Wandering Eyes

National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback released a quarterly letter Wednesday which addresses Florida's decoupling bill along with the New York Times piece on horse racing. The letter reads: “The first quarter of 2025 has been nothing short of a tsunami for most of us in the industry. We entered the year hoping to turn the page, making positive strides and setting the industry on the right path. Then came January 7. While the events of that date didn't bring our industry to a standstill, they certainly caused an unexpected stumble–one that no one saw coming or wanted to face. Seemingly without warning, industry press announced an agreement between the owner of Gulfstream Park and the Gulfstream horsemen's association to jointly support legislation allowing Gulfstream to decouple. “Decouple” is a word with multiple meanings, but to horsemen, it tends to be followed by concern–and expletives. The proposed bill in Tallahassee would allow Gulfstream to operate its casino without any obligation to conduct live racing. Ownership claimed this move was necessary to secure financing for improvements to the Gulfstream property. (Pause, smile and cue more expletives. Next, start taking steps to defend the future of racing, not only in Florida but across the country.) The industry's pushback is well in motion. But the fight is far from over. The Florida Legislature introduced House Bill 105, filed by Rep. Adam Anderson, which effectively redlined existing statutes requiring Thoroughbred racing facilities to host live races as a condition for operating slot machines and card rooms. Let's not forget: These gaming operations were not a given; they were made possible only because they were tied to horse racing. The facilities benefiting from gaming revenue rode in on the backs of horsemen and women. Within hours–also on January 7–I issued a statement making it clear that the National HBPA cannot currently support Gulfstream's requested legislative changes. The NHBPA and its affiliates–including the Tampa Bay HBPA–emphasized that these changes do not offer any meaningful benefits for horsemen. Across the country, horsemen agreed: Decoupling from live racing threatens to cripple horse racing in any state. Our industry is not subsidized by gaming. Gaming companies and permit holders pay horsemen a tariff–a tax–for the privilege of having entered states where horse racing laid the groundwork for legalized wagering. Without the existence of pari-mutuel betting, states would never have allowed these gaming companies to set up shop, whether in brick-and-mortar casinos or, going further back to my younger days, the riverboats of Shreveport. Every trainer, every farm and every training center is a small business. These businesses collectively drive a multibillion-dollar agricultural sector in the United States. Decoupling must be stopped–not just in Florida but wherever it threatens our industry's future. I also want to address a recent opinion piece published in the New York Times. Written by Noah Shachtman, the piece attempted to couch horse racing in the U.S. as a sport that has outlived its economic usefulness and should simply disappear. My issue with this opinion piece? Like so many before it, it relied on exaggeration, misinformation and a lack of factual evidence to push an anti-racing narrative, so much so that it is hard to even address. Like everyone I know who read the article, I looked down, shook my head and felt frustrated. We are all tired of seeing our sport mischaracterized in the mainstream media. Fortunately, I believe that hit pieces like this are losing traction. Why? Because they continue to ignore the facts. You've probably heard the old saying, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” The author of this article certainly didn't. His criticism focused on the idea that racetracks and purse money are “subsidized” by revenue from slot machines, casinos or historical horse racing machines. Sound familiar? See above. What he conveniently left out was the fundamental fact that these gaming organizations were only allowed to establish themselves because of coupled legislation with horse racing. Even more glaring was his omission of the economic impact of horse racing–the tens of thousands of jobs it provides, the breeding farms, the training centers and the vast network of agribusinesses and supporting industries that depend on it. This needs to be said: Our industry is not dying. And I am glad the relentless attacks from the media are not resonating the way they once did. From coast to coast, horsemen and women remain deeply committed to this sport. That said, the New York Times article should serve as a call to action. We must continue to respond–with facts, with passion and with personal testimonies about what racing means to us. Horse racing is more than a sport; it is a way of life. It is a vital industry with real economic significance in the United States. And it is worth defending and fighting for.” The post National HBPA’s Eric Hamelback Addresses Decoupling, NYT Piece In Spring Quarterly Letter appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An exciting host of 28 individual Group 1 winners headlines entries for FWD Champions Day on Sunday, 27 April at Sha Tin – all chasing a chance to compete for the record HK$74 million prize money on offer across three of world racing’s pre-eminent contests. Representing owners from Hong Kong, Great Britain, Australia, France, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Bahrain and Qatar, 95 horses are vying for starts in the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m), HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) and HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Galaxy Patch, Beauty Joy and Helios Express spearhead Hong Kong’s arsenal – along with Beauty Eternal and Invincible Sage, winners, respectively, of the FWD Champions Mile and Chairman’s Sprint Prize last year. The international contingent of 56 is headed by Group 1 winners Goliath, Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), Royal Patronage, El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) and an intimidating 25-strong contingent from Japan, led by Liberty Island, Tastiera, Soul Rush, Satono Reve, Lugal, Gaia Force, Prognosis and Dura Erede. Phenomenal talent Ka Ying Rising chases a fourth straight Group 1 in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Acclaimed as the world’s highest-rated sprinter recently, Ka Ying Rising is Sha Tin’s 1200m track record holder (1m 07.20s) and winner of his last 10 consecutive races. Voyage Bubble has quickly asserted himself as the city’s premier miler. Ricky Yiu’s star horse will aim for a fourth consecutive Group 1 in the FWD Champions Mile after successes this season in the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m). Hong Kong’s entry features 10 individual Group 1 winners. Second three times to Ka Ying Rising at Group 1 level, Helios Express will aim to emerge from his rival’s shadow and capture a maiden top-level crown in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, along with stablemate Howdeepisyourlove, who will contest the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) on 5 April. A three-time placegetter on FWD Champions Day, California Spangle is eyeing a return to glory in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize next month as well as Beauty Eternal, who aims to defend his title and give trainer John Size a fifth triumph in the race after wins also with Electronic Unicorn (2003), Sight Winner (2009), Contentment (2017). Six-time winner Goliath is becoming one of global racing’s great overseas campaigners as Francis-Henri Graffard’s gelding prepares to compete in his fourth jurisdiction in the FWD QEII Cup. Resolute Racing’s German-bred galloper won the 2024 G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) ahead of strong opposition including Bluestocking, Rebel’s Romance, Sunway, Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg and Dubai Honour. Mr Brightside is one of Australia’s most beloved horses. Photo: supplied Mr Brightside is one of Australia’s premier horses as a nine-time Group 1 winner, including victories in the 2022 and 2023 G1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), 2023 and 2024 G1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), and 2024 and 2025 G1 Futurity Stakes (1400m). The seven-year-old fought out an exhilarating 2023 G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) with Romantic Warrior. He is entered in the FWD Champions Mile. Royal Patronage brings fascinating form lines to Hong Kong having won in Great Britain, the United States of America and at Group 1 level in Australia, surprising in the G1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) this month for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. The son of Wootton Bassett is entered for the FWD Champions Mile and FWD QEII Cup, holding a preference for the former. El Vencedor is New Zealand racing’s current banner horse having won his last three starts – each at Group 1 level: 2025 G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), 2025 G1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) and 2025 G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). Stephen Marsh’s tough six-year-old is entered to run in the FWD QEII Cup. A familiar fleet of Japanese entries is headlined by 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup second and third placings Liberty Island and Tastiera, respectively. Liberty Island is Japan’s outstanding 2023 Triple Tiara winner and she is the stablemate of two-time FWD QEII Cup runner-up Prognosis, who is also among Japan’s list of possible starters. Group 1 performer Ho O Biscuits is chanced with his first start abroad in the FWD QEII Cup. Third in the 2024 HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Noriyuki Hori’s Satono Reve holds an entry for the Chairman’s Sprint Prize along with 2024 G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) winner Lugal, Group 2 winner Danon Mckinley and Big Caesar. Soul Rush was second to Voyage Bubble in the 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and Tatsue Ishikawa’s galloper will aim to go one better in the FWD Champions Mile. Soul Rush was also third to Romantic Warrior in the 2024 G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m), while fourth out of that race, Gaia Force, could also ship across for the FWD Champions Mile. Ciaron Maher’s exciting sprinter Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) is entered to run in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, searching for a second elite level success after collecting last month’s G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m). Maher has also entered Duke De Sessa – last year’s G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) hero – and Middle Earth for the FWD QEII Cup. The Foxes ran his heart out for trainer Andrew Balding to grab fourth in the 2024 HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and the son of Churchill is plotted to return for another crack at international glory in Hong Kong. Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald have entered Lady Laguna, Ostraka, Port Lockroy and Fawkner Park, while William Haggas has also engaged four – led by the returning Dubai Honour as well as Group 1-placed and 2024 Golden Eagle (1500m) winner Lake Forest, Maljoom and Al Mubhir. Dubai Honour has raced in Hong Kong four times, including a third in the 2023 FWD QEII Cup behind Romantic Warrior, while Maljoom is a dual Group 1 placegetter behind Charyn and Notable Speech. Isivunguvungu is being prepared for the Al Quoz Sprint next month by trainer Graham Motion, who has entered the South African Group 1 winner for the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Bhupat Seemar from Dubai has entered Trafalgar Square in the FWD QEII Cup, while Bahrain has four entries – Calif and Sovereign Spirit (FWD QEII Cup), Goemon (FWD Champions Mile) and Swift Asset (Chairman’s Sprint Prize). Six horses selected to run in the HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 March) – Rubylot, My Wish, Californiatotality, Markwin, Noisy Boy and Stunning Peach – hold entries for FWD Champions Day. Hong Kong’s contingent is bolstered by a host of established and emerging performers including Sunlight Power, Gorgeous Win, Magic Control, Ensued and Straight Arron. Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “We are delighted with the spread of entries and quality of interest in this year’s FWD Champions Day features – including 56 entries from our overseas friends and 39 from Hong Kong, laying the foundation for another wonderful staging of our spring flagship meeting. “The excitement that the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising brings each time he races is electric and we cannot wait to see him tested once more against international opposition in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Exceptional miler Voyage Bubble has gone from strength to strength across the last six months and he will face another exciting challenge next month. “Our global champion Romantic Warrior has given us some incredible memories this year in Dubai and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so while we are disappointed not to see him go for a fourth win in the FWD QEII Cup, we are immensely proud of his efforts, and his absence opens the door for what shapes as a remarkably competitive FWD QEII Cup.” View the full article

