Wandering Eyes

By Jonny Turner The timing looks perfect for Tabasco as he looks to spice up the Central Southland Cup at Winton today. The five-year-old will back up in the 2400m feature after an unlucky fifth in the Wyndham Cup. After making a smart beginning, Tabasco was shuffled back before running on in tight quarters. The effort came in arguably the strongest field the pacer has taken on in Country Cups company and it showed he was right up with his rivals. “It was very pleasing because he did have a bit more to offer,” trainer-driver Brad Williamson said. “He has been a bit of a revelation since his win at Ashburton during Cup Week, he hasn’t gone a bad race yet.” “He has always been a bit casual in his races but with a bit more time and maturity he has been more focused on competing.” “He has been very competitive in these country cup races and of all of them this one probably looks the most likely one, as far as winning goes.” Tabasco starts from the front line in the Subway Winton/Uppercuts Butchery Central Southland Cup (3.17pm) as he did in the Wyndham Cup. He is a $2.90 joint favourite with Piccadilly Pete in just a five horse field. That handicap won’t matter much if Tabasco makes an early mistake, as he has done in most of his standing starts. However, the pacer got his last look at the starting tapes bang on. “It is the only time he has stepped away, he has always scrambled or can-canned away for a few strides.” “It was very pleasing to see him get it right, I put the hopple shorteners up a few more holes than I have before and we will go with that formula again.” Williamson starts three horses at Winton on Saturday and all three look genuine winning threats. Kracka Looka steps back in class in Race 3, the AB Lime Handicap Trot after running fifth at Addington in her last start. In her prior outing, the mare delivered a strong win at Cromwell. “She performed well enough in a handy Addington grade.” “Ah Dinnae Ken looks the one to beat, but if she were to make a mistake which she has done at times, I think we would be up to handling the rest of the field.” Domination’s Call has been brilliantly consistent through summer and early autumn and he looks set to run another honest race for the Williamson stable in Saturday’s feature trot, the Des Ltd Handicap Trot (2.18pm). “He’s been going well, he is a horse that capitalises with his good manners and by making a good beginning.” Williamson rates Lil Whip as the best winning chance among his outside drives. The trotter steps back sharply in grade after taking on Samanthas Moon, who is a big winning hope in Saturday’s feature trot. View the full article

Kosta, Stephanie, and Pete Hronis of Hronis Racing have been named the recipients of the 2025 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, also known as the TOC Chairman's Award, according to the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). The annual award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Thoroughbred racing. Not only did Hronis Racing lead all California owners in wins in 2024, but they have regularly campaigned top horses around the nation, including 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline, and are dedicated philanthropists. “The Hronis family truly embodies the spirit of California horse racing,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “Their unwavering commitment to the sport is matched by their deep compassion for our equine athletes and the dedicated horsemen and horsewomen who make racing possible. Their contributions continue to elevate California racing, both on and off the track.” Kosta Hronis has been a member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Board of Directors since 2018, while his wife, Stephanie, serves on the boards of the TOC, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), the California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation (CTHF), the NTRA Horse PAC, and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. She also co-founded the Horse Racing Women's Summit, now the Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA). The Hronis family will be honored at TOC's Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 16. The post 2025 TOC Chairman’s Award Goes to Hronis Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Featuring 29 horses and stallion seasons, the catalogue for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA March Sale is headlined by the half-sister to the dam of the reigning Horse of the Year, the auction house announced Friday. Among the notables on offer is Lady Eliana (Tapizar), a half-sister to the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who is being offered as a broodmare prospect. Other notable names include SW Bank On Anna (Central Banker); Fleet Frost (Frosted), who hails from a busy female line which includes the likes of the late great English Channel; SW Professors' Pride (Bayern), from the family of an Argentinian champion; and SW Tequila Kiss (Competitive Edge), who is out of a half-sister to the multiple Grade I-placed dam of Japanese champion G1SW-Jpn Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}). Also in the catalogue is Giant Bird (Colonel John), a half-sister to GISW Mucho Gusto (Mucho Macho Man) and GISP Go With Gusto (Medaglia d'Oro). The broodmare hails from the immediate female family of Canadian Horse of the Year Peaks and Valleys, who was among leading sires in Canada, and his half-sister MGSP Alternate (Seattle Slew), dam of GISW Higher Power (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSW Alternation (Distorted Humor). This is the extended family of GSW & G1SP-Fr, GSP-Ire, GSP American Sonja (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), who was last seen running sixth in the 2024 G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp. She is offered in-foal to Bolt d'Oro. The broodmare offering Princess Tine (Fr) (Pastorius {Ger}) has a no-guarantee season to Raging Bull (Fr) for after she foals her Demarchelier (GB) foal while Lookin at Grace (Lookin At Lucky) is being sold with her Feb. 25 Tapwrit filly at foot. Breeders with late-season plans for mares will find no-guarantee seasons to Flameaway, Modernist, Messier, Mind Control, and Great Notion. “We're thrilled to get our March sale underway with a strong collection of breeding stock along with quality racehorses and some no-guarantee seasons if you're still looking for a match for your mare,” said Kyle Wilson, senior director of Sales and Recruiting for Inglis Digital USA. “Our entire team is ready to assist in any way.” To view the full catalogue and register to bid, registration and a bidding limit are both required to start placing bids, visit the Inglis Digital USA website. The post Inglis Digital’s 2025 March Catalogue Includes Half-Sister to Dam of Thorpedo Anna appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a half-sister to a GI Natalma Stakes winner. 