Wandering Eyes

Group 1 performer Chase will resume in Saturday’s Wanganui-Taranaki Racehorse Owners Association Open 1600 at Wanganui. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Stakes tests are in the offing for Rangiotu galloper Chase if he performs up to expectations in the Wanganui-Taranaki Racehorse Owners Association Open 1600 at Wanganui on Saturday. The Group 1 performer will be fresh-up after finishing unplaced in the Group 3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m) at Trentham in January, and trainer Stephen Nickalls has been pleased with his progress leading up the weekend. “Chase is really well, we went to the Levin jump-outs yesterday (Tuesday) just to have a good hit-out, he ran third and did everything right, so I am really pleased with where he is at,” Nickalls said. “Hopefully a bit of aqua turns up, like it is forecast, and that will certainly help his chances. Those 6, 7, 8 tracks he will love fresh-up.” Nickalls is looking forward to getting a gauge on his gelding this weekend against a quality line-up, with his performance dictating his autumn path. “It is a very good field for Saturday, there are some nice horses in there. We will certainly get an indication of where we are at,” he said. “There are a couple of Listed miles – the ANZAC Mile and Rangitikei Gold Cup. He is a hard horse to place now, he is rating 90, so he gets high up in the weights, which helps in one aspect as we can get Jonathan (Riddell) to ride him. “He is right up at the top of the handicap in a lot of his races, but on Saturday he is good because Mr Myers has got Aljay in there, so that pushes his weight down a bit. He will tell us how well he has come up after Saturday and we will press along those lines.” Earlier on the card, Nickalls will line-up Dark And Dusty in the Wanganui Insurance Brokers Maiden 1600, where he will benefit from apprentice jockey Amber Riddell’s three-kilogram claim. “He is a really nice horse,” Nickalls said. “He is probably six to 12 months away, he’s just a bit immature physically and in his brain every now and again, he is one of the spookiest horses I have got. “He has drawn well in four so hopefully Amber can use that and the three kilos off will really help him. “He went well for her at Waverley the other day. He is really happy and a little bit of luck will certainly help him.” Horse racing news View the full article