A total of 28 individual Group One winners feature among the Champions Day entries released by the Jockey Club on Wednesday.View the full article

What 2025 Golden Slipper Stakes Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – Sydney, NSW When Saturday, March 22, 2025 Prizemoney $5,000,000 Distance 1200m Conditions Group 1, Set Weights 2024 winner Lady Of Camelot (5) | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Blake Shinn (54.5kg) Visit Dabble The 68th running of the time-honoured Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) headlines the action at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with a capacity field of 16 two-year-olds set to battle it out in Australia’s premier juvenile sprint. The $5 million feature has plenty of form-lines to dissect, including the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), where Devil Night attempts to be the first horse since Sepoy (2011) to do the double. Wodeton has been the long-standing favourite for the event and will be looking to replicate the feat of Shinzo (2024) for Coolmore once again. Will the $1.6 million colt live up to the hype? Or is there an upset brewing in the 2025 Golden Slipper? 2025 Golden Slipper odds The wealth of support with horse racing bookmakers for Wodeton prior to the barrier draw has kept the Wootton Bassett colt a firm $5.00 favourite with Neds heading into the Slipper. Tempted is on the second line of betting at $5.50 with BlondeBet after a strong win in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m), while Skyhook ($8.50) was the big firmer after a slashing win in last Saturday’s Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m). Undefeated colt Rivellino is the big drifter out to $11.00 despite securing the services of Hong Kong-based hoop Hugh Bowman, while the likes of Devil Night ($11.00), Marhoona ($13.00) and Within The Law ($15.00) represent good each-way value with horse betting sites. 2025 Golden Slipper speed map There should be speed to burn in this year’s edition of the Golden Slipper, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained trio of North England (9), Farcited (17) and Bellazaine (15) all looking to press forward to contest the early lead. Beiwacht (16) and Devil Night (11) have shown good early speed in the past as well, while Skyhook (8) can take a sit this time despite making every post a winner in the Pago Pago. The favoured pair of Tempted and Wodeton should get every chance to hold a handy position drawn in gate one and two respectively, while the likes of Rivellino (3), West Of Swindon (4), Tycoon Star (5) and Quietly Arrogant (7) map to sit midfield with cover throughout the journey. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Golden Slipper. Golden Slipper 2025 preview & form It’s worth splitting your stake in a wide-open edition of the Golden Slipper; however, it’s the Godolphin filly Tempted that goes on top. The daughter of Street Boss arguably should’ve won the Blue Diamond with any luck two starts back and proceeded to frank the form with a barnstorming victory in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on March 8. Gate one allows Blake Shinn to hold a spot on the leaders’ back throughout, and provided she doesn’t get held up when attempting to get clear, Tempted must be considered a major player. Within The Law has done nothing wrong and appears slightly disrespected in the market at the $15.00 with PlayUp. She was wide without cover every step of the way in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) leading into this and still had the audacity to finish best. The tempo aids her chance to storm down the centre of the course despite drawing barrier 13, and with the Lucky Vega filly arguably having the best turn-of-speed in the race, she must be respected. West Of Swindon is the forgotten horse here and is a big price with online betting sites. Team Hawkes missed a run in the Pago Pago to save himself for this, and although he may be considered underdone compared to some key rivals, the $26.00 is too big to ignore. Golden Slipper 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 13 TEMPTED 12 WITHIN THE LAW 5 WEST OF SWINDON 16 MARHOONA $100 betting strategy $50 Win Tempted (#13) @ +450 with Neds $30 Win Within The Law (#12) @ +1400 with Playup $20 Win West Of Swindon (#5) @ +2500 with BlondeBet Golden Slipper 2025 final field 1. Rivellino (3) T: Kris Lees J: Hugh Bowman W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Brown Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Intrinsic +1000 +250 2. Devil Night (11) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Michael Dee W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Extreme Choice Dam: Mischief Night +1200 +300 3. North England (9) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Colt Sire: Farnan Dam: Our Belisa +1600 +400 4. Tycoon Star (5) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Mark Zahra W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Miss Iano +2500 +625 5. West Of Swindon (4) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Fife +2000 +500 6. Beiwacht (16) T: James Cummings J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Bivouac Dam: Metastasio +3000 +750 7. Skyhook (8) T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Madame Pauline +650 +163 8. Wodeton (2) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Fiera Vista +360 -111.11 9. King Of Pop (18) T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Farnan Dam: Za Zi Ba +1800 +450 10. Quietly Arrogant (7) T: Peter Snowden J: Tommy Berry W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Colt Sire: Capitalist Dam: Single Sapphire +2500 +625 11. Farcited (17) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Joshua Parr W: 56.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Farnan Dam: I Am Excited +10000 +2500 12. Within The Law (13) T: Bjorn Baker J: Jason Collett W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Lucky Vega (IRE) Dam: Contract Signed +1000 +250 13. Tempted (1) T: James Cummings J: Blake Shinn W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Calliope +450 +113 14. Bellazaine (15) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Regan Bayliss W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay or Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Zousain Dam: Benella +1600 +400 15. Military Tycoon (12) T: Ciaron Maher J: Thomas Stockdale W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Military Reign +2500 +625 16. Marhoona (6) T: Michael Freedman J: Damian Lane W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Snitzel Dam: Salma +1200 +300 17(e). Alabama Magic (14) T: Brett Cavanough J: Braith Nock (a) W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Alabama Express Dam: Makfi Lass +20000 +5000 18(e). Nepotism (10) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: W: 54.5kg Age: 2YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Brutal (NZ) Dam: Brigite +8000 +2000 Horse racing tips View the full article

