Wandering Eyes

Saturday’s A$5 million Gr.1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill capped an extraordinary day for Grangewilliam Stud’s stallion roster. The world’s richest two-year-old race was won by the lightly raced filly Marhoona, who is by Snitzel out of the unraced Encosta de Lago mare Salma. Marhoona became the third individual stakes winner for that outstanding broodmare, who is also the dam of Grangewilliam Stud stallion Hilal. A son of the influential Fastnet Rock, Hilal won three races himself including the Gr.2 Stan Fox Stakes (1500m). He also placed in the Gr.1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m), Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and Gr.2 Skyline Stakes (1200m). Hilal’s first foals will be arriving next spring. He stands for a $7,500 service fee at Grangewilliam, who also celebrated a first Group One winner for fellow stallion Derryn when standout Kiwi filly Leica Lucy took out Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Saturday’s Golden Slipper was the third career start for the Michael Freedman-trained Marhoona. She has now won two of those three, along with a second in the Gr.2 Reisling Stakes (1200m). “If I’m being honest, I said to a few people earlier today that maybe it would have been nice to have had one more run under our belt, but she’s a special filly,” Freedman said. “When she won at Canterbury at her first start, she ripped half a foot off winning that race, and I thought ‘you’re tough’. And she bounced back from it and went to the Reisling a month later. “It’s a bit of an unusual preparation, I guess, going into a Slipper at your third start. But, yeah, she’s a special filly.” View the full article

Another powerhouse front-running performance by Grinzinger Belle in Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.2 Packaging Needs Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley has earned her a Group One opportunity in Sydney. The fillies and mares’ feature was the fourth stakes win for the New Zealand-bred Shamexpress mare, who had previously won the Gr.2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m), Gr.3 The Vanity (1400m) and Gr.3 Ladies’ Day Vase (1600m). She is now in line for a shot at the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 12. “We could potentially give her that chance in Sydney,” trainer Danny O’Brien said. “She’s a mare that, when conditions suit, she gets rolling and she can be hard to get on the back of, let alone get past.” That proved to be the case on Saturday, where Grinzinger Belle and jockey Declan Bates dominated the race from the front. They never gave their rivals a chance, romping home by two and three-quarter lengths over fellow New Zealand-bred mare Wrote To Arataki. The third placegetter finished another four lengths away. “She’s a lovely mare,” Bates said. “She’s a big mare to ride and she has that asset of a high cruising speed, and it’s a matter of letting her use that in the right way. She was just better than them today. “She probably didn’t begin the best today, but it was a matter of getting her up to that high stride that she has. Once we were there, it was about keeping her comfortable, bringing her back a little bit but not too much. I always felt she was going well enough. “I had to keep her up to her work in the straight. She was getting a bit lonely more than anything. I don’t think she was tying up tired, she thought her job was done, so I had to remind her there was a couple of hundred metres to go. It was a good, satisfying win.” Grinzinger Belle has now had 17 starts for five wins, five placings and A$807,655 in stakes. She was bred by Windsor Park Stud and is out of Ripsomemore, a Rip Van Winkle half-sister to Group Three winner Golden Parachute. Grinzinger Belle is another good graduate of the New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale at Karaka, where she was purchased by owner John Wheeler for $32,000. Despite some fertility challenges, Shamexpress almost 6 per cent stakes winners to runners and his 2020 crop of just over 20 foals includes Grinzinger Belle and Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising. View the full article

Two hours after his close relative Vegas Queen won Saturday’s Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham, quality New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts took the family’s day to even greater heights with an Australian Group One triumph in the A$1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. Gringotts was bred by Totara Park Stud and is by Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding sire Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Miss Bluebell, whose half-sister Miss Vegas is the dam of Vegas Queen. Herself unraced, Miss Bluebell is a daughter of Operavega, a half-sister to the dam of the legendary Winx. Gringotts was offered by Archer Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2021, where Kasa Bloodstock bought him for $100,000. He was re-offered at the Ready to Run Sale later that year, but failed to meet his $450,000 reserve. He was subsequently sold privately after winning a trial at Waipa for Simon and Katrina Alexander. The Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts quickly made his mark in Australia, finishing second in his first two starts before stringing together three consecutive wins at Pakenham and Sandown in February and March of 2023. But it has been within the last 12 months that he has really come of age. He secured his first black-type win in the Listed Members’ Handicap (1600m) at Doomben last May, while the early stages of his current season produced victories in the A$3 million The Big Dance (1600m) and A$1 million The Gong (1600m) along with placings in the Gr.3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) and this month’s Gr.3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m). Gringotts stepped up to Group One level for the first time in his 20-start career on Saturday, and he produced a career-defining performance. Ridden by Tommy Berry, Gringotts trailed the front-running Royal Patronage up to the home turn and was travelling with ominous ease coming into the straight. Berry pushed the button and Gringotts dashed to the lead, then held out the powerful finishes of Fangirl and Ceolwulf to win in a three-way photo finish. “He fought hard for this win today,” Berry said. “Ciaron said to me in the mounting yard, ‘I know the Doncaster is our main aim, but I couldn’t have him any better for today.’ He turned up and he’s just a warhorse. He knows where the line is.” Gringotts has now won 10 of his 20 starts, placing on another eight occasions and banking more than A$3.6 million. “This is fantastic,” Maher said. “He trains up at Newcastle on the beach, so I’ve got to thank James Harding and his team. “Ozzie (Kheir) and heaps of the owners are here today. They just continually find these horses. Him and Jimmysstar, they come into the stable about the same time, by the same stallion, and they’ve both won a Group One at about a similar time. Yeah, rapt for the team, they’ve done a great job.” View the full article

