Wandering Eyes

Kelvin Tyler hopes to kick off an exciting weekend on a winning note at Wingatui on Friday, before he is represented on Sydney’s biggest race day of the spring with Aberlour (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon). Based in Riverton, Tyler will take a team of eight up to the Dunedin venue, hoping to strike early with Ripa Time (NZ) (Time Test) contesting the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series MDN (1600m), Indie Ardie (NZ) (Ardrossan) in the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1500m) and Snow Brainer (NZ) (Jon Snow) in the Grand Casino MDN (1200m). While still maideners, the trio have all shown ability on raceday and Tyler believes Floor Moerman and Donovan Cooper’s apprentice claims will enhance their chances on the heavy surface. “They’re all quite nice horses going forward, they’ve got a bit of weight relief which helps as well and I’ve targeted these races to kick off with,” he said. “I was surprised Indie Ardie didn’t win a race last year because she’s well above average, but there’s not much between the three of them, I expect them all to go close in not the strongest of maiden fields.” Promising mare Flash Roca (NZ) (El Roca) will resume off a 147-day absence in the Property Brokers – Ray Kean R75 (1200m), having won two of her last three starts during the autumn. “She’s coming up really well, she’s a nice horse and I’m quite confident she can go a good race,” Tyler said. “I think she’ll go through the grades quite easily, her work has been good and she looks amazing. “I think it’s a good race for her to kick off in.” The most experienced of his contingent, Go Lotte (NZ) (Telperion), will chase her 11th victory and third at Wingatui in the Otago Engineering Open (1400m), with stablemate Radiant Reach (NZ) (Vadamos) also in the mix with a light weight (54kg). “This is probably Go Lotte’s best distance on a heavy track, hopefully it’s not too heavy there and she should be ready to strike about now,” Tyler said. “Radiant Reach has a bad habit of losing two or three lengths at the gates which makes it harder for herself, but both are as good as I can get them so hopefully they’ll put their best foot forward.” Further north on Saturday, it will be take three for Freddie Time (NZ) (Time Test), as the son of Time Test heads to Trentham following two abandoned meetings at Otaki over the last week. The four-year-old asserted himself well in a competitive Rating 75 race at the Upper Hutt course a month ago, and with apprentice Liam Kauri remaining on board, Tyler has faith he can repeat that effort in the Contemporary Korowai Designs (1400m). “He’s apparently been working the track down up there, the wet track won’t bother him at all and he’s ready to run a good race,” he said. “He’s a good horse and he’ll run a good race, because that’s what good horses do.” “It’s a big field and the inside draw is probably not ideal, we’d probably want to get him out and around them, but I’ll let Liam sort it out.” Around 45 minutes later, Tyler’s focus will turn to Everest Day at Randwick, where his stakes-winning mare Aberlour is a key player in the Gr.3 Angst Stakes (1600m), a A$285,000 feature for the mares. As a three-year-old, the daughter of Mongolian Falcon was an eye-catching winner of the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) and Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) before joining Joe Pride’s barn at Warwick Farm. Tyler retained a 30 percent share in Aberlour and was rapt to see the mare back near her best this campaign, winning one and placing in two of her three starts before a fourth-place finish in the Gr.2 Stocks Stakes (1500m) at The Valley last time out. “She had a bad draw and was three-wide most of the way, but she’s hit the line really strong,” Tyler said. “150 out she looked like she may even hold on, but with the work during the race, it probably took its toll against those good horses and I was really proud of her. “Randwick is her favourite track and Alysha Collett rides her very well, she knows how she likes to be ridden. She’s got a nice draw so we’re quietly confident, you need everything to go your way in these big races but she’s going well. “Joe does a great job, he’s a good person and great to deal with. I tell people that I would trust Joe Pride with my credit card, because whether it’s good news or bad news, he’s very honest.” Aberlour is currently rated a $10 hope for the Angst, with fellow Kiwi-bred mare Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) leading the market at $3.10. View the full article

Andrea Atzeni rates Meydaan a live chance in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup (2,400m) as the Sardinian jockey teams up with some familiar faces in pursuit of more Group One glory in Australia. Atzeni, who won the Group One Sydney Cup (3,200m) on Circle Of Fire last year, returns to Melbourne after finishing fourth on Zardozi in his first Caulfield Cup ride 12 months ago. The 34-year-old jumped at the chance to ride Meydaan when approached by British co-trainers Simon and Ed Crisford. “I’ve ridden...View the full article

What a week it’s been for Kimberly Butt. Just days after a winning double at Motukarara she reined home a $100 outsider at Addington last night. “It’s been a good few days,” says Butt, “I was pleasantly surprised by Shades of Robyn that’s for sure.” Last night in the Captain Crunch At Alabar Mobile Pace Butt secured the one-one with the Trevor Cross-trained Shades Of Robyn before overhauling second favourite Tuppence late in the piece to win by a head. The five-year-old gelding was having his sixth start after five previous unplaced runs. “Trevor trains just around the road from us,” says the Leeston-based Butt, “and he does a bit of fast work at our place so I know a bit about the horse and he has shown glimpses in the past but I was still wasn’t expecting him to win.” “It was a nice bonus.” And the win certainly caught punters unawares. On the tote Shades of Robyn paid $86 and was even longer on the fixed odds market at $100. He’s the second horse Cross has won with as a trainer, following on from The Wrath Of Robyn, who won eight between 2013 and 2015. For Butt the win capped off a very successful few days. On Sunday she reined home another two horses at nice odds – To Ri Ruby paying $34 and Kiss The Girls in the day’s feature the Akaroa Cup at $17. Just recently Butt added working at Harness Racing New Zealand’s marketing team to her already busy life as a trainer, driver and mum (to four-year-old Kenzie). “It’s a part time gig and it’s been a nice change – hopefully I’m doing an ok job.” Her success last night takes her to 26 for the year. That’s one better than 2024 and one shy of her personal best season’s tally of 27 she achieved as a junior driver in 2019. “I am always pretty mindful of how many wins I’ve had and I do keep an eye on the stats,” says Butt, “but I’ve been around long enough that when your luck’s in you have to enjoy it.” And Butt’s successful week will have a degree of poignancy tomorrow at Addington when she drives Master Class, who she also trains, in a race named after her late grandfather, the Remembering Murray Butt Mobile Trot (7.06pm). And the family connection doesn’t end there. Race rival Nazareth is trained by Murray’s son Roddy (Kimberly’s uncle) and will be driven by Carter Dalgety, Murray’s grandson. View the full article