Derby placegetter Golden Century (NZ) (Pierro) will travel to Sydney next week to contest the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, ahead of a possible tilt at the A$2 million Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) on April 5. While still a maiden after seven starts, Golden Century has shown promise from his debut and only narrowly missed the top honours in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) in January. He continued on to the $1.25 million Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day, where he missed the start and powered home to finish third behind Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) and Thedoctoroflove. Tony Pike has always held the son of Pierro in high regard and the Cambridge horseman was rapt with the performance. “He was very slow away and probably didn’t have all favours when trying to improve into the race, but he closed off the race very strongly late and his sectionals were some of the best of the race,” Pike said. “He’s heading the right way, he’s been very much a work in progress but we always thought he would be a genuine stayer and we couldn’t have been happier with the run, albeit not winning. “He’s come through the race in great order and obviously he seems to be improving with each run, so we’ll take him over for the Tulloch Stakes on Saturday-week, and if he performs well in that, there’s no reason that he won’t back up a week later in the Derby. “We gave him four or five days in the paddock post-Derby and we just kept him ticking over, he’s dropping back in trip to 2000m for the Tulloch so we’ve tried to freshen him up a touch. “He’ll gallop tomorrow morning (Thursday) before he heads over next Tuesday.” While Golden Century was purchased earlier in the season by Australian syndicators OTI Racing, there is no certainty that he will remain across the Tasman after the Derby. “We’re not quite sure yet, we’ll have that discussion post the Derby with OTI and make that call,” Pike said. To be run at Royal Randwick, Golden Century is currently rated a $13 chance in the TAB Futures market for the Australian Derby, with Willydoit on top at $3.60 ahead of Goldrush Guru ($4.50). Closer to home this Saturday, Pike will have a sole representative travelling to Trentham in Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree). A Group Two winner over 2100m, the mare has been in solid form this preparation and will contest the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m). “She’s coming up really well, her best form last year was during the autumn as well and she was very unlucky not to win the Travis Stakes at Group Two level,” Pike said. “Third-up she should be peaking and it looks like a nice race for her, especially with the rain that is around. Any sort of cut in the track will benefit her.” View the full article

Retired superstar Imperatriz will have a race named in her honour from this season’s Cox Plate Day forward, with the program’s existing open 1000-metre handicap now titled the Imperatriz Sprint. The event’s prizemoney will be increased from $150,000 to $200,000 and will be run over the same course on which Imperatriz won the Group 2 McEwen and G1 Moir Stakes in 2023. The Moir victory saw Imperatriz set The Valley’s current 1000-metre course record at 56.47 seconds. She finished her career with five wins from as many starts at The Valley, the others being the 2023 G1 Manikato and both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the G1 William Reid Stakes. The mighty Te Akau mare sits alongside Apache Cat and Black Caviar as the only dual winners of the latter. “Imperatriz retired as the highest-rated sprinting mare in the world and was sold at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for a record $6.6 million to Yulong Investments,” the Moonee Valley Racing Club said in a media statement. “Currently in foal to Pierata, Imperatriz has taken to broodmare life as well as she did to her career on track and, as we celebrate 100 years of the William Reid Stakes, it is a fitting week to announce the Imperatriz Sprint on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day in 2025.” View the full article

Michael and Matthew Pitman have made the journey from Canterbury to Trentham for many years with an abundance of success along the way, a trend they hope to continue on Saturday with Mystic Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) taking on the Listed Bill Tito Book Repair Specialist Lightning Handicap (1200m). The father-son training partnership won the Lightning back in 2020 with Enzo’s Lad, a galloper that also won two editions of the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at the champagne turf before campaigning in Hong Kong and England. Mystic Park is the newest gun sprinter to come out of their Riccarton operation, with just 12 starts resulting in seven wins, including the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week last November. The son of Ocean Park was set for a tilt at the Telegraph in January, but a small setback forced the Pitmans to turn their focus to Saturday’s $130,000 contest. “We’re really happy with him, he does a lot of his work with Third Decree and they’ve both been galloping well,” Michael Pitman said. “He’s got a good record fresh, so we’re optimistic. “He just had a little problem earlier on and missed the Telegraph, so we’ve been working towards this.” While a trip to the Queensland Winter Carnival is on the cards for Mystic Park, Pitman hopes the gelding can follow in Enzo’s Lad’s footsteps and travel up to the competitive Asian jurisdiction. “I have nominated him for Hong Kong for the International Races at the end of April, it’s a long shot that he’d get invited but the same connections went up there with Enzo’s Lad, and if we got an invite, we would go,” he said. “If we don’t, that’s not a big deal, but if he could win this race that would certainly help.” Lightly-tried three-year-old Airpark Hustler (NZ) (War Decree) will also feature at the Oaks meeting, taking his place in the Gr.2 IRT Wellington Guineas (1400m). A winner in his delayed debut, Airpark Hustler went on to finish fourth in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m), before a bold run into second behind Loose Sally in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) last-start. “He’s a lovely horse, he went massive at Dunedin considering it was his third start,” Pitman said. “He was down to have his first start as hot-favourite on the 28th of December at Timaru, but unfortunately he had problems going into the barrier which he’d never had issues with before. We had to go back to the trials before he went to the races which set him back a month. “1400m may be short enough for him on Saturday, but he’s fresh enough as well. It’s drawn a much stronger field that we had anticipated, but he’s well and this is a very nice race for a good stake. “They will work on Thursday morning before travelling up on Thursday afternoon. They’ll go for a walk and a pick on Friday, we don’t worry about working them up there.” The stable will also chase feature success closer to home on Saturday, with Third Decree (NZ) (War Decree) and Epee Beel contesting the Gr.3 Donaldson Brown South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton. Third Decree was a game runner-up to Acquarello in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) during Cup Week and filled the same spot behind Betty Spaghetti last-start at Ashburton. “This will be the first time she steps up to 1600m, she went super the other day and was great during the Cup meeting,” Pitman said. “With her rating, she gets in really well as the highest-rated horse in the field without a stakes win. We don’t think the mile will be a problem if she relaxes well and being drawn 15, she’ll get back anyway. She’s always shown a good turn-of-foot at the end of her races as long as she’s held up for one run.” Epee Beel collected the biggest win of her career in last year’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) and finished fourth in the same lead-in run as her stablemate. “It was just too short for her last-start but that was always a lead-in to this race,” Pitman said. “Had the track been wetter, that may have helped her. “She doesn’t mind it wet, we have had a lot of rain but I’d imagine the track will improve a bit by Saturday. If it stayed similar, it would certainly help her chances.” Promising three-year-old Eastandwest (NZ) (Charm Spirit) was a first-up winner for the stable at Ashburton last-start and they have opted to keep the son of Charm Spirit at six furlongs in the Go Racing Rating 65 (1200m). “He was really impressive there, we had planned to go to the trials but after seeing the small field, we thought we would have a crack at a $40,000 race, which was effectively a great maiden to win” Pitman said. “We tossed up whether to go up to 1400m, but off the way he’s working, we’ve opted to leave him at 1200 and claim the three kilos with Abdul Najib on. He’s drawn to get a nice run, so hopefully he gets a bit of luck.” Of their remaining runners, Pitman is looking forward to the Seaton Family Memorial Hororata Gold Cup (1800m), featuring an in-form Proserve (NZ) (Proisir) carrying just 54kg under Samantha Wynne. “I’m happy with Proserve, he’s come back really well this prep and had two fourths before running second the other day,” he said. “He’s aiming at the Riverton Cup, but he’s shown that he can be competitive in open company at Riccarton. He’d have to be a lightweight chance.” View the full article

Promising three-year-old Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) is to head down a familiar route for Waikato Stud and continue his career in Australia. The homebred and raced son of Tivaci will cross the Tasman next week to join the Pakenham stable of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman. Sought After will be following in the footsteps of the Matamata farm’s star galloper I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel), who was recently retired following a glittering career. He was a two-time Group One winner, claimed the Golden Eagle (1500m), posted multiple top-flight placings and finished runner-up in The Everest (1200m) to bank more than A$12.5 million. More modest expectations will be in place with Sought After, who nevertheless has displayed an abundance of talent in his short career. He posted two wins and a placing in six appearances for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott and off an interrupted preparation finished a gallant last-start fourth in The NZB Kiwi (1500m). “He will follow the same pathway and go over to Peter and Katherine for a bit, between Lance and I we looked at things and there’s not many options here in the immediate future,” Mark Chittick said. “All parties agreed that we would give him the opportunity over there and see whether he measures up. “He’s lightly raced and it was a shame we weren’t able to get a race into him before The Kiwi because he was competitive, but just a run short.” An Australian programme has yet to be confirmed, but a return home for next year’s Listed $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) is on the table. “If we feel that’s a good option for him then he’ll come back to Wexford Stables at the appropriate time and have a go at it on Karaka Millions night,” Chittick said. Sought After is a son of the Savabeel mare Popular, whose dam is a sister to the ill-fated multiple Group One winner and successful sire Sacred Falls and remained in the stud’s ownership due to a pre-sale setback. “He had a growth on his larynx, and it left some scarring so he was unable to be sold,” Chittick said. Popular has a two-year-old brother to Sought After and is in foal to the stud’s high-profile young sire Super Seth whose first crop features recent Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) winner Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) and Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) hero Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth). He has also been represented by the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Millions (1200m) winner La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) and the farm’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) winner Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth). “Super Seth couldn’t be going any better, I would have to get back into the history books, but I don’t think our country has had a stallion that has kicked off his career like it,” Chittick said. View the full article

