladwell of Top Line broke him and started him for us. And she told me that he was very talented and if they breezed him for the sale, they were going to hurt him. So, we pulled the plug and just gave him time, and he hasn't missed a beat since, really.” Twice a stakes winner at three under the care of Bobby Dibona, Steal Sunshine registered a breakthrough success at the graded level when taking the 2024 GII Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes. A midpack sixth behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup in January, Steal Sunshine was off very slowly in defense of his title in the Mar. 1 Gulfstream Park Mile, but made an eyecatching move on the turn and was getting to the victorious 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe at the wire to round out a Constitution 1-2. Brogden suggests that at least some of the 6-year-old's consistency and durability owes to a patient approach that allows Steal Sunshine to just be a horse for a chunk of time. “Every single year we've given him a 30-day layoff in the field,” she said. “And every year I send him back to my trainer and he's like, 'Oh my God. We're never going to get him back.' And I was like, 'Bobby, imagine a bodybuilder going out and eating pancakes or whatever for a month.' And so I think that that's very important. To me, a layoff or a freshening is not tack- walking in the shedrow and spending 23 hours in the stall. It is being out on the land, enjoying grass, relaxation. “He actually is out with Vinceremos every single time he comes back and every single time, it's crazy. I put a video on Twitter of it last time because every single year they get turned out. They run to each other. They know each other immediately.” Steal Sunshine, now campaigned in partnership with Mike and Jules Iavarone, Kevin Pollard, David Menard and Ed Gorry, is drawn three in a scratched-down field of 14 for Saturday's $1-million contest. Top Japanese jockey Christophe Lemaire takes the reins. “Great draw. Really happy with the draw,” Brogden said. “I'm sorry to see two scratches in the race, but at least the speed horses are still in right now.” Having taken some time to tour the sprawling Dubai Mall in the comfort of air conditioning on Thursday, the Brogdens are prepared for a scorching day in the desert sun on Saturday before boarding an early-morning flight back to the States on Sunday. They wouldn't trade places with anyone. “To be there from the day they're born and then to come this far…he's just the epitome of soundness and durability and he's just thriving here. And he always shows up.” After his Dubai Cup race @RacingDubai Steal Sunshine is scheduled for another 30 day vacay w former Ky derby now babysitter, Vinceremos we truly believe proper turnouts during the race year lead to happiness and longevity. https://t.co/8WqHJn5zff — Carrie Brogden (@MachmerHall) April 2, 2025 The post Nothing But ‘Sunshine’ For The Brogdens in Dubai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chief executive Engelbrecht-Bresges open to negotiations: ‘It has to be something which benefits us’.View the full article

Champion Hong Kong-based jockey will have to be at his brilliant best to help Canadian import overcome difficult gate in Randwick Group One.View the full article

Auguste Rodin (Ire) will be joining his fellow Coolmore stallion and Derby winner City Of Troy in shuttling to the Southern Hemisphere this coming season but he will head instead to New Zealand's Windsor Park Stud. The son of Deep Impact (Jpn) will stand for NZ$30,000 (approximately €16,000). The stud's eight-strong stallion line-up also includes Paddington (GB) and Circus Maximus (Ire), and it has previously been home to the Coolmore shuttlers Montjeu (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire). Windsor Park Stud principal Rodney Schick said, “We are privileged to welcome a racehorse of Auguste Rodin's calibre to our stallion roster. “His race performance has a remarkable similarity to that of High Chaparral, who we stood here at Windsor Park and who enjoyed global success and international renown through his own success and that of his sons, grandsons and daughters at stud. “We extend our thanks to Coolmore for their continued strong endorsement and support of both Windsor Park and the New Zealand breeding industry, just as they did last season shuttling Paddington here.” A Group 1 winner at two, three and four, Auguste Rodin triumphed at the highest level six times, adding the Irish Derby to his Epsom success and also winning the Irish Champion Stakes and Prince of Wales's Stakes over 1m2f. Coolmore's Tom Magnier added, “Auguste Rodin is an exceptional racehorse and stallion prospect with the blend of class, speed and pedigree that only the very best possess. “He is a very special