Wandering Eyes

Chase will reunite with jockey Tina Comignaghi in Saturday’s Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Trentham. Photo: Race Images South Group One performer Chase has been in a rich vein of form of late and he will attempt to continue that at Trentham on Saturday in the Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m). The nine-year-old son of Zed returned to the winner’s circle in July before heading south to Riccarton last month where he was a popular winner of the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m), and trainer Stephen Nickalls has been pleased with the way he has come through his southern venture. “He is a pretty seasoned campaigner now, not much worries him,” he said. “He came home, had a week in the paddock and he put on 15 kilos. He did very well out of the trip down there. “He is in fantastic form, he is thriving on everything. He doesn’t know that he is nine-years-old, he is really well and doing everything we could ask of him.” More: NZ racing betting Chase hasn’t been sighted on raceday since, but that hasn’t been by design, and Nickalls has kept him up to the mark with a 1000m trial at Waverley a fortnight ago. “It has been seven weeks between runs, he has been a victim of the programming around here, there have been no open miles in the CD,” Nickalls said. “We have had to play that waiting game, but he is really well and he trialled at Waverley and trialled really well.” Chase will continue his association with Canterbury jockey Tina Comignaghi, who has established a great record on the gelding. “She has only had the two rides on him, she ran third on him in the Captain Cook (Gr.1, 1600m) and then won the Winter Cup,” Nickalls said. “They have a pretty good relationship and she was keen to come back up, her agent rang me and said she was keen to ride him. You don’t break up a winning combination.” The pair will jump from barrier seven, a gate Nickalls said should suit his racing pattern. “It is better than drawing down on the rail,” he said. “He jumps with them, but takes a little to get into stride, so that won’t worry him and if the rain is coming like they say it is then it will be pretty wet anyway.” Chase is currently sitting as a $6 equal favourite for Saturday’s with PlayUp (PlayUp review), alongside the Gerard Cvitanovich-trained Knock Off, with Tumuch, Ears Back and Privy Garden the next fancied runners at $8. Sunday’s Metric Mile is due to jump at 2.23pm AEST, with the meeting at the Trentham racecourse due to begin at 10.50am. View the full article

Mark Newnham is relishing a fast start to the new season and is looking to Mid Winter Wind and New Forest to continue it at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 57-year-old has hit the board on three occasions so far this campaign and he has a host of chances to continue the good times on Sunday, with his team spearheaded by the promising Mid Winter Wind. He goes in the feature Class Two Yi Tung Shan Handicap (1,200m) and is looking to bounce back after a low-key end to last season that saw him fail to build...View the full article

Shaun and Hazel Fannin have two horses in the market for the Great New Zealand Steeplechase at Te Aroha on Sunday. Shaun and Hazel Fannin’s pair of talented jumpers in Jesko and Fourty Eight will clash for the first time over fences in Sunday’s hotly-contested Ben and Ryan Foote Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha. Jesko has been the lamp-lighter for the stable this year, winning the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m), Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) and Koral Steeplechase (4250m), before going down to a game Captains Run in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m). He has been ridden on each occasion by Shaun Fannin, who was proud of his charge’s effort in the testing conditions at Riccarton. Read: NZ horse racing guide “He was very brave, he got taken on a little bit in the run and probably did too much, which told in the finish in that really tough going,” he said. “In saying that, he never chucked it away and Captains Run was an impressive winner, so I take nothing away from that horse.” The son of Atlante returned to their Awapuni base and enjoyed a quiet fortnight before setting his sights on a rematch with much of his National rivals. That preparation included a hit-out in a bottomless New Plymouth track last Saturday, where he finished seventh in the Road To The Jericho (3210m). “He had 10 days off before building towards this race, he jumped out last Tuesday at Foxton then we took him to New Plymouth, which turned out to be an extremely heavy track,” Fannin said. “It was probably a harder run than we wanted to give him, but he’s pretty tough and it didn’t knock him too much, he’s come through that run well. “He’s as good as we’re going to get him and we’re hopeful that he’s in good enough form to be a really good chance on Sunday, he’s had a super season.” Jesko opened a $5 favourite for the $200,000 feature with Australian betting sites, but the market has his stablemate nearly on even terms, with Fourty Eight an equal second-elect at $6. The seven-year-old by Ekraar has improved throughout his campaign and stepped up in his first attempt at prestige level, finishing third behind Nedwin in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m). Fannin was on board and had to contend with a riderless horse coming in and out of play, which was no assist to Fourty Eight’s chances. “That undid him really, he can be quite temperamental sometimes and that fired him up a bit, he pulled quite hard,” Fannin said. “He was just chasing that horse and every time he got a breather it seemed to come back again. “He stuck on well, and maybe if that hadn’t have happened, I think he could’ve finished a bit closer.” He also lined up in the Jericho qualifier but was well beaten at the 800m, and Fannin said the gelding hadn’t taken any harm from the run. “We took him to New Plymouth to give him a bit of a hit out before Sunday, but he didn’t really do anything there, whether it was just the track I’m not sure,” he said. “We got him scoped and checked over by the vet on Monday and he’s all clear, he had a bit of a school on Thursday morning and worked up as good as ever so I can’t really fault him. “If he sees the trip out, he should be a good chance as well.” Recently awarded his fifth Jumps Jockey of the Year title at the Horse of the Year Awards, Fannin will continue his partnership with Jesko, while entrusting close friend Mathew Gillies with the ride on Fourty Eight. “Matt’s a super rider and we’ve been good friends for a long time as well,” he said. “He actually schooled this horse last year when he was down for a weekend, so he’s ridden him before. “He’s quite a strong rider as well, so if he did get up and pulling, I’m sure Matt will be able to rein him in quite quickly. I think they’ll be a good pairing.” View the full article