14.15 La Teste-Bassin Arcachon, Mdn, €21,000, 3yo, f, 8fT Godolphin's hitherto unraced HONEYFLOWER (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is a homebred daughter of stakes-winning G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest fourth Tulips (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and thus kin to GI Natalma Stakes heroine Wild Beauty (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Group 3-winning G1 Al Maktoum Challenge fourth Desert Wisdom (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and G3 UAE Oaks runner-up Swift Rose (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). Swift Rose is the dam of last year's G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The Alex Pantall representative's 11 rivals include Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's once-raced homebred Jokla (GB) (Zarak {Fr}), who is a Christophe Ferland-trained daughter of stakes-winning G1 Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Matematica (Ger) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}); and George Strawbridge's more experienced €330,000 Arqana August acquisition Blue Lilas (Fr) (Blue Point {Ire}), who is out of an unraced full-sister to G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix d'Ispahan heroine Golden Lilas (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), from the Francois Rohaut stable. The post Half-Sister To Natalma Stakes Heroine Wild Beauty On Deck For La Teste Unveiling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack provides analysis for Saturday's pair of GI Kentucky Derby preps–the GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby and GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks. GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby – After being offered in a pair of maiden claimers at two, #9 Instant Replay (Maximum Security) really elevated his game for Brad Cox in his 3-year-old debut, closing impressively (albeit into a hot pace) from last of six to win with authority (came home in :31) by five lengths in an optional claimer at Fair Grounds Feb. 17. He should get plenty of pace to close into again here and a repeat of that performance–good for a career-high 92 Beyer Speed Figure–makes him a major player at what has to be a solid price. #5 Caldera (Liam's Map) ran too good to lose with a wide trip in the Sunland Park Derby and has been working sharply for the Coach since. #10 Hypnus (Into Mischief), a head-turning 'TDN Rising Star' debut winner around two turns over this track, deserves another shot at double digits off a nightmare trip in the GII Rebel. Selection: #9 Instant Replay (6-1). GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks – I always tend to gravitate towards a turf horse with a nice turn of foot for Turfway's Jeff Ruby Steaks. #5 Flying Mohawk (Karakontie {Jpn}), a visually impressive winner over the lawn in his last two at Churchill and Fair Grounds, certainly meets that criteria this year. He came home the right way in both of those victories, and his pedigree (out of a Twirling Candy mare) says that the switch to synthetic should be right up his alley. Absolutely no knocks on last year's GII Remsen winner and morning-line favorite #9 Poster (Munnings), who also has a pair of turf wins on his resume. He ran on nicely from far back to finish third in a race completed dominated on the front end in the Sam F. Davis. #7 Giocoso (Not This Time) is another with some solid turf form and should be every bit of his 30-1 morning-line quote entering off a dismal run in the GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star. #12 He's Not Joking (Practical Joke) did absolutely nothing wrong in four tries over Woodbine's all-weather last year, led by a win in the GIII Grey. He comes in way under the radar following a pair of disappointing runs in Kentucky Derby preps on dirt. Selection: #5 Flying Mohawk (15-1). The post Handicapping the Kentucky Derby Preps: Louisiana Derby & Jeff Ruby Steaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The sales pavilion at Lone Star Park is now the Mary Ruyle Sales Pavilion.View the full article

Led by leading scorer Drayden Van Dyke, a team of Santa Anita jockeys defeated the Holy Angels Middle School basketball team Thursday night to break a lengthy losing streak in the 55th annual charity game. With coach Luis Jauregui at the helm and former jockey Darrell Haire serving as assistant, the jockeys came out on top with a score of 28-22. The team consisted of Van Dyke, Kent Desormeaux, Edwin Maldonado, Armando Ayuso, Abel Lezcano, Ricky Gonzalez, Diego Herrara, Geovanni Franco, Kevin Orozco and Sofia Barandela. Prior to the game, Hall of Famers Laffit Pincay Jr. and Mike Smith were available to the fans for an autograph session. Proceeds went to support the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Holy Angels athletics. “Everyone played great,” said Jauregui, who was making his coaching debut. “They were really hustling.” The post Santa Anita Park Jockeys Break Lengthy Losing Streak in Charity Hoops Game appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The sales pavilion at Lone Star Park has been renamed in honor of retiring Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) executive director Mary Ruyle, the group announced Friday afternoon. Ruyle has a long history with the association since she began as a bookkeeper in 1988 and moved her way up the ranks until she ultimately became the executive director. Her 36-year tenure with the TTA made her the longest-employed member in the history of the association. “There is not enough we can do to show Mary how much the Texas thoroughbred industry appreciates her years of hard work and dedication,” said Phil Adams, the TTA board member who coordinated the renaming effort. After Fasig-Tipton withdrew from Texas in 2015, Ruyle was instrumental in establishing the TTA Sales division and its two annual auctions. She also helped establish programs like The Paddock Foundation for retired racehorses and the Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund for scholarships as well as the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes series and special races for TTA sale graduates. The first event to be held in the newly renamed pavilion will be The Texas Thoroughbred Association Two-Year-Old In Training Sale Apr. 2. “I was surprised and touched by this gesture from the board of directors,” said Ruyle. “I love the sales, for me it is old home week where I get to see so many of the people that make horse racing special.” The post Sales Pavilion at Lone Star Park Renamed in Honor of TTA Executive Mary Ruyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The top three finishers from the Hong Kong Classic Cup mix it up again in the Hong Kong Derby March 23 at Sha Tin Racecourse.View the full article

Eliza Bradbeer and Stan Begley have been named foaling manager and broodmare manager, respectively, at David Cox and Tamso Doyle Cox's Baroda Stud. Bradbeer has been with the stud for two years and started as a foaling assistant. She attained her degree in rural studies from Newcastle Unversity in the UK, graduated from the Irish National Stud course and spent time in Australia at Segenhoe Stud before joining Baroda. A grandson of noted vet Stan Cosgrove, Begley was previously an assistant breeding manager at the Irish National Stud and is a graduate of the Smurfit Business School. He started his tenure at Baroda in January. Tamso Doyle Cox, who operates Baroda and Rosetown Studs and consigns to major sales with her husband David, said, “It is a wonderful time of the year here and to have such a great team on site is such a help, Brian Delahunt is our award-winning and dedicated head man and he is well supported here with some great managers in Eliza, Stan and also both Max Harte our yearling manager and Tarlach Mac Giolla Cheara who manages Eyrefield for us which is part of the three farms that come under the Baroda banner. We are not hugely into titles and everyone gets stuck in across the place, a good team ethos and plenty for everyone to do.” The post Eliza Bradbeer And Stan Begley Assume New Roles With Baroda Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