Improving four-year-old First Five (NZ) (Almanzor) will step into open company for the first time in Friday’s Nikau Contractors (1400m) at Pukekohe Park. The son of Almanzor was tried over middle-distance trips as a three-year-old and in the recent spring, but has found his sweet spot back over the sprint trips, winning twice and placing in the remainder of his last four starts. David Greene, who prepares First Five out of Te Rapa, had hoped to continue his momentum into the $350,000 Wairere Falls Classic (1500m) at Matamata earlier this month, but he narrowly failed to make the final field, forcing the gelding to revert back to 1200m. Despite the drop in distance, First Five was only caught in the final bounds by another rising talent in December. “He just keeps getting better at every start, we had hoped to run in the big race that day but unfortunately we were on the ballot,” Greene said. “That was his first time dropping back to 1200m, so it was a pretty good effort to still be sharp enough to go as close as he did, and I think the 1400m is his best trip.” A compact field, Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress) will carry an impost of 62kg, compressing the weights for the rest of the field with First Five at 54kg under Lynsey Satherley. “He’s going great, he’s been going really well this prep and he continues to improve every week,” Greene said. “He’s in a really golden spot at the moment.” Earlier in the meeting, two-year-old stablemate Sweet Ice (NZ) (Frosted) will return from a freshen-up in the Stella Artois (1200m). The Frosted gelding was a winner on debut at his home course, before taking on a hot field and finishing sixth in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). “He had a bit of a break after his run on New Year’s Day and come back into it with the trial the other day,” Green said. “He’s gone through a pretty big growing spell, so he’s a different horse physically than he was last time in. He was a little bit smaller and racier in the spring, but he’s a big, rangier middle-distance type of horse now. “It will be interesting to see how he goes on Friday, but there’s probably a lot more to look forward to with him next season rather than the rest of this season.” Sweet Ice currently remains in the nominations for the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham next Saturday, but Green indicated that was an unlikely prospect for his young charge. “He’s still in there, but it’s probably doubtful that we’ll go there at this stage, unless he really convinced us otherwise on Friday,” he said. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Alexandra Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 Location: Moonee Valley Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1600m The Alexandra Stakes is a Group 3 race for three-year-old fillies, run over 1600m under set weights with penalties at Moonee Valley. First held in 1983, the Alexandra Stakes was originally run on W.S. Cox Plate day before shifting to the autumn carnival in 2013. The Alexandra Stakes held Listed status from 1983 until 2015 before being upgraded to Group 3 in 2016. Since moving later in the season, the quality of winners has varied, though Princess Jenni (2019) and Vibrant Sun (2024) went on to claim the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) later in their campaigns. The 2024 Alexandra Stakes, worth $200,000, was won by Vibrant Sun, defeating Grinzinger Belle and Vivy Air. Notable past winners include Delightful Belle, Flitter, Rose O’War, Miss Pennymoney, Ike’s Dream, Miss Marielle, Fontein Ruby, Oregon’s Day, and Princess Jenni. 2025 Alexandra Stakes betting odds Vibrant Sun ridden by Thomas Stockdale winning the 2024 Group 3 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Odds for the Alexandra Stakes as of March 19 – Courtesy of Neds Too Darn Lizzie Win $3.00 Place $1.40 Gala Queen Win $4.50 Place $1.70 Sneaky Sunrise Win $4.80 Place $1.75 Phenom Win $7.50 Place $2.30 Cilacap Win $8.00 Place $2.40 Qatars Choice Win $15.00 Place $3.70 Hurry Curry Win $18.00 Place $4.20 Navy Heart Win $27.00 Place $5.50 Petawawa Win $51.00 Place $9.00 Light Foot Win $51.00 Place $9.00 She Nailed It Win $81.00 Place $13.00 How to bet on the Alexandra Stakes All of our top horse betting sites and apps have markets for the Alexandra Stakes. The top Alexandra Stakes bookmakers will vary dramatically outside of Australia, although with this being a feature race, it is unlikely any racing betting sites will not have markets available in the days leading up to the running. Alexandra Stakes betting includes an outright fixed odds market, which can be available before the race, while on race-day you can bet on everything from win bets, to place bets right through to your exotics. 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. 7 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 8 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Alexandra Stakes News Vibrant Sun nabs Grinzinger Belle late to claim Alexandra Stakes Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr and Thomas Stockdale have combined with Vibrant Sun to take out the Group 3 … Read More Moonee Valley full racing tips | William Reid Stakes Day 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Racing returns to Moonee Valley on Saturday for a stacked 10-race meeting headlined by the Group 1 William Reid Stakes … Read More Papillon Club flying with progression after Alexandra Stakes win Australia horse racing news 2 years ago More often than not, Papillon Club meets her challenges, and she did so again in fine fashion with a comfortable … Read More Papillon Club earns well-deserved Group 3 win in Alexandra Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Tim Clark and Greg Eurell have combined with Papillon Club to take out the Group 2 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee … Read More Moonee Valley full racing preview & quaddie | March 24, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Night racing returns to Moonee Valley this Friday with a massive eight-race card headlined by the Group 1 William Reid … Read More Daisies weaves through to win Alexandra Stakes at The Valley Australia horse racing news 3 years ago It took a peach of a ride from Mark Zahra, but three-year-old filly Daisies was able to get the job … Read More 2025 Alexandra Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Too Darn Lizzie Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Craig Williams 9 59kg 2 Cilacap Grahame Begg Jordan Childs 2 57kg 3 Gala Queen Phillip Stokes Joe Bowditch 4 57kg 4 Sneaky Sunrise Ben, Will & JD Hayes Luke Currie 7 56kg 5 Hurry Curry Danny O’Brien Daniel Stackhouse 8 56kg 6 Phenom Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Beau Mertens 1 56kg 7 Qatars Choice Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown 11 56kg 8 She Nailed It Tim Hughes Jamie Mott 3 56kg 9 Navy Heart Ciaron Maher Declan Bates 6 56kg 10 Petawawa Matthew Dale Billy Egan 5 56kg 11 Light Foot Pat Widdup Harry Coffey 10 56kg Previous Alexandra Stakes Fields 2024 Alexandra Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Grinzinger Belle Danny O’Brien Michael Dee 1 58kg 2 Certainly Mark Walker Opie Bosson 3 58kg 3 Dolphin Skin Leon & Troy Corstens Harry Coffey 7 57kg 4 Mollynickers Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Ben Melham 6 56kg 5 Socks Nation Ciaron Maher John Allen 2 56kg 6 Vivy Air Archie Alexander Declan Bates 8 56kg 7 Justaboom Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Jamie Mott 10 56kg 8 Quickster Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Linda Meech 9 56kg 9 Vibrant Sun Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Thomas Stockdale 5 56kg 10 Spangled Sipper Andrew Bobbin Blaike McDougall 4 56kg 2024 Alexandra Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Moonee-Valley-2024-Group-3-Alexandra-Stakes-23032024-Vibrant-Sun-Mick-Price-Michael-Kent-Jnr-Thomas-Stockdale.mp4 1st – Vibrant Sun (+900) 2nd – Grinzinger Belle (+180) 3rd – Vivy Air (NTD) Recent runnings of the Alexandra Stakes: 2024: Vibrant Sun arrives in time Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr took out the 2024 Group 3 Alexandra Stakes with their progressive filly Vibrant Sun ($10.00) claiming the tearaway leader Grinzinger Belle ($6.50) in the final strides of the 1600m contest. As the leader ran the field along at a very quick tempo, Thomas Stockdale allowed his mount to settle behind the speed and pick off runners down the side of the Moonee Valley track. With the rest of the field struggling to keep up with Grinzinger Belle, it was left to the daughter of The Autumn Sun to chase down the tiring front-runner in the home straight.The two race favourites Mollynickers ($2.00) and Vivy Air ($5.50) were off the bit well before the home turn and the latter was the only runner to take serious ground off the top two, as she ran into third place. 2023: Papillon Club romps to victory Papillon Club looked to be the best horse in the race and she proved it running away with an arrogant 2.5 length victory in the 2023 Group 3 Alexandra Strakes. Even though the odds-on favourite with online bookmakers had to jump from the outside barrier and do a little bit of work to find the outside of the leader, Tass, Tim Clark didn’t worry as he let his filly find her feet and travel to the home bend under a vice-like grip. As the field rounded the home turn, the daughter of Toronado took control of the race and quickly put it to bed with a burst of acceleration that saw her put up two lengths on the slowing leader, before Clark put the whip away and rode her out hands and heels to record a very soft 2.5 length win. 2022: Mark Zahra rounded out a successful evening with one of the rides of the night aboard Daisies in the 2022 Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley. The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained three-year-old filly started a drifting $8.50 chance in the 3YO Fillies’ event, with punters getting the race wrong as the heavily-backed So You See dropped off to run sixth after a wide run in transit. Daisies looked like a good thing beat, but once a gap appeared 150m out from home, she proved too hard to hold out. Previous winners of the Alexandra Stakes Alexandra Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Vibrant Sun Thomas Stockdale Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) 2023 Papillon Club Tim Clark Greg Eurell 2022 Daisies Mark Zahra Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) 2021 Chica Fuerte Mark Zahra Anthony & Sam Freedman 2020 Paradee Damien Oliver Danny O’Brien 2019 Princess Jenni Damien Oliver David Brideoake 2018 Think Bleue Damian Lane Darren Weir 2017 Oregon’s Day Mark Zahra Mick Price 2016 Thames Court Hugh Bowman David Brideoake 2015 Fontein Ruby Mark Zahra Robert Smerdon 2014 Marianne Craig Williams Michael Kent 2013 You’re So Good Vlad Duric Nigel Blackiston 2012 Torah Luke Nolen Peter Moody 2011 Zubbaya Michael Walker Lee Freedman 2010 Sublimity Damien Oliver Darren Weir 2009 Bauble Craig Williams David Hayes 2008 Miss Marielle Craig Williams David Hayes 2007 Manna Miss Craig Williams David Hayes 2006 Brockman’s Lass Kerrin McEvoy Lee Freedman 2005 Creative Plan Damien Oliver Tony Vasil 2004 Ike’s Dream Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2003 Dextrous Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2002 Omens Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2001 Donna Dior Damien Oliver Bede Murray 2000 Miss Pennymoney Damien Oliver Jim Conlan Alexandra Stakes winners pre-2000 Alexandra Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Miss Pennymoney 1998 Rose O’ War 1997 Melinte 1996 Simply Believe / Suria 1995 Vigil 1994 Ladybird Blue 1993 Super Snooper 1992 Flitter 1991 Dancefloor Doll 1990 Mammy 1989 Aretha 1988 Memphis Blues 1987 Sandy’s Pleasure 1986 Glowing Idol 1985 Torvill 1984 Delightful Belle 1983 Sentimental Lady Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

