Wandering Eyes

For the second time at the current Oaklawn Park meet, jockey Rafael Bejarano has been fined $200 for misjudging the location of the finish line in a one-mile race. At Oaklawn, one-mile races end at the sixteenth pole under the track's long-established configuration for races at that distance. In this second instance of the season, Bejarano actually won the third race Mar. 16 by a length aboard 8-5 favorite Moon Over Choctaw (Malibu Moon). But according to the stewards' ruling, the 42-year-old jockey kept riding past the first wire at the sixteenth pole, and his penalty included “striking his mount after the finish” as Bejarano continued to drive the 3-year-old filly to the second wire. Back on Jan. 25 in the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes, Bejarano was fined $200 for mistiming his ride on 6-1 closer Henro (Collected). In that stakes, Bejarano drove his mount after the official finish like there was still half a furlong to go. Henro finished fourth, beaten a neck for third and 3 1/4 lengths for the win. It was not clear at deadline for this story whether Bejarano, a veteran jockey of 22 years who has been riding regularly at Oaklawn the last three seasons, plans to appeal his second fine of the year. He is currently second in both earnings and victories at the current Oaklawn meet. The post Despite Winning, Bejarano Again Fined for Misjudging Oaklawn Finish appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The venerable gelding Gold Phoenix, one of Southern California's top turf route performers over the last couple of years, begins his 2025 campaign in the $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Lea Farms' 5-year-old multiple graded-stakes winner Super Chow put in his final breeze March 19 at Gulfstream Park ahead of a scheduled start in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) April 5 at Meydan Racecourse. View the full article

Pleasant Acres Stallions has introduced a Florida-Bred Excellence Program with three financial options designed to give Florida breeders flexibility and support for the 2025 breeding season. The program's three options are: DOUBLE PLAY, LIFETIME STAY: Allows breeders to choose a preferred stallion from a selection of five standing at Pleasant Acres and then breed one or more mares in consecutive years (2025-2026) to that stallion, pay stud fees within 30 days of foals standing and nursing, register the foals with The Jockey Club, and then receive a lifetime breeding right to the selected stallion, offering one breeding season annually at no cost, beginning in 2027. The stallions offered in the program are: Doppelganger, Mr Fisk, Simplification, Chess Chief, and Curlin's Honor. PROCEEDS PRIORITY PROGRAM: Allows for the deferment of stud fee payments until the foal sells–whether as a weanling or yearling–with all fees to be paid by Dec. 31, 2027. This program is designed to help breeders maintain positive cash flow during crucial foal development periods and aligns payments with sales revenue. 25/25 SAVINGS SUCCESS: Offers an immediate 25% reduction on published 2025 breeding fees for Bodexpress, Chess Chief, Curlin's Honor, Doppelganger, Gunnevera, Leinster, Magic on Tap, Mr Fisk, Neolithic, Simplification, and Verifying, if fee is paid in full within 30 days of foal standing and nursing. “We recognize that successful breeding programs require both exceptional bloodlines and smart financial planning,” said Christine Jones, Director of Stallion Services at Pleasant Acres Stallions. “Our new Florida-Bred Excellence Program demonstrates our commitment to supporting breeders with solutions that make sense for their operations, whether they're looking for long-term breeding rights, flexible payment terms, or immediate savings.” The post Pleasant Acres Unveils Savings Programs to Support Florida Breeders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Group 1 fixture at the Curragh on Saturday, May 24, featuring the Irish 2,000 Guineas, has been added to the World Pool schedule for 2025, with all races on the card set to be globally commingled. Another change to the schedule comes at Newbury on Saturday, May 17. All seven races on the card, including the G1 Lockinge Stakes, will now be part of World Pool, up from five in 2024. The World Pool, the largest globally-commingled horse racing pools, was created and is powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). In total, there will be 24 World Pool fixtures in the first half of 2025, with bettors from over 28 countries able to bet into the same pools on those given days. Sam Nati, head of commingling at the HKJC, said, “We are already looking forward to what will be a busy Q2 for World Pool as we anticipate our return to the UK and Ireland for 2025, and we're delighted to have stengthened our offering with a new race day added at the Curragh and to have extended Newbury's Lockinge card to a full World Pool meeting. “We're committed to adding the best races from around the globe to the World Pool calendar, so extending our involvement in Lockinge day and taking in the Irish 2000 Guineas is an exciting development. We look forward to bringing these new races to our global customers as well as returning to some of our best performing meetings at Royal Ascot and on Derby day.” For the second year, the World Pool UK & Ireland Jockeys' Championship will begin on 2000 Guineas day at Newmarket (Saturday, May 3), with the winning rider of each World Pool race throughout the season earning points determined by the World Pool SP of their mount. The championship will run until British Champions Day at Ascot (Saturday, October 18) when a prize of £50,000 will be given to a charity of the eventual winning rider's choice. Last year, Billy Loughnane claimed the top prize and donated the £50,000 to the Christy Lambe Foundation. The post Irish 2,000 Guineas Card Added to World Pool Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NBC Sports will present live coverage of the GII Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock. The hour-long program will also feature coverage of the GII Fair Grounds Oaks and the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks from Turfway Park. Ahmed Fareed will host Saturday's coverage alongside analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss. The Louisiana Derby begins three consecutive Saturday afternoons with Kentucky Derby prep coverage live on CNBC and Peacock, continuing with the GI Florida Derby and GI Arkansas Derby Mar. 29 and the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 5. The post NBC Sports Road to the Derby Coverage Continues Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unraced since finishing second in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic, 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) is nearing his 4-year-old debut, which will most likely come in the May 4 GIII Westchester S. at Aqueduct. His comeback was put on temporary hold because he was turned out for 60 days after undergoing an elective surgical procedure on a hind ankle. He had his first published workout this year when breezing three furlongs in :36.23 Mar. 13 at Palm Beach Downs. “He's come back very well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “What we are thinking at the moment is the Westchester on May 4 at Aqueduct. Hopefully, that will be a lead-in to the Met Mile. The important Grade I's this summer and fall are what we are targeting. “He had a little surgical procedure on a hind ankle that took place a couple of weeks after the Breeders' Cup. He needed a recovery period after that, but since then everything has gone according to plan.” Fierceness, the 2023 champion 2-year-old male, is one of many Pletcher-trained stars that will be returning to the track shortly. Another