What 2025 Doncaster Mile Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, NSW When Saturday, April 5, 2025 Prizemoney $4,000,000 Distance 1600m Conditions Group 1, Handicap 2024 winner Celestial Legend (4) | T: Les Bridge | J: Tyler Schiller (49kg) Visit Dabble The time-honoured Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) headlines the action for Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a capacity field of 20 set to line-up in one of Australia’s iconic 1600m handicaps. Three-year-olds have a terrific record in the $4 million feature, with Celestial Legend (2024) and Brutal (2019) claiming the event in recent years, and it appears to be a similar story heading into this year’s edition as Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) winner Linebacker looks poised to start favourite on Saturday. He gets in on the minimum 49kg taking on the older horses for the first time. Will it be enough to claim back-to-back wins? Or is there an upset brewing in the 2025 Doncaster Mile? 2025 Doncaster Mile odds Linebacker holds the call at $6 with in what shapes up to be a wide-open edition of the Doncaster Mile. Horse racing bookmakers are allowing punters to decide the flow of the market, with Gringotts and Tom Kitten sharing the second line of betting at $7 apiece with . Another Wil ($8) makes the trip north to Sydney and is rock solid in betting, while Swiftfalcon is the big firmer, going from $11 into $9 with ; however, he requires two scratchings to gain entry in the final field. The Chris Waller-trained Firestorm ($10) heads the chances at double-figure odds, while the likes of Moira ($15) and Royal Patronage ($15) are yet to budge in the market. 2025 Doncaster Mile speed map There should be a genuine tempo in this year’s edition of the Doncaster Mile, with Royal Patronage likely to storm across to the top from barrier 19. Rise At Dawn (2) appears the other likely leader, however, he needs one scratching to make the final field as Karis Teetan makes the trip over from Hong Kong. Just Folk made every post a winner in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude on Tuesday, and you’d imagine similar tactics would be employed from gate 10. Gringotts (6) was handy when winning the Group 1 George Ryder (1500m) and maps to slot into the one-one under Tommy Berry, while Tom Kitten (1), Stefi Magnetica (5) and Encap (3) appear likely to sit in the top-half of the field. Meanwhile, the map doesn’t look kind for the likes of Another Wil (18), Moira (21) and Geoglyph (24), with the trio likely to go back in search of cover from their respective draws. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Doncaster Mile. Doncaster Mile 2025 preview & form In a race littered with chances, it’s worth splitting your stake in the 2025 Doncaster Mile; however, it’s the Group 1 All Star Mile (1600m) winner Tom Kitten that gets the verdict. It’s a proven recipe for success, with two-time Doncaster winner Mr Brightside doing the double in 2023. His run in an on-speed dominated edition of the George Ryder Stakes should have him set to peak fourth-up into the preparation, and although Ben Melham will need to get off the rail at a crucial stage after drawing barrier one, the $7 about Tom Kitten is a fair price provided the breaks fall his way. Swiftfalcon was every bit as good as Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas and showed plenty of toughness stepping out to the 2000m in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. The mile appears to be his best trip, and with just 49kg on his back, Swiftfalcon must be considered a major player provided he gets a start. Moira is clearly the best of the internationals lining up on Saturday. She did it tough three-wide no cover when claiming the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup F&M Turf (2213m) before her arrival, and with star hoop Zac Purton in the saddle, she’s the one at the wrong price provided she can overcome the awkward draw (21). Replace the stake on Swiftfalcon with Firestorm if he doesn’t make the field. She’s flying heading into this third-up after savaging the line behind Lady Shenandoah in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m), and is a must include in all exotics regardless. Doncaster Mile 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 3 TOM KITTEN 22 SWIFTFALCON 10 MOIRA 19 FIRESTORM $100 betting strategy $50 Win Tom Kitten (#3) @ +600 with $30 Win Swiftfalcon (#22) @ +800 with $20 Win Moira (#10) @ +1400 with Doncaster Mile 2025 final field 1. Another Wil (18) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ms Jamie Melham W: 56.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Arohanui +700 +175 2. Gringotts (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tommy Berry W: 55.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Per Incanto (USA) Dam: Miss Bluebell (NZ) +700 +175 3. Tom Kitten (1) T: James Cummings J: Ben Melham W: 55.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Transfers +500 +125 4. Geoglyph (24) T: Tetsuya Kimura J: Damian Lane W: 55kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Horse Sire: Drefong (USA) Dam: Aromatico (JPN) +2000 +500 5. Pericles (16) T: James Cummings J: Blake Shinn W: 55kg Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +5000 +1250 6. Militarize (7) T: Chris Waller J: Chad Schofield W: 55kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Amerindia (GB) +5000 +1250 7. Royal Patronage (19) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 54.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Shaloushka (IRE) +1400 +350 8. Stefi Magnetica (5) T: Bjorn Baker J: Jason Collett W: 54.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: All Too Hard Dam: Mid Summer Music +1600 +400 9. Anisette (20) T: Chris Waller J: Michael Dee W: 54kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Awtaad (IRE) Dam: Tutti Frutti (GB) +5000 +1250 10. Moira (21) T: Chris Waller J: Zac Purton W: 54kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Ghostzapper (USA) Dam: Devine Aida (USA) +1400 +350 11. Just Folk (10) T: Gavin Bedggood J: W: 54.5kg Age: 8YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Magnus Dam: Fast Ruby +2500 +625 12. Celestial Legend (11) T: Les Bridge J: Regan Bayliss W: 54kg Age: 4YO Colour: Grey-Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Sarraqa +5000 +1250 13. Kovalica (17) T: Chris Waller J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 53.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) +2500 +625 14. Port Lockroy (13) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Craig Williams W: 53.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Horse Sire: Better Than Ready Dam: Freezethemillions +2500 +625 15. Al Mubhir (4) T: William Haggas J: Andrea Atzeni W: 53kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Frankel (GB) Dam: Muffri’ha (IRE) +2000 +500 16. New Energy (22) T: Ciaron Maher J: Dylan Gibbons W: 52.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: New Bay (GB) Dam: For Joy (GB) +10000 +2500 17. Iowna Merc (15) T: Bjorn Baker J: Ashley Morgan W: 52kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Winning Rupert Dam: Mercedes +5000 +1250 18. Encap (3) T: Gary Portelli J: Reece Jones W: 51kg Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Capitalist Dam: Enquare +2500 +625 19. Firestorm (8) T: Chris Waller J: Jay Ford W: 50kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Satono Aladdin (JPN) Dam: Dancing Embers (NZ) +1200 +300 20. Linebacker (14) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Zac Lloyd W: 49kg Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Super Seth Dam: Garden of Swans (GB) +500 +125 21. Rise At Dawn (2) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Karis Teetan W: 51kg Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Kay’s Awake (NZ) +5000 +1250 22. Swiftfalcon (12) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 49kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Exceedance Dam: Tempting Delight +800 +200 23. Sandpaper (23) T: Bjorn Baker J: — W: 50kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Snitzel Dam: Smooth +10000 +2500 24. Ducasse (9) T: Michael Freedman J: — W: 50kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Trapeze Artist Dam: Custard +5000 +1250 Horse racing tips View the full article