Golden Century (left) will contest next Saturday’s Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Derby placegetter Golden Century will travel to Sydney next week to contest the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, ahead of a possible tilt at the A$2 million Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m). While still a maiden after seven starts, Golden Century has shown promise from his debut and only narrowly missed the top honours in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) in January. He continued on to the $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day, where he missed the start and powered home to finish third behind Willydoit and Thedoctoroflove. Tony Pike has always held the son of Pierro in high regard and the Cambridge horseman was rapt with the performance. “He was very slow away and probably didn’t have all favours when trying to improve into the race, but he closed off the race very strongly late and his sectionals were some of the best of the race,” Pike said. “He’s heading the right way, he’s been very much a work in progress but we always thought he would be a genuine stayer and we couldn’t have been happier with the run, albeit not winning. “He’s come through the race in great order and obviously he seems to be improving with each run, so we’ll take him over for the Tulloch Stakes on Saturday-week, and if he performs well in that, there’s no reason that he won’t back up a week later in the Derby. “We gave him four or five days in the paddock post-Derby and we just kept him ticking over, he’s dropping back in trip to 2000m for the Tulloch so we’ve tried to freshen him up a touch. “He’ll gallop tomorrow morning (Thursday) before he heads over next Tuesday.” While Golden Century was purchased earlier in the season by Australian syndicators OTI Racing, there is no certainty that he will remain across the Tasman after the Derby. “We’re not quite sure yet, we’ll have that discussion post the Derby with OTI and make that call,” Pike said. To be run at Royal Randwick, Golden Century is currently rated a $13 chance in the online bookmakers futures market for the Australian Derby, with Willydoit on top at $3.60 ahead of Goldrush Guru ($4.50). Closer to home this Saturday, Pike will have a sole representative travelling to Trentham in Val Di Zoldo. A Group Two winner over 2100m, the mare has been in solid form this preparation and will contest the Group 3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m). “She’s coming up really well, her best form last year was during the autumn as well and she was very unlucky not to win the Travis Stakes at Group Two level,” Pike said. “Third-up she should be peaking and it looks like a nice race for her, especially with the rain that is around. Any sort of cut in the track will benefit her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Sunline Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 Location: Moonee Valley Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 1600m The Sunline Stakes is a Group 2 race for fillies and mares, run over 1600m under weight-for-age conditions at Moonee Valley. First held in 1977 as the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, the Sunline Stakes became a weight-for-age race in 1988 and was renamed in 2001 to honour champion mare Sunline. Originally a Listed race from 1981, the Sunline Stakes was upgraded to Group 3 in 1991 and reached Group 2 status in 1996. Traditionally run over 1600m, only five fillies have won the Sunline Stakes since the switch to WFA company, with I Am A Star (2017) the most recent. The 2024 Sunlike Stakes, worth $300,000, was won by Eternal Flame, defeating Rumbled Again and Campionessa. Notable past winners include Zarita, Noble Protector, Shout The Bar, Sirileo Miss, and Spirit Song, who is the only dual winner. 2025 Sunline Stakes betting odds Eternal Flame ridden by Ethan Brown winning the 2024 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Odds for the Sunline Stakes as of March 19 – Courtesy of Neds Molly Bloom Win $5.00 Place $2.00 Wrote To Arataki Win $6.00 Place $2.25 Grinzinger Belle Win $6.00 Place $2.25 Another Prophet Win $6.00 Place $2.25 Quintessa Win $7.00 Place $2.45 So Glamorous Win $8.50 Place $2.80 Lady Jones Win $10.00 Place $3.10 Charisse Win $18.00 Place $4.80 Wishlor Lass Win $19.00 Place $5.00 Rumbled Again Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Bon Mistress Win $31.00 Place $7.00 Lievore Win $51.00 Place $10.00 Mission Of Love Win $67.00 Place $12.00 How to bet on the Sunline Stakes Sunline Stakes is a race during the Melbourne autumn carnival that attracts plenty of betting interest, so online bookmakers tend to open early all-in markets. Bookmakers will have odds for the Sunline Stakes throughout the week of the race, with more and more markets becoming available as the race draws closer. The top Sunline Stakes bookmakers will vary dramatically outside of Australia, although with this being a feature race, it is unlikely any racing betting sites will not have odds available in the days leading up to the running. The top Sunline Stakes bookmakers include: 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. 7 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 8 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Sunline Stakes News Wilde dreaming big with Plenty Of Ammo Australia horse racing news 3 months ago Symon Wilde aims for Group success with Plenty Of Ammo, targeting the Sunline Stakes (1600m) and a potential Australian Cup … Read More Eternal Flame proves too classy in Sunline Stakes triumph Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Mick Kent and Ethan Brown have combined with Eternal Flame to take out the Group 2 Sunline Stakes on William … Read More Moonee Valley full racing tips | William Reid Stakes Day 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Racing returns to Moonee Valley on Saturday for a stacked 10-race meeting headlined by the Group 1 William Reid Stakes … Read More Symon Wilde stables looking at Queen Of The Turf for Sirileo Miss Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Symon Wilde’s stable will hope the rain continues falling in Sydney now they’ve got the Queen Of The Turf Stakes … Read More Sirileo Miss dominates her rivals in Group 2 Sunline Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Ben Melham and Symon Wilde have combined with Sirileo Miss to take out the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee … Read More Moonee Valley full racing preview & quaddie | March 24, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Night racing returns to Moonee Valley this Friday with a massive eight-race card headlined by the Group 1 William Reid … Read More 2025 Sunline Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Quintessa Mark Walker Daniel Stackhouse 4 57kg 2 Wrote To Arataki Matthew Williams Dean Yendall 5 57kg 3 Lady Jones Stephen Brown Jye McNeil 11 57kg 4 Molly Bloom Chris Waller Craig Williams 8 57kg 5 Grinzinger Belle Danny O’Brien Declan Bates 10 57kg 6 Rumbled Again Michael Trotter Daniel Moor 13 57kg 7 Wishlor Lass Symon Wilde John Allen 12 57kg 8 Lievore Nikki Burke Luke Currie 2 57kg 9 So Glamorous Grahame Begg Jordan Childs 9 57kg 10 Mission Of Love John Symons & Sheila Laxon Robbie Dolan 1 57kg 11 Bon Mistress Ken & Kasey Keys Zac Spain 6 57kg 12 Charisse Gerard Moloney Patrick Moloney 7 57kg 13 Another Prophet Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown 3 54kg Previous Sunline Stakes Fields 2024 Sunline Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Campionessa Mark Walker Opie Bosson 1 57kg 2 Wishlor Lass Symon Wilde Ben Melham 7 57kg 3 Hell Hath No Fury Annabel Neasham Jamie Mott 4 57kg 4 Running By Ciaron Maher John Allen 9 57kg 5 Rumbled Again Michael Trotter Michael Dee 8 57kg 6 Foxy Cleopatra Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 6 57kg 7 Eternal Flame Michael Kent Ethan Brown 2 57kg 8 Legacies Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Linda Meech 3 54kg 9 Roll On High Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 5 54kg 2024 Sunline Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Moonee-Valley-2024-Group-2-Sunline-Stakes-23032024-Eternal-Flame-Mick-Kent-Ethan-Brown.mp4 1st – Eternal Flame (+850) 2nd – Rumbled Again (+850) 3rd – Campionessa (-200) Recent runnings of the Sunline Stakes: 2024: Eternal Fire continues winning groove After claiming her first Group victory in the Group 3 Matron Stakes last start, Eternal Flame ($8.50) recorded back-to-back victories by taking out the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. Wishlor Lass ($3.40) and Running By ($11.00) set a solid tempo at the front of the field, but as they struck the 400m mark, the runs started to come from Foxy Cleopatra ($14.00), Eternal Flame and Rumbled Again ($71.00). The unlucky runner in the race was Campionessa ($4.60), who never saw daylight in the final 400m, and was made to wait until the 200m mark before finding clear air to run home strongly into third place. However, all honours went to the winner as she pulled away from Rumbled Again in the final 100m to win by just under a length on the line. 2023: Sirileo Miss romps home Sirileo Miss continued her winning ways by bringing up back-to-back wins and her first Group 2 victory of her career by taking out the 2023 Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. After jumping from the outside barrier, the daughter of Pride Of Dubai was made to work for the first 400m of the race before she found the outside of the leader and settled for Ben Melham. Sirileo Miss had been the favourite with online bookmakers since markets opened on Wednesday, however, with a flurry of late money for Revolutionary Miss she drifted out of favouritism and jumped at $3.80. Even though there was a lack of support for the Symon Wilde-trained mare, when the field rounded the home turn there wasn’t another horse that you wanted to have your money on as she took off and put up three lengths on Revolutionary Miss before recording a dominant victory. 2022: Shout The Bar not for catching Shout The Bar returned to her winning ways in dominant style in the 2022 Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained five-year-old mare never looked like losing throughout the course of the 1600m event, despite fancied runners Flying Mascot ($1.65) and Barb Raider ($5) having the drop on her into the home straight. In true Waterhouse & Bott fashion, Shout The Bar found the front early under Mark Zahra and was too fit to be caught, leading all of the way to record a big four-length victory. Previous winners of the Sunline Stakes Sunline Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Eternal Flame Ethan Brown Michael Kent 2023 Sirileo Miss Ben Melham Symon Wilde 2022 Shout The Bar Mark Zahra Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 2021 Quantum Mechanic Michael Walker Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) 2020 Mamzelle Tess Ben Thompson Leon & Troy Corstens 2019 Consensus Michael Walker Stephen McKee 2018 Spanish Reef Mark Zahra Ken Keys 2017 I Am A Star Dean Yendall Shane Nichols 2016 Miss Rose De Lago James McDonald Danny O’Brien 2015 Noble Protector Craig Williams Robert Smerdon 2014 Text’n Hurley Craig Williams Colin Little 2013 Spirit Song Craig Williams Aaron Purcell 2012 Spirit Song Nash Rawiller Aaron Purcell 2011 Nakaaya Craig Newitt Mick Price 2010 Zarita Steven Arnold Pat Hyland 2009 Subtle Cove Damien Oliver Jason Coyle 2008 Laura’s Charm Steven Arnold Patrick Payne 2007 Like It Is Craig Williams Darren Weir 2006 Candy Vale Peter Mertens Pat Carey 2005 Beautiful Gem Damien Oliver Lee Freedman 2004 Sylvaner Nash Rawiller Glen James 2003 Tickle My Steven King Bruce Purcell 2002 Spurn Steven Arnold Robert Smerdon 2001 Flushed Noel Callow Ken Keys 2000 Rose O’ War Jason Patton Lee Freedman Sunline Stakes winners pre-2000 Sunline Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Vonanne 1998 Burning Embers 1997 Prefer An Angel 1996 Suma Peace 1995 Snap 1994 Not Related 1993 Excited Angel 1992 Acushla Marie 1991 Rockets Galore 1990 Marathon Star 1989 Boardwalk Angel 1988 Bianco Flyer 1987 Silver Satellite 1986 Deedle 1985 Mrs. Fitzherbet 1984 Special To Me 1983 Kalimna 1982 Lady Ice 1981 Epillette Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