Shaun and Hazel Fannin’s pair of talented jumpers in Jesko and Fourty Eight will clash for the first time over fences in Sunday’s hotly-contested Ben and Ryan Foote Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha. Jesko has been the lamp-lighter for the stable this year, winning the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m), Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) and Koral Steeplechase (4250m), before going down to a game Captains Run in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m). He has been ridden on each occasion by Shaun Fannin, who was proud of his charge’s effort in the testing conditions at Riccarton. “He was very brave, he got taken on a little bit in the run and probably did too much, which told in the finish in that really tough going,” he said. “In saying that, he never chucked it away and Captains Run was an impressive winner, so I take nothing away from that horse.” The son of Atlante returned to their Awapuni base and enjoyed a quiet fortnight before setting his sights on a rematch with much of his National rivals. That preparation included a hit-out in a bottomless New Plymouth track last Saturday, where he finished seventh in the Road To The Jericho (3210m). “He had 10 days off before building towards this race, he jumped out last Tuesday at Foxton then we took him to New Plymouth, which turned out to be an extremely heavy track,” Fannin said. “It was probably a harder run than we wanted to give him, but he’s pretty tough and it didn’t knock him too much, he’s come through that run well. “He’s as good as we’re going to get him and we’re hopeful that he’s in good enough form to be a really good chance on Sunday, he’s had a super season.” Jesko opened a $5 favourite for the $200,000 feature, but the market has his stablemate nearly on even terms, with Fourty Eight an equal second-elect on $6. The seven-year-old by Ekraar has improved throughout his campaign and stepped up in his first attempt at prestige level, finishing third behind Nedwin in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m). Fannin was on board and had to contend with a riderless horse coming in and out of play, which was no assist to Fourty Eight’s chances. “That undid him really, he can be quite temperamental sometimes and that fired him up a bit, he pulled quite hard,” Fannin said. “He was just chasing that horse and every time he got a breather it seemed to come back again. “He stuck on well, and maybe if that hadn’t have happened, I think he could’ve finished a bit closer.” He also lined up in the Jericho qualifier but was well beaten at the 800m, and Fannin said the gelding hadn’t taken any harm from the run. “We took him to New Plymouth to give him a bit of a hit out before Sunday, but he didn’t really do anything there, whether it was just the track I’m not sure,” he said. “We got him scoped and checked over by the vet on Monday and he’s all clear, he had a bit of a school on Thursday morning and worked up as good as ever so I can’t really fault him. “If he sees the trip out, he should be a good chance as well.” Recently awarded his fifth Jumps Jockey of the Year title at the Horse of the Year Awards, Fannin will continue his partnership with Jesko, while entrusting close friend Mathew Gillies with the ride on Fourty Eight. “Matt’s a super rider and we’ve been good friends for a long time as well,” he said. “He actually schooled this horse last year when he was down for a weekend, so he’s ridden him before. “He’s quite a strong rider as well, so if he did get up and pulling, I’m sure Matt will be able to rein him in quite quickly. I think they’ll be a good pairing.” View the full article

Group One performer Chase has been in a rich vein of form of late and he will attempt to continue that at Trentham on Saturday in the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m). The nine-year-old son of Zed returned to the winner’s circle in July before heading south to Riccarton last month where he was a popular winner of the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m), and trainer Stephen Nickalls has been pleased with the way he has come through his southern venture. “He is a pretty seasoned campaigner now, not much worries him,” he said. “He came home, had a week in the paddock and he put on 15 kilos. He did very well out of the trip down there. “He is in fantastic form, he is thriving on everything. He doesn’t know that he is nine-years-old, he is really well and doing everything we could ask of him.” Chase hasn’t been sighted on raceday since, but that hasn’t been by design, and Nickalls has kept him up to the mark with a 1000m trial at Waverley a fortnight ago. “It has been seven weeks between runs, he has been a victim of the programming around here, there have been no open miles in the CD,” Nickalls said. “We have had to play that waiting game, but he is really well and he trialled at Waverley and trialled really well.” Chase will continue his association with Canterbury jockey Tina Comignaghi, who has established a great record on the gelding. “She has only had the two rides on him, she ran third on him in the Captain Cook (Gr.1, 1600m) and then won the Winter Cup,” Nickalls said. “They have a pretty good relationship and she was keen to come back up, her agent rang me and said she was keen to ride him. You don’t break up a winning combination.” The pair will jump from barrier seven, a gate Nickalls said should suit his racing pattern. “It is better than drawing down on the rail,” he said. “He jumps with them, but takes a little to get into stride, so that won’t worry him and if the rain is coming like they say it is then it will be pretty wet anyway.” Chase is currently sitting as a $6 equal favourite for Saturday’s featured, alongside the Gerard Cvitanovich-trained Knock Off, with Tumuch, Ears Back and Privy Garden the next fancied runners at $8. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh has 14 horses entered across the 10-race card at Ellerslie on Saturday, and more than half of them are three-year-olds facing crucial early-season assignments. Marsh has proven black-type performers Little Black Dress, Lady Iris and Tale Of The Gypsy in Saturday’s Gr.3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (1400m), backed up by a range of emerging age-group talent on the undercard. Last-start Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) placegetters Churmatt and Swiss Prince will contest the NZB Ready to Run Sale Trainers Series 3YO (1400m), while the Join TAB Racing Club (1200m) features first-starters Earlicheer (by Super Seth out of Daffodil) and Well Written (Written Tycoon out of Australian black-type performer Mozzie Monster). “I think we’ll know a bit more about some of these three-year-olds after Saturday,” Marsh said. Marsh singled out Churmatt as the three-year-old he was most excited about on Saturday’s card. The son of Churchill was a three-length winner on debut at Rotorua on August 13, then finished only half a length behind quality filly Platinum Diamond when second in the Wanganui Guineas on August 30. There was a three-length margin back to third. “He’s a three-year-old that we’ve got a lot of time for,” Marsh said. “He ran a top race for second in the Wanganui Guineas last time out, in only his second start, and he won very well before that. I think he’s got a really nice season in front of him.” Opie Bosson will take the mount on Churmatt, who dominates the market as a $2 favourite for Saturday’s $55,000 race. Marsh is also upbeat about his Sunline Vase trio, who all acquitted themselves well in black-type features at Ellerslie two weeks ago. Lady Iris ran third against male three-year-olds in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m), while Tale Of The Gypsy was beaten by six lengths into ninth after a tough wide run in the same race. Little Black Dress, who won at Listed level at Ellerslie in the autumn, was a close sixth in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). “I thought they all performed with credit that day, and they’ve all gone the right way from there,” Marsh said. “It’s a hot field on Saturday and their performances here will have a real bearing on what we do with them from here.” Another talented member of Marsh’s Ellerslie team is Tardelli, who will kick off his four-year-old season in the Eagle Technology (1400m). The well-bred son of I Am Invincible won twice as a three-year-old last season including the inaugural $100,000 Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day in March. He also finished second against older horses in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m), beaten by a neck by Doctor Askar, and ran third to Savaglee in the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m) and to Sethito in the Listed (now Gr.3) Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). Tardelli made an unsuccessful raid on the Queensland Winter Carnival, finishing eighth in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) in May, but has pleased Marsh with his progress so far this spring. He was a two-length trial winner over 1100m at Ellerslie on September 9. “He’s a horse with a lot of upside,” Marsh said. “His last preparation was very good, and what he’s shown us so far suggests he’s coming up even better this time in. “I’ve been happy with his two trials. The first one was on a very wet track, and then he scored a lovely win at Ellerslie in his second trial. I think that’s really brought him on and he’s going great ahead of his return to racing. “We’ll take it one step at a time for now, see what he does at Ellerslie on Saturday and take it from there, but he could find himself in a Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m) second-up.” The Matamata Cup will be run on October 4. View the full article