11th-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, 1 1/16m, T, 5:52 p.m. ET. A $650,000 Keeneland September grad, WEAPONIZED (Gun Runner) makes his first start for N Theory Racing and trainer Brad Cox. The colt is out of Lady Tapit (Tapit), who went for a cool $1.8-million to Whisper Hill Farm & Gainesway during last year's Keeneland November Sale while in foal to Good Magic. This productive mare is also responsible for GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby hero and current sire Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo), and her filly Irresistible (Munnings) was purchased for $700,000 by Steven W. Young at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale. Weaponized's extended female family includes GI American Oaks Invitational Stakes victress Gozzip Girl (Dynaformer), who claims Japanese group stakes winner Chuck Nate (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). Also set for his unveiling is Orator (War Front). Bred by Claiborne and co-owned with Peter Wilson, the Shug McGaughey trainee's dam is Orate (A.P. Indy)–a full-sister to the influential Pulpit. Orator is a half-sister to SW Endless Chatter (First Samurai) who produced SW Baytown Chatterbox (Street Sense). TJCIS PPS 1st-TP, $80K, Msw, 3yo, f, 6f, AW, 12:45 p.m. ET. At Turfway, the opener includes first-time starter Oraia (Gun Runner). Taken home by Ed and Susie Orr for $550,000 during Keeneland September and sent to trainer William Cowans, the chestnut hails from a dam whose half-sister is MGSW & MSW Ageless (Successful Appeal). TJCIS PPS The post Half-Brother To Kingsbarns Out Of Lady Tapit Debuts At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

The New York Racing Association and Spendthrift Farm announced it has entered into a multiyear agreement for the storied farm to serve as the title sponsor of the $300,000 Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes (G1).View the full article

It doesn't take too deep a dive into the pedigree of Northern Dancer to understand the Italian influence in so many racehorses in training these days. Italy's significance in the annals of racing and breeding history reaches beyond Nearco of course, but in recent years there has been a very real fear that the country is losing its place in the Thoroughbred world order. Indeed, its black-type races have been gradually downgraded. The Derby Italiano and Oaks d'Italia lost Group 1 status in 2009 and 2007 respectively, and Italy lost its final Group 1 race in 2019 when the Premio Lydia Tesio was downgraded to a Group 2. A further nine listed races have been cut from the Italian racing programme for 2025. There is hope, however, that the issues which have beset Italian racing for a number of years are now in the process of being addressed, with an apparently genuine desire from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), which oversees the sport's administration, to return Italian racing to a position of strength. Remo Chiodi, MASAF's director general and general manager of Italian horseracing, is the man charged with righting the ship. He is cautiously optimistic of a return to calmer waters and has overseen significant changes already, including, most importantly, a reduction in the lengthy wait for prize-money to be paid out. “We've been very busy but fortunately many things are going well, in my opinion, or at least, better than in the past,” he says. “Revitalising international relationships was one of the major targets of my work plan for 2024. After many years of absence, for Italy it was necessary to restart rebuilding strong relationships and recover credibility in Europe and all around the world.” In 2023, the Italian Government began a structural reform, recognising the part which horseracing can play as an economic resource for the country. In acknowledging the need for collaboration with Italy's fellow racing nations, Chiodi adds, “We are experiencing different levels of development in horseracing countries but we are all facing similar problems within our national industries, from breeding to racing.” One trend seen across the bloodstock world of late is a reduction in foal crop numbers. In Italy, the drop in the number of reported foals in the country has been undeniably steep, though there is a glimmer of hope. From 1,751 foals recorded in Italy in 2010, the 2023 crop stood at just 686, which is actually an improvement on the 2018 low of 603. In an attempt to stimulate trade at the Italian sales, VAT on Italian yearling purchases has been reduced from 22 per cent to five per cent. “Our plan needs time, so currently there is not an increase in the number of owners or breeders, but we have a good feeling about the future,” Chiodi says. Among the causes for optimism is a reduction in betting tax on horseracing to bring it into line with other sports, and the introduction of an additional two per cent tax on virtual betting, which will help to boost prize-money levels. “Taxation on betting has been reduced to 24 per cent. In the past horseracing did not have such good consideration from politicians, but now, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Minister Lollobrigida and Under Secretary of State La Pietra, are personally leading the process of reform,” Chiodi explains, adding that while the sport of trotting remains buoyant in Italy, the Thoroughbred sector still has a long way to go in attempting to recapture the glory days of Italian racing. “In Italy, horseracing is managed by public administration and public money, directly from the Ministry of Agriculture,” he says. “This is a challenge because we don't have the opportunity to act as a private company and manage it in the way the sector needs to be competitive with all the other countries. But we are working towards a major reform in order to reestablish a private parent company to manage it – like in France or the UK, for example. This is what we are working towards and it is scheduled for the end of this year.” VAT on Italian-bought yearlings has been reduced to five per cent | Emma Berry Chiodi says that the Italian authorities have listened to the advice offered by the European Pattern Committee in order to stem the loss of further black-type races. Prize-money has already been increased for some stakes races and, with a slight reduction in the number of races, increases of more than 15% in average purses across the board are intended from next year. The international reputation of Italian horseracing has not been helped in recent years by the unacceptable delay in paying out prize-money to connections. “We are now on 100 to 120 days of delay for payments – better than in the past but of course still not where we would like it to be for the future,” Chiodi admits. “But by the end of the year the goal is to reduce this to 90 days.” “Among the most important milestones we have adopted is a merit-based classification for all the racetracks based on the scientific method of AHP – analytic hierarchy process – in order to award money for investment in racetracks according to what we see in