The connections of three starters in the $200,000 Sands Point Stakes (G2T) are hoping their 3-year-old filly can move forward off her finish in the Winter Memories Stakes (G3T). There's also one that would be quite happy to experience some deja vu.View the full article

Former jumps jockey James Seivwright, who rode 23 winners between the 2017-18 and 2021-22 seasons, is moving into a new role with Seivwright Bloodstock’s debut Ready to Run consignment of five two-year-olds at next month’s Ready to Run Sale, alongside wife and successful event rider, Maddy. But that’s not to say that the 31-year-old is lacking in experience around the Ready to Run Sale. “I’ve been around the Ready to Run Sale scene for a little while, having previously worked for Riversley Park and Kiltannon Stables,” he said. “Selling horses under my own name had been something in the back of my mind, although I probably didn’t intend on doing it as soon as this year. “But I have a very good client, Ray Fleming, who basically told me that he had these horses heading towards the Ready to Run Sale and I would be selling them for him. So that’s how it got started. “We have a draft of five, which I think is a nice number to start off with. It’s not too stressful that way and allows us to keep a close eye on everything. It’s only my wife and I who do the riding, so having a draft of this size allows us to do everything that we need to. “The preparations have gone well so far. The horses are getting pretty fresh now, so it’s a bit of a shame that the weather has forced the Breeze Ups to be put back a week. We’d got the horses quite tuned to go this week. But we’ll just back off them for a couple of days and then bring them back up again. We’re looking forward to the next few weeks.” 82 Noverre (NZ)‐Saffron Lady (NZ)Brown Colt Seivwright Bloodstock 115 Ace High (AUS)‐Smartly (NZ)Bay Colt Seivwright Bloodstock 410 Shamexpress (NZ)‐Kewzero (NZ)Bay Gelding Seivwright Bloodstock 435 Noverre (NZ)‐Lincoln’s Gal (AUS)Bay Gelding Seivwright Bloodstock 463 Ardrossan (AUS)‐Miss Adventure (NZ)Bay Gelding Seivwright Bloodstock View the full article

Stablemates Oratia Beauty and Geneva will have opportunities to book their passages south when they step out at Ellerslie on Saturday. The former will face a rise in class in the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) while Geneva will take on older opposition in the Kingmakers Syndication Handicap (1400m). Trainer Kylie Hoskin has the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) hopes for the Jomara Bloodstock-bred and raced pair. Oratia Beauty capped the strong start she’s made to her career when she broke her maiden after minor placings in both of her previous appearances. “When we look back the horses she beat, there is very good form around her,” Hoskin said. At Taupo last time out, the Too Darn Hot filly accounted for subsequent winner Kygo Star and Magic Carpet, who then came out and claimed top honours in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). “I think she does deserve her chance, and she has trained on really well,” Hoskin said. “We were going to give her another run but with the wet tracks we haven’t, and she’s fit and ready to go for Saturday. “She’s at her best fitness wise and this is her chance to show she’s up to competing at the top level of fillies in the Guineas.” Time Test colt Geneva won his only start as a two-year-old and this season his progress has been hampered by the persistent wet tracks. Despite unsuitable going, he was fourth in the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), midfield in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) and most recently ran third in an age group even on the course. “His last run at Ellerslie was much better and was still a bit fierce in the running so we’ve added a nose band and in his trackwork he’s been a lot better,” Hoskin said. “We’re hoping that’s going to be enough to let him relax more in the running and save it for the end. “With the way the tracks have been, we haven’t been able to get a start into him and, again, this is his chance to see if he gets a trip down south.” View the full article

It takes more than steel and cement to construct a building. For one as large in scale as the new Belmont Park, it requires a treasure chest of money—somewhere in the ritzy neighborhood of about a half-billion dollars—and a ton of support.View the full article

No one knows more about what it takes to beat Ka Ying Rising than jockey James McDonald and the superstar Kiwi looms as the rider most likely to topple the Hong Kong superstar in Saturday’s Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick in Sydney. The only jockey to finish ahead of Ka Ying Rising, doing so twice aboard Wunderbar at Class Three level in January last year, McDonald has also placed behind the world’s best sprinter at the top level with Howdeepisyourlove. He partners second favourite...View the full article

A new ratings-based handicap race for Thoroughbred racehorses, based on Equibase Ratings tied to multirace performance, could take place as early as Oct. 24 at Santa Anita Park. Three such handicap races are among 14 "extras" for Oct. 24. View the full article

Next Wednesday, Oct. 22, will be an additional day of live racing as part of the Belmont at the Big A fall meet, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced. Live racing was cancelled Sunday, Oct. 12 due to a significant storm in the area. NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) requested and received formal approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to add the Oct. 22 card. Entries for Oct. 22 will be taken Thursday, Oct. 16. The Belmont at the Big A fall meet will continue through Sunday, Nov. 2. The post Oct. 22 Race Card Added to Belmont at the Big A Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz It’s shaping up to be a big night at Cambridge Raceway for up and coming northern junior driver Jacob Dunn, who lines up behind three promising runners. Each of the trio looks a genuine shot at the winner’s circle, starting with Kiss And Run for Cambridge locals Dylan and Jo Ferguson. The five-year-old mare fronts up in the Garrards Horse And Hound Handicap Trot (6.20pm) after a solid fourth at Alexandra Park last week, following a brief freshen-up. That run came in much stronger company, and Dunn believes the drop back to Cambridge conditions could work in her favour. “Her last start was quite a good run, it was a very handy field,” Dunn said, “she’s back to Cambridge tonight, but the 25m over 2200m is never easy, especially if the front markers step and run. In saying that, she steps quick enough, and if I can get a handy enough spot, she should definitely be right there.” Later in the night, Dunn reunites with a familiar partner in Twista, a four-year-old gelding trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer. The pair line up in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Handicap Pace over 2700 metres (6.45pm), a distance Dunn feels will suit the pacer. Their last outing together at Cambridge on September 25 ended in success, with Twista grinding out a brave win after sitting parked and still rattling home in a sharp 56.7 last half. Dunn was impressed by the effort. “Last start he was back to his best,” Dunn said, “the 2700 stand should suit him, and if we can make a safe enough beginning, he looks to be a top chance.” Rounding out Dunn’s trio of drives is Upstage, another Stonewall Stud representative. The four-year-old Sweet Lou gelding steps out in the Join Us For Camb RDA Fundraiser On 30 Oct Mobile Pace, marking his first start in almost a year. With a couple of tidy trials under his belt, Dunn expects a good showing, but admits the run will likely bring him on. “Steve has told me he quite likes him,” he said. “He’s had a couple of trials and we’ve drawn well enough, but he’s been off the scene for quite a while, so we might need the run.” Of his three drives, Dunn didn’t hesitate when asked for his best chance. “Twista’s probably my pick of the litter tonight,” He’s also quick to acknowledge the faith Stonewall Stud continues to show in him. “They’re giving me some really great opportunities.” View the full article