horse for us at Coolmore and I truly believe he ranks up there with the best racehorses and sires that we have stood here before him. “We're delighted he is going to shuttle to Windsor Park Stud to enhance his future legacy in the Southern Hemisphere”. The post Windsor Park Stud ‘Privileged’ to Stand Coolmore’s Auguste Rodin in NZ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Dubai World Cup Night 2025 Where Dubai Racing Club – Al Meydan Rd, Dubai – United Arab Emirates When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 4:35pm DST (11:35pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The 2025 Dubai World Cup attracts the world’s best to compete on a stacked nine-part program at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday evening, with a mix of features to be run on all-weather and turf courses. The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with pristine conditions forecast leading into the weekend, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 4:35pm local time. Check out HorseBetting.com.au’s best bets for the Dubai World Cup meeting down below. Dubai World Cup Tip: Forever Young Forever Young continues to build a formidable record, only suffering defeat twice in his 10-start career. The son of Real Steel surged past Romantic Warrior in a ding-dong battle to claim the worlds’ richest race on dirt, getting the head down where it matters most in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m) at Riyadh on February 22. He should only improve stepping out to 2000m, and with trainer Yoshito Yahagi knowing what it takes to win on the world stage, expect the Dubai World Cup to return to Japan for the second time in three years. Dubai World Cup Race 9 – #1 Forever Young (5) 4yo Colt | T: Yoshito Yahagi | J: Ryusei Sakai (57kg) Dubai Sheema Classic Tip: Calandagan Calandagan is yet to taste Group 1 success in his eight-start career but appears poised to strike in the Group 1 Sheema Classic (2400m). The son of Gleneagles closed on the heels of City Of Troy in the Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes (2056m) first-up last preparation and was subsequently luckless in the Group 1 Champion Stakes (2000m) at Ascot on October 29 before heading to the paddock. The Aga Khan gelding has been targeted for this race ever since, and with Mickael Barzalona set to get the one-one from gate two, Calandagan should get every chance to claim the 2025 Sheema Classic. Dubai Sheema Classic Race 8 – #5 Calandagan (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis-Henri Graffard | J: Mickael Barzalona (57kg) Dubai Turf Tip: Romantic Warrior Romantic Warrior and James McDonald reunite to take on the world in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m). The Hong Kong superstar lost no admirers suffering defeat in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m), where the son of Acclamation acquitted himself well racing on the dirt for the first time. He gets back to the same course and distance where he dispatched his rivals in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) on January 25, and provided he can replicate that performance, Romantic Warrior should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Dubai Turf Race 7 – #8 Romantic Warrior (9) 7yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: James McDonald (57kg) Best Bet at Meydan: Howdeepisyourlove Howdeepisyourlove makes the journey across from Hong Kong to contest the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m), and the John Size-trained gelding should take a power of beating. His form-lines behind the worlds’ best sprinter Ka Ying Rising jump off the page compared to some key rivals, with the son of Deep Field running into the minor money on back-to-back occasions. He’s been tested down a straight which is a bonus, and with James McDonald set to be legged aboard, Howdeepisyourlove is a deserving favourite with in the 2025 Al Quoz Sprint. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 Howdeepisyourlove (9) 6yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: James McDonald (59.5kg) Next Best at Meydan: Trawlerman The John & Thady Gosden-trained Trawlerman brings elite staying form-lines to the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) and must be considered a major player despite being first-up from a six-month break. The son of Golden Horn was sensational finishing third in this event last year, with only Tower Of London and race rival Al Nayyir getting the better of him in a fast-run race. Trawlerman has matched motors with Kyprios in the past, and if he brings an ounce of that form into this, the $5.50 with is good value. Next Best Race 2 – #8 Trawlerman (3) 7yo Gelding | T: John & Thady Gosden | J: William Buick (58.5kg) Horse racing tips View the full article

Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have issued charges against three licenced industry participants following separate investigations relating to prohibited substances, horse welfare, and misconduct. Jim Conlan charged over Caffeine positive Mornington-based trainer Jim Conlan has been charged under Australian Rule of Racing 240(2) after a pre-race blood sample from his galloper Wealdstone tested positive to caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Theobromine. The sample was taken prior to Wealdstone’s third-place finish in Race 7, the Ground Screws Victoria Handicap (2050m), at Mornington on December 6, 2024. Analysis conducted by both Racing Analytical Services Limited and the Australian Racing Forensics Laboratory confirmed the presence of the prohibited substances, which are listed under Prohibited List B as central nervous system stimulants. During their investigation, Stewards noted that Mr. Conlan had been using the product MetaboLize, manufactured by Poseidon Animal Health. RV issued an industry-wide notice on March 13, 2025, advising all trainers to cease using MetaboLize due to concerns it may contain caffeine. The charge will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal at a date yet to be determined. Grace Tregear charged over neglect of retired racehorses Registered owner Grace Tregear has been issued five charges under AR 231(1)(b)(iv) after being found to have failed to provide proper and sufficient nutrition to five retired thoroughbred racehorses in her care between February 1 and August 12, 2024. The charges relate to a breach of horse welfare obligations and will be brought before the Victorian Racing Tribunal. Heath Chalmers faces multiple charges over training incident Trainer Heath Chalmers is facing three charges following an incident on November 20, 2024, in which his horse Immortal Weapon suffered serious injuries while being trained on a jogger and was subsequently euthanised. The charges include: AR 228(b): Improper conduct in the use of a jogger which resulted in the horse’s fatal injuries. AR 231(1)(a): Possession of a lead rope with a metal clip, deemed capable of inflicting cruelty. AR 233(a): Breach of Racing Victoria’s Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare Policy by using an unbreakable tether to tie the horse to the jogger. These charges will also be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed. Horse racing news View the full article

What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) and Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) headline a quality 10-race meeting at Caulfield Racecourse this Saturday. Showers are forecast leading into race day, but it shouldn’t be enough to deteriorate the track rating from a Good 4. The rail comes out 9m for the entire circuit, with the first event set to jump at 12:10pm AEDT. Easter Cup Tip: Torranzino Torranzino was defied by the barest of margins in the Wangaratta Cup (2000m) last time out, and he looks a great play in the 2025 Easter Cup. The son of Tarzino is already a two-time winner at the Caulfield 2000m, and based on his run when finishing 1.3 lengths off Deny Knowledge two starts ago, he shapes as a key player despite his $12 quote with horse racing bookmakers. He will need the race to be run at a genuine clip, but with a strong finishing burst, Torranzino will take some holding out if the breaks go his way. Easter Cup Race 8 – #11 Torranzino (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Paul Preusker | J: Celine Gaudray (54kg) Victoria Handicap Tip: Roll On High Roll On High could not have been any more impressive when charging home from the rear of the field over the unsuitable 1100m at Caulfield first-up. The four-year-old mare has a devastating turn of foot on her day, and with the 2025 Victoria Handicap set to be a genuinely run affair, it should suit this girl perfectly. Celine Gaudray will look for a bum to follow from barrier 12, and if Roll On High can sprint sharply, her best is too good for this lot. Next Best Race 9 – #9 Roll On High (12) 4yo Mare | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Celine Gaudray (Weight kg) Best Bet at Caulfield: Statuario Statuario has been competitive in much harder races than what he lines up in on Saturday. The son of D’argento finished 2.1 lengths off the classy Shanwah in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) last time out when having to make a sustained run from the rear of the field at Moonee Valley. With plenty of speed engaged in this, the race sets up perfectly for Statuario to build through his gears before overhauling his rivals late over 2400m. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Statuario (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: John Allen (57kg) Next Best at Caulfield: Kings Valley Kings Valley simply does not know how to run a poor race, with four wins and four more placings from eight runs this campaign. That includes a smart BM88 win at Randwick on March 1 when getting the better of the classy Birdman. The son of Territories stays at 2000m, and despite rising 6kg after Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim, Kings Valley looks the best horse in the race on paper. Next Best Race 6 – #2 Kings Valley (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (62.5kg) Best Value at Caulfield: Georgie Get Mad Georgie Get Mad is coming off a determined win at Geelong on March 15, getting the better of a handy BM78 field when leading throughout. The six-year-old gelding will look to adopt similar tactics under Dakotah Keane, having drawn barrier 19 as she steps back to BM70 company. The son of Australia should get a relatively uncontested lead throughout, and if his rivals let him do as he pleases out in front, Georgie Get Mad will take some catching at $23 with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Georgie Get Mad (19) 6yo Gelding | T: Denis Pagan | J: Dakotah Keane (a3) (63.5kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, April 5, 2025 1-2-3-4-5 1-6-10-11 1-2-3-6-8-9-11-12-13 1-9-15-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What WA Oaks Day 2025 Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, April 5, 2025 First Race 12:24pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 WA Oaks will headline the nine-race card at Ascot on Saturday afternoon, where the opening event is set to jump at 12:24pm AWST. Although there is rain forecast in the lead-up to the meeting, the track will remain a Good 4 throughout the day. The rail will be in the +7m position for the entire circuit, which will favour on-speed runners. WA Oaks tip: Machine Gun Gracie Machine Gun Gracie will go around as an odds-on commodity with BlondeBet in the WA Oaks, and the Justine Erkelens-trained filly has deserved to be so short. The daughter of Maschino was a dominant winner in the Listed Natasha Stakes, leading every step of the way en route to a 3.4-length victory. With conditions expected to favour her more on Saturday, Machine Gun Gracie will only have to maintain her form to win again. WA Oaks Race 8 – #2 Machine Gun Gracie (7) 3yo Filly | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Shaun O’Donnell (55.5kg) Melvista Stakes tip: Play Fair Neville and Chris Parnham will combine with Play Fair for the first time in the Listed Melvista Stakes. This son of Playing God appears to be a stayer in the making, and his last 200m in the J.C. Roberts Stakes was the best of the beaten brigade after he was held up turning for home. Parnham is expected to follow the horse racing bookmakers favourite, Sail Session, at the back of the field, and if he can follow him around the home turn, Play Fair can finish off strongly and turn the tables. Melvista Stakes Race 5 – #2 Play Fair (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Neville Parnham | J: Chris Parnham (54kg) Old Comrade Stakes tip: Watch Me Rock Following their clash in the Listed Grandstand Cup last start, stablemates Watch Me Rock and Fluro Neuro will meet again in the Old Comrade Stakes over 1600m. The son of Awesome Rock was made to wait for a run to appear in the home straight before bursting through late to claim a narrow victory. After drawing barrier five, Watch Me Rock can stay out of trouble, peel off the backs of the leaders, and claim another black-type victory. Old Comrade Stakes Race 3 – #2 Watch Me Rock (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (59kg) Best Bet at Ascot: West Star West Star will return from a 23-week spell to compete in a 1200m contest as he seeks to make his claim for a slot in The Quokka later this month. The Simon Miller-trained gelding was an impressive winner of the Listed Belgravia Stakes last start and has returned with a nice trial victory at Belmont over 1000m in readiness for this run. The only negative for West Star is barrier one, but if Chris Parnham can navigate a path off the fence, he will prove too good. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 West Star (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Simon Miller | J: Chris Parnham (56.5kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, April 5, 2025 3-4 1-2-4-8 2-3-6 1-3-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Honest speedster will chase his maiden Group One success in Saturday’s Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) in Dubai.View the full article