terms of their goals and future perspectives.” The latter has been published in an official government decree, signed by Under Secretary Patrizio La Pietra and hailed by the Ministry of Agriculture as an “epochal change” for Italian horseracing. Clearly the intention is there to improve what has become a regrettable situation, with Italy falling far behind its European cousins in the sport. The appointment of Chiodi, who has no background in racing, was, he says, for exactly that reason. “Probably this was one of the most important facts for the decision of the political authorities,” he admits. “That I had no involvement in the past in the sector, so I had no constraints or links with the previous management. But I have expertise in economic planning and management, and this is very useful in this phase.” He acknowledges the help he has received from others, notably Tamara Papiccio, recently elected to be the first vice-president of the European Trotting Union. She has been involved in the industry for more than 30 years and is currently general secretary of the Mediterranean Horseracing Union. She lists other areas currently being tackled for improvement. “We are working on an update on all the regulations which will be in place next month – this has not been done in 15 years,” says Papiccio. “We're also updating our horse welfare and anti-doping rules and increasing our anti-doping testing in training. We already did this last year but we will go farther as it is important for the integrity of the sector.” Also in progress is the foundation of a government-funded programme for the aftercare of racehorses, which is being set up in association with the country's equestrian federation and will complement a number of privately-run operations of this nature already in place in Italy. For those eager to follow Italian racing, both in the country and beyond, a recently launched website in Italian, French and English, with all the races live-streamed, can be found under the new-look brand of Grande Ippica Italiana, which is also the name used across social media channels. “We have worked hard on our communications,” says Chiodi. “And we are recovering our place in the international horseracing associations.” Chiodi admits that one of their hardest challenges is likely to be changing the mindsets of those working within Italian racing. “There is not an optimistic view inside the community, and this is not good. It is very difficult to change – and it is a global trend – but in Italy it is very hard,” he says. “And of course, it's necessary to guarantee continuity and commitment in the renewal process.” He remains, however, positive in his outlook for the future of what has been a nation of huge importance in the evolution of horseracing. “I can say that we can be optimistic,” says Chiodi. “We know that we can do more and that we have room for improvement. It needs patience – and I mean years, not months – but in two or three years we can sum up what we have done and then it will be a good time to evaluate.” The post ‘Intense Renewal’ Underway in Italian Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lucky Seven Stable and Sharaf Mohamed Alhairi's Rattle N Roll (Connect), who rallied from the back of the back to finish a creditable fifth to Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Saudi Cup on Feb. 22, has officially been invited to participate in the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse Apr. 5, trainer Ken McPeek tweeted Mar. 21. The 6-year-old failed to draw into last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic and was rerouted for the GII Clark Stakes Nov. 29, where he duly obliged by 3/4 of a length, defeating a field that included fellow World Cup invitee Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}). Sent to Riyadh for the Jan. 25 G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup–a Saudi Cup qualifier–Rattle N Roll streaked home 4 3/4 lengths to the good and was beaten about two lengths for third last time in the main event while adding $1 million to his bankroll. Rattle N Roll remained at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on the outskirts of the Saudi capital immediately following the race before shipping to Dubai to continue his training about two weeks ago. The $210,000 Keeneland September yearling has displayed good energy in his morning gallops since his arrival and is scheduled to breeze five furlongs beneath veteran horseman Danny Ramsey on Mar. 22, McPeek tweeted. The addition of Rattle N Roll takes the World Cup field to 11, with Forever Young heading the ante-post markets at 4-5 over the Bhupat Seemar-trained pair of G2 Al Maktoum Classic hero Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}, 11-2) and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}, 8-1), who defeated his stablemate in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge in January, but was a distant 12th in the Saudi Cup. Rattle N Roll is quoted as a 25-1 chance. Rattle N Roll getting stronger everyday in Dubai. Scheduled to breeze Saturday 5 furlongs under Danny Ramsey. Still no rider assigned. We are optimistic and the accommodations are amazing. @DubaiWorldCup @RacingDubai @DubaiRacingTV pic.twitter.com/TvMgklKAoy — Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) March 20, 2025 In other World Cup-related news: Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) breezed five furlongs in 1:00.13 (1/5) Friday morning at Gulfstream Park for trainer Antonio Sano. The World Cup riding assignment for the dual Grade III winner has yet to be confirmed. Trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill said Thursday that Frankie Dettori rides Calumet Farm's GI Pacific Classic upsetter Mixto (Good Magic) in the World Cup and retains the call on GI Malibu Stakes hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), who heads the market for the G2 Godolphin Mile. O'Neill has won the Mile twice, including last year's renewal with Two Rivers Over (Tamarkuz). At Santa Anita Friday morning, Mixto went a half-mile in :48.60 (9/36) and Raging Torrent the same distance in :50.80 (35/36). The third of the O'Neill-trained invitees, Katonah (Klimt, World Cup), covered four furlongs in :50.60 (33/36). The post Rattle N Roll Invited To Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs has officially rebranded the Wednesday of Kentucky Derby Week to be known as “Winsday: Greater Thrills for the Greater Good, presented by Resolute Racing” in honor of supporting local nonprofit organizations in the Kentuckiana community, the organization announced Friday. With a total of 50 area nonprofits who have emailed unique ticket links to their supporters, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to the respective organization for every “Winsday” box seat ticket sold. Individual seats on the 100 level are $32 and the 300 level box seats are $39 with the reserved boxes being communal seating with other guests unless they are purchased in full. The event will also provide participating organizations with multiple ways to raise funds including special cash prizes and increasing awareness for their work on race day. A full list of the organizations is available here. Listed in alphabetical order on the site, ticket purchases made through the links will also unlock a randomly selected drawing for an additional $2,000 prize to the nonprofit. In addition to various