By Jonny Turner The racebook may read the same, but Tom Bagrie is sure he is returning with a better horse for the second running of the Group 3 The Dark Horse at Invercargill today. With the Southern Trotting Oaks already on her résumé, Walkinonsunshine heads south in the hope she can bag another Ascot Park trotting feature. The four-year-old’s first attempt at the newly minted mares’ event was something of a non-event when she settled last in a leader-dominated affair. Walkinonsunshine not only returns a little bit older for the 2025 edition of The Dark Horse (6.37pm) but Bagrie is sure she’s a little bit better and importantly, a little bit wiser. “She was learning a lot about standing starts last year, she got away safely but was just too far back,” the Canterbury trainer said. “From there it was a bit of a non-event.” “And I never really felt like we had her right last year, either.” “It took her a while to bounce back from all of her age-group racing.” “But this year I am really happy with where she is at, she is in a great spot.” “She’s had that standing start experience now too, so hopefully she can begin well and settle handier this year.” Though front-markers dominated last year’s placings, a 10m marker in Eurostyle won the inaugural running of the event, just as Walkinonsunshine will attempt to do on Thursday. Princess Sadie looks the hardest to beat of those off the front this year and she comes into The Dark Horse after beating Walkinonsunshine home in the recent Group Three Jasmyn’s Gift Stakes at Oamaru. “The front-markers are going to run for it like cut cats, so we are going to need a bit of luck,” Bagrie said. “Princess Sadie looks like she’s in a great run of form – she went nice at Oamaru and beat us home.” “We have got our work cut out to beat her, but I do think our mare has come on since that run.” The backmarkers of The Dark Horse have class on their side and they are going to need it to overcome their 30m handicaps. Hidden Talent ($5.50) and Empire City ($11) have been let go at juicy odds considering their undoubted ability. Princess Sadie has been rated the $3.20 favourite for the race, ahead of Walkinonsunshine ($4.50). View the full article

Canadian Horse of the Year in 2022 and 2024 Eclipse champion turf female Moira has been retired from racing by her Australian connections.View the full article