World record-setter Cogburn (Not This Time), who is currently standing his first season at WinStar Farm in the U.S., will reportedly shuttle during the Southern Hemisphere season to Widden Stud in New South Wales, according to an email from the Australian farm. Cogburn stands for $30,000 at WinStar and will fetch $27,500 in Australia. Billed as “the fastest horse in the world,” Cogburn blazed 5 1/2 furlongs in :59.80, setting a world record for the distance, while winning the GI Jaipur Stakes at Saratoga last summer. The 6-year-old won an additional three graded stakes, earned Beyer Speed Figures up to 114, and retired last fall with nine victories from 16 starts and earnings of $2,422,630. The post WinStar’s Cogburn to Shuttle to Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Senate committee advanced Florida's controversial decoupling bill at a Tuesday hearing after amending the legislation so that the effective date for removing the live racing requirement for Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to operate their respective casino and card room would be seven years instead of the five years that appears in the amended companion House bill. After absorbing more than two hours of testimony–almost all of it from Thoroughbred trainers, owners, breeders, sales company officials, veterinarians and other industry workers speaking out against the bill–Senator Jennifer Bradley (R), who chairs the Committee on Regulated Industries, pre-empted what she seemed to know would be the bill's inevitable approval by the eight-member committee by declaring it a “tough issue” and promising industry stakeholders that the legislative dialogue about decoupling is far from over. “I think what you have on this committee are a group of senators who are committed to your future,” Bradley said. “We don't know what that future looks like right now, but we are committed to have those conversations and to see what the future looks like. It is not a reflection of how incredibly valuable horsing is to the state and racing. This is the start of the conversation, and I can assure you that the senators up here will make sure that that conversation happens. “The Senate bill looks very different than the House bill,” Bradley said. “And it gives a seven-year glide path. It doesn't upend agreements, revenue shares. It says if you want to decouple, it will happen in seven years and we are going to have time to have that conversation. It needs to happen now because that uncertainty acts as a cloud on everyone in this room. And we need to have that conversation. We need to make that bargain. “Two years ago everyone else [in Florida in the gaming sector] was decoupled,” Bradley said. “But not [Thoroughbred racing]. And there is an unfairness in that. There is a sense that the future does not look like the way it is as we sit here today. Things are changing. They're going to change. Let's find a better future with a better balance that is going to let the horse industry thrive. There is no one here that is just wanting to throw it to the side and say, 'If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.' I promise you, this Legislature and the Senate recognizes the value [of] this industry.” A busload of Thoroughbred industry supporters had traveled from Ocala to Tallahassee to attend the Apr. 1 hearing, and although some stakeholders waived their right to publicly speak after having it read into the record that they opposed the bill, those who did step up to the podium outnumbered supporters by 30 to 1. Many of the Thoroughbred constituents came prepared with long, written-out speeches or talking points, but the sheer volume of people signing up to publicly comment on the issue meant that Senator Bradley had to curtail their speaking time to 90 seconds each. Thus, some speakers who couldn't adhere to that time constraint were asked to stand down before they had built up to their main points. Those who did testify spoke of their love for horses, the trickle-down effects of the Thoroughbred industry on other sectors, and Florida's importance as an anchor point for the entire national racing landscape. The bill has the backing and was launched at the impetus of Gulfstream's corporate owner, The Stronach Group (TSG). Several speakers in opposition took direct aim at that entity. “They leveraged our industry to gain entry [into gaming], and now that they've benefitted, they want to cast us aside,” testified David O'Farrell, who serves as the third-generation general manager of his family's Ocala Stud. “Basic business sense tells us we have to grow supply and demand,” testified trainer Jena Antonucci. “If we are shrinking our racing demand, it makes it virtually impossible to grow our supply side. The consideration of an asset strip of a Canadian company, which is what [TSG] is, does not allow us to build on the foundation of free market on the racing side, on the breeding side, on the farm side.” Trainer Mark Casse testified that, “Considering the livelihoods of 30,000 hard-working individuals in Florida rural communities, [the bill] would provide a death blow to the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries in one full sweep.” Jeff Johnston, whose lobbying firm represents Gulfstream, testified in favor of the bill. “The Florida breeders have a racing permit that they have protected for 20 years. My question is, why aren't they racing?” Johnston asked rhetorically. “Out of our slots, we subsidize the industry to the tune of about $6 million [annually]. The other thing that wasn't mentioned is that this [legislative] body gave this industry a state subsidy two years ago.” Senator Jason Pizzo (D), the committee's vice-chair, prefaced his remarks prior to the vote by stating that he respected those who testified against the bill, describing the Thoroughbred constituents as “salt of the earth, working with a pick and shovel, but also incredibly intelligent” people who are just “trying to get a piece of the American dream.” But, Pizzo continued, “the problem is, when you talk about supply and demand, when you talk about growth [but] you do so on a subsidy, that's not sustainable. That's not. When you talk about, 'We need this, we need this, we need this, but oh, a few years ago, we did the same thing', that's not genuine.” Pizzo continued: “This is the only, and I've searched long and far, the only completely government-subsidized [as a pass-through from a private enterprise] industry in Florida–the only one.” Pizzo said he was sympathetic to those who testified that they felt blindsided by the bill's introduction earlier this winter, but he opined that it shouldn't have been difficult for the Thoroughbred stakeholders to see decoupling coming. “I'm sorry you found out a few weeks ago. I've been meeting with horse breeders the last few years,” Pizzo said. “Hallandale Beach is my district. Gulfstream is in my district. You know what I've been pushing for? Get rid of the slot machines. Hand them back. “I want you to build affordable housing. I want you to build some commercial spaces. You know what Gulfstream Park has done? And honestly, I know they're foreign or whatever. You know what they've done? They provided land to the cities of Aventura for schools and for housing. I would like there to be more housing. It's not even close to being the highest and best use [of that land] for being a racetrack. I would like on that supply and demand side for there to be housing.” Pizzo continued: “And let me tell you what the worst-case scenario is here, folks, for all you people who put your blood, sweat and tears into animals, and to your family and to the community. The worst thing is when you do have a wealthy owner of an operation [who] to prove a point says, 'Take [back] the slot machines.' And guess what? There is no more casino if that's your argument. And there is no more industry.” Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R), struck a more empathetic tone in explaining his vote. “I struggle with this whole issue mostly because I live relatively close to Ocala. I understand what the horse industry is to the state of Florida in terms of economic impact. I also understand that that industry was built upon a promise. And the promise has been used as a political football for as long as I've been in the legislature, and probably before that,” Ingoglia said. “I am not for the decoupling, and it seems that I may be alone [among committee members] on this. And the reason is because I don't think it's right that we should have second-, third-, fourth-generation horsemen that have built their whole existence on a promise that the government can then take away,” Ingoglia said. “What I see in the middle of this state in horse country [is] how hard everyone works. And I think the people in this room who've testified against this bill would agree with me in that not only is it like a way of life, it's also like a religion. It's a godly experience to be out in horse country,” Ingoglia said. “I am a no [vote] today. But I hope that this conversation that we're having today [allows] everyone to get in a room and try to figure out a grand bargain where we can have a win-win-win situation. What I'm seeing right now is that not everyone is winning, and I just cannot support it,” Ingoglia said. The Senate bill heads next to the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, and then to the Rules Committee. Florida's legislative session is expected to end May 2. The post Florida Senate Committee Advances Controversial Decoupling Bill but Amends Time Frame to Seven Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An amended Florida Senate bill 408 passed the state's Regulated Industries Committee April 1 despite nearly two hours of testimony from those opposed to the legislation that would decouple Thoroughbred racing from gaming in the state. View the full article