Canterbury sprinter Mystic Park will travel north to contest Saturday’s Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m). Photo: Race Images South Michael and Matthew Pitman have made the journey from Canterbury to Trentham for many years with an abundance of success along the way, a trend they hope to continue on Saturday with Mystic Park taking on the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m). The father-son training partnership won the Lightning back in 2020 with Enzo’s Lad, a galloper that also won two editions of the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at the champagne turf before campaigning in Hong Kong and England. Mystic Park is the newest gun sprinter to come out of their Riccarton operation, with just 12 starts resulting in seven wins, including the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week last November. The son of Ocean Park was set for a tilt at the Telegraph in January, but a small setback forced the Pitmans to turn their focus to Saturday’s $130,000 contest. “We’re really happy with him, he does a lot of his work with Third Decree and they’ve both been galloping well,” Michael Pitman said. “He’s got a good record fresh, so we’re optimistic. “He just had a little problem earlier on and missed the Telegraph, so we’ve been working towards this.” While a trip to the Queensland Winter Carnival is on the cards for Mystic Park, Pitman hopes the gelding can follow in Enzo’s Lad’s footsteps and travel up to the competitive Asian jurisdiction. “I have nominated him for Hong Kong for the International Races at the end of April, it’s a long shot that he’d get invited but the same connections went up there with Enzo’s Lad, and if we got an invite, we would go,” he said. “If we don’t, that’s not a big deal, but if he could win this race that would certainly help.” Lightly-tried three-year-old Airpark Hustler will also feature at the Oaks meeting, taking his place in the Group 2 IRT Wellington Guineas (1400m). A winner in his delayed debut, Airpark Hustler went on to finish fourth in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m), before a bold run into second behind Loose Sally in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) last-start. “He’s a lovely horse, he went massive at Dunedin considering it was his third start,” Pitman said. “He was down to have his first start as hot-favourite on the 28th of December at Timaru, but unfortunately he had problems going into the barrier which he’d never had issues with before. We had to go back to the trials before he went to the races which set him back a month. “1400m may be short enough for him on Saturday, but he’s fresh enough as well. It’s drawn a much stronger field that we had anticipated, but he’s well and this is a very nice race for a good stake. “They will work on Thursday morning before travelling up on Thursday afternoon. They’ll go for a walk and a pick on Friday, we don’t worry about working them up there.” The stable will also chase feature success closer to home on Saturday, with Third Decree and Epee Beel contesting the Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton. Third Decree was a game runner-up to Acquarello in the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) during Cup Week and filled the same spot behind Betty Spaghetti last-start at Ashburton. “This will be the first time she steps up to 1600m, she went super the other day and was great during the Cup meeting,” Pitman said. “With her rating, she gets in really well as the highest-rated horse in the field without a stakes win. We don’t think the mile will be a problem if she relaxes well and being drawn 15, she’ll get back anyway. She’s always shown a good turn-of-foot at the end of her races as long as she’s held up for one run.” Epee Beel collected the biggest win of her career in last year’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) and finished fourth in the same lead-in run as her stablemate. “It was just too short for her last-start but that was always a lead-in to this race,” Pitman said. “Had the track been wetter, that may have helped her. “She doesn’t mind it wet, we have had a lot of rain but I’d imagine the track will improve a bit by Saturday. If it stayed similar, it would certainly help her chances.” Promising three-year-old Eastandwest was a first-up winner for the stable at Ashburton last-start and they have opted to keep the son of Charm Spirit at six furlongs in the Go Racing Rating 65 (1200m). “He was really impressive there, we had planned to go to the trials but after seeing the small field, we thought we would have a crack at a $40,000 race, which was effectively a great maiden to win” Pitman said. “We tossed up whether to go up to 1400m, but off the way he’s working, we’ve opted to leave him at 1200 and claim the three kilos with Abdul Najib on. He’s drawn to get a nice run, so hopefully he gets a bit of luck.” Of their remaining runners, Pitman is looking forward to the Hororata Gold Cup (1800m), featuring an in-form Proserve carrying just 54kg under Samantha Wynne. “I’m happy with Proserve, he’s come back really well this prep and had two fourths before running second the other day,” he said. “He’s aiming at the Riverton Cup, but he’s shown that he can be competitive in open company at Riccarton. He’d have to be a lightweight chance.” Horse racing news View the full article