With 184 horses set to be offered at the Nov. 12 Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, the sales company has released the online catalogue. The one-day sale will be held the day after the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale concludes. Horses in the catalogue–comprised of 42 2-year-olds, 82 3-year-olds, and 38 horses aged four and up–will be stabled in Barns 20-26. “The November Horses of Racing Age Sale is a trusted marketplace for proven racehorses and promising prospects,” said Keeneland Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach. “With a strong buyer presence on-site and online, this sale connects sellers with buyers seeking ready-to-run talent.” The sale will begin at noon ET, with print catalogues available Oct. 31. Internet and phone bidding will be available. A number of former graduates of Keeneland's Horses of Racing Age Sale have been featured in graded performances of 2025, including Withers Stakes winner and GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial nose second Captain Cook (Practical Joke), who was a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' at two; GII Suburban Stakes winner Phileas Fogg (Astern {Aus}); GIII Prairie Meadows Cornhusker victor Cornishman (Curlin); GIII Santa Ana Stakes winner Lady Claypoole (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}); and GIII Royal Heroine victress Public Assembly (More Than Ready). The post Keeneland’s November Horses of Racing Age Sale Catalogue Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TATTERSALLS, ENGLAND – Trainer George Boughey was the latest big name to join the Night Of Thunder fan club at Tattersalls when going to 800,000gns to secure a colt by the stallion on behalf of leading owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Boughey has enjoyed success with the progeny of Night Of Thunder already, notably through that owner's Bow Echo, who was last seen winning the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket in September. The Wednesday sale-topper was consigned by New England Stud and Boughey drew comparisons to his Group 2 winner by the stallion shortly after outbidding Anthony Stroud on the colt. He said, “We had some stiff competition – he has been bought for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and he looks very similar to Bow Echo. Sheikh Obaid picked him out and obviously we are delighted to train him. The colt is from a good family and the mare was a Listed winner. He looks like he will be one for next summer onwards. Sheikh Obaid is a patient owner and hopefully this colt can emulate what Bow Echo did.” Boughey added, “We have had three or four by the sire and they have all won their maidens, but Bow Echo is the first with us to go on and look like a better horse. It is great to have the horse in the barn.” The sale-topping colt is out of Golden Horn mare Quenelle D'Or and was offered by New England Stud on behalf of breeders Lady Riblat and Stanley House Stud. New England's Peter Stanley said, “For a first foal to fetch that sort of price, it is magnificent. It is really thrilling, but Night Of Thunder is an incredible stallion. He is upgrading his mares to an extraordinary level and we are lucky we have taken the punt and used him. We used him a few times and it is paying off.” He added, “I thought this would be one of the nicest horses in the ring this week and I said to my brother that this horse could make any amount of money. You start at a level and you need two people to lock horns and we were lucky that two great judges were there and did just that. I do think he will be a racehorse – he has it all. He has class and he has a lovely outlook. We have been excited about him for a long time. “I don't think Lady Riblat has had a broodmare before. My brother [Lord Derby] raced Quenelle D'Or with John and Lady Riblat. They had a lot of fun, so I said to them at the end, 'Why would you want to sell her?' So, we played the breeding game. John had heard that you always lose money breeding horses. I had him on the phone during the bidding and he enjoyed every minute.” The Night Of Thunder colt was the headline act on the final day of what has been another record-breaking sale at Park Paddocks. The 69,657,500gns climbed 2%, which is a record, as is the median, which climbed 9% to 76,000gns. The average dropped by 1% to 107,496 while the clearance rate was also down by just 1% to 90%. “Life-Changing” Pinhooking Profit For Cope And Company One of the stories of the day, if not the entire Book 2 sale, came when Stanley Lodge manager Nick Cope, along with Ard Erin Stud's Tom and David Brickley, transformed their 80,000gns foal purchase by Camelot into a 475,000gns yearling to Alex Elliott, bidding on behalf of MV Magnier and Peter Brant. The Camelot colt, who is out of the Listed-winning Clodovil mare Tigrilla, was one of the talking horses coming into the final day of Book 2 and he didn't disappoint. Eventually, it was Elliott who saw off the attention of Anthony Stroud to provide Cope with his greatest day on a sales complex. “It's my biggest day in the game by a long, long way,” an emotional Cope said. “It's very emotional. When a horse like him, who was a pleasure to deal with the whole way through and was just an absolute gentleman of a horse, does that for you, it's amazing. He is one of those horses who just thrived every day for us. This is life-changing for me. It's massive. Absolutely massive.” Along with the Brickley brothers, Cope sourced the Camelot colt from Baroda Stud at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. He was making all of the right noises coming into Wednesday's session, with Cope admitting it was a bit of a struggle to keep a lid on his emotions as the horse entered the ring. He said, “It's hard. Book 2 can be a hard sale for people to negotiate. We had some massive shows this morning and we knew we were getting on the right shortlists and that we were getting some very good second looks. It just blew up and, when it all works out, it's amazing what can happen in that ring. About five lots before the horse went into the ring, we were looking around to see who was down at the barn earlier in the day. Thankfully, it all came together and the ring just warmed up. Everyone you hoped would turn up did and there were just bids coming from everywhere.” Cope added, “The Brickley brothers and I always team up together at the foal sales when we can. We try to work the sales as hard as we can and sometimes you come across the real deal, which he was. He did everything right for me all week – didn't put in a bad show and, when they do that for you, you can't ask for much more. He vetted really clean and had a great scope, great x-rays and a great attitude. He's just an unbelievably athletic, easy-moving horse.” Elliott was flanked by MV Magnier and Paul Shanahan as the gavel fell and confirmed that the Coolmore partners were determined to land the colt. The agent said, “He is by Camelot and out of a black-type mare who has produced a good horse by Twilight Son. This colt was very well bought by Nick Cope and the boys, and the team was very determined to get him. A lot of the Camelots are real staying types to look at, but I think this mare might speed him up; you could be looking at anything from 7f as a two-year-old and then as an older horse to a mile plus. We all liked the idea that she would put in speed.” Breeders Of Ombudsman Enjoy Another Day In The Sun With Night Of Thunder Ombudsman's breeder James Hanly warmed up for Saturday's Qipco Champion Stakes by recording yet another memorable day in the sales ring when selling a Night Of Thunder filly to Henry Lascelles for 700,000gns. Hanly sold Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder), who is a general 15-8 favourite for what is being billed as one of the races of the season, at this sale in 2022 for 340,000gns. The master of Ballyhimikin Stud in Ireland has been well-rewarded for his loyalty to sire sensation Night Of Thunder and, along with co-breeders Anthony Stroud and Trevor Stewart, enjoyed another day to remember at Park Paddocks with this filly going to Lascelles on behalf of a major owner-breeder in Britain. “Night Of Thunder has been an absolute revelation. He's been fantastic for us and we've been so lucky to be involved with him,” said