Thoroughbred-centered charities, others participating include groups providing assistance for the spiritual, mental, and living needs of their communities. “Winsday” will take place Wednesday, Apr. 30 before the GI Kentucky Derby is run May 3. “Winsday is a new Kentucky Derby Week event that will make a direct impact on the lives of many across Louisville and the Kentuckiana region,” said Casey C. Ramage, vice president of Marketing and Partnerships, Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Churchill Downs is thrilled to partner with Resolute Racing and the Community Foundation of Louisville for this incredible celebration of the pivotal role nonprofits play in our community.” The post Wednesday of Kentucky Derby Week to be Dedicated to Supporting Local Kentuckiana Nonprofits appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association (NYRA)and Spendthrift Farm have entered a multi-year agreement for the stallion operation to serve as the title sponsor of the $300,000 GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes, announced NYRA Friday morning. The seven-panel dirt sprint for juveniles anchors the closing day program of the 40-day summer meeting Monday, Sept. 1 at Saratoga. One of the oldest races for 2-year-olds, the Hopeful had its inaugural running in 1903, and several winners of the contest would go on to enjoy victory in the GI Belmont Stakes, including the likes of Triple Crown winner Secretariat. Most recently, several stallions on (or who once stood on) the Spendthrift roster have claimed the race including Basin in 2019; Jackie's Warrior in 2020, who set the race record of 1:21.29 (run at seven furlongs) that stands today; and 2022 champion juvenile Forte. As one of three Grade I races on closing weekend at the Spa, the Hopeful will proceed the GI Spinaway Saturday, Aug. 20 and the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Sunday, Aug. 31. A full list of the Saratoga stakes schedule may be found here. “The Hopeful is one of America's most storied races for 2-year-olds, and we are honored to be its sponsor,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift Farm general manager. “For generations, this race has played a key role in shaping champions–many of whom have gone on to stand at Spendthrift, including Forte and Jackie's Warrior today.” “This partnership allows us to support a race that embodies the excitement, promise, and rich tradition of 2-year-old racing. We also commend NYRA for its steadfast commitment to the sport, ensuring that Saratoga remains the pinnacle of racing and a launching pad for the next generation of great horses.” The post Spendthrift Farm to Sponsor Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple group winner Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) pleased his connections with a strong gallop at Saint-Cloud on Thursday, according to trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. The Aga Khan runner is pointing toward the $6-million G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on Apr. 5. “All winter we decided he was a horse for the Sheema Classic,” the trainer told Dubai Racing Club. “Unfortunately we have trial races at Chantilly on the polytrack and the difference between the two races was too big and I would have had to rush him coming out of the winter so I decided not to do that and take him straight to the Sheema Classic.” Jockey Mickael Barzalona was aboard for Thursday's work. “Mickael Barzalona was pleased with the horse and I think he will come on a lot for it,” said Graffard. “The ground was good today [Thursday] at Saint-Cloud so it was very positive for the horse and he needed going out of the yard and getting back into the rhythm of a race on the racecourse. It was very positive and the gallop went really well.” A winner of the G3 Prix Noailles, G3 Prix Hocquart–both at ParisLongchamp–and the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in first half of 2024, Calandagan would run with credit without winning in his final two performances of the year. Given a short break, he was second to City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August and filled that position again in the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes in the wake of Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) on Oct. 19. Graffard is keen to keep his charge at 1 1/2 miles in 2025 and added, “He's a horse that needs to get into his rhythm in the early part of the race so I think he's better suited by a mile and a half. The plan is to keep him to mile and a half races this year.” In the Dubai Sheema Classic, Calandagan could face the likes of Group 1 winners Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Calif (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) and Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), among others. The post Calandagan Primed For Dubai Sheema Classic After Racecourse Gallop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages retraining Thoroughbreds into other disciplines after their racing or breeding careers end, has revealed winners and other placings from its 2024 Performance Awards Program, the group announced Friday morning. Created to recognize the Thoroughbreds who accumulated the most points at all horse shows at a wide variety of disciplines and experience levels, the program counted 691 horses from 44 states and five Canadian provinces in 2024. They competed in more than 14,000 classes, divisions, and events with division awards being calculated in 16 categories as well as 99 discipline divisions and nine junior rider divisions. Among the awards were the Green OTTB category for Thoroughbreds that last raced in 2022, 2023, or 2024 with a sponsorship for those provided by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). In addition to the category and division awards, a performance award sponsored by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) for horses adopted from TAA-accredited organizations was given out as well as one provided by the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) for top-placing RRP Makeover alumni. Winners will receive ribbons, prize money, and a variety of other prizes including coolers, halters, bags, tumblers, and apparel. Category winners included: Dressage – Triple Magic (Bernardini–Triple o'Five) Equitation General – Runforprofit “Profitable” (Runhappy–Goodprofit) Eventing/Combined Test – Swing Hard (Hard Spun–Play Ballado) TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2022 – Touch of Prince “Touchstone” (Cairo Prince–Ravionetta) TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2023 – Igottahabeit (Giant Surprise–Ginger Quill) TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2024 – Fox Red (Mineshaft–Egot) Performance awards will be available again in 2025 and will be based on show results from Dec. 1, 2024 through Nov. 30, 2025. A full list of the winners and participants along with their state registration, rider and owner names, etc. may be found here. Deadline for next year's submissions is Dec. 20, 2025. The post Thoroughbred Incentive Program Reveals 2024 Performance Award Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Kelsey Danner has traditionally based her stable at Palm Meadows in Florida every winter, but this year she decided to shift her focus to Turfway Park and already, the decision is paying dividends. Following a career-best year in 2024 