Martell made an instant impact in his first appearance from his new quarters and more of the same is forecast at Gore. The former Jim Collett-prepared sprinter made a successful South Island debut at Wingatui earlier this month and is expected to go close to adding Sunday’s Advance Agriculture Open (1100m) to his record. He will head a strong hand for trainer Kelvin Tyler who will also be represented by Go Lotte, while stablemates Vamos and Prince Alby are top chances in the Kevin Coyle Memorial Open (1800m). The Riverton horseman will also be keeping a close eye on the Marton meeting at Trentham where Freddie Time steps out in the Nufarm & Property Brokers Handicap (1400m). El Roca six-year-old Martell has now won seven of his 26 starts and Tyler is understandably bullish about his chances on Sunday. “He’s a good horse and Jim Collett did a great job with him. The wet track’s not going to hurt, it’s a winnable race for him again,” he said. “It’s still the same ownership group and you couldn’t get a better horse to work with, he’s fitted in well and we’re very pleased to have him.” Stable stalwart Go Lotte posted consecutive placings before she tailed the field home last time out at Riccarton. “She got back and they kicked off the front that day with the rail out, so it was hard for her,” Tyler said. “She’ll go a nice race on Sunday, she’s won 10 races so she’s obviously a good horse, but Martell will probably be a bit sharp for her.” Tyler also favoured his last-start Riccarton winner Vamos over Prince Alby in the other open handicap. “His work has been great, he’s a beautiful black horse and is very genuine so he’ll take some stopping,” he said. Prince Alby was a resuming fourth behind Martell and is on a path toward a November staying feature at Riccarton. “If he had got a bit more room the other day he may have given him a run for his money,” Tyler said. “He’s come through it well and is heading toward the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m), but I don’t think he’s up to Vamos at this stage.” Trentham hope Freddie Time finished fourth when resuming at Otaki earlier this month in his first appearance since a disappointing Queensland venture. “I was rapt with him and his work has been unreal, he should be a great chance on a wet track in a small field,” Tyler said. “He pulled a muscle in Australia, so we brought him back and instead of bringing him down south for the winter we parked him up at Howie and Lorraine Mathews’ place and he’s still there. “There’s another good race for him at Otaki in three weeks’ time, so he’ll keep ticking over up there.” View the full article

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What Underwood Stakes Day Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, September 20, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble A stacked day of racing awaits punters at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) headlining proceedings. Showers are forecast in the lead-up to the meeting, but it should not deteriorate the track too far from the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. The rail comes out 6m the entire course, with the opening event scheduled to jump at 12:10pm AEST. Underwood Stakes tip: Buckaroo It was hard to miss the return of Buckaroo in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) fresh from a spell on August 30, and with a strong second-up record, he looks poised to defend his Underwood Stakes crown. The son of Fastnet Rock has four wins and two minor placings from seven second-up starts and has yet to miss the top three in his three runs at Caulfield. Blake Shinn will have the seven-year-old gelding settled midfield with cover, and as long as he can find the right back to follow, Buckaroo will be savaging the line and should prove too hard to hold out. Underwood Stakes Race 7 – #2 Buckaroo (8) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes tip: Angel Capital Angel Capital was breathtaking when winning the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley and looks set to go on with the job in Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. The four-year-old put four lengths on his closest rival and was eased down late to suggest that there is still plenty left in the tank. He returns to the Caulfield 1400m, a track and trip he has won both of his starts at, and looks to get the perfect setup to unleash a powerful sprint late. Damian Lane will need a touch of luck early from barrier 13, but barring any bad luck, Angel Capital should be winning. Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Race 8 – #9 Angel Capital (13) 4yo Horse | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (53.5kg) Caulfield Guineas Prelude tip: Stay Cosmic Stay Cosmic was valiant in defeat behind the smart Rosberg in the Listed Mckenzie Stakes (1200m), and looks poised to strike second-up in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m). The son of Cosmic Force produced the best last 400m of the event to suggest the step up in trip will be ideal second-up, and despite being a backmarker, there looks to be enough pace engaged for him to be overhauling the leaders late. If Jamie Melham can have him within striking distance on the home turn, Stay Cosmic will be the one with the last crack at them late. Caulfield Guineas Prelude Race 5 – #5 Stay Cosmic (7) 3yo Rig | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Jamie Melham (56kg) Naturalism Stakes tip: Statuario With Halfs Yours and Birdman expected to head to Sydney, Statuario simply looks like the runner with the most upside in the 2025 Naturalism Stakes (2000m). He chased home a hot speed behind Too Darn Discreet in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) when beaten 1.5 lengths, so he should be cherry-ripe for the 2000m second-up this preparation. If Dean Yendall can find cover in a positive position from barrier 19, the son of D’argento has shown so far in his career that he can sprint sharply for a stayer. With even luck, Statuario will outstay his rivals. Naturalism Stakes Race 9 – #16 Statuario (19) 4yo Gelding | T: Emma-Lee & David Browne | J: Dean Yendall (54.5kg) Best Bet at Caulfield: Nadal Despite not being seen since December last year, Nadal simply looks too hard to go past on return in a BM100 over 1100m. The five-year-old gelding was a dominant winner of The Meteorite (1200m) last prep when getting the better of subsequent Group 1 winner Baraqiel and will appreciate the step back to 1100m fresh. Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim is an added bonus, and if the pair can land in the three-wide line with cover, Nadal has a blistering turn of foot, and will prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Nadal (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (61kg) Underwood Stakes Day quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, September 20, 2025 2-4-9-10 1-9-16 2-7-8-16-17 5-6-8-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