is 'TDN' Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution), who won the Mar. 1 GII Gulfstream Park Mile. It was his 4-year-old debut. “Mindframe came out of the Gulfstream Mile in good order and right now we are strongly considering the Churchill Downs Handicap,” Pletcher said. “It's seven furlongs on Derby Day and is a Grade I. As you know there are limited Grade I opportunities and we feel the horse is versatile enough to handle multiple distances. That's why we are thinking seven-eighths might work.” Mindframe accomplished a lot in a short period of time last year, finishing second in the GI Belmont S. in just his third lifetime start. He followed that with another runner-up finish in the GI Haskell S. “He always trained really, really well,” Pletcher said of the Maryland-bred. “When you look at what he did as a 3-year-old, going from an allowance race at Churchill and then just getting beat in the Belmont and Haskell, it shows that we asked a lot of him in a short period of time. He was relatively inexperienced while we were doing that. That showed me that he is a special talent. Now, we have to get the Grade I and keep building from there.” Mindframe is owned by the partnership of Repole Racing and St. Elias Stables. Repole is the sole owner of Fierceness. Will Pletcher be able to keep his two 4-year-old stars apart before the Breeders' Cup? “We'll have to play it by ear,” Pletcher said. “Mike [Repole] owns all of one and half of the other, so we will try to keep them apart as much as we can. There could be a situation, like, say, in the Whitney, where we might run the two of them against one another. We hope we'll have those decisions to make.” Some five or six weeks ago, it appeared that Pletcher might not have a starter in this year's GI Kentucky Derby. But a trio of his 3-year-olds have developed quickly and Pletcher, if things break his way, could be well represented in the Derby. 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) won his first two starts before finishing second, beaten a neck in the GII Fountain of Youth S. Grande (Curlin) is 2-for-2 and is coming off a win in a Gulfstream allowance. Disruptor (Gun Runner) romped in a Mar. 1 maiden at Gulfstream, winning by 9 1/4 lengths. “They'll all breeze on either Friday or Saturday and that will firm up their spots,” Pletcher said. “Right now, if everything goes according to plan the most likely scenario is that Disruptor will go in the Florida Derby, River Thames in the Blue Grass and Grande in the Wood Memorial. We're not there yet. But we're looking a lot better than we did a month ago.” The post Pletcher Maps Out Plans for His Stable’s Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has received a £321,000 grant from the Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation for its project, 'Improving the Framework to Support Horses' First Step Out of Training', the charity announced on Thursday. The project is being delivered in partnership with HEROS and the funding will cover its costs for one year, allowing RoR to continue its work in ensuring the welfare of former racehorses transitioning to second careers. David Catlow, managing director of RoR, said, “We are extremely grateful to the Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation for their generous support. This grant is critical in enabling us to build a solid framework for the aftercare of racehorses. It is important to note that this is bridge funding for just one year. The long-term sustainability of this project relies on a collaborative funding model from the racing industry, which we are working hard with the industry to secure.” As part of the launch, a short film has been created detailing the project's aims and the difference it will make for horses and the industry. The film is available to watch here. The post RoR Project Receives £321,000 Grant appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes hero Rosallion (Ire) is back and is being pointed towards the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. One of the stars of the 2024 Flat season, Rosallion has not been seen since getting the better of Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in a pulsating edition of the St James's Palace. However, speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, his trainer Richard Hannon said the colt was training well and on course for a race the stable last won with Night Of Thunder (Ire) in 2015. Hannon said, “Rosallion couldn't look any better. Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) is going great. We've got Stem (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), we've got Persica (Ire) (New Bay {GB})–loads to look forward to. He's [Rosallion] going to go to the Lockinge.” The post ‘He Couldn’t Look Any Better’ – Rosallion To Return In The Lockinge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Texas Thoroughbred Association's Texas Summer Yearling Sale will be held Aug. 26, beginning at 10 a.m., at Lone Star Park. A limited mixed session will follow the yearling session. “We've already had people asking about the yearling sale, so we are pleased to get the date set and start preparing for another successful auction,” said Sales Director Foster Bridewell. “The yearling sale has produced some tremendous racehorses over the years, including the latest example in Coal Battle.” A $70,000 graduate of the 2023 yearling sale, Coal Battle is already a millionaire and currently tops the Road to the Kentucky Derby point standings after taking the GII Rebel Stakes last month at Oaklawn Park. The consignment deadline for the yearling sale is June 24 and forms are now available online. The TTA will host its 2-year-olds in training sale Apr. 2 at Lone Star Park, with an under-tack preview Mar. 31. The post Texas Summer Yearling Sale Set for Aug. 26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Always ready to open up a lane with a crisp pass or poised to hold for the last shot by spreading the floor, Fasig-Tipton announcers Jesse Ullery and Frank Alosa form a March Madness-like backcourt as they host the latest digital sale on the auction house's platform. For Ullery it is all about channeling the excitement of an online sale with his partner and informing would-be buyers about something they may not have heard. In other words, have a seat on the couch and stay awhile. “I don't know that any of us thought that it was going to be like this as quickly as it has materialized,” said Ullery. “But when we made the investment to start doing the consignor interviews and build out the studio, it just took off. It's part Manning Cast with some our our own personal references thrown in for good measure and we will talk about everything from pedigrees to country songs.” On Tuesday, the pair emceed yet another successful broadcast during the March event which saw 100 head on offer and 88 sell through the virtual ring. With a strike rate of 85% and a total gross of $3,627,500, the format is doing more than just advancing to the next round–it's a Cinderella. A huge part of that growth rests squarely on the dynamic ability of Ullery and Alosa–especially if 'overtime' is in effect–because in lieu of a traditional 'caller' it is their job to maintain the tempo and keep tabs on multiple 'shot clocks' as the time on all of them wind down. “Jesse and Frank are consummate professionals,” said Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “I joke with Jesse about how he is the busiest guy at Fasig-Tipton, and the edition of Frank came along at the perfect time.” Running the platform going on three years, Fasig-Tipton built an in-house studio in Lexington, Kentucky last April with spots for Ullery and Alosa behind the camera. Normally you will find the pair trading chair positions on the stand next to the