The aftercare rehabilitation and retraining organization Second Stride will hold “Champions Night” at Louisville's Valhalla Golf Club Monday, Apr. 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The evening will feature a Derby/Oaks handicapping panel, a silent auction, a Derby contenders halter pull, and appearances by Triple Crown-winning jockeys, as well as Kentucky-inspired food and beverage, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a dessert bar. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets for Second Stride's biggest fundraiser of the year, click here. The post Second Stride to Host ‘Champions Night’ Apr. 28 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Willydoit will contest Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick.. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Shaun and Emma Clotworthy will break new ground in their training careers at Randwick on Saturday, with their first Australian runner coming in the form of the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) second-favourite Willydoit. The Byerley Park couple unveiled the talented son of Tarzino in November and he was immediately stamped as a Derby prospect, a promise fulfilled five starts later when he bolted away with the $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day. Willydoit caught the hearts of the New Zealand public while attracting plenty of overseas attention, with a 50 percent share in the gelding purchased by syndicator MyRacehorse in December. As a part of the deal, he was initially set to join Ciaron Maher’s stable after the New Zealand Derby, but in the best interests of the horse, he remained in the Clotworthys care before travelling to Sydney last Sunday. “He had a bit of a quiet time after the Derby, then we built him up again and he arrived in Australia on Sunday,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “We elected to keep him at home up to the Derby, just to avoid changing climate quickly and you don’t know whether that’s going to work or not. It was a better way of building into this race. “We are based here at Ciaron Maher’s facility in Bong Bong which is outstanding, he loves this sort of environment and he’ll end up here after the Derby. “I’ve just watched him do a piece of work this morning (Wednesday) and I’m very happy with him, he looks good and has travelled over really well.” Willydoit overcame a barrier of 14 at Ellerslie to triumph in the Derby and he has fared better across the Tasman, drawing 10 with two emergencies to his inside. He will continue his association with expat-Kiwi hoop Mick Dee, who will be vying for his first Australian Derby crown. “We’ll leave it up to Mick, but we were quite happy with the draw as he should come into eight,” Clotworthy said. In the final days as co-trainer of the special galloper, Clotworthy reflected fondly on the past couple of months, from the disappointment of a slowly-run Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) to the high of winning at elite-level for the first time. “It’s been a great journey and pressure isn’t a bad thing, it’s there because he’s a good horse,” he said. “It’s nice to train a good horse and especially to do so with Emma, and our son Harrison being involved as well. “It’s been outstanding.” Willydoit is rated a $4 second-elect with horse racing bookmakers in the $2 million showpiece, splitting fellow Kiwi-breds Aeliana ($3.50) and Shanwah ($9). Horse racing news View the full article

Evaporate will contest Saturday’s Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Lindsay Park are hoping for a confidence boosting result this weekend with their talented three-year-old Evaporate in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. The New Zealand-bred son of Per Incanto has shown plenty of ability on the track this season but has been winless since the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at The Valley in September, his fourth consecutive victory before placing in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). He returned to his homeland last month, where he finished runner-up behind Damask Rose in the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), and co-trainer Will Hayes said he has thrived with the trans-Tasman trip. “He coped with the New Zealand trip very well, he came back from the (NZB) Kiwi and I thought it was an incredibly good run,” Hayes told Racing.com. “Mick (Dee, jockey) played all the percentages and it took an absolute masterstroke from Blake Shinn to come up the rail and beat us (aboard Damask Rose). “He has thrived from the travel and he went up there (Sydney) with Rise At Dawn and had a tick over trial on Friday and has come through it very well.” Hayes said the stable had a number of options when selecting his next target but felt the Carbine would hopefully net a confidence-boosting victory for their gelding. “He looks very well placed in the set weights and penalties Carbine on the weekend,” said Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers Ben and JD. “It was the most winnable. We wanted to place him in a race where he could dominate and get back to winning because he has had quite a tough prep, and we just want to see him win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Lindsay Park are hoping for a confidence boosting result this weekend with their talented three-year-old Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. The New Zealand-bred son of Per Incanto has shown plenty of ability on the track this season but has been winless since the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at The Valley in September, his fourth consecutive victory before placing in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). He returned to his homeland last month where he finished runner-up behind Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) in the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), and co-trainer Will Hayes said he has thrived with the trans-Tasman trip. “He coped with the New Zealand trip very well, he came back from the (NZB) Kiwi and I thought it was an incredibly good run,” Hayes told Racing.com. “Mick (Dee, jockey) played all the percentages and it took an absolute masterstroke from Blake Shinn to come up the rail and beat us (aboard Damask Rose). “He has thrived from the travel and he went up there (Sydney) with Rise At Dawn (NZ) (Almanzor) and had a tick over trial on Friday and has come through it very well.” Hayes said the stable had a number of options when selecting his next target but felt the Carbine would hopefully net a confidence-boosting victory for their gelding. “He looks very well placed in the set weights and penalties Carbine on the weekend,” said Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers Ben and JD. “It was the most winnable. We wanted to place him in a race where he could dominate and get back to winning because he has had quite a tough prep, and we just want to see him win.” Stablemate, and fellow Kiwi-bred, Rise At Dawn will also head to Randwick this weekend where he will line-up in the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) where he will carry a featherweight 51kg. The four-year-old son of Almanzor won his fourth consecutive race when victorious first-up in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington in February before returning to the Melbourne track where he was sixth in the Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m). Hayes has been pleased with the way he has come through the run and is excited about his chances carrying a light weight in the Doncaster this weekend. “What he did in the Elmsford first-up was particularly impressive,” he said. “He was obviously up against a quality field in the All-Star Mile and getting in with 51 kilos is pretty exciting. “We sent him up to Sydney a little bit early to have a tick over trial. He came through that last Friday in terrific order and we are thrilled with how he is going. “I think with the 51 kilos he will take a bit of catching if things go our way.” View the full article