thanks in part to a lucrative Holiday meet at Turfway in December, Danner is now sitting at the top of the trainer ranks for Turfway's Winter/Spring meet. After going two-for-two on Thursday, Danner has 15 wins from 69 starts and just over $700,000 in earnings ahead of Friday's card, giving her a narrow edge over Michael Maker's stable with one week still left to go in the meet. Danner, whose family has been a fixture on the racetrack for generations, started out working for her father Mark Danner before spending time with D. Wayne Lukas, Ian Wilkes, Carl Nafzger and Wayne Catalano. She went out on her own in 2017 and her stable has grown steadily in the years since. Depending on the results of these next few days at Turfway, Danner could be on her way to earning her first training title. “It has been a really good meet,” acknowledged Danner, who is much more effusive when talking about her horses' success instead of her own. “We aimed some of our horses at this meet. I have a few middle-ground, grass horses, so they like the six furlongs. Everyone has been running really well.” Danner's string of Turfway stable stars is led by Baby Max (Maximus Mischief), the winner of the Leonatus Stakes who will take on the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks this weekend. Other leading earners include Nice as Pie (Tapiture), who has collected a win and two runner-up performances from four starts this meet including a second-place effort in the Wishing Well Stakes, and Shards (Bucchero), who was third in the Forego Stakes and came back with a win in his most recent effort against allowance company on March 5. Last winter, Danner divided her time between Palm Meadows and Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. That trial run encouraged Danner to hone in on the Turfway meet going forward. “The races went really easily at Turfway whereas at Gulfstream, they were kind of struggling to get races to fill,” she explained. “Last year I wasted a lot of time with horses, not being able to get them in, so I decided to try to stay more in Kentucky and have more of a presence here.” While she still maintains a small string at Palm Meadows, Danner said she has sold her house in Florida and will now split her time between Louisville and Florence as she keys in on the Kentucky racing circuit. With the recent troubling news out of Florida and plenty of lucrative racing opportunities in Kentucky, Danner noted that she is not the only trainer making the move. “I do feel like people are trying to stay around Kentucky now,” she said. “The purse money is good and there is obviously a solid, year-round program here. As times change, a lot of our employees want to have more normal lives–have a house, be in one place–so it works out so that they have a better lifestyle.” The racing surface at Turfway is an added bonus as well. “'I think that Tapeta track is very safe,” she said. “Horses tend to like it. During the summer I start most of my babies off of it and they seem like they do really well with it. It's pretty consistent.” California Burrito and Baby Max battle for the win in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes | Coady Media One trainee who has shown an affinity for the track is Baby Max. The colt was a $20,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling purchase for JS Stables, which is made up of the wife-and-husband team of Janelle and Sam Aguiar. Although the colt is a son of Maximus Mischief, Danner noted that 'Max' is a common name for Janelle's rescue pets, including a dog and a donkey both called Max. The equine 'Max' broke his maiden in his second start at Churchill Downs last fall. He ran second in his Turfway debut last December before scoring in the Leonatus Stakes, besting next-out GII Risen Star runner-up Chunk of Gold (Preservationist). In the John Battaglia Memorial, he stalked California Burrito (Army Mule) from the three path through the 1 1/16-mile contest. The pair opened up on the field in the stretch, with California Burrito digging in to get the win by half a length. Danner described the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' race as an educational experience for Baby Max. “Max is still young and immature,” she said. “I think he learned a lot from that because in his other race, he got to the lead really quickly and he didn't have to work for anything. This time he had to show a little grit. I think he was a tad intimidated. California Burrito was kind of getting out. By the time they reached the wire they were closer to the outside rail than the inside rail. This weekend we'll be adding blinkers, just small French cups, to see if it will help him go straight.” Baby Max has drawn post position six for Saturday's Jeff Ruby Steaks, which will feature a full field of 12 colts vying for Kentucky Derby points. California Burrito, who shares the same breeder as rival Baby Max in Westbrook Stables, is the 7-2 morning-line second choice behind GII Remsen Stakes winner Poster (Munnings). “I think it's a tough race,” said Danner. “There should be a solid pace this time and I think that will help Max because he would prefer not to be out on the lead. Most of the speed is to our inside and then we have one on our outside, so hopefully we get a nice pocket trip.” Danner has a busy day on Saturday with seven entered for Turfway's card. Among her four trainees looking to break their maidens, NBS Stable's Listen and Learn (Caracaro) reared up at the gate in her last race on March 6 and Danner said to expect a better performance in this next start. She noted that Whippoorwill (Midnight Lute) should also improve off a runner-up performance on Feb. 13. Earlier this week, Danner was among those moving into the barns at Churchill Downs. She said she is looking forward to training there this spring and added that come summer, she has plans to send a string to Saratoga. With about 70 current members of the stable along with an incoming class of 2-year-olds ready to join the squad in the coming weeks, Danner aims to continue her hot streak once the Turfway meet is under wraps. “I feel like each year we get better and things are kind of going the right way,” she said. “I have some really solid clients who have been fantastic to work with. I had clients who started with one horse, they've had some success and now they have five. So it's been trending upwards. I don't have any complaints.” The post After Moving from Florida Base, Danner Riding Hot Streak at Turfway appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Everyone said he was unbeatable and that’s exactly how it turned out for Marketplace in the $200,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million Final for the 3YO Colts and Geldings at Alexandra Park on Friday night. He’s a superstar in the making and the Regan Todd-trained son of Bettor’s Delight was never really in danger of being upset. Driver Craig Ferguson bided his time early. They were three wide briefly before taking up the lead until John Dunn and Got The Chocolates took the initiative and went to the front. That gave Marketplace the perfect run in the trial and the favourite, who had been backed into $1.14, duly exploded along the passing lane to register his seventh win in just 12 starts. Ferguson would double up in the very next race with Don’t Stop Dreaming just edging out a fast finishing Mo’unga in a gripping Group 2 $60,000 Auckland Co-op Taxis 