What 7 Stakes Day 2025 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, September 20, 2025 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Royal Randwick is the destination for metro racing in Sydney this Saturday afternoon, with the $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) headlining a bumper 10-part program. The rail moves out +7m from the 1600m marker to winning post, while the remainder will be posted +4m. The forecast promises a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the day, with the opening event scheduled to get underway at 11:50am AEST. 7 Stakes Tip: Fangirl Fangirl is looking to claim back-to-back editions of the 7 Stakes and must be considered the one to beat. The daughter of Sebring did enough first-up in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30, hitting the line well on unsuitable Soft conditions. Getting back on top of the ground at the wide-open Randwick track should be ideal, and with James McDonald set to be reunited boasting an outstanding record of 13 starts for seven wins when being legged aboard the four-time Group 1 winning mare, expect Fangirl to be too classy for this lot. 7 Stakes Race 8 – #11 Fangirl (5) 7yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) The Shorts Tip: Joliestar Joliestar returns after a 105-day spell and appears primed to strike first-up in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m). The Zoustar mare comes in off two strong barrier trials and is bound to have residual fitness on her side after claiming the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on June 7. James McDonald will drop her back towards the rear after drawing barrier nine; however, with a strong tempo engaged among this field of 10, it should set up perfectly for Joliestar to be thundering home down the centre of the course. The Shorts Race 9 – #4 Joliestar (9) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) Tea Rose Stakes Tip: Tupakara Tupakara appears perfectly placed to turn the tables on Apocalyptic after finishing second in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) on September 6. Extending to the 1400m should be ideal and barrier three allows James McDonald to take a closer position in transit, with the daughter of Trapeze Artist showing good tactical speed in her two-year-old season. It is a minor concern that she is yet to break her maiden, but with no excuses on this setup, Tupakara should get every chance to secure her first victory in the 2025 Tea Rose Stakes. Tea Rose Stakes Race 6 – #2 Tupakara (3) 3yo Filly | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: James McDonald (56kg) Bill Ritchie Handicap Tip: Bosustow The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained Bosustow scaled new heights last preparation, resuming a dominant winner in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) on May 10. He was later competitive in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) before spelling, and looks ready to fire returning to Sydney, catching the eye in both recent barrier trials. Joshua Parr will need to give him a cracking steer to overcome gate 13, but the $8 with horse racing bookmakers is an appealing price to find out. Bill Ritchie Handicap Race 7 – #4 Bosustow (13) 4yo Horse | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Joshua Parr (57kg) Best Bet at Randwick: Vauban It was hard not to be impressed with the return of Vauban in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). The staying import was always going to find the trip too sharp, but it didn’t stop the son of Galiway hitting the line well in a contest that turned into a sit-and-sprint in the final 400m. Tim Clark maps to gain the perfect stalking position from stall five, and provided the pair can stick to the back of Elamaz everywhere he goes, this guy should get the last crack to secure the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m). Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Vauban (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (57kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, September 20, 2025 2-4-9-14 11 1-4 1-5 Horse racing tips View the full article

An Ashview Stud-consigned colt by Liam's Map (hip 3681) became the last of 29 horses to breach the $100,000 threshold during the second of two sessions in Book 5A of the Keeneland September Sale in Lexington Thursday afternoon, selling to bloodstock agent Chad Schumer, agent, for $480,000. And when the dust had settled on the 10th session of the auction, gross receipts had nudged past $500 million, extending the record for the sale. “Surpassing $500 million at the September Sale marks a pivotal moment for our sport–a milestone the entire industry can celebrate together,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This is a powerful testament to the health of the sport, and it reflects the remarkable energy, optimism and momentum we've been experiencing together across this entire sale.” “New buyers are stepping in and making a tangible impact, which is truly a win for everyone connected to the game,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “But just as important are the breeders and consignors who have continued to entrust their horses to us year after year. Their confidence is the foundation of these results, and this moment is undeniable proof of what we can achieve as a community. We're so proud that Keeneland continues to be the stage where we see this growth and enthusiasm come to life.” Also in the final 30 minutes of trade, a colt by the evergreen Ghostzapper took a short-lived lead at the top of the leaderboard when hammering for $200,000, equaling the best price from the corresponding day of trade 12 months ago, when a respectable 13 horses were knocked down for six-figure pricetags. For the session, Keeneland reported sales on 299 horses for in-ring turnover of $12,600,500, a towering increase of 35.40% over the corresponding session in 2024. The average of $42,149 leaped by 25.89%, while the session median settled at $30,000, an improvement of 15.38%. “I have never seen a market like this,” said Schumer, who signed the ticket on the day's dearest horse on behalf of KGS. “I have followed up some horses to do some breezing in Europe and I wasn't just getting outbid, I was getting completely blown out of the water. Not even close. This market is unreal. It's wonderful to see.” The September Sale continues Friday with the first of two sessions of the rebranded Book 5B, with bidding to commence at 10 a.m. ET. The auction concludes on Saturday. This story will be updated… The post A-Plus Finish For Book 5A As Turnover Exceeds A Half-Billion Dollars at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Quid Pro Quo (Lance), a champion 2-year-old in her native South Africa, arrived at Jerome Reynier's yard several weeks ago and is acclimating to France. The filly races for an ownership group headed by Team Valor International. A winner of both the G1 Douglas Whyte Stakes and the G1 Allan Robertson Championship at two, Quid Pro Quo will be given plenty of time to acclimate to the Northern Hemisphere. “We gave her time to adapt because she has changed hemisphere and environment,” Reynier told Paris Turf. “It's been a few weeks since she arrived at the stable. The goal is to see her in Dubai this winter, but there is still a long way to go before then. In South Africa, she showed a lot of quality.” Second in her first two starts, Quid Pro Quo was unbeaten in her next six races, including the G2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper on either side of her Grade 1 victories, and in the G2 Dingaans last November. In her latest start, she was third in the G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas at Turffontein in February. The post South African Champion Joins Reynier Yard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Beginning with the start of the Classic Meet at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26, all maiden special weight races in restricted and open company run at Santa Anita will receive a $2,500 increase in the maiden bonus awards.View the full article