Multiple Group One winner Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) made a big impression ahead of a possible Australian feature target at the Ellerslie trials on Tuesday afternoon. The daughter of Iffraaj has only had three raceday appearances this season, and in that time picked up both the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m), accumulating more than $500,000 in prizemoney. Starting favourite in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) in early February, Grail Seeker struck firmer track conditions than she would typically fancy but still finished sixth in a high-class field. Instead of pressing on in that campaign, trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott went back to their proven method with the four-year-old, freshening her up and returning to the trials where she showed every bit of the class that earned her two elite-level crowns this term. In the hands of Masa Hashizume, Grail Seeker settled second-last in the 1100m heat and was never off the bridle, powering past her rivals in the straight to win her 1100m heat by a neck. “We were pleased with her parade, she settled and looked great in her skin and coat,” Scott said. “Masa knows her well and has trialled her in the past, and it was all about how she was going at the line. He got off and said she is going equally as well as she was before the Tarzino, so we’re pleased with that. “She really stretched out nicely in the straight.” A trip to Royal Randwick is now under serious consideration for Grail Seeker, with the A$1.5 million Gr.1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) to be run on the 19th of April. “We’ll see how she comes through the next couple of days, but there is the All Aged Stakes in Sydney, that’s where we are initially looking to go,” Scott said. “We’ve just got to make sure that if we are heading overseas, that she is going as well as she could. We’ll see how she comes through this trial before confirming.” The mare was initially intended to appear at the abandoned Taupo trials last week, but O’Sullivan and Scott found the positives in her adapted schedule. “It was nice to get her around Ellerslie, a lot of her future racing will certainly be around there and she went right-handed well, which she hasn’t got a lot of experience doing,” Scott said. “It was a plus for us to get her more familiar with the track, a lot of the big races are there and the more times she can go around, it certainly is more beneficial to the horse. “It was a good piece of exercise and education for her.” View the full article

During an April 1 meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation's Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund Advisory Committee meeting, a Kentucky Downs advertising budget double the size it received in 2024 was approved for $974,000.View the full article

Multiple Group One winner Grail Seeker. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Multiple Group One winner Grail Seeker made a big impression ahead of a possible Australian feature target at the Ellerslie trials on Tuesday afternoon. The daughter of Iffraaj has only had three raceday appearances this season, and in that time picked up both the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and Group 1 Telegraph (1200m), and accumulating more than $500,000 in prizemoney. Starting favourite with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) in early February, Grail Seeker struck firmer track conditions than she would typically fancy but still finished sixth in a high-class field. Instead of pressing on in that campaign, trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott went back to their proven method with the four-year-old, freshening her up and returning to the trials where she showed every bit of the class that earned her two elite-level crowns this term. In the hands of Masa Hashizume, Grail Seeker settled second-last in the 1100m heat and was never off the bridle, powering past her rivals in the straight to win her 1100m heat by a neck. “We were pleased with her parade, she settled and looked great in her skin and coat,” Scott said. “Masa knows her well and has trialled her in the past, and it was all about how she was going at the line. He got off and said she is going equally as well as she was before the Tarzino, so we’re pleased with that. “She really stretched out nicely in the straight.” A trip to Royal Randwick is now under serious consideration for Grail Seeker, with the $1.5 million Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) to be run on April 19. “We’ll see how she comes through the next couple of days, but there is the All Aged Stakes in Sydney, that’s where we are initially looking to go,” Scott said. “We’ve just got to make sure that if we are heading overseas, that she is going as well as she could. We’ll see how she comes through this trial before confirming.” The mare was initially intended to appear at the abandoned Taupo trials last week, but O’Sullivan and Scott found the positives in her adapted schedule. “It was nice to get her around Ellerslie, a lot of her future racing will certainly be around there and she went right-handed well, which she hasn’t got a lot of experience doing,” Scott said. “It was a plus for us to get her more familiar with the track, a lot of the big races are there and the more times she can go around, it certainly is more beneficial to the horse. “It was a good piece of exercise and education for her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Romantic Warrior cruises along Meydan’s home straight. Photo: HKJC Romantic Warrior has completed his final piece of fast work ahead of the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan on Sunday (AEST), when Danny Shum’s globetrotting champion bids for a Hong Kong record 11th Group 1 victory. Partnered by regular rider James McDonald on Tuesday morning, Romantic Warrior worked with companion Romantic Charm on the course proper, delighting Danny Shum with a leisurely hit-out. “Actually, he’s very fit at the moment so I talked with James McDonald and asked him to give him a happy, easy, smooth gallop on the turf and let him enjoy the work (because) the race is coming and after the gallop James gave me a very positive report,” Shum said. “He (McDonald) said the horse is very fit. He loves the horse. The horse loves it here and he is very happy here.” Reflecting on Romantic Warrior’s Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) victory in record-breaking time (1:45.10) on January 24, Shum said: “I think at that time, he was about 85 percent fit but he did a great job. It was a great run.” The winner of 18 of 24 starts and world record prizemoney of HK$206.9 million, Romantic Warrior currently shares the Hong Kong record for the most Group 1 triumphs with Golden Sixty and Dubai Turf victory against 10 rivals this weekend would shunt the Acclamation gelding into outright leadership. Narrowly beaten by Japanese dirt superstar Forever Young in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) on February 22, Romantic Warrior has thrived since returning to Meydan ahead of what is slated to be the final run of another glorious campaign. “Even in the Saudi Cup, even though he ran second, he still broke the record as well. Forever Young was too good on the dirt,” Shum said. “I wanted to cry after the race, Forever Young was very strong but the third horse (Ushba Tesoro) was 10 lengths behind. “So, he (Romantic Warrior) has done a great job already. He’s taken my team everywhere – Australia, Japan, Saudi and Dubai. “This time (in the Dubai Turf), the Japanese horses are very dangerous. The main dangers are the Japanese horses. James will ride him wherever he’s comfortable. He’s got natural speed, so it all depends on the pace. He’s very flexible.” Romantic Warrior will claim a US$500,000 bonus if he clinches the Dubai Turf against last year’s winner Facteur Cheval and a powerful Japanese squad led by Liberty Island, Soul Rush, Brede Weg and Meisho Tabaru. The Dubai Turf is scheduled to be run at 2.15am (AEST) on Sunday. Horse racing news View the full article