Another commanding performance in Saturday’s A$500,000 Gr.2 DCE Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley has booked rising star three-year-old Shanwah a shot at the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) ahead of his move to Hong Kong. A $750,000 Karaka yearling purchase by Cameron Cooke Bloodstock on behalf of owners Kevin and Vikki Payne, Shanwah commenced his career as a colt and was a placegetter at Canterbury in the spring. Gelding has proved to be the making of the three-year-old, who has now won four races in succession. He was a 1600m maiden winner at Mornington on January 22, which he followed up with a win over 1800m on Caulfield’s Heath track on February 10. Shanwah has kept his winning sequence intact since trainer Ciaron Maher stepped him up to stakes class, putting together back-to-back Group Two victories in the Autumn Classic (1800m) and Saturday’s Alister Clark Stakes. Sent out as a $2.20 favourite, Shanwah was checked shortly after leaving the starting gates, but soon recovered and moved into a comfortable position in fourth and one off the rail. Jockey Ethan Brown allowed him to stride forward coming down the side of the track, taking command before the home turn. Shanwah asserted his superiority down the straight, opening up a winning margin of two lengths over fellow New Zealand-bred Imperialist. “He can measure up, certainly,” Brown said. “The higher the pressure for this horse, the more it will switch him on. When he cruised around them, he was trying, but he had more to give, I feel. “I thought he was toying with them a bit there. He’s a horse of very high class. He’s a horse that has continued to improve. The 2000m was no worries to him at all.” Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull revealed after Saturday’s race that Shanwah has been sold to Hong Kong. “It was a deal that was done privately with Kevin (Payne), but we’ve got him to train for the Derby,” Turnbull said. “I am sure he got a good return, otherwise he wouldn’t have let the horse go. “Thankfully, the clients that bought into him have allowed us to stay in Australia to run in these two races. But I believe they take over ownership before the Derby, so you might see the horse in different colours next time. Bred by Trelawney Stud and long-time partner John Struthers, Shanwah is by Too Darn Hot out of the Iffraaj mare Lady Sayyida and is a half-brother to Group Two winner Excelida. A granddaughter of the hugely talented Sayyida, it is also the family of Ocean Park, Grunt and Zayydani. Shanwah has now won four of his eight starts with a further placing and has amassed A$558,975 to date. View the full article

New Zealand-bred mare Basilinna capitalised on the reprogramming of the Yarra Valley Cup (2040m) to Moonee Valley on Saturday, scoring a hard-fought win in her first start of a new campaign. The Yarra Valley Cup was originally scheduled to be run over 1950m last Sunday, but the meeting was called off after one race due to rain and deteriorating track conditions. The Yarra Valley Cup was instead added as an 11th race on Saturday’s Moonee Valley programme, and it was Basilinna who came out on top. “We were the big beneficiary of that,” said Emma-Lee Browne, who trains in partnership with her husband David. “We had her in for a mile here first-up, which we felt was going to be a bit sticky for her. She’s an out-and-out stayer. So we came here fresh-up. It was a little bit of a gamble. David and Lucy (daughter) ride her, and they assured me she was ready. “We had a really tough spring with this mare, trying to get her back and trying to get her to hit the line. She didn’t even look like she wanted to be here, but she’s come back now a different horse. I’m rapt for the ownership group. They stuck by her.” Basilinna was ridden by Dean Yendall, who settled near the tail in the early part of the race before guiding her to a narrow come-from-behind win over fellow New Zealand-bred Savoir Faire. “You’re always hopeful in those tight finishes, and I was 99 per cent sure I’d got it,” Yendall said. “The plan was to try and hold a spot and that didn’t happen. After the first 100m, I was out the back second-last. She was kind through the bridle and travelled enormously. “I was going to need an ounce of luck. I had the perfect run following that Te Akau horse (Savoir Faire). Young Lukey Cartwright did me a world of favours, I was able to follow him and get to his outside in the straight. She nutted to the line really well. She gave me a great feel. “You can’t be more positive after a win like that today first-up over 2000m. It was a Benchmark 100, but she’s performed up to a great standard so they’ve got bigger and better things in store.” The Brownes also bred and part-own Basilinna, having bought her dam So Royal for just $500 on Gavelhouse.com in 2019. A daughter of Novara Park stallion Staphanos, Basilinna has now had 15 starts for two wins, five placings and A$303,125 in stakes. View the full article