By Michael Guerin Ben Hope admits he knows a lot more about one of his three-year-old trotters than the other one heading to Addington tonight. But he still thinks they can both win. Hope and father Greg train Habibti Pat (R6, No.7) who resumes in the $60,000 Macca Lodge NZ Sires’ Stakes Classique for the trotting girls tonight while a few races later former northerner Ya Eejit Ya (R9, No.1) makes its stable debut against the older horses. “He has come down from Sean McCaffrey’s and feels like a really nice young horse,” says Hope of Ya Eejit Ya. “He seems to have a good record from a mobile and I think he would have to go close as he might have too much speed for many of these if he gets a nice sit.” Habibti Pat was our best juvenile trotting filly last season but had little luck on a northern campaign in the autumn, albeit she finished third to Meant To Be in the Northern Trotting Derby. Hope says she has prepped well for her return tonight and he still has total confidence in her. “But much went right for her up north but she still went some brave races. “She has trialled well this time in. Blair [Orange, driver] was happy with her last trial so we think she is ready to go.” While the Hopes don’t give Orange too many instructions, Ben says he thinks Habibti Pat is ready to be driven with some confidence tonight. “I still think she is the best filly in the country. “Ya Rite Darl has a better draw than us and will be fitter after her last start so we might have to sit parked outside her if she leads. “But I still think our filly is the one to beat.” While the Hope trotters will carry plenty of support tonight the highlight of the meeting is a red hot juvenile race which sees Jumal (R8, No.8) try to remain unbeaten against the likes of Special Occasion and Zeus Lightning. They are anything but the only three winning chances in the Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes heat but Jumal opened odds-on with the TAB even from the outside of the front line. With so much talent inside him it wouldn’t surprise to see him have to driven slighty more conservatively inside the first 800m than when he blasted to the lead last start. One thing is for sure: we will know a lot more abut the juvenile boys pacing rankings by 8.30pm tonight. Add in to strong handicap pacing feature that sees Rubira up against Rakero Rocket, Arthur Selby, Hadron Collider and American Me and tonight’s meeting will have some major effects on feature race futures markets for the months to come. View the full article

Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park came into Thursday's Illinois Racing Board (IRB) after having considered and swapped back and forth 12 different versions of racing calendars for 2026 that the two tracks hoped would dovetail for the benefit of all racing in the state. But as the Sept. 18 meeting approached the three-hour mark and differences remained over many of the same issues that have complicated the Illinois calendar the past several seasons–chief among them the state's tenuous Thoroughbred population and the fact that Hawthorne also must switch its racing surface twice in the year to accommodate Standardbred meets–stakeholders from both tracks took more than an hour's recess to hammer out a compromise that more or less will preserve the status quo from 2025 into 2026. Hawthorne, just outside of Chicago in Stickney, will race 63 dates between Mar. 29 and Nov. 1 with 2:40 p.m. (Central) post times on Sundays and Thursdays. Fairmount, 280 miles southwest of Hawthorne and just over the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, will race 57 dates between Apr. 14 and Oct. 27 with 1:30 p.m. (Central) post times on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The 2026 schedule that the IRB approved by a 9-0 vote represents a slight reduction in dates from 2025. This year, Hawthorne had been awarded 80 race dates, but it has already lopped 15 programs off that schedule. Fairmount had been assigned 55 dates for 2025. Much as TDN reported one year ago when the issue of race dates was last addressed, Illinois is still struggling to recover from the twin blows of the 2021 closure of Arlington International Racecourse and the inability of the state's two surviving Thoroughbred venues to follow through with building their proposed racinos that the state legalized back in 2019. While Fairmount already has a temporary casino in the grandstand open and track officials told the Illinois Gaming Board last month that owner Accel Entertainment has contracts in place to break ground in November with the goal of having additional gaming space ready by the start of the 2026 meet, Hawthorne's racino has been plagued by setbacks. “We came in here last year with the hope of announcing our project,” Tim Carey, Hawthorne's president and general manager, said on Thursday. “We had an internal issue to Hawthorne that we weren't able to overcome with our investor. We unfortunately had to go back out to the [financing] market. “We have done that,” Carey said. “We're committed to doing this project. We're in a very, very good position. Again, this year, we anticipate that we will be able to make an announcement sometime in the fourth quarter in terms of where we are in the project. We anticipate that if we announce [details about racino construction] in the fourth quarter [of 2025], we would be open by the fourth quarter of 2027.” Executives with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA), which represents horsemen at Hawthorne, stressed to IRB commissioners that the racino can't come fast enough. “In 2022 at Hawthorne, we raced for $14 million on the Thoroughbred side,” said David McCaffrey, the ITHA's executive director, noting that Hawthorne currently has a horse population of about 650. “In 2023 we raced for $13 million. In 2024 we raced for $11.5 million. This year, the meet's not over, but if we stay on the same clip, and there's not any reason to suggest that we won't, we'll have raced for $9 million. So we're already almost $2.5 million lower than we were last year.” McCaffrey continued: “There is a readily available, legal, proven, dramatically effective antidote to our problems. It's a racino. And Tim acknowledges it. It has to be done. There has to be a deal that gets the casino built, or we're going to disappear.” Added ITHA president Chris Block, “This upcoming year is absolutely pivotal. The term 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' is pretty rampant on our backstretch. Guys are really struggling to pay the bills. Owners are really struggling to stay in the game. “I told this to Tim,” Block said. “I just hope there's an industry left here to save. We don't have any [Chicago-area track] left to tie ourselves to. It's Hawthorne, and it's the Carey family. I told Tim I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to hope that he can see it through. But it's got to come really quick here, because the balance [of survival] is falling way on the other side.” At Fairmount, the outlook is slightly healthier, according to Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president Jim Watkins, who represents horsemen there. “We're not on life support. We're in the ICU. We're still growing,” Watkins said. But, Watkins added, “Our ecosystem is still quite fragile.” Vince Gabbert, the general manager at Fairmount Park, said that with regard to the compromises made to the overall state racing schedule, “There's things that we're giving up on our end, knowing that everybody's got a little pain in this as we work through this and try to solve some of the problems.” The post Will Illinois Still Awaiting Racinos Legalized In ’19, Hawthorne And Fairmount Opt For Status-Quo Schedules In ’26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Joe Bravo, sidelined by a broken finger for about three months, resumes riding Sept. 19 at Gulfstream Park. Bravo is named on Fausto Gutierrez-trained 3-year-old colt Rashid in the seventh race. View the full article

Michael Kent Jr. believes the stars are aligning for a mare "you'd want to go to war with" as Miss Roumbini looks to translate her astonishing consistency into group 1 glory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (G1) at Caulfield Sept. 20.View the full article