Crystal Powerful wins at Happy Valley under Andrea Atzeni. Photo: HKJC Andrea Atzeni has rocketed into third place in the 2024/25 Hong Kong jockeys’ championship and the Italian ace is aiming to continue a prosperous stretch of form when he takes seven rides at Happy Valley. The 34-year-old rode 10 winners through March from 51 pairings to lift his score to 36 behind only Zac Purton (87 wins) and Hugh Bowman (51). Brenton Avdulla (34) and Luke Ferraris (33) are the only other riders to surpass the 30-win mark this season. Atzeni based himself permanently in Hong Kong ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He rode 48 winners through his first full term, which served as his second taste of the city’s ultra-competitive circuit after a short stint in 2014/15 where he triumphed three times. Crystal Powerful seeks consecutive wins with Atzeni in the Class 4 Japan Racing Association Trophy Handicap (1000m) from barrier two for trainer Cody Mo. The Exceed And Excel gelding was successful in Class 5 on March 12 at the Valley. “He’s up in class, so I think he needs everything to go right for him. I was hoping for a good draw and we got a good draw, so hopefully he gets some luck in running and with that weight (121lb) he should be competitive again,” Atzeni said. A two-time winner over 1200m, Crystal Powerful was able to capitalise under Atzeni for the first time over 1000m by a head last month at the city circuit. “He’s been unlucky with draws. He’s a horse who, if he gets a (good) draw, he’s very competitive. Cody decided to drop him back to 1000 metres, which I thought was a good idea because he’s shown a lot more speed this year than he did last year. “He’s been coming out of the gates a lot quicker and over 1200 metres we just kept taking him back and trying to get him in behind. Dropping back to 1000 with a good draw – he jumped quickly and he won quite nicely,” Atzeni said. The in-form Atzeni also rides U S S Constitution, Senor Toba, Inno Century, Santorini, Mighty Commander and Kaholo Angel tomorrow night before jetting to Australia to reunite with Al Mubhir in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday for trainer William Haggas. “William approached me a while ago and said Al Mubhir was going to run in the Doncaster Mile. He asked me if I was happy to go and ride him and obviously, I said ‘yes’. “I actually rode him in the Lincoln (Handicap) a few years ago and he was favourite for the race. It (Doncaster Mile) looks like an open race and with a light weight (53kg/116lb) he should be competitive,” Atzeni said. Atzeni is one of four Hong Kong-based jockeys engaged to ride in Sydney. Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman and Karis Teetan head Down Under this weekend. Bowman also enjoyed a productive March with nine winners. The Australian is aboard M Unicorn in the Class 3 Tokyo Handicap (1650m) for trainer Caspar Fownes. “He won with authority (last start). It was a funny race and they didn’t go particularly hard early. Obviously, I made the mid-race move, which I was able to do without getting to top gear. He sustained a strong gallop through the line which was encouraging. “His form has been consistently good but he’s just difficult at the start of races, he jumps ok but he just won’t find a position. Even when he draws well you don’t get that advantage with him, if I can get a clean break with him and hold a more forward position with him it would be an advantage but he’s a bit difficult,” Bowman said. Hong Kong International Sale graduate M Unicorn is a six-time winner in Hong Kong from 26 starts with HK$7.19 million in earnings. The consistent Motoman returns in the first section of the Class 4 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) with jockey James Orman for trainer Pierre Ng. The Super One gelding has placed third in his last three runs and managed to win for the first time in January. “All of his runs have been great. He’s always around the mark. We’ve drawn (10) a little bit tricky, so that’s my only worry on the ‘C+3 course’ but I think if we can get the right run, he’s definitely in with a great chance,” Orman said. “He just got that short sprint, so we just have to time our run right.” Horse racing news View the full article