By Michael Guerin Last Friday’s Alabar Classic winner Rubira will miss Friday’s $200,000 Harness Million at Alexandra Park. The Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained pacer was involved in a minor track work accident on Wednesday that left him with bruising on his leg. “We are hoping it isn’t too serious and we can get him to a three-year-old race at Cambridge,” says Purdon. Rubira has been dynamic this campaign and his scratching clears the way even more for Marketplace to dominate Friday’s Listed event. Marketplace was already the $1.30 favourite for the Harness Million after flashing home late last Friday and with Rubira now gone and the front line reduced to six he has an even greater chance of rolling to the front and winning the NZBS-sponsored feature. There has already been strong support for Republican Party in one of Friday’s other features, the Auckland Co-Op Taxis City Of Auckland Free-For-All, with the Auckland Cup winner in to $3 with the TAB after opening at $3.90. View the full article

James McDonald and Broadsiding after winning the 2024 Group 1 Golden Rose. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au The Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) is one of five massive Group 1 races lined up for Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of 11 set to take their place in the time-honoured three-year-old feature. Three-time Group 1-winner and Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) runner-up Broadsiding holds the call with horse racing bookmakers post-barrier draw, with the son of Too Darn Hot still holding firm favouritism at $2.00 despite drawing out in gate nine. James McDonald will take the reins and is on deck to secure a hat-trick of wins in the race after claiming victory aboard Dundeel (2013) and Anamoe (2022) in recent years. Swiftfalcon comes through the same event and is on the second line of betting at , while Aeliana ($6.00) finished back in fourth spot and is the only filly taking on the boys in this year’s edition. Melbourne raider Goldrush Guru is starting to hit his stride fourth-up into the campaign and is equal on the third line of betting at $6.00 with BlondeBet as the pair go in search of a second Group 1 victory after combining in the VRC Derby (2500m) in the spring. New Zealand raider Checkmate ($15.00) is the best supported of those at double-figure odds and brings a different form-line to dissect, with the Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott-trained gelding looking to bounce from a minor placing in the inaugural running of The Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8. The 2025 Rosehill Guineas is race six on the program and is scheduled to get underway at 3:25pm AEDT. 2025 Rosehill Guineas Final Field 1. Broadsiding (9) T: James Cummings J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Speedway +115 -500 2. Goldrush Guru (7) T: Andrew Gluyas J: Ms Jamie Melham W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: American Pharoah (USA) Dam: Glam Guru +450 -142.86 3. Swiftfalcon (4) T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes J: Tyler Schiller W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Exceedance Dam: Tempting Delight +380 -166.67 4. Checkmate (3) T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Mongolian Khan Dam: Signorina +1600 +230 5. Plymouth (2) T: Glen Thompson J: Mark Zahra W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Malfy +1600 +230 6. Savour The Dream (10) T: Bevan Laming J: Martin Harley W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Super Seth Dam: Savvy Dreams +12500 +1600 7. Our Benefactor (5) T: Bevan Laming J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Contributer (IRE) Dam: Madonna Mia (NZ) +5000 +700 8. Kosuke (11) T: Gregory McFarlane J: – W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Inchita +25000 +2700 9. Majorca Sunset (6) T: Bjorn Baker J: Joshua Parr W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Rosa Bonita (JPN) +5000 +700 10. Bernen Win (8) T: John Thompson J: Tom Sherry W: 56.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Shooting to Win Dam: Icebern +12500 +1600 11. Aeliana (1) T: Chris Waller J: Jason Collett W: 54.5kg Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: Temolie +450 -142.86 Horse racing news View the full article