A day of high-quality racing and tight finishes at Trentham was topped off by another ding-donger in the last race as the favoured pair of Glamour Tycoon and Platinum Attack went head-to-head in the Listed Bill Tito Book Repair Specialist Lightning Handicap (1200m). Neither four-year-old was prepared to give an inch, however it was the Stephen Marsh-trained filly Glamour Tycoon who thrust her head down at the perfect moment to deny the Lisa Latta-prepared Platinum Attack and register her second victory at Listed level after claiming the O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) during her three-year-old season. Rider Wiremu Pinn has struck up a profitable association with the Marsh stable lately and was once again thrilled to pick up another stakes win for the Cambridge-based operator after guiding the stable’s champion middle-distance performer El Vencedor to a pair of Group One victories in recent weeks. “I wasn’t confident I had won but she is a tough little filly and I love her,” Pinn said. “We have a great association and I do a lot of work on her at home. “It is great that Stephen is supporting me and that is my first winner in these colours, so hopefully they can put me on some more of their better ones. “She jumped very good and she relaxed beautifully. They are racing quite loose today and the gaps opened up and she has done it all on her own. “She has had to fight hard and it is very satisfying to get the job done. “I think she is going well, a lovely filly with a great attitude, conserves energy well and pretty much just does what you ask of her. She is very genuine and she will always try.” The victory completed a double on the day for Pinn, who also took out the Gr.2 IRT Wellington Guineas (1600m) aboard Vegas Queen. Glamour Tycoon was bred by Diamond Park Breeding and Racing and is by star stallion Written Tycoon, while her dam Glamour Gal is a half-sister to the Gr.2 Doomben Roses (2000m) winner Etana. Offered by Highline Thoroughbreds in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, Glamour Tycoon was bought by Marsh for $220,000 and now races in the colours of part-owner Dennis Foster’s Bourbon Lane Stable. Her 17-start career has now produced five wins and just under $330,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Leica Lucy signed off the New Zealand stage of her career with a Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) victory that showcased all of the class and courage that has made her this season’s standout filly. The Taranaki superstar arrived at Trentham on Saturday with a near-flawless record of five wins and a second from six starts. After running first and second in a pair of 1400m races in the spring, Leica Lucy strung together four consecutive victories with increasingly impressive performances in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes, Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m). Those four straight successes had guaranteed her the prestigious title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year. Leica Lucy achieved all of this in a single preparation under the guidance of New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson, who farewelled his stable star with one last hurrah in Saturday’s $1 million classic. Leica Lucy’s owner-breeders Peter and Heather Crofskey sold a share in the filly to the Australian-based Ozzie Kheir in February, and her future lies on that side of the Tasman. The lead-up to the Oaks was completely dominated by Leica Lucy, who jumped as one of the hottest favourites in the race’s recent history at $1.30. Few expected the 2400m feature to be anything other than a winning curtain call. The first half of the race appeared to be following that script. Jockey Craig Grylls took up a handy position in fifth along the rail, keeping out of trouble as the field bunched up behind them going into the first turn. However, not for the first time this season, there were some nervous moments coming into the home straight. Leica Lucy was briefly boxed in, and by the time Grylls found his way through, last-start Lowland Stakes placegetter Dubai Gold had charged up on the outside with full momentum. Leica Lucy had a fight on her hands, but again she proved that she was more than up to the task. She clawed her way level with Dubai Gold, then gradually gained the upper hand and edged her out by a long neck at the finish line. The third-placed Myakkabelle was another length and a quarter behind the first pair. “It’s very special for it all to come off and get the job done today,” said Grylls, who brought up his 100th win of the season with the Oaks triumph. “She had to work a lot harder for it today, but it just shows her sheer determination and grit. “I had to use her a bit more than I would have liked to from the barrier, but I’m glad I did, because it got very tight going into the turn. I ended up in a good spot. I was just so lucky with the run I got at the 400m. “Dubai Gold was in for the fight in the straight and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get past her, but she’s just such a tough filly. “She can get a bit worked up in the parade ring, but then she just switches off when you take her down to the start. When you want her to go, she’s got the turn of foot. She’s an outstanding filly. “This is definitely right up there as a career highlight for me. Winning a classic for Robbie, who’s probably my biggest supporter, is very special.” It was a second Oaks for Patterson, who trained the 2006 winner Legs during his partnership with Kevin Gray. But he has no doubt where Leica Lucy ranks. “This is my biggest win by a mile, to tell you the truth,” the New Plymouth trainer said. “The Oaks is a great race, the owners Peter and Heather are close friends of mine, and my parents are here today as well, so it’s very special. “I’ve been saying this filly is the best I’ve trained, and she’s totally that. She’s just a beautiful animal. I’ve trained a lot of horses and seen a lot of horses, but she is one out of the box. “I was a bit nervous in the straight today, but she’s just such a good horse. She’s had a big season, and she was in the worst part of the track, but she got the job done. I just love the horse so much and love the owners. I don’t really know Ozzie, who joined the ownership recently, but I’ve spoken to him on the phone and he’s a great bloke. He’s all about the horse and is just a lovely man. “Having my champion mate riding her today makes it even more special. Craig and I are a great team on and off the pitch. We love our golf, our fishing and having a beer and whatnot, and that goes a long way.” The first Group One winner for Grangewilliam Stud stallion Derryn, Leica Lucy has now earned $1.01 million from her seven-start, six-win career. She finishes the Filly of the Year Series with 40 points, becoming only the third filly to crack the 40-point mark in the last 20 years – joining Justa Tad (2004-05) and Jennifer Eccles (2019-20). View the full article

Nathan Doyle‘s three-year-old, Private Harry, maintained his undefeated record with a victory in the 2025 The Galaxy at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day, defeating older rivals in the short-distance autumn spring feature. The Harry Angel colt, now five-for-five, delivered an impressive performance in the $1 million Group 1 sprint to finish up the elite levels […] The post 2025 The Galaxy Winner is 3YO Private Harry appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Schwarz, trained by John O’Shea & Tom Charlton, secured a Group 1 victory at Moonee Valley, delivering an impressive performance in the 2025 William Reid Stakes. The four-year-old son of Zoustar demonstrated his talent, winning his sixth race from 12 career starts. Jamie Mott guided the recent Group 2 Australia Stakes winner at the track […] The post 2025 William Reid Stakes Results: Schwarz Beats Benedetta, Jimmysstar Third appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Austmarr winning the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Austmarr ($15) has made a mess of her rivals in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with Kerrin McEvoy making every post a winner aboard the daughter of Exosphere. It was a third-up peak for the improving four-year-old, with the Godolphin mare finally getting back to her jump-lead-win tactics that proved so fruitful last preparation when claiming back-to-back wins in five starts. McEvoy was quick to take the race by the scruff of the neck, sending Austmarr to the lead from barrier 10, and she never looked like getting chased down after ticking over some soft sectionals in the middle stages. Outback Miss () appeared to get every chance stalking from the one-one under Tyler Schiller, while Shezanalister ($5) tact on towards the inside running rail. Coco Jamboo () was doing her best work late to fill out the minor money, with Shezanalister producing her best work late as well, but it simply didn’t matter as Austmarr had pinched an unassailable lead in the final furlong. It’s the fifth win at start 13 for Austmarr, with the Godolphin mare back on track for the Sydney autumn. Click here for all Rosehill race relays. Stable representative Shane Harrigan was on course to break down the win. “Last run the plan was to be a little bit handier than we were but today from the outside gate, our hand was forced. We had to go forward,” said Harrigan. “Kerrin gave her a great ride, he kicked her out, got a nice bit of space early on. He got her across, gave her a little chance turning in, filled her up, kicked again and she put it away nicely. “We obviously have a base here now with 24 boxes at Randwick, she has been here the past few weeks and I’d say she will stay and campaign here.” Kerrin McEvoy was happy with the victory as he spoke post-race. “It didn’t surprise me either because she’d been running nicely,” said McEvoy. “I was actually happy to draw an outside gate and Anthony had been happy with her. She’d just been drawing in and in the shorter run races she’d been sort of cluttered up and it’s not to her liking. “Her good runs down south were when she was able to get to the front, have a little rest and then kick and that’s what she did then. “I was really concentrating on the brake and she got out well when the first boxes ticked. Yeah, to her credit she was able to roll home. So nice to get a win after the quarter.” Horse racing news View the full article