Joliestar ridden by Damian Lane wins the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. Photo: Brett Holburt (Racing Photos) The sprinters get set to scorch the turf at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of 13 set to line up in the $3 million Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) on Day 1 of The Championships. The weight-for-age feature has attracted a stellar field of seven previous Group 1 winners, including the Chris Waller-trained Joliestar currently holding the call at $3.50 with . The Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) winner returns to Sydney after a dominant display down the Flemington straight and retains the services of star hoop Damien Lane. Briasa flashed home against the pattern of the day at Rosehill on March 22, finishing fifth behind Private Harry in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) last time out. The son of Smart Missile is the big firmer at $4.50 with after securing barrier three; however, he will need to carry the burden of an extra 4kg under weight-for-age conditions. Overpass is on the third line of betting at $7 with and returns as the main speed influence in the race, with a lack of tempo a concern for some key rivals as the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding prepares for another trip to Western Australia for The Quokka (1200m). Sunshine In Paris ($7) and Jimmysstar ($8) are the only other runners holding single figures, while the likes of Yulong pair Magic Time ($11) and Kimochi represent good value with online betting sites. The chances don’t end there in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open edition of the TJ Smith Stakes. 2025 TJ Smith Stakes Final Field 1. Overpass (2) T: Bjorn Baker J: Joshua Parr W: 58.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Vancouver Dam: Walkway +600 +150 2. Jimmysstar (9) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ethan Brown W: 58.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Per Incanto (USA) Dam: Anniesstar (NZ) +700 +175 3. Jedibeel (8) T: Brad Widdup J: Craig Williams W: 58.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Savabeel Dam: Starry (NZ) +10000 +2500 4. Headwall (7) T: Matthew Smith J: Zac Lloyd W: 58.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dream Ahead (USA) Dam: Positive Quest +2500 +625 5. Briasa (3) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 58.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Grey-bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Smart Missile Dam: Mary’s Grace +320 -125 6. Sunshine In Paris (11) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Chad Schofield W: 56.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Invader Dam: Zenaida (NZ) +600 +150 7. Joliestar (4) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Jolie Bay +260 -153.85 8. Magic Time (1) T: Grahame Begg J: Jordan Childs W: 56.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Hellbent Dam: Time Awaits +1000 +250 9. I Am Me (6) T: Ciaron Maher J: Tim Clark W: 56.5kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Mefnooda +5000 +1250 10. Kimochi (13) T: Gary Portelli J: Nash Rawiller W: 56.5kg Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Brave Smash (JPN) Dam: Summer Fun +2000 +500 11. Switzerland (5) T: Chris Waller J: Ryan Moore W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Ms Bad Behavior (CAN) +1400 +350 12. Traffic Warden (12) T: James Cummings J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Efficiently +2000 +500 13. Shezanalister (10) T: Bjorn Baker J: Ms Rachel King W: 56.5kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Sire: Star Turn Dam: Filomena’s Grace +10000 +2500 Horse racing news View the full article

Sires’ Produce favourite, Wodeton. Photo: Bradley Photos The Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) is one of four Group 1 events for Day 1 of the Championships at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, attracting a select field of 10 two-year-olds to battle it out for the $1 million prize. The Chris Waller-trained Wodeton has opened the $2.80 favourite with horse racing betting sites for the event after a fast-finishing runner-up effort in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) a fortnight ago. Coolmore has acquired the services of Ryan Moore for the absent James McDonald, with the Wootton Bassett colt set to jump from barrier nine. Rivellino is on the second line of betting at $3.50 with as he attempts to turn the tables on the favoured galloper, with Hugh Bowman once again poised to make the trip back from Hong Kong taking the reins. The most intriguing runner comes in the form of the undefeated Melbourne raider Vinrock ($6) who will be seeking Group 1 glory at just his third start after claiming dominant back-to-back wins in Victoria. Mark Zahra is booked to ride the I Am Invincible colt and appears the obvious leader in the race after drawing barrier one on Tuesday evening. State Visit is the only other runner in the mix according to Dabble, holding his price at $6 after an eye-catching effort in the Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 15. Bellazaine ($13), Prestige Forever ($15) and Buffalo ($26) are all friendless early, with punters happy to take the lead at the top of the market. 2025 ATC Sires Produce Stakes Final Field 1. Rivellino (6) T: Kris Lees J: Hugh Bowman W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Brown Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Intrinsic +200 -200 2. Wodeton (9) T: Chris Waller J: Ryan Moore W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Fiera Vista +200 -200 3. Vinrock (1) T: Matt Laurie J: Mark Zahra W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Girl Gone Rockin’ +400 +100 4. Prestige Forever (10) T: David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins J: Jamie Mott W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Ole Kirk Dam: Cool Passion +1400 +350 5. State Visit (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jason Collett W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Celebrity Queen +500 +125 6. Buffalo (4) T: David Atkins J: Zac Purton W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Written By Dam: Contributing +2500 +625 7. Nordic Viking (3) T: John Sargent J: Craig Williams W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Colt Sire: So You Think (NZ) Dam: Nordic Charm +5000 +1250 8. Navy Pilot (2) T: Ciaron Maher J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Amuletum (GB) +5000 +1250 9. Federalist (8) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Nash Rawiller W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Arcadia Queen +2500 +625 10. Bellazaine (7) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Zousain Dam: Benella +1400 +350 Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Wednesday, April 2. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for April 2, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 25% Winnings Boost! – Ballarat Get 25% BOOSTED WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bet only. Max bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Ballarat Races 1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Apply from bet slip. Available one per fixed odds win bet per eligible races. Min 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, multi & bonus bets. If a given race has less than 8 runners, only the qualifying bets on the horse finishing 2nd will receive a bonus back. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets, Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Wednesday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd R1-3 at Ballarat & Warwick Farm Available from 12:00AM AEDT Wednesday. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Unibet T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win A Bet On Your Greyhound Or Horse & Receive An Extra 15% Winnings Win a bet on your greyhound or horse and receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash. Max payout $2000. Account holder must be registered. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Boost ‘Til You Boom Place a boosted racing single bet and get your racing boost back each time your boosted bet doesn’t win Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your Vault for eligibility. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for April 2, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Lexington is forecast to experience rain showers and thunderstorms April 2-6, putting a damper on Keeneland's highly anticipated opening weekend. What that means for a race like the $600,000 Transylvania Stakes (G3T) is to be determined.View the full article