Hanly's son, Jack. “We've been on the bandwagon for a long time now; I don't think we sent him a mare in his first season but every year after that we have. That's really down to Anthony Stroud, he knew from the start how good he was and he kind of bullied us into following him!” He added, “This filly had a lot of vets, there was a lot of chat about her and a lot of interest. She was an absolute queen down at the box and she was foot perfect here in the ring. We were expecting a good result but this is huge.” The Night Of Thunder filly is out of Princesse de Saba (Dariyan), who placed in Group 3 company when in training in France. She was sourced by Stroud for €87,000 at Arqana in 2021 and has already proved to be a solid producer for connections, given her Mehmas colt made 270,000gns at this sale last year. “The mare has done us proud,” Jack continued. “The half-brother we sold last year was a really good first foal and he's gone down to Australia. She's a nice, attractive mare and I think you have to buy them on the physical as well as the pedigree, and hopefully they'll pass that onto their stock. We loved her from the very beginning.” That sale contributed towards what has been a memorable two weeks or so for Ballyhimikin, with the farm selling seven yearlings at Book 1 for 3,605,000gns and a further eight yearlings at Book 2 for a combined sum of 1,975,000gns. “We've had a great crop of yearlings this year and people seem to like them, so hopefully they'll carry on and do well on the track now,” Jack said. “That's the most important thing.” Asked whether the Hanlys would be making their way towards Ascot to support one of Night Of Thunder's leading performers on Saturday, Hanly concluded, “We can't miss it. It's the race of the year. It'll be some shootout.” Subplots Night Of Thunder put in a dominant performance at Book 2, with 17 lots selling for a combined sum of 5,525,000gns. His 325,000gns average was 134,353gns clear of his nearest pursuer, Starman. Baaeed was the leading first-season sire by both aggregate (2,314,000gns) and average (144,625gns), but the positive reaction to the first yearlings by Perfect Power shouldn't go unnoticed. From seven lots sold to Baaeed's 16, the progeny of the Darley stallion reached a total of 878,000gns, with the most significant contribution coming courtesy of lot 1078, a colt from Hillwood Stud that went the way of Shadwell for 260,000gns. Given that this first crop was conceived from a fee of just £15,000, Perfect Power's average of 125,429gns makes for impressive reading indeed. It's nothing new for breeze-up handlers to join forces, but it was still interesting to see Mark Grant and Malcolm Bastard teaming up to buy a Havana Grey filly and two colts by Mehmas for a combined 268,000gns this week. It was interesting to see Michel Zerolo's Oceanic Bloodstock get in on the action at Book 2 with eight sourced for 1,067,000 gns. Gerrardstown House Stud was responsible for the most expensive colt sold at Tattersalls by Starman when Amo Racing went to 400,000gns to secure lot 1272. “He was Robson Aguiar's favourite since the weekend – he knew the horse beforehand and he knows this type of horse and it made sense to buy him,” said trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy. The colt is out of Tammy Wynette (Tamayuz), the dam of Letherfly, who placed in the Listed Sweet Mimosa Stakes. He is from the family of the champion two-year-old Toormore. Buy of the day Granted there are a lot of Minzaals going breezing, Brown Island Stables boss Johnny Collins picked up a nice colt by the first-season stallion for just 28,000gns from Torard House Stud. From quite an active family, he looks well-bought and would be short odds to make profit at the breeze-ups next spring. Thought for the day There has been a lot of money spent at the yearling sales this autumn, but that money has been concentrated between a very thin list of buyers at the top end. Book 2 followed a familiar theme with either Alex Elliott, Amo Racing or Anthony Stroud responsible for 13,327,000gns of the total 69,657,500gns spent at Book 2. The post Boughey Breaks Into Big League With 800k Night Of Thunder Colt At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oscar Performance (Kitten's Joy–Devine Actress, by Theatrical {Ire}) will stand for $60,000 in 2026, up from $45,000 this season, according to a Mill Ridge Farm release Wednesday. The 11-year-old stallion is expected to serve a limited book of approximately 170 mares (140 foals) in 2026. “Oscar Performance had another exceptional year led by Grade I winner World Beater, owned by Pin Oak Stud, trained by Riley Mott and bred by Dr. John Chandler,” said Mill Ridge's Price Bell. “Remarkably, he is ranked #2 on the General Sire List with GSH (Graded Stakes Horses) by percentage of starters to only Not This Time, and over leading sires Into Mischief, Gun Runner, Justify and on.” Bell continued, “With all the Americans going to Tattersalls to buy the European bred yearlings, we are reminded how much opportunity exists in the U.S. with turf racing. We know we went against the current, syndicating Oscar Performance, and thanks to our shareholders, breeders and his strength and gifts, he joins Diesis and Gone West as a 'breed shaping stallion' from Mill Ridge.” Standing his first year at stud at Mill Ridge, Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed–Achalaya, by Bellamy Road) will stand for a fee of $8,500 in 2026, slightly down from $10,000 in this season. “We believe Casa Creed has the qualities to contribute to the breed with his talent as a racehorse in (4) Grade I wins from (15) Grade I starts,” said Bell. “His biggest fan, trainer Bill Mott, said, 'his soundness, toughness and quality and that he was never X'Rayed in his seven years of racing and (36) starts sets him apart from all others and what our breed needs.'” Aloha West (Hard Spun–Island Bound, by Speightstown), who will be represented by his first runners in 2026, will stand for $6,500. The GI Breeders' Cup Sprint winner stood for $8,500 this season. “We look forward to Aloha West with his first runners in 2026 for he has a similar pattern as Speightstown, showing exceptional talent early on with Bob Baffert, only to have setbacks which limited his start to racing,” explained Bell. “Eventually, he made nine starts as a 4-year-old, winning five, and culminating with a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint.” “Physically, he also resembles Speightstown, his broodmare sire, and has the unique pedigree blend of three key stallions in Gone West, Danzig, and A.P. Indy, and Traces Back to Fappiano on the dam side.” According to Bell, both Aloha West and Casa Creed will qualify for the 'Ride Together' incentive where the registered breeder will qualify for a free season to that stallion if the offspring wins a straight maiden as a 2-year-old. “We are excited to anticipate the 2026 breeding season and welcome your inquiries on Oscar Performance, Casa Creed and Aloha West,” said Price Bell. The post Oscar Performance Fee Raised to $60K for ’26, Mill Ridge Also Releases Fees for GISWs Casa Creed, Aloha West appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alex Solis, one of the American buying bench's most prolific operators, described trade at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale as being “back to reality”, after signing for another five yearlings this week to take his overall number of purchases across Books 1 and 2 to 14. Solis and Jason Litt, his partner in Solis/Litt Bloodstock, were registered as the buyers of four fillies and a colt at Book 1, as well as signing for four fillies in the name of leading American owner Mike Repole. The total spend on those nine yearlings came in at 1,950,000gns, which put Solis and Litt right up there among the most active American buyers at Book 1. They were joined by the likes of David Ingordo, who bought eight yearlings – predominantly for Matt Dorman's Determined Stables – for a total of 3,240,000gns; Liz Crow, whose total outlay was 1,625,000gns on the five yearlings she purchased for various entities; and Mike Ryan, who spent 1,440,000gns on five yearlings for Klaravich Stables. By the time the merry-go-round that is the October Yearling Sale stopped at Book 2, Ingordo, Crow and Ryan had already disembarked and returned home