Marhoona, trained by Michael Freedman, emerged victorious in the 2025 Golden Slipper at Rosehill on Saturday, defeating Wodeton and the unlucky Tempted in a thrilling finish. The fillies continued their recent dominance in the world’s richest two-year-old race. Damian Lane, who previously won the Slipper on Kiamichi in 2019, timed his run perfectly on Marhoona. […] The post Golden Slipper 2025 Winner is Freedman Filly Marhoona appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Another thrilling Group 1 finish unfolded at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day, with Ciaron Maher‘s Gringotts narrowly defeating Chris Waller‘s Fangirl in the 2025 George Ryder Stakes. The Big Dance champion from the spring returned to form with a decisive photo-finish victory in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m). Tommy Berry delivered a perfectly […] The post 2025 George Ryder Stakes Winner Gringotts Narrowly Beats Fangirl appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

What Hong Kong Derby Day 2025 Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, March 23, 2025 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Sha Tin Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Sunday afternoon, with the time-honoured Hong Kong Derby (2000m) headlining a bumper 10-race program. The rail is in the A position the entire circuit, and with nothing but sunny skies forecast leading into race-day, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. 2025 Hong Kong Derby Day is scheduled to get underway at 1pm HKT. Hong Kong Derby Tip: Packing Angel Packing Angel was outmatched stretching out to the 1800m for the first time in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, but warrants forgiving heading into the final leg of the four-year-old series. He was stepping up from the 1400m and was left flat footed when the sprint went on, allowing the likes of Rubylot and Johannes Brahms to surge over the top of him late. This edition of the Derby lacks tempo on paper and should play into Packing Angel’s favour as Joao Moreira presses forward from gate six. There will be a wall of horses chasing but expect this guy to be in for the fight at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Hong Kong Derby Race 7 – #6 Packing Angel (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Joao Moreira (57kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Spirit Of Peace Spirit Of Peace should be in search of a hat-trick after a luckless effort at this course and distance on February 16. The son of Harry Angel continuously got pushed back in the ruck from stall nine, and when eventually getting clear air, accelerated like a very smart four-year-old. Ryan Moore takes over from barrier seven this time around, and provided Sprit Of Peace and gain a spot mid-field with cover, watch for him to be storming over the top to secure his second career win. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Spirit Of Peace (7) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Ryan Moore (61kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Packing Hermod Packing Hermod was found out in the Hong Kong Classic Cup on March 2, unable to stretch out in trip after finishing in the minor money in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on January 31 the start prior. He’s been a model of consistency outside of his last start failure, claiming four wins and two placings across seven starts. Francis Lui applies blinkers as he steps back to his favoured journey (1400m), and with Joao Moreira set to gain the gun run from stall five, expect Packing Hermod to figure in the finish. Next Best Race 2 – #3 Packing Hermod (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Joao Moreira (58kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Everyone’s Star Everyone’s Star was forced to trial after bombing the start at Sha Tin on February 16. His jump-out suggests he’s back on track, with the son of Puissance De Lune stepping nicely before being restrained on the three-wide line throughout. He impressive on Hong Kong debut at this course and distance without winning, and provided he can replicate that performance, Everyone’s Star must be considered a live chance at the each-way price with Picklebet. Best Value Race 5 – #6 Everyone’s Star (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Joao Moreira (56kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections March 23, 2025 1-3-5-6-7-13 3-4-8-11 1-4-6 2-5-6-8-9-10-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Private Harry winning The Galaxy. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Private Harry ($3.60) has kept his undefeated record intact to give Nathan Doyle and Ashley Morgan their maiden Group 1 success at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with the son of Harry Angel bursting clear to claim victory in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m). It’s now five wins on the trot for the ultra-talented three-year-old, extending his undefeated run into Group 1 company as Morgan continued his association after doing every piece of work last preparation. It appeared to be the ideal setup on paper racing under handicap conditions, and it couldn’t have unfolded any better for Private Harry as he surged into the one-one with 53kg on his back. Front Page () was heavily backed to give a bold sight as the main speed influence in the event, and that’s exactly how it played out as Tim Clark pressed to the lead from barrier five. Eagle Nest () ensured a genuine tempo sitting to his outside under Rachel King, while the pair of Commemorative ($3.50) and Briasa ($5.50) were nowhere to be seen, settling towards the rear of the field every step of the way. Private Harry was quick to take over as they turned into the home straight, as Front Page continued to whack away gallantly to hold onto second, while Uncommon James ($51) and Briasa powered home to put some value into the exotics. Click here for all Rosehill race relays. It was all about the winner in the end, however, as Nathan Doyle spoke post-race. “I dreamt of this as a kid, all I wanted to do was train horses,” said Doyle. “The Group 1, Ash, the staff, Kurrinda, thanks so much. I can’t stop shaking. “We are still at the stables at 9 o’clock at night just to check in that he’s OK. You just don’t want anything to go wrong. You get these opportunities with these horses, and they’re once in a lifetime. I’m just glad it’s all panned out. “They said we were only scratching the surface with him, and we still are. “It’s his fifth race start. I’ve done all the work with him at home, and even when I got him down here, it looked like a run short to me. He’s still carrying a bit of condition, there’s a bit of improvement left to come. Whatever you do today, don’t be disappointed because I think he’ll still run short. “For him to do that, he’s just bombproof. He just idles up to them, and he can ride a hot speed, and he showed today he can take a sit as well. “So he’ll go to a TJ in a couple of weeks, and I’d say he’ll be back in the paddock and hopefully go to an Everest.” Ashley Morgan then spoke about claim his first Group 1 success. “Amazing – really like to appreciate you and everyone for supporting me and wishing me well,” said Morgan. “I was a bit cautious out the gates, I thought you’d pull the shoes, I’d let us check if I don’t want anything to go wrong. “Growing Empire 1, not to be in the gates, but when they gates open, he’s so good, he’s such a free roll and a quick horse, and when Eagle Nest crossed and I said come back, he was finally relaxed and good, and when I straightened up, he sees that straight and he just grabs and goes, you know, and the scary thing is he will improve for it. “I gave it a big salute, and I was like, oh, I sure won. So, I don’t know, I look stupid, but I’m still looking at my eyes. You get in that moment, and there’s just a ton of booze in there, and it was just pure ecstasy, which is an amazing feeling, I can’t describe.” Private Harry is now on the second line of betting at $5 with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) on April 5. Horse racing news View the full article