After winning the Florida Derby (G1) last week with the Brad Cox-trained Tappan Street, owners WinStar Farm and CHC have an opportunity at another top-level stakes victory April 5 when River Thames competes in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1).View the full article

Gotham Stakes (G3) winner Flood Zone will aim to take a circuitous route to this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) when he starts in the $1 million UAE Derby (G2) March 5 at Meydan in his final start ahead of the United States classics.View the full article

Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Straight No Chaser faces off with defending champion and local star Tuz in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) on the Dubai World Cup program.View the full article

The Backside Learning Center (BLC) will host a Derby Handicapping Social at Angel's Envy Distillery in Louisville on Tuesday, Apr. 15 at 5:30 p.m. ET. A handicapping seminar moderated by Donna Barton Brothers of NBC will feature FanDuel TV's Caton Bredar and Gabby Gaudet, as well as Churchill Downs analyst Joe Kristufek. “All of us on the panel are very excited to be in the new venue,” said Bredar. “We all really look forward to the social, as we not only get to reconnect and get geared up for the Derby, but we can support the backside community and the important work of the Backside Learning Center.” The evening will also include complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a guided tasting of Angel's Envy Distillery products. Guests, who must be 21+ to attend, will also have the opportunity to learn about the mission of the BLC, which supports the diverse community of backstretch workers and their families. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information and for tickets–which are limited to 100 for the event–visit one.bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping25. The post Backside Learning Center to Hold Derby Handicapping Social appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Purse levels for maiden special weight (MSW) races at the seven-day Kentucky Downs meet in August and September are once again projected to be $170,000, the same level as last season. Although that number isn't going up in 2025, it's still by far the biggest money outlay for maidens at any North American racetrack, because Kentucky Downs boasts the highest overall purse structure on the continent. At Tuesday's meeting of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) advisory committee, some board members-as they have in past years-cautioned against the risks of maintaining such a high level, lest Kentucky politicians get the notion that too much money is being used to fund purses that are out of whack with those at boutique meets in other jurisdictions. The KTDF is funded by three-quarters of 1% of all money wagered in the state on both live Thoroughbred races and historical horse race gaming, plus 1% of all money wagered on Thoroughbred races via inter-track wagering and whole-card simulcasting. That money, along with funding from each track, goes to pay purses in the state. Ted Nicholson, the vice president of racing at Kentucky Downs, noted that given the available money, “We could go higher, but…” The remainder of Nicholson's comment was lost in cross-talk, as a number of KTDF board members chimed in at once to debate the issue. Rick Hiles, a board member of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, who represents that organization on the KTDF board, summed up the Kentucky Downs purse issue this way: “I've argued for years about [not] getting these purses up ridiculously at that level because the legislators have tried to come in and take some of this money back. And you get it to a point that [it's] ridiculous what you're giving away, like $170,000 for maidens, and then the legislators are going to reach in one of these days and say, 'You know what? You guys have got too much money. You're doing too much. Give it to us.'” Braxton Lynch, who represents the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders association on the KTDF board, has long advocated for boosting purses of allowance races with KTDF funding. She made that same suggestion again on Tuesday. “But the allowance races are $200,000,” Nicholson responded, citing another Kentucky Downs purse figure that dwarfs money paid out elsewhere in North America. In the span of a decade, Kentucky Downs has nearly doubled its MSW purses, which stood at $80,000 or $90,000 (based on the age of horses) in 2014. In the post-pandemic years, Kentucky Downs MSW purses have been $135,000 in 2021, $150,000 in 2022 and 2023, and $170,000 in 2024. Nicholson said that for the 2025 meet, Kentucky Downs will feature new private suites and new paving stones in the paddock to replace grass that gets chewed up by heavy foot traffic. In addition, the turf-only track known for its huge fields is endeavoring to upgrade its simulcast presentation. “We're developing new camera locations. We're going to have a drone. We're going to have a cable-cam that's going to run the length of the stretch,” Nicholson said. “We're completely remodeling our simulcast center, and we're also creating a 10,000 square-foot sports book,” Nicholson added. Nicholson also said Kentucky Downs will be hiring a racetrack surfaces consultant “to take a look at any way we can improve our turf course.” During the Apr. 1 meeting, the KTDF advisory board approved the funding request that the Kentucky Downs purse projections were based on. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation still has to vote on final approval of that allotment at a subsequent meeting. The post Kentucky Downs Maidens to Again Race for $170K, a Level That Even HBPA Rep Acknowledges is ‘Ridiculously’ High appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager makes its three-day run April 3-5. Santa Anita Derby (G1) contender Journalism was tabbed as the 4-1 favorite among 39 individual horses, and another option is available for "All Other 3-Year-Olds."View the full article

Full Moon Madness, coming off a triumph in the Tom Fool Stakes (G3), vies to return to the Aqueduct Race Track winners' circle in the $300,000 Carter Stakes (G2) April 5. View the full article