Malaysia continues to emerge as a leading racing jurisdiction, and the major racing club in Selangor Turf Club (STC), has had a long-standing relationship with NZB. As a result of the partnership, STC announced a raft of bonus races for graduates of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale as well as incentives for their trainers to purchase at the leading sale of its kind. The first of that series takes place this Sunday 6 April 2025, with the staging of the RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup containing a high quality field of 12 graduates from the 2023 Sale, ranging in purchase prices from $25,000 to $100,000. Of those, top performer Duma (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) looks the one to beat, despite his last-start unplaced run. The Frank Maynard-trained gelding has won two of his five starts and run second on another two occasions. NZTE’s Suzy Fewtrell & NZB’s Mike Kneebone presenting to STC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim. Photo: supplied Duma was purchased for $45,000 by Esther Quan Hui Lim from Prima Park’s 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale draft. NZB’s Director of Business Mike Kneebone is looking forward to the feature race. “Malaysian buyers have been an integral part of the success of our Ready to Run Sale for many years. The Sale has always been a source of quality and value for them, with a big catalogue for more options.” “In turn our support of the Selangor Turf Club goes back 50 years. This race series is built on the foundations of a relationship of trust, respect and transparency.” “It’s an exciting weekend of racing for them as they continue to strengthen their racing position and expand their horse population, and we can’t wait to see them back at Karaka again in November.” The RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup is set to take place Sunday around 9:25 PM (NZT). The NZB Ready to Run 2023 Graduate Cup offers stakes of RM150,000 while the second race in the Series, the NZB Ready To Run Open Championship will be held on 2 November 2025 and will offer prize money of RM300,000. NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale will take place on 13 and 14 November at Karaka while the Breeze Ups are scheduled for 13 and 14 October at Te Rapa Racecourse. 2025 RM150,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale 2023 Graduate Cup Field: View the full article

Lindsay Park galloper Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will ramp up his program towards a first international foray with a jump-out at Flemington. The Ben, Will and Jd Hayes-trained galloper is booked to have an 800m jump-out on Friday. He will then have another jump-out, possibly on Friday week, before he departs for Hong Kong to contest the Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on April 27. The Hayes brothers are looking forward to travelling Mr Brightside to Hong Kong and will have the right person in their father David Hayes to bounce any ideas off in the lead-up to the race. Mr Brightside took out the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22 and has not raced since finishing second to Tom Kitten in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8. With flights booked for Hong Kong, Ben Hayes said it was exciting to be heading overseas for the first time with Mr Brightside. “It’s something we have always wanted to do,” Hayes said. “With the prize money being so good in Australia and so many good opportunities here, with him winning nine Group 1’s and being placed in eight, the timing wasn’t right. “But I think it’s a good year to be going. “The absolute superstar Golden Sixty is not around anymore, Romantic Warrior is not going to run, and he would most likely have been in the 2000-metre race anyway.” Hayes said there were no plans to look further abroad. He said the timing of the Hong Kong meeting was perfect as it allowed plenty of time for a proper break afterwards. With a spring program still to be finalised, the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick and the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington are probable targets. “The beauty with going to Hong Kong is we’ll have time to get him back, give him a break, and then target a spring campaign,” Hayes said. “There are those great races like the King Charles and the mile race on final day at Flemington. “The Carnival lingers on, so there’s lots more racing later on, but we’ll probably look to keep him at races up to a mile now as there’s so many options. “It’s exciting.” View the full article

Aidan Rodley made a trip out to Ciaron Maher’s Southern Highlands base in New South Wales where Willydoit is stabled in preparation for a shot at the ATC Derby on Saturday. View the full article