What Goulburn Races Where Goulburn & District Racing Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Sunday, March 23, 2025 First Race 12:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Goulburn on Sunday afternoon, with the $150,000 Country Championships Wild Card headlining a competitive eight-part program. The rail moves out +2m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with some scattered showers forecast across the weekend, expect the Soft 5 rating at the time of acceptances to hold for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:55pm local time. Country Championships Wild Card Tip: Tavolo It’s been over a month since we’ve seen the Rob Potter-trained Tavolo step out at Randwick on February 8, flashing through the wire in a luckless effort behind Dark Glitter. She easily could’ve won at a monster price with horse racing bookmakers with even luck and looks perfectly placed back in country grade second-up. Heavelon Van Der Hoven has won in his only attempt aboard this talented six-year-old, and with barrier two set to give the pair a soft run in transit, Tavolo should get every chance to book her ticket to Randwick later in the autumn. Country Championships Wild Card Race 6 – #6 Tavolo (2) 6yo Mare | T: Rob Potter | J: Heavelon Van Der Hoven (57kg) Best Bet at Goulburn: Alabama Fox Alabama Fox caught the eye debuting at Canberra on March 9 and looked to be doing her best work late over the 1300m. She tracked the leader every step of the way, however, appeared to hit a flat spot at the 400m pole before storming through the line to get within two lengths of Jacob’s Ladder. Stepping to the 1500m second-up should be ideal, and with Jean Van Overmeire set to gain the one-one from gate four, Alabama Fox should justify the short price with BlondeBet in the opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Alabama Fox (4) 3yo Filly | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Jean Van Overmeire (56.5kg) Next Best at Goulburn: Written Gold Written Gold was a shade disappointing in his quest to remain undefeated at Warwick Farm on March 5, but was simply outclassed in a testing BM64 contest. He ran into Brigidine Gal, who appears a live chance in Saturday’s Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m), and he never shirked the task to stick within 1.8 lengths of the progressive filly. He’s got plenty of upside in his own right, and with this Class 1 contest lacking depth in comparison, watch for Written Gold to make every post a winner with Chad Lever in the saddle. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Written Gold (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Chad Lever (61kg) Best Value at Goulburn: Dunedin Dunedin returns after a 324-day spell and brings an element of class to this BM74 contest despite his lengthy absence. The John O’Shea & Tom Charlton camp thought enough of him to throw the Dundeel gelding into the Wagga Guineas at the end of last preparation, where the untapped four-year-old suffered a setback. His barrier trials leading into this first-up assignment haven’t been groundbreaking; however, punters are being let on at the $8.50 with Picklebet, and that’s a fair price to find out if he can return at his best. Best Value Race 7 – #5 Dunedin (9) 4yo Gelding | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Tom Sherry (58kg) Sunday quaddie tips for Goulburn Goulburn quadrella selections March 23, 2025 1-2-7-8 1-6-7-9-11-13 3-5-8-9 5-7-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Clean Energy ridden by Craig Williams wins the Don Casboult Classic at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have claimed their second Group 3 success in Australia on Saturday afternoon, with Clean Energy (+130) taking out the Don Casboult Classic (1200m), adding to Alalcance’s victory in the Group 3 N E Manion Cup at Rosehill earlier in the day. Many punters expected the daughter of Zoustar would lead and be favoured by the track leader bias; however, the race favourite with horse racing bookmakers settled well off the speed and stormed home down the middle of the track to record an impressive victory. Khadime (+1800) took up the lead from Just Like Gaby (+1300), with the likes of Amelita (+900), Madrina (+3300) and Icy Pole (+5000) settling behind them, appreciating the solid tempo in the 1200m contest. After the leaders rolled off the rails, Amelita was presented with a rails run turning for home, which allowed her to take over with 250m to go. After giving a good kick upon straightening, it appeared as though Amelita had stolen the race, but Clean Energy looped the field and was starting to finish off strongly. With Craig Williams getting everything out of his filly, Clean Energy continued to eat up the ground and took over in the final strides to claim her maiden Group victory. Click here for all Moonee Valley race relays. Elouise Dillon represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “The plan was to roll forward, but Craig got her into a nice rhythm, and around that bend she took off and finished too well. Very proud of the horse,” Dillon said. “She’s been in the stable for a few weeks now. The Sydney stable has done a really good job with her. “A beautiful ride, a beautiful horse and it’s great for the team to get this win. “She really improved and had come on from that run. She galloped here on Tuesday. “Craig thought she got through the ground well. “I will leave that to Gai and Adrian. We’ll see how she pulls up.” Craig Williams was very happy with the win. “It’s an honour to win a race in honour of an absolute gentleman and one of the people that has got Moonee Valley and the Cox Plate to where it is. It’s great to see Don here,” Williams said. “In regards to my horse, Gai and the team have done a great job. I worked her here on Tuesday morning and loved the way she went for me. “I spoke to Blake Shinn who rode her first-up and he gave me a bit of insight into as well. “We did have a plan, but she had a different plan than we did and we found ourselves a lot further back. “We just trusted her and she picked up and showed versatility, not that that is the way to ride her, but it show she can be quite versatile. “I didn’t make any, she made them. I was really happy to follow Luke Currie (McKelya). “I thought this is a really nice horse and I thought the quick back up would do it right, and it did. “I thought it might over-race, but Luke rode a quiet, positive race and I would have liked him to go earlier. “Because I was helping my horse through the ground, it was quite a challenge, I main job was helping her through the ground for as long as possible. Later on it was her ability.” Horse racing news View the full article