Friday, Ayr, post time: 14:33, THE BRITISH EBF STALLIONS HARRY ROSEBERY STAKES-Listed, £35,500, 2yo, 5fT Field: Boston Dan (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Chairmanfourtimes (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Rikki Tiki Tavi (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Daneh Of Dandy (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Hanney Girl (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Lebron Power (GB) (Starman {GB}), Our Cody (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Pearl Fortune (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Shine On Me (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Spicy Marg (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Temple Of Athena (GB) (Magna Grecia {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Never a factor in the Nunthorpe, Spicy Marg still holds considerable street cred having previously upstaged King Power's flying filly Revival Power in Goodwood's Alice Keppel. Third in the G3 Prix d'Arenberg last time, Shine On Me is one of the highest-rated maidens in training and surely warrants one of these. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 15:15, THE DUBAI DUTY FREE MILL REEF STAKES (IN HONOUR OF GEOFF LEWIS)-G2, £130,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Flying Comet (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Gold Queen Kindly (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Into The Sky (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Rock On Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Rydale Frosty (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sands Of Spain (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Watcha Snoop (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Words Of Truth (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Newbury has a tendency, for whatever reason, to play host to wide-margin winners who don't always back up their performances elsewhere so all eyes are on Into The Sky who encouraged investment from Doreen Tabor following his 7 1/2-length debut in Berkshire. Godolphin's Words Of Truth comes off professional wins at Ascot and Newmarket, with Watcha Snoop in second on the latter occasion before his own breakthrough at Ascot. Rock On Thunder is the form pick, having run second in the Gimcrack and his trainer rates him highly so this could be a simple case of experience and class telling. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 13:30, THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WORLD TROPHY-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 5f 34yT Field: Rumstar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Grand Grey (Ire) (Havana Grey {GB}), Kerdos (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Rage Of Bamby (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Shagraan (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Balmoral Lady (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Habooba (Nyquist), First Instinct (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Queen All Star (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). TDN Analysis: This sees the belated seasonal bow of last year's Haydock Sprint Cup hero Montassib and everything points to this being a sharpener ahead of bigger autumn targets. Five-furlong specialist Rumstar bids for a third Group 3 of the campaign and while he has a penalty for his recent exploits, he defied that at Sandown in July and this is distinctly winnable. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ayr, post time: 15:00, THE LADBROKES 'GET REWARDED WITH LADBUCKS' FIRTH OF CLYDE STAKES-G3, £65,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Anaisa (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}), Catching The Moon (Ire) (No Nay Never), Come On Eibhlin (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}), Coming Attraction (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Dandana (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Figjam (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), India Love (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Isle Of Fernandez (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Lam Yai (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Lightning Polka (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Mood Queen (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Rogue Attraction (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Solana Rose (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Wateen (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}). TDN Analysis: The Royal runner Lightning Polka was impressive on debut at Haydock and is bred to be Group-class, as is Coming Attraction whose dam Clem Fandango had her finest hour at this track. The Henrys and the Richard Fahey stable combine with another potential luminary in Catching The Moon, who was impressive at Beverley last month, while the established blue-collar Pattern-race performer Argentine Tango and Lowther fourth Dandana bring the smart summer form into the picture. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Gowran, post time: 14:52, DENNY CORDELL LAVARACK & LANWADES STUD FILLIES'STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 9f 100yT Field: Fleur De Chine (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Lady Lunette (Ire) (Buratino {Ire}), Lemsairbat (Fr) (Bated Breath {GB}), Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Thalara (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Zora (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}), And So To Bed (IRe) (Kodiac {GB}), Deressa (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}), Easy Mover (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Faiyum (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Offshore Bay (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), She's A Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Sweet Chariot (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: Juddmonte's unexposed Faiyum looks an even brighter prospect after her G3 Jannah Rose Stakes conqueror Barnavara ran away with the Blandford on Sunday and this looks a nice opportunity. The Listed Ruby Stakes winner Thalara and last year's Irish Oaks third Purple Lily come into this with contrasting profiles this term, with a visor employed on the latter. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 13:58, PRIX ECLIPSE – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G3, €73,200, 2yo, 6fT Field: Ulymine (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Samangan (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Graft (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), No Remorse (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Wor Faayth (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Daisy Daisy (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Ceramic (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Royal Bay Cen (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: British contender Wor Faayth, who annexed July's Listed Criterium du Bequet at Bordeaux, was not disgraced when eighth in York's G2 Lowther Stakes last month and sets the standard here. Ulymine ran sixth in the former contest and has since posted a clear-cut win at Deauville. Other threats include G2 Prix du Calvados fourth Ceramic, G3 Prix Six Perfections fourth Royal Bay Cen and stakes-winning G3 Prix d'Arenberg fourth Graft. Peter Player's Daisy Daisy stepped from a claiming score to snag a Deauville conditions heat in August, while Samangan finished two lengths ahead of No Remorse when the pair met at on the Normandy coast last month. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 15:50, PRIX DES CHENES – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G3, €73,200, 2yo, c/g, 8fT Field: Synaran (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Ikotofetsy (Fr) (Threat {Ire}), Segall (Ire) (Sottsass {Fr}), Oceans Four (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Rochfortbridge (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Canalejas (Fr) (Armor {GB}), Elastic (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Andre Fabre nominee Segall rocks up for this black-type debut returning off a TDN Rising Star display, four lengths ahead of the reopposing subsequent winner Synaran, at Saint-Cloud in early June and will attempt to extend the maestro's record haul in the contest to 11. However, this is no straightforward task and his opposition includes G3 Solario Stakes demotee Oceans Four, who will bid to become a rare overseas winner here, and July's Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et des Jouvencelles third Canalejas. Christophe Ferland trainee Elastic is match-fit coming back off a decisive win at Saint-Cloud earlier in the month and should not be overlooked, while Ikotofetsy and Rochfortbridge both ran fourth in Group 3 heats when last seen. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 17:00, PRIX BERTRAND DE TARRAGON – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, f/m, 9fT Field: Zabeel Light (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Iradie (Fr) (Sommerabend {GB}), Waldora (Fr) (Waldgeist {GB}), Riyabovka (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Royal Dress (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Mme Jourdain (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Euboa (Fr) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Zuna (Fr) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Al Uqda (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), American Gal (GB) (Kameko), Mqse Des Nymphes (GB) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Relaxx (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Place Fontenoy (Fr) (War Command. TDN Analysis: Godolphin's Ilda Rosa was a neck shy of leading German distaffer Santagada when second in July's G3 Hamburger Stuten Meile and, last seen running third in La Teste's Listed Prix Occitanie, is due an upturn in fortune after four placings at black-type level this term. May's G2 German 1000 Guineas third Place Fontenoy ran second in the latter contest, while other leading contenders in this open renewal include the dual Group 3-placed Relaxx, Listed Prix de la Cochere runner-up Zabeel Light, G3 Prix Allez France third Euboa and Listed Prix Zarkava victrix Zuna. The British raiding party consists of G1 Prix de Diane seventh American Gal and G1 Prix Jean Romanet eighth Royal Dress. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Juveniles Out In Force Across Friday and Saturday Contests appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Brendan Walsh highlights his contenders in Parx Racing's $1 million races Sept. 20: Gosger and David of Athens in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and Clicquot in the Cotillion Stakes (G1).View the full article