auctioneer during any given in-person Fasig-Tipton sale. Tradition dictates that the announcer's role is to introduce the horse as they enter the ring by reading from the pedigree chart. To be sure, that takes finesse and a certain deftness when it comes to time management, but rarely do they have the opportunity to expound on a hip. Ullery and Alosa during a broadcast | courtesy of Fasig-Tipton During a Fasig-Tipton online sale like they one that just closed, elaborating is everything. Like a point guard, Ullery brings the ball up the court while Alosa sets a screen or two as he waits to handle the rock. Neither of them knows exactly which pieces of information that they compiled beforehand will be useful, but Aaron said that the chemistry the two have built both professionally as colleagues and privately as friends is what works. That type of trust on-air goes a long way to helping the team achieve their goals. “I've known Frank a long time and we work well together,” Ullery said. “We are cut from the same cloth. We both enjoy being air traffic controllers and commentators all at the same time. In my former life as a track announcer I had to instantly forget a batch of horses because the next race was coming up. Well, here I have to remember them because a particular sale could still be active, but that is what makes this so fun.” Where things get tricky for the duo is when clocks come down to the wire at once. The pressure of the buzzer looms. Ullery and Alosa are forced to pick and roll which lot has the potential to be extended into an overtime situation. Based on each other's facial expressions and intonations they have developed a rapport. “We want this to operate just like an in-person sale,” said Alosa. “It's a live broadcast so you have to be on your toes as time is expiring and know which lots are in overtime. We want this to be something that everyone can tune into, even if you aren't actively bidding, and that is what makes digital sales so special. You can be anywhere and hopefully we are a bit informative and entertaining along the way.” On Fasig-Tipton's site viewers can watch Ullery and Alosa offer commentary and be on the couch for what is constructed to be a convivial atmosphere. Of course, this is serious business as the seconds peel away, but both said that they understand what is at stake for those involved. “Fasig-Tipton is always going to try to find ways to be innovative and grow the sport just like we are with our digital platform,” said Ullery. “I mean we're the oldest sales company in North America for Thoroughbreds, and here we are selling horses online. So, that impetus is going to lead to something special and we are going to see where this takes us.” R Harper rose topped the Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale | Lauren King After a record-setting one-horse flash sale for the site earlier this month which saw Champion Female Sprinter Soul of an Angel (Atreides) go for $2.6 million, Tuesday's March sale was once again chock full with different options. Leading the way was GSW R Harper Rose (Khozan) who brought $400,000 and MGSW Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall) was sold post-RNA for $500,000. As the year anniversary approaches for Ullery and Alosa, the platform's unique approach continues to grow. Aaron said he expects the announcers to find more undiscovered territory. “When we put this team together with Jesse and Frank, then added key I.T. and A.V. support with Isaac Wagner and Thad Kesten we knew we had something special brewing,” Aaron said. “We're basically on new ground. I mean, no one else is doing this when it comes to live broadcasting. I get messages from our customers all the time and they talk about how much they enjoy watching the sale closings with these guys.” Armed with a succinct alley-oop to his partner, Ullery and Alosa continue to diversify the Fasig-Tipton Digital space. The backcourt will be at it again when the next sale hits Apr. 3-8 as this Cinderella story continues. The post Ullery And Alosa Turn Fasig-Tipton Digital Sale Into Cinderella appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. A flashy 93 Beyer Speed Figure didn't accompany a diploma for Bakster Farm's Pursuitneversleeps (c, 3, Ghostzapper–Fashion Factor, by The Factor), who had to settle for second on debut in a quickly run maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park Mar. 15. Off as the fourth choice at odds of 6-1, the Dale Romans-trained Pursuitneversleeps broke alertly from his rail draw. He was immediately guided to the outside by Junior Alvarado and in chase mode as the well-meant first-time starter Here Comes Francis (Improbable) ripped through fractions of :22.29 and :44.81. Three lengths back in second with a quarter of a mile to go, Pursuitneversleeps began to cut into Here Comes Francis's advantage in the stretch and finished with interest in a field-best :12.75 while shrinking the winning margin to 1 1/2 lengths. It was another 10 1/4 lengths back to the third-place finisher. The final time for six furlongs was a sharp 1:09.57. Fellow 3-year-old Rolando (Vekoma) covered the same distance in 1:10.57 while capturing the Hutcheson Stakes four races earlier on the program. “When horses run like that first time out for me, I call them great prospects,” owner Jim Bakke said. “I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.” He continued, “We're gonna run him back in a maiden special, maybe even on Derby Day at Churchill. He needs a little gap between that race and his next one, for sure.” Pursuitneversleeps, a $125,000 KEENOV weanling turned $250,000 KEESEP yearling, was bred in Kentucky by Ghostzapper Syndicate, Scarteen Stud and Barry Donworth. His sire Ghostzapper is responsible for 105 stakes winners worldwide. Pursuitneversleeps was produced by Fashion Factor, a winning half-sister to GSW & GISP and dynamite producer Graeme Six (Graeme Hall). Fashion Factor brought $50,000 from co-breeder Scarteen Stud at the 2019 KEENOV sale. “Dale has been very positive on the horse ever since he was a 2-year-old,” Bakke said. “We had to stop on him and give him 60 or 90 days off. We started him back up and Dale thought he'd run big this past Saturday. And that's what he did.” The 'Second Chances' Honor Roll is headed by Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and GISWs A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), Honor A. P. (Honor Code), Locked (Gun Runner), Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and Speaker's Corner (Street Sense). Here Comes Francis, with @luissaezpty, reaches the wire first in race 8 for trainer @VictorEBarboza. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/T1z5LOojgs — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) March 15, 2025 The post Second Chances: Pursuitneversleeps – ‘Dale Thought He’d Run Big This Past Saturday and That’s What He Did’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the first major 2-year-old sale, OBS March, now in the books, it's time for some predictions. We asked the experts who their pick is for leading freshman sire and also asked them for a “sleeper pick” or a stallion that will perform beyond expectations. Here's what they had to say: Jimbo Gladwell Top Pick: Charlatan, Standing for $50,000 in 2025 at Hill 'n' Dale Ten percent of the horses I've had on the farm are by Charlatan, so I am a Charlatan fan. They are really smart horses that have trained well and done everything right for me. Then we got them over to the sale and they sold really well for us. Sleeper Pick: By My Standards, Standing for $5,000 in 2025 at Spendthrift The one sleeper I have is By My Standards. I've got one of them and he is a really good colt. I only have the one to go off of, but he's a really good one. Ramiro Restrepo Top Pick: Maxfield, Standing for $40,000 in 2025 at Darley The buzz horses at OBS were Charlatan, Maxfield and Yaupon. I saw a lot of nice babies by all three. We bought a Maxfield filly for $1.25 million. She looked so much like her sire and was a classy individual. Maxfield had a ton of talent and there were a lot of expectations. I think that will carry over into his progeny, so he will be my top pick. Sleeper Pick: Leinster, Standing for $2,500 in 2025 at Pleasant Acres Stallions For a sleeper pick, there was a Leinster filly who sold for lot of money ($400,000) that Donato Lanni bought for the Three Amigos group and Bob Baffert. Donato has bought an uncountable number of Grade I winners. For him to dip into the pool of a lower-end freshman sire and make that kind of investment, that catches your eye. There was also a lot of buzz for Independence Hall. People liked their physicality and the way they worked. In March they have to be ready to come and play ball. Later on in the year, I start looking for value, but not so much now. There are bigger catalogues and more opportunities later on. Leinster | Sarah Andrew Dave Scanlon Top Pick: Yaupon, Standing for $25,000 in 2025 at Spendthrift Before the sale I would have definitely said Yaupon and I still think there will be a lot of big Yaupons to come in the remaining 2-year-old sales. There are a large number of them. You go through the catalogue and basically everybody had a good Yaupon. Charlatan got off to a good start and we'll be seeing more. But I think we've seen a lot of his higher-end offspring sell already. So I look for Yaupon to make up a lot of ground. There are a lot of them and there are a lot of good ones coming. I am biased because I have a real top-quality Essential Quality. We paid a good amount of money for him and he looks like he's going to be a really good horse. So I think you'll see Essential Quality do well as well. Sleeper Pick: Beau Liam, Standing for $6,000 in 2025 at Airdrie Stud My under-the-radar pick is Beau Liam. I have heard a lot of good things about him. We have one and paid a decent amount of money for him, but nothing crazy. I think he's going to do really well. Eddie Woods Top Pick: Charlatan My pick is Charlatan. They have a great shape to them and all appear to be good-minded. They are easy to be around. They train well, they are quick enough. You see the Speightstown creeping out of a lot of them, which isn't a bad thing at all. They're just smooth horses. Sleeper Pick: Beau Liam The sleeper? How about Beau Liam. I only have a couple of them but I've seen a couple of others that I like quite a bit. But the two that I have are very elegant, are good movers and are very smooth. I don't know how quick they'll be but they're very classy acting. Carrie Brogden Top Pick: Yaupon It's a toss up between Charlatan and Yaupon and, honestly, I had started hearing about them during the January OBS sale when I was down there. There were some outliers and freshmen sires that brought really good money, but as a general group the Charlatans and the Yaupons stood out. There were some Maxfields that sold great, but the majority of those were bought by end users since they were so expensive. The Essential Qualitys were expensive and the majority of them were bought by end users. There was good chatter about both those sires. As far as from the 2-year-old sale, I would say overall Yaupon was on top. Everyone seems to have a good one, across the board. Sleeper Pick: Rock Your World, Standing for $5,000 in 2025 at Spendthrift Rock Your World is my sleeper pick. I shouldn't be completely surprised because he is a son of Candy Ride (Arg) and if you look at how Candy Ride has done as a sire of sires, it's pretty incredible. They weren't super-expensive horses. Especially on the day there were headwinds, I thought they acted very determined in their breezes despite the conditions. I feel like a lot of times that's in their genetics. Corbin Blumberg Top Pick: Charlatan In terms of who will be the leading freshman sire, I think Charlatan is a pretty exciting choice. Based on the March sale, there were some really exciting horses by him and it was not just their pedigree. I thought physically they were really impressive. They had a lot of substance. I thought they were an impressive group, which is what you would have hoped for from him. He was really fast and was also able to stretch his speed for the Starlight, Madaket, SF Racing team. Sleeper Pick: Uncle Chuck, Deceased My under-the-radar pick is Uncle Chuck. I thought there were some really nice Uncle Chucks around. He was a really good-looking horse that Donato bought. A bunch of them made my list to go look at after the breeze show. I also looked at a bunch of them back at the barn. I thought a lot were good looking. We didn't buy one. They didn't quite make our list. But I wasn't expecting to go look at as many as I did. As a Florida stallion, he should have plenty of runners. Maxfield -Eyeinthesky-colt-_OBSMAR25_PRINT-credit-OBS.jpg" alt="" width="1155" height="840" /> 2-year-old by Maxfield who sold for $1 million at OBS March | OBS Niall Brennan Top Pick: Maxfield It's still a bit early in regards of the first 2-year-old sale. There are the freshman sires that stood out at the yearling sales, Charlatan and Maxfield and Yaupon. It seems to be a good crop. I don't think there's anybody that has disappointed. I am impressed with the Maxfields. We had a very nice filly by him at the sale that sold for $200,000. I have a few at the farm for clients that will race them. They are very nice. The yearlings were quite consistent, all well-grown, well-developed yearlings and they still appear the same as 2-year-olds. They have a lot of class. They are smooth on the racetrack. They shouldn't be early. I wouldn't expect them to be winning at five furlongs. But they are light on their feet and are mature. They will have some speed, but will definitely be two-turn horses. So you see more of them in the fall. The Charlatans are very nice too. The ones we have are quite impressive and they are training forwardly. They may be obvious picks but I think those two sires stand out. Sleeper Pick: Essential Quality, Standing for $50,000 in 2025 at Darley I'm not sure he's under the radar, but I also like Essential Quality. They weren't as obvious right out of the box. They were all over the place. Different colors, sizes, shapes. Not much consistency. I am biased because I had Essential Quality as a yearling, but he was a heck of a nice horse. I have several that are really starting to develop. He's under the radar in the sense that people aren't talking about him, but I think they are going to be runners. Ciaran Dunne Top Pick: Charlatan For us, based on OBS, it would be Maxfield. But having said that, we only had two Maxfields and both were in that sale. Probably the horse we've been most impressed with among our horses at the farm is Charlatan. We have some of those that we really like that will be sold at later sales. Sleeper Pick: Leinster My sleeper horse is my own personal favorite, Leinster. They breezed very well at OBS and one filly sold super well. I think he's a horse who could surprise a lot of people. We raced him and we still own him. So we've got quite a few of them. We bred 20-something mares to him. So we have quite a few of them, which we are planning on racing. The post Who Will Be the Leading Freshman Sire? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) announced on Thursday that its chief executive, Claire Sheppard, is to step down in the autumn following eight years in the role, with the recruitment process for a new CEO already underway. “While working at the TBA, I am very proud of what the organisation has achieved for British breeders and the industry over the last eight years,” read a statement from Sheppard, who has been responsible for developing initiatives such as the Great British Bonus Scheme during her time in the role, as well as having to navigate the breeding sector through Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. “I am extremely grateful to the TBA's loyal and highly knowledgeable team who have taught me so much during my tenure and have been extremely fortunate to work alongside two committed chairmen over that period, including Philip Newton and former chair, Julian Richmond Watson. I am very grateful to them, and to all the TBA trustees for the ongoing support they have given me.” Sheppard added, “It has been a huge privilege to lead the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association during what has been a period of real change and challenge for the industry as the sport develops and implemented shared strategies for a sustainable future. While there are still significant challenges ahead, I am confident we are moving in the right direction, and I will be leaving the TBA with the right chair, team and trustees to navigate these. “I wish the board every success in the future to ensure the contribution made by the breeding sector are supported and acknowledged at both government and wider industry level as fundamental to the growth and future sustainability of this wonderful sport. “The TBA chief executive role is incredibly rewarding, however I feel the time is right for me to step back from a full-time career. I will remain with the TBA until a suitable replacement has been identified and to allow for a smooth transition.” TBA chairman Philip Newton said, “The TBA has been very fortunate to have had Claire Sheppard's dedication and expertise at the helm for the past eight years. She has championed the interests of the breeding sector with determination and persistence, navigating challenges in a complex stakeholder and political environment. “Leading an organisation at the top of any sport requires total commitment, focus, and enormous amounts of energy, and Claire has delivered all of these. I, and the TBA Board, would like to thank her and wish her all the best in the future.” The post Claire Sheppard to Step Down as Chief Executive of the TBA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Classy Victorian trotter Arcee Phoenix will return for another crack at the $650,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge’s Night of Champions on April 4. Excited connections cemented a deal with Duncan McPherson to race in the Aldebaran Park slot, just as they did last year. Arcee Phoenix was one of four Victorians who contested last year’s TAB Trot, finishing fourth behind Just Believe, Callmethebreeze and Queen Elida. Queen Elida will also return, while Im Ready Jet looks likely to give Victoria a third runner this year. Im Ready Jet is raced by Pat Driscoll, who used his slot on the sidelined Callmethebreeze last year. Driscoll and trainer Andy Gath are awaiting Im Ready Jet’s second-up race at Melton on Saturday night when she clashes again with Queen Elida in the Group 1 Sumthingaboutmaori Mares’ Trotting Free-For-All (2760m). “At this stage she’s booked and going, but we’ve got the luxury of seeing how she goes this week before absolutely locking things in,” Gath said. Back to Arcee Phoenix and he showed signs of his best form when a good third to Keayang Chucky in blistering time in the Group 1 Hammerhead Mile at Menangle last Saturday week. The Chris Svanosio trained gelding faces a small but select field in the City Of Melton Scotch Notch Memorial Trot (1720m) at Melton on Saturday night. Arcee Phoenix is a $2.20 second favourite to turn the tables on Keayang Chucky (gate six, $1.85) from their Hammerhead clash. “We’ve had a handshake agreement with the Arcee Phoenix team for a while now and locked it all away this week,” McPherson said. “He ran such a great last year in a stronger race (TAB Trot) and we’re confident he’ll be right in the finish again.” Australia looks set to have five of the eight runners in the TAB Trot at Cambridge on April 4. Along with the three Victorians, NSW-trained Inter Dominion winner The Locomotive has a slot and the connections of emerging Queensland star Not As Promised are believed to be close to landing on a deal. Earlier this week boom New Zealand trotter Bet N Win confirmed his place in the line-up. He will run in the slot owned by the Breckon Racing Syndicate, brothers George and Andrew Breckon, Richard Cole and the Odds On Syndicate. The winner of 11 from 19, Bet N Win was bred by Breckon Farms, with the Breckon Racing Syndicate part of the horse’s large ownership group. He is a $2.70 favourite on the futures market on the TAB, following his narrow but very impressive win over Muscle Mountain in last Friday’s Group 1 Fred Shaw Memorial New Zealand Trotting Championships at Addington. View the full article

Every month HRNZ selects a Breeder and Owner of the Month award. It is chosen randomly with the only proviso being that your horse must have won a race during the month. In February Brian and Marie Borcoskie were picked as “Breeders of the Month” following Tessamae’s win at Rangiora on February 6 and Rodney and Deirdre Stewart were selected as “Owners of the Month” after Hayley Mhor’s win at Alexandra Park on February 28. Breeder of the Month : Brian and Marie Borcoskie For the Borcoskies Tessamae’s win was especially poignant. “It’s always very satisfying to win any race and especially so on this occasion as Brian passed away (on March 7, 2025),” says Marie, “so this was to be his final win.” While Brian and Marie bred Tessamae she is trained and was driven by son Brent Borcoskie. The Borcoskies were on course for the Amberley Trotting Club’s meeting at Rangiora for what was Tessamae’s maiden win. The family has a long association with the club, having served on the committee. Brian also served as president and patron. They have bred many horses over the years including Silk Brocade who won the Ladyship Mile at Harold Park in Sydney as well as the 1999 New Zealand Premier Mares Championships at Addington and Brownie who won nine in this country between 2008-2012 and 17 overall. More recently they also bred Jaffa Josh (Auckland Reactor – Silk Rose) who won 20 races, mainly in the USA. Owner of the Month : Rodney and Deirdre Stewart The Stewarts were also on course to see Hayley Mhor’s victory at Alexandra Park. “After 22 starts, some of which were close seconds and thirds, it was gratifying to see her win,” says Rodney Stewart. The Stewarts have had an interest in a number of horses, either individually or with others, and have raced them predominantly at Alexandra Park and Cambridge. The best of the horses were four-race winner In A Frenzy, Eyres Abovetheground (5 wins) and Kip Keino who had 11 wins on both sides of the Tasman. “Sunny Pegasus (2 wins) is also now competing with distinction as a show horse.” “We were roped in to harness racing by Richard and Julija Brosnan being part of the syndicate ownership of In A Frenzy,” says Stewart, “we intend to continue owning and racing horses having two yearling geldings by Marcoola and Locharburn at a farm we have an interest in.” Congratulations to this month’s winners and your plaques are on their way. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk As popular victories go Ambleside Drive’s win at Addington last night was right up there. At start number 62, the Auckland Reactor five-year-old mare finally broke through in Race 2, the Book Now for Owners Night 28th March Mobile Pace. For the Robertson family who bred, train and race the mare, it’s been a long time coming. Her debut was at Motukarara in April 2022. “I was starting to lose the faith,” said Peter Robertson who trains in partnership with son Mitchell. He told Harness Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong post race, “we’ve always known she had the ability to win the race and it never worked out.” Pre-race Robertson was concerned about backing up Ambleside Drive after a tough fourth at Motukarara last Sunday. But she started the outright favourite and performed accordingly. From the mobile driver John Dunn got the one-one early before pressing on to the lead at around the 1600 metre mark. She was three lengths clear with a lap to go. “Every horse has their day and today is the day for Ambleside Drive – she’s too good, ” said commentator Andy McCook as she held to win by just over a length. Dunn was clearly elated to get the elusive win for a horse that had had 22 previous placings. “She has had some ragged runs and a few placings along the way before this win,” said Dunn, “I love winning races like that.” And he wasn’t alone. The Robertsons had no shortage of well-wishers after the race though Peter Robertson wasn’t getting too hyped up. “I wouldn’t get too excited but it’s good she has won one anyway.” A double on the night with Ann Sophie and Jaccka Baylis took Michael House to 44 training wins for 2025. He is leading the premiership by 24 from Steve and Amanda Telfer. Another feature last night was Matt Purvis training the quinella in the Majestic Horse Floats Mobile Pace with Almighty Clever (Blair Orange) and Oneloveonelife (Carter Dalgety). View the full article

Ciaron Maher is backing in the class of Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) ahead of his Valley debut in Saturday’s $1 million William Reid Stakes. A new fresh-is-best approach has seen Maher stick to a sprinting path with the son of Per Incanto, having only started below 1200 metres once before his last-start Oakleigh Plate win – when he also won fresh first-up in the spring. Maher said he has no concerns about the powerful finisher navigating the tight circumference at The Valley. “I think he’ll be second half of the field and making his run through them, so you always need a bit of luck,” Maher admitted. “Last start when you see them run the last furlong the quickest of all their sectionals in the race, it’s pretty exciting. “When you see them do what he did – he ended up winning easy in the Oakleigh Plate – he was very strong through the line and gets an extra 100 metres. “The Valley is obviously tighter and a different set-up, but he certainly is still on the up.” Jimmysstar has not only won both 1100-metre races he has contested but also his only 1200-metre event – his maiden win at Wanganui in April 2023. Jimmysstar won’t be on his own at his first start around The Valley as Rey Magnerio, Benedetta, Stretan Angel, Reserve Bank and Arabian Summer will also get their first looks in a field of nine. Maher said the five-year-old who drew barrier 2 could in fact be handier to the speed given the small field. “That certainly works for him,” Maher said of sprinting off a hot speed. “But I’m sure he is not one-dimensional either – he has led a race at Flemington and just got pipped on the line. “So we tell ourselves that, but I am sure a little bit further will suit him and if they do only go slow he will just be a bit closer.” As for what could be next on his radar? “The Quokka was thrown around, there’s the T.J. Smith, I thought the Queensland program would really suit him, but it depends what he does on Saturday,” he said. Maher will also saddle up Thousand Guineas winner Another Prophet in the Sunline Stakes, the progressive Shanwah tackles the Alister Clark Stakes and Just Like Gaby will look for valuable black type in the Don Casboult Classic. View the full article

There are eight horse racing meetings set for Australia on Friday, March 21. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Albury. Friday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 21, 2025 Albury 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 21, 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

Smart four-year-old has connections quietly confident ahead of the city’s most prestigious race at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

What William Reid Stakes Day 2025 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, March 22, 2025 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Group 1 racing returns to Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon, with the William Reid Stakes (1200m) headlining a stacked 11-race meeting that also includes the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) and Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m). With rain forecast on Thursday and conditions unlikely to improve much before race day, the Soft 5 rating will likely hold. The rail will be in its true position, with the action set to get underway at 12:15pm AEDT. Race 1: BM78 Handicap (2500m) Dschingis Prestige caught the eye when finishing second, beaten by 1.3 lengths, behind Inevitable Award over 2040m on February 21. The son of Dschingis Secret was only grabbed late on that night, but with the step up to 2500m set to benefit this bloke, he looks hard to go past in the opener. Daniel Stackhouse will stalk the speed from barrier two, and barring any bad luck, Dschingis Prestige should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 10 DSCHINGIS PRESTIGE 7 BUR DUBAI 6 STEEL RUN 9 MI ROCK ALY Race 2: Valley Pearl (1200m) Pure Passion produced some of the best closing sectionals of the day when finishing third behind Military Tycoon in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes (1000m) at Flemington. The Snitzel filly was seemingly run off her feet early but flew home down the outside rail. The step up to 1200m suits, and with a fair bit of speed engaged, the race sets up perfectly for Linda Meech to have Pure Passion in clear air and flying home down the heart of the track. Selections: 6 PURE PASSION 2 PRESTIGE FOREVER 1 CHERGUI 7 JENNI MOO MOO Race 3: BM84 Handicap (1200m) Top Calibre tasted defeat for the first time in his career when resuming from a spell over 1200m at Flemington on March 1. The four-year-old gelding did not receive much luck throughout the run, and when building through his gears, he was crucially held up for a run. Once clear, he exploded late to be beaten less than a length, which suggested he should have finished closer than he did. Craig Williams will look to land in a forward position from barrier 12, and with even luck, Top Calibre looks hard to beat. Selections: 13 TOP CALIBRE 6 ELOUYOU 5 PIVOT CITY 8 PRANCING SPIRIT Best Bet Race 3 – #13 Top Calibre (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Alex Rae | J: Craig Williams (57.5kg) Race 4: BM84 Handicap (1500m) Verdad brought up a long-overdue second career victory when saluting at Flemington last time out at start 16. Having placed on nine prior outings, the son of Justify was a frustrating commodity for punters, but hopefully the penny has dropped and he can start stringing wins together. He needs to carry 61kg, but the four-year-old gelding is arguably the best horse in the field and should prove hard to run down from an on-pace role. Selections: 1 VERDAD 9 PORTER 7 CAPPER THIRTYNINE 14 STAY FOCUSED Next Best Race 4 – #1 Verdad (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths | J: Billy Egan (61kg) Race 5: Yarra Valley Cup (2040m) Dashing Duchess was far from disgraced in the Australian Cup Prelude (2000m) at Flemington on March 8, and form suggests she should be more than good enough to account for this Yarra Valley Cup field. She was beaten 3.7 lengths first-up behind Duke De Sessa when hitting the line strongly over 1600m, before going down to some top-tier weight-for-age horses last time out. This is a significant drop in class, and with a strong affiliation for soft tracks, the race sets up perfectly for