Marhoona winning the Group 1 Golden Slipper. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Michael Freedman & Damien Lane have combined with Marhoona ($8.50) to claim victory in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with the daughter of Snitzel securing the prize in Australia’s richest two-year-old feature. She put the writing on the wall in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) finishing on the heels of Tempted ($4.80), with the pair heavily supported with horse racing bookmakers prior to the jump. She looked to be the map horse on paper, and it couldn’t have unfolded any better for Lane, landing in behind a hot tempo throughout the journey as the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained trio of North England (), Bellazaine ($31) and Farcited ($81) all pressed forward to gain early ascendency. Tempted slotted to her inside but had no luck when attempting to get clear running under Blake Shinn, while James McDonald and Wodeton ($6.50) were smoking the pipe as they turned for home. Meanwhile, there was drama at the back of the field as Jason Collett was dislodged aboard Within The Law ($19). Thankfully the pair were accessed and found to be fine post-race. Marhoona was the first to challenge at the furlong pole and put two lengths on her rivals, but she still had to fend off Tempted and Wodeton, with the pair surging to the line. It was all too late, however, with Marhoona securing the 2025 Golden Slipper at only her third career start. Click here for all Rosehill race relays. An emotional Michael Freedman was on course break down the win. “Yeah, huge thrill,” said Freedman. “You know, we’ve been through the ups and downs with the family over a lot of years with these sort of good results, bad results. But, yeah, it’s a huge thrill for my team. I mean, “I’ve got a lot of young, up-and-coming stars in the industry, I think, and they’ve had such a big part to play in this, probably a lot more than me. “If I’m being honest, I said to a few people, earlier today, I thought maybe it would have been nice to have had one more run under our belt, but she’s a special filly. “When she won at Canterbury at first start, she ripped half a foot off winning that race, and I thought you’re tough. And she bounced back from it, went to the Reisling a month later, and it’s a bit of an unusual preparation, I guess, going into a Slipper at your third start. “But, yeah, she’s a special filly.” Damien Lane was elated with the performance of his mount as he spoke post-race. “She was great,” said Lane. “She’s obviously been prepped perfectly for this, just peaking on the day. Not often you come up with a plan and execute it perfectly, well in Group 1s anyway. “It really played out how we thought it might and she was great. She just was there to be beaten at the 100m and Wodeton got to us, she really stuck at it, so very brave.” Horse racing news View the full article

Schwarz ridden by Jamie Mott wins the 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) John O’Shea & Tom Charlton have taken out the Group 1 William Reid Stakes with Schwarz (+450) at Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a great frontrunning ride by Jamie Mott. The son of Zoustar was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers in the concluding stages of betting, due to the track bias at The Valley, with several on-speed runners claiming victory throughout the meeting. As expected, Schwarz jumped smartly from his barrier to find the front, with She’s Bulletproof (+550) pushing forward to settle outside the leader and ensure the race was run at a strong tempo. Arabian Summer (+900) headed the remainder of the field two lengths adrift, while Benedetta (+600) and Maharba (+1800) started to make their runs from the halfway mark in an attempt to chase down the eventual winner. She’s Bulletproof couldn’t spring with Schwarz in the final 300m, and the only potential challenger appeared to be Benedetta, who looped the field and started to let down strongly. However, her finishing burst was to no avail, as Schwarz continued to find and held on to win by a length over Benedetta and Jimmysstar (+180), who flew home from last in the final 200m. Click here for all Moonee Valley race relays. Tom Charlton was on course at Mooney Valley to represent the winning stable after the feature race. “It’s fantastic. I’m thrilled for the horse, the ownership group and all our staff that have put a fantastic effort into this horse. I’m thrilled for them,” Charlton said. “He did give us some confidence. It was an interesting watch. “I thought Craig Williams put a good bit of pressure on us on She’s Bulletproof and I was slightly surprised by the kick this horse gave at the top of the straight. “It was a dominant win. He’s a big ticket stallion by Zoustar with a big pedigree. Team Rosemont will be very pleased. “He’s a relatively lightly-raced horse and we’ve learned quite a bit about him again this preparation. “He was dominant here fresh, didn’t quit back-up two weeks later over 1400 metres and we had in the back of our mind to target again here, fresh, 1200 metres. “Credit to everyone and obviously my boss who is the mastermind of these things. I’m just very thankful to be in this position.” Jamie Mott was elated with the win, and he spoke to the media post-race. “Obviously there’s a few jockeys in Sydney and I was lucky enough that Tom and John got a hold of my manager and I got the ride. I jumped at the opportunity,” Mott said. “I have known Mitho and Nigel for a long time and we’ve had success but not at the top level. Really satisfying win. “Before the meeting I was a little concerned that the fence might be off by this race. “The way the day played out it gave me more confidence that how I’m going to ride him is really going to suit and give him jos nest chance to win the race. “We got pressure early from She’s Bulletproof – he wouldn’t go back from his wide draw – so he did pressure me and he gave me a really strong kick in that going. “He was good enough to hold them and it was a terrific win. “At about the 100 metre mark, they can come quickly at The Valley so you don’t want to celebrate too early. Hopefully that is not his last win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Grinzinger Belle ridden by Declan Bates wins the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Declan Bates continued his strong association with front-running mares, guiding Grinzinger Belle ($4.00F) to a dominant all-the-way victory in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday. The Danny O’Brien-trained mare bounced back in style following a flat effort in the Mannerism Stakes, relishing the downgrade to a Soft 6 and making full use of her high cruising speed. After jumping cleanly from barrier 10, Bates allowed her to stride forward and take up the running. From there, she dictated terms, stacked them up mid-race, and gave a strong kick on the turn to break their hearts in the straight at $4 odds with the top horse racing bookmakers. Wrote To Arataki () chased gamely into second, while Another Prophet ($6.00) made ground from the rear to grab third. But the result was never in doubt once Grinzinger Belle found her rhythm on the turn. The four-year-old daughter of Shamexpress had twice placed at The Valley in Group company and clearly thrived back on speed in familiar territory. Click here for all Moonee Valley race relays. “She’s a mare that, when conditions suit, she’s very hard to run down,” said O’Brien. “John Wheeler, her owner, was instrumental in getting Declan on today and it proved an inspired choice. He gave her a terrific steer.” The win takes Grinzinger Belle’s record to five wins from 17 starts, including three at Group level. She’s now earned over $800,000 in prize money and confirmed she’s a serious contender if connections opt to head to the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 13. Bates, who only picked up the ride after Damian Lane opted for other commitments, was full of praise for the big mare. “She’s got that high cruising speed and just kept finding,” he said. “I had a good chat with Damian this morning who gave me a few tips on getting her out of the barriers. Once she was up in stride, she was always going well. She got a bit lonely late, but she was never stopping.” It was a powerful reminder of Grinzinger Belle’s best form — and a warning to her Queen Of The Turf rivals with have her priced as a $21 shot in the 1600-metre race. Horse racing news View the full article