Stone Farm and Upland Flats Racing's Swore battles back along the inside to prevail in the $150,000 Lonesome Glory Handicap (NSA-G1), a 2 1/2-mile steeplechase for older horses during the Belmont at the Big A meet. View the full article

2023 GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day) will target the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. confirmed Thursday. The now 6-year-old, who started the year with a win in the GI Pegasus World Cup, has returned to Gulfstream Park from Saratoga, where he is scheduled to breeze next week for the first time since finishing fourth in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Aug. 31. “Obviously, things didn't go the way we wanted in the Jockey Club. We're going to regroup in the Mile,” Joseph told Gulfstream media. “The Mile is probably going to come up the lesser spot. He's already won the Classic. If we can add the Mile to his resume, that would be a good addition. Right now, I think he'll train up to the Mile” The Jockey Club Gold Cup, which wound up a disastrous trip for several contenders after 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) unseated jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. shortly after the break, was White Abarrio's third consecutive fourth place finish. He was also off the board in both the GI Whitney Stakes and the GI Metropolitan Handicap both at Saratoga. The post White Abarrio To Train Up To The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin One of the men closest to pacing excitement machine Merlin finds himself going head to head with harness racing’s biggest modern trend in the IRT Spring Cup at Alexandra Park tonight (9.16pm). Because co-trainer Scott Phelan says the millionaire stallion is the horse to beat in the 2200m dash even though he is off a 20m handicap, the sort of disadvantage that has become a curse for punters in recent years. As the pacing breed has gotten quicker it has been increasingly rare for horses to win top class races off handicaps, which is a double edged sword. First a handicap means a horse is likely to settle back and few major races have leaders dawdling around these days so if the backmarkers want to move they burn enormous energy, usually three wide. But, as may be the case with Merlin tonight, if they sit back and try and divebomb their rivals they often run amazing sectionals but still get beaten because any horse in Merlin race tonight could pace their last 800m in 55 seconds against the marker pegs. All that doesn’t mean winning off handicaps is impossible these days and backmarkers can be aided by smaller fields and staggered handicaps, meaning they aren’t giving every horse a big start. And of course the longer the race the more time backmarkers have to make up their disadvantage or be towed into the race. Merlin gets none of those advantages tonight though as he is off 20m by himself over just 2200m with nine highly talented rivals in front of him. Yet he is the hot TAB favourite and the top pick for Phelan of the six he and training partner Barry Purdon have in the race. “I still think he is the one to beat,” says Phelan. “I know the handicap isn’t easy but that could change quickly at the start. “There are a few inexperienced standing start horses in here and if he [Merlin] begins quickly and there are two or three gallopers or horses who are slow then he could be sixth or something like that after 400m. “Then he would deserve to be favourite but either way we know he is the best horse in the race.” That race configuration will be crucial as put Merlin three back on the outer starting the last 800m and he may well justify his favouritism, especially as few of those in front of him have actually won a major open class race. “He is ready to go and has had two trials. He looks quite tight and while, being first-up, he will probably be driven to outsprint them I think he can.” The stable also has Spring Cup defending champion Sooner The Bettor in tonight and he tends to step and run and looks the thorn in Merlin’s side even though the score card between the pair is very lopsided. “We also have Cold Chisel coming back which is great but you’d think he would improve with a few more starts and while Jeremiah and Better Knuckle Up are both going great they don’t have as much standing start experience as the big two. “Duchess Megxit has come up well but is heading down south for a mares race next week so I think she will be driven for speed as well.” Cambridge trainer Arna Donnelly has three really promising horses in the race and it wouldn’t surprise to see one of Little Spike, The Surfer or Jolimont get into the top three but the question for most punters will be: should I back Merlin? And if not, who else? Sooner The Bettor makes the most sense as he has been there and done that and Phelan says he can go much better than he did winning last start when he got a touch too relaxed in front. Tonight’s meeting also sees the $110,000 Caduceus Club Fillies Final in which impressive Canterbury juvenile Lizzie Borden comes north to take on rivals like Shezsofast and Alecto who have been sharing the honours in the lead up races. Lizzie Borden’s stablemate Fugitive (R7, No.3) looks the one to beat on the boy’s Woodlands Sires’ Stakes. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Ben Hope admits he knows a lot more about one of his three-year-old trotters than the other one heading to Addington tonight. But he still thinks they can both win. Hope and father Greg train Habibti Pat (R6, No.7) who resumes in the $60,000 Macca Lodge NZ Sires’ Stakes Classique for the trotting girls tonight while a few races later former northerner Ya Eejit Ya (R9, No.1) makes its stable debut against the older horses. “He has come down from Sean McCaffrey’s and feels like a really nice young horse,” says Hope of Ya Eejit Ya. “He seems to have a good record from a mobile and I think he would have to go close as he might have too much speed for many of these if he gets a nice sit.” Habibti Pat was our best juvenile trotting filly last season but had little luck on a northern campaign in the autumn, albeit she finished third to Meant To Be in the Northern Trotting Derby. Hope says she has prepped well for her return tonight and he still has total confidence in her. “But much went right for her up north but she still went some brave races. “She has trialled well this time in. Blair [Orange, driver] was happy with her last trial so we think she is ready to go.” While the Hopes don’t give Orange too many instructions, Ben says he thinks Habibti Pat is ready to be driven with some confidence tonight. “I still think she is the best filly in the country. “Ya Rite Darl has a better draw than us and will be fitter after her last start so we might have to sit parked outside her if she leads. “But I still think our filly is the one to beat.” While the Hope trotters will carry plenty of support tonight the highlight of the meeting is a red hot juvenile race which sees Jumal (R8, No.8) try to remain unbeaten against the likes of Special Occasion and Zeus Lightning. They are anything but the only three winning chances in the Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes heat but Jumal opened odds-on with the TAB even from the outside of the front line. With so much talent inside him it wouldn’t surprise to see him have to driven slighty more conservatively inside the first 800m than when he blasted to the lead last start. One thing is for sure: we will know a lot more abut the juvenile boys pacing rankings by 8.30pm tonight. Add in to strong handicap pacing feature that sees Rubira up against Rakero Rocket, Arthur Selby, Hadron Collider and American Me and tonight’s meeting will have some major effects on feature race futures markets for the months to come. View the full article