Allan Sharrock has designs on another feature prize for Islington Lass (NZ) (Proisir) before her season draws to a close, with Saturday’s Wanganui meeting a key lead-in to the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) later this month. The six-year-old by Proisir continued to add to a phenomenal race-record in the early summer, winning the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) over Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini) and Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir), a pair who have gone on to win Group races in their own right. Whangaehu’s victory came in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), where Islington Lass finished fifth before heading to the paddock. “She had three weeks off and worked around the farm for a couple of weeks,” said Allan Sharrock, who trains the mare at New Plymouth. “She’s come back and had a jump-out at Hawera where she went nicely, I think she’ll need the run on Saturday, but it’ll give us a leg up to the Travis Stakes, that is her first serious goal. “Taking four kilos off will make it easier for her on Saturday and hopefully she can go a nice race for us.” Islington Lass will be partnered by Sharrock’s apprentice Sima Mxothwa in the Wanganui-Taranaki Racehorse Owners Association Open (1600m), where she will carry a luxury of 55.5kg as a 99-rated galloper. Beyond Saturday’s contest, Sharrock will look to Te Rapa on April 26 for the fillies and mares feature, but that will likely be the top of her distance range this preparation. “The only race that would be an option over that (Manawatu Cup) distance is the Rotorua Cup (Listed), so I think we’ll stay around a mile and 2000m with her,” he said. “She won’t have many more starts before going out, and we’ll set her for some good targets in the spring again.” Earlier on the card, well-related filly Shacktime (NZ) (Tivaci) will contest in the Manawatu Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association 3YO (1350m). The daughter of Tivaci is a half-sister to Kawi, a former superstar of the Sharrock stable who won seven Group Ones in his career. While her relation holds a big reputation, Shacktime has earned admirers in the early stages of her career, winning at start two before a big run for fifth behind Archaic Smile at New Plymouth last time out. “She went awesome last time, she missed the start by seven lengths and produced at the 300 like the winner, then peaked on her run which was understandable,” Sharrock said. “She’s worked super and is a nice filly too, I’ve got a bit of time for her. “I expect her to race well, there is a bit of ability in that race but she’ll compete really well.” The impending rain at Wanganui could have a part to play in Tavi Ann’s chances, with the mare set to take her place in the final event of the day over the middle-distance trip. “I’m not convinced she’s a 2000m mare, but I am convinced that she likes Wanganui, so it depends on how much rain we get and how arduous that 2000m becomes for her,” Sharrock said. “There were no 75 miles in the CD that I could see, so we really had no option but to go 2000m. “Shacktime is in race one and Islington Lass can handle the cut out of the track, I’m just a bit worried about the last race.” Sharrock also has a pair of runners heading to Waverley on Friday, including a booming last-start maiden winner in El Jaycee. Mxothwa will retain the ride, bringing her impost down to 53kg in the Good Luck Team Wanganui At Halberg Games (1400m). “I think the application of blinkers made a big difference, she just ran them into the ground,” Sharrock said. “It’s the same for Waverley by the last race, whether it gets too ardous for her, that’s something we will assess. They will possibly not be getting the rain that we’re getting in New Plymouth, let’s hope not.” Preferment gelding Smartroad (NZ) (Preferment) is also expected to be among the better chances in the Whangaehu/Humphrey and Fiona O’Leary (2200m), with Lemmy Douglas in the saddle for the highweight contest. “He went a good race last start and going up in distance, I expect him to be an each-way play as well,” Sharrock said. View the full article

Malaysia continues to emerge as a leading racing jurisdiction, and the major racing club in Selangor Turf Club (STC), has had a long-standing relationship with NZB. As a result of the partnership, STC announced a raft of bonus races for graduates of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale as well as incentives for their trainers to purchase at the leading sale of its kind. The first of that series takes place this Sunday 6 April 2025, with the staging of the RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup containing a high quality field of 12 graduates from the 2023 Sale, ranging in purchase prices from $25,000 to $100,000. Of those, top performer Duma (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) looks the one to beat, despite his last-start unplaced run. The Frank Maynard-trained