Brazilian jockey looks to follow up successes atop Rapper Dragon and Sky Darci in city’s most prestigious race.View the full article

Tommy Berry celebrates aboard Gringotts after claiming the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au After going into the race as the only runner to not win a Group 1, Gringotts has broken through to claim the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was very unlucky last start in the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup, and he was well-backed in the lead-up to the 1500m contest, jumping at +500 on the fourth line of betting with Picklebet. Royal Patronage (+290) led the field from the jump, with the eventual winner settling on the fence behind him and Militarize (+8000) on the outside, while Ceowulf (+300), Stefi Magnetica (+1600) and Fangirl (+360) stalked them in the middle of the pack. Tim Clark released the brakes on the leader as they turned into the home straight, which allowed Gringotts to come off his back and presented Ceowulf with a run behind those two. James McDonald got going on Fangirl, who was made to travel three wide without cover for the entire journey. The leaders began to tire in the final 200m, leaving Tommy Berry and Gringotts in front, with Ceowulf and Fangirl motoring home on the outside. The three runners hit the line together in a thrilling finish, but it was Gringotts who held on in a tight photo over Fangirl and Ceowulf, who both put in lunges in the shadows of the winning post. Click here for all Rosehill race relays. Ciaron Maher was able to provide a few words about the victory post-race. “Fantastic, he trains up at Newcastle on the beach so got to thank James Harding and his team, he’s phenomenal,” Maher said. “Ozzie, heaps of the owners are here today, they just continually find these. “Him and Jimmystar, they come into the stable about the same time, they come from the same stud, and they’ve both won a Group 1 at about a similar time, so yeah, rapt for the team, they’ve done a great job, and Tommy Berry, super.” Tommy Berry couldn’t stop smiling after the win, and he spoke to the media post-race. “I was smiling for a different reason, it wasn’t for winning but it was just good to see him come back the way he did,” Berry said of the winner. “You pay the believers and we’re guys that are part of the ownership team and Ciaron and Joe and all the team at home there.” “He came to me in the middle of the mounting yard today, and he said ‘I know the Doncaster is our main aim but I couldn’t have him any better for today. “He turned up and he’s just a war horse, he knows where the line is and he fought hard to win today. “I didn’t really want Zac there to be honest with you. “I dropped to the fence and I was like, ‘I’ve done you a favour’, but he just cruised up underneath me, I was just hoping Royal Patronage would take me further into the straight and when he was left a sitting duck. “I knew he’s been in that position a couple of times before and he was just way too good, so it’s a pretty good feeling.” Gringotts is the +500 equal favourite with horse racing bookmakers in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