Invincible Spirit's Marvelman has been sold to Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the organisation's Charlie Bond revealed. The 3-year-old G2 Park Stakes hero is likely to be supplemented to the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on British Champions Day, October 18 at a cost of £70,000. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt was winning his first stakes race at Doncaster last weekend and was previously owned by Mr and Mrs Rex Gorell. Bred by Gigginstown House Stud, Marvelman sold for 140,000gns out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale to Balding from the Lynn Lodge Stud draft. Bond said, “We've been following the form, I was at Doncaster on Saturday and when I saw him win as well as he did he stood out. If everything goes well in the lead-up to Ascot he'll be supplemented for the QEII. I've obviously had a word with Andrew and he's keen to step him up to the mile for one more run this season. “He looks more of a four-year-old, but Andrew said he really started to come to himself before his last race and after winning like that, why not? If the ground conditions come up the same he'll love it, so if Andrew is happy to go for it I'm quite happy to play the supplementary fee (£70,000).” Bond also had an update on multiple group winner Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett), who was a June purchase. Second in the G1 Prix Jean Prat, the 3-year-old colt was third in the G1 City Of York Stakes and is aiming for the G1 Prix de la Foret at the beginning of October. “The Foret has been his target since York. Christopher [Head] wanted to run him there, even though it looks like he's probably going to get a mile next year,” Bond added. “We're really looking forward to seeing him run on home turf and touch wood his prep work at the moment is going well. “I think he's quite versatile ground-wise. It was obviously quite quick ground at York compared to what he'd been running on and he was coming back at them at the line. Soft ground won't inconvenience him.” The post Marvelman Sold To Bond Thoroughbred, Likely To Be Supplemented To QEII appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Given “a new lease on life” after undergoing kidney transplant surgery three months ago, Ken Ramsey was looking for a way to say thank you to Dr. Sandip Kapur. “This is the premier doctor in New York and he's got all kinds of accolades, but he's never had a horse named after him,” the longtime owner/breeder said of Dr. Kapur, Chief of Transplant Surgery and Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Programs at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “So I said, 'I've got six 2-year-olds that I bred and I'm gonna name the very best one after you.'” A son of Gainesway sophomore sire McKinzie out of Ramsey's stakes-winning and graded-placed homebred Ava's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), the “very best one” was named Dr. Kapur. McKinzie is already the sire of six stakes winners, led by GISWs 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick and Scottish Lassie. Ava's Kitten made all 13 of her career starts on grass and her full-brother Real Solution carried Ramsey's famed red-and-white silks to wins in two of the top grass stakes in the country, the GI Arlington Million and GI Manhattan S. Ken Ramsey heads to the winner's circle | Annette Jasko Ramsey, of course, also bred and raced Dr. Kapur's broodmare sire, the aforementioned late champion grass horse and perennial leading sire Kitten's Joy. “My only fear was that this horse could possibly be a turf horse,” Ramsey said. After posting his 11th workout at Gulfstream Park July 27, the four-legged Dr. Kapur was nearing a debut for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. Just maybe not where Ramsey had in mind. “I didn't want to run him down there in Florida, I wanted to bring him to Saratoga to see what I got,” Ramsey said. “If you're gonna be the best, you've got to beat the best. If he's Derby material, I want to know.” Now stabled at the Spa, Dr. Kapur posted two more breezes, including a sharp, four-furlong move from the gate in :47.60 (4/106) Aug. 17. Joseph gave Ramsey four different options to pick from for Dr. Kapur's debut. Which one will it be Mr. Ramsey? “Hell, I want to run him on Travers Day against the best,” he said. Off at odds of 5-1 going six furlongs in the always loaded maiden special weight on the Travers undercard Aug. 23, the blinkered Dr. Kapur was sent to the front by jockey Luis Saez and immediately shadowed by 'TDN Rising Star' Big Dom (McKinzie) through an opening quarter in :22.64. Dr. Kapur enjoyed a narrow advantage as they straightened for home, dug down bravely when met by Big Dom in deep stretch and just came up a neck short in a race that didn't deserve a loser. It was another 3 1/4 lengths back to favored Vino Vici (Vino Rosso) in third, the only horse in the field of eight with a prior race under his belt. The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.47. Both Big Dom and Dr. Kapur received matching 84 Beyer Speed Figures. Big Dom wins at first asking in R6 at Saratoga for trainer @tomamossracing with @jose93_ortiz aboard! ?? pic.twitter.com/0jG4OLtxhL — TwinSpires Racing ?? (@TwinSpires) August 23, 2025 “We jump out of the gate on top and lead every step of the way except the last two steps,” Ramsey said. “What really impressed me, Big Dom hooked him at the sixteenth pole and they went head to head and nose to nose right up to the finish line and the 'TDN Rising Star' only beat us by a neck. That's why we ran on Travers Day. Everybody saves them for that day.” Ramsey added, “You run that good on Travers Day means that I've got a pretty good horse.” Dr. Kapur returned to the worktab Thursday with a three-furlong breeze in :37.07 (2/5) over the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga. He is targeting a seven-furlong maiden special weight at Keeneland Oct. 16 with a long-term eye on the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 29. Dr. Kapur (inside) finishes a game second behind 'Rising Star' Big Dom on debut at Saratoga Aug. 23 | Sarah Andrew “This one is special,” Ramsey said. “I want to develop him slowly and give him plenty of time between races. With those two races, we'll find out how good he is on the dirt.” Ramsey is winless from seven previous starters in the Kentucky Derby. His best finish came with Ten Cents a Shine, eighth behind Funny Cide in 2003. “I'll be 90 on the third day of November. My doctor says that I have the kidney of a teenager and that it's possible that I can live to be 100,” Ramsey concluded. “I'm very excited. I just hope this could be the one. Wouldn't it be a nice story if me and Dr. Kapur showed up at the Derby?” Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers S. winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). The post Second Chances: With a New Lease on Life, Ramsey Dreaming Big With Dr. Kapur – ‘If He’s Derby Material, I Want to Know’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article