300-3000 Free For All. A last start winner for Mark and Nathan Purdon at Menangle, Don’t Stop Dreaming was having his first start for Hayden and Amanda Cullen. Favourite Republican Party was aggressive at the start with Carter Dalgety sitting parked outside the leader Kango. Chase A Dream was in the trail and looking a huge threat only to fade in the run home. Mo’unga meanwhile was three back the markers and flew over the concluding stages and was only denied by Don’t Stop Dreaming who had been buried on the fence at the 400. It was a brilliant finish with both now very much in the frame for the $1m Race by betcha at Cambridge as part of their Night of Champions on Friday April 4. “I’ve only had him two weeks,” Hayden Cullen said post race, “and he turned up in tip top condition.” As for Republican Party, trainer Cran Dalgety said his multiple Group 1 winner was clearly “tired” after the race. “But that will harden him up for the big race on April the fourth.” Earlier in the $150,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million Final for the 3YO Fillies it was hot favourite Stella Rouge who took the spoils, but only just. Tim Williams settled the Stonewall Stud runner midfield before going round the field to sit parked with a lap to go. Hayden and Amanda Cullen-trained stablemates Arafura and Winelight were ideally positioned but in a torrid home stretch battle it was Stella Rouge who prevailed by a nose. It was her fifth win in nine starts. Post race Stonewall Stud’s Jill Stockman said “we are over the moon ..she’s pretty special.” To kick off what was a top night’s action, Eyre I Will won Race 1, the $35,000 Dunstan Speedfeed Metro Series Trotters Final for trainer Jeremy Young while Brian and Gareth Hughes quinellaed the Pacers Final with the well-favoured Runkle Crunch and Carrera Hombre. Down south at Addington there was a fairytale finish for Regal Sierra in the night’s feature, the $30,000 Bob Rochford Seddon Shields Trotting Championships. Driven by Matthew Williamson, the Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained Regal Sierra got the perfect run as favourite Nellie Doyle went hard up front. Regal Sierra, who is in foal to On A Streak, was just waiting for the right moment and she burst away from them with 200 metres to go to win easily. She finishes her career with eight wins from 40 starts. The win, worth $16,500, takes her well past $100,000 in career earnings. At both Addington Raceway and Alexandra Park drivers wore black armbands as a sign of respect for Hunter Myers who died in a race day accident in North America during the week. He was racing at the Meadows in Washington. Myers was just 27. View the full article

There are 13 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, March 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Rosehill, Moonee Valley, Eagle Farm, Ascot & Alice Springs. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 22, 2025 Rosehill Racing Tips Moonee Valley Racing Tips Eagle Farm Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 22, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Saturday’s $1m Group One Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham will be the 11th and final leg of an NZB Filly of the Year Series that has been completely dominated by Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn). The Oaks would be Leica Lucy’s fifth win of the series and lift her to 40 points. Only two fillies in the last two decades have bettered that – Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) with 44.5 points in 2019-20, and Justa Tad (NZ) (Istidaad) with 42 in 2004-05. In the last four seasons, the winning scores have been 28, 25, 31 and 34 points. Leica Lucy is trained by Robbie Patterson for her owner-breeders Heather and Peter Crofskey, who share ownership with Australian investor Ozzie Kheir. First and second in her first two starts in the spring, Leica Lucy has since been unbeaten in four increasingly impressive appearances in the NZB Filly of the Year Series – the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m), Group Three Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), Group Two David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and Group Two Lowland Stakes (2100m). The daughter of Grangewilliam Stud stallion Derryn has towered over her contemporaries over the last four months, and that is widely expected to continue on Saturday with the TAB rating her a $1.45 favourite for the Oaks. But there are 14 other fillies lining up for their shot at Group One glory in the Oaks, which has doubled its stake from $500,000 to $1m this year. Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos) goes into the race as a last-start winner of the Group Three Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie, which lifted her total to 8 points in the NZB Filly of the Year Series. Connello (NZ) (Time Test) and Myakkabelle (NZ) (War Decree) have both been multiple placegetters through the series, each of them earning 6 points along the way. This Time Girl (NZ) (Contributer), Eye Candy (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Dubai Gold (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) are all last-start stakes placegetters. This Time Girl and Eye Candy finished second and third in the Sunline Vase, earning 3 points and 1.5 points respectively, while Dubai Gold picked up 2 points from a strong-finishing third in the Lowland Stakes. Skymax (NZ) (Fernando), Thrilling (NZ) (Shocking), Alaskan (NZ) (Niagara), Mid Ocean (NZ) (Ocean Park), Piccolino (NZ) (Proisir), Wyndsong (NZ) (Wyndspelle), Lady Diva (NZ) (Eminent), and Girl Talk (NZ) (Zed), make up the rest of the quality field, all with strong contentions of taking the spoils on the day. The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks will be run as Race 8 at Trentham on Saturday, with a scheduled start time of 4.36pm. View the full article

Little Black Dress scores an all-the-way win on debut at Pukekohe. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Trainer Stephen Marsh and syndicators Go Racing filled the quinella in Friday’s Stella Artois (1200m) at Pukekohe with a pair of promising two-year-old fillies on debut. Little Black Dress and Mazino stepped out for their first raceday appearances in the familiar blue and white Go Racing colours, both of them having won trials at Ellerslie on March 11. They were rated highly in the market at $4 and $7.80 respectively, and they both delivered. Little Black Dress was pushed forward out of the starting gates by jockey Wiremu Pinn and took the lead within the first 200m of the race. The Snitzel filly controlled the tempo coming down the side of the track, then kicked hard at the top of the home straight to put a distance between herself and the chasers. Mazino came from near the back of the field with a strong finish down the outside, but Little Black Dress never showed any sign of slowing down. She stayed well out of her stablemate’s reach and won by two and a half lengths. Mazino finished another three-quarters of a length in front of the third-placed Odds And Ends. “They’re a couple of lovely Go Racing fillies who had both shown us a bit of ability at home and at the trials, so it was pleasing to see them come out and perform the way they did today,” Marsh said. The Arrowfield Stud-bred Little Black Dress is by Snitzel out of the Street Cry mare Star Fashion, who won the Group 