to America, but Solis was still going strong as Wednesday's proceedings at Park Paddocks drew to a close. After spending another 402,000gns over the past three days – buying three yearlings in the name of Repole and two in tandem with Litt – Solis reflected on a market that, whilst remaining very strong at the top end, did allow more room to manoeuvre compared to the record-breaking trade we witnessed here in October last year, as well as that at Saratoga and Keeneland in recent months. “We all know that Europe is the nursery of the world for grass horses and we're happy to be able to participate,” said Solis. “There have been a lot of nice horses and I think there has been great value compared to last year. Last year was really strong, but this year it's been back to reality. “It's been much easier to buy nice horses. In the US this year, from the two-year-old sales through to the yearling sales, it's been insane – it's been so strong. A lot of people [in the US] seem to have more money than ever.” Those sentiments were echoed by Joe Miller, the leading bloodstock advisor and American representative for Tattersalls, who also revealed the extent to which the American footfall at Book 2 has gone up a notch this year. “It's tough to buy good horses everywhere,” he said of the market. “It's almost impossible to buy the ones you like, although I think a lot of Americans have found it a little easier here to get the ones they like, for the price they want to pay, than it is in America. “Last year, Tattersalls made a big effort to get a lot of Americans to come over. They were very strong in Book 1 and tailed off a little bit in Book 2. This year, I think a lot of them have stayed for Book 2 and we've had some new buyers coming in for Book 2 from America.” He continued, “We've had a lot of California buyers here for Book 2. Tim Cohen from Rancho Temescal, this is his first yearling sale here. He's been a staple at the horses-in-training sales and the December Sale here for almost the last 20 years, but this is his first yearling sale. And Chief Stipe O'Neill is here with an owner of his, Mark Davis, who raced [multiple Grade I winner] Raging Torrent. “About 65% of the races they run in California are grass races now. People like racing grass horses – oftentimes they have longer careers and stay sounder longer – and the best grass horses in the world come from Tattersalls.” Connecticut-based trainer Philip Antonacci was another first-time attendee at Book 2 on a trip which, admittedly, didn't get off to the best of starts. The owner of a handful of horses trained in Ireland by Joseph O'Brien, he travelled to Newmarket primarily to see his Group 3-winning juvenile, Queen Of Hawaii, line up in Friday's G1 Fillies' Mile, but the daughter of Kingman ended up being withdrawn at the eleventh hour due to a foot abscess. She is now in contention for a tilt at the GI Breeders' Juvenile Fillies Turf. “Kingman has had good success in America, so maybe it was a blessing in disguise and it was meant for her to go to the Breeders' Cup,” said Antonacci, by now back home supervising trackwork after returning from his maiden voyage to Book 2. “It was a good excuse to come over and look at yearlings,” he continued. “It was my first time at a yearling sale there at Tattersalls. I came in after Book 1, just for Book 2, looked at a bunch of horses and then came home. “I was impressed with the horses that I saw and I definitely think there were a lot of nice horses that could fit America. We race for a lot of money on the turf here in America and it's obviously no secret that Europe has the best turf bloodstock in the world. “If you can source a few high-quality horses from over here and bring them to the US, you'd hope to think that you have an advantage over everybody else. I think that's the idea everybody is following and it's obviously been successful in the past – it's easy to follow success.” For 160,000gns, Antonacci came away with a colt from Whatton Manor Stud bred on the same Kingman-Galileo cross as Queen Of Hawaii. Now, he must decide whether the colt – plus the five yearlings he bought at Book 1 of the Goffs Orby Sale – will be put into training in Europe or travel to America to join his barn. He added, “I think right now we're evaluating which ones to bring over and which ones will stay. It will be a combination of both, but I think the majority of them will come over to me as two-year-olds next year, after they've been broken in Europe.” That dilemma faced by Antonacci is one shared by many American owners, certainly since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on goods coming into America – at a rate of 10% on imports from the United Kingdom. Solis confirmed that the tariffs were factored into his bidding process, before revealing that one of his biggest clients, LNJ Foxwoods, is likely to have a larger contingent of horses based in Europe in 2026. This year, the two-year-old filly Coming Attraction (Dark Angel) has been the operation's sole runner in Britain, notably finishing fourth in last week's G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket for trainer Roger Varian. “You definitely have to think about it,” Solis said of the tariffs. “If you really value a horse at 300 [thousand], you might knock it back to 270 [thousand] and that's what you have.” He added, “All of the horses that we've bought for LNJ are staying over here. It's a great place to get the horses started and we have Shahbanu with Tim Donworth who runs in a Group 3 in France next week. We really enjoy the European racing – the Roths [of LNJ Foxwoods] absolutely love it.” LNJ Foxwoods won't be alone in their approach, according to Miller, who revealed that he expects more of the other American owners in attendance at Park Paddocks over the past fortnight to grow their European racing interests. “There are quite a few owners who have come over, specifically to buy horses to race here and get them started,” he said. “Then, down the road, they have the option of bringing them to America, after they've seen what sort of level they're at. I'd say the majority of them are coming straight back, but there are plenty of people who will race them over here.” On the impact of the tariffs, he added, “It definitely has an effect. Whenever you have to pay a little bit extra it does, but you just have to factor that into your bidding. “It's expensive to run a large racing operation and, at the end of the day, the tariff is probably just a very small expense in the grand scheme of things. Although it's very frustrating, and we all certainly hope it goes away in the future, I don't think it deterred too many Americans from coming over here and spending.” The tariffs might not have deterred the Americans from making their presence felt at Tattersalls, but Miller did concede that the fierce competition for the biggest and best lots on home soil this year might have caused a tightening of budgets by the time buyers crossed the Atlantic. He summed up, “The Americans were strong here, they were really active, and they were trying to buy a lot of horses. But the good ones are expensive and I think people spent more than they were planning on at the previous sales. “Maybe that [the strength of the American market] worked against us, actually. People still bought the horses they wanted to, but they had to spend more to get them. In the end, maybe they did spend a little bit less here than they would have if the American sales weren't so strong. That's kind of the way I look at it.” For Antonacci, who featured among the buyers at Saratoga back in August, notably paying $625,000 for an Into Mischief filly, his first taste of Book 2 was a familiar tale, having already covering plenty of ground on the sales circuit in 2025. “I think it's continuing the trend that we've seen around the world,” he said. “It's a polarised market, but you're buying high-quality bloodstock, by the best stallions in the world, and they're good individuals. “There are horses that are making everybody's list and they're probably making to 20-30% more than you would anticipate. But, if you like them, you've got to step up and buy them, right?” The post ‘This Year It’s Been Back To Reality’ – Alex Solis Leads American Buying Bench at Tattersalls October appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