Dashing Duchess to find her way back into the winner’s stall. Selections: 2 DASHING DUCHESS 9 FORTUNE 7 ZIRYAB 6 BASILINNA Race 6: Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) The Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes seems to be a race in two, with Emphasize getting the verdict as he looks to turn the tables on Shanwah from when they last met. The son of Embellish went forward in a race that lacked much speed, and it seemingly brought him undone as he faded out to finish fourth, beaten three lengths. With more speed engaged in this, Craig Williams will likely have Emphasize towards the rear of the field, and if he produces anything like he did two runs back when defeating the older horses over 2000m, he will take a power of beating. Selections: 8 EMPHASIZE 2 SHANWAH 3 OPENING ADDRESS 6 STATUARIO Alister Clark Stakes Race 6 – #8 Emphasize (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Craig Williams (57kg) Race 7: Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) Sneaky Sunrise has not done much wrong in two runs this campaign, and with just 56kg on her back in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes, she is going to take some beating. She ran into the classy Treasurethe Moment last time out and finished 1.8 lengths off Too Darn Lizzie in second, but now this girl has a weight advantage on that runner and comes into this ready to peak third-up. She will need a touch of luck from barrier seven to not get caught wide, but if Luke Currie can find a bum to follow, Sneaky Sunrise will prove hard to hold out. Selections: 4 SNEAKY SUNRISE 3 GALA QUEEN 1 TOO DARN LIZZIE 2 CILACAP Sunline Stakes Race 7 – #4 Sneaky Sunrise (7) 3yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Currie (56kg) Race 8: Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) So Glamorous has been massive in defeat through three starts this campaign, but she gets her chance in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes. She was the best of the beaten brigade behind the smart Coeur Volante two back and then was only beaten 1.5 lengths in similar company to this in the Matron Stakes on March 8. With Grinzinger Belle set to make this a genuinely run affair, So Glamorous will be hitting the line powerfully from the rear of the field. Selections: 9 SO GLAMOROUS 2 WROTE TO ARATAKI 5 GRINZINGER BELLE 1 QUINTESSA Sunline Stakes Race 8 – #9 So Glamorous (9) 4yo Mare | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs (57kg) Race 9: Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) She’s Bulletproof looked to have had the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) sewn up with 100m to go before Jimmysstar came from nowhere in breathtaking fashion. However, when the pair clash on Saturday, the Charlotte Littlefield-trained mare has the form on the board to turn the tables on her key rival. She was an emphatic winner two runs back over 1200m, and with a strong record at the trip (9: 4-4-0), she clearly will appreciate the step back up to the 1200m. Drawn out in barrier eight, if Craig Williams can land in the one-one upon settling, She’s Bulletproof could have too much momentum on her side late in the 2025 William Reid Stakes. Selections: 7 SHE’S BULLETPROOF 4 SCHWARZ 1 JIMMYSSTAR 5 BENEDETTA William Reid Stakes Race 9 – #7 She’s Bulletproof (8) 4yo Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Craig Williams (56.5kg) Race 10: Group 3 Don Casboult Stakes (1200m) Scillato will put her undefeated start to her career on the line in the 2025 Don Casboult Stakes, but she has every right to push that winning streak to four. The three-year-old filly held off Rich Dottie and Clean Energy down the Flemington straight over 1100m when doing plenty wrong, and it looks like she will appreciate getting back around a bend and up to 1200m. Drawn in barrier six, Cory Parish will likely have her settled midfield with cover, and as long as she doesn’t encounter traffic issues in running, Scillato has the finish under the hood to be winning. Selections: 8 SCILLATO 7 CLEAN ENERGY 6 CERTAIN RISE 10 JUST LIKE GABY Don Casboult Stakes Race 10 – #8 Scillato (6) 3yo Filly | T: Lee & Shannon Hope | J: Cory Parish (57kg) Race 11: BM96 Handicap (1200m) If Moby Dick brings his best form to The Valley fresh from a spell, he simply blows his rivals away in the finale — and at a nice price with horse betting sites. The son of Toronado resumes from a 17-week layoff, and with two wins from as many starts when first-up, he clearly benefits from having freshness in his legs. Armed with a blistering turn of foot, Jye McNeil only needs to have the son of Toronado within a few lengths of the leaders on the home turn, with Moby Dick likely to be charging home down the heart of the track. Selections: 12 MOBY DICK 8 MAJOR SHARE 3 HEDGED 6 EXTRATWO Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, March 22, 2025 1-2-3-4-5-9-13 1-4-5-7 6-7-8 3-6-8-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Highway, Connellan NT 0870 When Saturday, March 22, 2025 First Race 1:24pm ACST Visit Dabble The three-year-olds take centre stage on Day 2 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival with the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m) on Saturday afternoon. In one of the best ever meetings in years outside Pioneer Sprint Day and Alice Springs Cup Day, a total of 76 horses have accepted for the eight-event program. After relentless 40C heat throughout summer, light rain fell in the Red Centre on Thursday, and further showers are tipped on Saturday with a top temperature of 35C. It will be a good dirt surface and the rail will once again be in the true position. NT Guineas tip: Grinzinger Lass Grinzinger Lass, who has a 2kg advantage on Saturday, has impressed in the Red Centre. Sharing the lead on debut against fellow three-year-olds over 1200m on February 25, the filly looked home before being pipped on the line. Settling fourth over 1400m on March 8, the daughter of Shalaa made ground on the leaders along the fence at the 500m before bursting clear at the 100m to win by 2.5 lengths. Grinzinger Lass finished strongly to suggest that stepping up to 1600m may not be an issue. NT Guineas Race 8 – #9 Grinzinger Lass (1) 3yo Filly | T: Ray Viney | J: Brendon Newport (55.5kg) Best Bet at Alice Springs: Dakota Lee Eyeing the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on April 5, Dakota Lee makes her long-awaited return after a comfortable last start win over 1100m at BM76 level on June 30. That followed victory over 1000m in open company on Alice Springs Cup Day on April 7 before breaking the track record (1.07.85) after saluting by 3.5 lengths in an open 1200m handicap on June 16. The six-year-old mare by Kuroshio is unbeaten in 10 Pioneer Park starts and certainly has the speed to nullify a wide gate. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Dakota Lee (10) 6yo Mare | T: Terry Gillett | J: Stan Tsaikos (59kg) Best Value at Alice Springs: Iknowhatyouredoing Iknowhatyouredoing was fifth in a BM76 over 1400m on March 1 after blowing the start and is worthy of another chance after winning two of his previous three starts in Darwin. That was during the Darwin Cup Carnival last July-August; however, the five-year-old gelding thumped his rivals over 1600m and 2050m. The son of Husson, third in the 2023 Darwin Guineas (1600m), boasts a win and a second over 1600m at Morphettville as a three-year-old. A 2kg claim also enhances his hopes on Saturday. Best Value Race 7 – #4 Iknowhatyouredoing (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Kevin Lamprecht | J: Hannah Le Blanc (a2) (57.5kg) Saturday Alice Springs quaddie tips – 22/3/2025 Alice Springs quadrella selections Saturday, March 22, 2025 1-2-3-4 1-2-5-7-13 4-5-6 3-4-5-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Two leading contenders experience contrasting fortunes ahead of Sunday’s HK$26 million feature at Sha Tin.View the full article