3 Ladies’ Day Vase (1600m) and placed in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) and Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m). Star Fashion is now the dam of four winners from five foals to race. Arrowfield offered Little Black Dress at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, where Go Racing secured her for A$240,000. Friday’s runner-up Mazino, a daughter of Cambridge Stud’s first-season stallion Hello Youmzain, was bought for $160,000 from Landsdowne Park’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. “They’re two beautifully bred fillies who both have a bit of upside and will likely have some black-type assignments later in their two-year-old preparations,” Marsh said. “Little Black Dress will probably point towards the Star Way Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Ellerslie on April 19. We think Mazino will come into her own over a slightly longer trip, so we’ll work backwards from the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (Listed, 1400m) in May with her.” Saturday’s two-year-old race was the first leg of a Pukekohe double for Marsh, who later took out the Sistema (1200m) with talented Vadamos three-year-old Erin Go Bragh. “It was great to see him do that,” Marsh said. “We were considering scratching him, because he doesn’t like wet ground. But we left him in, the track improved through the day and he won that race really well. “He showed a lot in the spring, winning on debut. We threw him in at the deep end in the Sarten (Group 2, 1400m) in his second start, where he was tripped up by the heavy track. We’ve given him a bit of time and I think that’ll pay off in the long run. We don’t have any firm plans yet, but he’s definitely got some big races in his future. “He’s closely related to a former Group One performer for our stable, Vernanme, and he reminds me so much of that horse. That was a big part of the reason why we bought him at Karaka (for $220,000).” Marsh will shoot for further age-group success on Saturday at Trentham, where he will saddle the favourite Tardelli in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). The colt by I Am Invincible has won two races this season, including a stylish last-start victory in the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie. He has also picked up recent black-type placings in the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). “He really went to a new level with that performance on Champions Day,” Marsh said. “He came from well back and ran some terrific sectionals. It was great to see him really flatten out and attack the line the way he did. “After a performance like that, you’d probably want to see him step up to a mile rather than drop back from 1500m to 1400m. But he’s come through the race beautifully and we’ve given him a nice little freshen-up. “He galloped particularly well this week and seems to be heading into the weekend in terrific shape. That big track at Wellington is ideal for him. He’s already run a big race in the Levin Classic over the same course and distance.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ben Thompson is bidding for Hong Kong Derby glory. Photo: HKJC Eager to repay owner and trainer loyalty, Ben Thompson aims to complete a remarkable chapter in his career when Bundle Award chases victory in the HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Thompson clinched the mount on Bundle Award with a patient and perfectly-timed ride on the Shamus Award gelding over 1800m at Sha Tin on March 9 to secure a crucial rise in the handicap to 86 and a place in the Derby field. “It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m very grateful to his owner, Colin Lo, and John Size for the opportunity,” Thompson said. “To pick up the ride on him last time after riding him in his first start here, he was a horse that I was very, very hopeful of getting back on and to do that and to win and be in Hong Kong’s biggest race is a huge thrill. “He was fantastic last time and it came as no surprise, given his credentials before landing in Hong Kong, his win two starts prior and runs behind some nice horses in each of his five runs here. There were plenty of merit to all of those performances.” Ridden quietly last start, Bundle Award steamed home over the final 400m in 22.11s to down fellow Hong Kong Derby aspirants Markwin (second) and Lo Rider (fourth) and, after drawing barrier nine this weekend, Thompson could adopt similar tactics on Sunday. “Unlike most draws leading into a feature race, I really wasn’t too concerned. I’m not sure how John Size or connections were thinking or hopeful for, but I think he showed off his turn of foot the other day, it’s not essential to draw a certain alley,” Thompson said. “Barrier nine’s nice. Actually, it’s funny on the way over I said to my wife Steph that I just want a number that feels lucky and my brother’s born on the 9th, so hopefully that brings us some luck.” Echoing Thompson’s hopes of maiden Hong Kong Derby success is his Australian compatriot Brenton Avdulla, who partners HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) victor Rubylot from barrier four. “He begins, switches off and he’s got a change-up speed, so he’s got three brilliant things going for him. It will be interesting to see how he handles the 2000m – I think he will (handle it),” Avdulla said. “He’s a lovely-moving horse and the way he finished in the Classic Cup should hold him in good stead for the 2000m. Anyone who comes to Hong Kong wants to win a Derby, so it would be a massive thrill. “Obviously, California Spangle has been a pin-up horse for me since I’ve been here, but Rubylot is getting there and if he can win a Hong Kong Derby, it would be very special.” Bundle Award and Rubylot face 12 rivals in the third and final leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – My Wish, Johannes Brahms, Stunning Peach, Packing Angel, Mickley, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Steps Ahead, Californiatotality, Markwin, Lo Rider and Beauty Alliance. Seven-time champion jockey Zac Purton took another crucial step forward in his return to race riding this morning (Friday) when he partnered Ka Ying Rising to an impressive 1200m barrier trial win on dirt at Sha Tin. Sitting in second place until well into the straight, the world’s highest-rated sprinter cruised past Sword Point to win by one and three-quarter lengths in 1m 10.24s ahead of his start in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on March 30. “I wouldn’t say I’m fully recovered, but I’m a long way down the track,” Purton said. “I’m gearing up for a return next week. (Ka Ying Rising) just did what we expect from him this morning – he just keeps improving all the time. “He seems to do it easier all the time. His mental attitude, he seems to be handling it better all the time. He enjoyed himself. I’m looking forward to the races ahead.” Subject to a medical clearance, Purton is expected to have a full book of rides on his return, including Galaxy Patch in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m). Purton guided Pierre Ng’s galloper into second place behind He Was You in this morning’s second batch of trials. Sunday’s Hong Kong Derby Day meeting starts with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1400m) at 1pm HKT. The Hong Kong Derby is carded as Race 7 and will be run at 4.05pm HKT. Horse racing news View the full article