October has been a month to remember for the team from Spendthrift Farm. Since Oct. 3, Spendthrift has won six stakes, including four graded stakes and two Grade I's. Meanwhile, they've also had three maiden winners, including Further Ado (Gun Runner), who broke his maiden by 20 lengths. November could be even better as Spendthrift is planning on sending five horses to the Breeders' Cup. To talk about Spendthrift's recent run of success and its hopes for the Breeders' Cup, Spendthrift General Manager Ned Toffey joined the crew for this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. The Spendthrift Line-up is as follows: GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile starter Ted Noffey (Into Mischief): GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies starter Tommy Jo (Into Mischief); GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint starter Tamara (Bolt d'Oro); GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint starter Kopion (Omaha Beach); GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf starter Smart Deb (Authentic). Toffey said there is some chance that Kopion will takes on males in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. “I think we've got five very good shots,” Toffey said of his Breeders' Cup hopefuls. “We're not just going for the weather. It's a really nice group and I think everybody is live.” But Toffey knows that even a racing operation as loaded as Spendthrift is, can't always produce at such a high level. “You all know is that racing is a tough game,” he said. “There are plenty of weekends where it did not go like this. So, we really appreciate and are enjoying this run that we've had here lately. “I think it's one of the things that is most gratifying is that it's coming from a lot of different places. A number of these are homebreds. A number of them are by our own sires. Some of these we bought out of yearling sales. Some of these we bought out of 2-year-olds in training sales. What's nice about that is that through all of those horses, they really encompass every aspect of what we do. It's the coming together of all of what we've been trying to do and what we've been trying to build here over time.” The run began with Tommy Jo in the GI Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland. After she crushed her opponents in the GI Spinaway at Saratoga, more of the same was expected at Keeneland. She did win the race, but it was through the disqualification of Percy's Bar (Upstart). The brilliance she displayed in the Spinaway was not in evidence on this day. “It's sort of funny because I think it's not often that you get to win a Grade I and feel a little let down,” Toffey said. “She's been really highly touted from the beginning. Todd [Pletcher] and Johnny [Velazquez] probably held her in higher regard than Ted Noffey early on. I think maybe she just didn't relax quite as well as we would have liked her to. You saw her throw her head a little bit and that was way down the backstretch. That's going to be the trick to her. If Johnny can get her to relax, I think two turns will not be a problem. If she doesn't relax, then she'll probably run a race similar to the one she ran in the Alcibiades. She has to relax.” And why isn't Further Ado being pointed to the Breeders' Cup after the 20-length runaway victory, which took place in his third lifetime start? “In talking with Brad [Cox], that would probably be a little bit quick back, especially off that kind of an effort,” Toffey said. “Knock on wood, hopefully, there are lots of bigger and better things on the horizon for this horse. You could maybe cost him some chances at a future by trying to roll him back so quickly.” Spendthrift has also enjoyed a phenomenal year with its stallions, a group led by Into Mischief. While Into Mischief is a sure thing, several other Spendthrift stallions emerged this year as potential star sires, like Vekoma, Omaha Beach and Yaupon. “We're very fortunate in that we have Tammy and Eric Gustafson who've done such an incredible job of carrying on the legacy that Wayne [Hughes] built here,” Toffey said. “We have the resources to go after high quality horses. But, as we all know, that's not a guarantee of success. So we've been fortunate to have some sires who have gotten off to a great start. And that's really a credit to the breeders. Our salesmen do such a good job of building relationships with all the breeders in this industry. And that's really what you need. The breeders are the ones that are doing the heavy lifting, causing these horses to have the kind of success that they're having.” The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was El Grande O (Take Charge Indy). Trained by Linda Rice, he got a 99 Beyer in an allowance win last week at the Belmont-at-Aqueduct meet. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStarFarm. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/st TV, the KTOB, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association and West Point Thoroughbreds, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Moss talked about the historic contributions made to the sport by the pioneering female jockey Diane Crump and applauded Steve Asmussen for picking up win No. 11,000. There was also a discussion as to why Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) is passing the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile after his smashing win in the GI Champagne Stakes. For the video version of the podcast, click here. For the audio version, click here. The post Ned Toffey Joins the TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 10/09/2025 Licensee: Jeffrey Trujillo, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Let Me Love You, who finished third at Alburquerque on 9/7/25. Date: 10/09/2025 Licensee: Michael Sabine, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on October 10, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Not My Type, who finished tenth at Finger Lakes on 8/25/25. Note: The higher than usual penalty for this kind of class C medication violation is due to the fact this was Sabine's second violation involving a class C substance within a two-year period. Date: 10/08/2025 Licensee: Armando Hernandez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Guaifenesin (glycerol guaiacolate)-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Gray Lightning, who finished third in the Lady Carey Turf Sprint Stakes on 7/27/25. Pending ADMC Violations 10/14/2025, Hugh McMahon, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Schrader, who finished second at Colonial Downs on 9/13/25. 10/13/2025, Maria Bowersock, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Flunixin and Phenylbutazone-both class C controlled substances-in a sample taken from Nezuko on 9/12/25. 10/13/2025, Reynaldo Yanez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Tramadol and Gabapentin-both class B controlled substances-in a sample taken from Butter Kisses, who won at Parx Racing on 9/8/25. 10/08/2025, Scott Corderman, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Flunixin – a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Nalla D, who won at Prairie Meadows on 9/8/25. 10/08/2025, Jose Gonzalez Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD) -a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Charlee Mae, who won at Prairie Meadows on 7/26/25 The post Weekly Rulings: National Regulatory Rulings for Oct. 9 – Oct. 15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The video replay of the 59th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA), organised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is now available to view. The focus of this year's conference, which took place on October 6, was on racing betting, both in the legal and illegal markets, along with marketing and customer experience. This year, over 165 delegates from about 40 different countries were in attendance. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) is the official partner of the ICHA. The post IFHA Conference Replay Now Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2022 Canadian Horse of the Year and 2024 Eclipse champion turf female Moira has been retired from racing by her Australian connections.View the full article