What Albury Cup Day Where Albury Racing Club – 16-46 Fallon St, Albury NSW 2640 When Friday, March 21, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Albury Racing Club is the destination for country racing on Friday afternoon, with a stacked eight-part program lined up for Albury Gold Cup (2000m) Day. The $200,000 feature has attracted a quality field of 14, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the Big Dance (1600m) later in the year. The rail remains in the true position after racing in the same spot on Thursday, and with more rainfall forecast to hit the course proper, punters can expect a Soft track for race day. Albury Gold Cup Day 2025 is scheduled to get underway at 12:50pm local time. Albury Cup Tip: Medatsu Medatsu was well held in a highly competitive BM88 contest behind Kings Valley at Randwick on March 1 but looks primed to strike third-up into the campaign. The son of Stephanos got within 2.2 lengths of his key rival and gets a 4kg swing in the weights heading into the 2025 Albury Gold Cup. Alysha Collett will be dragging back towards the back-half of the field from stall 11, however, with a genuine tempo engaged in this event, it should allow Medatsu to be surging down the centre of the course at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Albury Cup Race 7 – #9 Medatsu (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Alysha Collett (56.5kg) Best Bet at Albury: Conchiero Conchiero claimed a dominant 1.4-legnth victory at Warwick Farm on February 19 and appears poised to go on with the job third-up in the campaign. The Pierata gelding beat home four subsequent winners on that occasion, suggesting the from has held up significantly well as the untapped three-year-old tackles the BM74 Albury Guineas. The 61kg on his back should be offset by a positive ride by Rachel King from stall two, and provided he can boot clear similarly to his latest outing, Conchiero must be considered the one to beat. Best Bet Race 8 – #1 Conchiero (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Rachel King (61kg) Next Best at Albury: Monte Veebee It’s hard to believe Monte Veebee is still a maiden heading into this preparation after being competitive against three-time Group 1 winning filly Lady Shenandoah in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty (1400m). The newly gelded son of Snitzel should get every chance to make a statement first-up from a 24-week spell, with the three-year-old supreme placed in this maiden contest. He draws gate two to gain the gun run in transit, and although the 1175m may be short of his best trip, Monte Veebee should simply prove too classy for this lot. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Monte Veebee (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Robert & Luke Price | J: Blaike McDougall (58.5kg) Friday quaddie tips for Albury Albury quadrella selections March 21, 2025 2-3-4-5-6 1-2-3-4-6-7 1-2-5-9-10 1-2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

While distance may be a query for Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos) in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m), the talented filly has given Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie every reason to attempt the million-dollar Classic. Racing in the colours of Sir Peter Vela’s Pencarrow Stud, Island Life has done little wrong in her three-year-old season, placing behind Tuxedo in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) and Real Class in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m). The Oaks was always the long-term goal for Island Life, and a professional display on Champions Day to take out the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) sealed the deal. “It was very exciting and after watching the race quite a few times, she actually did it quite easily,” Ritchie said. “Mick Dee (jockey) was pretty soft on her in the finish to be fair. “She can be quite awkward and can get on the bit in her races, so it’s always been a race-by-race process with her. We entered her earlier on hoping that she would learn to settle, and she settled beautifully in the Sunline. They didn’t go that hard early, so it was really pleasing to see her do that without cover and finish off really well. “Her recovery that day after the race was really quick and she pulled up very well. We’ve been very happy with her since, she’s eating well and is very, very bright, particularly this morning (Thursday) at the track. “It’s just a matter of now getting her down there safely and at 100 percent.” A stakes victory over 2100m bodes well for Saturday’s staying test, which will determine whether the daughter of Vadamos heads to the paddock or considers other options this campaign. “It is a huge question mark over 2400m, she’s going to have to settle and relax well, but you’re only three once and she tries her heart out,” Ritchie said. “We don’t have any plans after this and at this stage it’s the end of her prep, but she has come through the Sunline Vase very well and it would depend what she did on Saturday whether we go on to something else.” The Matamata trainers are no strangers to success on the champagne turf and can’t wait to have a shot at the seven-figure stake, albeit while being wary of the hot-favourite Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn). “It’s the biggest prize-money we’ve ever run for and it’s exciting to be racing for a million dollars, that’s for sure,” Ritchie said. “We love going to Wellington, it’s been a very good track to us and we’ve had a lot of success down there so it’s great to be involved. “Leica Lucy has been absolutely phenomenal in all of her starts so far and something would have to go pretty wrong for us to be able to beat her, but it’s a horse race and anything can happen. There are other promising fillies in there as well and they’ve all got to stay.” Leica Lucy currently dominates the Oaks market at $1.50, with Myakkabelle (NZ) (War Decree) ($10) and Island Life ($14) her closest rivals. Following Saturday’s showpiece, the stable will travel up the road to Tauherenikau where they will have three representatives at the Sunday meeting. Three-year-old filly Sonata (NZ) (Charm Spirit) got on the board at Taupo last-start and will look for a repeat performance as a key hope in the Kuripuni Sports Bar and TAB (1400m). “She bounced through that race, she could’ve lined up the following week,” Ritchie said. “She’s a hard case little horse, she just needs to be left alone to find her rhythm, but we’ve been really happy with her so she should hopefully go close again.” Shavasana (NZ) (Super Seth) narrowly missed claiming her maiden at the course in early February, and off a brief freshen-up, will take her place in the Liquorland Masterton/Matahiwi Estate (1000m). “She’s gone really well, we gave her a little break after that with a week in the paddock and she’s come back extremely bright,” Ritchie said. “Hopefully she can get away from the barriers a little bit better, it was her first time in blinkers last time. She’s definitely heading in the right direction so hopefully a win is close.” Completing their trio is first-starter Powerofpersuasion (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns), a filly by Ten Sovereigns with plenty of trials experience under her belt heading into the Dinger Natural Stone (1400m). “She’s going to be a nice staying filly, she’s got a lot to learn and we thought this was a nice soft option for her,” Ritchie said. “She’ll grow up a lot too with the trip away. “It is a watch and see with her, but she is a beautiful type and hopefully she’ll be a nice filly in time.” View the full article