gelding has won two of his five starts and run second on another two occasions. NZTE’s Suzy Fewtrell & NZB’s Mike Kneebone presenting to STC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim. Photo: supplied Duma was purchased for $45,000 by Esther Quan Hui Lim from Prima Park’s 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale draft. NZB’s Director of Business Mike Kneebone is looking forward to the feature race. “Malaysian buyers have been an integral part of the success of our Ready to Run Sale for many years. The Sale has always been a source of quality and value for them, with a big catalogue for more options.” “In turn our support of the Selangor Turf Club goes back 50 years. This race series is built on the foundations of a relationship of trust, respect and transparency.” “It’s an exciting weekend of racing for them as they continue to strengthen their racing position and expand their horse population, and we can’t wait to see them back at Karaka again in November.” The RM150,000 NZB Ready To Run Cup is set to take place Sunday around 9:25 PM (NZT). The NZB Ready to Run 2023 Graduate Cup offers stakes of RM150,000 while the second race in the Series, the NZB Ready To Run Open Championship will be held on 2 November 2025 and will offer prize money of RM300,000. NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale will take place on 13 and 14 November at Karaka while the Breeze Ups are scheduled for 13 and 14 October at Te Rapa Racecourse. 2025 RM150,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale 2023 Graduate Cup Field: View the full article

Things haven’t gone quite to plan with Mustang Morgan (NZ) (Preferment) in the Australian leg of his preparation, but trainer Andrew Forsman is hopeful of a bold showing in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick nonetheless. Following his fourth placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) behind Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) last month, Mustang Morgan flew to Sydney with the plan of running in the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill last Saturday, a race Forsman has had plenty of success in the past, winning two editions (Jon Snow in 2017 and Quick Thinker in 2020) when training in partnership with Murray Baker. However, those plans were unfoiled with wet weather in Sydney, which led to his withdrawal from the race and its subsequent transfer to Tuesday, which Forsman felt would have been too tight of a turnaround ahead of Saturday’s Derby. While unable to get an Australian run into his charge ahead of the Derby, Forsman has been pleased with Mustang Morgan’s work ahead of the weekend and said he has him as fit as he can ahead of the elite-level assignment. “It hasn’t gone to plan. We did really want to have that run last Saturday but couldn’t really risk running him on a Heavy track,” Forsman said. “As it happened, it would have been an even shorter back-up and still quite a testing track at Rosehill. “It’s not how we wanted it to unfold but we have put as much work into him as we can.” Mustang Morgan will jump from barrier 12 on Saturday, with Craig Williams aboard, and TAB bookmakers currently rate him a $41 winning chance in a market headed by Aeliana at $3.30, while New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit is the second elect at $3.70. “The draw is not ideal, a bit closer to the rail would have been nice, but we are hoping we can get a similar beginning to the New Zealand Derby, work across and put himself in a forward position,” Forsman said. “He (Craig Williams) is a big-race jockey, so I am sure he has got a plan in-mind.” Forsman will also head to Randwick with staying mare Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor), who will contest the Gr.2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m). The Ben Kwok-raced four-year-old has drawn barrier 15 for Saturday’s contest, continuing a frustrating run of draws across the Tasman. “She has just had no luck at all with wide draws this preparation. She was four wide with no cover last start and she has drawn pretty poorly again this weekend,” Forsman said. “But up to 2600m should suit and hopefully she gets a bit of luck in the run this time.” Positivity is out of favour with the bookies, currently sitting at $61 with the TAB, with the market dominated by the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Alalcance at $2.80. View the full article