Via Sistina headlines the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes field. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The first of five Group 1 races set to feature on the Rosehill card this Saturday afternoon will be the Ranvet Stakes (2000m), which has drawn a field of seven runners. Cox Plate winner Via Sistina (-285.71) headlines the field and has opened as an odds-on favourite with horse racing bookmakers. The Chris Waller-trained mare will seek to claim back-to-back wins in the Ranvet Stakes after she defeated Place Du Carrousel by 1.2 lengths in last year’s edition. Following her narrow victory over stablemate Fangirl in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes last start, it is expected that the star mare will be at peak fitness for her first crack at 2000m since her VRC Champions Stakes win in November. Outside of Via Sistina, there are two runners that create intrigue, with the William Haggas-trained runner Al Mubhir (+500) being one of them, who brings different formlines from Europe and has been kept safe in the early betting markets with BlondeBet. The son of Frankel was last seen finishing third in the Listed Robin Hood Stakes at Nottingham in England on October 31, and he is yet to race at Group 1 level throughout his 23-start career. The other horse is another of Chris Waller’s imports, Full Count Felicia (+700), who will be making her Australian debut on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of War Front raced in North America to start her career before being sent to Australia, and her most recent run was in the Group 1 Breeders Cup (Fillies & Mares) at Del Mar. Out of the other four runners, Fawkner Park (+1400) appears to be the only other chance after he flew home late in the Verry Elleegant Stakes to finish fourth, only beaten 1.58 lengths by Via Sistina. The Ranvet Stakes is slated as race five at Rosehill and is scheduled to jump at 2:50pm AEDT. 2025 Ranvet Stakes field 1. Zarakem (1) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Zarak (FR) Dam: Harem Mistress (IRE) +10000 +2500 2. Fawkner Park (5) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Tyler Schiller W: 59kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Zoffany (IRE) Dam: Za’Hara (IRE) +1400 +320 3. Lindermann (7) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Self Esteem +1000 +220 4. Al Mubhir (6) T: William Haggas J: Tom Marquand W: 59kg Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Horse Sire: Frankel (GB) Dam: Muffri’Ha (IRE) +500 +110 5. Golden Path (4) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Chad Schofield W: 59kg Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Belardo (IRE) Dam: Golden Destination +5000 +1200 6. Via Sistina (2) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 57kg Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Fastnet Rock Dam: Nigh (IRE) -285.71 -833.33 7. Full Count Felicia (USA) (3) T: Chris Waller J: Nash Rawiller W: 57kg Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: War Front (USA) Dam: Claire de Lune (IRE) +700 +150 Horse racing news View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Pukekohe trainer Jeremy Young rates his chances in the two $35,000 Metro Finals at Alexandra Park on Friday night. He has Eyre I Will in Race 1, the Dunstan Speedfeed Metro Series Final Mobile Trot (5.26pm) and convincing last start winner Mantra in Race 2, the Dunstan Speedfeed Metro Series Final Mobile Pace (5.56pm). He’s the only trainer to have starters in both the 3YO and older R35-45 Finals. “It’s great those races are being put on, it’s great money on offer for that class of horse.” The two finals will be part of a quality card that includes the $150,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million Final for the 3YO Fillies and the $200,000 Harness Million Final for the 3YO Colts and Geldings where budding superstar Marketplace is a $1.30 favourite.     `      Young is not too smitten by the draw he’s got in the Trotters’ Final though. Eyre I Will start from one on the second row, following out Sassy Star. “It’s the worst draw really .. we’ll have to be cautious early and then try and get out at some stage.” “But his work has been very good.” The five-year-old has won five from 43 and was a last start fourth at Alexandra Park last Friday behind Miss Bebe, who will be a race rival again this week. She’s currently at $3.30, with the Purdon-trainer Luby’s Luck the favourite at $3.20. In the pacers’ final Mantra is currently a $7.50 third favourite behind the Brian and Gareth Hughes-trained pair of Carrera Hombre and Runkle Crunch. “Both of them are very nice horses and they are both Captain Crunches and they are flying at the moment,” says Young. But he likes the chances of Mantra as well. As opposed to Eyre I Will he’s drawn well, at five. “He likes rolling along so we would look to go forward with him.” At his last start at Cambridge on March 4 he won by five lengths – it was his third win in 19 starts. “And he won in 2:41 (for 2200 mobile) which was surprising as he did it easy.” “Both of mine are in with a show,” says Young. The next round of Metro Heats and Finals will be in May. There will be $20,000 Heats for both the pacers and trotters on May 9 and 23, with $35,000 Finals for both gaits set down for Friday, May 30. All heats and finals will be at Alexandra Park. View the full article

After a foot abscess prevented champion 3-year-old male Sierra Leone from running in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), he appears set to make his 4-year-old debut March 22 in the $500,000 New Orleans Classic (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Lewis German has been disqualified for 10 years. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Former Victorian jockey Lewis German has been handed a ten-year disqualification from racing after his involvement in a substantial illegal betting scheme that profited more than $250,000 from laying bets against his own rides. The Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) delivered its verdict on Tuesday afternoon, following revelations that professional punter Noah Brash had placed 89 lay bets, amounting to nearly $2.5 million, on 37 horses ridden by German over a four-month span from April 21 to August 31, 2022. Of those bets, a staggering 87 were successful, resulting in a profit of $259,494 with horse racing bookmakers. German faced multiple charges, with the most severe—Charge 4—accusing him of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the integrity and image of racing. Racing Victoria stewards had initially sought a 15-year ban, stressing the gravity of the offence and the damage inflicted upon the sport’s reputation. However, the tribunal concluded that a ten-year disqualification was an appropriate penalty to both address the severity of German’s conduct and serve as a stark deterrent to others. The ruling underscores Racing Victoria’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport, with German now banned from participating in any racing-related activities for the next decade. Horse racing news View the full article

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Maiden Watch: Week of March 10-16View the full article

Raffles of six all-inclusive box seats to both the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby will be held by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), with all proceeds benefitting the TRF's mission of providing lifetime aftercare to nearly 400 retired racehorses. Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has donated the boxes, which hold an estimated value of $3,000 for the Oaks and $7,000 for the Derby. The special on-line raffle boxes are located in Section 324, which is on the third floor overlooking the eighth pole. All reserved seating includes food, as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. “We give a big thank you to CDI and Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen for donating these boxes on the two biggest days of the year at Churchill,” said TRF Executive Director Maggie Sweet, who was a recent guest on the TDN Writers' Room. “It further demonstrates Churchill's and Mr. Carstanjen's continued support of the TRF and Thoroughbred aftercare.” The Oaks raffle tickets are $100 per entry and the Derby raffle tickets are $150 per entry. In honor of this year's 151st “Run for the Roses,” only 151 tickets will be sold for each raffle. The raffle is now open through Apr. 4 at 1 p.m. ET. The winning tickets will be drawn live at the TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall. Click here to purchase Derby box raffle tickets and here to purchase Oaks box raffle tickets. The post TRF Raffles Oaks and Derby Boxes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australia's Chatsworth Stud went to $400,000 to purchase R Harper Rose (Khozan), the 2024 GIII Forward Gal Stakes winner and topper of Fasig-Tipton's March Digital Sale, which closed late Tuesday afternoon. A broodmare prospect, R Harper Rose was consigned by Gainesway as hip 7. A total of 85 horses sold for $3,095,000, an average of $36,411 and a median of $15,000. After outs, the sale netted a clearance rate of 85% while offering horses of racing age, racing/broodmare prospects, broodmares, 2-year-olds in training, and short yearlings. “We're very pleased with the results of the March Digital Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “Gross was up 42% from last year's March sale and the median nearly doubled. All segments of the market were well-represented with buyers from around the world. It was a solid sale.” Two of the more high-profile offerings did not sell during the sale, although offers are still being accepted. They include the broodmare Curls for Girls (Curlin) (hip 14), whose son Flood Zone (Frosted) upset the GIII Gotham Stakes, and a no-guarantee season to sire sensation Nyquist (hip 6), who stands at Darley. In addition to R Harper Rose, some of the other March Digital Sale top sellers include Laulne (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) (hip 18), a racing/broodmare prospect consigned by EliTE and sold for $320,000 to Franklin Finance, Haras d'Etreham, and Madaket Stables; Luvwhatyoudo (Uncle Mo) (hip 2), consigned as a broodmare prospect by VanMeter Sales and sold for $250,000 to Retem Stable; and yearlings by Good Magic (hip 34) and Justify (hip 41), both consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa and sold for $170,000. Goodwill Bloodstock bought the Good Magic colt and DJ Stables bought the Justify filly. Complete results are available here. Fasig-Tipton's next digital sale will be the April Digital Sale, held Apr. 3-8 with entries closing Mar. 24. The post R Harper Rose Tops Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale at $400k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A perfect 5-for-5 lifetime, Good Cheer puts her undefeated record on the line in the March 22 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Irwell trainers Peter and Mitchell Robertson are “hopeful” one of their two chances can go close at Addington’s midweek meeting today. The father and son combo line up two favoured runners in Ambleside Drive and Dream Boyz in Race 2, the Book Now for Owners Night March 28th Mobile Pace (4.40pm). They will be driven by Blair Orange and John Dunn. The stablemates make up a quarter of the eight horse field but the numbers aren’t necessarily good for the pair – Ambleside Drive is still a maiden after 61 starts and Dream Boyz is seeking his first win at start number 16 today. “We are hopeful that one of them will go close,” says Peter Robertson. Six-year-old mare Ambleside Drive is one of the country’s “nearly” horses, with 10 seconds. “We thought she would have won one early on,” says Robertson, “she just doesn’t know how to finish it off.” “She tries hard but just does little things wrong, like pulling too hard and that sort of thing.” In her last start at Motukarara on Sunday she had a tough run. She was sent to the lead and then urged on a long way out before holding on to fourth, 10 lengths from the winner, Miracle Memphis. “Just how she’ll bounce back from that I’m not sure,” says Robertson. She is now the $3 favourite, with Dream Boyz and Christian Bale at $3.20 and Shapely the fourth pick at $4.80. Dream Boyz, a Sweet Lou four-year-old, heads to Addington on the back of a last start second there on February 25. “On his day Dream Boyz would beat Ambleside but things would have to go dead right for him,” says Robertson, “he’s got a funny attitude and he’s had a few niggles and lung problems but he seems reasonably well at the moment.” The first of the day’s eight races is due to get underway at 4.05pm. View the full article