The 2025 Rosehill Guineas results at Rosehill on Saturday saw James Cummings‘ Broadsiding narrowly prevail over Aeliana in a thrilling Golden Slipper Day contest. The Godolphin-raced Too Darn Hot colt secured his fourth elite-level victory, redeeming his Randwick Guineas runner-up finish with a hard-fought win in the $750,000 Rosehill Guineas (2000m). James McDonald delivered a […] The post Broadsiding Just Wins Rosehill Guineas 2025 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Broadsiding (blue) holds off Aeliana to claim the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Broadsiding ($2.80) has bounced back to his brilliant best to claim the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Saturday afternoon, surviving a late charge by the lone filly Aeliana ($5.50) to get the verdict in a grandstand finish. The Godolphin colt was in search of a fourth Group 1 victory on Saturday, and the son of Too Darn Hot had to do it the hard way early, seemingly racing on the three-wide line throughout. That was until the Bevan Laming-trained Savour The Dream ($101) surged forward to sit on the outside of Goldrush Guru ($5), allowing James McDonald to secure the one-one in the middle stages. Aeliana was locked away on the inside running rail under Jason Collett, while Swiftfalcon () was heavily back prior to the jump, with Tyler Schiller initially taking his medicine to drift back towards the rear of the field from stall four. It was Swiftfalcon making an early move before the turn, however, with Schiller electing to press the button at the 800m pole and put themselves in the race. Broadsiding pulled out and surged to the top when asked for the ultimate effort at the 400m marker, while Aeliana was unable to build the revs after checking off heels in the behind the pair. Broadsiding needed the winning post as Aeliana powered over the top late, but it was the superstar colt getting the head down where it mattered most, as Aeliana would have to settle for second in a vintage edition of the Rosehill Guineas. Click here for all Rosehill race relays. James Cummings was on course to break down the win post-race. “He’s a class colt and class carries a long way,” said Cummings. “I suppose from the draw, he’s had to do a fair bit of work, and James (McDonald) just rode him with confidence and stuck to his plan, which was essentially to keep an open mind and not give away too much ground today on a track like this. “But that filly, who’s been so good, and James knows well, Aliena has just laid away and done no work, they can launch at you and it takes a very good horse to hold them off. “He’s probably not a genuine 2,000-metre horse, but he’s a brilliant horse, and he’s got up and won the Rosehill Guineas, so fair play to him. He’s probably done it the hard way, and his performance is worth reflecting on. “So before I go and rule him out of other 2,000-metre races in the future, I think it’s worthwhile saying, so it’s a great credit to him. He’s got another Group 1 on the board. It’s very difficult to do on a warm day and these conditions, but he’s just a good horse, and it’s just so pleasing to see him get up and deliver.” James McDonald then spoke about the tactics aboard the star colt to press forward. “It was one of those moments where you’re doomed if you do and doomed if you don’t,” said McDonald. “So we rolled the dice, had a crack, paid off, but like James (Cummings) said, there was no real plan, just go with the flow. At the first bend, I thought, oh no, then one worked out, I ended up with a 1-1, and it was a good win, a really good win. “I was just thinking, glad Waller doesn’t have one in The Galaxy, because he’s a chance of winning them all, but it was nice to get the photo, the horse deserves it, he’s a really great colt, he’s done a marvellous job. “Yeah, he’s done a marvellous job today, and yeah, proud of him, he’s run the 2,000 out, brilliant.” Broadsiding is an $11 chance in futures markets with BlondeBet for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 12. Horse racing news View the full article

Unfancied filly Vegas Queen survived a post-race protest from runner-up Archaic Smile to collect her biggest victory after an incident-packed finish to the Gr.2 IRT Wellington Guineas (1600m) at Trentham. Sent to the front by rider Wiremu Pinn, the Kenny Rae-prepared daughter of Rich Hil Stud stallion Proisir looked to be full of running as she rounded the home bend two lengths clear of her rivals after making all of the pace from barrier rise. In a desperate finish, she held out the hard-charging pair of Archaic Smile and Dramatic Miss at odds of $34 on the tote to register the second win of her nine-race career. But her connections faced another challenge as the protest siren sounded to register an inquiry from the runner-up for alleged interference in the final 250m. Head-on video of the incident showed Archaic Smile being squeezed between Dramatic Miss and fourth-placed filly She’s Untouchable through Vegas Queen shifting inwards, however after lengthy deliberations the Judicial Committee dismissed the objection to allow placings to stand. Rae hadn’t been expecting his filly to lead in the race and was feeling a little anxious throughout as he watched her fend off the challenges presented to her. “After 200m I was feeling a little average but she got there (in front) fairly easily although she was a little wound up before the start,” Rae said. “It’s the first time he (Pinn) has ever ridden the horse so you can’t knock him. “She is a very very tough horse with a lot of ability and a good turn of foot. To be honest I had no idea if she would handle the track (Soft 6) today, but luckily Mandy (Brown, co-owner) said could we have a chance of winning the Guineas as I wanted to go to Pukekohe (yesterday) for something easier. “She is going out for a break now as this is her first time going past the Pukekohe racetrack and I don’t think she will handle the wet tracks (coming up).” Pinn admitted he had to make a new race plan after the filly bounded away from the starting gates in front. “We were very comfortable out in front after she jumped so well,” he said. “She grabbed the bridle, so I thought there go Kenny’s instructions out the window so I will just ride her how she feels and she was as happy as Larry out in front. “She showed great grit and determination to win today as when I thought she was falling in a hole, another horse has come up to challenge and she kicked hard and fought to the line. “I was pretty confident the whole way and she showed great fight.” Out of the unraced Carlton House mare Miss Vegas, Vegas Queen is closely related to seven-race winner Vegas Showgirl, the dam of superstar galloper Winx who numbered 25 Group One victories amongst her 37 career wins. She has now collected over $238,000 for owners Dirk and Nicki Oberholster and The Magpies & Mandy and Matt Brown’s Ngapuke Racing. View the full article

For the second year in a row, a big autumn stage at Riccarton has brought the very best out of talented local mare Epee Beel. The daughter of Epaulette secured her first black-type success in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) in April of last year, and she delivered a repeat result over the same course and distance in Saturday’s Gr.3 Donaldson Brown South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). Epee Beel went into the $100,000 fillies and mares’ feature with no wins to her name from 12 starts this season, but she had been thereabouts with three seconds, two thirds, two fourths and a fifth. Trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman never lost faith in the four-year-old, and they were richly rewarded on Saturday. Epee Beel drew the outside gate in a field of 14 and jumped as a $22 outsider. The first half of the race did nothing to help her chances, with Ashvin Goindasamy caught wide and left with no choice but to push forward. She eventually hit the lead with 800m remaining, but had used up plenty of petrol to get there. Chasers fanned out across the Riccarton track to try to reel in Epee Beel, whose tough wide run seemed likely to take its toll. But Epee Beel somehow summoned another big effort, pulling away to score an emphatic two-length win over the strong-finishing Loftys Gift. Epee Beel was an $80,000 purchase from Landsdowne Park’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2022. She has now had 28 starts for four wins, 10 placings and $207,240 in stakes. “She’d been going near enough without a lot of luck in this preparation,” said Michael Pitman, who trains in partnership with his son Matthew. “She’s an established wet-tracker, she got a (Soft7) track to suit today and she absolutely bolted in. “We might have a crack at the Canterbury Gold Cup (Gr.3, 2000m) with her on April 26. All the way through, we’ve been thinking that she needed more ground. But just with the way the racing has been down south in her preparation, the races we’ve been aiming her at have been 1400m to a mile.” View the full article