Six-time Group One winner Auguste Rodin will shuttle to Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge this spring in a coup for the New Zealand breeding industry. One of the world’s finest racehorses, Auguste Rodin enjoyed elite-level success at two, three and four. An impeccably-bred son of Deep Impact out of Galileo’s triple Group One winning daughter Rhododendron, Auguste Rodin boasts one of the most sought-after pedigrees in the world. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Auguste Rodin made an immediate impact on the track, showcasing an exceptional turn of foot and versatility over multiple distances. As a two-year-old, his ability was immediately obvious, earning TDN Rising Star status when winning his maiden at Naas over 1400m, before taking the Gr.2 Champions Juvenile (1600m) at Leopardstown and the prestigious Gr.1 Futurity Trophy (1600m) at Doncaster. His three-year-old campaign confirmed his status as a true champion. Auguste Rodin claimed a stunning victory in the Gr.1 Epsom Derby (2400m), followed by an emphatic win in the Gr.1 Irish Derby (2400m). His dominance continued with victories in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) before crossing the pond for a memorable triumph in the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m) at Santa Anita. Auguste Rodin winning the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) defeating multiple Group One winner Luxembourg Photo: supplied Returning as a four-year-old, Auguste Rodin added another jewel to his crown, winning the Gr.1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes (2000m) at Royal Ascot. Auguste Rodin retired as the winner of eight races with prizemoney earnings in excess of NZ$11 million over distances from 1400m to 2400m, defeating 21 individual Group One winners, with 45 Group One wins between them. “We are privileged to welcome a racehorse of Auguste Rodin’s calibre to our stallion roster,” Windsor Park principal Rodney Schick said. “His race performance has a remarkable similarity to that of High Chaparral who we stood here at Windsor Park and who enjoyed global success and international renown through his own success and that of his sons, grandsons and daughters at stud. “We extend our thanks to Coolmore for their continued strong endorsement and support of both Windsor Park and the New Zealand breeding industry, just as they did last season shuttling Paddington here. “Like High Chaparral, Auguste Rodin has loads of quality and we are so excited to be able to offer him to breeders.” Auguste Rodin’s career mirrors that of High Chaparral. Both horses share victories in the Futurity Trophy at two, the English and Irish Derbies, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf with the key difference being Auguste Rodin’s success at Royal Ascot in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at four. “Auguste Rodin is an exceptional racehorse and stallion prospect with the blend of class, speed and pedigree that only the very best possess,” said Coolmore’s MV Magnier. “He is a very special horse for us at Coolmore and I truly believe he ranks up there with the best racehorses and sires that we have stood here before him. “We’re delighted he is going to shuttle to Windsor Park Stud to enhance his future legacy in the Southern Hemisphere”. Auguste Rodin hails from the final crop of Japanese Triple Crown winner and 11-time Champion Sire Deep Impact, a son of the legendary racehorse and sire Sunday Silence to whom Auguste Rodin bears a striking physical resemblance. Auguste Rodin boasts six multiple-champion sires in his first three generations, directly descending from three standout race mares—all Group One performers at a mile or less. He is the first foal from triple Group One winner Rhododendron, one of the premier daughters of immortal sire and broodmare sire Galileo and a sister to seven-time Group One winner Magical. Both Champion sisters are out of Pivotal’s triple Group One and 1,000 Guineas winner Halfway To Heaven while his brilliantly fast third dam Cassandra Go won the time-honoured Gr.1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot. The blend of Deep Impact with Galileo blood has given rise to an eyewatering 17% Group winners to runners. Trainer Aidan O’Brien described Auguste Rodin as a rare talent. “He was always very highly rated from the time he was a foal at Coolmore and when Ryan (Moore) first rode him as an early two-year-old he said then he was a very special horse. “He connects two of the most powerful breeding lines in the world and was a pleasure to train. “Physically he fills the eye so well as he has that extra quality and movement. He’s very well balanced and very well proportioned and blessed with a big stride which is usually the sign of a very good horse.” Auguste Rodin takes his place on Windsor Park’s 2025 stallion roster with fellow Coolmore sires Paddington and Circus Maximus and alongside resident leading stallion Shamexpress, sire of the world’s highest-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Auguste Rodin will stand in 2025 at an introductory fee of $30,000+gst. View the full article