A 20% share in the 2024 Horse of the Year will be offered at the Keeneland Championship Sale Oct. 29 at Del Mar. Thorpedo Anna retires with more than $5.4 million in earnings and 10 graded stakes victories.View the full article

Governor Kathy Hochul accompanied New York Racing Association officials, AECOM Tishman, Populous and unionized construction workers for a topping out ceremony Wednesday, marking the placement of the final beam at the new Belmont Park. “As we raise the final beam, today marks a major milestone for Belmont Park and New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This project is more than simply rebuilding a racetrack–it's creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring Belmont remains a world-class destination. This redevelopment means thousands of good-paying union jobs, new opportunities for local businesses and a facility that will attract visitors from around the world.” Belmont Park will re-open for live racing in September 2026 with the GI Belmont Stakes, set to return to its Long Island home in 2027 following a three-year period where the event was temporarily shifted to Saratoga Race Course. In May, Governor Hochul announced the new Belmont Park as the site of the 2027 Breeders' Cup World Championships, last held in New York State in 2005. The project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year. “Thanks to the leadership and vision of Governor Hochul, who has long recognized the importance of horse racing to New York State's economy and culture, NYRA is transforming Belmont Park into the sports and entertainment destination that New York deserves,” said New York Racing Association President and CEO David O'Rourke. “Today's milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the construction personnel on-site, the NYRA team, and the expertise of our partners at AECOM Tishman and Populous. Because of their work, a new Belmont Park is coming to Long Island in 2026.” The post Governor Hochul Attends Major Construction Milestone at Belmont Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-KEE, 110K, Msw, 2yo, 7f, 2:04 p.m. Gustavo Delgado debuts COLOSSUS (Constitution) in Kentucky Thursday that includes JR Ranch, Fortune Racing (al Maktoum), KAS Ultimate Racing and G and O Racing. Purchased by Marquee Bloodstock for $975,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale after getting in a :10.3 breeze before the weather, the colt is out of a half-sister to GSW New York Central (Tapit), GSW Corfu (Malibu Moon) and to SP Runway Ready (Mr. Greeley), herself hte dam of MGSP Buttercream Babe (Twirling Candy). This is the family of MGISW Peace Rules (Jules). Second-time starter Our Forefathers (Consitution) looks to improve upon a fifth-place finish at Churchill Downs going six furlongs Sept. 12, his first start since bringing $1,200,000 as a yearling at Keeneland last September for C R K Stable. TJCIS PPS 6th-KEE, 110K, Msw, 2yo, 7f, 3:40 p.m. Liberty National (Maxfield), a $525,000 from his sire's freshman crop, exits the Ken McPeek barn for this spot. He draws wide outside of the rail-drawn Thunder Buck (Gun Runner), a homebred colt for Calumet Farm who is out of GSW Oxy Lady (Oxbow). TJCIS PPS 4th-BAQ, 88K, Alw, 3yo/up, 6f, 2:47 p.m. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' With the Angels (Omaha Beach) makes a much-belated start to her 2025 campaign having gone a perfect four-for-four as a juvenile with her last race falling Nov. 17 of last year. Having previously faced exclusively New York-breds, this is her first foray into open company for Linda Rice. TJCIS PPS 5th-BAQ, 85K, Msw, 2yo, f, 7f, 3:20 p.m. Chad Brown and Amo Racing USA purchased Britain (Quality Road) for $1,050,000 at OBS March earlier this year. The filly is a son of MSW/MGSP Toasting, a mare who earned over a half-million in career earnings on the track. Britain put in a sharp :9.4 breeze in Ocala and picks up Flavien Prat for this debut. TJCIS PPS 8th-BAQ, 85K, Msw, 2yo, f, 1mT, 4:53 p.m. The deepest race on the card features several noteworthy juveniles led by the rail-drawn Consider Me First (Uncle Mo). The George Krikorian homebred is a half-sister to GISW and $1.1m FTKNOV broodmare Mucho Unusual (Mucho Macho Man) and to MGSW/GISP Big Score (Mr. Big). Lined up to oppose her are Take Home Gold (Medaglia d'Oro), a Colts Neck Stables homebred who is a full-sister to MSW Goldwood and a half to the dam of Chilean G1SW Ando Soltera (Chi) (Flameaway), MGSW Toy Soltero (Chi) (Van Nistelrooy) and MGSP Bacon Soltero (Chi) (Flameaway). The dam is a half to Champion Older Mare and Filly Triple Crown winner Sky Beauty (Blushing Groom {Fr}) and there are plenty of seven-figure sales grads under the second dam led by the $2.85m John Magnier paid for Sky Beauty at KEENOV in 2009. This is a deep family that also includes MGISW and sire Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat), Eclipse-winning sprinter Gold Beauty (Mr. Prospector) and English Horse of the Year Dayjur (Danzig). Keeping the homebred train rolling, Just Aloof (Justify) waves the Whisper Hill Farm banner as a daughter of GSW Aloof (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a mare purchased by the farm for $3.9m at KEENOV in 2014. Aloof, a daughter of English high-weighted filly Airwave, is a full-sister to SW/MGSP Keats (Ire) and a half to the dam of both MG1SW and successful European sire Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and G1SW Clemmie (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Widest drawn of the quartet, Kaffeinate (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}) is a half to GSP Sash (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) while second dam Promising Lead (GB) was a G1SW in Ireland. Familiar names in this pedigree include English MGSW and American MGISP Visit (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) along with MGSP Juncture (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}). TJCIS PPS The post Thursday Insights: Constitution Colts Lead Deep List Of Thursday Runners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Kaikoura Cup will celebrate its 100th running this year. Over the next few weeks Kaikoura Trotting Club historian Phil Gourdie will look back at the history of the great race. This is the second installment – Records are made to be broken! By Phil Gourdie On October 29, 1973 Royal Ascot, breed, owned and trained by Colin McLaughlin and driven by Felix Newfield set a New Zealand record of 3.03, off the 30m mark, for the 2400m stand. The field did not have an answer to the spirited finish of Royal Ascot as he was driven out to win by a length and a quarter. Eight years later, on November 2 1981 Hands Down, bred and owned by Mr and Mrs Bill McAughtrie, went even better. Trained by the great Derek Jones (MNZM) and driven by his son Peter, Hands Down displayed awesome power to overcome his 25m handicap, and a rocky run over the last 600m, to win the Kaikoura Cup in a new national record time of 3.02.2. A new world record was set on October 29 1990. Tight Connection, bred by G J Gardner and Mrs A Collie, owned by R J O Ellis, R M Weavers, Horseplayers Syndicate, Club Connection Syndicate, trained by Roy and Barry Purdon and driven by Tony Herlihy (MNZM), set a world record of 3.00.9. Records are not just about time. In 1984 Diamond Moose (pictured above) became the first horse to win two consecutive Kaikoura Trotting Cups. He was bred, owned and trained by All Black #553 George Nelson Dalzell (Nelson) and driven by the Butt brothers, Robin (1983) and Murray (1984). The 1983 win – a minor upset – thwarted the attempts of others to quality for the NZ Cup the following Tuesday. Diamond Moose, a horse of massive proportions took control 1000m from home. Once in front he showed his normal free going style and fought back tenaciously when challenged. A year later Diamond Moose settled in the trail behind the Colin DeFilippi-driven Tarlad. They tried to slip the cutter rounding the last bend, however Diamond Moose came on resolutely to win and become the first horse to go back-to-back. Footnote: Phil Gourdie is currently writing a history on the Kaikoura Cups which will be published to mark the centenary. View the full article